Life can be Crazy

23

POV: LEAH

So, we're two months later. I'm still living with Hope. I'm going back to camp today. I'm ready. I hope.

"You got everything?", Hope asked me for the fifth time

"Hope, I'm good to go, stop stressing", I answered her

"I can't, my baby is going back to camp", she said much to my annoyance

"Hope, I told you to stop calling me that", I whined

"Leah, listen to me. As long as we're living together, I'm going to see you as my kid. I provided and took care of you for two months, you can't blame me!", she threw back at me with a little grin

"Thanks Hopey, for everything", I smiled

"Alright, let's go", she said, she's not good at all those sentimental things and it makes me laugh every time she tries to avoid them

POV: JILL

At camp

It's camp day again. The same squad as the last two times was being called up and everybody is coming today. I told Leah she could arrive a little bit later, because she didn't want to meet anybody yet. She told me she'll take care of everything tomorrow.

The first people had already arrived such as Carli, Becky, Megan, Ashlyn, Ali, Tobin, Christen, Allie, Alex and Kelley. And they made sure we knew, because they're never quiet. Well, Pinoe and KO aren't. Ever.

"Hey Jill, you told us it's the same squad as the last times, but then we're only with twenty-two. You know, because Leah was among us?", Ashlyn pointed out

Well, shit, there goes my promise to buy her some time.

"Guys, I wanted her to be the person who told you, but I guess she didn't. I should've known of course. She's coming back", I told them carefully

"Oh", was all what Ashlyn said back. Tobin and Alex were shifting in their seats but didn't say anything, just like the rest.

More people started to arrive over the next couple hours. Now we were complete, except for Leah.

"Jill, can I talk for you a second?", Alex said to me

"Sure Al, do you want to go somewhere a little bit more quiet?", I asked

"Here is fine, it won't take long", she said while looking around

Everybody that was here already was busy making a conversation or was sitting far enough so they wouldn't be able to eavesdrop the conversation.

"I just want to say that if she arrives, I won't be able to ignore her all camp. I need to speak with her at some point. I need to apologise", she told me

"Alex-", I wanted to go on but she cut me off

"And before you say no, I need to make amends. I couldn't sleep the past two months. I did horrible my first practices with the Thorns because she wasn't there due to her stepping back and I felt like that was my fault. I was being reminded of that every day. I can't keep doing this", she rambled

"Alex, calm down. I wanted to say that it's a very good idea. Leah called me a couple weeks ago, telling me she was ready. She also said she wanted to find a way to talk to the group, but also to Ash, Tobin and you individually. Just meet her halfway and please don't push her this time. Just let her come to you, then you know she's ready. Now you know that at least she wants to, so keep calm, okay?", I calmed her down

"That's such a relief, thank you for telling me Jill", she said with a smile

"Of course, Al"

POV: LEAH

"Right here is just fine", I told Hope

She drove me to the hotel. I didn't want her to stop right before the entrance because that way everybody could see me right away.

"Nope, I'm not going to do that. When I said I would drop you off, I meant that I'm going with you, all the way, until I know you didn't chicken out", she told me while I groaned

"Hope, please, I don't want them to see me right now", I pleaded but she wouldn't bite

"Leah, they are going to know anyways. What's the difference if it's now or tommorow?", she asked

I don't know actually, I think I'm just stalling.

"Exactly", she added when she saw me think about my answer. Damn it.

"Why do you want to come with me anyways? Planning on seeing anyone?", I asked with a cheeky grin. Last month Kelley finally grew a pair and asked Hope out. They're not official yet, but I've thought of a few ways to help Hope to change their situation very soon.

"You little-, so what if I am? Got any problems with it?", she asked curtly while she tried to throw me one of her glares, but they wouldn't work on me. I thought she was being adorable.

"Hopey, you know I don't. I'm very happy for you, both of you", I said and smiled genuinely

"You always find some ways to make things cheesy, don't you? Let's go inside now, Jill is probably waiting", she said

"Yeah, she wouldn't be the only one, right?", I added with a wink because I couldn't resist

"You better run", she tried to be intimidating once more, but again I had to laugh

"Sure, then I'll get some practice in already", I shouted while looking backwards at her. I saw her face drop from one second to another. I didn't have the time to ask what was wrong because I fell to the ground.

"Shit, are you okay?", the person I bumbed into asked me

POV: ALEX

I saw a car pull up in front of the hotel. This had to be her, it had to. I walked into the lobby and went further outside. I saw her laughing to someone and it made me happy. I checked the time on my phone and I felt someone bump into me. Leah. She was laying on the ground while looking confused.

"Shit, are you okay?", I asked

Our eyes met, and she smiled a little to me. God I've missed that smile.

"I'm fine, are you?", she answered. This was the longest conversation we've had in two months.

"I'm okay", I told her while I smiled back. I helped her up from the ground and we stood in akward silence until she hugged me. I was surprised by the sudden move but it didn't even take me a second to hug her back.

"You think we can talk later?", she asked, being in a fragile state

"I would love to, Leah", I said back quietly while she was still holding on to me tight

"I've missed you Al"