Lean on Me || Jill Roord

5. Mario Kart God

Jill was definitely tired when she came home from Wednesday's game, though she masked it well. Never once did she let that tiredness show as she took care of me, but I could see her longing for sleep. I was really grateful, but I hated that I couldn't take care of myself yet and that I had to rely on her. It wasn't fair to her to have to come back and take care of me after a game.

When I woke up Thursday morning, it was fairly early, and Jill was still soundly sleeping. I laid there for a moment, glancing over her features. How she seemed so peaceful deep in slumber. I caught myself staring and quickly shifted my attention to getting out of bed. I slowly and quietly got up and grabbed my crutches Jill had leaned against the nightstand.

Jill shifted, turning in my direction, causing me to freeze. She wrapped herself in the duvet, seeking warmth, which made me smile a bit. Shifting my attention once again, I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up and then to the kitchen, wanting some sort of food. Settling on toast, I sat on the couch flipping through the different channels until I found The Office.

The morning sun had begun to peak, giving the room a warm glow. I'd always loved the morning and how peaceful it seemed—more so the time when people weren't quite up and moving yet. Where everything stood still and you could practically hear yourself thinking.

I sat there mindlessly watching the television, not really paying attention. Thoughts of the upcoming physical therapy session had clouded my mind. It was Monday of next week, which felt like an eternity away. I wanted it to come faster. The faster I can get through recovery, the faster I can get back on the field. But deep down, I know I can't rush something like this; it just doesn't work like that.

My bedroom door clicked open, pulling me out of my thoughts as a sleepy-looking Jill emerged. "Goedemorgen," she mumbled, sitting next to me. Our arms brushed together, making my stomach drop for some reason.

I sat there for a moment trying to figure out what she meant; it clicked after a moment. "Morning," I replied softly with a smile.

She glanced at me and returned her attention to the television before doing a double take. "I said that in Dutch, didn't I?"

I gave her a grin, "Yeah, you did."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. I wouldn't mind learning another language." I turned my attention back to the television for a moment as Jill pulled the blanket off the top of the couch and onto herself. "How many do you already know?" Jill asked curiously, giving me her attention once again.

I turned back to her. "I only know English and German. I do know just a bit of French though, mainly from Ellie since she's been playing at Lyon."

Jill hummed, "I think I only know English, Dutch, and German really." I shivered after her response. England's weather never failed to make me cold. After a moment, I felt a blanket being softly thrown over me, causing me to turn my head in Jill's direction. I smiled softly. "Thanks."

Around lunchtime, Kerstin came over with her Nintendo Switch, begging us to play Mario Kart with her. This was most definitely going to be the highlight of my day.

"I hope you know I'm a Mario Kart champion." I bragged, taking the control Kerstin was handing me.

"And?" Kerstin shot back.

"Just saying," I shrugged. "Don't be upset when you lose." I smirked before adjusting myself on the couch. My knee was starting to ache a bit, if I was honest. Kerstin sat down in the chair next to the window while Jill was sitting next to me; she must've noticed my discomfort. She leaned over and whispered, "Are you okay? Need anything?" I fought the heat that was rising into my cheeks.