Here is the next chapter. Same disclaimer as always. I do hope you like the chapter.
Chapter 63: More Baseball
Wednesday night Dean tucked me into bed and for once I realized that this guy had come to mean so much to me. When I closed my eyes I could see something truly real blossoming between us. "Good night my beautiful princess." Dean said kissing me then my forehead. I took his hand as he went to stand up.
"Dean," I paused as he looked down at me. "Don't go breakin' my heart."
"I couldn't if I tried." He said seriously.
I decided then to upgrade him. "Good night ... Prince Charming."
He swallowed hard but only nodded and kissed me again. "Night." When Dean left I cuddled in my bed hoping I hadn't just ruined everything.
In the morning Fulton dropped by and stared at me. "You really trust him, don't you?"
"Yeah." I said. "Don't get me wrong, I'm still suspicious of him but the love in his eyes ..."
Fulton rolled his eyes and smirked. "It was like so totally there and all." He said in an overly high pitched and sarcastic manner.
"No, so real it's almost scary." I said. "I just looked at him last night and I could see it. He's been so great and all, I just thought it was time."
"To make him your first ever prince."
"Yeah."
"I've got a surprise for you but don't tell Dean I told you."
"Ok, what's up?"
"Your car. I know how much that car means to you so I've managed to convince Mr. Thompson to allow me and Dean to help the senior class fix your car."
"So you'll make sure it's perfect?"
"On my honor as a bash brother." Fulton said.
"And if it's not?"
Fulton took a deep breath and swallowed. He refused to look at me for a few moments when he did he said "We'll no longer answer to the name the bash brothers."
"I think I can live with that." I said. "So breakfast?"
"Most definitely." Fulton said.
"Hey Fult, did you make it to state this year?" I asked as we walked towards breakfast.
"Playoffs are tomorrow the 18th, Tuesday the 22nd, and next Friday the 25th."
"Oh, so you can't come to the game tomorrow?"
"Nope. But if we win the game next Friday we'll have a double header on Saturday to determine state champs."
"Will you come to my double header on Saturday the 19th?" I asked.
"Sure, as long as Orion doesn't have us scheduled for practice. I'll talk to the rest of the team too. See if they're up to it. At the very least it'll be me and Port."
"Thanks, we're playing the Rams here." I said.
"That's cool."
Later that day I found out that the first playoff game was in St. Paul the next day and we were playing at home again. Bash said if our game was quick he'd try to drive me to St. Paul to catch the end of their game. At the end of the day I headed for Bash's room and found out I had just beaten the pizza guy. As it turns out they ordered pizza the night before each game.
"I heard you're the one that told Mike about the wooden bat." Brick said.
"Yeah. I've captained each of my teams to playoffs or a winning season at least, since I left the Ducks peewee team." I said.
"So do you have any more for us?" Brick asked.
"Sure, even if you don't want to hear it." I stood near the door hoping to make a quick get-a-way if need be. "Bash remember, keep off the base if you don't have to play it. Josh, Doug, and Max watch for fouls. A caught foul is still an out." I said mentioning Josh who played first and our left and right fielders Doug and Max respectively. "And Mike it's better to throw my strongest pitches, the ones I'm most comfortable with. My weak ones, we'll work on in practice. I get where you're coming from but we'll work on them in practice."
"Pizza's here." Bash said pushing me more into the room. "Ladies first."
I glared at Bash but dug into the peperoni. We sat shooting the breeze until Brick looked up. "What's going on between you and that Bash Brother?" Brick asked.
"Which one?" I asked nonchalantly.
"The dark haired one." Brick said.
I grinned at Bash who rolled his eyes. "You and Portman." Jim supplied.
"We're dating." I shrugged.
"Do you love him?" Brick asked.
"I'm in high school, I don't know what love is." I answered. "I mean he's got possibility but I don't honestly know. I sure do like him though."
"Listen kiddo, you're the youngest on the team even younger than Yogi and Lex and maybe—" Bash started.
"Whoa, slow your roll dough boy." I cut him off holding a hand up. "I'm older than both of them."
"Really?" Alex asked.
"Yeah, I was born in July of '81, Yogi's birthday is September, and Alex in December." I said.
"Well you just seem like the youngest and we don't want you to get hurt." Jim said.
"I should be offended." I said snatching the last slice of cheese.
"Hey." Alex said.
