Good Luck, Babe! - Leah Williamson

11. Birds Of A Feather

Ella's POV.

The next time I opened my eyes, the room was darker, and the comforting silence was punctuated only by the soft hum of the night outside. I could feel Leah still beside me, her hand in mine, her presence a soothing constant in the dim light.

I turned my head slightly and saw Leah lying there, her face illuminated by the faint glow of the moonlight filtering through the window. Her eyes were closed, her expression peaceful. It was a moment of serene vulnerability, and I felt a pang of gratitude for her unwavering support.

I slowly disentangled my hand from hers, careful not to wake her, and sat up, trying to stretch away the stiffness from lying in one position for too long. The pain in my head had lessened significantly, and I felt a quiet strength returning to me.

As I looked around the room, I saw the glass of water Leah had left by the bedside and the pack of painkillers she had brought. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about her care and concern.

I leaned over to gently brush Leah's hair from her face, a soft smile forming as I watched her sleep. She had given me so much tonight - understanding, comfort, and a sense of peace. I knew I had a lot to sort through, but Leah's presence made the journey feel a little less daunting.

Feeling a renewed sense of clarity, I decided to let Leah rest. She had been there for me through so much, and it was time for me to be there for her as well. I quietly slipped out of bed, grabbing a blanket from the foot of the bed and wrapping it around myself as I made my way downstairs.

The house was quiet, and the stillness of the night was a stark contrast to the chaos of the earlier hours. I sat on the sofa, the weight of the day pressing down on me. I felt a mixture of sadness and relief, knowing that I had a lot to figure out but also feeling a sense of resolve.

As I sat there, my mind drifted back to the letter Leah had written. The raw emotion and honesty had been overwhelming, and it made me realise just how much Leah had been holding inside. She had been waiting for me to come to terms with my own feelings, and now that I had, I knew I needed to face the future with a clearer perspective.

The night air was cool, and I took a deep breath, allowing the calm to settle over me. Leah's words echoed in my mind, her reassurance and love a guiding light. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Leah by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope.

Eventually, I made my way back to the bedroom, where Leah was still peacefully asleep. I climbed back into bed, careful not to disturb her, and nestled into the warmth of her side. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her breathing steady and calm.

I knew I had to confront the issues with Josh, to be honest about what I wanted and needed. And I needed to navigate my feelings for Leah, not just for myself but for both of us. It was a journey I wasn't ready to undertake alone, and Leah's presence was a comforting reminder that I didn't have to.

I wrapped my arm around Leah, pulling her close, and let out a contented sigh. The night had been filled with turmoil, but now, with Leah beside me, I felt a sense of peace that had been elusive for so long. I closed my eyes, letting the soothing rhythm of her breathing lull me back to sleep, ready to face whatever came next with newfound strength and clarity.

I woke up to the feeling of a gentle hand on my shoulder, lightly shaking me from sleep. The room was bathed in the soft light of early morning, and for a moment, I was disoriented, not entirely sure where I was. But then, the familiar scent of Leah's shampoo reached me, and the events of the previous night came flooding back.

"Hey, sleepyhead," Leah's voice was soft, filled with a tenderness that made my chest tighten. "I need to leave for training."

I blinked a few times, trying to push through the haze of sleep. Leah was leaning over me, already dressed in her training gear, her hair tied back in a neat ponytail. There was a softness in her eyes that made me want to reach out and pull her back into bed, to keep her here with me for just a little while longer.