Short Story 8
Students up to bat first. Sara wasn't very good at playing baseball and everyone knew it. She was nervous, the pitcher was a long way away and she was holding the bat wrong...although she didn't know that part. Josie just sat in the bench not really paying attention to the game. Baseball was nothing new. She knew this game like the back of her hand. Better even. She couldn't seem to concentrate on anything other than the second baseman. The good looking 6'2'' blond with a handsome face and sporty build just standing there anticipating the hit. He was such an amazing man. Josie felt as if she could stare at him all day long but she knew that wouldn't be such a good idea if she intended to keep her job....and her dignity.
"Strike 3! YER OUT!" Sara sheepishly walked back to the bench and Coach "Rob" yelled for the next batter up. As Guy walked to the plate Rob leaned over to Josie.
"Hey Jos. I'm putting you up next after Guy, okay?"
"WHAT!?!?!? Why? Rob!"
"Yeesh....Calm...Josie...I just think it'll help you a lot because judging from Guy's stance up there, I would say he's not quite sure what he's doing."
"So...you think that he's gonna hit badly and if I go right after him and wow the crowd with my super-skills they'll consider me cool?"
Rob looked up at his sister in amazement. "Exactly! Wow. We're finally thinking on the same track!"
"You forgot one thing Rob."
"What's that Jos?"
"I SUCK AT BAT!!!"
He couldn't believe it. Rob had no idea how Josie managed to have absolutely no self-confidence in everything she did. Had Billy Prinze really screwed her up that much?
"Josie. You are the best batter on this entire field and you know it."
"No I don't! You never know! Some of the teachers could be better than me!"
"True....but once they get their turn they'll prove me right. But will you at least agree to saying that you're the best baseball player of the students here?"
"Alright..fine-"
"Aah. There's my girl."
The two siblings sat next to each other until they both stood in shock that Guy got onto second base on his second swing at the ball. Now their plan had gone out the window and they didn't know quite what to do.
"Alright. Josie. New plan. Hit the ball really hard and run both you and Guy home."
Josie just gave Rob a look that quite clearly showed that she thought it was unlikely.
She could do this.
She had done it hundreds of times before. So simple. Bat makes contact with ball. Ball goes far, batter runs to base. Simple simple simple.
She was ready. She looked up to the pitcher. Inevitably, Josie's eyes drifted to the handsome baseman standing behind the pitcher.
"Stee-rike 1!"
Shit! Shit! SHIT! She had allowed herself to get distracted by Mr. Coulson and it was affecting her game. Nothing affected her game. She wouldn't allow it. Throughout her life, Josie discovered the secret to success. FOCUS. Focus on the ball Josie, focus on the ball and you'll do just fine.
The pitcher was getting ready for round 2. Josie got into position looked at the pitchers hand. And was totally ready. Roundup, release........and.....
A HIT!!! A good one too. Josie managed to get it was into the furthest part of outfield and Sam couldn't help but be amazed. He was so completely blown away he didn't even notice Josie coming at him until she whizzed on by. He fumbled up the catch causing Josie to make it home.
"Hah! Josie, I knew you could do it! You're my rock!" Rob said jumping up and down with joy. Josie had to admit that she was pretty proud of herself as well. She had worked really hard to become an accomplished baseball player and now she was. Meanwhile Sam stood there, speechless. The woman he had fallen totally in love with knew how to play baseball! She was a good player too! God, this was going to be a very hard week. Sam was grateful that the prom was on Saturday and Graduation was next Wednesday. Just 6 more days that he would have to put every ounce of his energy into controlling this powerful urge he kept having to grab Josie and kiss her senseless. God how he wanted to do that.
"Hey Sam, who'd a thunk it? That Josie girl is excellent! Almost as good as Rob! Not quite though, that kid had a passion for the game unlike anyone else."
Scott Romano had come to Sam's side and was completely oblivious to Sam's longing gaze at the benches. Luckily he pulled himself out of it before Scott could notice there was something weird going on.
"Yeah, but Josie! I mean she obviously wasn't paying attention but then, wow! Right to the back! One more metre and it would have been a homer!" Sam said, sounding more enthused than he had intended.
This time, Scott caught Sam. "It was a homer, Sam."
Sam, realizing his blunder, decided to try and get the topic off of Josie and on to something else. Talking about Josie was just getting far too dangerous.
"Yeah, only because I screwed up! Had I caught that ball, she would have only made it to 3rd." Sam said, sounding beaten. He was disappointed with himself but that feeling didn't hold a light to the joy he felt just being near Josie. Seeing her beautiful face, hearing her beautiful voice....
"Look Sam, don't worry about it. We're only down by 1. We still have 9 innings to kick their butts!" Sam had to laugh at his friend's determination. Scott, too, had a passionate love of baseball. Every game was life and death with him.
The next 2 students both struck out causing the 2 teams to switch it up. Josie got up and started to walk outfield when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Where do you think you're going? You're catcher remember?" Rob said, partly knowing what Josie was trying to do.
