Chapter 37: A Life Chosen

Golden rays of sunshine filtered through the curtains.

Isabella shifted under the covers, automatically reaching for something to keep her warm. The space was empty.

She peaked her eye open.

"Alex?"

No response.

She sat herself up slightly, glancing at the clock. Only just after seven.

Normally Alex would be the last to leave their bed on mornings he didn’t have training. Although today Westbridge FC had an important game coming up, meaning Alex was putting in extra hours at training.

But he could have atleast given her a kiss before leaving.

Isabella grabbed her phone.

Isabella: Where is my husband?

A few seconds passed.

Alex: Good morning to you too, Mrs Hayes.

She smiled.

Isabella: You left me alone in bed!

Alex: I had to leave early. Training starts at eight.

Isabella: You could have given me a kiss.

Alex: I did. You were asleep.

Isabella: I don’t remember.

Alex: Because you were dreaming about me.

Isabella giggled.

Isabella: Very cocky aren’t we, Captain?

Alex: Come down. I’ve left you something.

She frowned and pulled the covers back.

She was curious to know what he had planned.

A few minutes passed and she was walking into the kitchen wearing one of Alex’s large t-shirts and comfy trousers. Her hair was loosely tied.

There was a plate covered, a glass of orange juice and a small white envelope on the island.

She peeled back the cover.

Pancakes!

Her favourite.

She smiled as she picked up the envelope.

To my beautiful wife,

I know I have been leaving early recently and I know you hate waking up to an empty bed but please don’t think I’m avoiding you. I have a game to prepare for.

I have breakfast for you. Don’t skip out on it and don’t work all morning.

I love you.

Your husband,

Alex.

Isabella read it twice.

She giggled.

"Such a silly man."

Her phone began to ring.

Chloe Bennett.

She answered.

"Morning."

"Why are you so happy?" Chloe asked, suspicion lacing her voice.

"Why shouldn’t I be?"

"Not until I’ve had my coffee! You’re being rude."

Isabella giggled as she sat down on the island.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing. I was just wondering if you were free this afternoon?"

"It depends. What’s going on?"

"Just lunch."

"Are you sure? You always seem to do something when you say that."

"I’m offended you think so little of me."

"Chloe!"

"Okay. I have something to tell you."

Isabella paused cutting her pancakes.

"What?"

"Not over the phone."

"Should I be worried?"

"A little."

"Chloe!"

Her best friend giggled.

"Don’t worry. It’s nothing bad. Can you meet me at the café near your office at one?"

"Okay."

"And Isabella?"

"Yes?"

"Please tell your footballer husband to stop making you look like such a silly grin. Not everyone is married."

Isabella laughed.

"Will do."

"Thanks, Mrs Hayes."

She hung up.

She looked back at the note.

She had been married to Alex for a while now and there were still times when she couldn’t believe it.

She had once seen him as her biggest professional hurdle. They had started off on bad terms, lots of arguing, suspicion and snide comments.

Now she was waking up in his house, wearing his clothes, sleeping in his bed and receiving hand written notes from him for breakfast.

Life had certainly thrown her a curveball.

But she wouldn’t change a thing.

By eleven Isabella had sat down at her desk within the London office of the magazine.

She was currently typing up an article about the increasing pressure on professional footballers to be open about their mental health. She had become very interested in this topic as Alex had started working with the Westbridge FC youth academy.

One of the things she loved about him was his dedication to the younger players.

She heard a knock on her door.

"Come in."

Margaret Ellis walked in with a folder.

"Morning Isabella."

"Morning Margaret."

Margaret placed the folder onto Isabella’s desk.

“I've read your latest draft.”So?"

"It’s good."

Isabella raised her eyebrow.

"Just good?"

Margaret gave her a look.

"Don’t be a pain because you’re married to a footballer."

Isabella laughed.

"I was a pain before I met him."

"That’s true."

Margaret sat down opposite Isabella.

"You’ve done well. Your arguments are strong and you’ve done well with the interviews. I’d like to publish it in the Friday edition."

"Thanks."

"But."

Isabella looked up.

Margaret opened the folder.

"We’ve had an enquiry from Westbridge FC. They would like to do a feature on their youth development programme. They want a journalist to come down to training, interview the coaches from the academy and speak with some of the younger players."

Isabella looked at her.

"Westbridge?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to do it?"

"I think you should consider it. You know a lot about the club and you’ve shown that you can report on football without every article being about your husband."

Isabella leant back.

"You’re making a personal comment there."

"I am."

They both laughed.

"It wouldn’t create a conflict of interest would it?" Isabella asked.

"No. You’ll state your relationship and we’ll ensure it’s kept independent. If anything comes up relating to Alex or his immediate duties then we’ll have another journalist do that part."

Isabella thought.

She loved her job. She had worked very hard to become a respected journalist and she didn’t want her marriage defining who she was as a journalist. However, working with her husbands club could cause issues.

"I’ll think about it."

"That’s good. I need an answer by tomorrow."

Margaret stood up.

"And Isabella?"

"Yes?"

"Don’t let anyone persuade you that you should be less ambitious because you’re married."

Isabella smiled.

"I won’t."

