Crossing Hearts- A Maidstone Love Story

Chapter 45

The late August air was warm but not stifling as Jasper made his way to the park where he and Alessia had become official three years ago. It was one of their favourite spots, a quiet place away from the world, surrounded by trees and a small pond where they'd spent hours talking about life, football, and their dreams. Today, though, it felt different. Alessia was finally back from her holiday in Italy, and they were meeting for the first time in weeks. Jasper had news to share, and he couldn't wait to see her reaction.

He arrived a bit early and sat on their usual bench, his heart thudding with excitement. He couldn't wait to tell her about getting accepted into the University of Chichester. It was a big step for him, and he knew Alessia would be thrilled. But something in the back of his mind felt uneasy, like an invisible cloud hanging overhead.

When Alessia arrived, dressed in her favourite white jumper (that she stole from Jasper) and ripped jeans, her hair blowing in the breeze, Jasper's heart skipped a beat. She smiled as she walked toward him, and he stood up to greet her with a hug.

"Hey, you," she said, her voice soft and sweet. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," he replied, pulling her close before they sat down on the bench together.

"So, how was Italy?" Jasper asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"It was amazing," Alessia said with a bright smile. "The weather was perfect, and it was nice to relax with my family. But enough about that — you said you had some news?"

Jasper grinned, unable to hold it in any longer. "I got accepted into the University of Chichester! I'm going to study Football Media."

Alessia's eyes lit up, and she grabbed his hands, excitement evident on her face. "Jasper, that's incredible! I'm so proud of you. I knew you'd get in!"

He smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at her reaction. "Thanks. I've been waiting to tell you in person. I can't believe it's finally happening."

Alessia nodded, squeezing his hand. "You're going to do so well. I just know it."

For a moment, everything felt perfect. But then Alessia's expression shifted slightly, and Jasper noticed the subtle tension in her posture. She took a deep breath and glanced down before speaking again.

"I have something to tell you too," she said quietly, her tone more serious.

Jasper frowned, sensing the change. "What is it?"

"I... I'm moving to the United States," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I'll be playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels with Lotte, and I'll be studying Sport and Exercise Science."

Jasper blinked, his mind racing to process what she'd just said. "You're... moving? To the U.S.?"

Alessia nodded, her eyes searching his face for a reaction. "It's a huge opportunity, Jasper. The level of football over there is incredible, and this degree will set me up for a career in sports. I've already committed to three, maybe four years."

Suddenly, the warmth and excitement that had filled Jasper moments ago vanished. Something inside him snapped, and he felt a surge of anger rise in his chest.

"Wait, you've already committed? Without even talking to me about it first?" His voice was sharper than he intended, and Alessia's expression faltered.

"I didn't know how to bring it up," she said softly. "I didn't want to upset you—"

"Upset me?" Jasper's voice rose, anger flooding every word. "Alessia, you're moving to a completely different country for years, and you didn't think I deserved to know before you made the decision?"