Just a Soldier

Chapter 49 - Batting practice

Y/n's POV:

Violent shaking of my shoulders wakes me up this morning. I hit out at the source and turn over to snuggle further into my pillows, not wanting to face the world today. "Get up Y/n!" I hear a manly voice demand and I huff into my pillow. "Go away! It's early." I whine, pulling the cover over my head. It's quickly pulled away making me groan. "It's midday." The voice informs me, and I sit up quickly, too quickly.

I grab my head as the room starts to spin a little. Maybe staying up with Sophie drinking a bottle of whiskey to myself was not a wise idea last night. When my eyes start to adjust, I notice Evans stood at the end of my bed with a smile. "Come on, we're going out." He tells me and throws clothes at me. He's very demanding this morning.

I look around and grab my phone and sigh when I see missed calls and messages from Scarlett, all that I plan to avoid for the time being. She wants a break, she can have one. "Where's Sophie and Ava?" I ask, rubbing at my face. "Sophie's taken Ava for lunch then swimming." He lets me know and I nod. "Where exactly are we going?" I ask confused as to how he has managed to get in.

"Scarlett called last night and told me everything. I figured you could do with some stress relief. So, get up, get changed and I'll show you where we're going." He doesn't give me time to respond. He just turns and leaves, shutting the door on his way out.

I flop back on the bed groaning. How did I get here? Scarlett and I were talking about marriage just a week or so ago. Now I don't even know if we're together or not. I eventually drag myself out of bed and jump in the shower, an ache on my heart noticeable in every movement I take.

When I'm ready I head downstairs where Chris is waiting with a coffee, paracetamol and a bagel which I devour in quick time. I wash up the mug and turn to Chris who instantly wraps me in a big bear hug. "I'm so sorry Y/n. I'm here for you." He whispers as I sink into his hold. I fight back the tears that are threatening to fall.

We pull apart and he has his hands on my shoulders, gazing at me as if he's trying to stare into my soul. He gives my shoulders a squeeze and guides me out of the house towards his car.

The car journey is quiet as we drive and I'm grateful for Chris not pushing to talk about what has happened with Scarlett. Though the fact that he's here with me suggests that he doesn't see me as the bad guy unless he's driving me somewhere to kill me. That's if this hangover doesn't first!

We eventually pull up to a small baseball park and Chris is quick to get out of the car and grab a bag from the boot. "Come on, it's this way." He walks towards a side entrance and shakes hands with a guy there. He shows us into the park which has a small stand surrounding it. I notice a machine set up at the pitcher's mound and it dawns on me why we're here.

I watch as Chris places the bag on the ground a few feet behind home base and pulls out two baseball bats and a helmet. He hands a bat to me and plonks the helmet on my head. "Just stand here and hit the ball. Trust me, it'll help get some anger out. I find it a great stress relief." He shares and I look at him sceptically.

I take my position on base and Chris holds up the remote to let me know he's about to start the machine. After about 10 minutes, I am not in any way feeling any less stressed. I'm shit at this. I've not hit the ball once and I'm getting pissed. It's actually making me angrier. "I'm not sure your plan is working here Chris." I huff as I miss the ball once again.

He stops the machine and makes his way over to me. "Ok, feet shoulder's width apart. Your feet, hips and shoulders should be perpendicular to the machine." He instructs, man handling me to get in the right stance. "Good. Now bend your knees slightly and keep your elbow up. Don't take your eye off the ball." He carries on and I listen to his instruction, ready to give this another go.