Kasey feeling exhausted and bogged down with school assignments, not to mention extremely guilty for having not spent very much time recently with her daughter, decided that it was in her best physical and mental interest to take some time off of work and cancelled her shifts for the next several days.
Kasey has been in the stands to watch and cheer Kylie and her team on, only to see them lose the Final in extra time to their crosstown rivals. Kylie ended up walking away with her team's MVP award but it wasn't the trophy that she had hoped to win. Kasey felt her heartbreak as tears ran down her daughter's cheeks and she could only hold her and attempt to reassure her.
Knowing and feeling how disappointed Kylie was, Kasey let her Coach know that she would be missing training on the evening in order to spend time with her and they settled in front of the television for some Netflix. It was difficult for her to focus on what was currently happening on the latest episode of the 100, well, aside from when a certain should be couple shared the screen; her brain was charged with thoughts of the 5 assignments that she needed to complete and submit before 11:59 pm on Friday. On top of everything else, Friday was her birthday and she wasn't in much of a mood to celebrate getting older.
The next few days went by thankfully rather uneventfully and Kasey was able to focus on getting most of her schoolwork completed while also being around for Kylie after her classes except for when she had training after them. Their training sessions had increased significantly in number and duration with all the added expectations placed on the team as they continued their winning ways.
To make matters worse, they had a Thursday evening home game against Limestone College the following week and since losing the season opener to Capital City, the Lions had left the teams they played beaten and bruised. Wendy Smith, the older sister of their Coach had even come out and guaranteed a win for her team in the upcoming match. With the campus abuzz about the upcoming battle of the titans and tickets at a premium, it was agreed to move the match to a larger stadium in order to accommodate the expected crowd. With the schools separated by a mere two-hour drive, the Lions were bringing in a couple of busloads of fans to cheer on their team.
On Monday, Kasey finished her day at placement and then headed straight to the 3C campus library to start working on her outstanding assignments. She had managed to complete and submit two when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up she smiled when she saw Jen smiling down at her along with a tall brunette.
"I figured that I would find you here."
"Yeah, still plugging away."
"Anything I can do to help?"
"Not unless you are a referencing expert, because that seems to be where I'm spending the brunt of my time lately."
"Sorry, can't help with that. Kailen and I were going to grab something to eat before practice; do you want to join us?"
"Yes. I'm starving and the words on the screen are a jumble, I think it's time to take a break."
Kasey packed her stuff up and then followed Jen and Kailen out of the library and to the cafeteria.
As they sat and ate, the conversation flowed with Kasey and Kailen talking about Abnormal Psychology which Kailen had studied during her time at Clemson.
"How have your training sessions been this week?"
"Really good, it's always fun to spend time with the girls and we've been busy promoting the games, Soccer Canada and doing appearances as well. I'm doing two schools tomorrow along with Steph and Shelina, should be fun."
"Nice. I heard about the clinics and visits and was really hoping that my daughter, Kylie's school was one of the ones chosen for them; but it doesn't sound like it."
"Unfortunately, we only go where we're told to. So, Kasey, I'm curious are you seeing anyone?"
"Are you asking?"
Jen choked on her drink, not expecting Kasey to make that sort of comment towards her cousin.
Kailen and her couldn't help but burst out laughing as Jen struggled to catch her breath before cursing at them for doing so.
"I wasn't asking you out; I have a girlfriend. I was just wondering if there was anyone in your life."
"Honestly, no, I have a pretty busy schedule and it doesn't allow for me to have much time to socialize or meet people."
With the alarm sounding out on Kasey's phone, they started the walk toward the dome for the training session.
"Do you think you're Coach will mind if I watch? I don't really feel like heading back to the hotel just yet."
"We can always ask, but I don't she will have a problem with it."
Walking inside the dome and over to where the staff had gathered, Jen asked if it was alright for Kailen to watch.
"Sure, maybe she can give our keepers some pointers."
"Sounds good Coach," said Kailen responded.
As the session began and the team completed their drills, Kailen was supposed to watching the keepers but instead found that her focus kept drifting to where Kasey was and what she was doing. The Canadian goalkeeper couldn't help but notice how she made everything look easy and kept encouraging her mates to focus and keep working.
Jen was now beside her. "Just wait till she puts the gloves on," that comment got Kailen's attention.
"Gloves?" She looked at Jen who winked at her before rejoining her group.
"Wild, get your gloves on, it's time for some shooting."
"Yes Coach," Kasey's face lit up as she jogged over to the bench, collected her gloves and pulled them on before adjusting the Velcro.
Kasey assumed the familiar position between the posts. Allowing the team's two other keepers to continue training at the opposite end of the field.
As they ran through more drills, shot after shot, pass after pass, Kasey blocked, caught or punched away the ball before it found the netting. Finally, a shot made it past her and the team let out a cheer and celebrated like they had won a championship.
They ended each practice with the players lining up on shooting on their Captain. If they scored, then they could hit the showers; if not then they owed Kasey a lap. More often than not, Kasey was the first player off the field. When all was said and done, Kasey ripped off her gloves and then tucked them in the back of her shorts before lifting her sweat-soaked shirt up and over her head, revealing her muscled midsection.
