As the late hour approached, the team bid their farewells with a chorus of "Goodbye," "See you soon, Less," and "It was great meeting you." Lotte meanwhile found herself lost in a dreamlike state, still humming Coldplay's "Yellow" and savoring the taste of chicken biryani lingering on her tongue - and before she knew it, she was the last one standing at the doorstep of Alessia's house as her teammates were already on their ways back home.
Just as Lotte was about to turn and head home too, Alessia gently reached out, holding her back. Even though Lotte didn't want to, she immediately felt a warm sensation spread through her body as she turned to face Alessia, her own eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.
"I know that not everything has been as simple and nice as our times at the Indian restaurant or winning karaoke," Alessia began, her gaze locked with Lotte's. "But I remember the other moments too, the ones where we were there for each other, through thick and thin. I want you to know that."Alessia's voice was soft but filled with depth, as she spoke words that carried the weight of their shared history, brining out a bunch of different feelings in Lotte.
Alessia's words immediately brought her back to the training ground of her college in North Carolina, or rather, to the hard ground where Lotte landed after an unfortunate foul from a teammate. She remembered how she immediately grabbed her leg in pain and rolled back and forth on the grass. Lotte knew right away that something was terribly wrong with her leg in that moment.
"Lotte!" she suddenly heard a voice call out from the other side of the training ground. A voice that Lotte would recognize among hundreds by now. Alessia came rushing over in her light blue Tar Heels training kit. Even though she had been engaged in a different training exercise with the group of forwards, it seemed that nothing mattered to her more than running over to Lotte at that moment.
Even as Lotte writhed in pain on the ground, the moment Alessia knelt down and placed her hand on her shoulder, she felt a small measure of solace. "Everything will be alright, Lotte. Shhh, calm down," Alessia whispered softly. Lotte was certain that the other woman's touch might actually have the power to heal wounds like this, but as their coach and a team of medics arrived seconds later, ushering Alessia aside, she realized that perhaps that wasn't all she needed.
"Can you stand up?" asked one of the medics, but as Lotte attempted to do so with a pained expression, they quickly abandoned the idea. "I need some support. I should be able to limp on one leg, but I need someone to lean on," Lotte mumbled, and before she knew it, Alessia had her arm around her shoulder. "Lean on me, come on, put your arm around me, I've got you!" In fact this moment was actually far from pleasant, but Lotte couldn't help but cherish Alessia's last words - even though she would have preferred to hear them in a different context. Perhaps during quiet evenings together, cuddling in bed, or while cozying up to watch movies in the common room or something romantic like that.
Before Lotte could sink further into these thoughts, Alessia swiftly pulled her up with a jerk and her arm around her shoulder. Lotte quickly wrapped her arm around the other woman's lower back, and despite the immensely painful leg, the proximity to Alessia didn't go unnoticed. She knew Alessia was strong, but she hadn't expected her to lift her up like that. Although, as Alessia's hand grasped her shoulder, Lotte could feel the muscles beneath, reminding her of the other woman's strength that she found indeed incredibly attractive to be honest.
"Is this okay, Lotte? Can we take you to the medical center like this? You just need to get to the golf cart over there!" Alessia asked softly, turning her face towards Lotte. Sweat adorned her forehead, but her blue eyes sparkled with concern, causing her nose with its cute little freckles to scrunch up. Well, if her leg won't be the death of her, it'll be this beautiful face for sure.
With a mix of pain and admiration, Lotte managed a weak smile, appreciating Alessia's care and attentiveness. "Yeah, I think I can make it," Lotte replied, trying her best to put on a brave front. "Thanks for being here, Alessia. It's nice to know that someone has my back, like literally."
Alessia's worried expression softened into a gentle smile, and she even tightened her arm around Lotte's shoulder reassuringly. "Of course, Lotte. That's what friends are for, right? We look out for each other."
Friends. Ouch. The word brought an even greater ache to Lotte than her injured leg, which she was painfully aware of too. By now, the situation with Alessia felt like so much more than friendship to Lotte - the moments they shared at the Indian restaurant, the emotions that lingered between them while singing romantic Coldplay songs to each other... Sure, Lotte knew that their "friendship" meant the world to her at them moment, but she couldn't shake the longing for something more. That's why she simply nodded as a response to Alessia's initial question, not trusting her voice to keep quiet about what she truly wanted to say.
Supported by Alessia's strength, Lotte hobbled towards the waiting golf cart. "We'll take Lotte to the medical center, you can go back to training, Alessia," one of the medics said. But Alessia immediately shook her head. "I won't let Lotte go alone." Her determination and loyalty were evident as she stood her ground, refusing to leave Lotte's side. An action that Lotte couldn't help but find pretty cute again.
