Thanks to everyone who continues to read this. Just so you know, the end of this chapter was inspired by the Charlie Cox version of Daredevil. Elden Henson was giving me serious soft Fulton vibes.
Chapter 48: Baseball
By the time prom rolled around, Lizzy was spending more time with Lex and seemingly less time with the Ducks. In fact, the first time she saw the entire team in the same place was at prom. About thirty or so minutes into it, Charlie rushed over to her and grabbed her hand. "Come with me," he said. He didn't give her time to answer before he dragged her away over to the team. They were a good-looking group. Even though none of them were wearing tuxes, they made their suits look good. Even her cousin who never looked like anything other than a dork to her. For half a second her eyes landed on Portman and a burst of regret bloomed in her chest. The man cut a fine suit. Her eyes darted to the two girls, both wearing beautiful dresses. It took a few seconds for her feelings to get under control but somehow, she managed it.
"Charlie!" she protested as they reached the team.
"Oh, hush," he answered.
Russ tossed an arm around her shoulders pulling her away from her cousin. "So, tell us about the wonderful and exciting life that is Lizzy Jacobs," he said.
"There isn't anything exciting going on. School and baseball," Lizzy answered simply.
"We heard you finally met your little brother," Luis said.
"I did. He's not so bad. At least he didn't puke or poop on me," Lizzy answered. Dwayne and Futon both laughed. "So, what about you guys?"
Averman launched into a story which melted into another and another and soon it was like old times. At least, until the lights came up a little. "Hi everyone, thank you all for coming out tonight. Thanks to all the teachers and parents who are chaperones for us tonight as well. And now for our personal favorite time. Crowning of the prom king and queen. Before anyone protests, this was a class wide vote and every senior got a say. The votes have been tallied and without further ado your prom queen for the class of 2000 is … Lizzy Jacobs," the class president said stunned.
Lizzy stared in shock and Russ nudged her. "Go on," he said as the crowd cheered but none louder than the Ducks. She made her way to the far end of the gym and was befitted with a crown and sash.
"And now, the question remains, who did you find worthy of reigning along side the one and only Lizzy? Your prom king is…" a drumroll took over the gym. "I don't believe it. Your king is Dean Portman." The gym was dead silent as Portman made his way across the room. At least, it was until Fulton and Kenny let out loud whistles. Lizzy smiled and let out her duck call and soon everyone was applauding. He too bent to receive his crown and sash then turned to face the audience. "Now, I'm certain there isn't a person in this gym that doesn't know what happened between the two of you in the tenth grade but some traditions are meant to be upheld so we're asking if you would kindly share a dance and allow the yearbook staff to take a few pictures."
Portman looked at her. "I'm game if you are," he said softly. She gave a short nod and he took her hand leading her out onto the dance floor after telling the president the song. She told it to the DJ and it was soon playing over the speakers. Though they started dancing quietly, it didn't end that way. "You're still happy with him, right?" Portman asked.
"I … I am," Lizzy said.
"I know the school year is coming to an end and real life's about to start, but you have my number and my email. If you need anything, let me know. I'll do whatever I can for you."
Lizzy looked up at him. "That's above and beyond."
"Once upon a time you told me Goose was the only family Mav had. I know that's not true for either of us but I do consider you family and because of that I would do anything for you."
"Thank you and I will definitely keep that in mind."
"Do you think they planned this?" he asked.
"Who? The Ducks? Oh, most definitely. Look at their faces. I wouldn't put it past Kenny and Russ. Not sure if Fulton was in on it, usually he's pretty good at not interfering but the rest of those Ducks, no doubt they wanted one last try to see if there was anything left. On one hand it's sweet, on the other, not so much. You?" Lizzy asked.
"Would you be surprised if it was my idea?"
"Yes," she said flatly.
"It wasn't. I heard rumblings about it but figured it was just hopeful thinking and you're right, of all of them, I think Fulton and Adam are the least likely to plan it," Portman answered.
The song came to an end and they took a few photos before Fulton swooped in and danced her around the dance floor. "Uh hey, Fulton."
"Hey," he said simply.
"Hey? That's it?" She looked up at him in the dark room. It should have hidden most of his face and expressions but since her eyes had adjusted, she could see his simple smile.
"Don't need to say anything else." He shrugged.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Why wouldn't I be sure? You are my best friend and you can read me better than nearly anyone else I have ever met. The only exception to that is Portman. Anything I need to say, you typically know it before I even say it."
"Maybe sometimes I want you to say it."
"Ok. I miss hanging out with and though I'm glad you're happy and I don't want to cause a fight, I think your relationship with Lex shouldn't come at the expense of your friendship with the Ducks."
