Meet The Maples

Monday morning arrived with the usual groans and sluggish footsteps. The excitement from Friday's game had given way to the familiar dread of school. As Ash dragged himself through the school gates, the soreness in his shoulder had eased somewhat after a weekend of icing it, but it still ached when he moved it too much. He adjusted his backpack, doing his best to ignore the dull throb.

The hallways buzzed with the typical Monday morning energy. Students exchanged stories about their weekends, some cramming in last-minute homework, and others yawning through conversations. For Ash and the rest of the team, however, the atmosphere felt a little different. The victory over Littleroot had sparked a lot of chatter, and now everyone seemed to be talking about the game.

As Ash made his way toward his locker, a couple of students approached him, their faces bright with enthusiasm. "Hey, Ash! That was an awesome game on Friday! You crushed it!" one of them said, clapping him on the back.

"Yeah, that steal to second was crazy," another chimed in. "I thought for sure you were gonna be out, but you made it just in time!"

Ash grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, guys. It was a close one for sure," he replied, glancing around to see if he could spot his friends. He noticed that even students he didn't know very well were giving him nods of recognition, which was new for him.

As he turned the corner to the hallway near the cafeteria, he spotted Brock, Gary, and Paul standing together, all three of them surrounded by a small group of students. Drew was there too, leaning against a locker with his arms crossed, a smug grin on his face as a few girls gushed about his closing performance on the mound.

Paul gave Ash a wave when he saw him approach. "Finally! I was starting to think you were gonna sleep in, Ketchum," he teased.

Ash rolled his eyes. "Nah, I wouldn't miss a chance to hear everyone talk about how amazing we were," he joked, joining the group. "Sounds like the whole school was watching that game."

"Seems like it," Gary agreed, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "Guess they know talent when they see it."

More students trickled over, congratulating them. The boys took it in stride, each of them basking in the attention. For a team that had been working hard all season, it felt like validation for all those early morning practices and long hours of training. Even the soreness in Ash's shoulder seemed to fade in the light of all the praise they were getting.

Drew, who had been listening to a couple of juniors talk about his fastball, caught Ash's eye and shot him a knowing look. "It's about time you showed up, Ketchum," he said in a half-joking tone. "We were starting to think you couldn't handle the fame."

Ash smirked back at him. "Oh, don't worry, I can handle it just fine. You might want to save some of that for next time, though," he replied. The two of them had established a bit of a friendly rivalry, and while it was mostly in good fun, there was still an underlying edge of competitiveness still between them.

As the group of students gradually dispersed to get to their classes, Ash noticed May and Dawn coming down the hallway. They were chatting and laughing, but when May's eyes met Ash's, she gave him a friendly smile.

"You guys are like celebrities today," Dawn said as she and May reached the group. "I think I saw half the freshman class asking for autographs."

"It sure feels that way," Paul replied, chuckling. "But we'll take it. Doesn't happen every day."

May turned to Ash, her expression softening slightly. "How's your shoulder?" she asked. "You said you'd take care of it."

"It's doing a lot better," Ash assured her. "I rested it over the weekend and kept it on ice. I'm ready for practice today."

"Good," May said, nodding with satisfaction. "Wouldn't want you to miss out because you pushed yourself too hard."

Brock gave Ash a playful nudge. "Looks like you've got yourself a personal health coach," he teased, causing Ash to blush slightly.

Before Ash could respond, the warning bell for first period rang out, signaling that it was time to head to class. "Well, guess we better get moving," Gary said, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "See you guys at lunch?"

Ash and the others nodded in agreement, and they all headed their separate ways. As he walked down the hallway toward his first class, Ash couldn't help but feel a bit of a thrill. The recognition, the attention, and even May's concern for his shoulder, it all made him feel like he was on top of the world.

Throughout the morning, it seemed like almost every classmate had something to say about the game. Even teachers mentioned it in passing, offering their congratulations or a quick comment about the final score. By the time lunch rolled around, Ash had heard so many compliments that he was starting to feel like he was reliving the game with every conversation.

When he finally made it to the cafeteria, he spotted his friends at their usual table. Drew was already there, leaning back in his chair, while Brock, Gary, and Paul were chatting animatedly. Dawn and May sat across from them, laughing at something Gary had said.

"Look who decided to join us!" Paul called out as Ash approached. "Superstar Ketchum, gracing us with his presence."

Ash rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his grin. "You guys are never gonna let this go, are you?"

"Not a chance," Brock replied, giving him a thumbs-up. "But you deserve to celebrate a little bit, man. That was one heck of a game."

