Bound by Love and Rivalry: Auston Matthews

Chapter 13

Nearly a year had slipped through our fingers since everything had happened. Auston and I had both grown a lot in this time and we both felt genuinely happy and the trust was being rebuilt. I finally felt like things were back to normal, still having moments where the sharp pain of that memory arose but I was genuinely happy. Auston worked hard to fix things doing everything he could no matter how big or small he did it.

The biggest change during this time was that Auston traded in his mile high Toronto bachelor pad for a house, and he asked me to move in with him. I was hesitant at first but decided I wanted to. We moved in a month before the season kicked off.

The house was nestled in a leafy neighborhood outside of the city. It had hardwood floors and rooms drenched in natural light. It was the place where we would share memories and feel the safest.

Once the season started is when I felt the difference between living alone and living with Auston. The house was filled with us laughing and gossiping and even when we weren't in the same room the sound of Auston watching sports center in the living room or watching tik toks too loud filled the house. But when he was on road trips it felt empty and silent.

Being left in this silence felt unbearable especially right now Auston had a three week long road trip and I've only made it a week in and I was already beginning to feel depressed in this big empty house. I attended classes, went to the gym, then came home to an empty house.

I was in a slump getting ready for bed when I heard the phone ring. I looked down and saw a Facetime from Auston and my face immediately lit up.

I answered the phone

"Miss me?" he teased over the phone

"Always," I replied, the distance between us and the quiet hour softened by the cadence of his voice.

We talked for a little while. He caught me up on what was going on and what games were coming up and gave me the load down on any gossip on the team.

"I gotta go baby, another travel day tomorrow. I'll call you tomorrow night?"

My face must have changed significantly because before I could even get a word out

"Brooklyn, you okay?"

"Yea! I'm fine. I'll talk to you tomorrow"

"Babe what's up talk to me"

"Nothing really Aus it's just depressing being home without you"

"I'll be home before you even know it, don't worry! Why don't you call Steph and get together with some of the other girlfriends. I'm sure they are bored and lonely with this long road trip too."

Auston had a point, I hadn't made an attempt to make myself feel better so his idea was perfect

"Yeh! I didn't really think about that! That's a good idea"

We said our goodbye and our I love yous all the mushy stuff then hung up the phone

After we got off the phone I texted Steph. I was nervous to text her because I haven't talked to her much since everything happened, and she was traveling with Mitch all summer so this is going to be the first time I am seeing her that isn't a game or a girlfriends outing

Me: Stephanie I beg please come over tomorrow I am about to go insane

Steph: I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO TEXT ME
Steph: I have been so bored the past week!

We texted back and forth for a little bit and then decided we were going to do a wine and pizza night and even extended the invite to some of the other girlfriends.