The Captain's Heart

forty-four

Trigger warning - contains references of child abuse throughout.

19th August 2022 - six months and twenty-two days old.

'What's got you so quiet today?' Imogen asks softly as she glances at Leah who throws another packet of nappies into the trolley.

'Hmm? Nothing. I'm completely fine.' Leah replies shaking her head causing Imogen to sigh.

'No, you're not... Is it still the tyre incident playing on your mind? Are you still shaken up?' Imogen asks as they continue making their way around the supermarket.

'No, it's not that.' Leah replies.

'Then what is it? Talk to me, babes. I don't know what's going on in that head of yours right now.' Imogen says causing the blonde to sigh.

'I'm just nervous, okay.' Leah replies glancing down at Rory who is strapped to her chest in the carrier sleeping peacefully.

'Nervous about what, babes? Has something happened that I should know about? How can I help you?' Imogen asks reaching to grab hold of the blonde's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

'Meeting your sister... I just- This is huge, Immy. I want her to like me.' Leah admits biting her bottom lip.

'Oh, Le... Mia is going to absolutely love you. I just know she is.' Imogen says.

'You don't know that... She might think I'm no good for you and that you could do so much better than me.' Leah says shaking her head.

'Mia knows that I love you and honestly that's all that matters to her.' Imogen replies pulling the blonde into her side. She drapes her arm around her shoulders and presses a kiss to the side of her head as she continues to put the trolley with her free hand.

'What if she doesn't like me though? Does she know I've got Rory?' Leah asks quietly and Imogen nods her head.

'She knows all about Rory and just how much you both mean to me... I promise you she's going to absolutely love you but if you're not ready then you don't have to meet her, Le.' Imogen replies.

'No, I want to. I really do, I promise.' Leah says.

****

'I'm so glad you're here...' Imogen admits as she glances at Mia who is sitting opposite her while Tom, her husband, has a shower.

'Mm... I was always going to make it over to see you thrive in your new home. Next time we'll make it during your season so I can watch you play.' Mia says and Imogen nods her head.

'Definitely.' Imogen replies.

'So am I going to get to meet the girl who's stolen your heart while I'm here?' Mia asks and Imogen nods her head.

'Of course. We're meeting her for dinner later if you guys are up to it.' Imogen replies and Mia nods her head.

'Of course we are. I've been looking forward to meeting her... I need to speak to you though; it's about mum and dad. It's up to you whether we have that conversation now or after dinner.' Mia says.

'They've been in contact with him for a while, haven't they?' Imogen asks.

'Mm-hmm... Well as far as I know, dad hasn't been in contact with him but mum definitely has.' Mia replies.

'All this time?' Imogen asks quietly, tears filling her eyes as she bites her bottom lip.

'I don't know. I know it's been for at least the past year or so.' Mia replies.