Riley pov
Two days later, the hospital room felt unbearably small. The smell of antiseptic clung to everything, and I was itching to get out. Leah helped me into my hoodie, her hands lingering on my shoulders like I'd disappear if she let go.
"And you're definitely sure you're ready to leave. And you rang your sister back didn't you?" She asked for at least the fifth time.
"Yes to both, I'm fine" I lied "better at home than in here".
The doctor gave Leah discharge papers listing "ankle injury" and "fatigue" as reason for admission. No mention of the truth hidden in the things I'd refused to say out loud.
On the way out, Lucy and Keira were waiting by the entrance—they were being extremely close. Keira offered me a small smile while Lucy gave me a nod. I don't know if that nod was at me or for herself about her and Keira.
"Good to see you on your feet Ri" Lucy said, though her eyes flickered down to my strapped ankle.
Leah carefully wrapped her arm around me, steering me toward the car "we'll catch up later" she told them, her voice firm.
Back at home, I flopped onto the sofa. She set a small plate in front of me— egg white and some fruit.
"Eat Ri" she said softly sitting beside me.
"I will" I replied, picking up a strawberry, I took one bite—chewed slowly, then set it down. My stomach twisted "I'm not hungry"
She didn't push. Just sighed softly, picked up the bowl of fruit putting it back in the fridge.
Leah pov
That evening, Lucy messaged me: Need to talk. Now.
I met her downstairs in the car park. The late night air was cool and Lucy had her hands shoved deep into her pockets.
"This isn't a little slump" Lucy spoke "she's barely eating. She's getting worse as the days go by. Including the ankle"
"I know Lucy" I cut in, voice tight. "I know, I just I don't wanna push her to hard but maybe I need to I just don't want her to-"
"Shut down completely" she finished my sentence. "I know that but surely we can't just wait for her to pass out again. It might not be so easy to get back next time"
I stared at the pavement "I don't know how to help without breaking her"
"Just keep trying okay, she'll come round, it's Riley, me and Keira are here if you need"
I smirk "so, you two back on hm?" She shrugs "maybe maybe"
Riley pov
In the front room I hear their whole conversation and it breaks me to hear how hard this is on Leah. I sat curled under a blanket, staring at the TV without even watching it. My ankle ached.
I knew I was getting worse. I just..didn't know how to let her in to get better.
YOU ARE READING
Falling for the Captain
FanfictionWhen I signed my contract with Arsenal, I thought my biggest challenge would be proving myself on the pitch. I never expected her. Leah Williamson - the captain of Arsenal and England, the leader, the woman every player looks up to. She's confident...
