Rediscovering You

fifty-two

23rd January 2024 - two years old.

Making her way into the bedroom, Leah can't stop the tears filling her eyes as she smiles at Rory who is standing up in her cot clutching her little pink bunny in one hand while the other holds onto the cot bars. She makes her way over to the window and opens the blinds before turning around to face the little girl who giggles.

'Mama!' Rory squeals reaching her hand out towards the blonde.

'Happy birthday, sweet girlie... How are you two whole years old, ey? These past two years of being your mummy have been the best years of my life.' Leah says softly as she instantly lifts the toddler into her arms and balances her on her hip.

'Two...' Rory squeals and Leah nods her head.

'That's right, you're two... Will we go get some breakfast and open your presents? I think Immy's putting together a special breakfast for a special girl.' Leah says smiling as she kisses the top of the little girl's head as she cuddles her close to her.

'Food!' Rory shouts causing the blonde to laugh.

'Right my little food monster, let's go get you fed.' Leah says smiling. She makes her way out of the bedroom and down the hallway towards the living room where she's greeted by the tiny tornado that is Bear jumping at her legs causing Rory to throw her head back giggling.

'My bear... My bear!' Rory squeals kicking her legs in a bid to get put down with the puppy. Leaning down, Leah places Rory down allowing her to immediately flop onto the floor where she rolls around with the puppy who has quite literally became the toddler's little shadow ever since they brought him home.

'Is that our birthday girl I hear?' Imogen asks softly as she makes her way towards the kitchen door, a smile on her face as she spots Rory lying on the floor with Bear.

'Mimi I two!' Rory shouts as she glances up at the brunette.

'Oh my goodness... Two whole years old, you're practically a big girl now.' Imogen says smiling as Leah makes her way over to press a kiss to the brunette's head before tucking herself into her side, both of their attention staying firmly on the toddler.

'Two years of Rory...' Leah almost whispers, Imogen's arm wrapping around her shoulders as the little girl continues to roll around with Bear.

****

'How does it feel then, ey? Two whole years of being a mummy?' Imogen asks softly as she glances over at the blonde sitting in the driver's seat while Rory sleeps peacefully in the back.

'Strange... I can't believe she's two already. On one hand it feels like she was just born yesterday but it obviously the other hand it feels like she's been around forever. I don't remember what life was even like before her.' Leah admits.

'It's so funny, isn't it? Because technically, I've never really known you without her. I met you when you were pregnant and she's always just been a huge part of things, hasn't she?' Imogen says glancing at the toddler in the rearview mirror.

'Mm... She's never known life without you and I kind of love that. I know you didn't make the choice to have her, you didn't make the decision to have that responsibility but I love that you've stuck around.' Leah replies smiling.

'I wouldn't want to do life without her or without you...' Imogen says.

'Well you're stuck with me so you don't need to worry about that.' Leah replies smiling as she links her fingers through the brunette's.

'Happily stuck.' Imogen says softly.

****

'There's our little birthday gooner...' Jen says smiling as Rory makes her way into the training centre, one hand holding Leah while the other clutches her Gunnersaurus pillow.

'I two!' Rory squeals dropping the blonde's hand and rushing towards the Scot who smiles and lifts her into her arms.

'You are! Such a big girl now.' Jen says.

'Will we go see if we can find you a special treat if it's okay with your mummy?' Jen asks as she glances up at the blonde who nods her head.

'Two whole years of you being a mum, ey? Absolutely flying by.' Beth says smiling as she wraps her arms around the blonde.

'Mm... I know. Who would've thought it, ey? It's gone by so quickly.' Leah replies, her head resting on the blonde's shoulder.

'You're the best wee mummy... Always knew you would be but watching you thrive over the past two years has been incredible.' Kim says as she walks past them, one hand reaching out to gently squeeze Leah's shoulder.

'What are your guys plans for tonight? Are you going to your mum's place?' Viv asks and Leah shakes her head.

'No, we're ordering in some food then my mum, grandma and dad are going to come over at different points throughout the night for presents and stuff.' Leah replies.

'That'll be nice then. Just a quiet one this year then?' Beth asks and Leah nods her head.

'Mm... While she's still so little I don't see the need for a massive party or anything. She doesn't go to nursery or that so she's not got anyone to invite.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders.

'Yeah, make the most of not having to do the parties while you can.' Beth says smiling.

****

'Where's nana's favourite girl?' Amanda says smiling as she immediately lifts the toddler into her arm while holding the gifts in his other hand.

'I two!" Rory giggles immediately tucking her head into Amanda's neck.

'Mm... I know. How crazy that our tiny little poppet is now a tiny terror, ey?' Amanda says smiling as she greets both Leah and Imogen. They make their way through to the living room where Amanda immediately begins to help Rory open her presents as Leah sits on the sofa and curls herself into Imogen's side. It's been a long day. Despite them not getting up too early this morning, it still feels like it has been such a long day and as much as she's trying to saviour the moment she's also really looking forward to crawling into bed tonight.

'These are for you two...' Amanda says softly as she passes both Imogen and Leah a small gift bag.

'For us?' Leah asks and Amanda nods her head. They each open their gifts to reveal matching silver necklace with a small silver heart which is engraved with ABW on the front.

'Mum, you shouldn't have...' Leah says softly.

'Well I couldn't not get you a little present for smashing being a mummy, could I? And Imogen, I'm forever grateful for the strong and steady presence you have in our little love's life.' Amanda explains as Imogen reaches up to wipe a tear from her cheek.

'Thank you.' Imogen almost whispers.

'You are more than welcome, sweetheart... I don't know how much you guys have spoken about it or that but in my eyes you're raising my granddaughter as much as Leah is.' Amanda says smiling.

'She's absolutely raising Rory... Been there since the beginning and not going anywhere, are ya?' Leah asks softly, a small smile on her face as she glances at the brunette who nods her head.

'Wouldn't want to be anywhere else.' Imogen replies smiling.