Game day. Well technically friendly game day, but we were in full fight mode. City and United is one of the best matches to play in. The rivalry is unmatched. However, City have just lost Lucy, Keira, Georgia, Jill and Ellen. I know. Big losses. It will definitely be a weird derby match. Ella and I were ready to leave, not before I reminded her to bring her boots. That girl is so forgetful. We arrived at an empty stadium, as it was a behind doors friendly. Ona was getting out of her car too. "Good morning. Excited yet?" She said, her thick Spanish accent peaking through. "Very. Will be an unpredictable match though. They've lost some big players." The atmosphere wasn't as exciting as a league match, obviously. Leah and I had made plans for after the match. Now that got me excited. Alessia joined me on a walk around the pitch, before heading back in for the warm up. The match was a slow start. Both teams finding their feet. Kelly had a few good shots on goal, but our Mary had them all under wraps. Ona had made a run, crossing the ball into the box. It landed at my feet, before a touch and bang into the top right corner. Because there was no one here, a celebration seemed quite pointless, so Ona got a big hug off me. The game ended 1-0 to us. We had a little dance in the changing rooms, nothing too exciting. We had a day off tomorrow before hitting the end of pre season. Delightful.
Leah, as promised collected me from the grounds. I had freshened up after a boiling match to save her and the car from smelling like sweat. I know, I made a big effort. "Where are we going?" I asked. She didn't actually tell me what we were doing. "No. It's a secret." It was a short drive from the grounds to our location, which Leah will argue I huffed the whole way because she didn't tell me. In fairness, I hate surprises. They're just not pleasing for anyone. I like to know what's going to happen, to plan in my head. We arrived at lake, which was completely quiet, no one else there. Surrounding the lake were small benches, grass areas with pretty wildflowers growing in scattered places. "Wow." It was safe to say my breath was taken away. "I knew you'd like it. Trust me more baby." Baby. The first time she called me that. "I like that name." I said, flashing Leah a big smile. Leah had packed a picnic, full of our favourites. This was my perfect date. She was my perfect date.
We headed back to Leah's flat, to relax and watch Netflix. My legs were in bits after a long, hot match. We sat on the sofa, her legs across my lap and her head on my shoulder. "I need to tell you something." I blurted out. It's true, but I don't know why I picked that time to say it. "Go ahead love." Deep breath. "I'm falling in love with you. I don't expect you to be as well so soon but I needed to tell you. I couldn't hold it in any longer and I'm sorry-" "Abs. I'm falling in love with you too. You don't have anything to be sorry for love. You were brave to say it and look! It's okay." We shared a tender, loving kiss before embracing each other for a while. What I didn't tell her, which I am saving for another day, is that I love her. It was small moments that made me realise. The way she looks at me when I walk through the door, the constantly smiling and waiting for her texts. However being 'with' her had one downside. She was beautiful. Breathtaking. Everyone wanted to be with her. Literally everyone. I do trust her, I really do but I'm a jealous person. When I see tik tok edits of her. Jealous. When I see her hug someone too long. Jealous. It's a trait that I really can't help, but I wish I could.
The next day I had to head to training for recovery. I personally love ice baths, yes they're pretty uncomfortable at first but after that, they're very relaxing. Mills joined me in mine today, where we sat and chatted about her and Rachel. "We were doing fine but now it's just all arguing. I think she's trying to sort things too but I don't know. She's just back from America, she uses that as her excuse." "It'll be alright Mill, you need to ask her these things though, or you'll never know. You never know what'll happen." I probably should take my own advice and tell Leah somethings. You never know how long you have left. Why wait? That's when I decided. Straight after my recovery, I was going straight to Leah's. Don't leave things too late to tell people you love them. To hell, the world needs more of it.
We had some stretching to do, followed by a much needed massage on my calves. Mary joined me this time, but she was getting an upper body one. She pulled off some wonder saves in fairness. We sat chatting about life after football. As footballers, I think it's something always on our mind. You'll never be a footballer forever you know?
I was nearly done. Nearly time for Leah. It would be a surprise for her. She thought I was going home, but she better be happy because this is a big step. I practically ran to my car before slightly speeding to hers. I'm not admitting to speed, it's just a joke. (It's not I'm too excited) For some reason, traffic decided to be heavy today. The one day. I decided as excited as I was, I needed flowers. I stopped at a small florist, picking up a bouquet of lilies. "Whoever's receiving these is lucky, they're beautiful." I smiled, thinking of the beautiful girl that I'm heading to. "She's amazing so she deserves them." She florist gave me a smile, before wishing me all the best. (Read this to the last bit of the song Ceilings by Lizzy McAlphine, it's really great) I jumped back in the car, finally heading towards Leah's. I parked my car as close to her house as I could get. I started walking, which became extremely fast paced. It seemed like ages away. I knocked on her door, without getting an answer. Realising the door was open, I walked through. I heard talking, but its probably just Amanda, she's always over. I walked through to her bedroom, finding her lying talking to someone. That someone turned round. Jordan. I felt like a fucking idiot, standing with flowers for this girl. "Leah? Care to explain? Actually don't. You don't need to. Keep your flowers, and have fun rekindling. I trusted what you told me yesterday but apparently we're not on the same page."
We're not on the same page at all. Mine was filled with her, while hers was dedicated to Jordan. Did I ever even get a section on hers?
YOU ARE READING
Leah Williamson: The Bond.
RomanceAbby, aged 22 is Ella Toone's sister. They shared an inseparable bond that got them through tough times. They thought they were alone, them vs the world. This all changes when they find two people to fight with them against the world. Will it tear...
