Chapter 10: The Loser

The bases were loaded at Dodger's stadium. 7-year-old Sean Donovan was up to bat. His father stood on the pitcher's mound, and famed Dodger's team members Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Howe were seated in the dugout.

"Rookie, Sean Donovan is up to bat," an announcer called over the loudspeakers. The crowd cheered. "This is his first time playing with the Dodgers, filling in for Steve Garvey. Sean hails from L.A., like his father, guest pitcher for the New York Yankee's, Mike Donovan."

Sean held the bat in position, ready to swing, and searched his father's expression for encouragement but Donovan offered none. Instead, his eyes narrowed, and his brow furrowed.

You can't hit the ball because you're a loser, Sean heard his father say, but Donovan's lips were not moving. This was something Donovan had said often during practice and at little league games. And Sean didn't remember ever helping his team win a game. In fact, he remembered being made fun of.

"Loser… Loser," his former best friend, Josh Brooks, chanted from the Yankee's dugout.

Sean watched as his father wound up his pitching arm. The ball came with lightning speed. Sean swung the bat and missed.

"STRIKE," the umpire called.

Sean's father chuckled and muttered, "Idiot," under his breath.

"Sean Donovan's a retard," Josh sang. "Retard. Retard. Retard."

"C'mon, Sean… you can do it," a woman's voice called from the stands. Sean looked up to see his mother, dressed in her blue jean jacket and checkered shirt. "Make me proud."

Sean eyed his father. See, Mom encourages me. You hate me.

"You can't hit the ball, can you?" Donovan wound his arm again and sent the ball flying, not only fast, but above Sean's head.

Sean did not swing this time as he felt frustration rising in his gut.

I hate you too, Dad…

You're so stupid, you'll never amount to anything. That's why I'm kicking you out, and your mother and I are adopting Josh to take your place, Donovan said, but only in Sean's mind.

In his mind's eye, Sean saw his father throw a box of prized Dodger's trading cards out into the front lawn, and out with them went a collection of Star Wars Action Figures.

Donovan turned to Josh in the dugout and asked, "When it's our turn to bat, you can take my place, Son. I know you'll help us win."

"Sure thing, Dad," Josh said with a smile.

Sean's eyes started to burn with tears as he wondered how his own father could hate him so much.

Your father's divorcing me because of you, Sean. It was his mother's voice haunting him as he pictured her standing over him as he sat on his bedroom floor, sobbing. If you were a good boy, this wouldn't be happening. He watched her turn away, wiping her eyes. I'm sorry I ever had you. You've brought nothing but shame and hurt to this family.

Sean's stomach knotted and he felt remorseful. No, please don't leave, Dad. I'll try to be good. Don't leave us. Don't hurt Mom!

"Dammit Sean, pay attention!" his father yelled from the pitcher's mound. "You really want your team to lose, don't you?"

Sean looked toward the stands again and his mother wasn't there. Where was she?

His father threw the ball again, and more determined to hit it than ever, Sean focused on the flying object.

CRAAAAAAAACK! Went the bat. The ball made a sharp right turn and landed just a few feet shy of the home plate, nearly missing the umpire.

"FOUL!" the umpire cried.

"My God," Donovan lamented, "This kid really sucks."

Anger welled up inside of Sean. He repositioned the bat for another swing.

Josh approached. "Sit down, you moron. Let me show you how it's done."

Wiping his tears with one hand, Sean dropped the bat with the other and headed toward the Dodger's dugout. He sat and watched his father throw a perfect pitch.

Josh hit the ball, sending it flying far past the third baseman, and over a metal fence. Josh took off running… passing first base… second base… third base…. and eventually a home run.

"Yahoo!" Donovan cheered when Josh collided with him for a hug. "I knew you'd do it, Son!"

"Doesn't count, he's not playing on our team," Yankee Third Baseman, Pete Forsythe complained.

Sean could not control his tears. His father had disowned him in favor of Josh. Where would he live? Where was his mother? Did she still love him?


Diana watched the screen that played Sean's memory implant, taking delight in the nightmare she created. Now she was certain the youth would never trust his father again. She watched the young man toss and turn on a cot and mumble in his sleep…

"No Dad. Please don't leave me. Mom… where are you?"

Where is Marjorie Donovan? Diana wondered. She considered the havoc she could impose on Mike Donovan's life, and possibly Juliet Parrish's if only she could locate his ex-wife…