Thanks to everyone who continues to read. I appreciate it.

Chapter 42: Tournaments

Lizzy was walking back to her dorm after baseball practice in early May when Orson Brown walked up to her. "Hey, I'm not going to beat around the bush because I've spent enough time around you to know better," he said as they continued walking.

Lizzy looked at him and smiled. "Now you've got my attention. I like a guy who says what he wants."

"That why you and Portman lasted so long?"

"It was two months."

"Oh. Anyway, prom is this weekend. I don't know if you have plans but I wanted to ask if you'd go with me."

She narrowed her eyes at him. Was he honestly asking or did he have an ulterior motive? She had to find out. "Did Adam put you up to this?"

He stared at her wide-eyed. "Adam mentioned he didn't think you had plans but he didn't put me up to anything. I've been seeing this girl but she goes to Blake and her dad won't let her go to prom with me here so I thought I'd ask a friend. If you don't want to go then ok. I'll just go stag."

Lizzy felt bad so she explained. "Adam found out I had turned down like eight or nine guys so he asked me about it. I don't want a pity date."

"No pity about it except you pitying me."

"Oh, then sure."

"Great. I'll stop by your dorm Saturday night say around 7?"

"Ok see you then."

Some people were shocked when they walked into Prom together but they were few and far between. She did her best to try and enjoy being with him and hanging with some of his friends. They were decent guys, some of them even reminding her of the Ducks in certain ways, and were trying their hardest to include her in the group. She really appreciated their efforts.

All in all, the only person who seemed concerned about her going to prom with Brown was one of the prissy cheerleaders but she didn't say anything to Lizzy. That didn't mean Lizzy hadn't heard it though. It was high school and rumors flew.

Monday at baseball practice, their coach had big news. "So, before we get started today, I've got news. Based on your stats this year, we're on track to make State and I know that you guys are stoked but I believe that you're capable of more so—" Coach Kurt said.

"You're going to increase practice?" Mike asked.

"No. You guys have enough going on. I sent tapes and your stats to a couple invitational tournaments. Which means after State we may go on to play a tournament. Some of these even take place over summer but they don't come cheap and the athletic fund will only pay for 25 percent so if you really want to go, we're going to have to come up with the other three quarters of the payment."

"How much we talking about coach?" Bash asked.

"At least 10 grand."

Everyone turned to Lizzy. "What? Why are you looking at me?" she asked.

"You raised that much, by yourself, last year," the left fielder, Doug, told her.

"True but … well, ok. Car wash and bake sale are good but I think I've got a better idea. Got to talk to the Dean about it first."

"Can't back you unless I know what it is," Coach Kurt said.

"I was thinking at our game on Friday we could do a support-our-players deal. For every homerun they hit or run they score, the audience will donate a chosen amount. We can do anywhere from $1 to $500 or whatever they'd like. You know like they do for those charity marathons?"

"Sounds good but that means you guys have to bring your game."

"That's not going to raise us 10 grand though," Bash protested.

"No, but I was at a restaurant up in Cambridge over Spring Break and they had this fundraiser where if you mentioned the school's name or brought their flyer, they donated a portion of the cost to the fundraiser," Lizzy said.

"Those sound like fantastic ideas. Make sure you talk to the Dean soon so we can get the ball rolling," Coach Kurt agreed.

Dean Buckley was more than happy to help her organize the fundraisers and even got them set up over the weekend at Bucca's in Minneapolis, the dining car Casey still worked at, and a high-priced steakhouse in Edina. He also agreed to let them do the one during the ball game.

"So, explain this charity baseball game to me again?" Fulton asked as he and the rest of the Ducks walked down the field Friday afternoon.

"It works the same as one of those pay per mile charity runs," Guy said.

"And how's that?" Connie asked.

"So basically, let's take Lizzy for example. If you pledge to donate $1 for every run she scores then every time she hits a homerun or someone else hits the ball deep enough that she can run home you owe a dollar. Pitchers aren't known to hit well for most of the majors but high school pitchers can be pretty decent," Luis explained.

"So, what do you guys think?" Charlie asked.

"Why don't we pool our money? For Lizzy?" Julie asked.

"She'd do it for us," Kenny said. They approached the ticket window.

"Students?" The lady at the counter asked.

"Yes, ma'am. 13 tickets," Kenny said.

Once those were counted out, she asked about the fundraiser. "And would you like to participate in the team's fundraiser? For every run your player scores or you can do the team as a whole, you can donate anywhere between $1 and $500."

"We'll do $5 on Lizzy, from the Ducks."

"Ok, fill this out and you'll pay up after the game. Of course, if she doesn't score at all, you're still welcome to donate after the game."

"What are they collecting donations for?" Connie asked.

"They're in the running for an invitational tournament and need money to get there this summer, if selected."

Kenny finished the paperwork and the Ducks moved to the stands. "You think they'll get selected?" he asked.

"My cousin Chris went his junior year and right now our team has the same record they did so it's highly possible," Charlie said.

"More than possible," Portman said. "The team's good this year."

