I didn't choose her, my heart did

The injury

Keira's POV:

The tension in the room was almost palpable as the doctor examined my ankle. I held my breath as he revealed his findings to me and the medical staff. And then came the crushing blow: my ligament had ruptured.

It felt like the ground was pulled out from under my feet. I could not believe it. How could this happen? Why did this have to happen to me? I had been so looking forward to this season, to my chance to prove myself at the highest level. And now that dream seemed far away, replaced by a sea of pain and uncertainty.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone knocking at the door. Panic gripped me at the thought of someone seeing me like this, so vulnerable and broken. I wanted to be alone, to hide my pain behind closed doors.

But then I heard her voice, soft and full of compassion. "Keira," she whispered, her voice like a balm to my wounded soul.

It was Lucy. I had only known her for a month, yet she felt like a trusted friend. Her presence soothed me in a way I could not understand. I felt safe with her, as if I could lower my shield and show my true self.

Tears streamed down my cheeks when I heard her voice, my emotions finally unleashed after all this time of suppression. I did not understand how Lucy, someone I had known for such a short time, could have such an impact on me. But in that moment, I could only be grateful for her presence, for her support and comfort in my moment of weakness.

I shed my tears as Lucy entered the room and wrapped her arms around me in a comforting embrace. And there, in her warm embrace, I no longer felt alone for the first time in a long time.

Lucy's POV:

The final whistle had sounded and I immediately ran to the medic room, my heart pounding in my chest. Fear and anxiety nibbled at me as I made my way through the corridors of the stadium. I didn't know what I would find, but I knew I had to be there for Keira, no matter what had happened.

When I finally reached the medic room, I knocked nervously on the door. An aide opened and looked at me seriously. "Lucy, I need to tell you something," she said with a worried look. "She needs you, Lucy. She needs your support during this difficult period."

I nodded, my throat dry with emotion. "I'll be there," I assured him, my voice determined.As the counsellor left, I hesitantly stepped into the room, my eyes searching for Keira. And there I saw her, my heart breaking at the sight of her broken form, her face set in pain and sorrow.

"Keira," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the sound of her sobs.

She looked at me, her eyes dull with grief. "Lucy, my ligament is ruptured," she sobbed, her voice broken.

My own heart seemed to break in my chest upon hearing her words. It felt unbearable, almost unfair, that Keira, such an important player for our team, had suffered such a severe injury.Keira looked at me, her eyes full of confusion and pain. "But why just now? After our first match of the season?" she sobbed, her voice full of despair.

I had no answer to her question, no words to ease her pain. But I knew I would be there for her, through thick and thin, to support her during this difficult time.

_

When the care worker entered the medic room with medicines and crutches, I felt a wave of determination go through me. I couldn't just leave Keira to strangers, not now that she was so vulnerable. Before the social worker could even take a step to help Keira, I resolutely took the medicine from his hands.

"Just give those to me," I said, my voice determined as I held the medicine firmly.The counsellor looked at me in surprise, clearly surprised by my action. But he seemed to understand my determination and silently handed me the drugs. I knew Keira was looking at me with a questioning look, and I turned to her, my eyes full of determination.

"You don't think I'm going to leave you home alone now, do you?" I asked her with a smile, holding the medicine firmly. "I will take care of you no matter what. You are not alone in this battle."

Keira seemed to want to protest, her instinct not to bother others, but I put my hand gently on her arm and shook my head. "You're not a burden, Keira. You are my friend, and I will always be there for you," I assured her, my voice infused with determination and friendship.

There was something inside me, a deep sense of protection and belonging that told me to support and protect Keira, even if it meant sacrificing my own comfort. I could not explain it, but I knew I could not allow Keira to go through this difficult time alone.

Keira looked at me, her eyes filled with gratitude and a hint of hope. "Thank you, Lucy," she whispered, her voice soft but full of appreciation.