The medics exchanged a quick glance with the coach, trying to understand the bond between those two players. But with a nod of approval, the coach acknowledged Alessia's decision a few moment later. "Alright, Alessia. You can accompany Lotte to the medical center. We'll manage without you for now. Take care of her."
Alessia's grip on Lotte's shoulder tightened again at this comment, offering silent reassurance and support. Lotte felt a surge of gratitude and warmth, knowing that she had someone like Alessia by her side, someone who would prioritize her well-being over her own success in training or something like that. Alessia obviously cared about her and even if it's just in a friendly manner then Lotte should be happy about it anyways.
In the golf cart, the medics elevated Lotte's leg while a driver took the front seat. Lotte and Alessia sat closely together on the backseat since the cart wasn't that spacious at all. As the three of them made their way to the medical center, Lotte suddenly felt a gentle touch on her hand, causing her to look down. Alessia's pinky finger had lightly bumped into hers, but it seemed more intentional than accidental. Alessia's hand rested on the outer edge of Lotte's knee, subtly inching closer to Lotte's hand. Maybe it was just to reassure Lotte and show her in the silence that Alessia was there for her, but still a smile crept across Lotte's face.
In that moment, Alessia suddenly placed her pinky finger on Lotte's once again. No matter how much her leg hurt, as she intertwined her finger with Alessia's, she felt only the tension and excitement that existed between them. Holding hands in a semi-clasp, Lotte looked up from their hands and met Alessia's gaze.
In that moment, time seemed to slow down, and everything around them blurred into insignificance. It was just the two of them, connected by an unspoken understanding and an undercurrent of emotions. Lotte couldn't help but get lost in the depths of Alessia's blue eyes, feeling like she was being drawn into an entirely different world. Alessia's gaze held a mix of tenderness and vulnerability, as if revealing a side of herself that she had kept hidden until now. Lotte's heart pounded in her chest, the intensity of their unspoken connection overwhelming yet exhilarating.
They remained in that moment, their hands clasped, and their eyes locked in a silent exchange. It was as if they were communicating without words, sharing sentiments and feelings that couldn't be articulated. Being honest, Lotte couldn't help
but wonder whether Alessia might actually feel the same way she does, or if she was reading too much into this moment. Despite the pain in her leg, Lotte found solace in the touch they shared, and the sheer possibility of something more lingering in the air.
As the golf cart finally came to a stop, Alessia gently squeezed Lotte's hand before releasing it. They exchanged a small smile, a knowing look passing between them. Lotte felt herself blush, her cheeks growing warm with a rosy hue. She couldn't help but feel self-conscious, worried that her flushed cheeks would give away her innermost thoughts and desires.
Trying to regain her composure, Lotte looked down, averting her gaze for a moment. She hoped that Alessia wouldn't notice her blushing, that her own emotional chaos wouldn't be too obvious. But when she glanced back up, she realized that Alessia was looking at her with a gentle smile, even with a hint of amusement in her eyes. It was as if Alessia could read her like an open book, seeing through the facade Lotte had tried to maintain. And instead of making her feel more self-conscious, it brought a sense of much needed comfort and reassurance.
In the medical center, Alessia handed Lotte over to the care of the doctors and took a seat in the waiting area. Although Lotte wished Alessia could be there with her, she understood that it wasn't possible since they weren't related. Alone, Lotte received the diagnosis of a broken leg which meant a season-ending injury. The results were clear, leaving no doubt that she would need several months of recovery. It felt like her world was crumbling at that moment, but strangely enough, it was Alessia who managed to bring it back together in the waiting room.
As Lotte broke into tears while explaining to her roommate what the doctor had told her, Alessia immediately rushed to her side, wrapping her arms around Lotte in a comforting embrace. She held Lotte gently, allowing her to cry and release her emotions. "It's okay, Lotte. Let it out. I'm here for you," Alessia whispered soothingly, her voice filled with empathy and compassion. "I know it's tough, but you're strong, and we'll get through this together. I promise."
Lotte sniffled and looked up at Alessia, her eyes red and puffy. "I... I just don't know how to handle this. It feels like everything is falling apart," Lotte confessed, her voice trembling with sadness. She was sure that it wasn't just about her injury. It was also about her feelings for Alessia, who referred to her as a "friend" but then held her hand in the back of a golf cart, which was pretty confusing to be honest. Lotte didn't know how to navigate it all in the future. It suddenly felt like too much.
