Rediscovering You

six

6th February 2023 - one year and two weeks old.

'You all set to head off to camp?' Lia asks glancing at the blonde as they make their way into the supermarket. Leah is pushing the trolley while Rory sleeps peacefully strapped to Lia's chest in the baby carrier.

'Mm-hmm... I just need to pick up a few bits in here for her and then I'll be sorted.' Leah replies smiling as she glances at the little girl.

'Do you think now she's a year it'll be different having her on camp with you?' Lia asks and the blonde shrugs her shoulders.

'I don't know. I suppose in the aspect that she is bigger and a bit more social it's probably going to be different for the girls but other than that I don't know if it'll be much different than bringing her to away games.' Leah replies.

'Suppose actually... She'll be fine with all the girls, won't she? Even the ones she's not seen in a while?' Lia asks.

'I think so. I mean she was absolutely fine with Lisa yesterday and she'd never met her so I don't see why she wouldn't be okay with the girls.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders as she begins to place stuff she needs in the trolley.

'Yeah, I suppose. She is a little social butterfly.' Lia says smiling.

'How are you feeling about camp? Looking forward to it?' Leah asks.

'Mm-hmm... I think I need the break away from club duty, you know? I mean you know more than most how hard it is to see someone every day when you've just split up.' Lia replies quietly and the blonde nods her head.

'That makes sense. It's hard seeing them every day but having the break away will do you good.' Leah says.

'How does it work with food and stuff for her while you're away on camp?' Lia asks.

'So the chefs are quite good at making stuff that's suitable for her but I do tend to pack some bits just in case there isn't something she'll eat and then I take like snacks and stuff.' Leah replies.

'If the stuff doesn't get ate at camp then I can just bring them back home and they'll get used.' Leah adds shrugging her shoulders.

'Yeah, makes sense to have them just in case.' Lia replies.

****

'She's just got no interest in walking.' Leah says shaking her head as she sits cross-legged on the floor as she attempts to steady Rory in a standing position before urging her to walk towards Lia who's in the exact same position just a few steps away.

'She'll do it when you're least expecting it.' Lia replies smiling as Rory drops down onto the floor and crawls towards her.

'You're just have too many people willing to run about for you, don't you? You don't have to walk when you've got all your aunties around you.' Lia says softly as she lifts Rory into her arms.

'You're too spoilt.' Leah replies.

'I'm gonna miss you guys when we're away on camp.' Lia says quietly as Rory cuddles into her neck.

'We're going to miss you too... Honestly, I couldn't have got through the past five months without you. The nights you stayed because I just couldn't get her to stop screaming or when I physically couldn't get out of bed I just- You have no idea how grateful I am and if I'm the thing that caused your split, if I've come between you both I'm so sorry.' Leah replies.

'Don't be silly. Cait and I split because we just grew apart, we wanted separate things and there isn't anything wrong with that. I mean it's hard to see her everyday but that's not because I still want to be with her.' Lia says.

'It's hard but you'll get there. You'll eventually find the one for you and settle down.' Leah replies.

'Mm... So will you.' Lia says and the blonde shakes her head.

'Nope, my heart belongs to my girlie... No room for anyone else.' Leah replies smiling as Rory begins to crawl towards her.

'You're only saying that because you're hurt after everything that happened with Imogen.' Lia says softly.

****

'You could've went to the night out and I would've watched Rory for you...' Lia says softly as she glances at the blonde who's legs are stretched out over her thighs.

'I'm good. I didn't really want to go. I was only going if you were.' Leah admits shrugging her shoulders.

'I just didn't feel like it. I didn't really feel like seeing Caitlin if I'm being honest.' Lia says.

'Mm... We can just watch a movie, have a takeaway and not have to worry about getting home.' Leah replies smiling.

'Exactly. I think we'll have a better night anyway. Least we don't need to worry about the hangovers in the morning either.' Lia says and the blonde nods her head.

'Exactly. Much better, more sensible.' Leah replies smiling.

'What do you want to watch?' Lia asks.

'Whatever... I'm not fussed. You can pick tonight.' Leah replies.

'Does that mean you're going to be fast asleep in the next fifteen minutes?' Lia asks laughing.

'Not at all. I'll see the whole movie, I promise.' Leah replies smiling.

'Hmm... We'll see about that.' Lia says softly. Sure enough, within the first fifteen minutes of her putting the movie on, the blonde is fast asleep; her face turned into the cushions of the sofa as her legs remain spread over Lia's thighs.

'See the whole movie my arse.' Lia says laughing softly as she grabs the throw from behind her and drapes it over the blonde.

****

'She's not here...' Katie says, her arm draping around Imogen's shoulders as she glances around the table.

'Hmm... What?' Imogen asks.

'She's not here, Leah I mean... She said she didn't want to come tonight.' Katie replies.

'Probably cause I'm here...' Imogen says quietly.

'You don't know that... She's been speaking to you, hasn't she? Maybe she just couldn't get someone to watch Rory? Le will come round, she just needs time to heal. She's been through a lot over the past few months as well.' Katie says.

'What do you mean?' Imogen asks and Katie shakes her head.

'It's not my place to say. That's something she'll need to tell you about but I'm sure you guys will get there. She just needs a little time.' Katie replies.

'I hope so, I really hope so.' Imogen says quietly as Steph makes her way over.

'Here you go.' Steph says handing the glass of orange juice to the brunette.

'Thanks.' Imogen replies.