Little Things

Chapter 26

28th November 2022

Leah POV:

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room where Bella lay entangled in my arms. Today was the day I had been both anticipating and dreading for months—the day I would leave for camp, an opportunity to meet with the girls again since our Euros win. Yet, as I gazed at Bella, who was still nestled in the warmth of sleep, a pang of sorrow tugged at my heart. Leaving Bella, even for a couple of days, felt like leaving a part of myself behind.

I carefully extricated myself from Bella's embrace, allowing my eyes to linger on her peaceful face. I committed every detail to memory—the way the morning light danced in Bella's hair, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the softness of her lips. I knew these images would need to sustain me across the distance and time apart.

As I moved around the room, gathering the last of my belongings, my thoughts wandered to the night before. We had talked for hours, making promises and setting plans. We promised to video call every night, no matter how gruelling our days were. We planned my homecoming — Bella would stay at mine whilst I was away and would be patiently waiting for my return. I knew Bella would be busy with work as she had parents evening this week and my house was much closer the school anyway (all of 5 mins but that was my excuse!), I also had CCTV around my house and would be able to check on Bella without having to pester her too much.

"Hey," I said softly, my voice thick with emotion, as I teased my fingers through Bella's hair.

"Hey," Bella replied, her voice equally laden. "You haven't got to leave yet have you?"

I shook my head "I thought we'd have one last breakfast together before I leave - I've got to be on the road in 45 mins." With that Bella sprang out of bed and made her way downstairs. "Your favourite? It's a special occasion!" Bella asked with doe eyes whilst cupping my face. I giggled whilst nodding. Soon enough, Bella had whipped up come pancakes whilst I chopped the fruit and prepared the yoghurt to go with it. During breakfast we reminded each other regularly how much we loved one anther and how much we would miss each other.

Soon enough, I look down at my watch. "5 minutes babe." I huffed out. "Can we have a 5 minute cuddle?" There she goes again, giving me those puppy eyes. How could I possibly refuse?

My phone began ringing. I had set an alarm to make sure I left the house on time. Bella looked at me, glassy eyed "I guess it's time."I could tell by her voice she was holding back her emotion. I nodded, swallowing the lump that had formed in my own throat. I placed Bella down on the kitchen counter, standing between her legs and taking her hands in mine. "I'm going to miss you more than words can say, Bella. But this... this is not goodbye. It's just a 'see you later.'"

Bella smiled, though her eyes brimmed with tears. "I know. And I'm so proud of you, Leah. This is an amazing opportunity. Just... promise me you'll take care of yourself. I already can't wait for you to be back here, leaving your shit everywhere. Please don't forget me." Giving me a cheeky wink at the end.

I chuckled, the sound mingling with my own tears. "Impossible. How could I forget the person who has my heart?" I leaned in, capturing Bella's lips with my own in a kiss that spoke volumes, a promise of return, of continuity amidst the change. words of love and reassurance exchanged in soft whispers. And then, too soon, It was time to leave.

The drive to camp was a blur, I internally thanked myself that I decided to travel alone this time around, instead of sharing with Beth and the other Arsenal girls like I normally do. My headphones on, thinking back to Bella's cute little face, waving me off from the front door. I knew in that moment I was ready for us to move in together. I knew that after camp, it was on the cards for us to take that step together.

The driver informed me that we were 10 minutes away from SGP, I made the decision then to give Bella a quick call. I wanted to let her know that I got to camp safe and that I thought about her every second of the car ride. The phone rang twice before her gorgeous face filled my screen. "Hi babe." She beamed at the screen "everything ok?" she furrowed her brows slightly. "Hi my love, yes all good. I'm not far form camp now - I just wanted you to know that I love you and miss you so much already. You're all I've thought about since I left." A blush crossing my face slightly. "Le Le, I love you and miss you so much! I'm so glad you called to let me know you're safe. You're always on my mind FYI!" Bella replied with a wink. We said our goodbyes and a million I love yous before ending the call.

As the line cut off off, I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes, and taking one last deep breath. I thought of the week ahead, reunion of the three best friends and Lucy. The countless hours I'd get to spend with my girls but most importantly, of the moment I would return to Bella's arms.

30th November 2022

Leah POV:

The day had started like any other at the camp—full of promise and the excitement of strengthening the teams bond. I had been pushing myself harder than ever, determined to make sure I could embarrass Lucy. But in a split second, that all changed—a misstep during a drill, a sharp pain, and then the ground rushing up to meet me. A loud scream, followed by a grumble escaped my mouth.

As I lay on the pitch, the pain in my ankle was sharp and immediate, a stark contrast to the dull thud of the ball rolling away, forgotten. Sarina and some of the girls gathered around, their voices a distant buzz as I tried to assess the damage. I knew before the medic even said it-it was bad. The look on his face as he gently probed my ankle confirmed my fears. An injury. A serious one.

The ride to the hospital was a blur of pain and whispered curses. X-rays confirmed it: a fractured ankle. The words echoed in my head, a cruel sentence that side-lined my dreams and aspirations. The rest of the day passed in a haze of medical advice, painkillers, and the heavy weight of realisation. I wouldn't play again for the remainder of the camp, I wouldn't play in the last game of the year and I wouldn't get to play against USA. My lionesses journey, for now, was over. Meaning I would have to withdrawal from camp go back to Arsenal for further assessment and recovery.

When I got back to SGP I went straight to my room, the reality of my situation began to truly sink in. I had already spoke to my mum when I was on the way to the hospital. Mum has seen this all before, she knew the drill. I'd talk when I was ready. Mum was coming to collect me later on, she was arriving at SGP at 6pm and she knew that all I needed now was to be at home. The walls felt too close, the silence too loud. I knew what I had to do next, but the thought of it twisted my stomach into knots. Bella. I had to tell Bella.

Picking up my phone felt like lifting a weight much heavier than its physical form. I hesitated for a moment, my thumb hovering over Bella's contact. Then, with a deep breath that did little to calm my racing heart, I dialled.

The line clicked, and then Bella's voice filled the room, warm and familiar. "Leah! How was your day? I've been thinking about you."

The words, so full of love and unsuspecting concern, nearly broke me. "Bels." I started, my voice cracking, betraying the turmoil inside. "I... I got injured today. My ankle. It's fractured."

The silence that followed was suffocating. I could picture Bella on the other end, processing the news, the worry making her face crinkle.

"Oh, Leah," Bella finally whispered, her voice laced with concern. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay? How bad is it?"

"It's bad enough," I admitted, the words heavy on my tongue. "I can't train, can't play. I'm out for the rest of the camp. Mums picking me up at 6pm."

The rest of the conversation was full of reassurances and whispered comforts. Bella was my rock, steady and unwavering, promising to be there for me, no matter the miles that lay between us. We spoke of plans and adjustments, of the next steps and the support I would need in the coming weeks.

Hanging up, I felt a mixture of relief and renewed sorrow. Bella's words were a balm to my wounded spirit, but the reality remained—I was injured, miles away from home, and my routine, daily occurrences were going to change dramatically. That's when the frustration became more intense that I'd realised.

Lying back on my bed, I allowed myself to feel the full weight of my own disappointment and frustration. The journey I had embarked on with so much hope was now fraught with uncertainty.

Unbeknownst to either of us, Bella's unwavering support and my own insecurities would soon have a rippling effect on both our lives.