The Girl in Cleats

⚽️Chapter 28⚽️

-Kiera POV-

"It's...it's a baby?!" I stutter, unable to believe my eyes. 

"Yep, must be the cat they were talking about." Dustin says, grabbing the photo. He flips it over and points to some writing on the back. "Yea, look at this." He hands me the picture and I read it out loud.

"Our cat misses you" I say slowly. 

"So...the cat is actually a baby." Alexis says, looking at the picture again. 

"Well, this just got a lot more confusing." I say, running a hand through my hair and sighing. 

"Actually, no it didn't. He ran away to be with this girl and the baby." Dustin says, adjusting his glasses. 

He's such a nerd.

*riiiiing-riiiing* 

"Guys, I think Asher is calling!" I say, getting really excited. 

"Don't answer right away, you don't wanna look desperate." Alexis says with a sly smile. Dustin rolls his eyes and mutters, "Girls." under his breath. 

I decide to answer after a couple rings, "Hey, Asher?" I can barely contain my excitement. 

What if he's coming home?

"Yea, it's me." He says in a depressed tone. 

Oh no...

"Are you ok?" I ask, getting worried. 

"No, I'm not. Look, I need to tell you something." 

I feel my heartbeat quicken, "Ok..." 

"I'm breaking up with you, I'm so sorry." He says in a rush. 

Breaking up with me? But... why? What did I do wrong? 

"Oh..." I say, tears welling up in my eyes. 

"They're moving me to a different foster home and I won't be able to call you from there. We just...can't go on like this." He says in a firm tone. 

So he doesn't even want to try. 

I look over at Alexis and Dustin, both who are looking very concerned.

"I understand, I can't talk right now...there's...stuff going on here. But um, I respect your decision and I'll try to move on. Goodbye, Asher." I say, looking at the picture of the baby. I press end but then start crying. Alexis and Dustin wrap me in a hug without saying anything. After a few moments of silence, Dustin says, "Who do I need to murder?" 

"Nobody." I say, choking up.

"Oh really? Nobody hurts you and gets away with it." Dustin says, looking me in the eyes. 

"I don't want you to murder him though..." I say with a sigh. 

"If you really don't want me to, then I won't." He says, giving me another hug. 

"Does that mean I can't either?" Alexis says with a clenched fist. 

"Yes, it does." I say with a small laugh. 

"Dang it. Can I at least kick him where the sun doesn't shine?" She asks, pouting. 

"Hm. I'll think about that one." I say. 

"Great! He won't be able to walk for the rest of his pitiful life!" She says matter-of-factly. 

 "Let's go get lunch or something, I'm starving." Dustin says, patting his stomach.

"Dustin, you're always starving." I say with a smile. 

"Yea I know." he says, winking at me and laughing. 

_________________________________________

-Asher POV-

"Load up!" John calls to us. 

Chase gives Jordan one last hug before picking up his bag and sadly walking towards me. I walk up to Jordan and give him a tight hug. As I start to let go, he grips my shoulder tightly and whispers, "Keep Chase in check, he goes a little coo-coo without me." 

I laugh and say, "You know I will, but, isn't he already a little coo-coo?" 

Jordan puts a hand on his chin as if he's thinking deeply and says, "Y'know, he actually is. I guess I meant... don't let him go insane." He gives my shoulder a pat and then picks up his suitcase with ease. 

After I had ended the call with Kiera, Jordan and Chase sat me down and told me that Chase has depression. I was astounded because Chase seems like such a happy guy. I didn't say anything though, and let them talk. 

"You need to make sure he takes his medication every morning and every night. Don't let him skip or else bad things happen." Jordan had said with a grim face. I looked over at Chase just in time to see him pull his sleeves over his left wrist. 

"Do not let him get near anything sharp. I mean it, this is serious." Jordan said. 

"Got it." I had replied, still unsure of how I'd be able to handle him. 

Sometimes the happiest people are the ones hurting the most...

"Yo, Asher, time to load up." Chase brings me back to reality by punching my arm. 

"What? Oh, sorry." I say, shaking my head. 

As I step into the bus, Jordan waves at me as if to say, "Remember our conversation about Chase." 

I nod at him and he nods back with a nervous smile. I sit in my seat and wait for the bus to drive us to our new home. Scarlett is behind us, looking through a photo album. I glance back, wondering what kind of pictures are in there. As soon as I turn my head, she closes the book defensively. I turn back around, letting her know that I'm not gonna invade her privacy unless she wants me to. 

Like that'll ever happen.

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Hello again, I know this chapter is short, but I updated within the same week! So y'all should buy me roses or something. Jk, I don't even like roses haha. Ok so hopefully you guys enjoyed that chapter, more is coming. :) 

I decided to give a little more personality to Chase, how'd you guys like that? I know there's a lot of people in this world like that (including myself) and figured you guys would like a character who struggles with the same stuff we all do. 

I would just like to thank all my faithful readers that have been here since the beginning, I honestly didn't think my first book would get so many reads! You guys are fantabulous! :D 

Until next chapter, Bye, I love you all <3

-KD