This Is Our Family

Part 8

KJ and her team won the game, and she was packing up her stuff after their team huddle. Maya had to leave not long after she had arrived because they got a call, but Karter was still on cloud nine that her mom even made even half of an inning. Of course, Carina and Kai stayed the entire game cheering her on the whole time.

As KJ finished packing up her stuff and walked out of the dugout and off the field toward her car, she saw a figure leaning up against the driver's side door.

"Hi babe," Jordan said smiling. "Great game tonight."

"Thank you, J. I didn't know you were going to make it!" KJ said enthusiastically.

Jordan grabbed KJ's bag and opened the back door to throw it in the back seat.

"Family dinner didn't take as long as I thought it would, and I wanted to come watch my girl," Jordan told KJ.

"Well, I appreciate you coming," KJ replied as she kissed him on the cheek.

Jordan opened the driver's side door for KJ, and she jumped into the car.

"There's a bunch of people getting together at Payton's place to hang out. Are you going?" Jordan questioned.

"Yeah, I was planning on it. I want to run home quickly and hop in the shower and get changed fast before I go.

Jordan squatted down so he was eye level with KJ.

"How 'bout you run home and get showered, because you really stink," Jordan joked with KJ. "...and then I'll come pick you up from your house and we can go together?"

KJ gasped, "I don't stink that bad!" She laughed. "But that sounds perfect. I'll let you know when I'm ready."

"Sound like plan," Jordan said as he leaned in to kiss KJ.

When his lips touched hers both teenagers smiled into each other. Jordan pulled away slowly and told KJ he would see her soon. He closed her car door gently and KJ pulled out of the parking lot to head home to get ready for the party.

-

"Mama, I'm back!" KJ yelled as she walked through the door.

"Hi, bambina. Great game tonight. I'm so proud of you!" Carina said walking over to her daughter and wrapping her a big hug.

"Thanks, Mama. Would it be okay if I went over to Payton's to hang out with some people?" KJ asked Carina hesitantly, remembering what happened the last time she went out.

Carina released KJ from the hug and asked, "Who's all going to be there, bambina? And are her parents going to be there?"

"Some of the girls from the softball team and maybe some of the baseball guys and a few other people. I think her parents are going to be there, but I don't really know. Please, Mama! I wanna go hangout with my friends and celebrate the win!" KJ begged.

Carina looked at her daughter with a hesitant glance, but ultimately said, "Sì, I suppose it's fine if you go, but there will not be a repeat of last time. Am I clear?"

KJ smiled up at her Mama. "Yeah, Mama. I got it. You don't have to worry about that. Thank you! I'm gonna go grab a quick shower!"

"Good, because you're a little bit smelly, bambina," Carina said as she laughed at KJ.

KJ texted Jordan as she hopped out of the shower to let him know that she was just about ready. She retreated to her room to put on some leggings and a hoodie. By the time she had finished getting dressed, Jordan had texted her to let her know he was waiting outside.

KJ threw on her converse and turned to her Mama who was laying on the couch with a glass of wine and reading a book.

"I'm leaving, Mama. I'll see you later! Love you," KJ said.