Forbidden Fruit (Travis Kelce)

Hitting a brick wall

Travis

It's been a month, and I've hit a brick wall in figuring out who drugged me in Boston. At least now I have Patrick and Brittany on my side. But the one person I want more than anything still wants nothing to do with me. Brittany doesn't want to tell Arianna until we know who drugged me because it could be unsafe for her and I agree. I'd rather she stay hidden until things are all figured out. But God, I miss her so much.

What would have been our first Christmas together, I spent with family, and she spent it God knows where. I hate that. The Chiefs lost that day to the Raiders, making everything worse. Today, we have another game against the Bengals, and I'm nervous. The Chiefs are so close to the Super Bowl—only a few more games left—but my motivation has been nonexistent.

As I drive to Arrowhead Stadium, I can't help but replay the Raiders game in my mind. It was supposed to be a celebration, our first Christmas together, but instead, it was a disaster.

Flashback: Raiders Game

From the moment the game started, I wasn't focused. My mind kept drifting to Arianna, wondering where she was, what she was doing. I tried to shake it off, but it was like an anchor, dragging me down.

"Hey, Kelce, where's your head at?" one of the Raiders players sneered as he lined up against me.

"Thinking about your girl or should I say not your girl?" another taunted, laughing.

I clenched my jaw, trying to block out their voices, but it was no use. They got into my head, and it showed in my performance. Missed catches, botched plays, and a general lack of focus. My teammates noticed, too, their frustration evident.

"Come on, Travis, we need you in the game!" Patrick shouted at one point, but I just couldn't get it together.

The Raiders took full advantage, exploiting every mistake I made. By the time the final whistle blew, we were down, and I felt like I had let everyone down. Walking off the field, I saw the disappointment in the eyes of the fans, my teammates, and most painfully, my family.

Today, I'm determined to make up for that loss. We are playing against the Bengals. It was a tough game but we overcame it. We end up winning 25-17, a hard-fought victory that lifts the team's spirits. But even in the locker room, the celebration feels hollow to me. The guys talk and laugh, but I'm just going through the motions.

As I'm leaving, I see Patrick's kids. Sterling runs up to me, showing off a new necklace.

"Auntie Ari got it for me! Did she get you something?" she asks innocently, her eyes wide with curiosity.

I give Patrick a look, and he sighs. "She flew in and out but then immediately left to go back to..." He stops himself, realizing he's said too much.

"Why can't I know?" I demand, frustration bubbling up inside me.

Patrick's expression hardens. "I don't trust you not to jet off in the middle of the playoffs. We need you here, Travis."

I nod, knowing he's right. But it doesn't make it any easier. I just miss her so much.

As I drive home, the streets of Kansas City blur together. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Every day without Arianna feels like an eternity. The holidays were a stark reminder of her absence, and the victory today is bittersweet.

Back home, I collapse onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. The silence is deafening. My phone buzzes with messages from teammates and fans congratulating me on the win, but all I want is a message from her. Anything to bridge the distance between us.

I scroll through my phone, hesitating over her contact. I want to reach out, to hear her voice, but I know I can't. Not yet. Not until we have answers. I can't risk her safety.

As the night drags on, I think about the upcoming games, the pressure of making it to the Super Bowl. I need to stay focused, for the team, for the fans, for myself. But it's hard when half of my heart is missing.

I remember Sterling's innocent question and the look on Patrick's face. He's right. I can't afford to be distracted. I need to keep my head in the game, no matter how much it hurts. But as I lie in bed, staring at the dark ceiling, all I can think about is her.

My thoughts drift to what could have been. Our first Christmas together, celebrating the holidays as a couple. The gifts we would have exchanged, the moments we would have shared. Instead, I'm left with an empty house and a heart full of longing.

The next morning, I wake up early and head to the training facility. The routine helps, but the emptiness lingers. I push myself harder, trying to drown out the pain with physical exertion. It works for a while, but as soon as I stop, the ache returns.

During a break, I sit with Patrick, sipping on a sports drink. He gives me a look, one of understanding and sympathy.

"We'll figure this out, Travis," he says quietly. "But you need to stay focused."

"I know," I reply, my voice rough with emotion. "I just... I miss her so much, Pat."

He nods, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "I get it. But right now, we need you here. The team needs you."

I take a deep breath, nodding. "Yeah. I'm here. I'll stay focused."

As the day wears on, I throw myself into practice, into the game plan. It's the only way to keep the thoughts at bay.

I keep telling myself that we'll find out who did this. For now, I'll keep fighting—for the team, for the fans, for her. Because that's what she would want. And it's the only thing keeping me going.