Flyball

You made direct eye contact with the enemy pitcher as you prepared to bat. The score wasn’t looking good for your team, 9 to 11 was the score in the last inning. Your team had two outs, if you struck out it would end the game and add another win for North Park. All three bases were full, if you were to get a home run you could win the tournament. You could hear your own heartbeat as you watched the pitcher get ready to pitch.

It felt like it was slow motion as the ball went towards you, it was right in your strike zone. You swung your bat and clack!

“Go! Go! Go!” The screaming of your coach was the only thing you heard when you dropped your bat and started running. In the corner of your eye, you could see the ball flying above everyone on the field. The outfielders chased after the ball. Your teammates ran for home base as you dropped your bat and followed after them.

You reached first base, the wind started picking up. Your teammate who was on third base scored.

You reached second base, your heart started racing. Your teammate who was on second base scored.

You reached third base, you felt your legs start to give in. Your team who was on first base scored.

“Throw!” You heard the catcher yell as soon as you stepped on the third base. You gave it your all as you pushed your legs as you ran reaching for home base. You could see the ball flying at the catcher’s glove at lightning speed. At the last moment, you slide to the home base, and just as you did that you heard the catcher catch the ball and hit your shoulder with their glove, ball in hand.

You breathe heavily as you wait for the umpire to yell out if you were safe or out.
He put his hands up “Out!”

Your ears were ringing as you stood up, and your teammates ran up to you to congratulate you for your hit.

“Your hit was amazing!”

“Dude it went so far!”

“You’re so pro!”

Your coach went up to you. “I’m so proud of you.” That was all they said but it still made you smile like an idiot.

You cheered with your team, even if you were out you still managed to help get the winning points for your team. The game ended 12 to 11, you guys won the tournament.

-

The coach and parents paid for dinner to congratulate your team for the win, the dinner being the most fun one yet. You sat in the middle in between everyone, it felt a little awkward but it didnt stay like that very long, everyone was carefree and outgoing.

The plates got emptier and emptier as the dinner went on. You felt bloated after eating so much food. Even your friends beside you couldn't handle another bite.

“If you can’t finish that can I have it?” Except for her though, she’s like a vacuum. You gave her your plate and she gave you a big smile. “Thanks!”

Since everyone was done eating they were just talking about the latest gossip about the people in school. Who knew that Gloria was such a two-faced whore!

You listened intently even giving some comments here and there but you were too tired to say much. You stood up and told your team that you’ll sit outside for a little while.

They were confused why you would do that instead of just going on your phone but they didn’t mind that much and just asked if you needed a companion which you declined.
You told the parents that you were going outside and they gave you the thumbs up.

You went outside and sat near a bench so you’re still near the restaurant. You brought out your phone and scrolled through Instagram. You looked at your DMS and saw a lot of your friends tagging you in stories and posts. You liked, commented, and reposted everything to pass the time.

When you were done you started to get bored, you got ready to head back in but a guy sat on the same bench as you. You looked at him curiously but looked away quickly to not be disrespectful.

“That was a fantastic game you had a while ago” You heard him say, you looked at him in surprise but gave him a smile soon after. “Thank you!” You said gratefully, you didn’t expect someone to congratulate you at this time of night. Now that you had a closer look at him he looked very cute.

He had blonde hair that was separated into a side part. He wore an open turquoise jacket with a white shirt and light blue jeans. The most noticeable feature he had was his blue eyes which scared you a bit, it looked like he was staring into your soul.

“My name’s Gary! My family and I came to watch your game. My sister is a big fan of you and your team, If she found out I was with you she would freak out!” He explained. You were taken aback by his grammar being so perfect, you found it a little funny. “Thanks, not gonna lie to you. I felt a little scared when I was in the batter box. My bat was about to slip from how sweaty my hands were.” You confessed and he just smiled in response.

“I’m not sure if you knew already but my name is [Name].” You introduced yourself since most people just knew you by your last name and not your nickname. Gary chuckled and said that he already knew your name. “Of course, I know your name! You’re one of the best players on the team.” You felt pride swell up in your chest from his compliment.

You smiled smugly. “Thanks, dude!” He gave you a big grin. “Of course, you deserve it after all.” You two talked about your tournament and all the crazy made-up stories of South Park, the little town where Gary lived. You couldn’t believe all the stories he was telling.

“No way that this Cartman kid is how bad as you say he is! Is he fucking psychotic or something?” You questioned the absurdity of the stories Gary was telling you. “It’s no joke! Trust me on this” He defended himself but you just laughed and waved it off. “You’re funny Gary!” He sighed and just let you laugh.

You guys continued talking and even exchanged numbers during the few minutes you guys had together. When you two were talking about one of the stories you went through during the first training you ever had Gary’s phone rang. “Sorry I have to take this.” He stood up and walked away a few feet away from you so you could still hear but just couldn’t hear the conversation he was having on the phone.

After a minute he hung up the phone and came back. “Well it seems like I have to leave now, it was nice meeting you [Name].” He raised his hand indicating he wanted a high five, you raised your hand and hit his hand as hard as you could. Clap! “Ow- Damn that hurt, no wonder your bats are so strong.” He winced. “It was nice meeting you too Gary.” You two waved each other off.

You walked back into the restaurant and joined your friends. What a fun and eventful night.

-

You and your family came back home around 12 am, you and your mom got out of the car while your dad got ready to park the car. “Can you get the keys in my bag?” Your mom asked, her hands were full since she was holding the take-out from the dinner. “Alright.” You skimmed through her bag and found the keys. You were about to open the door when your mom called for you again. “Before you sleep me and your father have to talk to you about something.”

Your body went cold, shit what stupid shit did you do over the past months that could have made your parents angry? You nodded slowly while thinking over your past actions. You opened the door and both of you went in.

“Shower first and come down when you’re done.” Your mom told you and you wasted no time going up to the bathroom to finally get all the dirt and sweat off of you.

While you were going up your dad went in and walked up to your mom. “Are we going to tell her right now?” He asked, your mom nodded. “I’m worried though, what if she gets angry?” Your mom grimaced at thought of you being upset. Your dad just scoffed in response. “Kids are like that, she’ll get over it. She needs to learn that not everything can just stay the same anyway.” Your mom glared at your dad. “Do you have to be so harsh?” “Someone has to have the balls.” He said in response. “Don’t act as if your balls are big enough to say that.” He was offended by her response before calming down and saying. “That’s not what you said last night.” “Shut your mouth.”

Your dad chuckled while your mom just sighed. “I hope our neighbors in South Park are friendlier than you.”