"Hey what?" I asked.
"I guess you can have it."
"Don't mind if I do." I said smirking then biting into it. Alex looked offended.
"That one backfired on you." Jim smirked.
"But—How—but—" Alex stammered.
"I grew up with five brothers. It's first come first serve if you want to eat in my house." I said. "If you can't run with the big dogs you don't get fed."
"Is that why you just ate half a pizza by yourself?" Bash asked.
"Yup."
"Alright, bed time guys, we've got classes and then a game tomorrow." Bash said.
"You're no fun." I said.
"Yeah well get over it." Bash said. I only rolled my eyes.
The next day seemed to drag on until I was in my final class, study hall with Dean. "Love ya, babe." Dean said out of nowhere.
"Uh, love you too." I answered.
"Will all the JV Hockey Team members going on the field trip please report to your locker room. All JV Hockey team going on the field trip please report to your locker room. Thank you. Good luck." The speaker roared.
"Break a few legs for me." I said understanding where the sudden profession of his love had come from.
"You too, you win that game for me tonight. You're that good." I nodded and then Dean left and Bash sat down.
"Don't worry, you'll see him later." Bash said.
"Yeah focus on the game." Max added plopping down next to Bash. I looked at them both, my right fielder and my third baseman and sighed.
"Alright." I nodded. "Do I get to bat?"
"Mathews always uses a designated hitter, in this case I think our relief catcher Brian is hitting tonight. Especially if he's letting you play. He's only seen you pitch this week. You can ask him for batting practice but I'm sure he's not going to allow you to bat in game until he's sure you can pitch a full game and bat." Bash said.
"I see." I sighed.
"It's time." Bash said as I sat in the locker room getting my thoughts together. I picked at my Warriors sweats then looked at my red long sleeve shirt that had Warriors written in black sharpie.
"We really need new uniforms." I said.
"And a new stadium." Bash answered.
I rolled my eyes and then stood following him out. I looked around the field which was just as barren as it had been last time. Then I looked just behind our dugout and spotted four trucks and Bash's SUV parked with the tailgates, and hatch, open and pointing to the field. I spotted Kyle and Scooter perched in one truck, a few girls sitting in the back of Bash's car, and the parents sitting in another truck. I smiled then headed to the field.
After the traditional national anthem and opening stuff I walked out to the mound and crouched. I dusted the dirt off the pitcher's plate, I was surprised they had the two and a half foot long, half a foot wide, rubber plate, then walked behind the mound. Mike watched me with interest but I did my best to ignore him and carved three initials into the mound then patted them and looked up at the sky. It was somewhat of a tradition that had worked for me over the past few years that I had been pitching and I hoped it would continue to work. I stepped up to the mound then and began warming up.
We won that game that night with a score of 2-1 but I was worried because it was almost like I didn't feel right pitching. Unfortunately there was also no way that I could see the playoff game for the Ducks but I heard they won.
The next day we played our double header at home and I noticed two more trucks parked on the sidelines and more people watching. True to his word Fulton had shown up and brought Dwayne and Julie with him. The art girls had also shown up as Anna was sitting with Luis and they were watching our fake baby. Bash met with the Rams' captain to shake hands and then the game was on. We won the first game 2-1 again and then we had a 20 minute break. I bolted over to the dark red truck that Dwayne was sitting on and he rubbed my shoulders as I looked at Fulton.
"Where's Dean?" I asked.
"On the phone with Alyssa when I left him." Fulton answered.
"I'm right here." Aly answered from the other side.
"Uh his sister Lissy." Fulton said.
"Wasn't that like an hour ago?" Dwayne asked.
"Yeah but I think his sister is freaking out and Star went to see Matt this weekend." Fulton said.
"Oh well call him and see if he'll drop by for the next game. Coach wants me in the locker room. I may be wrong about him you know." I said.
"Your coach?" Charlie asked from the next truck over.
"Yeah. Turns out he doesn't really care and he always finds something to pick on us about. Oh well, time to go play behind the scenes captain again." I shrugged. They all rolled their eyes and I went to the locker room. After a thorough chewing out by Coach Matthews for not scoring more or getting a shut out we went back to the field and played again this time winning 3-1. Two walks and Brick's home run. After the game I saw the Rams heading our way so I whistled getting our teams attention. "Let's go." I called.
"Go where?" Max asked.
