Rediscovering You

forty

14th December 2023 - one year and forty-six weeks old.

'Love...' Imogen says softly as she makes her way into the bedroom where Leah is just finishing pulling her hair back into a ponytail while simultaneously attempting to slide her feet into her shoes without using her hands.

'I know, I know. I'm running late, I promise I just need like five more minutes and I'll be good to go.' Leah replies glancing over her shoulder as she grabs her jumper.

'Le, it's not that. Just stop what you're doing for a minute, ey? I need to speak to you about something.' Imogen says watching the blonde instantly stop what she's doing and place her hairbrush down on the dresser.

'I just got off the phone with the estate agent... We didn't get the house, they accepted someone else's offer.' The brunette adds watching as the blonde sighs and closes her eyes. Making her way over to the blonde, she immediately pulls her against her chest and wraps her arms tightly around her.

'That place was perfect for us.' Leah says quietly and Imogen nods her head. Taking a deep breath, she presses a kiss on the blonde's head as Leah tucks her face into the crook of her neck.

'I know, but it obviously wasn't meant for us, Le. There's obviously something so much better out there that we just haven't found yet. We'll keep looking and we'll find our place.' Imogen replies.

'It just sucks.' Leah says.

'It's shitty, babe. It's so, so shitty but our place is obviously out there waiting for us to find it.' Imogen replies.

'Hopefully.' Leah says quietly. They spend a couple of minutes standing wrapped up in each other's arms until Imogen lets out a sigh.

'Right we need to head, babe. We're already going to be a bit late. Don't want to be too late.' Imogen says.

****

'What's going on with them two?' Katie asks gesturing between Leah and Imogen who are sitting silently tying their shoes as they get ready for training.

'I don't know. They've been quiet this morning but they're very together so they've obviously not had an argument.' Beth replies and Katie nods her head.

'Leah looked like she'd been crying when they came in this morning... She seems a bit more put together now but she looked very emotional.' Caitlin says.

'I'm sure if they wanted us to know, they would tell us.' Viv replies.

'We're just worried about them.' Katie says and Viv nods her head.

'I know, but I'm sure when or if they need to talk to us they will.' Viv replies. They watch as Leah rests her head on Imogen's shoulder as the brunette drapes her arm around the blonde and whispers something in her ear.

'Let's go you... Leave the two of them alone to deal with whatever it is they're going through.' Viv says taking hold of the blonde's arm and directing her out towards the gym to begin their routines. 

'Do you think they're okay though?' Beth asks softly.

'I don't know but I think we just need to give them some space to work through whatever it is they're going through... Like you said, they've obviously not argued because they're leaning on each other but unless they come to us then we need to just give them space and time to process whatever it is they're going through.' Viv replies and Beth nods her head.

'I just worry about Le.' Beth admits and Viv nods her head.

'I know you do but until she comes to us, there's nothing you can do.' Viv says softly.

****

'You okay?' Beth asks softly as Leah takes a seat on the bench beside her.

'Mm... We found out this morning that our offer on the house wasn't accepted. Someone went in with a higher offer.' Leah replies.

'Oh, Le... I'm sorry. I know you had your heart set on that place.' Beth says and Leah immediately shrugs her shoulders.

'It was just perfect, Beth. The garden would've been great for Rory and a dog in the future.' Leah replies.

'You'll find somewhere, Le. It's just going to take a little time to find you your forever home.' Beth says and Leah nods her head.

'I know. It's just shitty, you know? Like we both really loved that place. It just felt so perfect.' Leah replies.

'How's Myle doing? Rory keeps walking around shouting her.' Leah asks causing Beth to smile.

'She's settling... You can bring Rory round to see her any time you want honestly.' Beth replies and Leah nods her head.

'I know. If it was up to her I reckon she'd just move in with you.' Leah says smiling.

'Well she'd always be welcome... Do you think you'd have any more? Is that something you and Imogen have spoke about?' Beth asks causing Leah to smile.

'Definitely... We've spoke about it a lot actually. It's something we've both spoke about wanting so it's definitely something we know is hopefully going to happen in our future.' Leah says.

'That's good that you guys have had that conversation.' Beth replies.

'Mm... I know it might seem to some people that we're moving fast with her moving in and stuff but it just all feels so right, you know?' Leah says.

'Listen, don't let anyone tell you that you're moving too fast. You and Imogen have been through a lot, you both know what you want and if that's each other then go for it. She clearly makes you so happy.' Beth replies.

'Mm... She really does.' Leah says softly as she glances towards the brunette who is running on the pitch.

****

'If we don't get a house by the time treatmeant is supposed to start, do you want to put off trying for a baby?' Leah asks softly as she glances at Imogen who's sitting in the passenger seat.

'I hadn't really thought about it... I mean I guess in a way putting it off makes sense because we don't exactly have room for another one do we? I mean Rory just about fits in her room.' Imogen replies and the blonde nods her head.

'I mean you also could look at it like we've got at least nine months while you were pregnant and then a good while before the baby goes in their own room... We should hopefully have a house by that point.' Leah says.

'I guess if you were to look at it like that... Does that mean that you don't want to put it on hold?' Imogen asks.

'I don't. I mean you're going to be the one going through treatment and carrying the baby so if you would rather wait until we're settled then that's perfectly okay with me as well.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders.

'I'm happy to continue with our usual plan, Le. We'll get a house at some point so there's no need to stress about that.' Imogen says.

'Yeah, well I'll make sure you're as stress free as possible. I promise you're going to have the best, stress free pregnancy as much as I can control.' Leah replies smiling as she links her fingers through Imogen's and brings her hand up to press a kiss to the back of her hand.

'I love you.' Imogen says smiling.

'I love you too.' Leah replies.