Hello everyone! Here I am again, with another chapter! I will say that this is somewhat of a filler chapter. I've been in a mood to do some fluffiness and every time I thought about making a cute, couple scene, these two scenes came to mind. So, here they are! Also, if you guys pay attention, there will be hints to future plotlines (mostly with Michael). I can't say when and what will happen, but here's a little sneak peek :)
This Chapter's Song Inspiration: I Wouldn't Mind by He is We. I highly recommend that you guys listen to this song while reading this chapter! It inspired both the chapter title and the fluffiness!
Review Responses:
Prettyprincess45: Why thank you! Your reviews make my day! I'm glad you liked that part, it was so much fun to write, you have no idea lol. Also, thanks, again, I love that song :3 I think I listened to it (and this chapter's song) like fifty times while writing lol :)
USMC Girl: Don't you worry about it! I totally understand! It still means a lot that you'd still make time to review, truly it does! Thank you so much, it means so much coming from you! I'm your biggest fan haha! :D
Guest: ...-_- *tries to stuff Woods back into my closet* ...You didn't see anything...
Guest (#2): Hmm...I must admit that I don't have many suggestions off the top of my head. You should definitely check out the stories from the reviewers on here, Prettyprincess45, USMC Girl, and WheresDaBeef. I'm fans of their work and they never cease to entertain me! Also, if you don't like my suggestions, you can easily go through the filter and use the category filter to find exactly what you want. Sorry if I wasn't much help!
"Forever is a long, long time.
But I wouldn't mind spending it
By your side..."
February 21, 1991
Philadelphia
Jessica Woods and Roy Stanley
Sixteen year old Jessica poked at the food on her tray as she absentmindedly listened to the conversation around her. Last week, it had been the Valentine's Day dance at her school and everyone still seemed to be talking about it. Though, the girls at her table did nothing but complain as she thought of her night to her heart's content.
"He was a total creep. All night he did nothing but touch my butt. Or try to, at least." One girl with honey-blonde hair and bright blue eyes exclaimed as she took her turn in complaining about her night.
Another girl with raven hair and equally dark hair rolled her eyes. "Oh please, at least you had someone trying to get some action! Dylan was a major buzzkill. After five minutes of dancing, he took a nap at one of the tables and didn't wake up until I made him take me home."
"Whatever, Cheyenne, you're totally lying! You were dancing with, like, five guys that night. I'm surprised you remember one of their names, you skank." Another girl commented with light brown hair and hazel eyes.
The raven-haired girl, Cheyenne, narrowed her eyes at her friend before rolling her eyes and ignoring them. Instead of making a comeback, she turned towards Jessica who hadn't said a single word since she sat down with them. "And what about you, Jessi? You probably had the worst of all nights in the history of worse nights."
Jessica was forced to look up from her bowl of spaghetti as all eyes were focused on her. "What do you mean?" She inquired nervously. She hadn't even noticed that someone had been speaking to her until one of her friends cleared her throat.
Cheyenne resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the new girl they let into their circle of friends. "Your night at the dance with Trailer-Trash Stanley. You have no idea how much I pity you." She said with mock-sympathy and reached over and patted her hand with a pout.
The three girls giggled amongst themselves and Jessica's cheeks burned a bright red with both embarrassment and anger. "You know, it wasn't that bad. Roy Stanley was one of the nicest guys I've ever met, thank you very much." She proclaimed rather proudly and took a bite from her salad.
Cheyenne arched her brow as she watched Jessica chew her food with a smug expression. "Holy shit…Is Jessi Woods falling for an inbred hick?" She asked, raising her voice in a mocking tone.
Jessica blushed deeply and she clenched her jaw to keep her anger from rising. "Cheyenne, shut up! He's not inbred. Neither is he a hick nor trailer trash. He's the smartest and sweetest guy in this school. Matter of fact, I feel lucky to know him."
Cheyenne shot a look at the girls around them and they immediately stared down at their own lunches, unable to find the strength to stand up for the new girl against the "leader" of their pack. She rolled her eyes at the other two and turned back to Jessica. "Whatever. You're just pissy 'cause you left the dance with your virginity still intact even though we clearly told you you'd have to get rid of it before you can actually be called our friend."