"Shake their hands. Just 'cause we beat them doesn't me we can't at least congratulate them on a game well played." I said.
Our team lined up and we shook or slapped hands with the opposing team. Their captain was last and looked at me when I reached him. "You know I heard this weird rumor that Eden Hall's Varsity pitcher was a girl but watching you pitch they don't know what they're talking about." He said.
"Maybe not but thanks for the compliment." I said pulling off my hat and letting my hair tumble down my back.
His jaw dropped open and he stammered for words.
"Good game I believe is what you're looking for." I said. He nodded then walked off. "Boys." I muttered under my breath. Once again Mathews chewed us out or more correctly chewed the boys out making sure to say that all the outs shouldn't fall on the pitcher and so on. After he walked out I looked at the guys. "Does he always favor the pitcher?" I asked.
"When they're good or he wants to keep them on the team." Mike answered.
"He's wrong though. Fouls count as outs and double plays are amazing." I said. "You all played well and that's what counts. Especially Brick. That's an amazing home run."
"First one I've ever hit." Brick said.
"Then congratulations and well done."
"Of course, now I don't know about you boys but I'm starving and stink like a rat's behind." I said.
"Lizzy, we want to show you something." Bash said. He took my hand and led me into the shower area. "I know it's not much but we realized that you shouldn't have to walk all the way back to the dorms to shower. So this is yours." The shower he showed me was the one at the end of the bay closest to the door with a curtain around the entire shower. "You open this side." Bash motioned to the side closest to the door, "You don't have to see us when you leave and it's completely private."
"You should try it out." Lex said.
"Not today. I've got some butt kicking to do. And I also don't have a towel or change of clothes." I said. "Thank you guys so much." I threw my arms around Bash and he gave me a gentle squeeze. Then I whispered "By the way I want to talk to you later in private." Bash nodded.
"I think I'm jealous," Mike said as I pulled away.
"Get over it." I rolled my eyes, grabbed my bag and left the locker room. I had reached the curb and ran into Dean. "Hey." I said emotionlessly.
"I wanted to be at your game." Dean swallowed. "I really did. I can't even make this right. I know I can't. The only thing I can do is explain."
"Walk with me." I said motioning to the parking lot. Dean nodded and we headed for the dorms.
"Lissy ... breaking up with Mitch spooked her. I had her on the phone for two hours. If Matt or Chris or Seth were in her position wouldn't you do the same?" Dean asked. "As it gets closer to what would have been her wedding day she starts blaming herself. Mom and Dad are worried about her. I was just trying to help."
"I feel like a jerk." I said.
"Don't, if I could have done both I would. And I feel horrible that I missed the game. Here." Dean handed me a red carnation.
I took it and smiled.
"I know I can be a real jerk at times but—" Dean started.
I spun and put a finger over his lips. "Don't, I know that your sister is very important and coming from an Italian family, I know how important it is. I could never ask you to put me above your family. Given the chance I'd do the same. You're here now and you'll be at the rest of my games. It doesn't matter." I said.
Dean smiled and threw an arm around my shoulders. "Oh you stink." Dean said pulling away.
"You think you smell any better after a hockey game?" I asked. Dean rolled his eyes.
"I can't promise you it won't happen again." Dean said.
"Good 'cause I don't want you too." I said.
After showering and dinner Bash dropped into my room alone. "You said you needed to see me." Bash said.
"Yeah, about Lex. He's starting to spook me."
"I know he can go overboard a bit but ..."
"No, Bash you're missing my point. He's creeping me out. Didn't you see the looks he gave me when he mentioned I try out my new shower or that I didn't have a towel? I have a boyfriend who loves me. I don't like Lex. Well I do like him, he's an amazing trainer but even Dean's worried."
"I'll talk to him I promise. I don't want to involve Mathews but well, we'll see where it goes."
"Thanks." I said.
"What are you going to do about our field?" Bash asked.
"Don't worry you'll find out soon." I said. Bash left and Dean stopped in. I curled up in his arms on my bed and he played with my hair.
"I love you." Dean said.
"I love you too." I replied. Then You'll be in My Heart came on the radio and he started singing. Once again I felt safe and loved in his arms. Looking back on that day now I realized that should have told me something. I also didn't know at the time that this would be one of the last times I would feel safe in his arms for the next few years.
Uh oh wonder what that ending meant. Hope you liked it leave a review please.