Crossing Hearts- A Maidstone Love Story

Chapter 69

The rest of summer after Jasper and Alessia's trip to Paris was a whirlwind of family, friends, and moments together that they both wanted to make last as long as possible. With Alessia set to return to the University of North Carolina for her second year and Jasper heading back to Chichester, they knew their time together was precious. They both felt the weight of their upcoming separation, but they were determined to enjoy every second of the time they had left before saying goodbye.

The days stretched long and warm, filled with picnics, beach outings, and endless conversations. Jasper and Alessia spent their mornings on long walks, afternoons with friends, and evenings in quiet places, talking and laughing as though time would never run out.

One sunny afternoon, they were sitting by the lake, watching the sun sparkle on the water. Jasper picked up a pebble, skipping it across the surface.

"Do you ever think about how different life would be if you weren't heading back to the U.S.?" he asked, his voice tinged with the smallest hint of sadness.

Alessia sighed, leaning into his side. "All the time," she admitted. "But then I think about how lucky I am to be doing something I love, and how supportive you've been through all of it."

He wrapped his arm around her, squeezing gently. "I'll always be here for you, no matter how far apart we are."

On the morning of August 3rd, Jasper called Alessia to wish her luck for the U-20 Women's World Cup, feeling a surge of pride in everything she'd achieved. She was just a day away from flying to France for the tournament, and he could hear the excitement in her voice.

"I just wish I could be there to see you play," he said with a sigh. "It feels so strange, cheering you on from so far away."

"You'll be there in spirit," Alessia assured him, laughing. "I'll imagine you're somewhere in the crowd, waving a huge banner or something."

"Don't tempt me," he replied, grinning. "Good luck, Alessia. I know you're going to be amazing."

"Thank you, Jasper. I'll play my heart out," she said softly. "Just knowing you're cheering me on from wherever you are means the world to me."

Two weeks later, Jasper called to congratulate Alessia as soon as he heard the news that her team had come third in the World Cup.

"You did it!" he cheered as she picked up. "Third place, Alessia! That's incredible!"

Alessia laughed, sounding out of breath but exhilarated. "Thank you, Jasper! It's been such an intense few weeks, but we did it. I can't believe it's over."

"I'm so proud of you. You worked so hard for this, and it's amazing to see you come this far," he said, his voice full of admiration.

"I couldn't have done it without your support," she replied, a smile evident in her voice. "Thank you for always believing in me, even when I wasn't sure I could do it myself."

When September rolled around, their fifth anniversary was fast approaching. With Alessia back in North Carolina and Jasper in Chichester, they planned a remote celebration to mark the special day. On the evening of the 21st, they both settled in with video chat, dressed up as if they were going out together.

"Happy anniversary," Jasper said, his voice soft with affection as Alessia's face appeared on his screen.

"Happy anniversary," she replied, beaming. "Five years... Can you believe it?"

"Feels like a lifetime and no time at all," he said with a grin. "I got you something." He held up a small, silver necklace with their initials.

"It's beautiful," Alessia whispered, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Jasper. I'll keep it close to me, always."