Chapter 127 Ten Years Ago.

Chapter 127 Ten Years Ago.
Asher's POV 

Ten years ago

“Can I come with you, Mom? I don't want to be alone.” I mumbled into her dress as I clung to her tightly and she chuckled softly.

“I wish you could come with me, buttercup. But it's a long journey. You have practice, don't you?” Her brown hair moved with the wind as she gently closed the trunk and then turned to me.

“Practice is boring. All Dad does is yell at me.” My voice broke as she made me look at her, a small smile on her face.

“But you wanna be a hockey star, don't you?” She whispered, earning a pout from me. “I'll be back before you know it. I promise.”

“You promised! I'll hold you to it if you come back late!” I huffed with my hands crossed over my chest and she chuckled, a bright smile on her face.

I always wanted to end up with someone as bright as my mom. 

“Mom, do you think I can marry someone like you when I grow up?” I asked with a pout as I stood by the car side and her face twisted in amusement.

“Hm? You want to marry someone like me? Why?” She was obviously amused but I still kept that sulky expression as I looked away.

“You're perfect, aren't you? Dad doesn't know how lucky he is. If only he paid attention—”

“Naughty boy.” She gently flicked my forehead and I huffed again. “I guess kids notice everything after all. But no, buttercup. I'm not perfect. Neither is your dad. But we try our best. That's all that matters, no?”

I didn't understand what she meant as it made my brain hurt from thinking too much about it.

But I nodded anyway.

“Whatever you say, Mom.” I muttered in confusion as she got into the car and I held her hand once more. “Mom…”

“I'll be back, buttercup. Make sure you get that trophy for me, hm?” She said gently and I nodded aggressively. “I know you'll make me proud. I love you, buttercup.”

“Love you too, Mom! I'll make sure Dad records so you can watch how skilled I am!” I said proudly and her smile widened as she nodded.

Then she closed the door and waved at me once more— one last time— before driving out of the house.

A few days later.

I swung my stick at the goalpost, my smile widening when the puck hit the net as the buzzer sounded loudly.

“And the eleven-year-old hockey star saves the game! That was a brilliant goal from Asher Kingsley!”

My friends hollered in victory as we rolled around with our tiny skates, raising our sticks in excitement. This was our first game. Our first win.

And I finally got to make Mom proud.

But when I looked around, Dad wasn't anywhere to be found. As our coach, he was supposed to be here…

“Asher, where are you going?” One of my friends asked as I skated out of the rink.

“I'll be back.”

I threw my shoes off and ran out of the rink, but the moment I turned a corner, I bumped right into someone, sending us both crashing to the ground.

“I'm sorry…” My voice faded in my head as I glanced at the black-haired boy who dragged himself to his feet as well.

He was unlike anyone I've seen before.

“I watched you play.” Those were the first words he said to me and my brows furrowed. “I'm gonna be a hockey player too, just like you. Hopefully someday we can play together.”

He looked a bit older than me, if I wasn't wrong. If he was gonna become a player, shouldn't he have registered with the U11 team?

“Isn't it too late?” I asked with raised brows as I brushed my pants, and he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Is it?”

Was it too late? I doubted it.

“You could always start whenever! It doesn't matter if you can't play; I can talk to my dad, and he will find a way to get you in!” I muttered with a hint of excitement and his face seemed to light up.

“My dad is a hockey coach too… but I'm trying to run from him. He's too strict.” He mumbled and I couldn't help but chuckle, making him laugh too.

“My dad is worse! Trust me.” I laughed and then I noticed that I didn't ask him his name. “Do you attend my school? I haven't seen you before.”

“I don't… My dad brought me here to show me what kids my age are doing while I'm playing around. And after watching you play, I do want to be better now. I could say you're my idol…” He muttered, a hint of shyness in his words and I couldn't help but smile.

“I'm not all that good…” My voice trailed off as I shrugged slightly. “But I know you can do it. And when you do become a hockey player, let's play together someday.” I said without thinking as I extended a hand to him and he hesitated for a moment.

Then he took my hand in his.

“I look forward to it, Asher.” He said softly and my chest did a little flip while I stared at him, dumbfounded.

I didn't even realize he had walked away until I slapped myself back to reality. And then I noticed that I still didn't get his name.

What was that…? Did someone like me really inspire someone to play?

With a heart that felt like it could burst open, I ran towards my dad's office, wanting to tell him what just happened. 

I just knew Mom would be so proud of me.

Just as I touched the doorknob, Dad's voice had me freezing.

“What am I supposed to tell Asher? That his Mom isn't coming back ever again? That she's dead? How am I supposed to do this shit myself?” 

A soft gasp of despair left my lips as I took a step backwards in horror, my eyes widening at his words.

“No… that's impossible… you promised…”

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stumbled to the ground, shaking my head in disbelief.

“No… Mom… you can't leave me…”

I felt soft hands on my shoulder and I turned in an instant to see the boy from earlier, looking down at me in worry.

“Asher? What's wrong?”