Rediscovering You

seven

12th February 2023 - one year and three weeks old.

Adjusting Rory on her hip, Leah can't help but smile as she glances up at where Louise is filming the players' arrivals. Over the past year she's been used to leaving Rory with the driver, filming her arrival and then rushing back to get her daughter in an attempt to keep her attendance at camp a secret but she's not overly fussed about that anymore as long she's still able to keep her face out the videos and off social media. She knows the fans aren't stupid, she knows that since the Euros they've been able to put two and two together.

'Hello, you... Feels like forever since I've seen you cheeky chops.' Alessia says smiling as she makes her way over to where Leah is keeping the toddler balanced on her hip while using her free arm to pull the bag over her shoulder.

'Hey, Less... How are you?' Leah asks as Rory buries her face in the crook of her neck.

'I'm good. How are you two? Can't believe she's one.' Alessia says and Leah nods her head.

'I know... Stop pretending you're shy, Roo. You're far from it.' Leah says tickling the little girl who giggles.

'Mama.' Rory babbles grabbing hold of the blonde's top.

'She's so big now.' Alessia says and Leah smiles.

'Mm... She's a little chatterbox, aren't ya? Constantly just shouting something or someone.' Leah replies.

'Is she speaking tons now then?' Alessia asks and the blonde shakes her head.

'Not tons but she'll say mama, nana, papa, Wawa for Wally and she'll say ball occasionally, but usually she's just shouting on someone.' Leah replies smiling.

'God to think she was so tiny during the Euros... Time flies.' Alessia says and Leah nods her head.

'It certainly does, Less.' Leah replies.

****

'Oh look at that... Mummy's packed everything but the kitchen sink.' Keira says smiling from her position lying in the middle of the bed with Rory. Glancing over her shoulder, Leah can't help but smile as she shakes her head before returning to unpacking their stuff.

'Mm... Half of this is her stuff.' Leah replies.

'Yeah, yeah... Whatever you say.' Keira says laughing.

'Don't you have some unpacking to do?' Leah asks raising her eyebrows.

'I'm keeping my little buddy entertained, aren't I? It's been too long since Auntie Kei has had proper Rory snuggles.' Keira replies smiling.

'We've missed you.' Leah says.

'How are you doing, Kei? Like really doing? After everything with Lucy?' Leah asks moving over to sit on the edge of the bed.

'I'm okay. I had my time when things felt really shitty but I'm okay. Luce and I are still friends and that's something that is so important to me.' Keira replies and Leah nods her head.

'You sure? I know how hard it can be when you've been together for so long.' Leah says causing Keira to smile.

'Never know, might pull a you and have myself a kid by this time next year.' Keira replies causing the blonde to laugh.

'I walked right into that one didn't I?' Leah says smiling.

'You know I'm kidding, Le... I know that making the decision to have Rory wasn't one that you jumped to as a result of the break-up with Jordan. I also know that the decision to have her was probably one of the best you've ever made.' Keira says and Leah nods her head.