As Ash took his seat, the conversation shifted to their upcoming game. The team had another big matchup on Friday, and despite all the praise they were receiving, they knew there was still work to be done.

"We've got to keep the momentum going," Gary said, his tone more serious now. "Viridian was a tough team, but the next one's even stronger."

Drew leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "I've been hearing that too," he said. "We can't let our guard down just because we're on a high. Every game counts."

Ash nodded in agreement. "We've got to stay sharp. No taking it easy in practice, even if it's just drills."

As lunchtime continued, the cafeteria buzzed with the usual chatter. The team had settled back into their usual rhythm of eating and talking. The conversation turned to baseball, as it often did, with Brock and Gary arguing playfully about the best ways to improve their batting averages.

Ash leaned back in his seat, enjoying the easy atmosphere when Drew suddenly piped up. "So, Ash," Drew said, turning to him with a grin. "I've been meaning to ask… who's your favorite baseball team?"

Ash perked up at the question, a smile forming on his face. "The Dodgers, no doubt," he said, his eyes lighting up. "I've been a fan since I was a kid. Watching them play is what made me want to start pitching in the first place."

Drew raised an eyebrow and smirked. "The Dodgers, huh? Figures," he said with a teasing tone. "You know the Yankees are the best team in baseball, right? I mean, they have the most championships in all of baseball. They're practically the definition of a dynasty."

Ash's eyebrows shot up in mock disbelief. "The Yankees?" he replied with shock. "You mean the team that just tries to buy championships? Come on, Drew. The Dodgers have heart. They've been through ups and downs, but they always come back stronger."

Drew leaned forward, a playful challenge in his eyes. "Oh, please," he retorted. "The Yankees aren't just about money. They have the history, the legends. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and let's not forget about the captain Derick Jeter. These are players that defined the game of baseball. And if you really want to talk about money, didn't the Dodgers spend 700 million dollars on one player alone?" Drew questioned

Ash wasn't about to back down. He crossed his arms and grinned. "On a player thats being compared to the Great Bambino himself, a player who not only is still in his prime but is killing in on both the mound and on the plate?! And what do you mean the Dodgers don't have legends?" he shot back. "Ever heard of Jackie Robinson? Sandy Koufax? Fernando Valenzuela? Not to mention Clayton Kershaw and of course Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers have been a part of baseball history just as much as the Yankees, and they did it without throwing cash at every free agent that comes along the way."

Dawn and May, who had been listening to the back-and-forth, exchanged amused glances. "Looks like we've got ourselves a real rivalry here," Dawn said with a laugh. "East Coast versus West Coast."

Gary, who had been listening in, chimed in with a smirk. "Ash, I've got to side with Drew on this one. The Yankees are legendary. But then again, I guess there's something to admire about rooting for the underdog."

Ash scoffed and shook his head. "The Dodgers aren't underdogs," he said firmly. "They're contenders every season. Just because they don't have as many rings as the Yankees doesn't mean they don't have the talent."

Drew chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I've got to admit, you're pretty passionate about it," he said, a hint of respect in his voice. "But tell me, what makes you think the Dodgers are going all the way this year?"

Ash didn't hesitate. "Because they've got a killer rotation and a solid lineup," he explained. "They've been building up their roster for years, and it's finally coming together. Plus, they have that winning mentality that can destroy any team that comes their way, you can see it in the way they fight for every game. I mean, just look at how they came back from last season."

"Fair point," Drew conceded, giving a nod. "But the Yankees have that mentality too. When they take the field, they play like they know they're the best. There's something intimidating about a team that's got that much confidence. I think that's what sets them apart."

Ash grinned, leaning forward with a challenging look in his eyes. "Confidence is great and all," he said, "but sometimes, it can turn into arrogance. You can't just assume you're going to win because you have the history. You've got to play like every game is the most important one, and I think that's what the Dodgers do."

May, who had been quiet up to this point, finally joined in. "I don't know much about baseball," she said, "but I've got to admit, it sounds like both teams have their own strengths. Maybe it's less about which team is 'better' and more about the kind of baseball you like to watch."

Ash looked at her and smiled. "That's exactly it," he agreed. "I love the way the Dodgers play because they're scrappy. They'll find a way to win, even if the odds are against them."

Drew nodded thoughtfully. "And the Yankees… well, they've got that aura," he added. "You walk into Yankee Stadium, and you feel the history. It's like the air is thicker, you know? It's not just a baseball game, it's a tradition."

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, and everyone started gathering their things to head to their next classes. As they walked out of the cafeteria, Ash couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Whether it was the Dodgers or Yankees, his love for the game ran deep, and he knew that same passion drove Drew as well. Their rivalry, however friendly, was just another reason to push himself harder, to aim higher.