"Close your mouth bigshot, before you catch flies." Kailen looked over at Jen and shook her head all the while thinking about what she would be doing if she didn't have a girlfriend.
Pulling on some clean dry clothes, Kasey made a quick exit in order to be home to tuck Kylie in.
Jen drove Kailen back to her hotel and they sat in the parking lot talking, "So, first question, why the heck haven't you made a move on Kasey? She's even hotter in person than on the screen and those abs, damn, if I didn't have Dom; I'd totally be making a play for her and them."
Jen let out a laugh, "Well, it's not that I haven't thought about it, I mean, I'm not blind; but, Kasey is like a sister to me and I think we are meant to just be friends."
"Are you still down with the idea of her and KO, meeting?"
"Yeah, Kase is always doing everything for everyone but herself and it would be nice if at the very least they could meet."
"Okay. By the way, I was speaking with Sinc earlier and she's totally down with meeting Kylie and Kasey."
"That's awesome, Little Wild is gonna freak out!!"
Kailen couldn't help but laugh at her cousin, "You really care about them don't you?"
"Yes. I have an idea. Kasey's short day is tomorrow and most likely she will just head home straight after placement to work on her assignments or whatever else needs doing. How about I ask her to meet me for supper at around 6:30 and bring Kylie with her. I can tell her that it's an early birthday present."
"That'll work. I'll see if any of the other girls care to join as well and we can celebrate Kasey's birthday in style."
"Then, I'll go ahead and reserve the room at Mario's. It's Kasey's favourite restaurant and the food is amazing! Keep me apprised as to a headcount, okay?"
"Deal. See you tomorrow. Have a good night."
Jen watched her cousin make her way back inside the hotel before them hitting up the drive-thru and making her way back to her place.
With Kylie now in bed, Kasey was taking a break from school stuff and just enjoying some time to herself. She had brought out one of her sketchbooks and was enjoying just doodling for a bit to clear her head before turning in for the night herself.
New Message
Jen: I know you have lots going on right now but I miss you and Ky. Supper tomorrow on me. Early birthday present. I'm done class @ 6. So, 6:30ish at Mario's?
Wild Thing: Sure, sounds good. I'm always up for the spaghetti bolognese at Mario's.
Jen: I figured. I swear you love pasta more than me.
Wild Thing: Maybe.
Jen: Uh-huh. Make yourself pretty and I will see you and Kylie tomorrow.
Wild Thing: We'll be there.
New Message
Jen: It's on. Tomorrow night, 6:30 at Mario's.
Kai: Okay, I send out a message in the chat and confirm a headcount.
Jen: Sounds good. Thank you for helping me with this.
Kai: If Kasey and Kylie are family to you then that makes them family to me as well. Not to mention I really like Kasey.
CANWNT Group Chat
SkyKeeper: Hey guys, I got a line on some good Italian. Also, want to surprise an 8-year old fan and her Mom. Tomorrow night - who's in?
Sinc: Is this the young girl that we had already talked about?
SkyKeeper: @Sinc, yes it is.
Sinc: Okay, then count me in. I already grabbed one of the team signed jerseys for her.
Skykeeper: Awesome, thanks, Sinc. Anyone else want in on the action?
#1Keeper: I'm in for Italian.
Shelly4: Me too.
Jeffrey: Can I come?
SkyKeeper: The more the merrier Jessie.
Sinc: Can I invite Tobs, Pressy and Morgan? They were asking if I knew any good spots earlier.
DMath: Sorry, Kailen, I've got family in town for the game and already promised to go out tomorrow with them.
Skykeeper: No worries D.
Skykeeper: Sinc, we need a number for reservation, can you send Tobin a message and confirm.
Sinc: Ok, done. Now we wait, Tobin isn't the quickest when it comes to returning messages.
Skykeeper: Presumably unless your name is Christen.
Sinc: True.
Skykeeper: Out of curiosity has anyone watched the Youtube videos of Kasey Wild?
Jeffrey: You mean Wild Thing? The bicycle kick one?
Skykeeper: Yep that's her. So it's her and her daughter, Kylie that we are surprising.
Jeffrey: Awesome! I can't wait to meet her.
#1Keeper: This should be fun.
Shelly4: Maybe I can ask what hair products she uses. Her hair is always on point.
#1Keeper: Look, Shel made a joke!
Skykeeper: Lol.
Jeffrey: Lol.
Sinc: Okay, Tobs, got back to me – we got Heath, Morgan, KO, Harris, and Press for sure joining.
Skykeeper: O'Hara?
Sinc: Yeah, why?
Skykeeper: Nothing, no worries. I'll message my cousin and she can confirm the reservation now. Night all.
New Message
Kai: Heads up, Things are about to get interesting, KO is joining us for supper tomorrow.
Jen: Oooo. Ok, so we should make sure they sit near each other, right?
Kai: Yes.
Jen: Okay, wow, things definitely are about to get interesting. How many should I tell them are coming?
Kai: Not quite sure, haven't heard back from most of the girls yet, but I'd say maybe 12 - 15 between the two teams and then whoever else you choose to invite.
Jen: Okay, well we have the room reserved and it holds up to 40, so I'm sure that we'll be fine.
Kai: I'm heading to bed now; see you tomorrow.
Jen: Night, Kai.
Kai: Night.