Collide (Nash Grier)

Chapter Forty-Three

*Rae's P.O.V*

We were standing in a row as the national anthem was playing. So many people were here. The game was on our field. The softball directors wanted to put the field on neutral ground, and well since our two towns are right next to each other, they gave it to us because we are the remaining state champs. Mallory was staring me down. I just smiled at her like a little kid, big and cheeky.

The national anthem was done, and we went back to our dug outs. The rule is that pitcher and catcher are captains so Macy and I went walking up. We met Mallory and their senior pitcher. "Alright ladies. Let's have a clean game. I know that this is a rivalry, so let's save all of the nasty talk for after the game. Tigers, you make the call," one of the umpires said as he flipped the coin.

"Heads," Mallory said.

"It's tales, tornados, home or away?"

"Away," I said then turned to Mallory, "We can take the extra hitting."

"You just made a big mistake Dallas, we're ready to get that win."

"Well I'm glad that you're ready, because we've been ready since the day I joined the team."

********************************************

It was the top of the seventh. We were tied 4-4. Macy was on second. She hit a nice double between left and center field. I took a few swings getting my sign from coach. She told me to fake bunt, Macy needs to get to third. I did as so, luckily the pitcher threw a ball. My count is 1-0. Mallory called a time out to talk about what they're doing.

I ran over to coach. "Alright girls, squeeze bunt, you know the drill."

I looked at Macy, and she was thinking exactly what I was. "What if I hit a hard grounder to short stop? They'll have to make the decision to get me out or Macy. By the time they start to go for Macy, I'll make it harder on them by going to second. They won't expect it coming, and I'll advance two bases to hopefully get another run in." Macy smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Damn, you girls are smart," Coach said, we all laughed. I went running back to take a few practice swings next to the box as the other team was finishing up talking over what they're going to do. Mallory came walking back.

"You ready for this Dallas?" she asked smirking.

"Are you?" The pitcher started her wind up. The ball was coming inside, a little on the lower side, but I can still hit it. I did, and it was hard. I was running to first not looking to see what was happening. I made it safely and turned the corner. Macy is in a run down. Okay Rae, run to about halfway to third base. If she gets home, sneak to third, if she goes back to three, run back to second. Hopefully I will get into a run down myself, letting Macy sneak home for a run.

The third baseman was running for Macy with the ball toward home. Macy dove into home. "Safe!" the umpire yelled. I sprinted to third. Coach gave me a high five. Mallory was looking for me at first and second base. When she saw me on third she started yelling random things to the team on how they have to get me out.

Paige was up. Mallory called another timeout. Coach and I met Paige about halfway down the base line. "Let's do a squeeze now. You guys know what to do," Coach said. We nodded. I turned back to go to third base.

"Hey Rae!" I turned back around to Paige. "I don't know if this is the right time to tell you, but look out to right field."

I looked and first saw my mom and Sierra. I can't believe my eyes. He kept his promise. He came! Cam came! And he brought Nash and Matt! Wait! Nash came! Nash came to watch me! Joy filled me, I don't know why but seeing him made me feel something that I haven't felt for a long time. I saw Nash smile and all I could do was smile back.

Focus Rae. You can worry about him after the game. It's not like he's your boyfriend or anything. I wish I was still his. Focus!

Paige stepped into the box. The pitcher started her wind up. She released the ball and I went running. Paige put the ball down on the first base side. The first baseman picked it up and tossed it to Mallory. I dove for the plate. My hands were on the plate and Mallory tagging them from the top. "Safe!" I smiled in relief. But then a sharp pain went into my left hand. I screamed.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" Mallory said. It hurts so bad. I'm rolling on the ground clutching my hand. I ripped off my batting glove. I could feel tears coming out of my eyes. I was screaming in pain. Everyone was quiet, except I heard my name in the distance. That sound took away the pain for a second.

*Nash's P.O.V*

Rae sees me. All I can do right now is smile. My smile grew bigger when she smiled back. She turned back to focus on the game. I have a feeling that this next play is gonna be good. The pitcher released the ball and Rae went running for home. She dove and is totally safe. I could see that from here.

I turned to Cam and Matt as we cheered. Matt wanted and needed to see Macy, he's a wreck without her. I checked the score board still cheering, but then I heard a scream. My smile quickly went away. Rae was rolling on the ground holding onto her hand. "Rae!" I shouted. Cam, Matt, and I sprinted to the infield area and over to their dug out side.

*Rae's P.O.V*

I finally stood up. Coach and Macy took me behind the dug out. An athletic trainer came over. "What happened?!" I said in between cries.

"Mallory tripped getting up and stepped on your hand!" Macy said.

"Oh bullshit! She did that on purpose so she can with this damn game!"

"Rae!" I heard Nash's voice say running up to me. Him and Cam came next to me and Matt stood behind Cam.

"You guys came," I said taking deep breaths.

"We wouldn't have missed it," Nash said holding my right hand. Something about his touch felt so right.

"Rae are you able to play?" Coach asked.

"She needs to get to a hospital," the athletic trainer said.

"No!" I shouted.

"Are you crazy!?" Macy shouted .

"Wrap my hand to finish the game, then I'll go to the hospital after we win this game," I said to Coach and the trainer, "Please, it's only half an inning. We'll wrap it well, I'll put my batting glove on and catch the ball in the webbing and webbing only."

Coach sighed, but smiled. "As long as you promise to go to the hospital tonight."

I nodded and Coach gave the trainer the go ahead to wrap me up. Coach went back on to the field. "Macy, grab my batting glove, the bloody one."

"Okay I know that you just got hurt and all but that is such a gross and insulting thing to say. Obviously I'm going to grab the bloody one, it's the glove for that hand dummy."

I laughed at her as she went to grab it. "Okay, this is going to hurt," the trainer said started to wrap my hand. I bit my jersey and squeezed Nash's hand to keep me from screaming.

It was all wrapped up, I put the batting glove on and put more medical tape over it for extra padding. I slowly started to move my hand. I kept telling myself that pain is temporary. I started to put my gear on.

I had everything but my mask and glove on. I was ready to finish this game. I started to walk into the dug out but was stopped.

"Rae!" Nash said coming up to me, "This is probably the wrong time to tell you, but I need to make sure that you know that Whitney's baby isn't mine. I didn't even have sex with her! I'll explain it all later, but you just needed to know."

I smiled in relief, "Explain it at the hospital."

"It's a date," he said smiling and then winked at me.

Vote & Comment