"They're really good, plus Lizzy's taken a liking to this coach. She says he's almost as good as Orion is," Luis said. "But the Trojans are good too. Odds are they'll go all the way this year."

"Game's starting," Luis said.

After the game, Fulton waited for Lizzy outside the locker rooms as Kenny went to settle up with the desk. Her three runs had cost them 15, but it was for a good cause. "How much have you raised?" Fulton asked as she stepped out to meet him.

"How much Cain have I raised?" she asked confused.

"Money for your fundraiser," he clarified, shoving her shoulder. She shoved him back, though he didn't move all that far, making him smiled.

"Oh. I don't know. I'll get the total on Monday at practice from this game and then next Monday from the three dinner fundraisers. They figured they could make it coincide with the play and get some of the parents who don't normally make it out. Friday at the Dining Car, Saturday at Bucca's, and then Sunday at the one downtown Edina. Plus, Wednesday and Thursday this week we're hosting the bake sale and that will help."

"Well, you got 15 from the Ducks and our best wishes. I know if Mom and Dad are here they donated too."

"Has your mom ever missed a game?"

"No."

Monday after practice, her coach pulled her aside and told her that the fundraiser during the game had made them $3500. It was a good start and he was impressed by how fast they had pulled things together. Tuesday, the drama teacher pulled her aside before the dress rehearsal. "I really hate to do this; you know that right?" Ms. Jones said.

"Lay it on me," Lizzy reluctantly answered. She shifted nervously.

"Sam, our narrator wasn't feeling well so he went to the doctor last night. He's got laryngitis. He's out for two weeks. Now, I know you are already doing so much, but you've already got the script in the booth to know when to key the lights so couldn't you just do me a huge favor and …"

She knew Sam, who was their baseball trainer, hadn't been feeling well, but never knew it was that bad. "Read the Narrators lines too? Of course, I can. Why not? Not like I'm super focused on making the stage is properly lit."

Ms. Jones was typically the sweetest teacher at the school but she was also a teacher. "I don't appreciate the sarcasm."

Lizzy bowed her head. She really needed to watch her tone with adults. "I'm sorry. I would be glad to help out. We are, however, going to have to change a line or two because of the giantess confusing the narrator for Jack."

"Yes, we can do that."

The musical, Into the Woods, went off without a hitch and though they did both acts on Friday and Saturday, they only did the first act on Sunday knowing that the audience contained a lot more children and the second act contained a lot more mature subjects like infidelity, murder, and destruction. As for the part they had to change, it came in the second part. The giantess comes looking for Jack for the things he stole and for murdering her husband, the giant. However, because the giantess is nearsighted, she can't see very well and doesn't believe the characters when they tell her that Jack isn't there. She tells them that she will wait right there until they deliver Jack to her. With Jack being lost in the woods, they try to come up with another plan. Then the witch mentions the narrator. "Wait a minute now, I'm on the outside, I only tell the story, I'm not part of it," Lizzy answered as the narrator. She glanced at Portman beside her who was working the sound panel and he was silently laughing.

"Like you said, you're always on the outside," the witch mentioned.

"Well, yes, but someone's got to tell the story and you'd be lost without me," Lizzy answered. "Besides, I'm clearly not the lad she's looking for."

"You could be. How does she know it's a lad? You could pass for a lad if you really wanted to. Oh, Giantess, he's there behind you. Just one hundred feet. Can't miss him," the witch said.

"Where? There? Are you sure?" the giantess, whose voice was being provided by the drama teacher, answered. "That doesn't look like a lad."

"I'm not the lad, I'm not even a boy," Lizzy protested. "No! Oh no! Hey, what are you doing? Put me down!" Lizzy's voice faded off as if being eaten. Portman shut off her mic and the play went on but he had a good chuckle about it.

"I'm not a real boy, Papa," Portman mocked, purposely messing up the quote from Pinocchio.

"That is so not the quote," Lizzy answered, trying not to laugh as she swatted his shoulder. He snickered one last time then focused back on the sound board. He did the same thing on Saturday night but since the scene was part of the second act, he couldn't do it on Sunday.

By Monday afternoon, all the money was in from the fundraisers and they had raised just over $10,500 and their coach had received the official invites. "Well done today, kids. You keep up this level of playing and I have no doubt we'll make State. I've talked it over with the JV coach and the school board and we've all agreed because whether or not we reach State we're going to the National Classic Baseball Invitational in Fullerton, California. You'll go up against the best in the country and there will be scouts from all the big leagues there. It will be the first two weeks in June so letters have been sent to all of your parents, they just need to sign them and get them to the Dean. With your parents' permission, all of you can go, even if you're graduating this year, and the JV coach has selected five of his players to go in case for some reason one of you can't or we need a backup," Coach Kurt told all of them.

"Coach, who's chaperoning?" Lizzy asked.

"Myself, the JV coach, two dads from the booster club, and a bus driver. Parents are welcome to come but they will foot their own bill. We'll be leaving two days after graduation. Your parents will all be here to take your things home for you from your dorms."

"Is everything paid for?" Bash asked.

