The Girl in Cleats

⚽️Chapter 29⚽️

A/N Hey guys...  Thank you for being patient with me, I hope you guys enjoy this extra long chapter :)

{Kiera POV}

Sometimes things happen and we're not sure why. Sometimes we can only lift our chins and show everyone that the fire still burns deep inside us. 

An unwanted tear slips down my cheek as I longingly look at the happy family in the picture that I hold in my hands. 

"Kieraaaaa I'm gonna get youuuu." Aiden says in the hallway. Six year old Kiera is hiding in the bathtub as Aiden looks for her in yet another game of hide and seek.

"I'm a big bad monster who tickles little girls... and I smell a little girl." Aiden says in a deep voice as he stomps around for effect. Kiera covers her mouth and lets out an excited giggle as she hears him walk into the wrong room. 

"Is that a little girl giggle I hear?" He says, walking into the bathroom. He stomps around for a little bit pretending to look for Kiera, though he knows she's in the bathtub. He starts to walk out but grabs the shower curtain and  yanks it open. He lets out a triumphed "Hah!" as Kiera screams, trying to get out. Just as she manages to get out, he grabs her and starts tickling her. She lets out squeals of laughter and starts hiccuping. 

"Woah there, kiddo. Let's get you some water." Aiden says, ruffling up Kiera's hair. 

"Ok- hic, Aiden- hic." Kiera manages to get out as she takes his hand and walks down the stairs.

"Knock-Knock." My dad says softly, stepping into my room. I look up from the photo and realize that I've been crying. 

"Hey, you need a hug?" He asks with his arms open. I nod and run into his arms. He kisses the top of my head and says, "I have some news." 

"It can wait." I say, wiping my face. 

"It's your mom..." He says in a serious voice. 

My heart nearly stops. I look up at him and nod, setting the picture on my bed.

_________________________________________________

{Asher POV}

"Don't regret your decision, bro." Chase says with a pat on my shoulder. 

"I miss her." I say, my words catching in my throat.

"Yea but what happens when you can't talk to her? It's better for both of you, I promise." Chase looks out the window and subconsciously rubs his wrist.

I take a deep breath and push Kiera to the back of my mind, saying, "So what's your story man?" 

"Nothing good." He says, still looking out the window.

"I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." I say quietly. 

Chase is silent for a couple seconds and then nods his head. "Alright, you go first." He turns to me and waits for me to begin. 

"Alright deal. Kiera and I were best friends since we were really little. Then I had to move away, and her parents had just divorced. I... I couldn't be there for her. Instead of me, she had to find comfort in a dog. I just wis-" I'm cut off by Chase. "This is your story, not Kiera's." 

"Right, right. Sorry." I get back to my story. "I was 13, my parents were going to take me to Cedar Point." 

"Cedar Point? Man, I bet that'd be great." Chase says. 

"I wouldn't know..." I say sadly. 

Chase smacks his forehead and says, "Oh dude I'm so sorry. I'm such an idio-" I cut him off, "Hey this is my story." I give him a teasing smile and he rolls his eyes but urges me to continue.