Jessica gasped and her head snapped up to meet Cheyenne's mocking eyes. She blushed a deeper, darker red and she felt as though all eyes were on her though she clearly knew that no one but their table could hear their conversation.
"She gasps! I uncover her secret." She announced smugly as she observed the obvious embarrassment in the girl's face.
Cheyenne turned to the other girls as they giggled and joked about Jessica's predicament. "Besides, I wouldn't rely on Trailer Trash Stanley to take your virginity. He's probably too busy fantasizing about his cousin to pay attention." She joked cruelly as she took a sip from her bottle of water.
Jessica could feel her anger growing at each cruel, judgmental joke that escaped their lips. She looked over her shoulder to see the same boy they were mocking sitting a table away, alone. One of his buddies had already finished and now he sat there and poked at his food. Hurt was obvious on his face; he obviously had overheard the girls' conversation. Now she felt bad, why wasn't she defending him already? Why did she even want to be with these girls in the first place?
She turned back around to face the girls and saw that Cheyenne was staring right at her. "You know, maybe if you dress up like his mom you'd have a better chance."
That's when she lost it. Jessica threw her tray across the table, food splattering on the other two girls, as she jumped across the table and lunged for the raven-haired girl whose smug smile suddenly vanished.
Jessica hissed as Roy sat down on the bench beside her and carefully placed an ice pack against her eye. Her eye and around her eye was swollen and red, but was beginning to color as time went by. There was a rather large gash across her left eyebrow and claw marks on her arms that she knew would go away in a short time.
Jessica had been winning in her fight against Cheyenne, but the latter started to use her accessories to leave her mark and then ended their fight with a swift punch in the face. The gash across her eyebrow came from the ring Cheyenne had been wearing when she purposely dug the diamond on her ring into the girl's skin. It was about that time that Roy had practically thrown Jessica out of the fight and blocked Cheyenne from her. Though, Jessica was stubborn and furious enough to push past Roy and try to continue their fight. As Roy tried to pull her away and teachers came to break them up, Cheyenne ended their fight with a final punch as they were both pulled away by teachers in opposite directions.
Now, Jessica waited outside the school building with Roy as they waited for Jesselynn to arrive and take her home. She already regretted her decision, yet she knew that if she had the chance she wouldn't change it. She'd do the exact same thing without another thought. She still couldn't believe that she had tried so hard to be their friend or that she even wanted to associated with them.
Jessica murmured her thanks as she pressed the chilled pack against her throbbing skin and sighed. "You know, you don't have to wait out here with me. You're not the one suspended for a day. Well, not yet. You will be if you keep sitting out here." She said as she looked over at him with her good eye.
Roy just grinned and shrugged. "Eh. Not like there's anything interesting I could be doing anyway. I've already had English and I'm supposed to be in Physical Science, but you understand why I refuse to be in that class. So, yeah, you're more entertaining than Science." He said with a crooked grin and tried to pretend that he was moving away from a bug on the bench and scooted closer towards her.
She chuckled and nodded her agreement. "That rock there is more interesting than Physical Science. But, seriously, why are you still out here? You're a nice guy and all, but don't be all heroic and get detention or worse because you didn't want to let me suffer alone."
Roy just chuckled at that even though he jokingly thought that he was caught. "'Cause I seriously want to stay out here with you. So shut up and enjoy my company." He countered sarcastically as he looked over at her from the corner of his eye, a sly grin playing at his lips.
Jessica rolled her eyes and relieved some of the pressure against her face. She hadn't noticed that she had been pressing the ice pack so hard against her face until it nearly fused together. "Well, thanks, then. It's nice of you. And sorry for getting you in this mess."
"I chose to get in this mess, thank you very much. So, don't apologize for anything. I was just trying to save you from the wrath of the living Barbie." He joked as he elbowed her softly.
Once again, she laughed at his joke when she realized how true the statement was. "Yeah, who knew Barbie had a mean backhand." She said and silently pointed out the truth behind the words as she pulled the ice pack away from her face for a second before pressing it back against the sore skin.
"Hey, someone's gotta fight off the other Barbies at the mall for new shoes, right?" He stated mockingly that only made Jessica laugh more.