"I don't want to fight either but … it's not, Fulton. I like Lex, a lot, and he deserves to have more of my time than the Ducks. I mean you spend more time with Aly."
"I really don't. In fact, half the time I'm with her, we're hanging out with the Ducks."
"Then your relationship is different than mine. Not to mention you've been with Aly longer than I've been with Lex. She's bound to be more comfortable with the Ducks. On top of that, they haven't really gone out of their way to make him feel welcome."
"To be fair, he hasn't tried to make friends with us either and you know Charlie."
She did know Charlie and while he could make friends everywhere and attempted to, he was also her cousin and very protective of her. "Maybe."
"Just maybe, bring him around a bit?" he suggested.
"Sure. Speaking of me and Lex, did you guys plan this? I mean me and Portman? I don't mind but I'd like to know."
"I didn't. You told me to leave well enough alone so I did. The rest of the Ducks on the other hand, not so much."
"And you're not going to tell me who?"
"A Bash Brother and a loud mouth."
"Kenny and Russ. That it?"
"Guy too."
"Makes sense. Sorry I haven't been around Fulton."
"I know. Don't worry about it. Like I said, just try to come around more."
So she tried over the next two weeks but Lex always made an excuse as to why he didn't want to. Lizzy on the other hand focused on the baseball team and their drive to the playoffs as well as graduation.
It wasn't long after prom when three things happened simultaneously. First, Ben graduated, second, on the same day, she had her first playoff game, and third, two days after that Saturday, she found out that it was very likely that she would be graduating as Eden Hall's valedictorian. She continued to work her butt off both in and out of the classroom.
This was it. Their final playoff game before State. It was also about a week before graduation. She was pitching a strong game and they were up three to nothing in the top of the seventh. All she needed was two more outs and they were done. It'd be smooth sailing until they'd go on to play State on Saturday and then graduation the following day. Well, semi-smooth sailing as they still had exams to take that week. She had also decided to go to college in Minnesota. At least for the first year or two, then maybe she'd consider transferring to California with Lex. He hadn't been happy about that but he had accepted the compromise.
So here she was staring down one of the final batters of her high school baseball career. She glanced back at the runner on first then wound up and threw the first pitch. "Strike," the ump called. The catcher threw it back and she repeated the motion. "Strike," the ump called again. This time she wound up for her fastball as the crowd began chanting for the Ducks. The ball whizzed through the air. The bat thudded when it connected, sending the ball back toward her. She tried to duck but wasn't fast enough, the ball slammed into her shoulder sending her over backwards. The second baseman did his job, scooping up the ball and chucking it back to the shortstop who tagged out the runner then tossed it to first who did the same getting the third out.
While at first the crowd cheered for the Ducks win, a hush fell over the crowd when a scream cut across the field. Out on the field, the second baseman was kneeling next to Lizzy. He was asking her what was wrong but she was clutching her shoulder, groaning in pain. "Jacobs, talk to me."
"It hurts!" she moaned.
"I know. Mason, Coach!" the second baseman called.
Lizzy's dad and Ben made their way down the stands to the field as the team gathered around her. The opposing team took a knee each pulling their hat off and placing it over their heart. Even the announcer stayed quiet. Lex dropped beside his girlfriend and pried her hand away. Even at first glance, he could tell something was wrong with her right shoulder. Coach Kurt knelt next to her and gently felt her shoulder. She screamed again. "I know it hurts, Lizzy, but I have to see how bad it is," Coach Kurt said.
She whimpered in pain. "Coach please," she begged.
"I'm sorry, kiddo." He gently ran his hand over both sides of her right shoulder. "That is definitely dislocated." He turned towards the announcer stand and shouted, "Call an ambulance!"
"Benji?" Rob asked as they reached Lizzy.
"Let me see," Ben answered. He knelt next to Lizzy and repeated the coach's examination. "It looks like a dislocation but I can't tell if there's more damage under the surface. Could be pinched nerves or torn muscles but you can't tell that without an MRI or x-rays. I can reduce it but she'll still need to be transported," Ben answered. Since he had majored in sports' medicine, he'd know all about sports' injuries.
"Do it."
"Mr. Jacobs," Coach Kurt started. Lizzy whimpered.
"It's my kid, I'll take the responsibility and the liability. If you're confident you can do this, Benji, go ahead." Ben took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He sat his sister up and after another deep breath and a muttered apology, he reset his sister's shoulder back into place. Her scream shattered the quiet surrounding the ball field. In the stands, Fulton cringed and Charlie winced as Connie wrapped the slightly shorter captain in a hug. Ambulance sirens cut the air and soon Lizzy was leaning against her brother as he explained things to the EMT's. They loaded her into the ambulance and took her to UM's Medical Center. Ben, Charlie, and Rob followed in Rob's car as the rest of the Ducks agreed to wait. Fulton and Portman found Fulton's parents in the parking lot.