The sound of baseballs cracking against bats echoed through the field as practice kicked into full swing. Ash, Brock, Gary, Paul, and Drew were focused, each of them pushing themselves to perfect their swings, throws, and plays. Coach F had set up various drills for the team, alternating between fielding practice, pitching work, and batting sessions.

Ash stood on the pitcher's mound, sweat dripping down his face as he wiped it away with the back of his glove. He glanced over at Brock, who was behind the plate, giving him a quick nod. The signal was clear, curveball. Ash narrowed his eyes, gripping the seams of the ball and winding up for the pitch. With a smooth motion, he hurled the ball toward the plate. It spun perfectly, dipping just as it crossed the strike zone.

Brock caught it cleanly and gave Ash a thumbs-up. "Nice one, Ash. That curve's looking better every day."

Ash grinned and wiped his brow. "Thanks, man. Trying to get it just right before the next game."

Meanwhile, Gary, Paul, and Drew were taking turns in the batting cage. Drew was up next, adjusting his batting gloves and swinging the bat a few times before stepping into the box.

"Let's see what you've got, Ketchum," Drew called out, smirking over at Ash. "Make it a good one."

Ash smirked back, enjoying the friendly challenge. He nodded to Brock and set up for another pitch. This time, he decided to throw a fastball. The ball flew out of his hand and zipped toward Drew. With a sharp crack, Drew made contact, sending the ball deep into the outfield.

"Nice hit!" Paul shouted from the side as Drew rounded the imaginary bases, clearly satisfied with his swing.

Ash couldn't help but be impressed. Drew was a solid player, and his competitive edge pushed Ash to up his game. It was clear that their friendly rivalry was going to be a constant at practices and games.

After a few more rounds of hitting, Coach F blew the whistle, signaling the end of practice. The boys gathered their equipment, chatting and joking as they started heading off the field. Ash was packing up his gear when he noticed May and Dawn sitting in the stands, as they often did. May had a bright smile on her face, and she waved when she caught Ash's eye.

"Hey, Ash!" she called out, walking over as he slung his bag over his shoulder.

"Hey, May," Ash greeted her, feeling a little more at ease after the hard practice. "You and Dawn still watching us practice?"

"Of course," May said with a grin. "You guys were looking good out there today. You're really in your element when you're pitching."

Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Thanks. I'm just trying to keep my arm in shape for the next game."

May smiled warmly, and then a hint of nervousness crossed her face, like she was debating something. After a moment, she took a breath and spoke up. "Actually, Ash, I was wondering… would you like to come over for dinner tonight? My parents are making a big meal, and I thought it'd be fun to have you over."

Ash blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. His mind raced as he tried to process it. Dinner at May's house? He hadn't been expecting that, but the idea of spending more time with her, especially outside of school and baseball, sounded nice.

"Dinner?" Ash repeated, a little stunned but quickly recovering. "Yeah, I'd love to. What time?"

May's face lit up with excitement. "Great! How about around six? My house isn't too far from here, so it'll be easy to find. Dawn can show you the way if you need."

Ash smiled, feeling a little warmth spread through him at the thought of spending the evening with May and her family. "Six works for me. I'll be there."

"Awesome," May said, clearly happy with his answer. "It'll be fun! We'll see you then."

As May and Dawn started to leave, Drew came up from behind Ash, having overheard part of the conversation. "Dinner with May, huh?" Drew teased, nudging Ash with his elbow. "You're moving up in the world, Ketchum."

Ash rolled his eyes, but there was no denying the small smile tugging at his lips. "It's just dinner," he said, trying to sound casual. "Nothing to get worked up about."

"Uh-huh, sure," Drew said with a knowing grin. "Just dinner with one of the most prettiest girls in school. No big deal at all."

Ash shook his head and laughed. "You're impossible, Drew."

As the team finished packing up and headed out, Ash's mind drifted back to the thought of dinner at May's house. He wasn't sure what to expect,

As the Maple household buzzed with activity, May's mom, Caroline, was busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. The aroma of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and freshly baked rolls filled the air, adding to the sense of warmth and family. Caroline moved effortlessly between the stove and the countertop, ensuring everything was cooking to perfection.

Norman, May's dad, sat at the kitchen table with the evening newspaper open, though he wasn't really reading it. Instead, he was deep in conversation with his son, Max, about the upcoming baseball season. Norman was a big baseball fan, and any chance to talk about the sport was an opportunity he seized with enthusiasm.