He had to admit, he loved the sound of her laugh. One of his friends once said that she had a weird laugh, almost like a chipmunk, but he loved it. He hated it when girls had fake laughs and he could tell that hers was all natural.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. You know, it really doesn't hurt that bad. Mom'll probably throw a fit, but Dad'll probably just make sure I got my claws into her and congratulate me for the battle scar." Jessica finally said after their moment of laughter.
Roy chuckled at the thought of her parents. He had only been in the same room with them for no more than five minutes and that was last week. Her father didn't seem to like him much, but then again, he was taking his sixteen-year-old daughter to a Valentine's dance so he figured that he didn't care for any boy interested in his daughter. "You're parents seemed alright. Though, your dad wasn't very fond of me."
"Dad doesn't like any boys that are interested in me or my sisters. My oldest sister is married now and he still gives my brother-in-law, Ben, a hard time. He likes him, yet he threatens to kill him if he touches his daughter…If he actually lived up to his word, Ben woulda been dead a long, long time ago." She replied with a soft scoff and brushed her wild hair out of her eyes with her available hand.
He chuckled again at the thought. He didn't know that Jessica had any siblings than those that lived with her and her parents. He had even thought that she was the oldest. "So, how many siblings you got anyway?"
Jessica took a moment to think it through, amazed that she even had to think anymore. When she was younger, she was used to naming off her siblings, but now a days most people knew and she found herself never needing an introduction. "Well, biologically, I have four. Two sisters and two brothers. Then, I have one half-brother, but we never cared too much that he was a half-sibling. So, basically, five siblings….Oh God, I'm turning into my little sister." She explained counting the siblings off on her fingers. She was amazed to find out that she was telling stories like her younger sister; long and full of detail.
Roy just chuckled for he knew what that was like. He had three younger brothers that did nothing but explain in over exaggerated detail. "Sounds like you have a pretty big family, then. I only have three younger brothers. All one after the other."
"Seriously? How old are they?" Jessica was amused at the idea of Roy being the youngest of his siblings. She also pictured him as the baby.
"10, 9, 8. Mom freaked out when she realized that her biological clock was fixing to tick-no-more so…yeah. Out popped Tommy, Taylor, and Logan." Roy explained with his best poker face. It was weird for him explaining his younger brother's births because he thought they seemed so…personal.
Jessica grinned and scoffed. "Don't get me started. My mom's last pregnancy was when she was 51 and she had twins."
Roy's brows lifted as he turned and looked at the girl beside him with slight astonishment. "I didn't know you could have kids that old….No offense to your mom." He corrected himself before it ended up sounding disrespectful.
She just giggled. "Yeah, let's just say that Mom's unique. She used to joke around that my dad only came back from war long enough to get her pregnant and leave again."
Again, it was Roy's turn to be shocked as he learned something new about her family. "Your dad was a soldier?"
She just nodded and put on her best poker face. The memories of terrifying thoughts and dreams of her father fighting coming back to her the longer she thought about it. "Yeah, he served for what seemed like forever. He was out of action for a little while until Mom was pregnant with me. She found out like a week before he went back into action. I always felt sorry for him after I was old enough to understand it all. He barely got to be there for any of our births and he hated himself for it. Yet, there was no way he could get himself to retire. Every birthday when I blew out my candles, I used to wish he would actually come home. I had one or two birthdays with him, but that wasn't until he was finally forced to retire…Oh God, I'm boring you aren't I? Sorry." She apologized for her long speech when she remembered that she was only supposed to answer his question specifically. He didn't ask for every moment she had with her father.
It was quiet for a moment between them until he reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't apologize. I wanna say I understand, but I'd be lying. You're lucky though, some people lose their fathers to the war or if they come back, they're a completely different person. Your dad seems like a good guy…even though he threatened to run over my toes if I even so much as thought about touching you at the dance." He comforted her with a crooked grin and simple-minded joke.
Jessica just giggled, knowing full well that her father was capable of saying that. She had no doubts that it was true. He did the same thing with Melanie and Benjamin. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Still sucks that I didn't start regularly seeing him until I was 14." She said sorrowfully. It had only been two years since the Menendez accident, yet it felt like yesterday.
