Lean on Me || Jill Roord

38. Beautiful Cities

"Caroline, you can still continue recovery in another country," Jill reasoned as we sat in the back of Alanna's car. She graciously offered to drive us, but I'm sure she's regretting it now due to Jill and I bickering the entire time. I was worried about not being able to stay on track with my recovery because I was so close to being ready for full training once more.

"I'm just worried, okay," I huffed while crossing my arms. A lopsided grin appeared on Jill's face after a moment. Then she decided to slowly entangle my arms and interlock our hands, making me suppress a smile growing on my lips. Her actions filled my chest with a warm feeling, even if it was something small.

"Caroline, liefje, you will be fine. You'll stay on track; I'll make sure of it." She pecked my lips quickly before adding, "And so will Ellie and Daan."

I rolled my eyes, finally letting my smile break through, causing Jill to laugh in triumph.

"Are you guys done bickering yet? You've been going at it this entire time. You guys definitely need this vacation." Alanna quipped from the front seat with a hint of annoyance.

I giggled, "Yes, mom."

Alanna's head whipped around, and the look she gave me made my eyes go wide. "You've been spending way too much time with Kyra." I shrugged, making Alanna narrow her eyes at me before returning her attention to the road in front of her. She wasn't wrong though; every time I was down in London, I'd see Kyra. Which was an absolute treat, and I'm glad to be living somewhat closer to her again.

"You're trouble," Jill teased me, elbowing me softly in the ribs.

"You love it," I grinned. Despite my recent worries, I was beginning to have a lot of optimism about returning during the Olympics. I'd been in contact with Tony a lot recently, along with Steph since she's my captain. If anything, my confidence had been growing immensely over the last month. I was determined, and the support I had around me was also determined for me.

Jill chuckled, "Ja ik doe."

We bid farewell to Alanna and made our way smoothly through security before waiting to board our flight to Bilbao, Spain. I couldn't really tell you about the flight because as soon as that plane took off, I was out like a light.

—

Jill's POV

As Caroline's head rested against my shoulder, I couldn't help but let my mind wander. We'd already made plans with Ellie and Daan during the week before the game because we didn't want to impede whatever their mood might be afterwards.

But I'd made arrangements for a quieter get-away with just us; I wanted to take her to Amsterdam. A city I held dearly to my heart because of the time I'd spend there. It was a beautiful city inside and out, and I wanted to show it to Caroline properly.

I hadn't talked to her about it though, and I wasn't sure how to bring it up because of how focused she's been in recovery. Sidetracking her wasn't an option, but a little break is never damaging. Arguing that with Caroline would be another nightmare like in the car with Alanna.

Taking in a deep breath, I sighed, kissing the top of Caroline's head before closing my own eyes and drifting off for the remainder of the short flight.

It was bittersweet not getting to play in the Champion's League this year, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it. Sure, I knew Manchester wasn't qualified for it at the time of my move, but I wouldn't have changed anything about my move. I wanted to play in England again because the league is one of the most competitive ones out there right now. Manchester's brought me more than enough to make me want to stay; it's made me happier than I've been in a while. The way Caroline makes me feel beats winning the Euro's at home, and I'm pretty sure that was the best day of my life.