Page 21 of Anteros' Return
I had a son.
Why did nobody tell me? Why did my parents not tell me?!
Why did everyone in my life lie to me?!
8
The following morning, I stood beside Daniel with the team as they awaited what I guessed was his usual speech.
“Right, boys, you know what it is we want today?” Daniel asked.
“A win?” Liam quizzed, arching his brow.
He was my kid alright with winning on the brain at all times.
“Beckett, do you want to take this one?” Daniel smiled, leaving today's team talk to me.
“Yes, we want a win. Of course we do, but we also want to see you working as a team. Every time you step onto that pitch, you’re not just playing a game. You’re showing up as a team, and that means we support each other. When one of us scores, we all celebrate. When someone makes a mistake, we lift them up and keep pushing forward. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about giving your best and learning together.”
“Alright, Mr. Ashmore.” Liam agreed as the rest of the team followed along and nodded their heads.
Did he just like what I had to say? Wow.
“So, you’re going to go out there, play your hearts out, and most importantly, have fun together! I believe in each and every one of you. Now, who’s ready to show what we’ve got?”
“WE ARE!” The team erupted in unison, and I felt so incredibly proud despite not knowing them for that long.
As the boys ran off to continue warming up, Daniel slapped my back in camaraderie. “That was some speech, you sure you don’t want to do this full time?”
“They’re great kids, but I don’t belong in Chester anymore. I see it now.”
“You outgrew it, huh?”
“I guess you could say that.” I shrugged, stealing a glance at Emily who was deep in conversation with Harry on the sidelines. It was good to know that Liam had people in his life who supported him. That he didn’t go without that just because he didn’t have me in his life.
The game got underway, and as we shouted motivational orders from the side of the pitch, the boys killed it. Liam scored a hat trick within the first ten minutes, which shocked Daniel, but after seeing him play this week I wasn’t. I knew he had it in him. I knew he had talent. He was something special, that was for sure. I watched his celebration with Emily, holding his hands up in a heart and pointing at her, and I had to admit, it was adorable. It reminded me of when I used to look for her in the crowd when I was having a stellar game.
Ten years ago…
Scoring the winning goal was always a dream of mine but dedicating that goal to the girl I was falling in love with was even better.
As I shot the ball into the back of the net, I looked to where I knew she sat. Kissing my index finger, I pointed to her.
Her blush was as inevitable as her brother's glare, but I didn’t care. I wanted her to know that even when I was on the pitch, I thought of her and scored for her.
For her, the fallout—and Harry’s wrath—would always be worth it.
Present day…
As I watched Liam play, nostalgia washed over me. His attitude during gameplay was the complete opposite of what he directed at me. It was infectious. Every sprint down the field, every determined tackle, reminded me of my own childhood on the pitch. His drive was palpable, a fierce energy that lit up the eyes of many. I couldn’t help but admire his love for football, a passion I had carried with me for years. And still did.
The match ended 6-1 with us in the lead, and Daniel was as over the moon as was I. The team retreated to the changing room as I stood on the sidelines for a moment longer, unable to take my eyes off of Emily.
The way her hair blew around her in the gentle breeze. The way her eyes sparkled as she spoke to her brother. The way her laughter made my heart thump a little harder. The list was bloody endless. The second she clocked me watching her, so did Harry, and it didn’t take him long to storm over to me.
“Listen, Harry, I don’t want any trouble, alright?” I removed my hands from my crutches, holding them up in a gesture that showed I wasn’t trying to cause problems.
“There won’t be any fucking trouble, as long as you stay away from Liam and Emily.” He seethed, not giving two shits who waseavesdropping. “You should have listened all those years ago. I should have never said that it was okay for you to date her.”
