the summer after eighth grade year was supposed to be exciting for carmen. however, one night changes everything for her. in a way she would never expect
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☮︎⋆˙❀⟡☾𓋼𖤓⟡𑁍˙⋆𖦹
The older teens made their way to the baseball field, Carmen tagging along with them. While they were busy lighting up another joint, she snuck off to the game. She climbed up the stairs of the bleachers, taking a seat on the cold, metal bench.
As she looked down at the field, Mitch caught her eye. He was easy to spot, as his long, brown hair spilled out of his cap. Once he turned around, he searched for her in the crowd of people. He spotted her within a couple seconds. When she knew he was looking, she waved at him, making him smile up at her.
Knowing that Carmen was there made him feel a little better. I guess over the years you could say he developed a little thing for her. It wasn't anything too serious, just a little crush. She knew how to take the weight off of his shoulders without even trying.
As Mitch went to throw his last pitch, Carmen could hear the older boys laughing above her. "Oh Kramer, one more pitch and you better get this kid, or we're really gonna beat your ass," O'Bannion called out. Mitch looked up at him, all of the color draining from his face.
Carmen turned around, "Oh can it O'Bannion. Don't think you're tough shit just because you're bigger. I mean, you did fail your senior year." She could tell this made him mad. It was written all over his face.
"Watch yourself, princess. Wouldn't want to have to use this on you," he says holding up his paddle. Carmen rolled her eyes as she turned back around, putting her focus back on Mitch. She saw Tommy walk over to Mitch, placing his hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Kramer. Quit stalling, let's go baby. We're waiting for you!"
"Hey, I bet you got more than a jock strap under there you little rat," Benny called down to the field.
Tommy continues to talk to Mitch, making O'Bannion huff. "Hey, what are you doing? Keep your head in the game! Concentrate!"
Mitch gripped the ball in his hand, getting ready to throw. Carmen slightly leaned forward, trying to get a good look at Mitch's throw. Mitch throws a strike, making the umpire blow his whistle. "Strike three! Ball game!"
As the two teams line up to shake hands, Carmen left her seat, searching for Pink. She found him at the bottom of the bleachers, talking to an older couple. She made her way over, giving the elders a smile. "How's your dad doing?" The older man asked Pink.
Carmen stood beside her brother, looking at him as he talked to the older couple. "Er, he's doing great."
"This arm ready to throw about two thousand next fall?" The old man reached for Pink's bicep, giving it a firm squeeze. Carmen could tell her brother was uncomfortable, which made her laugh quietly to herself.
"I don't know, we'll see."
"We're depending on you boys and let me tell you what, you're looking good. Thirteen starters coming back. Twenty-two lettermen looking tough."
"Er, yeah. Well you folks take care." He gave the old man a pat on the back, signaling the end of the conversation.
"Okay, good to see you Randy." The older couple made their way out of the stands, arms linked together. Pink lets out a deep sigh, running his fingers through his hair.
"Who are they?" Carmen asked.
"Someone dad knows. I'm not entirely sure myself." Carmen laughed at him, making him throw his arm around her shoulder. He pulled her into his side, "You bummed about the party?"
"Not really. I mean, this was more your thing than mine." She pulled away from him. "Besides, is it really worth it to get shit faced tonight and feel horrible tomorrow morning?" He shrugged at her. "Anyway, we should go find Mitch. I'm sure O'Bannion has got to him by now." The two of them walked down the stairs and made their way towards the field.
