Disclaimer: I own nothing except the characters I make up.

Background: AU, Ashley is an All-American High School softball player for King High. Spencer, the new girl, is also an amazing player; she was the "Best in Ohio" and now is trying out for the team at King High.

Chapter 36:

Ashley shook her hand. "Yeah, very very nice to meet you," She looked at her friends. "Ok. What's going on here guys?"

"Just chill Ash." Rachel said.

Jennie took the time to speak up. "So I hear it's your 18th birthday. Why don't you come meet some of my friend?"

"Uh, sure." Ashley said as they all followed Jennie.

They went to the dugout where the entire USA softball team was. Ashley stood in awe as she watched Cat Osterman on the mound. The team introduced themselves to Ashley but she was still watching Cat. Spencer smiled because she knew Ashley idolized the pitcher with the Texas Alma Mater.

A man walked over to them. "Which one of you is Ashley?" he asked.

Ashley looked at him. "I am. And you're Mike Candrea." She smiled.

"Yes I am." He smiled. "So I hear it's your birthday."

"Yes. It is."

"Well, let's see what we can do for you. You know, I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time Ashley. You and Miss Carlin. You two are extraordinary players."

Ashley looked at him sadly, "Well thank you, but I'm not going to be playing anymore." She pointed to her arm and leg.

"So I've also heard. But I have a proposition for you. We're playing a big game today against China and I want you to throw the first pitch."

"You're kidding me." She looked at her friends.

"No, I'm not. Your friend Rachel got her cousin who is the coordinator of the event to talk to us and when I heard the name Ashley Davies I said of course!"

Ashley used her crutches to walk over to Rachel. She smiled and gave her friend a huge hug. "Thank you."

Rachel nodded. "Anything for you Ash. Happy birthday."

Ashley turned back to the coach, "I'd be honored."

He smiled. "Alright, well let's get you all to your VIP seats and then we can get Ashley ready to pitch."

As they were turning to leave, Ashley felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Cat standing before her. The smile that had been on her face before suddenly got ten times bigger.

"Hi. I'm Cat. I've heard a lot about you. I'm really bummed to hear what happened and that we're not going to get to play together now…"

"Yeah, it's unfortunate but it's awesome to be here today."

"Hey, great, well after the game, you and your friends should join us for the post-game dinner and banquet."

"Yeah, wow, thanks for the invite. We'll be there. Oh and Cat, just so you know, I'm throwing the first pitch and I'm gonna show you up with my left hand while wearing a sling and a full leg cast."

Cat laughed. "You're good enough. See ya soon." She trotted back onto the field.

Ashley walked herself with the man leading them to their seats to catch up with her friends. This is the best day of my life. She thought.

Soon after they were settled in their seats a man wearing a Team USA jumpsuit came to get Ashley. She gave Spencer a kiss and followed the man back down to the field where she got situated on the mound. Boy, it feels so good to be out on the field again. She thought. And this is going to be the last time ever. She left a hot tear running down her cheek and wiped it quickly as she got ready to throw the ball to the catcher. She threw the ball perfectly and got a standing ovation as Cat walked to the mound and gave her a huge hug. While in the embrace Cat whispered. "Hey, you're amazing. Never give up on it." Ashley nodded and got help off the field from Cat and Jennie. The same man that took her down helped her back to her seat as the game began.

They group of the 6 friends enjoyed the game from right behind home plate. Team USA won 8-5 and Cat threw an outstanding game. After the game, the teens were led into the conference room where they were soon met by the entire team, coaches, and management, plus some other corporate executives and family members of the team.

The dinner was great. They all got pictures and had an awesome time talking to the team and getting to know everyone. When it was over everyone said goodbye to each other and Coach Candrea pulled Spencer aside. "I look forward to seeing you in the summers on this team young lady."

She smiled. "I'll think about it." She joked and they laughed. "Well I better get a call from you then."

"Oh you will, I promise. I know a good player when I see one." He smiled. "This was great what you did for Ashley."

"Yeah, she enjoyed it didn't she?"

"Yeah, her and Cat are like two peas in a pod."

Spencer laughed and was called by Ashley. "Well thank you again."

"You're very welcome and I'll be talking to you next summer."

Spencer smiled and left.

Once in the car Ashley gave Spencer a breathtaking kiss. She didn't stop until Kyla, Rachel, and Amy all cleared their throats at the same time, very loudly. Aiden was just smiling.

"Oh my god, thank you guys so much. You have no idea how much this meant to me."

They all smiled at her. "You deserved it Ash." Aiden said. "And happy birthday," he added. And so did everyone else.

They drove home listening to music and talking. Ashley was all smiles the entire way until she got home and saw a black SUV parked in the driveway. She looked at Kyla who was also frowning. This is not happening. She thought.

(AN: Sorry, I can't stop my cliffhangers. But it keeps you all coming back doesn't it? Enjoy the post.)