"Is she all right?" was the want brought Betty back to reality and out of her fateful dream. Immediately two faces very prominent in the circle of people that were hovering above her, that of Henry her recent ex-boyfriend who just popped back into her live to propose and Gio the sandwich guy who she has had a love/hate/love friendship with over the last 5 months who wants to take her to Rome for their first date.
"I know what to do," Betty said as she looked up at these two men that she had feelings for.
"Ok, let's get her up and to the medics to check her out in case she has a concussion," said Joe Zee of the Elle baseball team.
"Here take my hand and let's get you off the field," Naomi Campbell let out as she extended her hand to Betty. She took it and slowly got up and put her hand to her head.
"Let me take you over to the medics Betty," Henry stated as he started to put his arms around her waist.
"No, No I can do it, Henry. Gio I am fine," She held out her other hand to stop Gio from taking Henry's place. "Plus the game is still going and they need both of you." Betty slowing made her way over to ambulance and makeshift medic tent behind the Elle dugout. Even though she had made her decision on what to do she was thankful for the time to sort out what she was going to say to both of them. Unfortunely she thought this isn't a full nine inning game and would be over sooner then she wanted it to be.
Just as the medics were telling her that she was ok to go and keep playing Claire Meade came over. "Betty are you alright dear?"
"Oh, yes Mrs. Meade. Nothing more than a little headache, they say that I am good to keep playing. Thank you for asking."
"First it is Claire, when not in the Meade building and secondly you are very special to this family."
Betty blushed, she had come to see Claire Meade as a role model and mentor, but to think that Claire Meade thought of her as someone special made her happy and embarrassed
"Speaking of your family, I needed to talk to Daniel and just noticed he isn't playing. His he sick or Daniel Jr. are they ok?" Betty stated as she started to get panicked. She couldn't fathom why Daniel wouldn't be here playing this was his second favorite event of the year and this year was especially important because it would be a great bonding experience for him and his son.
"Well Betty," Claire hesitated. "Daniel is no longer Editor-in-Chief of Mode."
"What?" Betty stated in a complete state of shock. "When, how, why? I just talked to him before the game and he didn't mention anything to me. I can't believe he didn't tell me. Why wouldn't he of …."
"Because he just found out from Wilhelmina before the game," Claire interrupted.
Betty stood there in silence for what seemed days, in reality it was only a few seconds.
What am I going to do now, Betty thought to her self. Why can't anything ever go like the way I plan them. Betty sighed.
Claire Meade looked at Betty and tried to read Betty's expression. She could tell that the turmoil on her face was not about Daniel or the possibility of her not having a job on Monday. She looked out on the field briefly and saw that nervous fellow, Henry see thought his name was and understood. Betty's turmoil was about love. Could Betty be in love with Daniel, the thought had never crossed her mind? Then Claire realized didn't she and Henry break-up, he moved to Tulsa or something. Maybe she wasn't in love with Daniel.
"Well I should get back to the game," Betty said in a monotone voice. Claire Meade just nodded and walked back to here spot on the Mode side of the dugout.
Betty was at a loss of what to do or say. All she knew was she needed more time. Luckily when she got back to the dugout Mode was back in the field and wouldn't have to be stuck in the dugout with Henry and Gio's eyes boring into her skin. Wilhelmina, however, was an excellent pitcher and before she knew Henry and Gio were running from the outfield, both of them looking directly at her the whole time.
"Suarez, my home girl, your up next, so represent," rapped Kenny from accounting. It was the first time that Betty could remember being excited that Kenny was talking to her. His pseudo gangster act really got on her nerves; expect right now she had an out. She quickly picked up a helmet and a bat as she exited the dugout closest to home plate as Henry and Gio entered the other end.
She stepped up to the plate and looked at the pitcher and remember how much she hated sports and having everyone look at her, she didn't like to disappoint people and she felt like she was about to that. She saw the pitcher wind up and the ball coming and then she closed her eyes and swung with all her might.
"Strike," yelled the umpire.
Crap
"It's alright just keep your eyes on the ball"
She didn't even have to look to know who was encouraging her.
Eyes on the ball. Eyes on the ball. You can do this, for Daniel.
Smack
I did it, I really did. Run, I have to run.
"Safe," was all Betty heard as she hit the first base bag. She then heard the roar of the crowd and two voices became very clear to her. Even though she had made it to First base, she didn't get off. Three strike out right in a row.
At least this keeps be away from them, she thought.
Only one more inning and then the moment of truth, the inning went quickly just as she knew it would. Mode had won 2-1 and everyone was out on the field to celebrate except Henry and Gio, who were standing by the dugout looking at Betty. Both of them had pained faces and looks of wanting to get this over with soon. Betty however was not willing to break any hearts anytime soon, if she help it. She tried to talk to everyone that she could and participate in the on field celebration. This proved more difficult then she wanted it to be, even though she was a fixture at Mode she hadn't made many friends and people there seemed to like it that way. After fifteen minutes everyone was making their way on the field and heading to Bungalow 8 for the celebratory party. Betty knew that she couldn't hold off any longer. She turned back to look at Henry and Gio and slowly walked over to where they were standing. It was time to tell them her decision.