Sawyer POV - Three weeks later
"You okay, babe?"
I look up and see Makena looking at me worriedly.
I nod, "Yeah, I'm fine."
She sighs and walks over then rubs my cheek.
"You don't have to lie, Sawyer. It's me." She whispers.
I bite my lip and shake my head, "I just wish this didn't happen. I don't want to watch the game, I want to play."
She kisses my head, "You will play again, babe. I swear to you."
I look at her, "You don't know that."
She sighs, "You're right, but I know you. I know that when you hyperfocus on things, you get shit done. You're not going to settle because soccer is who you are, you're passionate about it. I believe in you. Your whole family believes in you. They believe in you."
She points at my necklace and I look down, grabbing them.
I stare at her and bob my head, "I'm still upset about it."
She smiles sadly, "You're allowed to be upset, babe, but just stay positive. Mind over matter."
"You're so good to me." I say.
"It's because I love you. I'm always going to be there to believe in you." She says and leans in to connect our lips.
"Alright, stop sucking face." I look up and glare my auntie Jeri.
"Ughhh, you're the worst!" I say.
She kisses my head and sits next to me, "No, I'm not."
I smile and shake my head.
I watch as momma carries Noah up the bleachers with pops and Charlie behind her.
Even though I'm not playing, everybody is still decked out in UCLA gear.
"Hey Al? Does it pain you to wear that baby blue and gold?"
Momma turns around and glares at auntie Jeri, "No, because I love Sawyer and because I love Sawyer, I will wear these god forsaken colors."
I chuckle, "At least I didn't go to Stanford, momma."
She smiles, "That's true, baby."
She stares at me, probably trying to read how I'm really feeling.
"Momma. You're staring."
She shakes her head, "Just love you, baby."
I bob my head, "I love you too."
I turn and watch as the teams get lined up.
Sophia turns and looks up, seeing me and waves.
I wave back and sigh.
The game kicks off and we continue watching.
I feel Makena squeeze my hand, "Hey. If you need a break, we can take one."
I shake my head, "Want to watch."
"Okay." She sighs.
I feel my phone buzz and grab it.
Emily
Emily: hey bud! I heard about your injury, just wanted to check in. Call me when you get a chance. Love you, dude!
I stare at the message and feel frustration build. Frustration about being injured, frustration that I can't play or do much of anything.
"Babe?"
