There'll Be Storms (Spanking Story)

Chapter 61

CODY'S POV: 

There was an awkward chill in the air as we both waited to get to the ball field.  This morning I woke up with a knot in my stomach and right now my body was feeling empty and motionless, but somehow my head was still spinning with the remembrance of my last night with Eryk.  Every detail that occurred was fresh in my mind.  When Charlie went silent, I had the opportunity to put Eryk's final piece of advice in practice; give Charlie a chance.  

Some small part of my mind was fixated on this particular piece of advice because I think it knew that by this time tomorrow, everything would be different.  I would have to find solace somewhere, in someone. . .. Charlie was the last reliable person I had in my life.  My outlet  would slowly fade away. Details would go missing, the reliance on my brother would become blurry, and even though this made it even more precious, I don't think I could do this alone anymore. 

"Okay, do you want to bat first or field?" Charlie asked, putting the truck in park and quickly scooting out. 

"Um." I went to the back to help him carry the equipment. "I don't know. . .."

He lightly sighed, "Well, do you like fielding or hitting better?" 

"Hitting." I answered quickly, somewhat relieved I could actually answer. 

Smiling, he threw the main bag over his shoulder. "Good, we'll start you in fielding then." Shutting the truck bed door, he walked toward the field. 

"Wait a minute, why?" I ran after him, shuffling everything in my arms. 

"Because if you prefer hitting, that means you need more work on fielding. Now, let's see how far you can throw." Dropping everything in the dugout, he narrowed his eyes as he scanned the field. "Go out in center." 

Digging my glove out of the bag, I hustled my way out to center field while Charlie went to bat.  My heart was pounding in my chest; both from fear of humiliation and disappointment.  I've seen how rough Charlie is on Eryk during boxing and when he was getting into shape for military school. . .I only hope I could do as well as him. 

"Okay Cody," He shouted from the plate. "I have a whole bucket of balls here, when you field it, just throw it like you're aiming for second base."

"Okay!" I shouted back, waiving my glove like an idiot. 

"Okay, here it comes." 

Charlie bounced the first ball off the plate and hit it perfectly across the field.  A really high pop-fly that went directly in front of the sun. It was pretty short, so I darted forward trying really hard to make sure it went into my glove before hitting the ground.  

"Nice catch! Good hustle." He yelled from the plate. 

"Thanks." I rolled it across the infield so he wouldn't have to chase after it. 

Running back to the middle field, I tried to relax and get loose for the next hit.  I knew I appeared stiffed all the time, but that comes from a wall of defense I built around me for my entire life.  

"Grounder." He said quickly before darting a ball in the middle of the ground so it bounced high and spun rapidly toward me. 

This was an easy one; I ran forward, scooping the ball into my glove before charging forward and firing it toward second base. 

Charlie nodded, "Okay good, but next time, bear-hand the ball." 

"Bear-hand?" 

Putting the bat in between his arm, he knelt down and mimicked grabbing it with his hand. "The ball was rolling slowly enough to where you could have grabbed it with your throwing hand and not your glove. It saves time for fast runners. Don't be afraid of the ball, if you get hurt, you'll be alright." 

I nodded, "Got it." 

Turning back toward center, I felt a little disappointment hit me in my chest.  He was really nice about the advice, and I know I could use it, but a little voice in my head was telling me that he thinks I'm not doing a good job.  That voice comes up in a lot of things. . .. How am I supposed to build a relationship with Charlie if I can't impress him?

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We spent the next several hours going over basic portions, stances, and field techniques.  I tried to charge through it, but I knew my exhaustion was becoming noticeable.  Lord knows my arm was definitely feeling the push of today.  I've never worked out or practiced anything that long. 

"Alright, do you want to call it a day?" Charlie asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead. 

I wanted to say yes; I could use a drink and a comfortable chair to sit in. But would he be disappointed if I said no? Would he think I'm being lazy? Or worse, would he think I'm not committed. 

"Um, it's up to you." That was the best I managed to say. 

He smiled, "I'm getting old, clearly. Let's pack up, I'm sure your arm is sore.  We'll need to ice it when we go home." 

Thank God. I grabbed the bucket and start grabbing the balls as quickly as I could, I was desperate to find a seat and chug the large gallon of water I kept in the car because of the long drive.  Even this bucket was getting heavy, and to think I had to carry it out of the field and up the hill to the truck. Charlie gathered the bats and packed away our gloves.  

"Cody, I want to talk to you about something."

"What's that?" I said with a strain in my voice. 

"I had a lot of fun today." He shot me a smile. "I think we made good progress and I can tell you have a lot of natural talent for baseball." 

Feeling some relief in my chest, I tried to be nonchalant about it. "Really? That's cool." 

"But. . .." He took a pause, setting everything over into the bed of the truck. "I know with Eryk gone, you could use a friend who isn't me." He eyed me for a minute to see my reaction. 

"Okay?" 

"How would you feel about my half-nephew coming to stay with us for a couple of days? Brian called me this morning and asked if I could watch him during my vacation. I told him I'd think it over and let him know today."

Brian? I do not have fun memories of that guy. 

"You're asking me?"

"Of course. I know you're feeling down with Eryk leaving and one of the things you mentioned you were concerned with was being alone," he came to my side of the truck and opened the door for me, waiting to get in himself before continuing. "and feeling like you didn't have a friend. Ryan is a couple months younger than you and you have a lot in common: you both like the same video games and he plays baseball for his school team so maybe you guys would have fun together."

I mean, I guess having someone else to occupy the time wouldn't be such a bad thing. Maybe it'll even keep Charlie off my back about other things for a while.  But Brian's kid? I hope he isn't a huge stiff like his dad. 

"Um." I really wasn't sure what to say. 

Before starting the truck, he turned to face me. "I'm not trying to replace Eryk, I promise. That's something that cannot be done. I'm just... I'm just trying to help." He said sincerely. "I can tell Brian no, so don't feel like you have to say yes."

Even though I had some doubts, I guess it would be fun to play video games with someone else and  Charlie and I could have a lot better practice on the field with another player now that Eryk is gone. 

"No, no I think it would be fun."

He smiled, "I'm sure it will be. And we can go to the batting cages when we gets here tomorrow and we can grab hot dogs and ice cream afterwards."

"Okay." I smiled back, even though I have some doubts.