Rediscovering You

sixteen

29th March 2023 – one year and nine weeks old.

The sound of the buzzer pulls her from her sleep as she groans and runs her hand over her face. Climbing out of bed, she makes her way out into the hallway and presses to answer the buzzer.

'Hello?' She says groggily.

'Delivery for you.' The voice says through the intercom.

'Come on up.' She replies. She presses the button to allow the person entry to the apartment building before making her way to the front door. She stands for a few minutes before the delivery man appears carrying a small box and a beautiful bouquet of flowers including roses, clematis, snapdragons and dianthus.

'Miss Williamson?' The delivery man asks and Leah nods her head.

'That's me.' Leah replies and the delivery man passes her the items in his hand.

'There you are. Have a nice day.' He says before turning to make his way back downstairs. She makes her way back into the apartment, locking the front door behind her as she carries the items through to the kitchen and sets them on the table as Rory begins to whine from her cot. She quickly makes her way through to the nursery where Rory is standing up gripping onto the side of her cot, a tiny pout on her face.

'Oh baby girl... Have you wakened up? Mumma was just getting the door.' Leah says softly as she lifts the little girl into her arms.

'Mama.' Rory mumbles as she sleepily buries her face in the crook of the blonde's neck.

'Are you hungry? Will we go get some breakfast?' Leah asks.

'No.' Rory mumbles.

'No? Do you want to help mumma open her delivery? See what's inside?' Leah asks.

'No.' Rory repeats.

'Oh deary me, what's going on with you this morning... Were you not ready to wake up? Will we just go snuggle for a little bit?' Leah says softly. She makes her way over to the rocking chair and adjusts Rory until she's resting against her chest.

'I've got you, my girl... Always.' Leah almost whispers.

****

It's a little over an hour later when she finds herself finally putting the flowers into a vase of water and opening her parcel while Rory sits happily in her highchair mushing a banana into the tray. Pulling a card out of the box, she smiles slightly as she takes in the front of the card which reads make a wish. Opening the card, she glances over at Rory before beginning to read the message inside.

'Le,

I know we're not back to where we were but I couldn't let your birthday go by without acknowledging it. I figured doing it this way would probably make it a bit less awkward than if I was to hand you them or bring them to you myself.

You are by far one of the best people I've ever met. Your selflessness and the love you have for others shines always. Thank you for always taking care of me when I've needed you, I hope one day I might get to return a favour even just as a friend.

Happy birthday, Le. I hope your day is as amazing as you are. You deserve the world.

Imogen x'

Tears fill her eyes as she reads and rereads the card before making her way over to place it on the fireplace. She returns to the kitchen to take in the contents of the box; a beautiful box of brownies which are decorated with happy birthday in what looks like white chocolate across the top of them.

'Oh, Immy.' She almost whispers.

****

'Happy birthday!' A chorus of voices shout as she makes her way into the dressing room with Rory perched on her hip. She's immediately engulfed in hugs from various members of the team causing her to smile.

'Thanks, guys...' Leah says smiling. She makes her way over to her cubby and sets Rory down, smiling as the little girl instantly toddles towards Lia who scoops her into her arms.

'Happy birthday.' Imogen says softly as she sits down in her cubby next to the blonde's.

'Thank you... Thank you for the flowers and brownies as well. They were beautiful, Ims.' Leah replies smiling as she turns to face the blonde.

'I wasn't sure if you'd think it was weird because obviously where we're at but then I remembered you tell me to stop overthinking everything so in the end I just went with my gut...' Imogen admits and Leah nods her head.

'You should follow your gut more often... I didn't think it was weird at all. I thought it was actually really lovely.' Leah says reaching out to gently squeeze the brunette's knee.

'Have you had a nice day so far?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... My mum came over with my grandma and brought lunch for us all then just before I came here my dad popped by.' Leah replies smiling.

'Sounds like a good morning... Let's hope we give you a birthday to remember and get through to the semi-finals, ey?' Imogen says and Leah laughs.

'Well that certainly would be a good birthday present, wouldn't it?' Leah replies as Lia makes her way back over with Rory in her arms.

'Got her changing bag?' Lia asks.

'Mm... Here. Does she need changed? I can do it.' Leah replies.

'Don't be silly. Pass me the bag and I'll change her.' Lia says putting her free hand out.

'Thank you!' Leah replies smiling as she passes the changing bag over and watches the other woman disappear out of the changing rooms.

'What age are you today again, Leah?' Jen asks.

'21.' Leah replies laughing.

'In your dreams.' Katie shouts from across the room.

****

'Do you need a lift home?' Leah asks pulling up beside Imogen who smiles.

'That would be nice actually... My car is in the garage so Steph brought me here but I think her and Dean are going out for food so I don't want to ask them to take me home.' Imogen replies and Leah leans over to open the passenger door. Imogen climbs into the seat, positioning her bag by her feet and fastens her seatbelt before Leah begins to drive.

'Good game tonight, ey? Through to the semi-finals.' Imogen says and Leah nods her head.

'Mm... I know. Love nights like tonight. In fact, I actually just really loved tonight. I feel like I lost my love for the game for a little while, you know? I finally feel like I'm getting it back, slowly but definitely getting it back. Finding my feet again.' Leah replies.

'I'm glad you're finding it again.' Imogen says and Leah smiles.

'You were amazing tonight, by the way. We wouldn't have won without you; two goals and you assisted both of them.' Leah says glancing over at the brunette.

'Thank you.' Imogen replies softly. They drive a little further before Leah lets out a small sigh as they come to a set of traffic lights.

'You okay?' Imogen asks.

'Mm-hmm... Just thinking.' Leah replies.

'Yeah? What is it you guys say again? Penny for your thoughts?' Imogen asks causing the blonde to laugh as she shakes her head.

'You make it so hard.' Leah says shaking her head.

'Make what hard?' Imogen asks, her eyebrows raising in confusion at the blonde's statement.

'I couldn't even tell you how many times today I just wanted to kiss you.' Leah replies quietly.