I smiled at her, knowing that our friendship was stronger than any setback. And as I continued to stand beside her, holding the medicine firmly in my hand, I felt a deep connection with Keira, knowing that I would do anything to protect and support her during this difficult time.

Keira's POV:

As the door to the medic room opened and the social worker entered with medicines and crutches, I felt a wave of despair go through me. The realisation that I would be out for a while scared and confused me. But before the social worker could give the medicines to me, Lucy resolutely took them from him.

"Lucy, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion as I looked at her in surprise.She looked me straight in the eye, her gaze determined but also kind. "You don't think I'm going to leave you home alone now, do you?" she replied with a smile. "You are my friend, Keira. I will take care of you. You are not alone in this."

Her words touched me deeply, a warm feeling spread in my chest. Friend. It was like a warm blanket was wrapped around me, like I was finally coming home after a long journey. It was more than a simple word - it was a promise of connection, of support and comfort in difficult times.

I looked at her, my eyes filled with gratitude and amazement. There was something about the way Lucy spoke, something about the warmth in her voice, that reassured me and made me feel that I was not alone.

_

After a long journey back home, I felt exhausted and defeated. The pain in my ankle was constant and my thoughts were filled with worry about my injury and its impact on my future. But in the midst of my own struggles, there was Lucy, always caring and protective.

When we finally arrived and the bus doors opened, Lucy immediately stood up and positioned herself in the aisle of the bus, her body like a shield between me and the other players. Her determination to protect me gave me a sense of calm amid the chaos.

Lucy's POV:

I watched as Keira slowly stepped into the car park, her face scarred by pain and fatigue. My heart filled with compassion and determination. I would do anything to help her, to support her during this difficult time.

With a reassuring smile, I walked towards her and opened the door of my car. "I'll take you to my house," I said, my voice determined but also soft.

Keira looked at me in surprise, her eyes full of doubt and uncertainty. I could almost feel the jumble of thoughts in her head as she struggled with the unexpected invitation.

"I don't know, Lucy," she said hesitantly, her voice soft but full of doubt. "I mean, we haven't known each other very long and I've never seen you outside football. Living together now is not exactly an easy step."

I understood her doubts and fears all too well. The idea of allowing someone into your personal space so soon was not nothing, especially for someone like Keira, who was used to minding her own business.

Still, I felt determined to help her, to show her that she was not alone, that I would be there for her no matter what.

"Keira, I understand that this is a big step," I said softly, my voice full of understanding. "But you don't have to do this alone. We are friends, and friends help each other. I want to be there for you, Keira. Let me help you, please."

I saw the struggle in her eyes as she pondered my words, her inner fight clearly visible on her face. And then, after a moment of silence, she gave a slow nod, a sign of her willingness to accept my help.

With a smile of gratitude, I helped her into the car, made sure she was comfortable and put on her seatbelt. And as I started the engine and drove onto the road, I knew we would take this new step together, one step at a time.

_

While we were on our way to my house, Keira asked if we could stop by her house to get some stuff for her. Understanding her request, I suggested she borrow my clothes and stuff.

"You can borrow my clothes and stuff," I offered, my voice full of willingness to help her. But then, as a funny whim, I added: "Or do you want to go by your house to pick up your stuffed animal?"

She gave me a teasing nudge. But before I could respond, Keira surprised me with her answer. "No need, since I can use you as a teddy bear now," she said with a playful smile.

Her words made my heart race and my cheeks glow. I felt warm inside upon hearing her comment, and at the same time I realised I had no idea how to respond to it.

A smile escaped my lips as I met her mischievous gaze. "Well, if that is the case," I said with a slight blush on my cheeks, "then I am happy to serve."

It was a moment of playful intimacy between us, one that made my heart swell with joy and wonder. And as we drove on, I felt closer to Keira than ever before, my feelings for her growing with every passing second.

AN: I am quite proud of this chapter, the story is finally starting to take off.