Rediscovering You

thirty-three

7th September 2023 – one year and thirty-two weeks old.

'I'm so fucking proud of you.' Imogen says softly as she wraps her arms around the blonde almost immediately after she steps off the anti-gravity treadmill.

'My legs feel like jelly.' Leah admits, laughing quietly as she tucks her face into the brunette's neck.

'You've done absolutely amazing. All the hard work you've put in has got you to this point, Le. You should be so proud of yourself.' Imogen says.

'She's on her way back!' Beth shouts causing Leah to laugh as she unwraps herself from Imogen.

'Right enough... Back to work you two.' Leah says shaking her head as she wipes her cheeks.

'I love you.' Imogen mumbles leaning forward to press her lips against the blonde's.

'I love you too.' Leah replies smiling. She watches as Imogen heads off in the direction of the pitches before making her way over to grab her water bottle.

'Imogen's right, you know... You've worked so hard, Leah. It isn't an easy injury to deal with and you've obviously been doing it while also being a mum alongside all the rehab and recover. You should be really proud of the progress you are making.' Rose says causing the blonde to smile.

'It hasn't been easy.' Leah admits and Rose nods her head.

'I know it hasn't and it was never going to be easy. Unfortunately with an injury like this, it's never going to be an easy ride. You have your ups and downs, that's just the way it is.' Rose says and Leah nods her head.

'How's the little one doing? I thought you'd have her in with you today?' Rose asks and Leah smiles.

'She's with my mum today... She's doing really good though. I swear she changes more and more every day. She's such a little chatterbox though, I swear she could out-talk Beth at this stage.' Leah replies causing Rose to laugh.

'When you had her in the other day I was sitting just down from where she was sitting with Imogen and oh my god she was just chatting away... I think there was a solid five minutes where she just didn't stop and it's proper little part conversations as well. You'd never think she wasn't even two yet.' Rose says.

'My mum was saying that the other day.' Leah replies smiling.

****

'You okay?' Imogen asks softly as she makes her way over to where the blonde is sitting at the side of the pitch.

'Mm... Just watching.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders as she reaches her hands up for the brunette to pull her onto her feet.

'You sure?' Imogen asks as the blonde tucks herself into the brunette's arms.

'I think I must be due on soon I just- I'm a bit emotional. Just wanna go home and curl up in bed with a movie and some chocolate if I'm being honest.' Leah admits causing the brunette to smile.

'Yeah? Are you done for the day?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'They've said I've not to push it too much because I did the alt-g today.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders.

'Why don't you go home then? Have a nice bath and get cosy in bed. I can pick Rory up from your mum's place.' Imogen suggests.

'Are you sure?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'Of course I am... Go pick some chcolate up and go home and get yourself cosy. I'll message you when I'm on my way home from your mum's.' Imogen replies causing the blonde to smile.

'Thank you.' Leah says. Kissing the top of the blonde's head, Imogen smiles and gently squeezes her waist before unwrapping her arms from around her.

'Go relax, love. I've got a meeting with Jonas after training then I'll go pick Rory up and be home later, okay?' Imogen says and Leah nods her head.

****

'Hi, Imogen... Thanks for coming to see me, have a seat.' Jonas says gesturing to the seat across from him.

'Hey... Is everything okay?' Imogen asks as she sits down.

'Everything is fine. I just have a few things I want to discuss with you... I want to start by saying how we love having you at the club, Imogen. You've fitted in so well and we don't want to lose you. However, we also want what is best for you and we want you to be happy.' Jonas says and Imogen nods her head.

'I'm going to be completely honest with you here and say we've received a pretty impressive offer for you, impressive for both the club and for you as an individual.' Jonas adds as he slides a piece of paper towards the brunette who leans down to pick it up. She briefly glances over it before looking back up at Jonas, her eyes wide with shock.

'Barca?' She asks and Jonas nods his head.

'Like I said, we really don't want to lose you but this is a huge offer and would be a huge step for your career so we understand if this is a step you want to take and we will work to facilitate it... I can give you a few days to think about it but I need your answer by Friday.' Jonas explains and Imogen nods her head.

'Thank you.' Imogen says quietly as she glances back down at the paper.

'Take your time to think this over, talk to those closest to you. It is a huge decision but as a club we'll support you all the way.' Jonas replies and Imogen sighs.

'I will... Thanks, Jonas. I really appreciate you giving me a few days.' Imogen says causing Jonas to smile.

'Enjoy the rest of your day, Imogen.' Jonas says.

****

Making her way into the bedroom, Imogen smiles as she sees Leah fast asleep curled up in bed with the covers pulled tightly around her body. She can see the outline of the blonde's hot water bottle pressed against her stomach. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she smiles as she gently moves some hair out of the blonde's face. She'd picked up Rory, who is currently fast asleep in her cot, and gone to the shops to pick them up some stuff for dinner and chocolate to tide the blonde over.

'Mm... You're home.' Leah mumbles sleepily.

'I'm home, love. Rory is sleeping so why don't you go back to sleep for a bit?' Imogen suggests her hand running over the blonde's forehead.

'Meeting with Joans go okay?' Leah asks, one eye opening to look up at the brunette who smiles.

'Mm-hmm... It went fine, Le. Go to sleep. We can speak about stuff when you've woke up and feel a bit better.' Imogen replies softly.

'Lie with me?' Leah asks as Imogen reaches onto the bedside table to turn the baby monitor on.

'Of course. Let me just get changed and I'll be right back, okay?' Imogen says. She quickly changes into some pyjamas before climbing into bed behind the blonde and wrapping her arms around her. Smiling, Leah shuffles backwards until her back meets the blonde's chest and she tucks herself into her embrace.

'I love you.' Leah mumbles.

'I love you more.' Imogen replies smiling.