unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

Team Support

Leah's POV:

The days after surgery were a blur of pain meds, physical therapy instructions, and uncomfortable nights trying to find a position that didn't send sharp jolts through my knee. Ella stayed as much as she could, and even brought a few comforts—snacks, a stack of magazines, and even one of her hoodies that I'd always secretly loved. But even with her support, the days started to feel long and lonely.

That's why, when Ella mentioned that a few of the Arsenal girls and my best friend Alex Scott were planning to come by, I felt a flicker of excitement. I hadn't seen the team in what felt like ages, and the thought of a bit of laughter and normality was something to look forward to.

When the doorbell rang a couple of days later, Ella opened it to a burst of voices and laughter that filled the flat. In walked Beth, Viv, and Katie McCabe, each carrying something—a get-well card, a few balloons, and a box of pastries that looked almost too good to eat.

"Look at you, lying around all day," Katie teased, winking as she plopped down in a chair beside me. "Finally taking it easy, are we?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Yeah, well, it's not exactly by choice, is it?"

Beth leaned in, her face warm and encouraging. "We're so glad to see you, Leah. The place hasn't been the same without you. And don't think you're off the hook from our group chat gossip."

"Yeah," Viv added, giving me a gentle nudge. "We'll have to start sending daily reports on how many times Katie kicks the ball straight into the wall during practice."

Katie shot Viv a playful glare. "Oi! I've been spot-on, thank you very much!"

The room erupted into laughter, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a lightness that I'd been missing. As they each told stories from the pitch, I listened intently, the banter and familiar voices filling the void that football had left.

Then came another knock on the door, and when Ella opened it, Alex Scott walked in, her usual confidence and warmth radiating through the room. Her face softened as she looked at me, the hint of worry in her eyes betraying her usual playful demeanor.

"Alex!" I called out, pushing myself up a little straighter. "You finally made it."

She chuckled, crossing the room to pull me into a gentle hug. "Wouldn't miss it, love. Had to see for myself how you're doing. The girls at the BBC have been asking about you nonstop."

I grinned, feeling a surge of comfort in her familiar presence. Alex had been more than just a friend; she'd been a mentor, guiding me on and off the field since the beginning of my career. And now, her steadying presence was exactly what I needed.

Alex pulled back, studying me with a small smile. "I know this is a tough one, Leah, but you'll come out the other side stronger. You've always been a fighter."

I felt a wave of emotion at her words, the reality of my recovery and the challenges ahead hitting me again. But I nodded, her confidence in me easing some of the doubt I'd been carrying.

As the afternoon went on, the girls filled the flat with laughter, stories, and even a few of the silliest TikTok dances, which Alex did reluctantly but with surprisingly good rhythm. Ella brought out snacks, joining in the conversations, her laughter blending seamlessly with everyone else's. It was amazing to see her getting along so well with my friends; it made me feel like I wasn't facing this recovery alone—not with her by my side, and not with my team behind me.

After a few hours, as the girls started to gather their things, Alex stayed behind, her gaze lingering on me. She pulled me aside as the others chatted in the kitchen.

"You know I'm just a call away if you need anything," she said softly. "This recovery thing, it's going to be tough. And there'll be days you want to throw in the towel. But you've got Ella, you've got your team, and you've got me. You're going to be all right."

I swallowed, my throat thick. "Thanks, Alex. It means a lot to have you here. I just... I miss it, you know? Being out there."

She gave me a sad smile. "I know, Leah. I've been there too. But I also know that you're made for this comeback. Just remember, it's okay to lean on the people who care about you. You don't have to do this alone."

After everyone left, the flat felt quieter, but somehow warmer too, like their energy had seeped into the walls, leaving a bit of that team spirit behind. Ella curled up next to me on the couch, resting her head on my shoulder, her quiet support grounding me in a way nothing else could.

"You've got quite a fan club," she teased gently, looking up at me. "They're so lucky to have you, Leah. And so am I."

I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer. "I'm the lucky one, Ella. Really."

And in that moment, surrounded by the memories of laughter and the promises of support, I felt a spark of hope that maybe—just maybe—I could find my way through this, one day at a time, with Ella and my Arsenal family right beside me.

A/n: This will be the last chapter for today, please let me know what you think about the story so far. xx