Finding the Way Back (gxg)

Chapter 11

The following week was interesting. Not because anything major happened, but just because of how things unfolded.

First off, England won the Euros against Spain, allowing the defending Euro winners to claim the title for the second year in a row. Emily was ecstatic for the girls, but had been questioning what the vibe would be once they all returned to England. No one had been really focusing on my situation as the summer international break took the immediate importance. Now they would regroup in London, where opinions would be much stronger.

Unfortunately, Arsenal would be without Leah Williamson, who would be out for a while because of an injury she picked up at the Euros. Still, I expected to be a big talking point amongst the players, even without one of their captains.

My blog was still trending really well, picking up steam with everyone that I posted. However, the talk ever since I posted the video that Rose took of me walking assisted was about my sexuality. For whatever reason, it had become the major talking point, with countless people theorizing whether I was dating "the girl who took the video."

It was one of those things that I had never defined, mostly because I had never had the time to think about it. At least not until I met Rose. Did that make me a lesbian or bisexual? I didn't exactly care as I didn't feel the need to place a label on myself. It just wasn't something that I cared all that much about.

What I cared about was the fact that I had growing feeling for Rose.

Speaking of Rose, we patched things up between us after my outburst, and things went better at the bakery following that incident. Since then, Rose has stayed out at the counter with me, helping me when needed as well as providing me a grounding force when I needed it. She remained attentive to what I needed, even when I wasn't aware she was watching.

I enjoyed the experience of working at the bakery now that I had found a rhythm that allowed me to work without getting stressed out.

The other important thing was that I had done no damage to my repaired ACL after diving headfirst into something that I wasn't quite ready for. I had learned from the mistake and had no plans of risking a repeat. One scare, even though it had been a small one, was already one too many for me. I couldn't risk a setback when I wanted a return to playing before the end of the year to reclaim a spot on the USWNT before the start of the Gold Cup. I really wanted to be part of the team that earned a spot at the following year's World Cup in Brazil.

Today shouldn't have been important, but it was the first time most of the Arsenal girls would make their way back to London before heading out on vacations ahead of the preseason camp. What they said today would likely set the tone for the upcoming season, regardless of how they could reset over their vacations.

I was just waiting for Emily to send me updates as I relaxed in the living room with my mom. She had the day off, so I had returned home after my few hours working at the bakery. I wanted to make use of this time with her. Rose would join us later as Mom planned for us to have a fun night in as we all enjoyed some bonding time together.

It would be a cozy night, something that I think we all needed.

Sitting together on the couch, Mom and I were watching The Godfather as it was one of her favorite movies of all time. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I would gladly sit down and watch it with her any day of the week.

"So," Mom says, "how are things with you and Rose?"

I take a quick glance at my phone. "Things are going great. She feels like home whenever she is around."

Mom chuckles. "I got that feeling the first time you brought Rose over. You two looked comfortable with each other."

A smile tugs at my lips. "Yeah. I think she is good for me."