Page 149 of From Drummer to Gamer

That was the easiest match I’d ever played in a while. I wasn’t sure if it was because I felt free from all the pressure or because I wasn’t too hyper-focused on winning.

I played the game like I was playing for fun.

And in just under an hour, we were the national champions this year.

My team was screaming, and the crowds were roaring when they handed me the trophy and a hefty check, which I immediately let my team have. It was their moment; it was all of our moment.

Hopping off the stage, I jumped straight into his arms.

“I’m so, so proud of you, firecracker.” He kissed all over my face while I giggled like a silly girl.

In his arms, I didn’t mind being a silly girl.

It took us two hours to wrap up all the press and signings, along with the Xerxes, who seemed to be okay with their loss. The Shadow twins even acknowledged our win with stiff congratulations.

The entire time Matty stood by the sidelines, eyes full of pride, patient as he let me have my moment.

I was so tired that by the time I made it back to him, I just wanted to go home, eat lots of greasy food and Cheetos, and sleep like a baby cuddled in his arms.

Just as we both exited the arena, I came to a standstill at the sight in front of me.

Raphy grinning with Mom and Dad peering at me with wide, guilty eyes.

And a sudden sting burned the back of my eyes.

“Go on,” Matty whispered in my ear. “At the end of the day, they love you so fucking much, firecracker.”

I nodded, holding a sob as I advanced toward them, and my mom was the first one to catch me.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie,” she sobbed, clutching me tight. “I didn’t know Mom upset you so much. I love you so much, Sierra. I think I actually fell in love for the first time when I held you in my arms. I promised myself that day I would never let my daughter be ridiculed, embarrassed, and belittled like her mother was. I wanted only the best things in life for her, and I wanted her to stand with her head held high on her own two feet. But what I didn’t see…” She cradled my wet cheeks as she cried. “Was that my daughter didn’t need to go to some school or get some education for her to be the brave, intelligent, and strong girl she already was.”

“Only because you taught me, Ama,” I hiccuped.

“No, sweetie, seeing you so broken yesterday told me I failed as your mother. I didn’t give my daughter love and support when she needed it, and I failed to show her how incredibly proud of her I was for just being her. You don’t have to do anything, Sierra. I’m still the proudest mother in the world.”

“So am I, kiddo.” Dad’s eyes shined with unshed tears as he hugged me from the side. “I thought we were doing what’s best for you. I’m sorry I wasn’t on your side. We don’t show it, but we love you so very much, Sierra.”

“I love you both too,” I cried as I hugged them tightly.

“Hey, I want in on the family hug too,” Raphy complained, jumping over and joining our hug.

It took us a couple of minutes to gather ourselves, but we were all still teary-eyed and emotional.

“You were amazing out there, kiddo,” Dad said with a smile. “I didn’t know these games were so popular, but even if it wasn’t, you can do anything, Sierra. We’re sorry we didn’t support your dreams earlier. I hope you forgive us.”

“Yes, sweetie.” Mom smiled. She was still clutching my arm, not being able to let me go. “I didn’t understand most of what was going on.” Her cheeks flushed. “I hope you can teach me. I want to know everything about my daughter’s sport.”

I nodded, beaming.

Later that night, I lay in his arms, feeling so light as if I could do anything in this world, and I was only nineteen.

“Matty?”

“Hmm.”

“How much do you love me?”

“Is that even a question?”