Fragile

Chapter 6 - Let Go

"The Euros," Dad answered.

Mum hummed, blowing on her tea before taking a sip. "Ah. The tournament you're absolutely making."

I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head. "You sound awfully sure about that."

Mum shrugged. "Because I am."

I smirked. "You're biased."

"Of course I'm biased," she said easily. "But I'm also right. What coach in their right mind would name a captain to then cut them before a major tournament?" Dad grunted his agreement, and I couldn't help but smile a little. Mum nudged my knee. "You're a leader, Leah. You don't just play the game—you understand it. And that's why you'll be there. Because they need you there."

I swallowed past the lump in my throat, nodding slightly. "Thanks, Mum."

She patted my leg, then narrowed her eyes slightly. "Now, what's really on your mind?"

I hesitated, glancing down at my phone again, then back at her. "It's nothing."

Mum raised a brow.

Dad smirked. "It's a girl."

Mum's eyebrows shot up. "A girl?"

I groaned, shaking my head. "Oh my God."

Mum grinned, leaning in. "Who is she?"

Dad chuckled, sipping his tea. "You've been staring at your phone all night. It's obvious."

I sighed, hesitating for a moment before finally saying, "Her name's Evelyn."

Mum and Dad exchanged a look, and I rolled my eyes.

Mum smirked. "And?"

"And... she lives in America."

Mum blinked. "America?"

Dad let out a low whistle. "That's a bit of a commute."

I huffed a laugh, shaking my head. "Yeah."

Mum softened slightly. "And what's going on with her?"

I hesitated, staring at my tea. "I don't know," I admitted. "We were talking all the time when I got back, but the last few days have been... different."

"Different how?"

I sighed. "Slower. Less frequent. Like she's pulling away."

Mum frowned, setting her tea down. "And have you asked her about it?"

"No."

"Leah," she said, giving me a look.

I rubbed my temple. "I don't want to push her."

Mum studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But don't sit here and drive yourself mad over it, either."

Dad leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "If she wants this, she'll show you. If she doesn't..." He shrugged. "Then she doesn't."

I clenched my jaw, nodding. "Yeah."

Mum squeezed my knee gently. "You are coming home for Christmas, though, right?"

I huffed a laugh. "Yeah, Mum."

"Good." She smiled. "Because if she's still in the picture, I want to hear everything."

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Still, as I sipped my tea and let the conversation drift, my mind stayed stuck on her.