Rediscovering You

twenty-nine

15th June 2023 - one year and twenty weeks old.

Stretching her arms above her head, Leah groans as she runs her hands over her face and rolls onto her side. She rubs her eyes as she attempts to adjust to the light which is flooding the room from the gap in the curtain leading to the balcony.

'Ims?' She says groggily as she pushes herself into a sitting position.

'Hey, I'm here... How you feeling? I left some water and paracetamol on the bedside table for you.' Imogen says softly as she makes her way in from the balcony.

'My head hurts.' Leah mumbles and Imogen nods her head.

'Mm... I can imagine. The others are already away for breakfast but I figured I'd just let you sleep longer.' Imogen says making her way over to sit on the edge of the bed as Leah swallows two paracetamol.

'So how much of last night do you actually remember?' Imogen asks softly causing the blonde to groan.

'Oh God, what did I do?' Leah asks and Imogen shakes her head.

'You didn't do anything really. We had a conversation last night about everything you went through when I wasn't around... You told me you don't want to go through postpartum again because it scares you after last time.' Imogen replies.

'Oh... I-I was planning speaking to you about it at some point. I just- I didn't want you to blame yourself.' Leah admits.

'It's okay. I'll say to you now what I said you last night, but you were asleep, there is absolutely no pressure from me for you to go through the whole process of carrying all of our future children if you don't want to, love. I can give it a go and see how I get on. I don't mind.' Imogen says reaching for the blonde's hand.

'I just- I don't want to put that pressure on you.' Leah says quietly.

'Le, don't worry about it honestly. It's not something we're doing right now so it's something we can approach when we get to that stage, okay?' Imogen replies.

'Okay.' Leah says softly.

'What's going through that head of yours, ey?' Imogen asks, moving to lie beside her blonde who shakes her head.

'I'm just tired still.' Leah replies quietly.

'Do you want me to lie with you for a bit? You can go back to sleep?' Imogen asks. She watches as the blonde nods her head before she climbs under the covers beside her. Her arms wrap tightly around Leah as she presses a kiss to the top of her head.

'Are we okay?' Leah almost whispers.

'Of course we are. Why wouldn't we be, love? Do you think this would change how I feel about you? My visions of the future? It certainly doesn't. I love you. I still want to have all your babies.' Imogen says.

'Yeah? I want that to... More than you could possibly ever know.' Leah replies.

'When can we start?' Imogen asks laughing.

'Honestly? If we're being realistic and sensible about it, we need to give ourselves some time. Going by my heart? I'd start right now.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'Mm... Suppose we should probably be sensible though, shouldn't we? It's hard when you've already created the most incredible tiny human though.' Imogen says.

'I love you.' Leah says.

'I love you too.' Imogen replies.

****

'Rough this morning?' Keira asks smiling as Leah sits herself down next to her and drops her head to rest on the blonde's shoulder.

'So rough.' Leah replies.

'I didn't realise you had drank so much until Imogen said she was taking you back to the hotel.' Keira says.

'Mm... Me neither.' Leah replies.

'Have you eaten this morning?' Keira asks and the blonde shakes her head.

'Couldn't stomach anything. I've not had a hangover like this in a long time, Kei.' Leah admits causing the other woman to smile.

'You missing Rory? Do you think that's what's caused you to get so drunk? Do you think you've been trying to mask the pain you're feeling?' Keira asks.

'I apparently told Imogen about my panic attacks and the postnatal depression... I must have been stressed about that.' Leah replies.

'Oh... How did that go?' Keira asks.

'Well I don't remember last night's conversation but this morning we spoke again and it was fine. She understands. We've both went through some shit and we're hopefully out the other end now.' Leah replies causing Keira to smile.

'That's good. I thought she would understand, Le.' Keira says and Leah sighs.

'I really love her, Kei. Honestly, I thought after Jords I'd never find anyone but I just- I want it all with her. The house, kids, even maybe a dog...' Leah admits.

'I'm so happy for you, Le. It's so nice seeing you happy and settled... You deserve the world.' Keira says smiling.

'I won't lie, I'm so ready to get home to my baby though.' Leah says and Keira laughs.

'I bet you are. I miss her... Hopefully I'll be able to get home soon to see her.' Keira replies.

'Hopefully we'll be able to get out to Aus, although I'm dreading that travel day if we do.' Leah admits.

'Oh its a long one for an adult nevermind a toddler.' Keira says and Leah nods her head.

****

'Maybe, and I don't mean right now but just in the future, would you maybe want to move in with me? I mean you practically stay every night anyway.' Leah says as they sit on the edge of the pool with their feet dangling in the water.

'Mm-hmm... Makes sense I think, as long as it's what you want. We could see where we're at after pre-season and just go from there?' Imogen suggests.

'Yeah. That sounds like a good idea. Let's get the World Cup and preseason out the way then just see how we both feel.' Leah replies, a smile appearing on her face as Imogen wraps her arm around her waist.

'We'll need to get a proper family home before we go down the route of having babies... There's only so many people who can fit in your apartment.' Imogen says and Leah nods her head.

'Yeah, we can look into getting a place together... Never know, once you move in you might change your mind and do a runner.' Leah replies laughing.

'Do a runner from you? Never.' Imogan says smiling.