Breaking the Grid

Final Whistle

Hey guys, sorry for being away. I had so much to do and very little time for this story. I'm going to try to get back to it because I really love it.

--------------------------------------------------

The final whistle cuts through the stadium, and for a second, I just stare at the pitch.

Then the entire place erupts.

I jump out of my seat alongside Kimi, laughing as we celebrate with the people around us. Arsenal have just won their second Champions League title, and the realization hits me all over again.

They did it.

I couldn't be happier for Kyra. Seeing her team lift the trophy, knowing how much work she and the girls have put into getting here, makes something warm spread through my chest.

And, if I'm being completely honest, I'm a little happy for myself too.

Somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, Arsenal has become my club too.

I watch the players sprint across the pitch, screaming and laughing, throwing themselves into each other's arms. Some are already crying. Others are jumping on top of one another, disappearing beneath a sea of red shirts.

The whole team looks completely overwhelmed by happiness.

Kimi suddenly nudges my shoulder.

"Hey."

I turn toward him.

He is grinning and pointing toward the pitch.

"Look at your girlfriend."

I follow his finger, and my eyes immediately find Kyra.

She's lying flat on the grass, laughing helplessly while two, maybe three of her teammates have thrown themselves on top of her. Only part of her face is visible beneath the pile of bodies, but I can recognize that smile from anywhere.

I laugh under my breath.

"She's going to kill them."

"Probably," Kimi says. "Are you going down there?"

I look toward the pitch again.

For a moment, I consider it.

I could go down. Security knows who I am. The team knows I'm here. Nobody would stop me, and I know exactly where Kyra is.

But then I shake my head.

"No."

Kimi looks at me, surprised.

"No?"

I smile and sit back down in my seat.

"She deserves this."

He raises an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

I gesture toward the pitch.

"Look at her. She's with her team. They've just won the Champions League. I don't want to walk down there and immediately pull her away from everyone."

Kimi watches me for a second before smiling.

"So you're being considerate?"

I glance at him.

"Don't sound so surprised."

He laughs.

"I'm just impressed."

I roll my eyes, but I can't stop smiling.