I've never actually seen an episode with Beth in it, I haven't really seen that many episodes at all (Europe's far behind in terms of broadcasting the show!). So I apologize if I'M not completely into characters- especially with Beth.
Chapter 3
"Hope it's okay if we head right to the ballpark first. Otherwise we'd be late for the final training session."
"No problem." Kevin forced a smile on his face, but swallowed inwardly. He had never been to a game since…well, since he couldn't play anymore, and he wasn't sure what it would be like, if he was ready and prepared for the feelings that this would stir up. He had avoided even thinking about it for so long.
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Tom and Matt kept checking their watches on the last few miles nervously and when they finally reached the parking lot they both jumped out of the car, grabbing their bags and sprinting over to the field where some guys had already stared to warm up.
Beth waited with the keys in hand for Kevin to transfer. He was relieved that his friends didn't dance around him like he was a china doll. It felt good to be around them, to have people outside his family whom he could trust. He hadn't really realized how lonely he had been those last few months. He had hardly left the house, there was no place for him to go to and meet new people. It would not have been as easy as it used to be, he no longer was the sports star everybody wanted to be seen with. And he had realized that he was no ready to be somebody else.
"Ready?"
"Sure." He smiled up at Beth, trying to seem sure of himself.
Beth watched him carefully. "You sure you wanna go there?"
Kevin stopped in his tracks, watching his hands as they rested on the rims of his wheels. "It's been more than a year," he said as a way of explanation.
"It's not a matter of time, Kevin," Beth offered. She stepped aside when a bus wanted to pass by. It was full of guys, apparently one of the other teams arriving.
Kevin's eyes followed the bus before he spoke quietly. "This is right where I should be, this is what everybody, including myself expected."
Beth looked straight at him, leaning against the side of the car. She kept silent, waiting for him to continue.
"But its not gonna happen. I'm not gonna be that guy – ever. So I can just as well go, watch and try and accept. It's just," he swallowed, fighting back the lump that formed in his throat. "I never got the chance to prove that I could do it." He shook his head, squinting against the sun when he looked up at the beautiful girl. "God, I'm sorry. I shouldn't bother you with all of that."
"Kevin, you don't bother me. I wanna help you."
"You don't have to, I'm fine. I think it's great you visited me and took me here, but what else is going on in my life; you don't have to deal with that."
Beth stared at him for a long moment, Kevin thought he could see sadness and regret in her eyes; but also hurt. Finally she spoke with a gentle voice, her eyes now distant. "Right after you had the accident, I came by at the hospital every day." She bit her lips, desperately trying to find the right words. "It was hard, Kev. I mean, I had just finished high school, I was about to go to college, I dated one of the cutest guys. And all of a sudden, everything's changed. You'd changed."
Kevin raised his eyebrows, his fingers gripping his wheels tighter. "Yeah, I couldn't walk any…"
"That's not what I meant. It doesn't matter to me if you're walking or not. Do you really think I'm that shallow? I loved you. But you've changed. You were bitter, sarcastic, depressed, despondent, angry. I'm not saying you didn't have every right to be all those things."
"Beth, please. I'm not mad at you for leaving me. We made that decision."
She snorted. "Right. You remember that day when we talked and agreed on breaking up? Because you had other things to deal with, and I…I hadn't signed up for that. That all we had had was a high school romance?" Beth choked.
"Of course, I remember."
"Kevin, I…"
"Beth! Kevin! Come on!" Tom and Matt ran towards them, wearing their training gear, unaware of the emotions that had built up around the two people.
Kevin quickly looked back at Beth, seeing the regret in her eyes for a split second. Then she smiled. "Enough sentimentality. Let's see if those guys know how to play ball."
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TBC
I know it's pretty short. But I swear I'll finish this story!!!! Just hang in there and let me know what you think!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!