Roy sensed the sorrow in her voice and decided to change the conversation for her. "So, I heard you guys talking before the cat fight. Did you really mean all that stuff? If you didn't, it's cool, I'd understand. I was right at the next table and you're too nice a person to offend someone up front." He said with a sense of childlike nervousness as he used his other hand to scratch the back of his neck.
Jessica forced herself from her memories and focused on the present. "Of course I did! All everybody did this week was complain about the dance and their dates, but I absolutely loved that night. You're really a sweet guy and I really appreciated how you treated me. It was nice to go to a dance and not worry about some creep trying to get in my pants." She said affectionately and now it was her turn to reach out and rest her hand on his shoulder.
He tried to hide his obvious joy that she sincerely thought that about him and grinned, though he wanted to scream his victory to the world. "You're…uh, you're welcome. It's stupid that you have to sleep with someone just to have friends or fit in. What happened to talking?"
"Totally." She agreed and nodded.
Things were silent between them again for a while as they thought about what to say next. Jessica knew it was so obvious that she liked this boy, but she had no idea if he felt the same. Then again, he was the one who asked her to the dance. That meant he was interested, right? Surely it did. It wasn't just any dance, but a Valentine's dance! Jessica gulped back her nervous fears, placed the ice pack down on the bench beside her, and turned towards him.
"We should…um, do it again sometimes. If you want, that is." Jessica suggested as she placed her hand against his with a rapidly beating heart. She had no idea what she was doing and she prayed that she wasn't suggesting the wrong thing.
Roy looked down at her hand and he smiled. "That sounds perfect." He simply stated as he pushed his fingers into the spaces of hers and locked their hands together.
Jessica blushed and nervously brushed some wild strands behind her ear. At the same time, they heard a car pull into the parking lot they sat in and both turned towards it. Jessica gulped when she watched her mother park and jump out of her vehicle.
Jesselynn was ready to stomp all the way up to her and demand the full explanation, but was thrown off when she saw Roy sitting outside with her. Instead, she leaned against her opened car door and scowled at the teenage girl from afar, waiting for her to approach her so she wouldn't make a scene in front of the boy.
Jessica noticed this and turned to Roy. "See the flames of Hell in her eyes? She's totally gonna kill me. Told ya she would." She whispered, eyes locked with her mother's.
Roy glanced over at Jesselynn and immediately looked back at Jessica. "Yeah, that's a pretty nasty glare." He paused as he glanced back over at Jesselynn and back to Jessica. He squeezed her hand once and stood up. "C'mon, she can unleash Hell on the both of us."
Jessica continued to sit there, dumb-founded at his offer. "But…She looks like she should have steam coming out of her ears. She might not be so nice like she was last week." She warned, refusing to meet her mother's eyes any longer.
Roy just chuckled and pulled against her arm. "C'mon, I play a part in this too, remember? I'm guilty by association." He reminded her with a cocky grin.
She just rolled her eyes at him and eventually gave in. She let him pull her from the bench and took her ice pack with his other hand. "Okay, don't say I didn't warn you!"
Roy just grinned as he squeezed her hand once more, relishing in the warmth and softness her hand provided, as they walked to face Jesselynn and her wrath.
Present Day
Jessica examined herself in the mirror of her bedroom after changing into her pajamas. Two fingers were pressed softly against the mark along her left eyebrow when she remembered the day she received the scar. At the time, that day seemed to be so dramatic and life-changing, but now she just laughed at it. It had started everything and now she was happily married to the same nervous, adorable teenager from the memory.
She couldn't believe that was over thirty years ago. It seemed like it was just yesterday that she was overwhelmed with the normal, teenage girl hormones. Now, she had to worry about a whole new set of hormones. She sighed at the thought of how old she was getting and her shoulders slumped to further exaggerate.
Roy crept up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a kiss on her jaw. "Well, hello gorgeous!" He complimented as he looked at his wife's reflection in the mirror.
She rolled her eyes and leaned against him. "You need to get your eyes checked." She muttered as she pushed against the annoying belly fat hidden underneath her baggy shirt.
Roy just hummed as he rested his chin against her shoulder. He watched her hand touch her eyebrow again and remembered the scar. He smiled fondly as the memory both came to them. "Still rememberin' the catfight?"
