The Captain's Heart

fifteen

21st January 2022 – forty weeks and five days pregnant.

'What on earth are you doing?' Imogen chuckles as she makes her way into the living room where the blonde is pacing between the kitchen and the living room window.

'Loads of things online say walking can induce labour.' Leah replies, one hand resting on her sizeable bump as she continues to pace.

'Okay... Why don't we put some shoes on and go for a nice walk then? Instead of power walking between the kitchen and living room?' Imogen suggests.

'It's cold outside.' Leah mumbles.

'Have you tried the ball or what about a spicy curry? They say spicy food can help bring things on.' Imogen says.

'We could order a spicy curry.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'Absolutely. I could go pick it up, or you could walk with me to pick it up and get some walking in?' Imogen suggests causing Leah to smile slightly.

'Yeah, okay... We could pick up a pineapple while we're out.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head.

'Are you changing or just putting a jacket on?' Imogen asks and the blonde glances down at her outfit; a pair of Arsenal joggers which don't quite fit her anymore and an oversized training shirt they gave her.

'I'll just put a jacket on.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'Okay. Do you want me to grab it while you continue pacing or?' Imogen asks causing the blonde to laugh.

'I'll get it. It's just at the door... Don't know if I'll be able to put my shoes on myself though.' Leah replies glancing down at her stomach. It's been weeks since she was last actually able to see her toes.

'I can help with that.' Imogen replies smiling. Making her way out to the hallway, she grabs the blonde's trainers and makes her way back to where Leah has lowered herself down onto the sofa. Sitting on the edge of the coffee table, she raises Leah's feet one at a time onto her knee and slips her trainers on for her.

'Thank you.' Leah says softly.

****

'Oh I think I'm going to throw up...' Leah moans, her fork clattering down onto the plate as she stares at the remaining curry.

'Don't eat it if it's making you feel ill, Le. It's not worth it.' Imogen says.

'I'm so ready for her to be out now. I'm over being big and fat and pregnant.' Leah mumbles, tears filling her eyes as she shakes her head. Sighing, Imogen places her fork down on her plate and stands up before making her way round to the blonde.

'Hey, look at me... I know you're ready for her to come and I know you're feeling a bit fed up and uncomfortable but it won't be long until she's here. Until you are holding your beautiful baby girl in your arms and this will all be just a memory.' Imogen says softly as she bends down in front of the blonde who sighs.

'I know, I'm just being ridiculous.' Leah replies shaking her head as Imogen reaches up to gently wipe the tears from her cheeks.

'You're not being ridiculous. You're just tired and uncomfortable. I'm sure plenty of women who are overdue feel this way. What can I do to help you?' Imogen asks.

'I don't know.' Leah replies, biting her bottom lip to prevent the sobs that are threatening to come.

'Why don't you go get changed into some pj's and I'll make you some toast? We can grab the blankets and watch a movie on the sofa? Just have a chill night.' Imogen suggests, her hands resting on the blonde's shoulders who nods her head. Putting her arms out, she helps the blonde stand up before gently pulling her into her arms.

'You're so near the finish line, Le. So nearly at the end of this and the start of a brand new chapter of your life... What a wonderful chapter it's going to be.' Imogen says as the blonde sniffles and drops her head to rest on the Aussie's shoulder.

****

Her fingers gently brush through the blonde's hair as her head rests against her chest, the blanket tucked up underneath her chin causing Imogen to smile.

'I'm sorry I've been such a nightmare tonight... I've been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster tonight, haven't I?' Leah almost whispers.

'You have nothing to apologise for, Le. You are pregnant, you are overdue, it's perfectly normal for your hormones to be all over the place.' Imogen says softly.

'I promise crying all over you wasn't my intention when I invited you to come over for dinner.' Leah replies causing Imogen to laugh.

'I'm just glad you weren't on your own when you were feeling shitty... I'll happily ride the rollercoaster with you whenever you need me to.' Imogen says.

'I need to stretch... My back is killing me.' Leah mumbles as she pushes herself off the Aussie and into a standing position. Stretching her arms above her head, she groans quietly before resting her hands on her stomach.

'You okay?' Imogen asks.

'Mm-hmm... I'm just uncomfortable.' Leah replies slowly moving her hips from side to side as Imogen stands up.

'You sure that's all it is?' Imogen asks and the blonde shrugs her shoulders.

'I don't know. I don't feel like I'm having contractions or that anything is happening but I just feel weird.' Leah replies.

'Maybe it is the curry just not agreeing with you, Le.' Imogen suggests.

'Maybe... Can you stay the night? I know you have training in the morning but I just- I don't want to be on my own.' Leah admits and Imogen nods her head.

'Of course I can. I'm not going anywhere while you're not feeling right.' Imogen says softly as she gently squeezes the blonde's hand.

****

'Immy... Imogen.' Leah groans leaning heavily on the dresser as she glances over at the brunette who is fast asleep in bed. As she's got into the latter stages of pregnancy, they've graduated from sleeping on the sofa when Imogen stays over to just sleeping in the bed.

'What's going on?' Imogen asks sleepily, her hand reaching up to rub her eyes before leaning up on her elbows to glance over at the blonde.

'I uh- I think I'm in labour, Ims. My mum is on her way over but I just- I figured I'd wake you now in case you wanted to head home so you can get some sleep before training tomorrow.' Leah replies.

'Oh shit... Have your waters broken? Are you having contractions?' Imogen asks sitting up and turning on the lamp on the bedside table.

'Waters haven't broken... Contractions started maybe forty-five minutes ago.' Leah replies watching as Imogen gets out of bed and immediately makes her way over to her.

'What do you need? What can I do?' Imogen asks, her hand instinctively reaching out to rub the blonde's lower back.

'Do you not want to head home to get some sleep?' Leah asks.

'I'm good.' Imogen replies and the blonde groans.

'That. Keep doing whatever it is you're doing.' Leah says. Moving to stand directly behind the blonde, she uses both hands to gently massage Leah's lower back as she continues to lean on the dresser.

'This is it, Le. This is the start of everything you've been looking forward to. The start of the rest of your life with your little girl.' Imogen says softly as tears fill the blonde's eyes.