Little Things

Chapter 37

20th January 2023

On my way home from work I decided to give Leah a ring. "B, how are you my love?"
"Hi babe, urg what a fucking day. How's your day been?" "Wanna talk about it Bella?" "Not right now babe! What time will you be home roughly?" "We've got a tactics meeting for Sundays match. I'm going to say I'll be home around 7pm? Listen, I'll grab us some dinner on the way home? Take out from your favourite Italian, how does that sound?" "Okay le, I've got time for a run then - I need to blow off some steam from today. That sounds great. My usual please baby." "Of course - I've got to go B, I love you so much. Talk later yeah?" "Thank you Leah - I love you." With that I hung up the phone.

I got home shortly after 5pm - I went straight upstairs and got changed to go running. After such a gruelling day I laced up my running does - I was craving the cathartic release that running gave me. I stepped out into the cool evening air, securing my AirPods in my ears and began running. As I ran down our road, I felt like I was chasing the fading sunlight. With each determined stride through the park, I felt the day's frustrations melt away, replaced by the pounding of my feet and the beat of my heart. As I neared the trail through the park, there were children playing, I seemed the embrace the work around me more than usual. I was 5 miles in and my feet weren't stopping anytime soon. My feet pounding on the floor in time with the music - I really needed this today. I was pulled from my thoughts when Leah rang - I completely lost track of time. "Hi le" I panted. "Hi babe, are you still out running? Bels you've been out for almost 2 hours - I'm almost home." "Sorry babe, I completely lost track of time. I'll head home now - should be 30 minutes or so." "Okay B, I love you." "I love you". I hung up the phone and began to run home. Luckily, I had managed to do a subconsciously run in a huge loop.

"Babe, I'm home!" I called as I came through the front door to Leah. She walked quickly out of the kitchen and pulled me into her. "C'mon my love, let's eat. You must be starving. I grabbed your favourite bottle of Savignon Blanc on my way home." As I entered the kitchen to sit at the table, Leah had bought me not only my favourite wine, but a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She has lit the table with candles and our food was out waiting for us to eat. "Le, how do you always know what I need?" "You're my best friend Bella, I'll always know what you need - even when you don't." I was so quick to capture her lips on my own - a kiss that said everything words couldn't.

"Come sit, tell me about your day. Unload on me babe." I nodded and took a seat, taking a deep breath I went to open my mouth. The words getting stuck in my throat. "A little girl in my class, after lunch was absolutely beside herself. I asked her what was the matter - she was told she couldn't play football at school because she's a girl. Can you believe that? Being 8 years old and being told you can't do something because of your gender?" I shook my head still in disbelief, Leah mirrored my feelings, her eyes widening. She put her fork down, I could see in her eyes that she was trying to muster up a response. "That is absolutely absurd Bella. No one should ever be told can't do what they love because of their gender. I can't believe another child would say that." I scoffed, Leah looking at me puzzled. "That's the worst part le, it was a member of staff that had said it. Of course I confronted him. He was sick a dick. He was so rude, I went to Jess after school and reported it to her." "Sorry it was a teacher?" Her voice was firm. "I tired to reason with him, suggested creating a girls team or a mixed team to try and minimise the chances of the younger children getting injured. Do you wanna know what he said?" Leah nodded, encouraging me to continue, squeezing my hand over the table. "He said that he always been taught football was for boys and it will stay that way as long as he's 'in charge' of football at our school. Honestly, I could've punched him there and then." "He said what?" "I know - like what the fuck is wrong with him? Jess was appalled. She said she's have a meeting with him on Monday first thing. You know me and my values Leah - the schools values. This goes against everything I stand for as a professional." "I know babe, so what happens next?" She asked softly. "Jess asked me to organise an equality staff meeting - she suggested I get a professional to come on and speak to the staff about the importance of all children having equal opportunities, especially in Sports Education." Leah looked at me.

"This is where you come in - I was wondering if you would come into school and remind every one of the importance of equality?" "Are you kidding? Bella of course I can do that! I'll do anything to know that twat down a few pegs babe." We both started giggling. "I've got an even better idea!" She'd grinning at me across the table. "Go on.." "I'll run a workshop at the school with the children, mixed football team and I want to make sure that all the children know that they are all equal to - there are no barrier for them." "Would you do that really?" I questioned. "Of course B, you're a fantastic teacher you know babe. For standing up for her, for standing up to him. The children are lucky to have you, love. Let's show them anyone and everyone can play football yeah?" "Let's do it!" We clunked our wine glasses together.

I went to have a quick shower whilst Leah insisted on cleaning up and getting in a film set up for us to snuggle up and watch - once I had showered, I put my comfies on and spend the rest of my evening cuddled into Leah watching The Notebook. A very firm favourite of ours.