Running Bases With You

Chapter 45

I've been MIA for like, 4 weeks and oh my god I am so sorry!! I've had a lot going on, I've been out of town twice, I'm preparing for regional student convention in March, and I'm having a few personal problems as well that I'm struggling with. I hope you all understand, and this chapter is VERY short, but I needed to give you something! Gosh, why do you even read this anymore, I'm so shit at updating....

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{unedited}

*Annabeth's POV*

"Alright ladies! Time for some BP! Hit the cages!"

Coach Malison instructs everyone to head over to the hitting center. I sit on the bleachers of our indoor facility, watching everyone gather their things to do something that I would kill to do.

"Hey, Chase! Come here for a sec!"

I turn my head in the direction of our head coach, Coach Kirk, and my eyes widen slightly. He's rarely ever at preseason practices since he has so much work to do, so seeing him here is unusual.

I stand from my spot and start walking in his direction. "Hey, Coach. What's up?"

He shakes his head, sighing. "Eh, not too much. I had some free time to come see how you girls are doing, so I took it. Plus, I wanted to speak with you."

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. "With me? About..."

"About your shoulder problem." He states bluntly, gesturing me to start walking. "Let's walk."

I fall into pace beside him, nervousness building inside the pit of my stomach.

"So, what has the doctor been telling you? Any good news?" Coach Kirk talks as we walk outside towards the building his office is in.

"Somewhat good news. It isn't a tear, but he still doesn't know what it is yet. He thinks it might be a problem with a nerve." I explain.

He nods his head slowly, not saying anything in return. Coach doesn't say anything else until we're finally seated in his office with bottles of water in our hands.

"So," he begins, "I need to speak with you about this season. Obviously you won't be prepared for the first game starting in next week. I might use you as a pinch runner, but that's about it. I don't need you injuring yourself further. So the question is, are you going to be playing with us the season at all?"

My brain goes into overdrive. He's asking if I'm going to be playing any this season at all. I never put that into consideration before, so now it's hitting me like a ten ton bus. Is there a chance I might be sitting out this season? God, I sure hope not.

"Uhh..."

He raises an eyebrow. "Not sure yet, are we?"

I shake my head. "Not at the moment, no. Dr. Linton is trying to figure out what's wrong before he gives me an estimated play date. I hope it's soon though."

"Me too, Chase, me too. You're one of my best pitchers; I need you this season." Coach Kirk sighs, worried.

We sit in silence for awhile, just thinking about what all this could mean for me. It could mean a whole season sitting on the bench, it could mean half a season on the bench, it could mean forever on the bench. Who the hell knows? It scares me so badly, I'm practically shaking in my turf shoes.

My knuckles turn white from gripping the chair I'm sitting in so hard. "I want to play. I'm going to do all it takes to get back out there. I'm gunna make it back out there, or die trying. That's all it is now, coach. Do or die."

He nods in satisfaction. "That's the Annabeth I know and love! You're not out forever, kid. You just gotta make it past this rock in the dirt that you've tripped over while running home. You've gotta stand up, brush off the dirt, and make it there safe. You're a strong girl, you can do it."

I smile at his encouragement. He's always been good at pep talks and this one lifted my spirits just enough to get me through the day.

"It's getting late, and practice is nearly over. You should get going so you have time to grab your softball bag. I'll catch up with you after your next doctor's appointment, I wanna know how it goes!" Coach Kirk stands, opening the door for me to go through.

"I'll make sure to come by your office whenever I found out anything." I nod, smiling slightly. "Thanks for everything, coach."

He pats me on the back. "Ah, don't mention it."

I leave his office happier than I was before, but still struggling to process everything going on in my head.

This could be the end. It could be the end of everything I've worked so damn hard for...

'It's just a rock in the dirt you've tripped over running to home'... 'You've just got stand up, brush off the dirt, and make it there safe.'

And all I hope for at this moment in my life, is that Coach Kirk is right.

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*Louis' POV*

"Alright lads! Let's get a move on!"

I sigh heavily, throwing my head back in annoyance. I am so sick of practicing over and over again. All this rehearsing everyday is getting boring quicker than I expected.

"Seriously, mate? Do we have to do it again? We've ran the set three times!" I huff.

"Yes, Louis. One more time, and you're through. I promise!"

We have a different supervisor in today for our usual named Rob, and let me just say I already don't like him...

"Wow. Someone is feeling extra sassy today. Are you on your man period, Tommo?"

I turn around to face Niall, rolling my eyes. "No, I'm just tired as hell and cuddle deprived."

Niall throws his head back in laughter. "Ahh, so that's what's up! I get it, well not really, but I understand it well enough. You miss Annabeth and none of us have slept properly in weeks. We all need a break, but sadly, it's not happenin'!"

He walks off leaving me even more frustrated.

Tour starts in three weeks and we're flying out to America in two weeks. I want to spend time with Annabeth before leaving, but that is seeming more and more impossible everyday.

"Louis, let's go! We haven't got all day!"

I roll my eyes and groan loudly.

I can't wait to get out of here...

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Okay, so I'm gunna start getting a move on with this story. We all know this chapter was shit shit shit because it's an insanely short filler, but this story is about to get a serious move on.

Here's how it's gunna go:

- Last week before Louis leaves for America for WWA
- Louis leaving
- Annabeth finding out what's wrong with her shoulder (oh yeahhhh)
- Shit happens...
-SURPRISE! (Something huge happens)
- And this book will end at 70 or 75 chapters if we're lucky.

So that's all for today folks! Hope you're all doing wellllll xx

Much love! Xx

~LeeLee 🙊💞🍀