A few days later I stand in the kitchen that is now mine overwhelmed at what has happened to me. I know my brother doesn't exactly earn a small wage but never did I expect to be given a house. Looking around the room I start to plan in my head how I want to decorate, all I know is that I want grey, white, silver and pink throughout most of the house. Hearing the doorbell I make my way to the hallway wondering who it is, not many people know my address yet. Opening the door I see a massive bunch of flowers before hearing Anoushka shout my name.

"What are you two doing here?" I ask letting Jesse in.

"We just thought we'd bring you some flowers to say good luck in your new home, Anoushka picked them" Jesse says placing the flowers on the kitchen bench.

"They're beautiful. Thank you" I saying kissing Jesse quickly "did you chose the flowers?" I ask Anoushka picking her up.

"Yes with daddy!"

"Thanks Noush they're the best!" I say not letting the little girl go. I feel so protective of her and I don't think I could stand to ever see her hurt "sorry I'm lacking on furniture but I haven't had a chance to go shopping yet" I say realising I literally have no furniture yet.

"That's understandable you've just got the keys. What's the plan for the house then?" Jesse asks.

"Follow me I'll give you the grand tour" I say "I need a major trip to IKEA one day but obviously this is the kitchen, I'm putting a massive comfy sofa over that side. The dining room is through there and this way is the actual living room" I say walking through the house with Jesse.

"If you need help with decorating or anything you know where I am even if it's just someone to go to IKEA with you" Jesse says as we make our way upstairs.

"Who can resist a trip to IKEA? Okay so Chris and Sam seem to think I need four bedrooms so naturally I'm going to make one a massive walk in wardrobe and dressing room"

"The main question is, where does the magic happen?" Jesse asks as he looks around my house.

"Keen aren't you?" I say laughing as we walk into the room that will become my bedroom. "Right now the plan is for this to be my bedroom. It has the en-suite and naturally it's the biggest room in the house so it makes sense"

"So if I stand right here does that mean I'm in the prime spot for your bed?" Jesse says pulling me into him.

"It will be when I buy a bed" I say reach up and draping my arms around Jesse's neck.

"That's good to know" Jesse says before kissing me "it's nice to know that you're only about a mile away from mine if we ever want to see each other"

"I'll not be sat at home all day you know. I'm looking for a job in either Manchester or Liverpool the real housewives of Cheshire isn't for me" I say referring to the reality show. I have no doubts that the women on the show are probably lovely people I just couldn't imagine doing anything like that.

"I could imagine you on there. You've definitely got the looks for it"

"That's good to know. Shame I'm missing one major requirement though"

"What's that?" Jesse asks as we sit on the floor, Anoushka between us.

"I'm not a housewife. I don't think I'll ever be a housewife. That's not in the life plan and so far it's working for me with slight hiccups" I say knowing I've had a plan in my head for as long as I can remember. So far I've managed to stick to it.

"What's the plan so far and in the future?" Jesse asks and I can see he's curious.

"I always wanted to go to Australia for as long as I can remember my only goal was to live in Australia so when I started my degree I did my first year in England then applied for the study abroad program and told them I'd prefer Australia. Got what I wanted and moved to Australia in the summer of 2014 for my second year of my degree then I decided I loved it so much I wanted to stay and do a work placement year so back in England it was sorted out for me and I managed to get a placement in Sydney. Then after that year I managed to convince everyone to let me stay and finish my degree in Sydney and they agreed. Graduated in 2017 then went straight into my masters degree. Got a job in Sydney after I graduated from my masters degree at the same place I'd worked during my placement year and stayed there until I came back here" telling Jesse about my life so far feels personal, yes I know we've been getting to know each other but this is like I'm baring my soul to him.

"It's amazing that you knew that was what you wanted to do and you made it happen. Why did you come back?" Jesse asks and I knew he would.

"I just felt like it was the right time" I say trying to avoid telling Jesse the real reason I'm back in England for good.

"That's not the real reason is it? The look on your face tells me it's something more than feeling like it was time to come home" Jesse says and I feel like he can read me like a book.

"Maybe one day I'll tell you the real reason why I came home but right now it's still incredibly hard to talk about. There's not a single person who knows why I'm back but let's just say my Australian dream turned into a nightmare" I say hoping to put an end to the conversation.

"You didn't lose your job or anything did you?" Jesse asks.

"No nothing like that. One day I might feel ready to talk about it but right now I'm not. Anyway what about you? Was football always the plan?" I ask steering the conversation away from me.

"Yeah pretty much from being given my first youth academy contract when I was seven. Football was everything and as much as my family supported that they knew I needed something to fall back on if football didn't work out for me. My grandad is the whole driving force behind the Jesse Lingard everyone sees. He pushed me to be the best version of myself and he kept me on track. He'd train with me but then he'd also make sure I did my school work. No one let me fall behind with school and I did end up with a few A-Levels but without it my family that wouldn't have happened" Jesse explains and I see the respect he has for his family just from him talking about them.

