Friends for life?

16. Decisions

Isla's POV

Returning from Germany we had a day off before returning back to training and our last friendly before the start of the season. Leah and I drove separately to training this morning, I had a meeting with my agent and Leah was visiting her grandparents like she did every week. I would sometimes join them, they always made me feel welcome like the whole family do.

After our week away the main focus for me was the transition from training on the pitch to training with the girls. For todays session I was out on the training pitch. I joined the team warm up and their first few drills before starting my one to one training with one of the coaches. I'd finished my training and watched as they finished off with small sided games before lunch. Again Jonas allowed me to 'manage' one of the teams. I really appreciate how much responsibility he gives me both as captain and by allowing me opportunities to build on my coaching career.

As I was walking to my usual table at lunchtime I felt an arm around my shoulder. Turning my head, I was met with the face of Rob Holding, "Hey Isla, where you been?"

"Surprise you haven't heard" I laughed "done my knee again, first game back"

"Seriously? You'll be on the list for a new knee soon. You coming to our game on Saturday?"

"Of course, wouldn't miss first game of the season. We'll all be there" I smiled motioning to the girls

Rob had been one of the few men's team who'd come along to our games and become friends with lots of the team. As we're chatting I noticed those brown eyes I'd seen countless times over the summer. I hadn't seen him since that day in the cafe and wasn't looking forward to our next encounter. I was used to seeing my team mates in these situations after one night stands with each other, never imagining I'd ever experience it myself.

After lunch we were in the gym, this is the part of being a footballer I dislike the most. I'll happily do shuttle runs and rondos all day instead of weights or running on the treadmill. I was in a group with Beth, Lotte, Leah, Rafa and Sophie. Since they were returning from their summer tournaments they had the a similar gym program as mine. We worked through our program in pairs; Lotte and Rafa, Beth and Sophie, Leah and I.

After we'd done I had a quick shower and changed, since I had a bit of time to kill I wasn't in a rush so I scrolled through Instagram, sharing a photo from todays training captioned "🤞 not long now" I knew it would make the fans happy. As I was sitting my phone down my eyes focused in the distance. Leah was coming back into the changing room after showering. My face lit up as Leah came strutting back towards her locker singing and dancing. The girl has moves , if the fans saw this they'd go wild. Leah Williamson dancing in the changing room in her underwear. No wonder she gets so many proposals, the girl is effortlessly beautiful.

Leah's POV

Coming home from Germany everything felt right. Being back in training with the girls was what I needed. I had quite a good session today ending in the gym. Sophie was in our group, luckily Beth paired with her while I paired up with Isla. I honestly don't know why Sophie is getting so worked up, I always paired with Isla even when we were together. As far as she's concerned nothings changed.

I practically skipped out the door when we were done today. It's the first time I've seen my nan in weeks. I'd organised a surprise holiday to thank her for always being there for me. Between her and my mum, they were my biggest supporters. I usually visit her once a week, sometimes Isla comes with me and we'll either take her out for food or she'll cook for us. I love how much love Isla has for my family, she treats them like her own.

My Nan knew right away something was up when I sat down in her living room. There's no point lying, she knows me too well. I can't hide this anymore (well minus the details of what Sophie and I got up to during the summer, that's definitely not a conversation I want to have with my Nan)

"It's Isla. Nan, I think I might be in love with her" tearing up as I said the words. I'm ashamed that I've broken the trust we'd had. Isla had no clue about my crush all those years ago, I doubt she has any idea about this either.

I hadn't even admitted it to myself. Shit. I've just told my nan I'm in love with my best friend. The truth is I always have been. I was devastated when I found out Isla was in a relationship but most of all that she was straight. That made her completely out of reach so I built a friendship with her. I had a few relationships that ultimately didn't work out because I wanted someone else.

Sophie was different, because she was part of the team we saw each other all the time. I didn't ever get over Isla but Sophie distracted me a lot. I grew to love her more and Isla less. Isla was my beautiful best friend but Sophie was my girlfriend. That's what everyone else saw. The last 6 months with Sophie we argued a lot. We'd grown apart and I found myself thinking about Isla more and Sophie less.

When Sophie ended things I was distraught. Everyone thought I was upset that we were over, truth is I was upset that I'd never be with the person I loved, Isla.

Nan always knows how to cheer me up. She convinced me everything would be ok but left me with a decision to make

"No matter what happens, that girl loves you Leah. She'll always be there for you. But you either have to tell her how you feel or let it go"