Meet Me Half Way

Chapter 3

I always tried to cover up the sounds of my parents arguing by loudly humming and putting my hands over my ears. I remember I did that for an hour when I was seven years old.

I found myself in the baseball bleachers. There were surprisingly a lot of other students too, either working on homework listening to them practice, or others like me who were watching. The field sat right against the football stadium, and on the other side was a road. Since the campus was downtown, there wasn't much room for all the athletic facilities. They don't even have a softball program, which I mean, I don't care, but it's just weird to think about. The sun was beating down on us. It was pretty warm out for the middle of February. I was listening to other students. They have their first series next weekend at home. I contemplated buying a ticket. I don't even watch baseball, yet I found my eyes following every play and player. It took me back to when I used to watch my younger brother, and he loved baseball. He practiced every day; he was a pickup player and went to every possible tournament he could to get noticed. He was hoping a baseball scholarship would help him with the money aspect of college. Unlike me, he doesn't work himself to death. He is a Senior in high school now, I think he's in contact with a couple of small colleges, but he doesn't care. All he wants to do is play.

It was relaxing listening to the murmurs and sharp sounds of the ball hitting the mitt and bat hitting the ball. Then, I noticed Spencer was at 2nd base talking to one of the coaches. He had an intense look on him, trying hard to explain something. I forced myself to look away, focusing on the other players.

My phone buzzed with a text from Hannah. Where are you?

I'll be back in the dorm shortly. I replied.

I looked back towards the field, and that's when he saw me. I did a double-take to make sure I could see him staring right back at me. I was close enough to see him smile before he took off for another ball hit his way.

I left a few minutes before the practice was over to avoid running into him.

I heard fast footsteps approaching behind me as I walked down the sidewalk to begin my walk back to the dorms.

"Harley, wait up." I heard a voice say behind me.

Spencer ran up in front of me, hands on his knees, gasping for air. I looked down at his feet; he was still wearing his turf cleats.

"Uh, hi, Spencer. Are you good?"

He smiled as he stood back up, "Why did you come to the practice today?"

"Isn't it open practice? Can't students come and watch?"

"Yes, but that's the first time I've seen you here."

"I could have come before."

He looked into my eyes, "I would have noticed you." His eyes were now light green. They kept changing shades.

I felt a chill go down my spine as I looked back at him, "Well, I was just hoping I could see if you were right if Vanderbilt was as good as you say."

"Come to the opening game this Friday, and it will be a lot of fun."

"I'll think about it."

He sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest, "I'm going to reserve a ticket for you, so you'll have to come."

"No promises, now I have to go. My friend is waiting for me."

"See you Friday, Harley."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I mumbled as I pushed past him.

I could hear him laugh as I turned the corner. This boy will be an issue.

I wouldn't say I liked the feeling when you meet someone, and you know you'll like them, well I mean like friends.

I smiled at others as I passed, people who I usually see in class. But unfortunately, I wasn't generally on this side of campus.

The dorm room was demolished, and I mean entirely head-to-toe messy. Clothes were littered across the floor, shoes were randomly tossed on the ground, and Hannah was stuck in the middle of it, crying.

"Hannah, are you okay?" I asked as I set my bag on the floor. I leaned over and hugged her.

"I lost the necklace my sister gave me before she was deployed." she sobbed into my shirt.

"Oh, Hannah. I'm so sorry; I'm sure it is around here somewhere." I said as I rubbed her back lightly.

She sniffled as she pulled away, "I've looked everywhere. It's nowhere in sight."

"How about in Caleb's car or at the restaurant?"

"I called the restaurant, and they said they didn't have any turn-ins. So I asked Caleb to look in his car this morning, and he told me he didn't find anything."

"I'm sorry, Hannah. I'm sure it will come up. If not, I'm sure your sister will understand the situation."

She choked back another sob as she stood up, "I need to take a walk. I'll be back within the hour."

"Do you want me to come with you? It's getting pretty dark out."

"No, I'm probably going to walk to the coffee shop and back."

"Okay, be safe."

"Do you want anything?" She asked as she opened the door.

I shook my head, "No, I'm okay."

Once she was gone, I opened our window. Smelling the breeze always made me feel free.