She smiled and dropped her hand and let it fall against his that were wrapped around her waist. "Yeah, can you believe that was over thirty years ago? When did we get so old, Roy-Boy?" She asked sympathetically, using his old childhood nickname.
He arched a brow at her and looked at their reflections in the mirror. "Old, I don't know what you're talkin' about! Well, you're old, I'm not old. I'm 39 and still sexy as hell, remember?" He teased as he pressed his lips against her neck.
She scoffed and turned in his arms so she could face him. A brow was arched and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "As much as I'd love to fight, I have to agree." She countered and waggled her brows.
He just chuckled and kissed her lips. Even though she didn't like her physical age, she was glad that nothing changed between them. Even the kisses they shared now were like their first. Their first kiss wasn't anything beautiful to watch as movies depicted first kisses are, but she still experienced the same butterflies in her stomach when he gave her a certain look and held her in his arms.
She pulled away from him and licked her lips. "I love you, you know that right? Promise me that you'll never forget our thirty years, okay? And if I do, please don't give up on me. I never want to forget them or you or the kids. Even though I wanted to break down and cry every time I hear Micah and Matthew's names, I still want to remember." She suddenly said as she buried her face into his chest, listening for his heartbeat.
Roy sighed and wrapped his arms tight around her. "Jessi, you don't ever have to worry about me forgetting you. I'm not going anywhere, okay? I love you." He comforted her, knowing exactly what she was going through. He had sensed that these visits with her mother were starting to take its toll on her. They had been through a lot together and he wasn't going to stop now.
Jessica took a moment to let the peace sink in. Just these past few weeks proved to be stressful to her and she was starting to worry for her health. She was putting the weight of the world on her shoulders, emotionally, and refused to let it go. She took a deep breath through her nose to somehow release some stress, but she wrinkled her nose when she breathed in Roy's scent and realized he hadn't taken a shower since he came home from work.
"Roy-Boy, you smell like shit." She said nonchalantly as she remained pressed against his chest.
Roy just chuckled and made them both shake as he kissed the top of her head. "You know you love it. Just take it in," he over exaggerated a sniff and let it out deeply, "that's a manly smell."
She rolled her eyes and pushed herself away from him, straightening her shorts and shirt. "Whatever you say…I should let you know that he who wears 'manly' is definitely not sleeping with me tonight." She said walking away from him and started to gather the clothes that were scattered around their room.
Roy gave her a wry smile as he watched her lean to gather the clothes and used his long legs to quickly cross over to her and pinched the back of her upper thigh.
Jessica jumped with a squeal and spun around on her heels. "Roy!" She squeaked with a beaming smile.
Roy sent her another wry smile and wrapped her in his arms again and passionately kissed her. Those butterflies she thought about before rose again and she pressed her nose against his after they had broken the kiss.
Roy leaned slightly to pinch her thigh again to which she squealed, jumped back, and fell back onto the bed. "Smooth, really smooth, Roy-Boy." She said with a twinkle in her as he climbed on top of her.
Roy pushed her back onto the mattress and gazed down at her with the same, suggestive twinkle in his eye. "Had four kids this way, right?" He simply said and bent to place a kiss on her jaw.
Jessica laughed the same chipmunk-like laugh that Roy loved as he placed a string of kisses along her neck and switched off the lamp beside them.
June 15, 1983
Philadelphia
Michael Ross and Carol NeSmith
"I'll, uh, trade you my pudding cup for your fruit cup."
"What? Don't like chocolate?"
"Yeah, just not this kind."
"…Okay, deal…"
Eleven year old Michael and Carol sat in the bleachers that surrounded the baseball diamond as they shared the lunch their mothers had packed for them. For three years now, the kids around the neighborhood made it tradition every summer to spend almost every day at the baseball diamond in the park.
Carol was, honestly, surprised that Michael still came out considering his condition. As she snacked on the fruit he traded for her pudding, she glanced over at the crutches he was forced to use. Though they had a history of fighting every time they were around each other, she knew how much baseball meant to him. She knew more about him than any of his old buddies did, though Michael wasn't aware of that at the moment.
