The Void (Sequel to Beautiful Pain) [2]

Chapter 1: Touchdown

This is the second book in the "Beautiful Pain" series. Please go read that one first before continuing with this one!

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Chapter 1: Touchdown

Madi's POV

"TOUCHDOWN!" My dad and I screamed in unison as we jumped up from the couch, pumping our fists in the air. We hugged and then sat back down, turning our attention back to the TV.

Watching Bengals games with my dad is one of my favorite things to do. He's taught me all I know about football and I'm still learning. We typically try to make it to one Bengals game a year, whether it's here in LA or back in Ohio with my grandfathers. We would go to more, but working around school and his touring schedule gets difficult.

My dad usually goes on about one tour a year, sometimes more. When he goes on tour, I stay with my best friend Brianna. We are 13 years old and in 8th grade. I have a room at her house and her parents are like a second family to me.

"GO! GO! GO! GO! YES!" My dad screamed at the TV. I smiled at him. It was always funny to see him screaming at the TV like anyone on the other side could hear him.

"What are you looking at?" he asked me with a smirk.

"It's funny when you encourage the players," I laughed.

"It worked, did it not? Did you not just see that play? Oh, we got this game in the bag!" my dad exclaimed. I just shook my head and laughed.

Besides Brianna, my dad is my best friend. If I'm not hanging out with Brianna or at school, I'm usually spending time with my dad. The two of us are super close and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I feel the empty spot in our family where my mom should be, even though I've never met her. My grandparents and dad have shared so many stories with me about her that I almost feel like I did know her. I do wish my mom was still here and that I had the opportunity to grow up with her. It's just hard to mourn something you've never had. My mom died when I was a day old, I've never known anything different.

I also know that my life would be so much different if my mom was still around. I probably wouldn't have spent half of my life at Brianna's house and we might not have been as close. My dad and I probably wouldn't be as close either, because he'd have my mom to spend his time with.

It's a weird feeling, something that definitely never leaves my mind. Part of me wishes I knew my mom and part of me is okay with it because it's normal to me. It's what has shaped my life and I love my life. I'm dealing with this feeling more and more as I get older and start to be able to comprehend things around me more and deeper.

My dad definitely makes sure that my mom's memory never leaves either of us. We visit her grave on her birthday and mother's day. There are pictures of her all over the house. My dad packed up her belongings a few years after her death, but they're just sitting in boxes in our attic. 

We spend my entire winter break in Cincinnati. We fly out shortly after I get out of school and we spend the first half of the time at my mom's parents' house and then we move to my dad's parents' house on Christmas Day to spend the holiday and my dad's birthday with them. We usually plan something with both sides of the family for my birthday the next day. The next day is the anniversary of my mom's death and my dad just kind of lays low. I can tell it's still a hard day for him. We remain with my dad's parents until after New Years. We then fly home pretty close to when I start school again. I know this is the way it's always been done, but sometimes I wish we could stay home or have a shorter trip so I could enjoy some of my break at home.

School is fine. Everyone knows I'm the kid with the dead mom. I get light teasing every now and then, but it's not bad. Like most kids, I enjoy the breaks I get from school and prefer to spend them relaxing.

I looked at my dad as he was learned forward, staring at the game. He was chewing on his lip, one of his nervous tics. He was sliding the ring back and forth that was hanging from the chain around his neck, another nervous tic. A few years ago, his band mates convinced him to take off his wedding ring. He opted to put it on a chain and wear it around his neck. He used to wear my mom's ring around his neck, but now keeps it on his nightstand in his room. He was worried about it getting damaged so he leaves it at home now.

"WHAT THE FUCK! ARE YOU FUCKING BLIND?" my dad screamed at the TV as the camera focused on a ref, calling a foul on the Bengals. "Oh my god," my dad groaned, putting his head in his hands and running his fingers through his hair. I just silently laughed at his complaining.

"They're still leading," I reassured him.

"Not for much longer if these refs keep making shitty calls."

"Dad, remember it's just a game," I laughed. I loved football, but my dad was definitely more into it than I was.

"You're right Madibug, thanks," he smiled. I smiled at the use of my childhood nickname.

"I love you dad."

"I love you too kiddo."

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There were definitely times that I was just staring at this chapter trying to figure out where to go next! Sorry if it jumped around a bit and didn't quite make sense!

I have lots of plans for this story! This series was planned backwards so I planned this sequel, then the ending of Beautiful Pain, and then the beginning haha!

How are we liking the first chapter? Should I continue this sequel?

Madi's picture is above!

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