3rd Base
Monday morning arrived, and Ash Ketchum found himself staring at the alarm clock as it buzzed loudly on his nightstand. Groaning, he slapped the snooze button, wanting just five more minutes of peace. Friday's baseball game was still fresh in his mind. He could still hear the roar of the crowd as he closed out the game with his phenomenal pitching, Securing the victory.
But today wasn't about baseball. It was Monday, and school was calling.
With a sigh, Ash swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, stretching as the morning light filtered through his bedroom window. His uniform, freshly washed, was laid out on the chair by his desk, where his baseball gear was still piled in a heap from the weekend. He'd have to deal with that later, though. Right now, he had to get ready for class.
He hurried through his morning routine—quick shower, teeth brushed, a rushed breakfast as his mom waved him out the door with a reminder not to forget his lunch. "Don't be late, Ash! And don't forget practice after school!" she called as he grabbed his backpack and dashed out the door.
The air was crisp, with just a hint of fall in the breeze, and Ash felt a little more awake as he made his way toward Pallet High. His thoughts drifted back to the game, and he couldn't help but smile. He knew that today, people would be talking about the performance. But that wasn't what was making him nervous. He'd heard rumors over the weekend, rumors about a new student joining his freshman class.
As he walked through the gates of the school, he noticed a few of his teammates waiting near the entrance. Brock waved him over, a grin on his face.
"Hey, Ash! Ready to be a school legend today? Everyone's talking about your pitching and how you stole 3rd base too!" Brock said, clapping him on the back.
Ash laughed. "I don't know about 'legend,' but I'll take it. How was the rest of your weekend?"
Before Brock could answer, the bell rang, signaling the start of the first period. They hurried into the school, heading toward their lockers.
As Ash turned the corner toward his locker, he spotted someone he didn't recognize. A girl stood there, her long brown hair swaying gently as she looked up at a schedule in her hand. She seemed a little lost, her eyes scanning the hallway like she was trying to figure out where to go.
"That must be the new girl," Brock whispered, nudging Ash.
Ash glanced over again, feeling his curiosity slowly get the better of him. He didn't know why, but something about her drew his attention. Maybe it was the way she seemed out of place yet determined to figure things out on her own well either that or those gorgeous blue eyes of hers.
Without thinking, Ash walked over to her, leaving Brock behind. "Hey, do you need help finding something?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
The girl looked up, surprised for a moment to see the star pitcher of the team offering to help her. "Yeah, actually. I'm looking for room 203. I'm new here, and this place is a bit of a maze."
Ash smiled back, his confidence growing. "Room 203? That's right down the hall. I've got a class near there, so I can show you the way if you want."
"Thanks, that'd be great," she replied, tucking the schedule into her bag. "I'm May, by the way. May Maple."
"Ash Ketchum," he said, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you."
They shook hands briefly, and Ash led her down the hall toward her class. As they walked, they talked, and Ash learned that May had just moved to Pallet Town last week from the Hoenn region. She didn't know many people yet, but she was excited to be starting fresh in a new place.
"I heard this school is big on baseball," May said as they walked. "I'm not really a sports person, but I actually saw you play last Friday. I was with my friend Dawn."
Ash scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little shy about his performance. "No way?! I don't really like to brag about my playing style, as long as I can help the team win then I'm satisfied. Besides, it was just one game. We've still got a whole season ahead of us.""
"Well, from what I saw, it was a pretty great game," May said with a smile. "Maybe I'll have to check out another one soon."
Ash couldn't help but smile back. There was something about May that made him feel comfortable, almost like they could be close friends already but he pushed that thought aside for now. They'd just met, after all.
When they reached her classroom, Ash pointed to the door. "Here's 203. Hope you have a good first day."
"Thanks, Ash. I appreciate it," May said before heading into the classroom.
Ash stood there for a moment, watching her go. There was something different about her, something that made him feel like their paths had crossed for a reason. He shook his head, reminding himself that it was just the start of the school year. There'd be plenty of time to figure things out. He hurried off to his own class, trying to focus on the day ahead.
During lunch, Ash met up with Brock and their friends, Gary and Paul. They sat at their usual table, talking about the game and upcoming practices. But Ash's mind was elsewhere. He kept glancing toward the cafeteria entrance, wondering if May would walk in.
"Earth to Ash," Gary said, waving a hand in front of his face. "Are you there?"
Ash blinked, snapping back to attention. "Yeah, sorry. Just thinking about the next game."
Brock chuckled. "Sure you are. You're thinking about something or someone?"
Ash rolled his eyes. "I'm not thinking about anyone."
Gary smirked. "Right. It wouldn't have anything to do with that new girl we saw you talking to this morning, would it?"
Paul raised an eyebrow. "New girl? What's her name?"
"Her name's May," Ash said, trying to sound casual. "She's new here. I just showed her to her class, that's all."
Gary and Brock exchanged knowing looks, and Brock gave Ash a playful nudge. "Well, you'll have to introduce her to us sometime. She seems cool."
Ash shrugged, trying to ignore the heat rising in his cheeks. "Maybe. I don't know her that well yet."
As the lunch period progressed, Ash and his friends continued their chatter. Just as Ash was about to talk about how the Dodgers were gonna take the World Series again, the cafeteria doors swung open again. Dawn and May appeared, both looking for a place to sit.