"Perfect. I wouldn’t want to lose my best investigative journalist to domestic bliss."

Margaret left the office.

Isabella stared at the folder.

Her phone buzzed.

Alex: Have you eaten?

She smiled and typed.

Isabella: Yes, Captain.

Alex: Good. What are you up to this afternoon?

Isabella: Chloe.

Alex: Say hello.

Isabella: You can say hello. She thinks you’ve turned me into a permanent smiley face.

Alex: She’s right.

Isabella shook her head.

Her phone buzzed again.

Alex: I miss you.

Her face softened.

Isabella: I miss you too.

At one o’clock Isabella arrived at the café and saw Chloe sitting by the window. She was stirring her coffee.

"You’re late!" Chloe exclaimed.

"Only three minutes."

"Three minutes is still late."

Isabella sat down opposite her.

"You’re like Margaret."

"That’s a big insult."

They both laughed.

Isabella ordered her lunch. "So what’s so important you couldn’t tell me over the phone?"

Chloe hesitated.

"I’ve been offered a new role."

Isabella’s face lit up.

"Wow that’s amazing!"

"It’s a communications role with a sports management company."

"Chloe that’s amazing!"

"I haven’t accepted yet."

"Why not?"

"Because it involves travelling. Sometimes for a few weeks."

Isabella’s excitement faded.

"Where would you be travelling?"

"Mainly around Europe. Manchester, Madrid, Paris and sometimes Germany. It depends on the clients."

"That sounds amazing."

"It does. I’m just worried about leaving everything."

"Chloe it’s not forever. And you deserve to be excited about your future."

Chloe looked at Isabella.

"Think you should take it?"

"Yes."

"Are you just saying that because you want me to stop moaning about my current job?"

Isabella laughed.

"Although it would be a bonus."

Chloe reached across the table and squeezed Isabella’s hand.

"Thank you."

"Have you told anyone?"

"No. You’re the first."

" honour."

Chloe smiled but there was something else on her mind.

"How’s married life?"

Isabella rolled her eyes.

"It’s amazing."

"Just amazing?"

"Chloe."

"What? I’m asking a reasonable question."

"It’s good. He’s busy with football and I’m busy with work. We’re learning how to balance everything."

"Did you argue?"

"Of course."

Chloe grinned.

"About what?"

"He complained that I’d taken over his side of the wardrobe yesterday."

"That’s serious."

"He has more clothes than me."

"It’s not about that. You married a football captain. You should have known there would be wardrobe politics."

Isabella laughed.

"Sometimes I think he’s more dramatic than me."

"Impossible."

They talked for a while. Talking about work, family, relationships and the little things in life.

These moments were treasured.

Chloe had been there for her during some of the hardest times. She had seen the arguments, heartbreak, uncertainty and slow changes that had brought them together. She was grateful that she was still close.

Alex arrived home shortly after six.

He dropped his training bag by the stairs and loosened his tie as he walked into the living room.

"Wife?"

"Here."

He walked over to where her voice was coming from. He found Isabella curled up on the sofa with a book.

"Hey stranger," she greeted.

Alex smiled.

"Is that how you’re greeting me?"

"Should I have a proper welcome?"

"Never complain."

He leaned down and kissed her.

A warm, familiar kiss. Isabella smiled.

"Hello," she whispered.

"Hello beautiful."

He sat down beside her and stretched his arm along the back of the sofa.

"How was your day?"

"It was interesting."

"Good or bad interesting?"

"I think it was good."

"What happened?"

"Margaret offered me a potential assignment."

"What kind?"

"A feature on Westbridge’s youth development."

His eyebrows raised.

"Westbridge?"

"Yes."

"It’s interesting."

"She wants me to go down to training, interview the coaches from the academy and talk to some of the younger players."

Alex nodded.

"It sounds like a good story."

"You don’t think it would be awkward?"

"Why?"

"Because you’re the captain."

"And I’m a journalist."

"It’s not that simple."

Alex studied her face.

"Isabella I don’t want you to turn down an opportunity because you’re married to me."

"I know."

"I mean it. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. If you want to take it then do."

"What if people say I’m being biased with Westbridge?"

"Prove them wrong with your work."

She smiled slightly.

"You make everything sound easy."

"It’s not. But I know you."

He took her hand.

"You’ve never been someone to let what people think stop you from doing something."

Isabella looked at their joined hands.

"Thank you."

He kissed her forehead.

"Besides, I’d quite like my favourite journalist to be around training."

"Your favourite?"

"Obviously."

"It’s professional misconduct."

"I’m willing to take the risk."

She laughed.

He watched her for a moment.

"What else happened today?"

"Chloe got a job offer."

"That’s good."

"It involves travelling around Europe. She’s considering taking it."

Alex nodded.

"She should."

"That’s what I said."

"She’s talented. She deserves it."

Isabella smiled.

"Look at you, agreeing with me twice in one evening."

"Don’t get used to it."

She playfully poked his shoulder.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer.

They sat in silence.

He rested his chin on top of her head.

"Do you ever miss it?" he asked.

"Miss what?"

"Before we got married. Everything was uncertain."

