Distant ➸ Aaron Ramsey

One: Awkward Meetings

The cottage Candice and I arranged is amazing. It is not big, but it is in the area of the countryside, which makes it even more interesting. But I am here alone.

My family bailed upon me. Again.

My brother's girlfriend's grandmother is unwell so he can't make it. My mother has some issues with the company, so she postponed. And I came all the way from New York to London just for them, and they cancelled.

I got a lovely family, isn't it?

I am here all by myself for the rest of the month, apparently I can't leave until mum shows up. And I don't when she'll wake her inner motherly figure and decide to listen to my endless list of problems.

I push through the door for some fresh air, and walk along the rough path. The sun was on the verge of setting, painting the sky into a warm orange shade. I come across a patch of of land unoccupied by trees, and a bunch of little kids playing football out here.

I take the bench on the corner, observing them play. Memories flood my mind, reminding me of how Aaron used to play on the school ground, leaving behind the fact that his parents will scold him again of missing his classes. His grades were always average, and his parents were always disappointed of him. They did discourage him from playing, considering they didn't believe he had a future in football. I still remember their faces when he told them he got it in Cardiff City FC.

"Can we have our ball?" I snap back to reality as I spot a little boy in front of me, pointing to the ball stopped at my foot.

"Yeah, sure," I smile at him, giving him the ball.

He runs ahead and I chuckle softly at his zeal.

I observe him playing - and I can say he is pretty good. After playing around, he sits in the corner, resting his head on his folded knees. The rest of the boys leave with their parents, and now its just me and him.

I walk to him and sit to match his level.

"Hey," I smile.

He lifts his head. "Hi," he mumbles.

"It is dark, go home already," I nudge him softly. He rubs his tired brown eyes.

"I want to go home," he says. "I am sleepy."

"So, go home," I shrug.

"Daddy has not come yet, I don't remember way back home from here," he whines.

"Oh," I frown. "When is daddy coming?"

"I dunno," he folds his lips outward. "Do you?"

"No, sorry," I shake my head. "What is your name?"

He looks at me for a while before yawning again. "Archie."

"Okay Archie, since its dark already, let me find your home for you, yeah?"

He nods enthusiastically.

"Okay, come," I hold his hand and guide him out of the patch of forest.

"Do you know the address?" I ask.

"I live in Walhamstow," he mumbles.

"I know that place," I nod. "What street?"

"1703, Walhamstow," he murmurs. He starts to drag his feet tiredly.

"Lets see if we can find daddy," I pick him up, and he rests his head on my shoulder. Within a matter of seconds (literally) I hear him snore.

I sit in the metro with him to reach within the city, and slowly pat his head. He is such an adorable little one.