"Dad, do you think the Tigers will make it to the World Series this year?" Max asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Norman chuckled, folding the newspaper and setting it aside. "They've got a solid lineup," he replied, "but it's going to take more than a few good bats to carry them all the way. Pitching is what wins championships, Max. A strong bullpen can make or break a team."

Max nodded, absorbing the information as he always did when it came to sports talk with his dad. "What about Ash Ketchum?" he asked. "May said he's a really good pitcher. Is he coming over for dinner?"

Norman couldn't help but wonder about the young man who'd be coming over. He was especially curious if it would be the same Ash Ketchum, the freshman pitcher who'd been making waves at school. Norman had seen Ash pitch during a couple of the games and was impressed by the kid's skills. If it really was Ash, he'd have plenty to talk about during dinner.

Just then, May came down the stairs, dressed casually but nicely for dinner, her hair tied back in a ponytail. She gave Max a playful glare as she entered the kitchen. "Yes, Ash is coming over," she said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "And you better not embarrass me, Max."

Max grinned mischievously. "No promises, sis," he teased. "I've got to find out if this Ash guy is the real deal. I mean, you've been talking about him for weeks."

May felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "I have not," she protested, though there was no denying that she had mentioned Ash more than a few times since meeting him at school. "He's just… a friend from the team. That's all."

Caroline glanced over her shoulder from the stove, a knowing smile on her face. "Well, it sounds like he's a special friend," she said, stirring the pot of gravy. "It's nice that you're bringing someone over, May. I'm looking forward to meeting him."

Norman leaned back in his chair, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "I'm curious to see this kid myself," he said. "I've heard about Ash's pitching from a couple of parents at the last game. It sounds like he's got some real talent."

May's blush deepened as she glanced down, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "Yeah, he's pretty good," she admitted softly. "But don't go overboard, Dad. I don't want to scare him off or anything."

Norman chuckled and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll behave. But if he's a real baseball fan, I'll have to ask him a few questions."

Caroline chimed in, setting the last of the rolls in a basket. "And make sure not to overwhelm him," she said. "Remember, we want him to feel welcome."

Just then, the doorbell rang. May's heart skipped a beat as she realized Ash had arrived. "I'll get it!" she said quickly, hurrying to the front door before Max could get there first.

Opening the door, she found Ash standing on the porch, looking a little nervous but smiling as he held a small bouquet of flowers. "Hey, May," he greeted her, offering the flowers. "I… uh, thought these might be nice for your mom."

May's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Ash, that's so sweet. Thank you," she said, taking the flowers. "Come on in. Dinner's almost ready."

As Ash stepped inside, he took a moment to look around the cozy living room with family photos on the walls and baseball memorabilia decorating the shelves. Norman came in from the kitchen, his expression lighting up as he saw Ash.

"You must be Ash Ketchum," he said, stepping forward and extending a hand. "I'm Norman, May's dad. Nice to meet you, son."

Ash shook his hand firmly, his nerves starting to ease a little. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Maple," he replied. "I've heard a lot about you."

Norman raised an eyebrow, glancing playfully at May. "Oh, have you now?" he said with a chuckle. "Well, I'm glad to hear my reputation precedes me. I've heard you've got quite the arm on you. May mentioned you're the team's ace."

Ash rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, a modest grin on his face. "I try my best," he said. "It's definitely something I've worked hard on."

"Good to hear," Norman said, nodding approvingly. "Hard work pays off. We'll have to talk more about your pitching after dinner. I'd love to hear what you think about some of the pros these days."

Suddenly an excited Max ran up to Ash to introduce himself. ¨Woah, you're Ash! I´m Max, your stats are out of this world! And to think that you are only a freshman makes everything extra impressive!¨

Ash chuckled at the compliment ¨Thanks Max, nice to meet you. I try my best to deliver the best performance I can offer everyday.¨ He said as he scratched the back of his head nervously.

Caroline came into the living room, the flowers now in a vase. "Ash, it's so nice of you to bring these," she said warmly. "Dinner is ready, so why don't we all head to the table?"

The group made their way to the dining room, where a hearty meal was set up. Ash found himself seated between May and Max, with Norman and Caroline across from them. As they began to serve themselves, the conversation started out casual, with Caroline asking Ash about school and his classes.

Max suddenly looked over at Ash with a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, Ash," he began, "do you think you could strike me out?"

May rolled her eyes. "Max, not everything is about baseball," she said, though a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Ash chuckled, glancing at Max with a friendly expression. "You know, I'd give it my best shot," he said. "But I'd probably have to see your swing first to know for sure."

Norman laughed heartily at the exchange. "I like this kid," he said, giving Ash an approving nod. "Got the right attitude. Always sizing up the competition."

