Rediscovering You

thirty-five

8th September 2023 – one year and thirty-two weeks old.

'Vivi!' Rory squeals as she immediately runs towards the Dutch-forward who smiles and bends down to lift the little girl into her arms.

'Hiya, little one... How are you doing?' Viv asks smiling as she adjusts the little girl on her hip.

'Mama lost BunBun.' Rory replies pouting as Viv glances at the blonde who laughs.

'I did not lose BunBun. I put her in the wash because you dipped her in your spag-bol last night... She'll be back before bedtime, bubba.' Leah says smiling as Amanda makes her way over.

'Oh dear... I think Auntie Beffy might have a little present for you that will cheer you up. Shall we go see? Is that alright, Le? She's just in the changing room.' Viv asks and Leah nods her head.

'Course... How are you Mandy? Settling in okay?' Leah asks softly turning to face the blonde as Viv makes her way towards the changing room with Rory.

'Mm-hmm... Everyone is so like a family that I almost feel like I've been here forever.' Amanda admits causing Leah to smile.

'I'm glad you're settling in. It's good to have you here, good to have you all here.' Leah replies.

'How do you find it? Doing the job and being a mum, I mean?' Amanda asks.

'It has its moments... I mean it's definitely not always easy but it's certainly worth it. The girls are all so supportive, from the moment I reveal I was pregnant until now I just- I know they've always got my back no matter what.' Leah replies and Amanda nods her head.

'She's a year, isn't she?' Amanda asks and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Nearly two actually. She'll be two in January which is just insane.' Leah replies smiling.

'I think it's amazing that you done the Euros what six months after she was born? I remember watching and thinking just how amazing it was that you were back and you were playing so brilliantly.' Amanda says.

'It took a lot of work to get there but I wanted to be back for them and I'm so glad I was.' Leah replies smiling.

****

'You're quiet today... What's going through that head of yours?' Lia asks softly as she glances at Leah who is watching Rory run around on the pitch with some of the girls.

'Mm... Just thinking.' Leah replies quietly.

'Where's Imogen? I've not seen her since breakfast I don't think.' Lia asks causing the blonde to sigh.

'She's in some meetings with Jonas and some of the others.' Leah replies.

'Should I be concerned? We are coming to the end of the transfer window.' Lia asks watching her best friend bite her bottom lip.

'It's not my news to give.' Leah almost whispers.

'Oh Le... Where? Still in the WSL?' Lia asks and the blonde shakes her head.

'Come here, you...' Lia says softly. She wraps her arm around the blonde's shoulder who immediately drops her head to rest on her shoulder. They'd spent the past few days talking and talking about just what Imogen was going to do about the offer before making the decision that it was just too big of an opportunity for the brunette to pass up on. Any plans they have for the future like more children or getting married can be put on hold for a little while.

'What happens now then?' Lia asks and the blonde shrugs her shoulders.

'We try muddle our way through long-distance, don't we? Roo and I spend any free time I've got flying between London and Barcelona.' Leah replies.

'Oh Le... I know it's probably not going to be any consolation to you but long distance can work. So many people do it, look at Frida and Emma.' Lia says and the blonde nods her head.

'I know... I just- I know it's such a huge opportunity for her and I wouldn't expect her to turn it down for me and Rory but it just feels a bit shitty at the same time, you know? I just selfishly want her here all the time.' Leah replies and Lia shakes her head.

'It's not selfish, Le. It's called being in love.' Lia says softly.

****

Letting out a small sigh, Imogen feels her entire body relax against the blonde as Leah wraps her arms tightly around her. Leah presses a kiss to the top of her head as she tucks her face into her neck and tightens her arms around Imogen.

'All done?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'All done.' Imogen almost whispers.

'We're going to absolutely fine. We'll make this work, I promise.' Leah says softly. They spend a few minutes standing in silence, too wrapped up in each other to notice people coming in and out of the changing room until Imogen lets out a shaky breath.

'I told Jonas I'm not leaving.' Imogen says.

'W-What?' Leah asks as she leans back slightly to look at the brunette who nods her head, her eyes filled with tears as she bites her bottom lip.

'I can't, Le. I don't want to be an entire flight away from you and Rory. I want to be right here, waking up to your beautiful face every morning... Barca is an incredibly opportunity, I'm completely aware of how lucky I am to have been given that opportunity but being with you, starting a family. That all means so much more.' Imogen says.

'F-Fuck... I don't know what to say.' Leah admits shaking her head as she uses one hand to wipe the tears that have fallen.

'I mean, I hope you're happy. I know we spoke about it and stuff and I went in intending to accept the offer but I just- I couldn't.' Imogen says and Leah shakes her head.

'I'm so fucking happy, Immy.' Leah replies. She wraps her arms tightly around the brunette again and squeals as Imogen lifts her until her feet are off the ground ever so slightly.

'I love you.' Leah says.

'I love you too.' Imogen replies smiling.

****

'What if, and tell me to shut up if you want, we see out this season, get you back on the pitch and then think about starting a family?' Imogen suggests.

'I know we spoke about being sensible and waiting but I know that there's no one else for me, Le. It's you. You're my person and I want to have your baby.' Imogen adds causing the blonde to smile as she glances at Rory who is playing with her toy kitchen.

'Are you sure? It means nearly a year out, Ims.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head.

'I'm positive. I want Rory to have a little brother or sister. I want to watch you with a baby, our baby. I don't mind how long I'm out. I just want us to grow our little family from a three to a four.' Imogen replies.

'Then end of the season it is. Eight months and then we start the process of growing our little family.' Leah says and Imogen smiles.

'Eight months... All my tests came back perfect so there hopefully won't be any issues.' Imogen replies softly.