Rediscovering You

seventeen

7th April 2023 - one year and ten weeks old.

Lying in bed, Leah can't help but smile as she runs her finger down Rory's cheek as the little girl sleeps peacefully beside her. It's been a few days since they came to camp and last night she played her first game as they went on to win the Finalissima, collecting yet another trophy as a team. In a few days they play a friendly against the Matildas which means she'll get to see Imogen, something she's very much looking forward to; ever since her birthday they've definitely been more on track to getting back to where they were prior to everything going wrong.

'Right, Roo... Mumma needs to get up and get breakfast before my recovery session.' Leah says softly as she slowly climbs out of bed. She sets about quietly repacking the changing bag and sorting the pram out before making her way over to the bed to lift Rory into her arms.

'Shh... I've got you. Go back to sleep.' Leah says as Rory groans and buries her face in the crook of the blonde's neck. She settles Rory in the pram and tucks a blanket around her little body before grabbing the changing bag and beginning to leave the room.

'Morning...' She says softly as she comes to a stop beside Lucy who's waiting by the lift.

'Oh hey, Le... How are you guys this morning?' Lucy asks peeking in the pram.

'We're okay. How are you?' Leah says and Lucy sighs.

'I feel like there's something I should tell you but I don't want you to panic when I don't know if it's an actual thing...' Lucy replies.

'Well now I feel like you need to tell me, Luce. You can't leave me hanging here like this.' Leah says.

'There's been rumours, and that's all they are at the moment, that come the summer transfer window Barca want to put in a bid for Imogen.' Lucy says.

'I-Wow... I don't even know what to say right now.' Leah admits shaking her head.

'Like I said, it's not set in stone but it's just been rumours I've been hearing around base.' Lucy says.

'Mm... Thanks for telling me.' Leah replies quietly and Lucy can almost spot the moment when her mind goes into overdrive.

****

She's sitting in the corner of the room, her arms wrapped around her knees which are pulled up towards her chest when the blonde and Keira take a seat next to her, Alex reaching out to rest a hand on her knee.

'Hey, you... What's going on? You've been awfully quiet today.' Alex says softly causing Leah to shrug her shoulders as she keeps her eyes on where Rory is playing with some of the other girls.

'Just tired.' Leah replies quietly.

'Bullshit. What's really going on, Le? Is this to do with Imogen?' Keira asks and immediately the blonde turns to face her.

'What do you mean? Do you know as well and you just weren't telling me?' Leah asks.

'Know what? I don't have a clue what's going on here.' Keira says holding her hands up as Leah sighs.

'Apparently Barca want to put a bid in for Imogen in the transfer window...' Leah replies.

'And you think she'd go?' Alex asks softly.

'Who wouldn't. It's Barca.' Leah replies quietly.

'Even if she was to take it, Le, it doesn't mean that things between you two can't work out... There are so many people, especially within this industry, who manage the long distance.' Keira says and Leah shakes her head.

'We wouldn't survive it, Kei.' Leah replies.

'So you don't want her to take it then?' Alex asks.

'I don't not want her to take it. I mean if it's what she wants and she's going to thrive then I will be so happy for her but I just- Selfishly, I want her to stay at Arsenal.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders.

'It's not selfish, Le. You love her.' Keira says and the blonde nods her head.

'I do, I really do... Things between us have just started to get better, we've been spending more time together and I just- I don't want to lose her again.' Leah admits.

'They might not even put in an offer, Le. So much can change in the next few months and at the moment it's just a rumour.' Alex says and Leah sighs.

'I guess. I just- I feel like we've been in a good place for barely 12 minutes and this could bring it all crashing back down again.' Leah replies as Alex tries to stifle a laugh.

'I'm sorry... I'm sorry but 12 minutes? Don't people normally say 2?' Alex asks.

'I don't know.' Leah mumbles.

'Hey, look at me... You're gonna be fine no matter what happens, okay? People can survive long distance, I am.' Keira says softly causing both Leah and Alex to gasp.

'What? Since when? With who?' Leah asks.

'It's only been a few weeks, still really early days but I really like her.' Keira replies.

'Okay, that's great... Do we get to know who?' Leah asks.

'Laura. Laura Feiersinger... She's based in Germany just now.' Keira replies, a small smile on her face.

'Oh look at you all loved up!' Leah says grinning as she wraps her arms around her best friend.

****

'Hey, you... I hope this isn't a bad time I just- Well I guess I just wanted to hear your voice.' Leah says softly as she leans back on the pillows with the phone pressed against her ear.

'Hey... Never a bad time for you to call, Le. I've told you that before. Everything okay at camp?' Imogen asks.

'Mm-hmm... It's been good. More silverware and just genuinely good foodball... I can't wait to see you though in a few days. Playing against you won't be fun but it'll be so good to see you. I miss you.' Leah admits.

'I miss you too, Le. How's Rory doing? She still in camp with you?' Imogen asks causing Leah to smile.

'Yeah, she's still here... Currently on a walk with some of the girls. I swear they love having her here more than I do.' Leah replies, smiling as she hears Imogen laugh.

'Well it's pretty impossible not to love having Rory around, isn't it? Especially when she gives you those big eyes.' Imogen says. There's a few moments of silence before Leah lets out a small sigh and closes her eyes.

'What's going through that head of yours, Le?' Imogen asks softly.

'I know we're still working things out between us and we're taking our time getting to know each other again but can I take you out soon? We can look through our calendars and work out when is the best time?' Leah asks.

'Mm... On a date?' Imogen says.

'Doesn't have to be if you're not ready for that but I was thinking on a date.' Leah replies.

'See the only problem here is I want to be the one to take you out on a date... You got to do all the planning for the first one last time and I feel like it's my fault we're in this predicament so I feel like it's only right that I do the planning this time.' Imogen says causing Leah to smile.

'Okay, firstly I thought we said we weren't doing the blame game anymore... Secondly, you absolutely can plan a date. I am here, ready and waiting whenever you are.' Leah replies softly.