"It sounds like you've had the best support system around you in a tough industry. I know how hard it got for Chris at times I mean at one point we thought he'd be playing at non-league clubs forever after he came back from Boro because of homesickness but yet you managed to do it four times"

"I couldn't have done it without my family but once Noush came along I knew I had to stay in one place. I couldn't be going on loan every other season so I fought to prove I deserved to be there"

"And you do deserve to be there. Manchester United don't keep you on their books from the age of seven if they don't think you're worth it"

"The fans don't think that. I try not to read it but we all know I'm public enemy number one at the minute" Jesse says and I can tell he's never spoke to anyone about this. I've seen the hate he's been getting on every social media platform and it isn't nice to read.

"Jesse they don't know what you've been dealing with behind the scenes. People forget you're human too not just a footballer. You're basically a single dad with a wife who spends more time in California than Manchester and you help your mum with your brother and sister" I say. Not many people would deal with as many commitments as Jesse. "I'm not just saying it because it's you, what you deal with is a lot for anyone. How long has this gone on with Daniela going to California?" I ask curious how long Jesse has been left alone.

"Probably about a year and I know a lot of people think we have a nanny for Noush but we don't and never have. If I'm training or travelling with the team I rely on family or friends to look after her. Usually Sam has her but now she's got Leo I can't expect her to have Noush as well"

"Well now you've got me and if you need anything you know where I am. I want to help and I'm going to be at most games so it makes no difference if she's there with me. If people don't went to look beyond Jesse Lingard the footballer that's their issue" I say knowing Jesse needs a boost. "I might throw a party just after new year. I might not have furniture but that doesn't mean I can't through a banging party"

"At least get yourself moved in first. You don't want people to ruin your carpets and stuff before you even have furniture then when you're settled you can throw the party of all parties" Jesse says and I can tell he's trying to think logically. Honestly he isn't wrong.

Two weeks later I find my seat in the stands at Old Trafford with Anoushka. Derby day in the north west has arrived and it's time to paint Manchester red again. I've never been to a derby while my brothers been playing for Manchester United and I'm excited. The atmosphere is electric. I'm sitting with the families of all the players and everyone is buzzing.

"I swear if they don't win today I'm moving back to Australia!" I say to Sam "I didn't come all of this way to see them lose"

"Shut up you were coming back anyway. You missed me too much" Sam says laughing. "How come you have Anoushka?"

"I was talking to Jesse a few weeks ago and he said he felt bad putting on to you now that you've got Leo so I just said I'd have her when his family can't. I'll be at the majority of games with you anyway so it makes no difference" I explain. None of it's a lie just no one knows just how close me and Jesse are.

"He does know I don't mind doesn't he?" Sam says and I can tell she's worried.

"You'd have to speak to him about that. I just offered when he said he didn't want to put on to you"

After the derby and Manchester being red again we head to Chris's house to celebrate with most of the kids being with babysitters. I walk into the kitchen and grab myself another drink as I wrap my arms around Chris.

"I didn't get to see you properly after the match but well done. You played so good I'm the proudest little sister in the world plus you didn't lose your temper when you could have so many times" I say knowing the city players were doing all they could to wind Chris up.

"Thanks little one. It was a good game. You're right but it's not worth getting a red card for and we still won so it's all good. I'm going to find Sam, don't worry about going back to your place tonight. Just stay here there's enough room for you" Chris says before kissing the top of my head and leaving the kitchen. Moments later I feel arms go around my waist and lips on my neck, I smile knowing it's Jesse from the smell of his aftershave.

"I've never seen anyone make a football top look as good as when you're wearing one especially ones that have my name on them" he whispers into my ear, praying no one is around I turn to wrap my arms around his neck.

"I would say I'm flattered but what would you expect. It's me you're talking about babes" I say laughing.

"You look gorgeous Montana. Even when you're being sarcastic"

"Your goal today was amazing. You proved today why you deserve to be starting every week"

"You forgot captaining the team last week"

"Clearly I didn't want to inflate you ego anymore than it already is" I kiss Jesse wanting to stay in his arms for the rest of the night even though I know I can't "we need to get back to everyone before they get suspicious"

"I know I just don't want to. I will come and see you as soon as possible though. Anoushka is missing you loads at the minute as well"

"I miss her too. I'll text you now let's go back to being just friends but one more kiss first. I can congratulate you properly another night" I feel Jesse's lips on mine and slip my hands under the hem of his polo shirt "I want you now Jesse"

"I know me too but we can't. Not here. Stop teasing before I take you right here in your brothers kitchen" he says grabbing my wandering hands.

"I wouldn't complain" I say as I pull away from Jesse.

"Montana complaining? Never. What aren't you complaining about this time?" Marcus asks as he walks into the kitchen. I let out a deep breath thankful I pulled away from Jesse when I did.

"Scoring a goal like this one did this afternoon" nice save Montana. Montana one Marcus nil.

"It was a really good goal. It takes serious skill and control to score a goal like that. Just another reason he's my best mate really"

"That's my queue to leave while you two gush over each other. I wouldn't want to get in the middle of this thing you've got going on" I say realising it's the perfect chance for me to leave.

"You're only jealous" Marcus shouts as I leave the kitchen. He has no idea.