"She's going to be ok, hon," Nat said, hugging her son. Fulton leaned against his mom trying not to let his emotions overwhelm him. Jim rested a hand on his son's shoulder.
"What if she's not? I know these things can get bad and that ball had to come off the bat at at least 90 mph. If it tore the muscles …"
"Fulton, stop. Let's go eat and then we can swing by the hospital. She'll be fine and by then they'll have answers," Jim told his son.
"Ok." Fulton looked up at Portman.
"Sure, I'll come too," Portman agreed.
They reached the hospital to find Ben in the waiting room with Charlie but no sign of Rob. "Ben?" Fulton asked. Ben stood and wrapped the boy in a hug explaining that Rob was still by Lizzy's side but the doctors wouldn't let anyone else back until she was stable in a room.
Lizzy was settled in a hospital room as her dad stood talking to someone at the door. She rolled her head to look at him and heard the words surgery and months. They had given her some painkillers in the ambulance but it had been a stronger dose than usual, making her groggy. "Dad?" She asked.
"Hey, sweetheart." Rob walked over to her and the doctor followed. He smiled sadly.
"What? What is it? Is it worse than Ben said? Did he hurt me?" Lizzy questioned.
"No, honey. Ben did a great job. Unfortunately, it was the dislocation that did the damage. I'll let the doctor explain."
The doctor came over and pulled a chair up to the bedside. "I'm Regina Pierce. I know that what I am about to tell you is going to sound like the end of the world, but in a year, it's not going to feel like that. What you have is a type two SLAP tear."
"A what?" Lizzy asked.
"This here—" she turned her clipboard towards Lizzy showing her a picture of a healthy shoulder—"this muscle here is called a labrum. Basically, it attaches the very top of your arm bone into the socket of your shoulder. When this part here—" she pointed along the top of the muscle—"starts to fray or gets torn we call it a SLAP tear. Just means that your shoulder doesn't work quite as well as it should. We're going to allow the swelling to go down overnight and run another MRI in the morning. If it's as bad as it looks on this one, our only option is surgery."
"Surgery? Doesn't that mean months of recovery?" Lizzy asked, rubbing her head.
"It usually does and even if we aren't looking at surgery and it's really just inflammation and swelling, you're still looking at a few weeks before I recommend playing on it."
"A few? We're playing for the Minnesota State High School Baseball Championships in three days. I can't be out for weeks. Last time I dislocated my shoulder, I was out for two days and that's because my coach told me to rest it."
"This shoulder?" the doctor asked. Lizzy nodded. "How many times have you dislocated your shoulder?"
"Two, now three. Once in sixth—seventh grade, once two years ago, and now."
"That's probably what's led to the extra damage. How about this? We give it through the night and run the MRI in the morning and we'll go from there?" Doctor Pierce asked.
"Fine," Lizzy grumpily agreed. "Is Fulton here?"
"Probably. I'll go check on that. You rest." Rob stood and walked the doctor out. He made his way to the waiting room and hugged his son first and then his nephew. Sure enough, Fulton was right there too with his parents and Portman. "She's okay," Rob said. "They think she has a SLAP tear." Ben shook. Rob knew that he knew what that meant. It was most likely something that they had covered in his college classes. Fulton and Portman shared a look and Charlie looked at his uncle confused. Rob explained it.
"What does that mean for her?" Fulton asked.
"For now, she needs to rest. They'll do a MRI in the morning and we'll go from there. Worst case scenario, she'll need surgery and she may never play high impact sports again. Best case, they're wrong. The swelling will go down, they'll see it's just a dislocated shoulder and there's no damage and she'll be back to playing hockey come fall."
"What you're really saying is that it's probably somewhere in the middle and we should prepare ourselves for the worst," Ben said.
"I'm sorry, Ben," Rob said.
"Either way, she's out of the State game," Fulton said.
"She's going to hate that," Portman added.
"She knows and she wasn't happy," Rob said.
"I'll call Chris … and Matt," Ben said.
"I'll call Seth and Michelle. Charlie, do you want to update your mom and your team?" Rob asked Charlie nodded. "Lizzy's asking to see you Fulton."
"Can Portman come?" Fulton asked.
Rob wanted to protest but one glance at Nat told him not to. "Sure. Down the hall, third door on the left," Rob answered.
Fulton and Portman made their way down the hall and before Fulton opened the door, he paused. "I can't do this," Fulton said, not looking at his best friend.
"You can," Portman answered, resting a hand on Fulton's shoulder.