Once he got the word that he'd have to give up a baseball career because of his injury, he had been moody –more than before, that is—and depressed. Like mentioned above, ever since they met, when they were eight, all they did was fight, but she still considered him a friend. She kept it from both him and her parents that she didn't have many friends. She had one or two buddies from school, but they were too busy with camps and other social gatherings to pay attention to her while she stayed at home to be with Michael.
Normally, Carol didn't attract people that much. She wasn't the prettiest girl in school, she knew that much. Her bleach-blonde hair was stringy and no matter how hard she tried it always managed to look moppy. Her teeth weren't the straightest or the prettiest like the other girls at school nor was she as graceful and delicate as they were. She just had her father so all she knew was the male's point of view. Dresses, shoes, and make-up didn't interest her like it did the other girls she went to school with. She was often teased about it and normally stuck out like a sore thumb.
Yet, when she was with Michael, she felt like she belonged. Even when she was yelling at him and calling him every mean name under the sun, she still valued that he never made her leave. She wasn't good with expressing herself and she often let her self-aggravation out on others, but Michael didn't care. He still treated her nicely and even invited her to participate in some of their games. Though they normally did nothing but bicker and argue, they were the closest of friends.
Though, ever since the accident things had been different between them. Michael could no longer play baseball like he used to. His knee was damaged and he'd risk hurting it even more if he was running around a baseball diamond all day. He had been absolutely devastated and was even abandoned by some of his baseball buddies.
Turns out that his so-called friends had only buddied up to him because of his outstanding baseball skills. After his injury and the news that he could no longer play, they deserted him and said that he was banned from setting foot on the diamond. Carol thought that was absolutely stupid considering that the diamond wasn't theirs in the first place. It was property of the city and it was for the community. Yet, Michael didn't care.
So, he still arrived at the diamond every day and watched those he used to call friends play and have fun. Oh how he wanted to just jump from the bleachers and join them! Then, he'd remember how he wouldn't make it two feet without his crutches and squashed those dreams. Carol thought he was just torturing himself coming here, but he told her how he made an unbreakable promise to come every day. He proudly stated that he never broke promises.
Now, there they sat in the heat of the summer snacking on the food their mothers sent with them in complete silence. The only sound that could be heard was the cheering from the boys below and the cracks of the baseball hitting the bat. Michael hadn't touched the pudding cup she gave him or anything from his sack, for that matter.
"Mike, you should probably eat. We've been out here for hours and I know you didn't eat breakfast. You never do. That and your mom put a granola bar in there this morning." Carol observed as she swung her feet in the open space of the bleachers. She hated being short, but she did have to say she had great leg room no matter where she went.
Michael just shrugged and continued to watch the game below them. She just sighed and tried to stretch her legs and rest them on the bleacher in front of her. She only managed to touch it with her toes and she gave up.
"C'mon, Mikey, why can't we go do something?" She pressed as she gathered her lunch items and put them back into her favorite Superman lunch pail.
"I promised to come to the diamond every day this summer, Carol." He snapped back rather coldly and clenched his jaw.
"But…Please? I'm so bored and I think I'm getting sunburn." She complained as she checked her bare arms for any sign of sunburn.
"Then leave already! I never asked for you to come here anyway!" Michael spun around and screamed at her, blind rage bringing out the brutality of his voice.
Carol felt her lip quiver and she immediately forced herself to stop. She was not going to cry in front of Michael; she wasn't going to cry in front of anyone. Her father told her that she couldn't be strong and cry like a girl at the same time. So, she just sat there with her body turned from him and stared at her surroundings.
Michael felt guilt and regret burn his insides as the sun poured down upon them mercilessly. He hated the way he was treating her lately. He used to call the ball players below his friends, but they alienated him. Carol was the only one that remained at his side and now he was making her feel bad for doing so. Self-hatred bubbled up when he realized that he was acting like his father. No, he was not going to be like him. Not in a million years.
"Carol…I'm sorry…Please stay here with me." He said softly, nearly a whisper, as he stared ahead of him. He found peace in her presence beside him and he didn't want her to go. Right now, she was the best and only friend he had.
