Madeline's POV- May 2017

I smiled at Poppy as he nudged my hand that was about to pet him.

"You're going to be a good boy to Grandma, right?" I asked.

He purred as I gave him one final squeeze before kissing his forehead.

"I'll be home in a couple of days" I promised.

Poppy was heading back to California with my mom and Mike, my stepdad. They were driving my car across the country from Florida to California. The team was headed to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, and we were leaving in a few hours.

"He uses the bathroom every four hours or so" I told my mom.

She smiled.

"I can only imagine the day you have an actual child"

"It's best if you imagine it because at the moment that's all you're getting" I replied.

I nuzzled my nose on Poppy's head and kissed his forehead.

"I'll see you in a couple of days" I told him.

Giving him one last squeeze I set my kitten inside his carrier.

"We've got a long drive ahead, so let's head out"

Mike smiled at me as he approached me.

"And we will see you in Oklahoma City in a few days"

I nodded and accepted his hug.

"Don't worry, I won't let your mom drive your car"

"At least not in this area" I stated.

He chuckled.

"We really do have to go"

Mom stepped forward and pulled me into a hug.

"I'll see you in a few days, ok?"

I nodded.

"You have a dress, right?"

"Mom, at the moment that is the least of my concern" I told her.

I would be my mom's date to the Dodger's Blue Diamond Gala.

"You do have a dress though, right?"

"Yes mom" I said as she gave me one last squeeze before letting me go.

"I'll call you when we get to Houston"

They were driving from Gainesville, Florida to Houston, Texas today. It was at least a 12 hour drive (not counting stops for gas and food). Tomorrow they'd drive from Houston to El Paso which was at least an 11 hour drive. The day after tomorrow they planned on waking up early and driving to Phoenix (6 hour drive) where they would probably take a nap. After that, they planned on driving straight home which was 5 hours. If all went well, they would be in California by Thursday morning.

"Drive safely" I called out as they got into the car.

I took a deep breath as I watched my car drive away. Once they were out of sight, I made my way back inside.

"Morning, birthday boy" I told Manny.

He took a sip of his coffee and hummed.

"Morning"

"Hungover?" I asked.

"Oh yeah"

I smiled.

"Let me make you breakfast" I offered.

"If you insist"

"I'm going to get my phone from the room, I'll be back" I said.

He just nodded.

"Take your time"

I made my way down the hallway and opened the door to my shared room. All that was left on my side of the room was my bed, and someone was coming to pick it up in about an hour. After that, no trace of me would be left in this room. My suitcase was already in the living room and my gear was packed as well.

"You're up early"

"My mom just headed out, and I have to be at the airport in three hours" I told her.

"Then I should get up as well"

I nodded and grabbed my phone.

"Do you want breakfast?" I asked.

"Yes please"

I made my way back to the living room and grabbed the envelope mom had left on my suitcase.

"Manny" I called out.

"Too loud"

"Sorry" I said as I walked into the kitchen.

I opened the fridge and pulled out the few items we had left.

"Is Jon up?" I asked.

He glanced up.

"Yes, he's showering"

I nodded and began making breakfast.

"I'll make the plates"

Manny raised an eyebrow as Mel walked into the kitchen.

"The world is going to end, Mel is doing something without being asked"

She rolled her eyes and he laughed as she pulled out the paper plates. Everything was packed up, so we were improvising.

"How does it feel to be 23?" I asked.

"I don't like the idea of you leaving on my birthday"

I smiled and made my way over to him.

"Who will I randomly bug"

"I'm always a phone call away" I told him.

"It's not the same"

I leaned against his back and wrapped my arms around him.

"I know, but you have to go and become a great doctor. Remember, you're going to be my kid's pediatrician" I said.

He chuckled and I kissed his cheek.

"We got you something" I stated just as Jon walked into the room.

"I said no gifts"

"Oh we know, we just chose to ignore that" I replied.

I placed the envelope on the counter.

"Happy 23rd birthday Manny"

He slowly picked up the envelope and opened it. We watched as he slowly pulled out a birthday card.

"Really guys?"

Inside the card was an envelope.

"Don't open that, read it first"

He did as told, and glanced up with glazed eyes.

"Fuck"

Taking a deep breath he looked back at the card.

"Done?" I asked.

He nodded as Mel handed him a napkin.

"Open the envelope then"

Once he was done wiping his face he looked at us.

"It better not be glitter"

I laughed.

"It was one time, get over it"

He hated glitter.

"There was glitter all over the room for months"

That was very true.

"It's not glitter" I told him.

"You promise?"

