Lotte and Lessi Russo

Chapter 8

As the clock struck exactly 8 o'clock, Alessia mustered her courage and knocked on Lotte's door with three firm taps. Despite Lotte living just a few streets away, the journey here felt longer than expected, as Alessia's legs trembled with both anticipation and a touch of anxiety. She had rehearsed the forthcoming conversation in her mind countless times, exploring various scenarios and potential outcomes, but now, in this moment, her nerves threatened to overwhelm her.

She was happy and relieved when Lotte reached out to her the next day after their team event together with the Arsenal teammates at the club in London and suggested meeting up to talk after training. It was everything she could have asked for - a chance to sit down and have a conversation with Lotte. A conversation where she could finally say all the things she hadn't been able to articulate over the past three years. And yet, she knew how challenging it would be to put all those emotions into words.

Even with all the mental preparation, Alessia was definitely caught off guard by the surge of emotions as she stood at Lotte's door. The moment held immense significance, capable of either mending their fractured relationship or further driving them apart. Each second dragged on, seemingly stretching into eternity until Lotte finally opened the door, offering a friendly yet somewhat guarded smile. "Hey," she greeted. Her tension was palpable, every cell in her body obviously screaming with nervousness, and Alessia suddenly even felt uneasy knowing that she was the cause of such reactions in Lotte.

"Would you like to come in?" Lotte asked almost hesitantly, taking a step to the side to grant Alessia entry. Alessia took a deep breath, then crossed the threshold into Lotte's apartment. The space bore no resemblance to the old college dorm room they had once shared, but Alessia hadn't expected it to. Lotte had always had an eye for beauty, and as Alessia stepped in, she was immediately welcomed by an inviting and charming living room.

The living room enveloped visitors in a cocoon of comfort. Soft, earth-toned cushions adorned the plush couch, inviting guests to sink in and unwind. A cozy throw blanket was thoughtfully draped over the armrest, a subtle invitation to snuggle up and relax.

The walls bore witness to Lotte's love for art and creativity. Paintings, photographs, and art pieces adorned the space, each telling a story and contributing to the room's character. The vibrant colors and diverse styles reflected Lotte's keen eye for aesthetics and her appreciation for visual arts.

Shelves dedicated to books held pride of place, showcasing Lotte's love for literature and the worlds within. The titles spanned various genres, revealing Lotte's eclectic tastes and intellectual curiosity.

Potted plants were carefully scattered throughout the room, infusing the space with nature's tranquility. A tall, graceful plant stood sentinel in a corner, its leaves reaching upwards as if yearning for the light. Succulents and ferns adorned windowsills and side tables, adding a touch of vibrant greenery to the room.

As Alessia surveyed the room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. It was as if she was discovering a new side of Lotte's life that had flourished after their college days. She found herself wondering about all the years she had missed, about what had transpired in Lotte's life. Lotte had always been interested in different things, but had Lotte's interests changed over time? Had her preferred style of art evolved? The books she favored? Had she always possessed such a knack for tending to plants? Alessia's mind raced, contemplating who had accompanied Lotte on her journey through life. And simultaneously, a pang of sadness washed over her because she had missed it all, simply because she...

Before she could complete her thoughts, Lotte entered the living room carrying two cups of tea. "Black tea with a touch of milk? Is that still right?" she asked uncertainly, and Alessia nodded. As she accepted the cup from Lotte, she noticed her hand trembling slightly. "Thank you, Lotte," she replied, her gaze still wandering around the room. They stood there awkwardly, Alessia unsure whether to sit on the not-so-large couch that would offer just very little space between them.