Carol grinned, but didn't turn to face him. "I'm not going anywhere, Mikey. Never." She promised and resisted the urge to reach out and clap him on the back.
Michael returned her unseen grin and propped his legs up on the bleachers in front of him, then rested an arm against his good knee. He observed the game below and noticed how they were doing everything wrong. They were uncoordinated and sloppy now. He never realized how much they didn't get along with each other and all wanted to take authority. It was no wonder they were getting beat so quickly and easily.
"Look at 'em, they're pathetic! All of 'em are trying to be the best and aren't paying attention to the other team!" He complained and threw an arm in annoyance.
Carol craned her neck to see the diamond clearly and noted the same thing. "It's only because you're not down there to keep 'em in line. They look stupid." She stated in a proud tone for her friend.
Michael chuckled and shrugged. "I dunno about that, but they need some help, that's for sure." He replied humbly though he couldn't help but slightly agree with her. Before, he was the one that usually kept track of everything. It was something he inherited from his mother; they both liked to be in control most of the times.
The two watched the rest of the game together until evening came and names were called from mothers as they came to pick their sons up from their game. Michael was sure his mother would be around before long so he started to gather the remainder of his food and stuffed it into his sack.
Carol did the same and suddenly turned to him as she heard her father call her name behind her. They didn't live but a block from the park so they could easily walk over. Michael was about ten or fifteen minutes away so he had no choice but his mother or whoever come pick him up.
"Hey, Michael, can you promise me something?" She asked as she remembered his statement from before.
He just shrugged again as he bent down to gather his crutches. "Sure, why not."
"Promise me you won't listen to the other kids." She asked of him with a sincere expression. Even though he wouldn't dare admit it, she knew he was suffering with the whispers around him about his condition and how his friends deserted him.
From the bleachers, Michael could see his mother's car making its way over as he looked back down at Carol. "I dunno, Care. It's kinda hard. Everybody talks." He muttered uncomfortably.
Carol just watched him place his crutches under his arms, preparing to stand. "And you have to promise me you won't come here tomorrow. We can do something instead of get burnt. I got birthday money; we could go to the movies!" She declared happily. Nearly her entire summer had been spent here at the baseball diamond with Michael. She wanted to get out and doing something else while they had the chance.
Michael shrugged again and grinned. "Sure, but I get to pick the movie!" He said jabbing a finger at her with a fake, stern expression.
Carol giggled as they both stood and prepared to leave. "Deal."
Michael rocked a little before he was able to steady himself on the metal bleachers and offered for her to go ahead of him. She mumbled her thanks and easily ran down the steps when she started to feel guilt grow inside her. She and Michael used to race to the bottom all the time, but he couldn't anymore. It wasn't fair to be faster than him.
So, she turned back and bounded back to his side in just enough time to prop him as he lost traction and nearly fell down the steps. As she bent and snatched his fallen lunch sack, he refused her help.
"Just let me help you, you mule!" She nagged as she wrapped an arm around his shoulders to help steady him.
He chuckled at the old nickname she had given him the day they met. They had been arguing when they came up with it, but they still used it even when they were on equal terms. "Fine, ya brat."
Carol giggled as Jesselynn appeared at the end of the steps, ready to help them if necessary after she noticed her son nearly falling down the bleachers. She had been worried about letting him go by himself so soon after receiving the crutches, but Martha and Walter had managed to talk her out of making him stay home.
Now, she could see that her son was in good care as the two slowly made their way down the bleachers, giggling and joking amongst themselves. Jesselynn grinned seeing her baby boy growing up on her. Melanie was bad about teasing them and she often scolded her for doing so, but now she could see why. They were so adorable together! Even if they both claimed to be nothing but friends.
The pair finally made it to the bottom and Carol let him stand on his own. "Okay, don't forget about the movies tomorrow, you mule!" She reminded him as she ran towards her father.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, ya brat!" He called after her. A melodious giggle erupted and echoed around them as Carol's frame disappeared behind the bleachers.
Michael chuckled and shook his head at his friend as he walked alongside his mother who threw an arm around his shoulder. He looked up and saw the knowing grin she was trying to hide and blushed.
"Not a word, Mom." He commanded jokingly.
"Whatever you say…Mule." She replied with a wry smile and led them towards the car.