Sometimes," she replied. "I miss the excitement of not knowing what was going to happen."

Alex looked down at her.

"Now?"

"I like knowing that when I come home you’ll be here."

He smiled softly.

"Even when I’m late?"

"Especially when I’m late. I get more time to miss you."

He chuckled.

"That’s dangerous. You’ll make me feel guilty."

"Good."

He kissed her.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Later that evening they cooked dinner together. Alex insisted on chopping the vegetables but quickly Isabella realised he had a very different idea of cooking and was using way too many pans.

"You’re making a mess," she complained.

"I’m cooking."

"You’re ruining my kitchen."

"It’s different."

"It isn’t."

Alex looked over his shoulder.

"Do you want to take over?"

"No. I like watching you struggle."

He chuckled.

Once they had finished cooking they placed their plates onto the table.

Halfway through their meal Alex’s phone beeped.

He looked at the screen.

"Daniel."

"Answer it."

He answered.

"What’s up?"

"Are you busy?" came Daniel Brooks’ voice.

“I'm having dinner.”With your wife?"

Alex looked at Isabella.

"Yes."

"Put her on speaker. I need to talk to both of you."

Alex pressed the button.

"Hi Isabella," Daniel said.

"Hi Daniel. How are you?"

"Good. We’ve got a situation at the club."

Alex’s face changed.

"What kind of situation?"

"One of the academy players has been having issues with his family. The coaches are worried and he’s been missing training."

Alex placed his fork down.

"Who is it?"

"Ethan Cole."

Alex knew the boy. He was seventeen and had joined the academy last season.

"What’s happened?"

"Apparently his dad wants him to quit football and get a job. There’s been an argument and he’s not been answering his phone."

Alex rubbed his forehead.

"Have you spoken to the academy manager?"

"Yes. He’s trying to set up a meeting."

"Okay. I’ll speak to him tomorrow."

Daniel paused.

"There’s something else. The club would like to do a little media event for the academy next month."

Isabella looked up.

"They’re hoping to get someone in who can tell the story properly. Someone who knows how important the academy is to the boys."

Alex looked at Isabella.

Her eyebrows raised.

"Sounds interesting," she mouthed.

Daniel noticed.

"What’s going on?"

Alex smiled.

"Isabella’s editor has offered her a feature on the academy."

There was a pause.

Daniel laughed.

"Convenient."

"Don’t start."

"I’m not saying anything."

"You’re thinking it."

Daniel laughed.

"Anyway, if she’s interested then the club would be happy to speak to her. We’d just need to ensure it’s done professionally."

"That’s what Margaret is considering," Isabella replied.

"Good. I’ll send the details over."

Once the call had finished Alex focused on his meal.

"You should take it," he said.

Isabella smiled.

"Really?"

"Yes."

She looked at him thoughtfully.

“Then perhaps I will.”

Alex reached across the table and took her hand.

"I’m proud of you."

She squeezed his fingers.

"And I’m proud of you."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because you care about those boys. You could easily just focus on your career but you don’t."

Alex looked away.

"Someone cared enough to give me a chance when I was younger. I want to do the same for them."

Isabella smiled.

"That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with you."

He looked at her.

"Just one?“Don't push your luck.”

He laughed.

Later that evening Isabella stood in front of the mirror taking her earrings out. Alex walked into the room wearing a black t-shirt and comfy trousers.

He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Thinking?"

She looked into his eyes in the mirror.

"Just today."

"Anything I should know?"

"I think I’m going to take the Westbridge assignment."

Alex smiled.

"I think that’s a good decision."

"Margaret will probably want to discuss the terms."

"Yes."

Isabella turned in his arms.

"I don’t want any special treatment."

"You won’t get any."

"Alex."

He smiled.

"I’m joking. You’ll get treated like every other journalist."

"Good."

He brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"But I do have the right to bring you some coffee."

She laughed.

"That’s fine."

"Maybe lunch."

"Alex."

"Maybe a kiss when no one’s looking."

She shook her head, smiling.

"You’re impossible.“Yet you married me.”I did."

He leaned in.

“Best decision you ever made?”

Isabella pretended to think.

"It’s definitely in my top five."

"Top five?"

"Maybe top three."

He placed a hand over his heart.

"That’s cruel."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"It’s number one you idiot."

He smiled.

He kissed her gently.

Outside the city bustled with life. Cars drove down the roads, distant voices could be heard and the lights from the Westbridge training ground flickered on across London.

Their lives were busy.

There would be tough times, busy careers, arguments and unexpected obstacles. Marriage hadn’t magically solved all their problems.

But they had learnt something.

Love wasn’t just about promises on your wedding day. It was about the everyday moments. Eating meals together, late night conversations and knowing you don’t have to face life alone.

Alex kissed her.

"Ready for bed Mrs Hayes?"

Isabella smiled.

"If you are."

"Always."

He turned off the light and they climbed into bed.

Isabella lay her head on his chest as Alex pulled the covers over them.

"Goodnight love," he whispered.

"Goodnight husband."

As they slowly drifted off to sleep Isabella realised the most beautiful part of their story wasn’t the uncertainty of whether they would end up together.

It was the life they were creating.

Together.