At this point, Sam had come in from outfield and couldn't help eavesdropping on her conversation.
Josie just spun around and looked at her brother in the eye. "Rob! I'm no good at catcher!"
Rob just looked at her in mock disgust. "That's a damn lie and you know it, Jos!"
"Fine." Josie said and went to put her gear on. Sam left as well. He loved listening to Josie and Rob talk, everyone of their conversations were highly entertaining, Josie with her vast knowledge of words, Rob with his constant humor and both of thier wit. Also, Sam didn't feel that Rob was a threat to him. He wasn't quite sure why though. The one thing Sam couldn't figure out was why Josie had absolutely no faith in herself. It wasn't something new either, Sam had seen it in her before, especially with her writing. It was bewildering especially because Josie was so exceptional with everything she did. Once Sam was on the bench, Janet and Gail moved to the seats behind him.
"Sam!"
At the sound of his name, Sam quickly turned around to see who was trying to get his attention.
"Oh, hi Mom, Mrs. Geller. D'you sort the food out okay?"
"Oh, yes Sam. Not a problem at all. And please, call me Janet." Josie's mom said.
Sam started to feel more at ease, he was very wound up on account of Josie.
"Alright thanks, I will...Hey, how long have you been here? Did you see Josie's home run?" Sam said, starting to get more excited. He liked to see Josie succeed.
Gail rolled her eyes.It seemed that he couldn't get his mind off of the blonde that had come into his life so suddenly. Janet, seeing that Gail was deep in thought decided to respond to Sam.
"Yeah, we've been here almost the whole time, we were roughly 5 minutes late. Josie did have an excellent hit. I'm not surprised though. She's always been good at baseball."
"I can tell. It's just a shame that Josie doesn't believe it." Same replied. Gail scolded her son for stepping out of line so shamelessly but Janet interrupted her.
"No, it's alright Gail. Sam's right. Josie doesn't have enough faith in herself. I've tried very hard to instill some self-confidence in her but to no avail. She's been badly hurt and it's taken her a long time to get over it, unfortunately."
"Oh, I don't know why anyone would ever want to hurt Josie, Mrs. Geller. She's such an amazing woman...GIRL! I mean girl."
Sam and the mothers continued to talk until he was called back into duty. Meanwhile the mothers were enthralled as they watched the unavoidable chemistry blooming between their two children, so much so, that they hardly payed attention to the game at all.
END OF PART 8
Students up to bat first. Sara wasn't very good at playing baseball and everyone knew it. She was nervous, the pitcher was a long way away and she was holding the bat wrong...although she didn't know that part. Josie just sat in the bench not really paying attention to the game. Baseball was nothing new. She knew this game like the back of her hand. Better even. She couldn't seem to concentrate on anything other than the second baseman. The good looking 6'2'' blond with a handsome face and sporty build just standing there anticipating the hit. He was such an amazing man. Josie felt as if she could stare at him all day long but she knew that wouldn't be such a good idea if she intended to keep her job....and her dignity.
"Strike 3! YER OUT!" Sara sheepishly walked back to the bench and Coach "Rob" yelled for the next batter up. As Guy walked to the plate Rob leaned over to Josie.
"Hey Jos. I'm putting you up next after Guy, okay?"
"WHAT!?!?!? Why? Rob!"
"Yeesh....Calm...Josie...I just think it'll help you a lot because judging from Guy's stance up there, I would say he's not quite sure what he's doing."
"So...you think that he's gonna hit badly and if I go right after him and wow the crowd with my super-skills they'll consider me cool?"
Rob looked up at his sister in amazement. "Exactly! Wow. We're finally thinking on the same track!"
"You forgot one thing Rob."
"What's that Jos?"
"I SUCK AT BAT!!!"
He couldn't believe it. Rob had no idea how Josie managed to have absolutely no self-confidence in everything she did. Had Billy Prinze really screwed her up that much?
"Josie. You are the best batter on this entire field and you know it."
"No I don't! You never know! Some of the teachers could be better than me!"
"True....but once they get their turn they'll prove me right. But will you at least agree to saying that you're the best baseball player of the students here?"
"Alright..fine-"
"Aah. There's my girl."
The two siblings sat next to each other until they both stood in shock that Guy got onto second base on his second swing at the ball. Now their plan had gone out the window and they didn't know quite what to do.
"Alright. Josie. New plan. Hit the ball really hard and run both you and Guy home."
Josie just gave Rob a look that quite clearly showed that she thought it was unlikely.
She could do this.
She had done it hundreds of times before. So simple. Bat makes contact with ball. Ball goes far, batter runs to base. Simple simple simple.
She was ready. She looked up to the pitcher. Inevitably, Josie's eyes drifted to the handsome baseman standing behind the pitcher.
"Stee-rike 1!"