Fulton hung his head and stared at the floor. "I can't. I'm not strong enough to see her so hurt. She's always been so tough and I know that I come off strong and—I can't see her broken."
"She's not broken. She's hurt but she's still the same Lizzy. I'm right here behind you the whole way. She needs you to be strong. I know you're worried but sports aren't everything. She's good at so many things and she has a lot of friends who she can lean on when she doesn't feel strong. We'll be right here." Fulton turned and after a moment he wrapped his arms around Portman. He had never really had a brother; Ben and the Jacobs boys were great and he had the team but none of them meant what Portman meant to him and this meant a lot to him. Portman gave him a few moments to pull himself back together.
"Thank you," Fulton said.
"Any time."
Fulton let him go and they entered the room. He swallowed thickly then moved to Lizzy's side trying to smile for her. "H—Hey," he said.
"I'm okay. It hurt but docs say I'm going to be okay," Lizzy answered, trying to sit up a bit. Fulton pressed a hand to her shoulder to keep her still. He still hated seeing her in the hospital bed looking so much smaller than normal but he didn't want her to get any more hurt.
"Your dad told us everything. Said the doctors don't know," Fulton said.
"I'm alive and I'm here."
"You're going to be ok and if you need anything, any Duck will help you out," Portman said.
"I know," Lizzy said. She reached her left hand out as they had put her right arm in a sling, and Fulton took it. "I can get through this. I can get through … this. I can … I … I can do—" Her voice wobbled and she couldn't go on.
"You can do this," Portman said firmly. He moved to her beside as well.
"Yeah." Fulton jumped in for support. "You can do this. One day at a time. Right now, rest and focus on feeling better. Anything else, we'll take when we get there. If your dad can't stick around, my parents will be here every step of the way. All you have to do is ask," Fulton said, his words getting stronger as he went on.
"Me too. I'm not going to leave you," Portman added.
"Thanks. Our state game?" Lizzy asked, looking between the two boys.
"I'm sure that the entire team will welcome you to the bench. I know that's not where you want to be but sometimes, we have to sit the bench and support our team. Remember what you said when I broke my leg playing football?" Fulton said.
"I know you want to be out there playing but you have to focus on your health and that supporting your team from the bench means more than one could say," Lizzy sniffled. Portman reached out and brushed his hand through her hair.
"I didn't like it any more than you do, but no team sport is about one person, even if you can win a baseball game from the mound. Gary has been watching you all season. He's got this," Fulton said.
"I hope so, but you're right. It's about the team and even if he sucks, the defense is great and they've got this," Lizzy agreed.
"Do you want us to sit with you?"
"For a while, could you?"
"Until you or the hospital make us go," Portman told her.
"Thanks. Port, can you get me something to eat?" She looked up at him and he smiled.
"Right, because you don't eat before games. Let me make sure it's ok." He left the room and when he came back, a nurse was with him. She looked over Lizzy's chart and agreed that it was ok for Portman to get Lizzy some food from the cafeteria but nothing too heavy as they didn't want to make her sick. While he was gone, Lizzy turned to Fulton.
"Fulton, I don't want to scare you but what if it's really bad?" Lizzy asked desperately.
Fulton swallowed thickly. "Sports aren't everything, Lizzy. So maybe you can't play hockey or baseball anymore but we always knew there wasn't much for that after college. I know that when we were kids you dreamed of being on the women's Olympic team or even being the first woman on an AHL or ECHL team even in the NHL but lately you haven't been quite so passionate about that. I'm not saying you couldn't still do it, but it seems like you're more focused on baseball."
"The women's Olympic team also competes in softball."
Fulton patted her hand. "Let's get through the night. Anything after that I've got your back, whether you can't use your whole right arm or you need someone to sit through physical therapy with you."
"I couldn't ask you to put everything on hold for me."
"Not everything, just until August and then I'm sure your dad or Michelle wouldn't mind helping out. Besides, I'm sure you're worrying over nothing. It's just a few strained muscles and you'll be completely better by your birthday."
"Yeah, you're right." She tried to smile but didn't burst into an authentic one until Portman returned with an armful of food.
"I have commandeered the pudding and mashed potatoes and some green jello," Portman said, laying his bounty on the table. Lizzy smiled.
"That better be chocolate pudding," Lizzy said.
"Do I know you or do I know you?" he asked, offering her a spoon.
"I don't care what Fulton says about you, you are a peach," she told him.
"What did Fulton say about me?" Portman asked.
"Nope," Lizzy answered. She smiled and shook her head. Portman rolled his eyes and took her pudding cup, tearing the lid off it for her.
"I didn't say anything bad about you," Fulton answered, scooping up a bag of cookies. They both took seats and hung out until they decided to let the others come visit.