Friends for life?

15. Caught

Leah's POV

Isla was still a few weeks of returning to the team so I was captain for our game on the last day. We were split in 2 teams, Team Williamson and Team Nobbs. It was a pretty even game till the last minute when I brought us to 3-2 with my signature header. Jonas had said we could have the afternoon off so we spent it at the pool

As we walked out to the pool Isla took a call from Josh. She tells us she'll catch up as she heads towards a sun lounger. I know they get on ok and they share Charlie but everytime he calls or comes round I feel a little bit sick. I get this lump in the back of my throat and my stomach feels funny. Maybe I'm a little bit jealous, I just don't want anyone to mess with this thing we've got. It's everything I imagined my life would be. I love it, I love spending everyday with Isla, my best friend. We literally do everything together and I don't want Josh or anyone to get in the way of that.

Before they split up they'd been together for as long as I'd known Isla, I remember the first time I saw him. It was after one of my first games for the senior team, she scored an absolute worldie and after the game she ran straight to him to celebrate. My teenage heart broke for the first time that day.

I had a little crush on Isla (who am I kidding it was a massive crush). It all started when she visited my under 18s team for a coaching session. It couldn't have been long after she signed for Arsenal. I literally couldn't take my eyes off her, even then she was beautiful. I thought she was the best female footballer I'd ever met. I knew then that I preferred girls but I was too scared to admit that to anyone except my Nan. She was the one that held me while I broke my heart later that night telling me that I'd find the right girl and I thought I had.

Bringing me back to reality, "Do you think we should wait for El Capitano?" Jordan asked as we got into teams in the pool. There was no chance of Isla joining in with the volleyball game Beth decided we'd play, she'd be too stressed about breaking a nail. I always found this funny, if it was anyone else it would probably annoy me but not her. She'd somehow even convinced me to start having my nails done too, not fancy like Isla. She always has bright colours or patterns, mine are more neutral.

After the most competitive game of pool volleyball, I was chatting to Lia and Caitlin when I heard Isla's name. Beth and Katie leading the chant
"We love you Isla, we do
We love you Isla, we do
We love you Isla, we do
Oh Isla we love you"

I turned around to be met with the most beautiful sight. Sitting on the edge of the pool in that black bikini top and her Arsenal shorts. Everything about her is so fucking perfect, the messy blonde bun, that toned stomach, even her scars, the one on her right knee still slightly visible from her surgery years ago and the 3 scars to the bottom left of her belly button that nobody really knows about.

I've seen her plenty of times in a bikini or getting changed. When I first joined the team it used to get me so flustered but I'd learned to hide it, I'm now struggling to hide it again. I was brought out my little day dream with a nudge from Lia
"Mate, you're staring" "Na, I'm just erm..." knowing I've been caught, I quickly dived under the water and showing off my gymnastic skills doing a handstand before swimming to the blonde beauty that had me staring. We spent some time playing games in the pool before Isla had enough of being splashed in the face and went back to her sunlounger. Katie laughed telling her she shouldn't wear Gucci sunglasses in the pool but that was Isla.

I had left the pool to get a drink when I made eye contact with Sophie. I'd felt her looking at me during our game earlier and in the pool. I'd even caught her looking at Isla when she joined us in the pool. I really hope she doesn't tell everyone about the summer. I'm kinda embarrassed by how weak I was to go running to her while on the surface everyone else saw me as the captain who led her team to victory. If only they knew.

I'd been so lost in my thoughts I didn't even realise what I was doing until I was bent down over Isla's sun-lounger. She looked so peaceful but I really needed her right now "Can we talk?" Clearly confused she nodded her head and followed me. All the way back to my room I held myself together, going over in my head what I was going to say. As soon as I opened my door I crumbled, tears running down my face I couldn't speak. Just as she had so many times, Isla comforted me while my breathing calmed

I must've fallen asleep the room seemed darker than it was before. Looking up I see Isla focused on a spot on the wall directly in front of her, only breaking her stare when she realised I was awake. I must've fallen asleep with my fists curled, my arms crossed and hands trapped between my chest and Isla's side. I slowly removed my right hand and let my arm wrap around Isla's waist. Brushing her soft skin as I did, I must've imagined it but I swear her breathing changed when I made contact with her skin.

Laying in my happy place I told Isla everything about Sophie and I's secret encounters during the Euros. She didn't judge me one bit saying we all do stupid shit. We laughed about how similar our summers had been, her and Emile, Sophie and I having such complicated situations. It was agreed neither of us had wanted a relationship and were now left in an awkward situation with someone we need to work with. I guess it was slightly easier for Isla since Emile didn't train with us and we don't spend a huge amount of time with the men's team day to day.

I felt better knowing we'd be retuning home with no secrets between us. Of course I didn't tell her about these feelings I've been having. I don't want to lose my best friend by freaking her out. I managed to suppress it last time with the distraction of Sophie, this time I'm going to put all my energy in football then I'll forget about how I feel.

We also agreed that night we'd both be focusing on football this year. No distractions and certainly no relationships. We've got the World Cup next year.