Chapter 33

***Angelica***

I was out of the hospital by the third day. Doctor Pierre wanted to be comfortable before sending me home. Some team-mates and the coach came to visit me in the hospital. They came with the championship cup. I got most valuable player for that game and Jasmine got for the entire season.

When I got there was a huge banner written ‘Our own Pele’. Yes I know he is way before my time, but he is a legend and he is my most favourite player of all time. Aiden, Shawn, Cyanne all my aunts, Renee my moms and a few team-mates were there. I was really happy to be home, to be with people I love and who love me, but the pain killers had warn off and I was in pain. All I wanted was my bed, but I felt obligated to stay, after all, they planned this surprise ‘party’ in my honour. I was quiet for most of the evening. I found a nice comfortable spot on the sofa and didn’t move the entire time. I wasn’t alone though. Cyanne seemed stuck to me since I got home. She waited on me hand and foot.

***Bette***

We are all enjoying ourselves. More relieved that she didn’t suffer a more serious injury. I looked over at her sitting on the sofa with her legs on Cyanne. I couldn’t help but take a picture. I also realised that every so often she would have this pained expression on her face and would either hold her chest. I could tell that the excitement and laughter can be painful for her with a fractured rib.

“You ok sweetie?” I asked as I made myself small to fit next to her on the sofa.

“No, it hurts when I breathe sometimes.”

“Do you want me to take you inside?”

“Yeah.”

She tried to get up, but instead I took her in my arms and carried her to her room. Cyanne followed closely behind. Cyanne pulled the spread from the bed and rested her gently on the bed. We watched her for a while and she soon fell asleep. Cyanne and I quietly left the room and went back out to rejoin the others. I sitting in the lounge near the pool. I settled myself between her legs and lay back on her chest. “How is she?”

“Tired, in pain. She’s asleep.”

“I’ll go check on her in a bit.”

“Hey, did you mange to get in touch with Gina?”

“No, I called her yesterday, but they said she was out on the field. I’ll try again later. I’ll get the number from Tristan. I don’t want Annie to know that we called her. You know how she gets.”

“Yeah.” I kissed her.

“What was that for?”

“Just being you. And for giving me a beautiful family.”

She kissed me. A lingered very gentle kiss. “What was that for?”

“For loving me.”

We had a wonderful evening. Everyone was organising to leave. The coach and the team members, Kit and the other girls. We had closed up the house after everyone had gone and went in to check in on Angelica. It’s amazing that we didn’t even miss Cyanne amidst all the festivities. Even when everyone left or was organising to leave, we didn’t realise that Cyanne was missing. Tina and I quietly entered Angelica’s room so we wouldn’t wake her. She was awake though, but lying very close to her, fast asleep was Cyanne.

Angelica motioned for us to be quiet. I reached to pick her up, “Its ok. Leave her, let her sleep.”

“How long has she been here?” Tina asked.

“I dunno, when I woke up she was here.”

“I think she’s worried about you.”

“Yeah, she hasn’t let you out of her sight since you got home.” I agreed.

“I know.”

“I think it’s cute.” Angelica tried to laugh, but held her chest instead. “Still hurts?”

“Yeah.”

“Why don’t you take the medication? It will ease it up a bit.”

“I know, but I don’t want to get addicted to it.”

“So you prefer the pain.” Tina asked with a mixed tone of concern and seriousness in her voice.

“If it gets really bad I promise I will take them.”

“Alright, then. Get some rest. Hope your guest isn’t too much trouble.”

We made our rounds and made sure everyone was tucked in, kissed them and said goodnight.