Present Day
"So, that was Nanny!" Sierra declared happily as she listened to the story –or memory–Michael told her and held out a picture for her to study.
Michael grinned at his granddaughter's obvious delight in a face behind the name and nodded. "Yup, I think this picture was taken that very same year." He confirmed as he stared down at the picture with her.
While there were many he could have chosen from, he decided to show Sierra his favorite picture of his late wife. She still had the rough and tough tomboy look in the picture and her old baseball cap shaded her face from the sun. In his opinion, her radiant bridal picture didn't compare to the one before him. By the time she turned twelve or thirteen, she tried harder to be more feminine and wasn't the same as the stubborn tomboy he originally fell for. Though, that never changed his feelings. He had to admit, it made them grow stronger. I guess that was another thing he inherited from his father; the inability to deny a pretty face.
Yet, he cared for the woman much more than the simple fact that she was attractive. From the story he told, it was obvious of her loyalty. No matter how cruel he was with her at times, she still stayed right beside him and refused to leave him. Even now after forty years, he was amazed by her love and devotion to him. He didn't deserve her kindness and compassion, but she refused to give it to any other boy. To that, he'd be eternally grateful.
Thinking about her made his heart pull and tug uncomfortably as he remembered that he no longer had that beautiful girl at his side anymore. She wasn't there to support him should he ever trip. He still didn't know how he was going to survive without her, though he seemed to be doing okay so far.
"She's pretty, Poppy. I wish I could meet her." Sierra admired warmly as she studied every inch of the picture.
Michael smiled affectionately at the little girl and hugged her tighter against his chest. "Me too, baby girl."
Sierra brought the picture to her lips and kissed Carol's forever smiling face. "I love you, Nanny. Say hi to Mommy for me, please." She whispered and pressed the picture against her chest.
Michael's smile faded slightly at the mention of his daughter. Carol had been so devoted to her children and her affect in their lives was evident after her passing. He failed his family because the grief and sorrow was so strong. He let his precious daughter slip and tried to regain her when it was already too late. He knew Carol would be ashamed at how easily he crumbled after he promised he'd be strong for their children.
"I know you, Mikey. You keep your promises. So, promise me you won't cry for me. Also, at my funeral, make sure they play our song. You know, that song we first danced to at our wedding. It's always been my favorite…"
Michael still remembered her final words before she slowly slipped away from him, almost like she had just fallen asleep. He had been able to keep one-half of the promise and had them play their song at the funeral like she requested. Yet, he hadn't been able to be strong like she wanted.
Sierra gave the picture back to Michael and snuggled against her pillow, ready for sleep. They had been in the room for their usual nighttime routine for thirty minutes now and she was finally starting to doze off. Michael remained where he was and gazed down at the picture.
He felt his throat get tighter and tighter the longer he stared at her smiling face, just knowing that he had let her down. He missed her so much it literally hurt him. He bit his lip to keep the tears from coming and pressed the picture against his lips like Sierra had done and put it back into his coat pocket.
Sierra was already drifting off into a peaceful sleep, so Michael decided to let her sleep as he carefully pulled himself off her little bed. He did his usual check of monsters –something he had grown accustomed to over the years. She was already asleep, but he was so used to checking her closets and underneath her bed to assure her that there were no monsters or creepers in her room. After his check, he kissed Sierra on the forehead and carefully made his way out of her room.
In the hallway, he leaned against the wall and thought of the memory he had told Sierra has a bedtime story. He grinned at the day and he wished he had noticed her devotion to him earlier. For years, they considered themselves friends and nothing else. Sometimes, he wished he would've admitted his attraction earlier than what he did. Maybe he would've had an extra year or two to love her.
He sighed and patted the pocket where Carol's picture hid carefully. "Thanks for never leaving my side….Ya brat."
So, today we had quite the interesting little walk down memory lane! We had catfights and childhood crushes! I hope you guys enjoyed it!
Creative Question: Hmm...What do you think happened to Michael's leg? Also, where do you think Jessica's journey will take her from here on out?
Sorry for the lame question, I couldn't think of anything else :) Anyway, thanks for reading and please review! They make my day and help get updates out faster for you guys! :)