Thanks for the support! I plan on writing again tonight for those waiting on pins and needles.
Chapter Twenty-Six
"I think there is a woman in Reid's life," J.J. said after sipping her drink.
Morgan had invited her family to New York for the weekend. Her boys were at an arcade with Will and Morgan's kids. J.J. and Morgan were taking the time to catch up.
"So what makes you say that?"
"The usual, him being a little more secretive. When I drop by with Jenna early he always acts a little too surprised."
"Why do you think he'd keep it a secret from us this time around?" Morgan asked.
"Because of Jenna," she said. "She doesn't stop talking about how she'd love for him to be dating this Alicia Long woman but I don't think it is her."
"So long do you think before he'll let it slip?" he said with a grin.
"I don't know but I can't imagine too long. No matter who the woman is, he has to tell Jenna at some point."
…
"The faculty is beginning think I am a ghost the way I don't eat with them much these days," Reid said over the phone.
"I know," Rayburn said. "I rarely schedule lunch meetings these days and I hope it isn't raising any red flags."
"I think my former team is starting to suspect something, especially J.J. She keeps grinning at me at random times."
"I think my colleagues are starting to pick up on something too but we're getting off topic now. The quarter finals are this weekend. We need keep emphasizing that our kids need to be civil to each other."
"Jenna is already getting sick of hearing me say it. She is promising me that she hasn't learned any new wrestling moves or how to throw a better punch."
"I know how you feel. Steph keeps saying that she knows now to keep her thoughts to herself. But we need them to be civil in the match if we have any hope of telling them without their heads exploding."
"Did you know that spontaneous combustion is generally considered a myth and has yet—"
"You know I hate it when you switch to science babble when you're nervous."
"I can't help it. I'll see you Saturday."
"Goodbye."
…
The match was played on chilly November morning. Jenna was ready for the match and practiced with her teammates with vigor. She had no idea what was at stake.
As Reid paced the length of the field he noticed J.J. approaching him with a broad smile on her face. Reid looked more closed and realized she wasn't alone. Approaching from behind were was Hotch carrying a pair of chairs next to Rossi. Then behind them to his complete shock was Morgan and his kids.
Reid rushed to hug J.J. and Jenna wasn't far behind.
"What are you guys doing here?" he asked.
"Well it's the quarter final match," J.J. said. "We thought you'd like some extra support."
Jenna was hugging Morgan.
"You guys really didn't need to come out and see me play," she said.
"We wanted to Jenny."
Reid looked to Rossi and Hotch. "You really didn't have to come. It's cold out."
"Kid I've always love soccer and it's been a while since I've seen a game," Rossi said.
"Okay," Jenna said nervously. "I need to get back." She rushed down to the field. Reid could see a huge smile on her face.
"Thank you," he whispered into J.J.'s ear.
"Everyone loved the idea," J.J. said.
…
The first half was full of cheering. The loudest coming from Reid's former team. Phrases like: "Go Jenny go!" "Pass it, pass it!" and "Keep at it!" A few nasty comments from other parents were thrown in especially aimed at Stephanie Rayburn, but Reid's group drowned them out.
At one point Jenna and Steph were fighting for the ball. Reid could see Stephanie saying something to Jenna. Jenna only said a few words but then it happened.
It felt like he was watching it in slow motion. Stephanie tripped her and then in one swift motion, punched her in the nose.
There was the screaming of whistles and rushing of feet. Reid, followed by his former team, ran to his daughter who was still on the ground. Stephanie was screaming.
"She said she has more family than me here!"
"She said I have a crazy-looking family," Jenna whimpered. Her nose was bleeding.
Reid could scream.
A medic was examining Jenna. "It's not broken, but she's out of the game."
Stephanie's coach was red with rage. "You're out of the game too. I don't ever want to see you on my team again."
"But she provoked me! She offended my family!"
"I hate to state obvious Stephanie, but you started it!"
"Everyone off the field, NOW," A ref. shouted.
Rayburn was shaking with rage. She approached her daughter. Steph pushed her hard.
"I hate you! I wish I was in Acapulco with Dad and Talia," she said and ran.
Reid pulled out of the crowd and stared at Rayburn.
"Now whose daughter is out of control?" he said spitefully.
"Your daughter couldn't keep her mouth shut," she spat back.
"She was defending her family!"
"She could have done it by not letting herself get provoked," Rayburn said.
Hotch stepped between them.
"That's enough from both of you," he said authoritatively. "Why don't you both attend to your daughters?"
They both glared at each other one last time and then Reid rushed back to his daughter and Rayburn ran outright.
Jenna was being moved off the field. "I don't ever want to see that bitch again," she said angrily.
Reid didn't respond. He felt tears growing his eyes as he stroked his daughter's hair.