Second chances

6

You hadn't expected to get along with Leah so well. At first, she was just Katie's teammate—a friendly face with a warm smile who sometimes sent you a quick wave across the pitch or joined you both for the occasional post-match drink. But over the weeks, as things with Katie grew strained, Leah had quietly stepped in, providing a sense of companionship that you didn't realize you needed.

When Leah texted you one evening asking if you fancied grabbing dinner and drinks, you didn't hesitate to say yes. It felt good to have someone around who understood your complicated history with Katie but who also kept things light. Leah didn't press, didn't ask too many questions—she simply made you laugh, kept the conversation easy, and gave you a night where you could relax without the weight of your feelings for Katie hovering over you.

The two of you met at a cozy Italian place Leah had recommended, one that felt almost hidden from the usual Arsenal fan crowd. Between shared pasta dishes and glasses of wine, you talked about everything from her travels with the team to the worst dates you'd both ever had. Leah was surprisingly easy to talk to, and by the time you were ready to leave, it felt like you'd gained a real friend, someone who understood you in a way that few people did.

But the next morning, as Leah recounted your night to Katie over breakfast at the training ground, Katie felt her stomach twist in a way she hadn't anticipated. Leah wasn't just her friend—she was her teammate, her confidante—and though Katie had no claim to you, hearing about how easily you and Leah had hit it off set a spark of jealousy flickering inside her.

"So, yeah, we had a laugh," Leah was saying, gesturing animatedly as she recapped one of your jokes from the night before. Katie forced herself to smile along, but it felt strained.

"Sounds like ya had a good time, then," Katie said, aiming for a casual tone but unable to keep the edge out of her voice.

Leah raised an eyebrow, catching the hint of irritation in Katie's expression. "We did, yeah. And I think she enjoyed it too. It's been a while since she's had a proper night out."

Katie looked down, twisting her water bottle cap. "Guess I didn't realize how close you two'd gotten."

Leah frowned slightly, sensing the tension. "Katie, I know this whole situation isn't easy, but she's a good friend. You've got to remember—she needs support too."

Katie huffed, barely meeting Leah's gaze. "Support, yeah. Just seems like maybe I'm not... really the one she wants it from."

Leah leaned back, crossing her arms as she studied Katie. "She told me a bit about what happened, you know."

Katie's face softened, though her shoulders sagged with the weight of it. "Did she?"

"Yeah," Leah replied quietly. "She told me you two are... friends. And that's all she can give right now."

Katie looked away, the sting of hearing it from someone else harder to ignore. She forced herself to take a breath, to keep her voice steady. "Aye, I know. I mean, I get it, Leah. I do. It's just... hard, y'know? Hard when ya feel somethin' for someone, but you're the one who messed it all up."

Leah nodded sympathetically, leaning forward as she softened her voice. "Katie, you've got to let her heal, to find her own way back to you—if that's what she even wants. You can't rush her, and you definitely can't get jealous when she spends time with other people."

Katie sighed, rubbing her temples. "Yeah, you're right. It's just... I know I've no right to be jealous, but it's hard when I see ya both gettin' close. Makes me realize how much I want things to be different."

Leah placed a hand on Katie's shoulder, her tone gentle but firm. "Then show her you're willing to change. Be the friend she needs. And maybe, in time, she'll be ready for more. But until then... don't sabotage things, Katie."

Katie managed a small, sad smile, nodding. "Thanks, Leah. I'll do my best."

And though Katie knew Leah was right, that she had to step back and let you find your way, it didn't make it any easier to watch as you laughed and shared moments with someone else. For now, all Katie could do was wait, try to be the friend she'd promised, and hope that someday, maybe, she'd get another chance to be more.