After leaving the NWSL and her abusive boyfriend, Lucy attempts to make a fresh start at Arsenal. That's when she meets Leah, Lioness captain and Arsenal's star player, and now her team mate and she begins to question everything, but will it be a ha...
My face lit up when Lucy texted me, but what followed was the last thing that I expected.
She had invited me over to her parents house. I knew it was family day, so it seemed a little out of the blue. I assumed she might have been drunk or something.
Nonetheless, I agreed to go. I wanted to show that I was serious about her, and if that meant throwing myself in at the deep end and meeting her whole family, that is what I would do.
I took my time getting ready, carefully choosing an outfit that was both festive and comfortable.
Leahs outfit:
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I took one final look in the mirror, grabbed my coat, took a deep breath, and headed out the door.
When I arrived at Lucy's parents' house, I took another deep breath before ringing the doorbell. The door opened almost immediately, and there was Lucy, her face lighting up with a big smile.
"Hey, Leah! Come in," she said, pulling me into a hug.
"Thanks for inviting me," I said, smiling back at her.
"Of course. Come on, everyone is in the living room," she said, leading me inside.
I was shitting it to say the least. I was such an awkward person and this was, quite frankly, my worst nightmare. But I knew how I felt about Lucy which made me push through any nerves I was feeling.
As we walked through the hallway, I could hear the sound of laughter and conversation coming from the living room.
Lucy paused just outside and turned to me, "don't stress, le, it will be great, and I'll be right next to you the whole time"
When we entered, I was greeted by a warm and cozy scene. Lucy's family was gathered around, some sipping from mugs and others wing glasses and chatting animatedly.
"Everyone, this is Leah," Lucy introduced me to her family. "Leah, this is my dad, my mom, my brother Joe, and his wife Alice. And my little sister Emily."
They all greeted me warmly, and I felt an immediate sense of welcome. Lucy's dad stood up and offered his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Leah. We've heard so much about you."
"All good things, I hope," I said with a smile, shaking his hand.
"Absolutely," he replied with a chuckle.
We all settled in, and I found myself sitting next to Lucy on the couch. Her mom handed me a glass of wine, and I thanked her, as much as I hated to admit it, I needed the glass to take the edge off and the nerves away.
"So, Leah," Alice said, breaking the ice. "How do you feel about Articulate..."
Leah seemed to fit into the family perfectly. her competitiveness matched ours, and I could visibly see the nerves leave her body and she became more relaxed.
every so often I glanced over at Leah who was usually sipping on her wine, but this time, she was deep in a conversation with my dad about women's football of some sorts
I didn't know exactly what they were talking about, but I could see the passion on Leahs face, and for once, my dad actually looked like he was listening and I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
''she's a keeper" Joe said as he moved to sit next to me
"I saw George the other day, luce" he continued
I gulped. I didn't know where this was going
"oh yeah" I said
"he just kept apologising, said he was sorting it all out, and that you deserve better, it was all very cryptic if im honest. I know there's more to the story, luce, and you know were all here if, or when you want to speak about it"
Joe was one of those people that just always knew what to say. he was the wise older brother that most young girls look up to.
our conversation was interrupted by Emily letting out a loud shriek. she was in the middle of a conversation with mum and Alice. the room went silent and looked her way
"Joseph!" mum exclaimed standing up with a huge smile on your face
the rest of us just looked confused
"words out then, cheers al" he responded giving mum a hug
"I'm going to be an aunt" Emily shouted, now jumping on the sofa, only to be swiftly shouted at by our father to get down
everyone hugged the couple and congratulated them on the news, even Leah got involved, despite only meeting them 2 hours ago.
after 15 minutes of excitement and chatter, everyone reclaimed their seats on the sofa, and I made sure Leah was back next to me, I Was starting to get worried that my dad was going to start interrogating her soon.
"where's the toilet, luce" she whispered in my ear
I offered to show her and lead her out of the room. I could have just given her some instructions but I wanted a few minutes alone with her, my family could be kind of crazy and so I hadnt really had a minute to talk to her myself.
"feel like I fed you to the sharks a bit in there" I joked as we walked down the corridor
"luce, your family are great" she responded and grabbed my hand as we walked up the stairs and into my bedroom
"thought you were showing me to the bathroom". Leah commented
"wanted a minute alone first" I smirked, pulling her closer to me
Leah put her hand on my cheek and planted a kiss on my lips. I had been waiting for this ever since our lips parted last night.
"I'm sorry if ive kind of rushed things by inviting you here" I said once our lips parted
I sat on the bed and Leah sat next to me
"Lucy, if I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't of come" Leah reassured me
"this whole dating thing is new to me, I guess ive just been out of the game for a while, I just dont know what im doing" I said nervously
Leah put her hand in mine, "you're doing just great, trust me. but honestly Lucy, I dont know what im doing either. all I do know, is that I really like you, like a lot, and I'm excited to see where this goes"
I let out a big sigh and a smile took over my face
