Alone Awaken

Chapter 31: Colton

I breathe heavily in and out begging for my heart rate to slow down. The crowd behind me is cheering but they're not cheering for me.

I rest my hands in my hips and lean back. I look up at the score, 9 Oswego 5 guest. We lost. I played my hardest and gave everything I had. But this team was the best and there was no denying that. I'm happy to end my soccer career against a top team because it shows me that we've risen, I've risen.

"Cooperson! With the team, now!"

I look back and see coach waving for me. I didn't realize I was the last one on the field. I give a small turn and look around one last time and whisper to myself "good job kid."

I take a knee with the rest of my team and give small smiles to some of my teammates that look up to me. There's always next year for them.

Coach's end of the season pep talks are never short and sweet. By the time he's finished and we huddled for one last Fred-state cheer, the stands are practically empty. Just family is left standing and waving. I squint and see Jess and the rest of the motley crew. And that's when I see her. Arms crossed over her small body, hair down with a beanie and my jacket laying just at her knees. She gives me a small smile and mouths hey. I say it back.

I quickly throw on my sweats so I can see my girl but coach stops me before I make it around the bench.

"Have a good break Cooperson, and good luck with your masters. It's been a pleasure coaching you." He takes one hand off his hip and holds it in front of me. I shake it proudly.

"Thanks coach, I hope I did the team proud." I smile at him.

"You did son. You're a born leader and I can't wait to see where you'll go. Please keep in touch." He gives me a smile but his eyes are sad. For a tough coach, he's easy to read.

"I will and thank you again for everything." I let go of his hand and grab my bag. Coach nods to me one last time before walking away. I make my way to my family and listen to the grass squish under my cleats from the dew this morning. I think I'll miss that noise the most.

Mom's the first to wrap her arms around me kissing me cheek. Jess "punches" my stomach and dad pats me on the shoulder. Then I get to Remi. She smiles up at me tugging on her sleeves and looks down at her boots. I can't help but smile at her. Without thinking I pull her in catching her by surprise and kiss her. I feel her tense for a second then relax into me. She tastes of cool and warmth at the same time. I want to take all of her in, so intoxicating.

"Uhm mm cough cough mom-and-dad cough cough." Jess elbows me in the ribs. Remi pulls away and I slowly turn and witness a horrified expression on my mother. Dad tugs on her sleeve and leads her off the field.

"I'll uh, let you two catchup." Jess winks and hurried off to mom and dad.

"Well that was awkward." Remi pulls away, but I tug her back before she was barely an inch away.

"Nah." I smirk at her and she laughs throwing her arms around my neck. "So, you ready to get the Colton experience?"

"Ew." She bites her lip to stop herself from laughing.

I roll my eyes "Oh just you wait, I'll change your world." I wink and turn us to start walking towards the car. She wraps her arm around my waist and I pull her in. We walk side by side in sync, in a perfect rhythm, a beat that uplifts-I stop dead in my tracts. Remi keeps walking after a second she turns.

"Forget something?" Her brows furrowed when she looks at me. "You ok? You look like you're really thinking." I look up at her. I understand now. I've felt the music in me and all I wanted to do just now was play. I couldn't believe it. All these years of technical skills and creating just variations of songs Ive studied, went out the window. I felt what I needed to play. I smile at this incredible woman. She's everything I need, I can never let her go.

I walk up to Remi and place her face in my hands. I gaze into her eyes and watch the softness enfold when she looks back into mine. "Just realized how perfect everything is. How perfect you are." I bring her in and kiss her, holding her close. Letting her taste me, breathe me, let her take all of me until she slowly pulls back when she's ready. She looks up at me "well that was nice." She smiles again with this smirk I can never resist.

I give her a quick laugh "alright, alright, let's get to the car."