Off Limits

6: The One Where: Leah Meets Izzie

I went to the lake three times a week for the next two weeks in the hoped of catching her again but kept falling short. With each dog that barked I would turn my head in the hopes it was Bear but it never was. I came close once as a Border Collie ran past me and although I knew it only looked similar and couldn't be him, my eyes still lingered in the hopes I would see the brunette following behind.

Being back in training only meant I went to the lake later, the walks became evening walks now rather than a later afternoon, limiting the potential to seeing her. I know I seem like a stalker now, but it was also I liked the lake. I wasn't only going back to find Izzie, I was only keeping myself aware just in case.

I had been back in training now for a week and was set to make my game day appearance again at Meadow park against Crystal Palace next weekend. The aura around the club right now was electric as the squad seemed to be gelling more than anything right now, that was everyone except for Cassie and I.

I felt it was best to just stay out of her way as best I could these days. Which, to no surprise at all, was not easy especially as Alex started to pair us up together a lot more now in an act to force us to create a well synced back line. It had failed in training the first week but after facing a tough Liverpool side, Cassie's ego was deflated after being the defender caught out twice and being part of reason for their two goal win against us.

We were by no means friends at all however there were more fluid conversations happening between us, now we just had to figure out our playing style together.

After another tough week I went out to the lake for a chill walk covering half the lake and then walking back. I sat on the bench half way through as the sunset began to set between the trees. The sky turning this candy-floss pink and baby blue colour as my eyes wandered around the lake in awe of what nature had on display right now.

"Do you mind if I take a seat?" A soft voice beside me.

"No, sure, sorry I'll-" I paused looking up and seeing the beautiful brunette I had in my thoughts for the past two weeks. "-brudge." I scooted to the side allowing her some room as I sat selfishly in the middle.

"Thanks." She smiled taking a seat beside me. "This view never gets old does it?"

"Honestly stunning" I whispered as I glanced over to her, a small smirk on my lips as I quickly turned my head back to the pink sky reflecting over the lake.

"No Bear today?" I asked breaking the silence.

"You remember me?" She whispered, I saw her head turn towards me in the corner my eye, I turned mine to meet her eyes.

"The dog was cute." I replied a small smile lifting the right side of my lips.

"Not today, I come here after work sometimes." She replied breaking eye contact.

I scanned her side profile for a second before looking away, although I didn't want to.

"By the way, just wanted to mention so it's not weird or you're caught off guard." She said, taking a brief pause as she looked back towards me, "I do actually know who you are."

I turned my head furrowing my eyebrows, "oh?" A slight questioning tone behind my response.

"You play for Arsenal right?"

I nodded shyly, "you a fan?"

"Erm, yeah you could say"

"That didn't sound convincing." I mumbled between the soft chuckle.

"Well I go to games every now and then cause my friend plays for Arsenal too."

I raised my eyebrows in a surprising manner, "oh yeah?" I lowered them hooking one, "who's your friend?"