A Sandlot Summer (A Sandlot Fic)

~Chapter 1~

~~~

       After taking another day to settle in, Scotty and I started school. It was my last year of junior high and the end of Scotty's sixth grade year. The school was close enough for us to walk to so we took our time getting ready and eating breakfast. After I finished eating, I made my way into the bathroom and brushed my teeth before going to my bedroom.

       I pulled on the new dress my mom had bought me for my first day and, looking in the mirror, grimaced. I normally had no problem wearing dresses as it was the school dress code but seeing the ridiculous pattern on it made me long for my t-shirt and jeans.

       "Eliza, come on! You have to get there early to get your schedules!"

       I heard my mother call from the front of the house and quickly put my hair up in a ponytail before grabbing my satchel and leaving my room. Walking out to the living room, I saw my mom was waiting for me by the front door. Scotty was seated on the couch, putting his shoes on in a hurry. Bill had already left for work.

       "I made your lunch." My mom said, handing me a brown paper bag. "I expect you to eat it all. And no trading for sweets!"

       "Yes, mother." I said, rolling my eyes. That earned me a look from her but she let it drop quickly. "C'mon, Scotty!" I called over to my brother as I went out the door.

       "Coming! Bye, mom!" Scotty said, following me outside.

       We both waved at our mother one final time before turning around and starting down the sidewalk. We walked in silence for a few minutes, Scotty pulling at his collar every once in a while. As we walked, I noticed a few other kids walking in the same direction and wondered if any of them would be in our grades. 

       The closer we got to the school, the more nervous energy I could feel coming off of my brother. I was just about to say something to him when I heard someone yell from behind me. Turning around, I had just enough time to jump out of the way as a group of boys came running past. Leading the pack of boys was the tall, dark haired boy I had seen a few days ago, baseball bat again in his hand. Scotty, however, wasn't so lucky and landed flat on his butt on the sidewalk.

       "Hey! Watch where you're going!" I called out after them.

       They didn't hear me and nearly mowed down a few other kids before running to the side yard of the school where it appeared a game of baseball was being played. 'All that excitement for a game of baseball?' I thought to myself. I rolled my eyes and reached my hand out to my brother, helping him up. 

       As we passed the side yard, I felt Scotty stop next to me. I turned to give him a quizzical look but he was looking at the baseball game. I sighed but looked too just as the boy from the other day got up to bat. He had a look of concentration on his face as he took a few practice swings before stepping up to the plate. The pitcher took their stance, winding up and throwing the ball.

       CRACK!

       The boy from the other day sent the ball flying out into the 'outfield', the two boys out there scrambling to get to it. The boy's friends cheered from the sidelines as he ran the bases, stopping at third. Just then, he looked up and we made eye contact. I felt a wave of electricity flow through me as I looked at him. He was breathing hard but still managed to send a small smile my way. That caused me to blush for whatever reason. Shaking my head, I turned to my brother.