The next day we were playing at the sandlot when a group of boys rode in on their bikes. I guess I wasnt the only one to see them, because Squints let out a shout of, "Oh no!" All the boys dropped what they were doing and walked to the boys on bikes. I just quietly followed behind Benny, because I didnt know what the heck was going on.

The boy that seemed to be the leader of the group spoke up. "Its easy when you play with a bunch of rejects and a fat kid, Rodriguez. Oh and whos this? Is this your new girlfriend? Shes a looker, i'll give you that."

I could feel Benny getting hotter beside me. "Shut your mouth Phillips!" I just rolled my eyes and gave him a disgusted look and tossed the ball back and forth in my hands.

Ham looked astonished at the fat kid part. "What'd you say crap face?"

The kid 'Phillips' spoke up. "I said you shouldn't even be allowed to touch a baseball. Except for Rodriguez, you're all an insult to the game."

Ham shouted. "Come on! We'll take you right here, right now!"

The boy rolled his eyes. "We play on a real diamond, Porter. You ain't good enough to lick the dirt off our cleats."

Ham and Phillips exchanged numerous insults before it was said that we would play them tomorrow at noon on their field.

Before he left, Phillips directed his attention to me, "Heya sweet face. You know, I saw some roses in the flower shop this morning, looked just like you."

I choked down some serious sudden vomit. I gave him my best smile. "Aww, thats cute." I put on my best innocent smile and voice. "I saw this monkey at the zoo licking its ass once, looked just like you."

That sent the sandlot boys into fits of laughter as we started to walk away. The ape shouted hatefully. "Well your just a WHORE! You screwin all these guys? That the reason they keep you around?"

I could hear all the sandlot boys gasp ans stop in their track, which I did to. Thats something i have been called before, but it doesnt make it hurt any less. So I let my anger get the best of me. I turned around and threw the hardest, fasest pitch I had ever thrown. And it was a direct hit. Right in the eye. Everyones eyes widened as he fell off his bike crying. "Thats why they keep me around." I could feel tears pricking my eyes so I fast walked out of the sandlot. I could hear Benny yelling at Phillips from the outside gate.

"Dont you EVER call her that again! Or I'll give one on the other eye to match!" I heard the little leagers ride out on their bikes and Benny run up beside me. He grabbed my arm and spun my tear stained face to his. He didnt say anything at that moment, just fulled my shaking body to his. We satyed like this for a few minutes before he pushed me back a little to talk to me. "Dont worry, we're gonna kick their asses tomorrow." I smiled softly and whispered, "Yeah." As he pulled me back in to him.

Ans at that moment, I realized something. I realized that I was falling for Benjamin Rodriguez. And I didnt mind.