A Flame From The Past

73: Finale

The crowd came to life as the players ran through the tunnel. Adrenaline rushing through every fan's eyes and faces. And I could feel his stare as our family waved at him and his eyes were locked on me.

I had snuck out this morning before any of the players were awake, except mine of course. Luca held me until I was bound to be caught in the elevator by any of the players or even the staff on the team.

I exited the building unscathed by scandal and into the car waiting outside that was loaded with a fresh bagel and a coffee. Luca was everything I needed and here he was thinking through just about everything.

I hadn't seen him since this morning. We talked an hour earlier as Ally, Liam and his grandparents met Ray and I at our home. Everyone wondered why Layla was already here when she was always the one running late, we just explained I needed help getting ready. Everyone wished him luck as he smiled cheerfully. He was ready.

Our whole entire family was decked out in his name, I had his number on one cheek and a heart on the other. His Jersey coated Ray and I's back as I wore a skirt with it as well.

I looked over at Mariam as I felt her arm brace mine. "It makes me so happy to see him so in love with you and Ray, and his life... that's all anyone would want for their child". She said, and I took her words into heart as I held my breath hugging Ray tighter. Knowing the true meaning of what that can look like when they don't want what's best for their child, made me appreciate this form of love so much more.

"That's all I want for you too. I want what's best for you too, just as much as a mother would. Besides I feel like you're one of my own anyways". She said, kissing my forehead and hugging me tightly. There's something about having your heart filled. By feeling the love from a parent which you didn't think possible.

"Thank you for letting me into your family". I said, hugging her tightly. Meaning every word that spewed from my mouth. She thanked me and kissed my cheek.

"You've always had a place here, always. Even when Luca was drawing hearts on your yearbook pictures, or arguing with the judge that he said the answer first. You've always had a place in all of our hearts, and you always will have one". She said, smiling as I hugged her.

To a social worker I knew the textbook definition of a family, but for me personally the word was foreign to me. But being here, here with people that had given me this true feeling of belonging here. I felt so at ease with them, so grateful. I was at a loss for words.

The game flew by, as everyone stood on the edge of their seats as halftime approached. The score was tied and it was only half of the game that had gone by. We sat in our seats, all of us zoning out and wanting to take on the pressure Luca was feeling at this moment.

I felt a tap on the shoulder as I looked up and saw a girl dressed in a head seat.

"Excuse me Mrs Manson, the team is having a family pow wow in the tunnels and Mr. Manson requested you all to come down. Can I lead you down?" She asked and I looked at the rest of his family. Ray jumped up as I waited for the rest of the family to come but they stayed seated.

"Why don't you go, hun? I would only slow you all down". Mariam said, as she winked at me and dismissed me straight off. "Wish him luck for us". She said as Ray and I were leaving, I told her I would and followed this girl who was leading us down to the tunnels.

This girl was a spitfire, she was speed walking and poor Ray couldn't keep up, so I picked him up as we finally made it out of the crowds.

"So do you work for the stadium or the team?" I asked, speeding up to her level of walking. She looked surprised when I asked her.