The Captain's Heart

eight

30th August 2021 – twenty weeks and one day pregnant.

'Hey... Mind if I join you?' Leah asks making her way over to the table where Imogen is sitting staring down at her phone.

'No, not at all...' Imogen replies smiling slightly. Locking her phone, she places it on the table before turning to face the blonde who smiles.

'How you doing? Settling in okay?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'Yeah, I'm loving it here so far. I mean it's very different especially because I was in the US for so long but it's a good change. I'm looking forward to finding my own place and getting properly settled.' Imogen replies.

'Yeah, it'll make a difference to have your own place. Have you looked at anywhere yet? Do you know where you're wanting?' Leah asks.

'Nearby. I don't want to be too far and I'd quite like to be near Caitlin and Steph, just having those familiar faces, you know?' Imogen says.

'Mm-hmm... Most people do live kind of around here because it's easier for getting to training and stuff. I'm literally just up the road from Steph and Dean; do you know where Beth stays?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'I'm like round the corner from Beth.' Leah says causing Imogen to smile.

'Oh really? So you guys are all pretty close to each other then?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'Yeah, pretty much. Makes life easier I suppose... If you need anything just give me a shout, honestly. I know you have Steph and Caitlin but if you ever fancy a different face or different scenery then you know where I am.' Leah says.

'Thank you, Leah. It really means a lot to have all your guys support.' Imogen replies.

'Most of the girls here know what it's like to be away from home, away from your family... I'm lucky that my family are right down the road but I can't even imagine being so far from everyone I love.' Leah says.

'What are your plans for when training is finished then?' Imogen asks.

'I'm going shopping for a pram. My dad wants to buy the pram so we're going to look today and see what I like.' Leah replies smiling.

'Oh that sounds fun.' Imogen says and Leah nods her head.

'What about you? You got any plans?' Leah asks.

'I was hoping Caitlin would be free because I wanted to give Steph and Dean some time with me out the house but she's going out for dinner with Wally so I'm not 100% sure anymore.' Imogen replies.

'You can come to mine if you want? I'm not doing anything after pram shopping... I'd offer to cook but I can't cook so would need to be a takeaway I'm afraid.' Leah offers.

'Oh I didn't mean- You'll probably want to have a chill night after your day out shopping.' Imogen says shaking her head.

'Don't be silly... Honestly we could grab a takeaway, gives you some time away from Steph and Dean's. Different scenery.' Leah replies and Imogen smiles.

'Only if you're sure.' Imogen says softly.

'Positive.' Leah replies smiling.

****

'How's training going with your little add-on?' David asks smiling as Leah brushes her hand over her stomach.

'I mean it's certainly different... I get tired quicker than previously, I get more out of breath but I'm managing. I'm glad I can keep training.' Leah replies and David nods his head.

'I can't wait to meet her...' David says smiling.

'How did you and mum pick names for me and Jacob?' She asks.

'We found naming you so easy. I'm not sure why but you always just felt like a Leah... Are you struggling to pick a name?' He asks and she nods her head.

'Mm... Nothing feels right. I know I've got plenty of time but I just- I don't know. I've had a few on my list but I just can't settle on one.' She replies shrugging her shoulders.

'You definitely do have time. You could always pick a few of your favourites and then just decide when she's here.' He suggests and she nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... I suppose I could do that. I don't need to have one set in stone yet.' She replies.

'What are your plans for tonight? Do you want to come over for dinner?' David asks.

'I'd love to but one of the new girls from the team is coming over for a takeaway... She's just come from the NWSL but is originally from Aus so she doesn't really know anyone other than Steph and Caitlin.' Leah replies.

'Oh okay... No worries. Can come for dinner another day.' David says and she nods her head.

'Definitely.' Leah replies smiling.

****

'So did you manage to get your pram then?' Imogen asks as she glances over at the blonde who is sitting on the sofa with her legs stretched out over the coffee table.

'No, we looked in so many different shops. My poor dad honestly was just getting dragged around and I still couldn't settle on one.' Leah admits shaking her head.

'It's a big decision to make I guess... Have you at least narrowed it down to a few different ones?' Imogen asks.

'Yeah, I've got a few picked out so I think I just need to go look at them again and figure out which one works best for me... Anyway enough about prams, I'm sure you don't want to spend the entire night talking about prams and babies... What's life like back in Aus? Do you have siblings?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'I do. I have an older sister, Mia. She's eighteen months older than me and then my parents.' Imogen replies causing Leah to smile.

'Ah so you're the baby of the family.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head.

'What about you? Do you have siblings?' Imogen asks.

'I have a little brother, Jacob.' Leah replies smiling.

'Are you close with your family?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'Yeah, we're all really close actually. My parents are divorced and have been split up for a long time but I'm really close with both my parents and my brother.' Leah replies.

'That's good. It's so good that you get to stay so close to your family and still do the thing that you love.' Imogen says and Leah smiles.

'It's something I've promised myself to never take for granted... I know how lucky I am and I know that all this wouldn't be possible if I didn't have my family so close by.' Leah says softly as her hand run over her bump.

'What made you decide to come to the UK? To play in the WSL?' Leah asks and Imogen shrugs her shoulders.

'I don't know. I fancied a change and I'd heard both Steph and Caitlin talk about how much they loved it here.' Imogen replies.

'Well I hope you like it here just as much.' Leah says softly.

'I think just I might.' Imogen replies smiling. The rest of the night is spent getting to know each other better, Imogen learning about the blonde's love of plain food while Leah discovers that the Aussie originally played in goals as a child before moving to being a striker. Their night ends around 11pm when the blonde drives Imogen back to Steph and Dean's house, despite the Aussie's insistence that she could just walk, before returning home and getting herself settled in bed ready for another day of training.