right where you left me

Chapter 43 - Start of the End

The Arnold Clark Cup was soon upon us, and even though I hated to admit it, I loved being able to just sit and watch in the stands. I loved being without stress; watching with a calming presence that loomed over me rather than the usual stress that bursts through my head on game days.

It had now been over a month since my injury and I was hoping that the cast would be removed as soon as I returned to London Colney. I was hoping that I could soon start the rehab to return me to the pitch. But I also was enjoying the newfound freedom. I was enjoying the ability to travel whenever, wherever. It was freeing. It was liberating.

I soon found myself in Milton Keynes once more; this time for the first Arnold Clark Cup match England had against South Korea. I had met with Amanda and the rest of Leah's family before the game. They were all so excited to have a game in the city they all lived within. It must've been relieving not having to travel all across the country for once (although compared to Australia, traveling within the UK is never too far.)

I had been feeling much relieved since seeing my sister and feeling the warmth of familial comfort. Since everything went crazy at home, I never felt I would feel that sense of normality again. But she made it better. Eden (or Elke, although I would never call her that myself) had helped me, once more. She had a way of doing that, and it reminded me of the childhood I had before she left. The childhood that I had loved until I no longer loved it.

I wore a Leah England jersey to the game, tucking the oversized top into my floppy jeans to try to hide the cast that was still looming. I picked through Leah's closet as well, trying to find the nicest jacket to pair with my outfit. I always loved rummaging through her clothes. Her style is so distinctive, and although I do not have one, I sometimes do try to copy hers (although I'd never admit that to her.)

"How many are going to be there tonight?" I asked Amanda, as we drove to the stadium.

"Apparently 20,000," she replied, driving us both. Not only had Leah told her that I didn't like driving, but also I wasn't allowed to with my leg still not healed.

"Woah," I replied.

We arrived at the stadium to see it already bustling. Leah had told me she would be playing tonight, and I knew all these fans would be happy.

"Oh my god, Tippah!" one little girl screamed, coming over to me as I was about to walk into the VIP section.

"Hello," I replied, still walking on crutches.

"I just- I love you." She was looking nervous, her face slightly flustered.

"Thank you," I replied.

"Would you-"

"Would you like a photo?" I said so she wouldn't have to.

"Yes please," she said, nearly screaming. I chuckled softly before her mother stood in front of us taking a photo.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," the little girl said, before hugging me softly, and nearly running away.

"Thank you," the mother mouthed to me, before running off to find her daughter.

We went to sit down and watched as Leah led her team in her hometown. England won the game, convincingly with a 4-0 win. Georgia scored off a penalty, Chloe and Alessia both had a goal, and LJ rounded off with a goal herself. I was proud of Leah, and will always support her, but seeing England at this strength, only months before the World Cup, did scare me. I wanted, obviously, Leah to do well, but my allegiance would always be with the Tillies and Australia. That would never change.

I went down to the barricade after the match, hugging my girl. Even though it had only been a few days since I saw her, it had felt like longer. Over the past few weeks, since I had been in Australia and then Germany, as well as dealing with rehab, it felt as if I had hardly seen her. This hug was long overdue.