Rediscovering You

twenty-four

8th May 2023 – one year and fifteen weeks old.

'Hi...' She almost whispers as the front door opens to reveal Viv standing, concern written all over her face as she steps to the side to allow the blonde to make her way into the house.

'I'm okay. I just-I just need a friend right now.' Leah admits and Viv nods her head.

'Of course. Beth is out with Laura and Steph for lunch just now but it shouldn't be too long until they're back.' Viv says.

'Would you mind if I stay with you for a bit? Only if you're not too busy that is.' Leah asks and Viv nods her head.

'Of course you can stay. I was just having a lazy day anyway.' Viv replies as she leads the blonde into the living room.

'I was just lying down. Do you want a blanket? We've got another one here.' Viv says causing the blonde to smile.

'Thanks, Viv.' Leah replies taking the blanket. They both settle down on the sofa, the blonde taking her shoes off before carefully lifting her legs onto the sofa.

'Your surgery is this week, isn't it?' Viv asks softly watching as Leah takes a deep breath and nods her head.

'Thursday.' Leah replies quietly.

'How are you feeling about that? It's scary and sometimes the lead up to it feels like it's going so slowly but also far too fast at the same time.' Viv says and Leah nods her head.

'Part of me just wants it over and done with and then part of me wants it to be months away... I don't feel ready.' Leah admits.

'I didn't feel ready when I went in for mine. I was so scared, Le. It's natural to be nervous, it's a major thing and you don't even only have you to think about anymore...' Viv says.

'I just-What if it goes wrong? What if something happens and I can never play again? What do I do then?' Leah asks sliding closer to the blonde, Viv reaches out to gently squeeze her hand.

'It's unlikely to happen but if something were to happen, we'd work something out. We'd all make sure you were okay.' Viv says.

****

'We're ho-' Beth begins before immediately shutting up as she spots the blonde curled up on the sofa, fast asleep.

'She needed a friend... I think she's starting to get a bit stressed about the surgery.' Viv explains and Beth nods her head.

'Wally did say she's been a bit off the past week. What have you guys been up to?' Beth asks as she sits down next to her girlfriend.

'We spoke through everything that is going to happen when she goes for surgery and immediately afterwards, then she wanted to discuss what she could do if something went wrong and she couldn't play again so we did that for a bit then she fell asleep as we watched a movie.' Viv replies.

'I said as soon as she's home and feeling up to it, we'll go visit her.' Viv says and Beth nods her head.

'This is awful, isn't it? I mean it was hard watching you go through this but I didn't fully know what was coming recovery-wise but with Le and Laura, we both know what's coming their way.' Beth says and Viv nods her head.

'We just need to be there for them. Do what we can to help them through it. How's Laura doing?' Viv asks.

'She seems to be okay but then we're not three days out from her surgery...' Beth replies and Viv sighs.

'It's shit that so many people are having to go through this. What has to happen for people to take this injury seriously and look into it more?' Viv says shaking her head.

****

'Hey, sleepyhead.' Beth says softly as she watches the blonde stretch her arms above her head. Groaning, Leah runs her hands over her face as she glances around the room.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep.' Leah replies and Beth shakes her head.

'Don't be silly. Are you okay?' Beth asks and Leah nods her head.

'I think I was just having a wobble.' Leah replies and Beth smiles slightly as she watches the blonde push herself into a sitting position.

'It does get better once you've had the surgery, Le. Don't get me wrong, there are going to be so many moments during your rehab where it's going to feel so fucking hard and you're going to have more wobbles but once the surgery is out the way you've got something to look forward to. Every day in rehab is a step forward, even if sometimes you feel like you're going backwards.' Beth says and Leah nods her head.

'I think I just want to get the surgery out the way.' Leah admits.

'Where's little legs today then?' Beth asks causing Leah to smile.

'With my grandma. She's taken her out to a farm or something like that.' Leah replies.

'How are you getting on with your knee and looking after her?' Beth asks.

'I can do most things. It's just things like bathing her and chasing her just aren't as possible as they used to be so Wally does all the chasing.' Leah replies causing Beth to smile.

'Can I ask how things are with you and Imogen?' Beth asks softly.

'Things are okay... We're just taking it slow, trying to communicate with each other better and not rush into things again.' Leah replies.

'Communicating better sounds like a good plan.' Beth says smiling.

'I really like her, Beth...' Leah almost whispers.

'Mm... I know you do. I can see by the way you look at her that you like her and she likes you. You guys are good together as long as you can communicate with each other and not keep things from one another, it's the only way it's going to work.' Beth says.

****

'Hey... How are you doing?' Keira asks causing Leah to smile as she holds the phone out in front of her.

'Hey, Kei. I'm okay, just looking forward to getting this surgery out the way and being back on track to get on the pitch again.' Leah replies.

'Not long now and you'll be on your road to recovery... Wally still going to stay with you when you've had the surgery? Help you and looking after Rory?' Keira asks and the blonde nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... She's been a godsend, honestly.' Leah replies smiling.

'I wish I could get over to see you, Le. Things are just crazy over here with the final coming up and the games we've still got to play. It's all a bit intense.' Keira admits.

'Don't be silly. You can't help it, you've got things to do and a Champions League to win.' Leah replies smiling.

'While we're on the subject of it, if you're back on your feet and stuff would you want to come over for the final. It's like a one-hour flight from London? I could get you some tickets if it's something you think you'd be up for.' Keira says causing Leah to smile and nod her head.

'I'd love that. I'll be what? Three weeks post-surgery by then; let me speak to the physios this week and I'll let you know, is that okay? I think it'll be fine but I just want to check.' Leah says and Keira nods her head.

'Of course. Check and if it's not possible or you're not up to it then that's fine. There's no pressure honestly; just let me know and let me know how many tickets you'd need.' Keira replies.