Alessia tightened her grip on Lotte and wiped away a tear from her cheek. "I understand how overwhelming it feels right now, but remember that you're not alone. We'll figure out a plan and I'll support you every step of the way," Alessia reassured her - and Lotte didn't have any single doubt about the other woman being there to help her on her way of recovery.
As Lotte hobbled back to her room on crutches, that evening, she could still feel the lingering pain in her leg. Alessia walked beside her, offering a steady presence and support. Once they reached the room, Alessia gently guided Lotte to her bed and helped her settle in. Lotte gratefully sank into the softness of the mattress, relieved to finally find some respite from the throbbing ache.
The whole evening, Lotte lay in bed, her body aching and her mind burdened with the weight of her injury. Alessia had brought her dinner and updated the others on her condition, but as the evening wore on, Lotte felt her energy wane, replaced by a desperate need for sleep. However, no matter how much she tried, sleep eluded her.
Alessia had dimmed the light in the room by now, but was still sitting at her desk, studying. Lotte couldn't help but notice how Alessia's concerned gaze directed towards her many times, leaving her uncertain about how focused she actually was on learning.
"Can't sleep?" Alessia let out a deep sigh and rose from her seat at the table as she met Lotte's gaze once again. "No, can't study?" she asked in return, receiving only a nod in response. Suddenly, Lotte watched as Alessia stood up and walked towards her the bed she was laying in, her steps filled with determination. With a gentle flick, Alessia turned on the lamp on Lotte's bedside table and its soft glow filled the room, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. The light wrapped around Lotte like a gentle embrace, momentarily alleviating the heaviness that weighed upon her.
In the quietude of the moment, Alessia's voice trembled as she asked, "May I hold you?" Her words were barely audible, but Lotte's heart immediately swelled with a surge of emotion.
Alessia's question hung in the air, fragile yet filled with possibility. Lotte's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Alessia's eyes, searching for the answer she longed to hear, maybe even for feelings of mutual affection. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Lotte's response. Her mind raced, torn between the fear of vulnerability and the yearning to be closer to Alessia.
But deep within her, Lotte knew what she wanted. She wanted Alessia's arms around her, to feel the warmth of their bodies entwined, and the reassurance that came with their closeness. With a soft smile that betrayed her true desire, Lotte made space in the bed and whispered, "If you want to, I'd love that."
Alessia's face lit up, a mixture of relief and anticipation shining in her eyes. Slowly, hesitantly, she moved under the covers as Lotte shifted to one side, making room for her. Their bodies now only inches apart, Lotte's heart raced, her breath catching in her throat. The air around them crackled with a blend of excitement and uncertainty.
As Alessia's arms finally wrapped around her, Lotte felt a surge of warmth and tenderness enveloping them both. Their bodies fit together like interlocking puzzle pieces, their embrace a sanctuary from the outside world. A short touch of Alessia's lips against her neck even sent a cascade of electric currents through Lotte's veins. Is this really what "friends" would be doing to support each other?
With each passing second, Lotte's doubts and worries dissolved into the ether. Alessia's presence offered a respite from the chaos that had consumed her mind, replacing it with a sense of peace and security. In their embrace, Lotte found solace, her fears gradually replaced by a growing certainty that they could navigate whatever lay ahead together.
In Lotte's memory, it was the first night the two of them had spent together in a bed, but it certainly wasn't the last. Life wasn't always sunshine and rainbows for them, with its share of challenges, disappointments, or bouts of homesickness. However, whenever they slipped into each other's bed on those difficult nights, the world seemed to fall back into place. They would cuddle, tightly wrapped in each other's arms, being in love with each other.
Well, at least, Lotte was in love. As for Alessia, that remained unclear to her until this very moment, standing at the door of Alessia's new house here in London.
"Lotte," Alessia called her back into reality, once and for all. "I haven't always acted right, I know that. I'm here because I made a mistake. You weren't waiting all this time for me to come and apologize, I know that too. But now I'm here, and I want to apologize to you - and I hope you can forgive me someday." Alessia whispered into the night.
"Thank you, Alessia," Lotte replied, turning around to walk away. But as she took a few steps, a mix of emotions washed over her - uncertainty, longing, and a glimmer of hope. She paused and turned back to face Alessia, her eyes filled with unspoken words. "I don't know what the future holds," Lotte said softly, her voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability. "But I appreciate your apology. It means something to me. Maybe one day we can find a way to move forward. But for now, I need time to process everything, I'm sorry."