The Captain's Heart

six

19th July 2021 - fourteen weeks and one day pregnant.

'So in here we've got the medical room where we deal with any kind of injuries or little niggles that you have going on... These two appear to be using it as a place to have a nap today though.' Robert, the staff member, says as he leads the brunette into the medical room where Leah is curled up on one of the beds, a blanket covering the bottom half of her body which Beth props herself up on her elbows on the other bed.

'Imogen, this is Leah and Beth... Girls, this is Imogen.' Robert says gesturing between the women.

'So lovely to have you here, Imogen. I promise we're not actually napping.' Beth says standing up and shaking the brunette's hand.

'Speak for yourself, I totally was planning on napping.' Leah replies laughing as she repeats the other blonde's actions.

'We don't usually use this room for napping... We do actually do our training.' Beth says causing Imogen to laugh.

'It's so lovely to meet you both.' Imogen replies softly.

'How are you finding it so far?' Leah asks sitting back on the edge of the bed.

'Yeah, it's been good. I'm really happy to finally be here and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and getting settled in.' Imogen replies.

'Do you know Steph and Caitlin?' Beth asks and Imogen nods her head.

'Yeah, I know them both so it'll be nice getting to play with them more.' Imogen replies.

'Will we go finish the tour and get everything set up for you? I'm sure some of the other girls will be in the canteen later for lunch?' Robert suggests and Imogen nods her head.

'Of course... It was lovely meeting you girls.' Imogen says.

'Lovely meeting you too.' Leah replies smiling. They watch Imogen and Robert leave the room, closing the door behind them before Leah resumes her position lying on the bed.

'Well she's alright, isn't she...' Beth says raising her eyebrows slightly.

'Beth, you are a taken woman or are we forgetting about Daan already?' Leah replies laughing.

'I might be but you're not.' Beth says.

'I'm pregnant, Beth. Certainly not looking for a relationship anytime soon.' Leah replies shaking her head.

****

'Imogen, we've got a spare seat over here if you want to join us?' Beth shouts towards the Aussie who has been ushered into the canteen by Robert. Smiling, the aussie nods her head and makes her way over to the table which is occupied by Beth, Leah, Jen and Kim.

'Have you guys met Imogen yet?' Leah asks glancing at Jen and Kim who immediately shake their heads.

'So nice to meet you.' Imogen says smiling as Leah introduces her to the two other women.

'Have you played in the UK before?' Jen asks as they take their seats.

'No, I've only ever played in Aus or the USA so it's all new to me.' Imogen replies.

'Have you sorted somewhere for you to stay yet?' Beth asks and Imogen nods her head.

'I'm staying with Steph and Dean until I find my own place.' Imogen replies causing Beth to smile.

'That's good then. Do you have any questions for us? Don't want this to feel like an interrogation?' Beth asks.

'Umm... Which one of you have been here the longest?' Imogen asks.

'Out of us four? I'd say consecutively it's got to be Leah. I mean not taking into account the fact she came through the academy, Kim and I have both left at points.' Jen explains.

'Oh you've been here since you were a child then?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'Our Leah is Arsenal through and through... Her and Lotte.' Beth replies smiling.

'That's amazing. I can't wait to begin playing and training with you all.' Imogen says.

'Well it'll be a while before I'm actually back playing.' Leah says softly.

'Oh... Are you injured? Is that why you were in medical earlier?' Imogen asks.

'No, not injured. I'm pregnant. Fourteen weeks to be precise.' Leah replies, her hand resting on her stomach.

'Oh wow... That's just amazing! Congratulations!' Imogen says.

'Thank you.' Leah replies softly.

****

'Will you be with me? I mean if you're here and you're not busy, when I have the baby will you be one of my birthing partners?' Leah asks glancing at Alex who immediately nods her head.

'Of course I will, if that's what you want? I'll make sure I'm not busy around your due date if you want me to be there.' Alex replies smiling.

'Mm... I do. It'll be you and my mum. Wally might pop in depending on when it all happens.' Leah says and Alex nods her head.

'I will make sure I am there then... Have you thought about what kind of birth you want yet? I know it's still early?' Alex asks and Leah shakes her head.

'Not yet. I mean I know things can change so rapidly with birth and even if you plan how you want it, it doesn't always mean that's how it's going to turn out so I don't want to get my expectations up too much by planning everything.' Leah replies.

'That's sensible but it doesn't mean you can't put down your preferences.' Alex says and Leah nods her head.

'Yeah, I know. I'll probably have some bits written down that I'd like and prefer to happen but I'm not going to put any pressure on it.' Leah replies.

'How is training going? Are you able to still do much of it?' Alex asks.

'It's going good. I've got like a personalised plan to follow that's safe for me during pregnancy and they monitor my heart rate and stuff... They're doing everything they can for me.' Leah replies.

'That's good. It's good that they're being supportive, isn't it?' Alex says and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Definitely makes a difference.' Leah replies smiling.

'You're definitely starting to get a little bit of a bump... I mean it's not overly noticeable but you can see a change now.' Alex says causing the blonde to smile as she glances down at her stomach.

'Mm... It's starting to round out a bit.' Leah replies brushing her hand gently across it.

'Have your symptoms settled now?' Alex asks and Leah nods her head.

'Yeah, there's still an element of tiredness there but nothing like during the first trimester. Although they were showing a new signing around today and I was getting ready to have a nap in the medical room, so probably not the best first impression.' Leah replies causing Alex to laugh.

'New signing ey? She nice?' Alex asks and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Seemed lovely. I think she's going to fit in to the group so easily.' Leah replies smiling.

'That's good.' Alex says smiling.