Harvard Soccer (Part 12)

One Shot #12 (Cont.)

Maui's POV

The next day...

  Last night was absolutely perfect. The food was superb, the view was lovely, and everything went smoothly. My favorite part though was watching Moana light up about that fact I named a star after her. I've never seen anyone react that way in front of me before. It made my heart melt. It's so hard to keep my happiness under control when I'm coaching soccer practice like I am right now. Though I can tell the stress is starting to get to the girls, especially the freshman like Moana and Melody. They try to hide it, but I can it's there. That's why I'm going easy on them these next few days. We have our first game on Friday, but I'm not pushing the girls to their breaking point. That would be absolutely mean on my part. I'll just keep things to the basics and hope for the best. 

 Three hours later...

  I can see that the girls are beyond exhausted so I call it quits for today and have shortened the duration of practice tomorrow. The girls file out quickly except for Melody and Moana who sit down on a bench for a bit. Melody puts her hand on Moana's forehead, almost as if checking to see if she has a fever. I linger close by and easedrop on the conversation. As I do, I find out that Moana had a nervous breakdown in the middle of the night. Apparently a nightmare triggered it and she couldn't go back to sleep. I frown. My babygirl was frightened and I wasn't there to hold her. 

   Slowly, I make my way over to Melody and Moana. "Are you girls okay?" Melody nods with a smile while Moana doesn't respond whatsoever. "Moana?" I wave my hand in front of her face, clap, etc. Still nothing. "Melody, do you mind if I talk to Moana alone?" "That's fine coach. I'll see you back at the dorm Moana." With that, she leaves us to speak privately and freely. Moana throws herself into my arms and whimpers. I stroke her hair as my heart begins to break. When Moana's in pain, I'm also in pain. I will always put her before myself. She deserves all of my love and care. Moana then bursts into tears. "Baby, what's wrong?" Her cries then turn into heart wrenching sobs. "I haven't even started classes yet Maui and I'm already not sure whether I can handle all of this pressure. I called my parents last night to talk to them about it but they simply laughed into the phone. They told me I was being silly and wanted nothing but attention." 

   My blood starts to boil. How dare her parents treat her this way. How dare they mock her anxiety and sadness. If they had actually stuck around long enough yesterday, I certainly, without a doubt, would have given them a piece of my mind. I don't understand why everyone besides Melody and myself treats her so rotten. Moana's nothing but pure, inside and out. "You're going to get through this. Starting over is always terrifying but you have Melody and I. We're here for you no matter what. If you feel like you're drowning in schoolwork and need extra help, I'll get in touch with that professor and make sure you get the help. Heck, I'll even do some of the work for you if it really becomes too much. I don't mind." 

   Moana wipes away her tears with the back of her hand. "Maui, I'm not putting that pressure on you. You work hard enough as it is with your two jobs plus dealing with me. I'm like a third job." I frown a bit. "Moana, you're not a job to me. You're a breath of fresh air. You're my sunshine. Whenever I'm with you, my problems grow smaller and often even disappear. My time with you is so special. I cherish every minute of it, both on the field and off. We not only share a connection through soccer, but our love is strong. We can handle any challenge life throws our way. But if you need to scream, cry, or let your emotions out, you can lay it all out on me. Though, please don't give up. You worked so hard to get here and I believe that you can do it." 

  Moana lifts her head up from her hands. "Y-you believe in me?" I smile gently. "I always have and I always will." Her mouth forms an O shape. "You know Maui, I haven't heard those words since elementary school. It's been a long time." I kiss her forehead and work my way down to her lips. "Well let me tell you something princess, you'll be hearing those words from me a lot so you better get used to it." She giggles. "Confident now aren't we?" I chuckle. "Only thanks to you my dear." 

   I stare into her eyes, searching for some light and begin to find it. "Moana?" "Hmm." I caress her cheek and cup her face. "I love you." She smiles and leans in for another kiss. "I love you too Maui." 

Hoped that you guys liked this part of this one shot! :) -Mary