More Than A Game

Chapter 25

Looking at the calendar hanging against the wall, I could feel my heart skipping its beat several times as I darted my eyes back and fourth across the page.

It was only about two and a half weeks until the day of the most prestigious event in AFL history was on and that was The Brownlows. With everything that was to happen within the fortnight, the thing I was most concerned about was being at the actual awards night. With confirmation of about 80% of the team intending to be there on the night (including Ollie), there were many moments were I believed my heart would pound right out of my chest.

With as much guilt I was feeling, I managed to fit a huge chunk of excitement since I was to leave to Melbourne with Chad tomorrow morning.

This morning I began packing my suitcase with clothes that would not only keep it suited to the weather but also keep me stylish on the streets of Melbourne. After previously speaking to Chad about the unpredictability in Melbourne, I neatly packed away different clothes as I went off to find extra pairs of shoes when the phone went off.

Hey Carmen, I was just checking up to see if you were alright after what happened at my place. I'm sorry that we were interrupted, I don't normally have visitors at that time. Angus is also deeply sorry and is still kicking himself up about it. Missing you heaps x Ollie.

I sighed as I stared at the phone. It was in times like this I wasn't sure on where I stood in this relationship. It was like one minute we're the best of mates and then the next we're finding each other exploring each other's mouth. I decided to reply back to his text to not give off a sour impression.

It's alright, who doesn't enjoy a bit of rebellious behaviour from time to time ;) Oh yeah and you could tell Angus to maybe knock next time. Just kidding, but be sure to tell him not to get to worked up over it.

I smiled at my reply when I continued packing my clothes for the trip. Almost immediately, a loud knock from the door emerged from behind me. I turned around and noticed mum watching towards me and sat on the side of my bed.

"Well would you look at that? My baby girl is heading off to spend two weeks away from her mother. It felt like only yesterday I bought you home from the hospital seeing your beautiful smile for the first time."

I gave her a look trying to understand why she was suddenly starting to lecture me. I prayed to myself that Brayden hadn't opened his loud mouth and told everyone about what he thought he knew.

"No, I'm not kidding Carmen. You were only a young munchkin when you were running around the house. Life really passes you by in a flash and there isn't anything you can do about it. I still remember when you came home one day from school and showed me an essay that was really captivating, now you're a grown woman planning to become a journalist later on. I just wanted to say how proud I've been to watch you grow up. It's been a rollercoaster ride watching my baby girl grow up."

"Mum. No matter what happens, I will still always be your baby girl. Doesn't matter what I do in the future, I promise that I will always make time for you."

I watched mum wipe a tear away from her away as she reached in for a hug and mumbled a short phrase of pride before releasing from the hug. She sat back up in her position before changing her facial expression.

"Now I know you're going to be with Chad and he's going to do everything he will to keep you safe, but I want you to be safe, but I want you to make sure you're protected in Melbourne. I've heard so many good things aswell as bad things about the state and I only just want to see my daughter happy."

"Mum, like you said I'm a grown woman. I'm pretty sure I can handle the big world out there but so you'll feel better, I will do everything I can in my power to make sure I stay safe and so will Chad."