I stuck out my pinky and hooked mines with his.

"Wait" I said as he began to open the envelope.

He looked at me.

"What?"

I reached for my phone.

"Ok, continue" I informed him.

He rolled his eyes and looked back down at the envelope.

"Happy Birthday Manny" The three of us said to him as he opened the envelope and saw what was inside.

Manny was a big fan of the Nashville Predators.

"This must have cost a fortune"

We all pitched in to get him tickets to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final..

"You've worked your ass off the past five years. You deserve a little pampering"

He smiled and stood up. I stopped recording our interaction as he made his way over.

"I hate you three for making me cry especially because I'm going to weep in about an hour when we say bye to this one"

I laughed and accepted his hug.

"Thank you"

He gave me a tight squeeze and moved onto Mel.

"Let's eat"

And we did just that. The doorbell rang a half hour later, and the last item I owned was taken.

"It's time"

As Jon and Manny took my stuff to the truck, I helped Mel quickly clean up the kitchen.

"Let me check if I forgot anything" I told Mel.

She nodded and I quickly looked through the rooms to make sure I had taken everything. The house was completely empty, and we were all thankful we'd be getting our direct deposit back.

"I think I got everything" I said as I approached her.

Taking a deep breath I looked around the empty house.

"It was a nice four years" I admitted.

Mel placed her hand on my shoulder and handed me her keys. For the last time, I stepped out of the house and closed the door. I locked both doors and took a deep breath.

"An end of an era"

I nodded and handed Mel back her key.

"Ready?"

"Yes" I stated.

We got into the Manny's car and I looked out the window.

"I am not looking forward to this"

Manny scoffed and looked at Mel.

"You're seeing Maddy in a couple of days"

That was true. Mel and Jon were staying with Mel's parents for a bit in San Diego before moving up to the Bay (where Jon was from) for Grad School.

"You can always come visit" I told Manny.

He looked at me.

"My mom loves you and there's a guest room" I offered.

"I might take you up on that offer. You're not getting rid of me that easily"

I laughed and looked out the window. The relation I had with Manny was a brother/sister relationship.

"Who are you taking to the game?" I asked.

"My mom, who else?"

I looked at Mel who smiled.

"What about that pretty blonde you keep stalking on instagram?"

He frowned.

"How do you know this?"

"You do realize we can see everything you like, right?" I wondered.

"Yes, but I didn't know you did"

Mel shrugged.

"I get bored"

He just shook his head and continued driving. I took a deep breath when I saw the charter bus waiting. Some of the girls were already inside, and some were saying goodbye.

"And we are here"

I took my time to get out of the car and turned to Mel.

"I will see you in a couple of days" I said.

She smiled.

"Tell me how your date with Cody went"

I shook my head at her.

"It's not a date" I replied.

"It should be, he's super into you"

I just shrugged.

"Word of advice. Fuck Auston Matthews"

A light gasp was heard.

"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"

Mel turned and smiled at my teammate Erin.

"Yes"

Erin laughed and waved as she got into the bus.

"I'll save you a seat"

I nodded and turned back to Jon who smiled at me.

"I'll see you in a couple of days"

He stepped forward and gave me a hug.

"Good luck"

Giving me one last squeeze he pulled away.

"Madeline"

I smiled.

"Manuel" I answered back.

"Who am I going to complain to about when I have a shitty day?"

He pulled me into a hug.

"I'm always a phone call away" I replied.

"Sure about that? Our replacements seem to be taking most of your attention"

I rolled my eyes.

"They're going to be gone most of the time, so I can assure you that I will have time for you" I said.

"I expect you to answer my calls then"

"And if I don't you text me" I said.

He nodded and kissed my forehead.

"Don't be an idiot and date that hockey puck"

"I'll take that into consideration" I told him.

"Good"

He let go of me.

"I say you pick the baseball player"

I just shook my head and took a deep breath.

"Group picture" I informed them.

They all frowned, but did as told. Kelly, one of my teammates' took the picture.

"Send us that"

"I will" I promised.

I sighed and smiled.

"One last hug" I proposed.

They all agreed and I gave them all bear hugs.

"Go kick butt"

Stepping back, I nodded and made my way inside the bus. Once I was seated next to Erin, the water works started.

"You'll see them again"

I thanked her as she handed me a tissue.

"Like when you and Cody get married, all three of them will be there"

I shook my head at her and pulled my phone out of my pocket when it chimed. Looking at the screen, I couldn't help but smile as I read

Just as I was about to reply, my phone chimed again,

My phone started ringing and Erin groaned as I answered the call.

"Hello Auston" I greeted.