Friends for life?

23. Can I kiss you?

Feeling the movement of the mattress next to me I reached my arm out expecting the soft feel of Charlie's fur, instead I was met by soft skin causing my eyes to dart open immediately.  There she was, my Leah. Memories of the previous night came rushing back. The room was much brighter than I was expecting causing me to pull the covers over my head. Why did we go to bed without closing the blinds?

I felt the covers being moved as I kept my eyes shut tightly feeling her body moving closer before there was contact on my skin. Opening my eyes slowly this time I was met with those beautiful blue eyes

"Happy birthday beautiful girl" she whispered placing a kiss on my cheek as I smiled and closed my eyes again. "I've already walked Charlie, you can go back to sleep" pulling me closer so our bodies were pressed against each other like they had the night before.

We were awoken a few hours later by Charlie jumping on the bed. Checking the time I decided it was time to get up and shower since we had plans that day. I showered first since I apparently take longer to get ready than Leah. It's funny because I'm always waiting around for her after training and games but then I tend to leave with my hair still wet and sometimes with a towel wrapped around my head.

My birthday was spent with my family who'd travelled down from Glasgow and my North London family (Leah, Amanda, Jacob and Bernie). We had dinner at an Italian nearby then home for birthday cake. Some might think that's boring but as much as it might shock a lot of people I prefer low key celebrations to extravagant parties.

Over the next week Leah and I spent as much time together as we could which wasn't a lot. The girls were preparing for the first game of the season; an away trip to Man City and although I was joining them I wouldn't be playing. When I wasn't at my own training I was coaching at the academy. They don't currently have a head coach so Jordan and I have been helping out the assistant coach a lot. Leah's had a lot of media work, nearly everyday there's been something for her to do. We've not had a chance to speak about what this is yet. Honestly I don't even know what I want it to be. All I know is I'm happy, confused but happy.

When the news came in that the first game of the season was postponed I took the opportunity to visit family in Scotland that weekend. With training and the number of games we have, I couldn't spend as much time as I wanted to back home and I guess as I got older I was really missing it. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder right?

Our first game was now at home against Brighton instead of away to Man City. I've been training with the team 4 out of 5 days, although the physio is happy with my knee it's precautionary that I'll return in the next few weeks.

It's a 7:30pm kick off so we have to be at the training centre at least 3 hours before. We always eat together before a game then go over any last minute tactics and any changes to the lineup before travelling together. When we arrive at Meadow Park the girls head straight to the changing rooms and out to start their warm up. It's strange not joining them since I'm not technically injured anymore. I guess this is a snapshot of my life after football.

Since I'm not a sub I was sitting in the stands so decided to sit with Amanda. She always sits in the exact same spot every single game so it was easy to find her. "Got your favourites" she laughed handing me a share bag of giant chocolate buttons and a drink. The buttons were gone within the first 10 minutes of the game much to Amanda's amusement. Cheering as scored the first goal of the season. It was a fairly one sided game ending with a 4-0 win. As the final whistle sounded I hugged Amanda and made my way down onto the pitch to join the team and staff for the post match huddle. I don't think I could love these girls more especially todays Captain. Wrapping my arm around her shoulder as we walked towards the crowd of fans "proud of you" I smiled before separating to chat to the fans who'd waited behind. I think it's so important to spend time with them as we wouldn't be here without them. That's why I always insist we thank them no matter if we win or lose.

The rest of the team left for to shower while I stayed outside with the last of the fans and some journalists I'd promised I'd speak to. A few short interviews mainly focused on my return after injury and the upcoming Champion's League games. Finishing off my last interview I looked up to see Leah waiting for me. That's a first I thought, usually I'm waiting for her.  The journey home was quick. Seeing that Leah was tired I drove home from the training centre and carried her bag inside. We both fell asleep on the sofa watching the replay of tonight's game.

Saturday morning was spent back in the training centre. Leah was still asleep when I left the house for an early training session. It was only Teyah and I so we took advantage and blasted out the tunes. I get bored quickly in the gym so I spent more time dancing around than on my workout. After two hours we're done for the day and the rest of the team haven't even arrived for recovery sessions yet so we went for lunch together. After leaving Teyah I spent the afternoon catching up on the other WSL games from earlier in the day.

My thoughts kept returning to her, to Leah. How have I gone from having zero interest in women to falling for my best friend? Obviously she's gorgeous but it's not just her looks. I love everything about her. I'd happily spend my entire life loving her and only her. That's when it hit me, I've no idea what to do with a woman. This is all new to me. I should be excited but all I feel is fear to the point of tears welling in my eyes. Of course this is the point she comes home. If I'd noticed her car pulling into the driveway I'd have hid upstairs having a shower or something to avoid this conversation. But I was too lost in my thoughts to even hear her open the door.

"Isla, what's happened?" Leah asked kneeling on the floor in front of me. "C'mon you can tell me" she whispered

Looking up ours met for a few seconds before she pulled me into a hug which instantly calmed me down. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"Le, what are we? What is this? I don't think friends kiss?"

"No I don't think they do but I don't regret it. Do you?"

"No" I whispered so quiet I'm surprised she even heard.

Taking both my hands and moving to sit next to me on the sofa

"Listen Isla, I like you a lot. Like a LOT. I know this is all new to you and your probably freaking out a bit so whatever you want this to be is fine with me"

"Yeah it is freaking me out a bit, it's not you. It's just, I don't even know how to describe it"

"I know babe, I get it. I've been there. We can take things really slow, if you want to that is? I didn't mean..."

"Shush Le" I smiled while pulling her into my side "I'd like that a lot"

"Now can I kiss you again?" she giggled

"You don't need to ask Le"  Like she was waiting for permission her lips met mine and that moment I knew I was where I needed to be.