Dawn spotted Ash and his friends, her eyes lighting up as she came up with an idea to bring May and a certain jet black haired boy more acquainted. "Hey, guys! Mind if we join you?"
"Not at all!" Brock said, gesturing to the empty seats. "The more, the merrier!"
"Hey, May, These are my friends, Brock, Gary, and Paul."
"Hi," May said, giving them a friendly wave. "Nice to meet you all."
May took a seat next to Ash, while Dawn plopped down across from him, her usual energy radiating. "So, I see you've met May already!" she said, glancing between them with a knowing smile.
"Yeah, I helped her find her class this morning," Ash replied, trying to play it cool, but he couldn't help but notice how easy it was to talk to her.
Dawn leaned forward, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "You guys won't believe how May and I became friends! It was last week in gym class. I was new too, just trying to figure out the ropes. I saw her sitting alone, looking kind of lost."
May chuckled, a light blush creeping up her cheeks. "I guess I really was. I was so worried about fitting in."
Dawn continued, "So, I walked over and asked if she wanted to join me for a game of basketball. At first, she was hesitant because she wasn't a big fan of sports, but I convinced her to give it a shot."
"Turned out I was terrible," May admitted with a laugh. "But Dawn was so encouraging! She kept telling me to just have fun, and that's exactly what we did. By the end of it, we were both laughing and getting a little competitive."
"That's how you make friends," Ash said, impressed. "It sounds like you guys had a blast."
"Yeah! And now we're practically inseparable," Dawn said, nudging May playfully. "I'm glad we met. It's nice to have someone to share classes with, especially since we're both new here."
May smiled, her gaze drifting to Ash for a moment. "It's been a great start so far. Everyone's been really welcoming."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, with Ash sharing more about his baseball experiences, while Dawn and May exchanged stories about their lives in Hoenn. The cafeteria buzzed around them, but at that moment, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just their table.
As lunch began to wind down, Ash noticed that the bell would ring soon, and practice was on his mind. "So, what's your schedule like, May? Are you still figuring it out?"
"I've got English and math next," she replied, glancing at her schedule. "What about you?"
"Same here. I've got English first, then math," Ash said, feeling a strange sense of camaraderie. "Maybe we can walk to class together?"
"I'd like that," May said, her smile growing wider.
Dawn raised an eyebrow playfully. "Looks like someone's making plans!"
"Shut up, Dawn!" Ash replied, laughing it off. "We're just walking to class."
As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Ash gathered his things. He felt a warmth in his chest, a feeling of connection that he hadn't anticipated. He was excited to get to know May better.
"Okay, let's get to class," he said, leading the way as they exited the cafeteria. May walked beside him, and Dawn trailed behind with Brock and Gary, who were chatting animatedly about the latest MLB news.
"So, Ash," May said as they walked down the hallway, "what do you like most about baseball?"
"Honestly?" Ash began, feeling a little more comfortable opening up. "It's the thrill of the game. The adrenaline, the teamwork, there's just something about being on the field that makes me feel alive. I love the challenge of it."
"That makes sense," May said, nodding. "I've seen how much passion you have for it. I can't wait to see you in action again on Friday!"
"Yeah, it's going to be a great game," Ash replied, feeling a little giddy at the thought of having her there. "I hope I can make it a memorable one."
They reached their English classroom, and Ash held the door open for May, who stepped inside with a smile. The classroom was buzzing with chatter, students settling into their seats as the teacher prepared for the lesson.
As Ash took his seat next to May, he couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning of something special. He hadn't expected to connect with someone so quickly, but there was a spark there, a feeling that they might just become great friends, or even more.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Ash felt a pang of disappointment that the time had passed so quickly. "So, math next, right?" he asked, gathering his things.
"Yep! Let's go!" May replied, her excitement infectious.
As they made their way to math, the hallway buzzed with energy, students laughing and chatting as they moved between classes. Ash and May fell into easy conversation, discussing their favorite subjects and what they hoped to achieve this year.
"Do you have any goals for the school year?" May asked as they walked.
"Definitely. I want to help my team win the championship, of course," Ash said with determination. "But I also want to keep my grades up and be good enough to get into a good college and hopefully go all pro. I think it's important to balance both."
"Good plan! Believe me when I say you are gonna get there! I want to try to get involved in some clubs. I've heard about a few that sound interesting," May said. "Who knows, maybe I'll try out for the softball team if you train me?"
"Sounds like a great idea! I'd support you in every way possible! And I'll definitely train you if you really mean it!" Ash replied.
May smiled at him, a genuine warmth radiating from her. "Thanks, Ash. It's nice to know I'll have a friend around."
They reached the math classroom, and Ash held the door for May again, feeling a little protective and glad that he could help her navigate this new environment. As they settled into their seats, Ash realized that he was looking forward to this year more than he ever had before.
After math, the day went by in a blur of classes, homework, and conversations with May. They would occasionally find themselves walking to class together, sharing jokes and laughter, and it felt so natural that Ash could hardly believe how quickly they had clicked.
As the final bell rang and the day came to a close, Ash felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. He had practice after school, and part of him wanted to invite May to come watch, but he hesitated, unsure if that would be too forward.
As they walked out of the school, Ash took a deep breath. "Hey, May, I have baseball practice right after school. I know you mentioned wanting to check out a game, would you want to come by and watch?"
May's face lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. "I'd love to! I'm really excited to see you play."
"Awesome! I'll make sure to show you my best pitches," Ash said with a grin.