Shit! Shit! SHIT! She had allowed herself to get distracted by Mr. Coulson and it was affecting her game. Nothing affected her game. She wouldn't allow it. Throughout her life, Josie discovered the secret to success. FOCUS. Focus on the ball Josie, focus on the ball and you'll do just fine.
The pitcher was getting ready for round 2. Josie got into position looked at the pitchers hand. And was totally ready. Roundup, release........and.....
A HIT!!! A good one too. Josie managed to get it was into the furthest part of outfield and Sam couldn't help but be amazed. He was so completely blown away he didn't even notice Josie coming at him until she whizzed on by. He fumbled up the catch causing Josie to make it home.
"Hah! Josie, I knew you could do it! You're my rock!" Rob said jumping up and down with joy. Josie had to admit that she was pretty proud of herself as well. She had worked really hard to become an accomplished baseball player and now she was. Meanwhile Sam stood there, speechless. The woman he had fallen totally in love with knew how to play baseball! She was a good player too! God, this was going to be a very hard week. Sam was grateful that the prom was on Saturday and Graduation was next Wednesday. Just 6 more days that he would have to put every ounce of his energy into controlling this powerful urge he kept having to grab Josie and kiss her senseless. God how he wanted to do that.
"Hey Sam, who'd a thunk it? That Josie girl is excellent! Almost as good as Rob! Not quite though, that kid had a passion for the game unlike anyone else."
Scott Romano had come to Sam's side and was completely oblivious to Sam's longing gaze at the benches. Luckily he pulled himself out of it before Scott could notice there was something weird going on.
"Yeah, but Josie! I mean she obviously wasn't paying attention but then, wow! Right to the back! One more metre and it would have been a homer!" Sam said, sounding more enthused than he had intended.
This time, Scott caught Sam. "It was a homer, Sam."
Sam, realizing his blunder, decided to try and get the topic off of Josie and on to something else. Talking about Josie was just getting far too dangerous.
"Yeah, only because I screwed up! Had I caught that ball, she would have only made it to 3rd." Sam said, sounding beaten. He was disappointed with himself but that feeling didn't hold a light to the joy he felt just being near Josie. Seeing her beautiful face, hearing her beautiful voice....
"Look Sam, don't worry about it. We're only down by 1. We still have 9 innings to kick their butts!" Sam had to laugh at his friend's determination. Scott, too, had a passionate love of baseball. Every game was life and death with him.
The next 2 students both struck out causing the 2 teams to switch it up. Josie got up and started to walk outfield when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Where do you think you're going? You're catcher remember?" Rob said, partly knowing what Josie was trying to do.
At this point, Sam had come in from outfield and couldn't help eavesdropping on her conversation.
Josie just spun around and looked at her brother in the eye. "Rob! I'm no good at catcher!"
Rob just looked at her in mock disgust. "That's a damn lie and you know it, Jos!"
"Fine." Josie said and went to put her gear on. Sam left as well. He loved listening to Josie and Rob talk, everyone of their conversations were highly entertaining, Josie with her vast knowledge of words, Rob with his constant humor and both of thier wit. Also, Sam didn't feel that Rob was a threat to him. He wasn't quite sure why though. The one thing Sam couldn't figure out was why Josie had absolutely no faith in herself. It wasn't something new either, Sam had seen it in her before, especially with her writing. It was bewildering especially because Josie was so exceptional with everything she did. Once Sam was on the bench, Janet and Gail moved to the seats behind him.
"Sam!"
At the sound of his name, Sam quickly turned around to see who was trying to get his attention.
"Oh, hi Mom, Mrs. Geller. D'you sort the food out okay?"
"Oh, yes Sam. Not a problem at all. And please, call me Janet." Josie's mom said.
Sam started to feel more at ease, he was very wound up on account of Josie.
"Alright thanks, I will...Hey, how long have you been here? Did you see Josie's home run?" Sam said, starting to get more excited. He liked to see Josie succeed.
Gail rolled her eyes.It seemed that he couldn't get his mind off of the blonde that had come into his life so suddenly. Janet, seeing that Gail was deep in thought decided to respond to Sam.
"Yeah, we've been here almost the whole time, we were roughly 5 minutes late. Josie did have an excellent hit. I'm not surprised though. She's always been good at baseball."
"I can tell. It's just a shame that Josie doesn't believe it." Same replied. Gail scolded her son for stepping out of line so shamelessly but Janet interrupted her.
"No, it's alright Gail. Sam's right. Josie doesn't have enough faith in herself. I've tried very hard to instill some self-confidence in her but to no avail. She's been badly hurt and it's taken her a long time to get over it, unfortunately."
"Oh, I don't know why anyone would ever want to hurt Josie, Mrs. Geller. She's such an amazing woman...GIRL! I mean girl."
Sam and the mothers continued to talk until he was called back into duty. Meanwhile the mothers were enthralled as they watched the unavoidable chemistry blooming between their two children, so much so, that they hardly payed attention to the game at all.
END OF PART 8