Leah Williamson, the beloved captain of the Lionesses and vice-captain of the Arsenal, faces a heart-warming yet challenging journey as she navigates the dazzling world of her growing fame, all while the embracing joys and struggles of life off the...
'Can you please sit down? You're making me nervous?' Amanda says softly as she watches her daughter pace up and down the living room.
'I'm just nervous. What if there's nothing there, mum?' Leah asks turning to face Amanda who sighs as she sees her eldest's eyes shining with unshed tears.
'Oh baba... Come here.' Amanda says standing up. Wrapping her arms around the blonde, she pulls her into her arms and feels her let out a shaky breath.
'I'm so scared.' Leah admits.
'I know you are. The first scan is always scary because you just don't know what's going on in there and that is absolutely terrifying but I promise no matter what, you're going to be fine. You're going to be absolutely fine.' Amanda says softly.
'I know I said I was okay going on my own but-' Leah begins and Amanda smiles.
'I'll come with you if you want me to... I know you're doing this without a partner but you don't have to do it on your own. There are so many people who love you and that bubba.' Amanda says as Leah pulls back slightly to wipe her cheeks.
'I'm being stupid.' Leah mumbles and Amanda shakes her head.
'You're absolutely not being stupid, baba. You're worried and that's a perfectly natural feeling.' Amanda says.
'I just really want this.' Leah whispers as she drops her head back to rest on Amanda's shoulder.
'I know you do, baba. I know you do and I want this for you to. I know I wasnt necessarily always completely on board with it but I can see how much you want this, baba.' Amanda replies kissing the side of her daughter's head.
'Are you hungry? Would you like me to make you some lunch before we go?' Amanda asks and Leah shakes her head.
'I don't think I could stomach it right now. I'll just get something when the scan is finished.' Leah replies.
****
Tears stream down her cheeks as she holds the phone out in front of her face. She's sitting in the passenger seat, Amanda by her side as the dial tone sounds causing Amanda to smile as she watches on.
'Hey... Are you okay, Le?' Lia asks, taking in the sight of her best friend who bites her bottom lip and takes a deep breath.
'Do you wanna meet my baby?' Leah asks quietly holding up a strip of ultrasound pictures in front of the camera to allow Lia to see them.
'Oh my goodness...' Lia gasps.
'Due 16th of January.' Leah says smiling as she rests the pictures on her legs and uses her free hand to wipe her cheeks.
'So it all went okay then?' Lia asks.
'Mm-hmm... It went perfect. She said everything is looking perfect, exactly how it should be. Didn't she, mum?' Leah says glancing at Amanda and turning the phone slightly.
'Perfect. It was magical, Wally.' Amanda replies smiling.
'I'm so glad it all went well. I know you've been worried about the scan...' Lia says and Leah nods her head.
'Mm... I was so stressed this morning, wasn't I?' Leah says causing Amanda to laugh.
'Stressed? I'm surprised you didn't wear a hole in my carpet with the amount of pacing around you did.' Amanda replies.
'So when is your next scan? Do you have a date or anything yet?' Lia asks and the blonde nods her head.
'I actually got a letter in the other day for my twelve week scan which I wasn't expecting this soon but that'll be on the ninth of July so I'm just under thirteen weeks in it, I think.' Leah replies smiling.
'Oh how exciting. It really all feels real now, doesn't it? I mean you're having a baby, Le. You're gonna be a mum.' Lia says.
'It does feel more real now.' Leah replies smiling.
****
the three best friends and lucy.
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Leah: Surprise! Baby Williamson due January 2022! Xx
Lucy: Shut up! You're winding us up right? X
Keira: Oh I can't! A little mini Leah running about is exactly what we need x
Leah: No wind up here, Luce. Just had my first scan this afternoon. Still early days but I wanted you guys to know, figured it'll explain my absence at national camp etc xx
G: Oh I want to cry! This is the best news ever!
****
'I told Keira, Luce and G... I know it's still early but I just thought they'd maybe start to question things when I wasn't available for selection for national camp and I just- Well I wanted them to know.' Leah says shrugging her shoulders as she watches Amanda stir whatever is cooking in the pot in front of her.
'Mm... Smart idea, baba. You can tell whoever you want whenever you want. I know they say twelve weeks is the kind of safe point but it's okay to tell people before that, especially your best friends.' Amanda replies smiling.
'I can't believe how real it feels now and I know that sounds so stupid because I was going through IVF to get this exact outcome but I just- It all suddenly feels so real. I mean there's a baby in there.' Leah says quietly, her hand gently reaching down to rest on her stomach.
'Your little baby... I can't believe I'm going to be a grandma. God that makes me feel old.' Amanda says causing Leah to laugh as she leans forward on the counter.
'Is that what you want to be called? Grandma?' Leah asks.
'Oh I'm not sure... I suppose I've not really thought about it yet. Maybe I'll be nana or nanny? I like nana, I think... What do you think?' Amanda says.
'I don't mind. I like any of them. Whatever makes you happy.' Leah replies smiling.
'I think I like nana.' Amanda admits and Leah nods her head.
'Nana it is then...' Leah says softly.
****
Using a magnet, Leah smiles slightly as she secures the ultrasound pictures on the front of her fridge and steps back to look at them. Resting her hand on her stomach, she takes a deep breath and shakes her head. Despite having made the decision, and going through the IVF, she still can't quite get her head around the fact that this is all actually happening. She's having a baby. She's going to be a mum in just over thirty-three weeks time.
