Lean on Me || Jill Roord

9. Stop Thinking Caroline

I'd been cleared to drive during international break at one of my checkups, which Ellie had driven me to. I think that was the best news I've gotten all month. Which also served as a reminder that I was only a month into my recovery.

It leads me to now, where I'm currently waiting at the airport for Jill to get back. Sure,  I was still sort of annoyed with her, but I wouldn't leave her hanging. I didn't have the heart to do that, no matter how upset I was at someone. I told her I'd be able to pick her up, and after a lot of convincing and worry, she allowed me to; after all, it was easier since she was still technically staying at my apartment. This would be the last week, though. I wasn't sure how I felt.

These moments we had never really left my apartment; they only happened when we were alone. With the exception of moments here and there when we were with others, but it only aided in my confusion. We hadn't talked about anything more, neither of us elaborating on it.

Once I parked at the curb, I quickly got out, checking my phone, as Jill had texted me she would be out in a few minutes. Just as I glanced up, I saw her walking towards me. A soft smile took over her face when my eyes connected with her. Of course it made my heart flutter and place a smile on my own face.

"Hi Caroline." Jill pulled me into a hug, one that was much longer than I expected it to be. Though it felt nice as I melted into her arms, all my worries were forgotten. Once Jill finally pulled away, I greeted her.

"Hey Jill, how was the flight?"

"Not terrible, though I'm definitely hungry now." I laughed before opening the back of the car so she could put her bag away. I wasn't using crutches anymore, or I would use them as little as possible. I still have a very slight limp, but my knee was definitely getting stronger. Daphne had just changed up my exercises to help focus on full range of motion instead of just extension. I explained this all to Jill on the short drive to Nando's.

"So recovery's going well then? No setbacks or anything?" Jill's face had a bit of concern present, but I brushed it off.

"Yeah, there hasn't been any setbacks, which I'm grateful for." I wouldn't count my semi-breakdown two days ago as a setback because it didn't overly effect my recovery. It was just solely that session.

"That's great news!" A grin took over Jill's features, and I couldn't help but laugh. She had such funny expressions sometimes; it was something I had noticed very early on when I met her. Sometimes she seemed intimidating, especially on the field, but as soon as you start talking to her, her face completely shifts, and I find it so funny. Ellie Carpenter's like that too; I always give her a hard time about it.

"How was break though? You know, with everyone being gone." Jill asked honestly; her face had shifted to a more serious look as we ate.

My face fell, and I frowned slightly. "It was okay." I didn't say anymore after that, and I think Jill sensed there was more to it but decided to leave it.

I decided to switch the heat off me because I feared my emotions might've finally boiled over. I wasn't ready for them to, but they always boiled over when I didn't want them to. I couldn't help it. "I saw you guys won your games." This caught Jill's attention. Or snapped her out of her zoned-out state and put her attention back on me.

"Yeah, we played decently. Our real test is when we play England next time around. I can't believe we got put in the same group."

"Yeah, that's tough for sure. You guys have got it though." My accent peaked through, making Jill smile a bit. She had told me numerous times she loved my accent, and I had to fight the blush that always formed and laugh it off instead.

The drive back up to Manchester had been relatively quiet; I could tell something was on Jill's mind, but she was too caught up in her own world to realise that I could practically see the gears turning in her head. I glanced over a Jill every now and then as I drove; her hair was down and fell around her face perfectly. She looked effortlessly gorgeous; I wasn't sure how she did it.