"Room, board, flight, meals, sporting equipment, it'll all be laid out in the letters you'll get on Friday. If you want souvenirs or anything like that you'll have to bring your own money but most of it is paid for. Trainers, you'll be going as well. Now, don't forget we still have games this week. Tomorrow is our playoff game against Willow Springs and then when we win, Friday is the last playoff game. Saturday will be the state game."

Tuesday, just before the game, Lizzy saw the coach arguing with the Dean and Tom Riley but wasn't sure what it was about. She put it out of her mind and focused on playing, and winning the game. Which they did. They crushed Willow Springs 12-2. After the game the coach sat down with his team in the locker room. They were dirty and tired but in good spirits, at least, until the coach broke the news.

"The school board convened a special meeting this morning when they heard about the trip. They needed insurance and what not for us to take 16 kids out of state with five chaperones. Then one of the members of the school board brought up a really good point. I know that I can trust you guys. I know that you doing anything to jeopardize your chance at one of the biggest tournaments in the country is next to a zero percent chance but the school board didn't see it that way. The way they see it is 20 men going on a trip with one girl so they made some demands. First, Lizzy, you can't be one-on-one with any chaperone. There will always have to be at least one other student with you. Second, you have your own room. Third, any fraternization between you and anyone on this trip that is romantic in nature will instantly trigger a flight home, and then there's the one condition that renders the rest kinda pointless. It was a condition that they wouldn't back down on. Either you find a female chaperone or you can't go at all. I've put in some requests with the female coaches around here but all I've heard is no. I'm trying, Lizzy, but—"

"You can't tell me I can't go. It's not fair. Just because I'm a girl. My dad will throw a fit."

"Then see if he can come. That should satisfy the school board."

"Will the school pay for them to come as well?"

"Since you raised the extra $500, yes," Coach told her. Lizzy nodded and the team headed back for the school.

She looked at Bash as they reached the dorms. "What about your mom? Could she come?" Lizzy asked.

"I'll call her and find out," Bash said. Lizzy nodded and waited for him to make the call. "Let me shower, call her, and meet you at dinner. I promise, I'm just tired." Lizzy agreed but when he did as asked, he didn't have good news. There was a photography convention in Savannah that his mom was already scheduled to attend and couldn't get out of the same week. Lizzy frowned then mentioned the problem to the Ducks.

"What about your aunt Casey?" Portman asked.

"Mom's going to be out of town with Bom—Gordon for a honeymoon they didn't get to take after the wedding," Charlie said.

Lizzy frowned then turned her gaze to Fulton. "You can ask. Mom loves you," Fulton said. It was almost like he could still read her mind. He rolled his eyes.

Lizzy picked up her phone and called the Reed home. "Hello?" Nat asked when she picked up.

Her soft voice and genial nature just put Lizzy at ease as it always did. "Nat, it's me. I have a question and you're more than welcome to say no," Lizzy said.

"Sure, go ahead," Fulton's mom said.

"Can you take two weeks off to fly to California and supervise a baseball trip?"

"What?"

She sighed and explained. "Our coach got us invited to the National Classic Invitational but I can't go unless there's a woman chaperone because of concerns from the school board. I was hoping you could come and save me?"

"Oh, honey, I really want to but—" Nat stopped. "Honey, is Fulton sitting next to you? Yes or no?"

"Yes."

"Ok. I'm not asking you to lie to him I'm just asking you don't tell him."

"Ok?" Lizzy asked. Sensing the importance in Nat's voice, she held her curiosity at bay hoping Nat would explain. The older woman didn't disappoint.

"I get two weeks a year and had I known I would have saved up last year. I didn't though and we had to book the trip nearly a year in advance. It uses up most of my vacation. We're taking a cruise we're taking in August for Fulton's 18th. While we can't always give him everything we want to, we've been saving up for this. I'm real sorry, and please, don't tell him. We want it to be a surprise."

"I see." Lizzy couldn't say much more of that without Fulton getting suspicious.

"I want to be there for you, honey, but like I said, we booked this last year and I'm using up most of my vacation time I have left to take it. I am so sorry, Lizzy. What about Casey?"

"She's taking her honeymoon with Bombay the first week so that's a no go. I'm sure my Nona would love to come but two weeks in the hot sun for a 70-year-old woman will not be fun."

"Why don't you try Michelle? I don't think she's got anything going on this summer and the school board can't protest your step-mom."

"Maybe you're right. Thanks." Lizzy hung up the phone and looked down at what was left of her spaghetti.

"So that was a no?" Fulton asked.

"Yeah, no vacation time."

"What about your dad or Michelle? Maybe they've got time off and your dad's been there for your brothers. Maybe he could be there for you?" Adam asked.

"Yeah, maybe."

So that was how Lizzy ended up getting to know Michelle and coming to see she was a decent person and the Ducks had been right. After the team won the Minnesota State Baseball championships, and their seniors graduated, they went on to the National Classic. Their team also did extremely well there, even making it to the final game where even though they played their hearts out they still lost, 2-1. However, it was the best their school had done in nearly 20 years, so they were proud.