started as a lie

31

over the next few weeks, i went back to arsenal. i did some training with the girls but wasn't included in the match day squad.

jonas says i'm close to coming back and i can't wait. i need to be back on the pitch.

things at home have been going well. leah's taken me on a couple of dates. out for lunch after training, to a fancy restaurant, and to look at the stars a few times.

out of everything we do together, looking at the stars with her is my favourite. it just feels so right.

i've been pestering her a lot about getting a puppy. she said not yet as she doesn't think we're ready for the commitment.

we're now on our christmas break.

i packed my things to go to manchester and leah did the same to go to mk.

i put leah's present in her suitcase in one of the compartments. it's a necklace with our initials engraved into it.

"bye leah. i'll see you after christmas" i said. i hugged her tightly and kissed her lips.

"i love you darling" she said.

we went into our own cars and drove off.

it was a long drive to manchester. the roads were quite busy but i got there in the end.

i was welcomed by my mum tightly hugging me.

"hi mum" i said as i struggled for air.

"come in sweetheart" she said. i took my suitcase inside and left it in the hallway.

i went and hugged my dad and ollie.

we sat around and talked about christmas.

christmas was always mine and oliver's favourite time of year growing up.

we always met up with all our cousins and had a huge feast at my grandparents house.

another benefit of having a big family is the amount of presents you get. however as you get older it isn't as good as you have to buy everyone something which is a struggle because you don't know what to buy them.

i got something for all my family.

i took things to my room to wrap up.

tomorrow is christmas eve and everyone is excited.

the next day

(leah's pov)

we woke up today and went on our tradition christmas eve walk. we go every year to the woods and walk.

after we had our walk, we went back home and packed the car.

linda had planned for us to go to manchester for christmas to celebrate together.

it's a very good idea and we've been planning it for a while. we're going to arrive in the evening today and stay over at sophia's sisters house. then early morning we're going to their house to surprise her.

another huge surprise is her gift.

after weeks and weeks of begging. i decided to get a puppy.

it's a little golden retriever and it's the cutest thing ever.

we left bella with family in mk and drove to manchester.

we arrived in the evening and were welcomed by sophia's sister lisa.

she showed us where we would stay the night and then we ate dinner.

as i got ready for bed, my phone started ringing.