Saved

Chapter 79

Alex POV - one week later

I yawn as I get off of the plane.

"You're not allowed to be tired. We won and it's your birthday!" Taylor says.

I smile, "I guess that's true. Celebrating took it out of me."

"Well, what's the plan for later?" She asks me.

"Just want some family time. I missed them." I say.

She smiles, "Makes sense. They were okay with you gone?"

I nod, "Mostly. A few hiccups, but Serv managed them with Kate and my dad."

"Well that's good."

We hit the escalator and ride it down.

I smile when I see Serv, my dad, Sawyer, and Charlie. The latter two holding a sign that says: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMA!

I run over to them and wrap them in a hug, "Ugh, I missed you both. So. Much."

I kiss their heads.

"Happy birthday, momma!" They yell.

I laugh and stand up, "Happy birthday, baby."

Serv leans in and kisses me and pulls back.

"Happy birthday, honey." My dad says and I hug him.

"Thanks, dad." I say.

"Okay, this momma wants to go home and hang with her family." I say.

"Alright! Let's get a move on!" Serv says and we all head to the car.

"Momma! We got you a cake! Can we eat cake?" Sawyer asks.

I chuckle, "Yeah, baby. Maybe a little later though?"

She nods and skips ahead, "She missed you, honey."

I look at my dad and nod, "I know. I think she was trying to be a big kid and not show it, but I know it manifested. Her aide said she was really anxious."

"Anxious and sad, Alex. I would catch her just crying in her swing. She would say she wasn't and just move on, but I know she was." He says.

I bob my head up and down, "She's doing the best she can."

He smiles, "She is."

I watch as Sawyer turns around several times to make sure I'm still there, "I'm coming, baby. Promise."

She nods and grabs Charlie's hand.

"Did she do her homework?" I ask.

My dad shakes his head, "She refused to do it. That was a battle that was not going to be won, honey."

I sigh, "Okay."

We get into the car and start the drive home.

I look in the back, "Sawyer?"

She looks at me.

"We have to do your homework when we get home, yeah?"

"With you?"

I bob my head up and down, "Yeah, I'll sit with you."

I watch as she puts her headphones on and leans her head on my dad's shoulder.

I turn back and watch the scenery go by.

"We have to talk about the plan, babe." Serv says.

I nod, "Yeah, I know. Then sit down and talk to Sawyer about it."

"Thank god Mav can come. That would've been so hard for her." He says.

I smile, "Totally. Thank US Soccer for that."