Friends for life?

34. Surprise

Isla's POV

We've text a lot over the last week, it felt like how we used to be. Back when we were best mates, before the line had been crossed. Except now I was re-reading every message for a hidden meaning.

Amanda was picking up Leah from the airport tomorrow and I had no idea if she'd be there when I got home. Instead of asking her, I spent a 5 hour coach journey overthinking the whole thinking. I was feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement about our reunion.

This was our third away game in 7 days and I've never been so tired even with the minimal training Jonas had insisted on since our last meeting. All the travelling had taken its toll, I was irritable and had a headache so after we'd eaten I took myself to my room so I could go to bed early.

As soon as I was away from everyone the facade I'd been keeping up faded. Everything was taking its toll and Leah returning tomorrow tipped me over the edge. Not even bothering to get undressed I collapsed on the bed as the tears fell from my eyes. I've cried more in the last 7 days than I did when Josh and I split up. Ironic that considering how long we'd been together. Another night I'd cried myself to sleep, my head aching as I tried to figure out what I want. The only thing I'm sure of right now is that I've missed Leah so much.

It was a pretty easy game against Liverpool, 2-0 win with goals from Lia and Frida. It wasn't my best game. I felt off, an uneasy feeling deep in my stomach, but apparently nobody else noticed as I was awarded player of the match.

It was a long drive home so I curled up on a double seat with my jacket over me and music to drown out the chatter around me. Jordan woke me as we arrived back at the training centre, offering to drive me home which I refused.

The drive back to my house seemed longer than usual despite the roads being empty, not a surprise at 1am. I opened the door, dragging my suitcase inside. As I turned from locking the door I was met with those blue eyes I recognise so well.

"LEAH"

Leah's POV

Spending a week in the hot California sun had been nice. I'd been able to catch up with some old team mates without the pressure of having my photo plastered all over social media.

Carly wanted to set me up with one of her team mates, Brooke, who'd be transferring to the WSL in January. She seemed nice, we have similar interests and I can't deny she is good looking. Throughout my conversation with her all I could think was she's not Isla, maybe that's a good thing though. I can see myself maybe getting to know her better in the future. We swapped numbers but am I going to message her, probably not. If our paths cross in the future we'll see what happens.

It's strange though after she'd spent the afternoon with us all I wanted to do was chat to Isla. I couldn't though, the time difference meant she'd be on a flight to France for the champions league game.

I watched that game the following day with Carly and a few of her team, Brooke being one of them, keen to know as much about European football as she could. She'd sat next to me wanting as she put it "my expert knowledge". She know how to inflate my ego.

The game was going in our favour, goals from Caitlin and Beth. After our 4th goal, Lyon we're feeling the pressure and were taking risks. I felt sick as ex Arsenal midfielder Danielle van de Donk clipped Isla causing her to land face first.
"Get up, fucking hell Isla. Get up" I didn't mean to scream, Isla doesn't go down for nothing.

I stared at the screen, willing her to get up as the physio knelt beside her. Anytime she goes down, even in training, my mind goes straight to the worst possible scenario. Only this time I can't run to her side. I've seen her not get up too many times it terrifies me.

My reaction didn't go unnoticed. As Isla got up I let out the breath I had no idea I was holding. I miss her so much it physically hurts.

I reasoned that unless I want to tell anyone in my family or the team I need to go back to Isla's. I miss her. A lot. We've been messaging more over the last few days, sometimes I think it's getting flirty then I have to pull myself back to reality. I can't think like that, she's made that clear. As much as it hurts, I'd rather love her in secret than lose my best friend.

Mum picked me up from the airport, I know she could tell something wasn't right she knows me better than anyone but she didn't ask, knowing I'd tell her when I'm ready. We went to my favourite steak restaurant and I told her about my holiday before she drove me home, to Isla's. As far as I'm concerned Isla is my home.

It would be a few hours before Isla would be back from todays game so I made myself comfy on the sofa and watched it back on tv. It was a 90 minute Isla masterclass, she makes everything look effortless, I don't know how she does it so well. During the presentation of player of the match and post match interview, she looked gorgeous. Her skin was glowing, her hair pulled back off her face but it was her eyes that got me. The sparkle was gone, nobody else would notice that but I did.

It'll be at least another hour before she's back so I sat aimlessly flicking through the channels not paying attention to what's on. As time goes on I start to worry I've made the wrong choice, what if she doesn't want me here? We haven't spoke about this.

I see the headlights of her car and the crunch of the wheels on the gravel. That knot in my stomach getting bigger. Do I hug her? I want to, I want to hug her more than anything but honestly I don't know if we're at the hugging stage anymore. I can't sit waiting any longer so I shuffle into the hallway as she opens the door.

"LEAH!"
Ok so she definitely didn't expect me to be here. Shit. I can't read her face. Is she happy, sad, angry?