As the meal continued, Ash felt more at ease with each passing minute. The Maple family was welcoming and fun, and May's parents clearly shared a passion for baseball, which made the conversations easy and engaging. Norman quizzed him on his favorite pitchers, comparing notes about their techniques, while Caroline shared stories of Max playing T-ball when he was little.

May, meanwhile, found herself glancing at Ash every so often, smiling at how naturally he fit in. It felt nice having him there, almost as if he'd known May and her family for years. When dinner was winding down, and the conversation turned to more casual topics, she couldn't help but think how glad she was that she'd asked him to join them.

Norman continued his conversation "So you're the pitcher I've been hearing about. May's mentioned you a few times, and I've seen you play at the games. You've got quite an arm kid."

Ash felt a little embarrassed but flattered at the compliment. "Thank you, sir," he said. "I'm just trying to do my best out there."

"Please, call me Norman, I'm a big baseball fan myself, you've got a lot of potential. How's the season going for you so far?"

Ash perked up at the question, grateful to be talking about his passion. "It's been going pretty well," he said excitedly "We've won all of our games so far, but there's still a lot to improve on. I'm working on some new pitches to keep hitters on their toes."

Norman nodded in approval. "That's good to hear. Always good to be refining your skills. What kind of pitches are you working on?"

Ash and Norman chatted all throughout dinner discussing the mechanics of pitching, famous players, and even upcoming games. May was pleasantly surprised to see how easily Ash fit in. It was clear that he and her dad shared a mutual love for baseball, and she enjoyed seeing them bond over something they both cared about.

As dinner went on, Norman kept the conversation lively with stories from his own days playing in a local league and talking about the games he'd watched over the years. "You know, Ash," Norman said with a smile, "you remind me of a young pitcher I once saw play in a semi-pro league. Same determination, same focus on the mound. If you keep working at it, you could really go far."

Ash was humbled by the encouragement, and his respect for Norman grew with each passing minute. It was rare to meet someone who was not only a fan of the game but also had such a deep understanding of it.

Caroline chimed in at various points, keeping the atmosphere warm and inviting. "So, Ash, besides baseball, what else do you enjoy?" she asked, trying to get to know him a bit more.

"Oh, I like a lot of things," Ash said with a grin. "I'm into video games, occasionally I enjoy photography, and spending time outdoors. But honestly, baseball takes up most of my time."

May chuckled. "That's an understatement," she teased. "He's probably out practicing more than he's at home."

Norman laughed heartily. "Well, nothing wrong with that! If you love what you do, then it doesn't feel like work."

Ash nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I guess I just enjoy the challenge, you know?"

Dinner continued with lighthearted conversations, including May sharing a few embarrassing childhood stories about herself, much to her parents' amusement. Ash found himself genuinely enjoying the evening. There was something special about being in a home where everyone was so welcoming and easygoing.

After they finished eating, Norman invited Ash into the living room to watch some highlights from a recent Dodgers game he had recorded. "Figured you'd appreciate this," Norman said as he flipped on the TV. "It was a good game."

Ash's face lit up at the mention of the Dodgers, and he eagerly joined Norman on the couch. May and her mother started cleaning up the table while Norman and Ash became engrossed in the game.

As the highlights played, Ash found himself discussing player stats and debating different plays with Norman, feeling completely at ease. It was like he was talking to one of his teammates.

¨Okay Mr. M, I´ve got a good one for you. You have to start one and trade one. Gerrit Cole or Clayton Kershaw?¨ Ash asked, curiosity on his face.

Well,¨ Norman began ¨I would have to go with Clayton of course! He´s a 3 time Cy Young award winner and can still dominate and keep up with the younger crowd.

¨I completely agree!¨ Ash said as he high five Norman.

May watched from the kitchen, smiling at the sight. She had hoped that Ash would get along well with her family, but seeing him and her dad bond so naturally over baseball exceeded her expectations. It felt like the beginning of something more than just a friendship, and she was excited to see where things would go.

After the game ended and it was time for Ash to leave, he thanked the Maples for having him over. "Thank you so much for dinner," Ash said. "It was great meeting you all."

"Anytime, Ash," Norman said, giving him a friendly pat on the back. "You're welcome here anytime. Good luck with the rest of the season."

"Thanks, Norman," Ash replied, then turned to May with a smile. "I'll see you at school tomorrow."

May nodded, her eyes twinkling. "See you then, Ash. Glad you could make it tonight."

As Ash walked down the front steps and headed home, he couldn't help but feel like something had shifted. Dinner at May's house had gone better than he could have imagined, and it felt like the start of something special, not just with May, but with her family too.