Basketball, War, and... Love?

Ch.23~ Sledding

Stacey's P.O.V.

"Bubby, I'm bored," Claire huffed, looking back at us from her position on the floor.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it?" he chuckled.

 "I don't know, but I want to do something," she explained.

"Well, there is one thing we can do," I said, grinning.

"What?" she asked, growing excited.

"Yea, what?" Ky asked, raising his eyebrow at me

"Well, there is still snow on the ground and I have an old sled in the garage," I smiled.

"You're going to take me sledding?" Claire beamed.

"Yea, go get your jacket," I smiled.

"Are you sure about this. You are recovering from a concussion," Ky said, looking at me with concern as Claire ran upstairs.

"Ky, it's ok," I assured him, standing up. "I am going to go get dressed."

He sighed and shook his head, following me. I walked to my room and put on some jeans, a jacket, and my boots. Once I was dressed, I met the others by the door.

"Let's go!" Claire cheered, pulling us behind her.

We laughed, walking to the garage. I grabbed my old bowl sled and walked to the hill with them.

"Okay, Claire, hop on," I smiled, putting the sled down and letting her climb on.

She squealed and sat down, crossing her legs. I giggled and gave her, her first push down the hill.

"Again, again!" she chanted, running back up the hill.

 We laughed at her and helped her get settled for another round on it. We continued this for about an hour, before Claire got bored and it got a little chilly. Once we got inside, we took off our jackets and shoes and Kyle made us some hot chocolate. 

"Here you go," he smiled, handing me a mug and giving Claire a smaller cup with a little bit in it. 

We sat around the living room, Claire falling asleep after finishing her drink. 

"I'm home," my mom announced, opening the front door.

"Hey," we smiled, looking back at her.

She smiled, looking around the living room before she spotted Claire sleeping.

"Someone's tired," she laughed. 

"Yea, we took her sledding and she got worn out," I explained, giggling.

"Stacey, you really need to be careful," my mom said, growing concerned.

"I'm fine, mom, just a slight headache," I assured.

"Stace," Ky said, looking at me. 

"I'm fine. It's not a big deal," I promised.

"I'll grab you some tylenol," mom sighed,going upstairs.

Kyle looked back at me with a stern look, staring me down.

"Stop. I will be okay," I said, grabbing his hand.

"I know, but concussions are serious. Let's just stay inside for a bit," he sighed.

"Okay, we'll play it safe tomorrow," I smiled, hoping it would make him feel better.

He smiled. My mom came back with two pills and a glass of water. I smiled and took them. Mom went to go make dinner for us. Claire woke up while the food was being prepared and we helped set the table for my mom. After the food was ready and we all ate, we went to bed. When I woke up the next day, I started walking downstairs but got caught off guard when a hand grabbed mine.

"What are you doing?" I asked, placing my hand on my chest.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," Kyle laughed, kissing me.

I rolled my eyes and walked to the kitchen with him.

"Good morning guys. How did you sleep?" my mom asked me, cooking some eggs.

"I slept great," Ky smiled.

"Yea, me too," I smiled.

"Where's Claire?" she asked, looking around. 

"Still sleeping. Sledding took it out of her," Ky chuckled.

I laughed and nodded in agreement.

"Well, that may be the best for right now," my mom sighed. "I reported what I talked to you about the other day, and they will be here later."

Kyle tensed next to me causing me to instinctively squeeze his hand.

"They just need to ask a few questions, and you can mention the adoption to them," she explained.

He nodded, biting his lip. I smiled encouragingly at him, but hoped that my mom was right with everything she said. 

"Well, here you guys go," she smiled, placing plates in front of us. "I am heading to work. Let me know how it goes today."

We nodded as she headed out the door, and we ate our food. Pretty soon we heard footsteps coming into the room. 

"Good morning, bubby," Claire said. "And Stacey."

"Good morning," we smiled.

Kyle got up and began making Claire a plate. I took my phone out and messaged Alice and Ashton to see if either of them could take Claire for a bit today. Alice replied that she could, but Ashton had to work.

"Hey, Claire, how do you feel about hanging out with Alice today?" I asked.

"Can I?" she asked, looking at Ky.

"Yea, I don't see why not," he smiled, placing her plate in front of her.  

She happily began eating. By the time she was done, Alice had shown up to get her.

"Alright, you ready?" she asked, looking at Claire.

"Yea!" she cheered.

"Have fun," we laughed, waving.

They headed out the door, Claire babbling about everything she wanted to do as Alice smiled and nodded.

"So, we've got a few hours now," Ky smiled, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I giggled and turned around to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine.

"We need to get dressed," I said, stepping away from him.

"Alright, Mrs. Bossy," he chuckled.

I shook my head and walked up the stairs, him following. He went left while I went straight to get to my room. Once in there, I went to my closet and picked out some grey jeggings and white blouse. After I was ready, I walked downstairs and met Kyle who had on nice jeans and his red flannel.

"You look nice," I smiled.

"Thank you," he said.

Walking towards me, he grabbed me and pulled me in. I smiled as he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine again, only to have a knock at the door.

"You've got to be kidding me," he groaned, resting his forehead against mine.

"Better luck next time," I giggled, giving him a quick kiss before going to the door.

I smiled, opening it. 

"Hello, my name is Mrs. Carol. I'm with CPS," she said, holding her hand out.

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