unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

Testing Boundaries

Leah's POV:

The next few weeks felt like I was adjusting to a whole new reality. Recovery continued, a mix of painful exercises, moments of frustration, and slow but steady progress. But with Ella as my girlfriend now, each day brought a strange, unfamiliar sweetness. I was no longer just getting through each day—I had something, someone, to look forward to. She was there for the small moments and the big ones, her patience and laughter lifting my spirits in ways she probably didn't even realize.

One Saturday, Ella suggested we take a walk through Hyde Park to get some fresh air. It was a cold autumn morning, the leaves crisp underfoot and the air filled with that sharp, earthy scent that comes just before winter. I grabbed a jacket and my crutches, still a little shaky on them but determined to keep up with her.

As we walked, Ella slowed her pace to match mine, her hand slipping into mine as we strolled along a quiet path by the lake. She kept a close eye on me, ready to catch me if I stumbled, but giving me enough space to find my own rhythm.

"This isn't quite the athlete power walk you're used to, huh?" I joked, gesturing to my crutches and hobbling gait.

Ella laughed, her green eyes bright with warmth. "Honestly, I think this is pretty impressive. And besides, I'm enjoying getting to see this slower side of you."

"Oh, so you're saying I'm usually too fast for you?" I teased, nudging her gently with my shoulder.

She rolled her eyes, laughing. "Yes, exactly. All this time, I've been running to keep up with Leah Williamson." She grinned, a mischievous look in her eye. "Actually, maybe I'll just start using this injury to finally beat you at footy."

I laughed, and we continued along the path, our laughter and light banter filling the chilly air. But a few minutes later, Ella's hand tightened around mine, her expression suddenly more serious.

"You know, Leah, I never imagined I'd be this close to someone who's been through so much, especially someone in the public eye," she said, looking out over the lake. "I feel like I'm seeing a whole different side of you—one that not many people get to see."

I met her gaze, feeling a bit exposed but trusting her completely. "It's... hard to let people in," I admitted. "When you're used to having to be strong for the team, for the fans, it's easy to just shut everything else out. But with you, it's different. You make it feel safe to let my guard down."

Ella's hand slipped up to my face, brushing her thumb softly across my cheek. "Then let it down, Leah. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

I leaned into her touch, a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with the chilly air. It was a promise, simple yet powerful. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had someone to truly share the journey with, through every triumph and every setback.

The Night Before My Follow-Up Appointment

As the weeks went on, my knee started to improve, and soon enough, the dreaded day arrived—the follow-up appointment. I tried to push it out of my mind, not wanting to let the anxiety show, but Ella saw right through me. The night before, as we curled up on the couch, she gently pressed her hand to mine.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" she asked, her voice soft but direct.

I let out a sigh, giving her a small nod. "A bit. I just... I want to hear that it's all been worth it. That this recovery will get me back to the pitch, you know? That all these months haven't just been for nothing."

She scooted closer, wrapping her arms around me. "Whatever happens, Leah, you're still the same incredible person—on or off the pitch. But I'm betting the doctors will have good news. And if not, we'll face that together too."

I rested my head on her shoulder, the comfort of her words sinking in. In my mind, I knew the stakes were high, that football was part of my identity, but Ella's belief in me was unwavering. She didn't just see me as an athlete; she saw me for who I was beyond that, and it made everything feel a little less daunting.

The Appointment

The next morning, Ella insisted on driving me to the clinic. She filled the ride with her usual light-hearted commentary, trying to distract me from the mounting tension. When we arrived, she squeezed my hand, giving me one last smile of reassurance before they called me in.

The doctor examined my knee, testing the range of motion and noting the progress in healing. After a series of scans and check-ups, he finally gave me a smile that felt like a small victory in itself.

"You're doing well, Leah," he said. "The recovery's on track, and with continued physio, I think you'll be able to start light training in a few weeks. You've done a remarkable job staying committed to the process."

The relief flooded through me, a weight lifting from my shoulders. I thanked him and headed out to the waiting room, where Ella was sitting, nervously flipping through a magazine. The moment she saw me, she stood up, her face full of hope.

"Well?" she asked, her eyes searching mine.

"They said it's on track. I'll be able to start light training soon," I said, barely able to contain my smile.

Ella's face lit up, and without warning, she threw her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. "I knew it," she whispered, her voice filled with joy. "I knew you could do this."

I held her close, feeling the love and pride radiating from her. In that moment, it hit me just how much she'd been there for me through this, never wavering, always lifting me up.

Celebrating Together

That night, Ella planned a small, quiet celebration—just the two of us. She cooked dinner, filling the flat with the aroma of her pasta, and we ate together, laughing and talking late into the night. The relief and happiness of the appointment blended with the quiet intimacy of the evening, and soon we were back on the couch, her hand intertwined with mine.

"Ella," I said, my voice soft. "I don't think I've ever thanked you properly. For everything you've done. For standing by me when I was at my lowest."

She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "There's no need to thank me. You've done the hard work, Leah. I'm just lucky I get to be by your side through it."

I pulled her closer, leaning in until our foreheads touched. "I feel like I can face anything, knowing you're with me," I whispered. And with that, I kissed her, pouring every bit of gratitude, love, and promise into that one moment.

When we finally pulled away, she looked at me, her eyes bright and steady. "This is just the beginning, Leah. For you, for us."

As I drifted off to sleep that night, her head resting on my shoulder, I knew she was right. We had come through so much already, but with Ella by my side, I felt ready for anything that lay ahead.