After Bree and I made up, things have been going well. We're going on a double date with Woody and Mia tonight. Everyone's happy, and it's a nice break from the intense practices leading up to the finals.
---
“Hey, Baby,” I said, leaning against her doorframe. She was getting ready, her hair cascading down her shoulders. “You look amazing.”
She turned and smiled, her eyes lighting up. “You don’t look too bad yourself, Xander.”
We headed out, picking up Woody and Mia on the way. Woody was his usual laid-back self, but Mia was buzzing with excitement.
“So, how are things between you two?” Mia asked, glancing between Bree and me.
“Better than ever,” Bree replied, squeezing my hand.
Woody grinned. “Told you, man, everything would work out.”
At the restaurant, we settled into our booth, laughter and conversation flowing easily. Woody regaled us with a story about his last encounter with Coach Smith.
“So, I was late to practice, right? And Coach gives me this look, like he’s about to explode. But then he just says, ‘Woody, if you were a clock, you’d be missing the big hand,’ and walks away.”
We all burst into laughter, and for a moment, the weight of the upcoming game lifted.
“Seriously, though,” Woody said, raising his glass, “here’s to the Titans. To friendship, and to Xander and Bree getting their act together.”
“Cheers!” we all echoed, clinking our glasses together.
---
The final day arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. The locker room was buzzing with nervous energy as Coach Smith gathered us around.
“Alright, boys, this is it,” Coach said, his voice steady. “Give it everything you’ve got. Enjoy the moment and play for each other.”
As we lined up on the field, I glanced at Bree in the front row, wearing my jersey and smiling proudly. The whistle blew, and the game was on. Every pass, every tackle, every moment was crucial.
In the heat of the match, I found myself with the ball, dribbling past defenders. I saw an opening and took the shot. The ball sailed past the goalkeeper and into the net. The stadium erupted, and I pointed to Bree, making a heart shape with my hands.
“That one’s for you!” I mouthed, and she beamed back at me.
The game was a blur of intensity, but when the final whistle blew, we had won. The Titans were champions. I was named the Best Player of the Tournament, but all I could think about was Bree.
I made my way to her, and she jumped into my arms, tears of joy streaming down her face.
“You did it, Xander! I’m so proud of you!” she exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Bree,” I said, kissing her passionately.
---
The celebration moved to a bar, the team letting loose after weeks of pressure. Bree and I sat with Woody and Mia, drinks in hand and smiles all around.
“To the Titans!” Woody shouted, raising his glass. “And to Xander, the best player around!”
Everyone cheered, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks, Woody. But it was a team effort. We all played our hearts out.”
Bree leaned in, whispering in my ear. “I’m so happy for you, Xander. This is just the beginning.”
I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude. “I know. And I’m so glad you’re here with me.”
Mia nudged Woody, laughing. “You know, Bree and Xander are such a cute couple. Maybe we should plan a double date to celebrate more often.”
“Sounds good to me,” Woody replied, grinning. “But first, another round for the champs!”
As the night wore on, we danced, laughed, and celebrated our victory. Bree and I stepped outside for a moment, the cool night air a welcome relief.
“Tonight was perfect,” she said, resting her head on my shoulder.
“It really was,” I agreed, wrapping my arm around her. “And it’s just the start of something even better.”
She looked up at me, her eyes shining. “I love you, Xander.”
I smiled, pulling her closer. “I love you too, Bree.”
---
The days following the championship win were a whirlwind of joy and excitement. We had a victory parade, media interviews, and countless congratulations. But amid all the celebrations, Bree and I cherished our quiet moments together.
One evening, as we walked hand in hand through the campus, Bree turned to me with a thoughtful expression. “Xander, what’s next for you? I mean, with soccer and everything.”
“I’ve been offered a contract with FC Dallas,” I said, watching her reaction carefully.
Her eyes widened with excitement. “That’s amazing, Xander! I’m so proud of you!”
“I couldn’t have done it without your support, Bree,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “But what about you? What’s next for us?”
She smiled, her eyes filled with determination. “I’ll be here, finishing my degree. But I’ll come visit as often as I can. We’ll make it work.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance. “We will. I know we will.”
---
On the day I was set to leave for Dallas, the team and friends gathered to see me off. Bree stood by my side, her hand tightly clasped in mine.
Woody clapped me on the back. “You’re going to kill it out there, man. Just don’t forget us little people.”
“I won’t,” I promised, grinning. “You guys are my family.”
As the car pulled up to take me to the airport, I turned to Bree, my heart heavy but hopeful. “I’ll call you as soon as I land.”
“I’ll be waiting,” she said, her voice steady despite the tears in her eyes. “Go show them what you’re made of, Xander.”
With one last kiss, I got into the car, watching as Bree and my friends faded into the distance. This was the start of a new chapter, but no matter where life took me, I knew I’d always have a piece of home in my heart. And that was more than enough to keep me going.
As the plane took off, I looked out the window, a sense of determination filling me. I was ready for whatever came next, knowing that with Bree by my side, there was nothing I couldn’t handle.
YOU ARE READING
Innocence and Interceptions
RomanceIn the dance of fate, he strives while she heals-an unexpected journey of love unfolding on the soccer pitch "Innocence and Interceptions" is a heartwarming and poignant tale of love, healing, and unexpected connections. It's a story about overcomin...
