Matilda's Imagines

Willow: Day in the life

It was a typical morning at the Matildas' training center, the air buzzing with energy and anticipation. The team had gotten used to their newest (and tiniest) member, three-month-old Willow, but it always added a unique twist to the day.

Mini was the first to arrive, her "mom instincts" kicking in as she walked into the lounge area. She wasn't surprised to find Y/n already there, looking slightly frazzled with a bottle in one hand and Willow cradled in the other.

"Rough night?" Mini asked, setting her bag down and walking over.

Y/n sighed, her messy ponytail a clear sign of sleep deprivation. "She decided 3 AM was the perfect time to have a party," Y/n mumbled. "And then my brain wouldn't stop racing. So... yeah."

Mini gently took Willow, who was happily gurgling, from Y/n's arms. "Go grab a snack before practice starts," she said firmly. "I'll keep an eye on this little troublemaker for now."

Y/n didn't argue, too tired to resist.

By the time the rest of the team trickled in, Willow had already made her rounds. Alana had her perched on her hip, bouncing her gently, while Kyra and Macca competed to see who could get the baby to laugh the loudest.

"Oi, she laughed harder at me!" Kyra declared, pointing at Macca.

"Dream on," Macca shot back, wiggling her fingers near Willow's tummy to coax another giggle.

Caitlin rolled her eyes as she laced up her cleats. "She's laughing at both of you because you're ridiculous."

Y/n walked back in, sipping on a juice box she'd stolen from the team fridge, and raised an eyebrow. "If you guys make her too hyper, you're putting her down for her nap later."

Kyra smirked. "Challenge accepted."

Practice was always a balancing act for Y/n. Mini had arranged for a portable crib to be set up in a shaded area near the field, and a rotating roster of teammates volunteered to babysit during drills. Today, it was Caitlin's turn.

Y/n jogged onto the field, her cleats kicking up bits of grass as she joined the warm-up circle. "How's she doing?" she called over her shoulder.

Caitlin, lounging under the shade with Willow asleep on her chest, gave her a thumbs-up. "Out like a light. You've got at least an hour before she wakes up and demands attention again."

"Good. That means I can actually focus," Y/n said, smiling.

Y/n's ADHD made training days unpredictable. Some days, she was laser-focused and unstoppable. Today, however, was not one of those days.

"Y/n!" Mini's voice rang out as Y/n accidentally passed the ball to Kyra instead of her intended target.

"Oops," Y/n muttered, rubbing the back of her neck.

Kyra jogged past, tossing the ball back. "Keep your head in the game, kid. Or maybe Willow should take your spot."

Y/n stuck her tongue out. "At least I don't trip over my own feet, Kyra."

Mini clapped her hands. "Focus, both of you! Let's try that drill again."

The team gathered around the lounge for lunch, the usual chaos amplified by Willow's presence. Y/n had Willow propped on her lap, feeding her a bottle while trying to eat her own sandwich with one hand.

"Here, give her to me," Alana offered, taking the baby so Y/n could actually eat.

Y/n sighed in relief. "Thanks. She's cute, but she's a full-time job."

"She gets it from you," Caitlin teased, stealing a chip from Y/n's plate.

"Hey!" Y/n protested, swatting at her hand.

Kyra leaned over, grinning. "You've gotta share, Mum."

"I'm not sharing," Y/n shot back, laughing despite herself.

After lunch, the team had a bit of downtime before afternoon drills. Y/n used the opportunity to braid Caitlin's hair, a calming ritual she'd picked up to manage her ADHD.

"You're way too good at this," Caitlin said as Y/n worked quickly and efficiently.

"It helps me focus," Y/n admitted. "And I like making you guys look nice."

Across the room, Kyra was on the floor with Willow, making exaggerated faces that had the baby squealing with delight. Macca joined in, adding funny voices to the mix.

"You're going to spoil her," Mini warned, but her smile betrayed her amusement.

"She deserves to be spoiled," Y/n said softly, watching her daughter with a look of pure love.

The second half of training was always tricky because it overlapped with Willow's nap schedule. Today, she was particularly fussy, refusing to settle no matter what Y/n tried.

"Here, let me," Mini said, taking Willow and rocking her gently. The baby calmed almost immediately, her tiny eyes drooping.

"She never does that for me," Y/n muttered, half-joking and half-serious.

Mini smiled. "That's because I've had a lot more practice, sweetheart. You'll get there."

As the day wound down, the team gathered to review their progress. Y/n sat on the floor with Willow in her lap, bouncing her gently to keep her entertained.

Mini addressed the group, her voice steady. "Good work today, everyone. And great job keeping distractions to a minimum." She glanced pointedly at Kyra, who grinned sheepishly.

As the team dispersed, Y/n packed up her things, tucking Willow into the baby carrier. Kyra slung an arm around her shoulders. "You're doing great, you know. With her. With everything."

Y/n looked up at her, surprised. "You think so?"

"I know so," Kyra said, giving her a nudge. "You've got this, Y/n."

Y/n smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she wasn't alone. She had her daughter, her team, and her family—all in one place.