The Orphan Who Tried it All

New experiences make great memories

Maria Ann sat there, almost frozen.

Foxxy gave her a shove and said, "Well go on now, tell us. I can't stand here all day waiting for you to speak child. I've got a bunny army to collect so we can take over the world and most of Germany. So come on now. Speak child."

"We should ask Mary Lee if Juniper can join the team!"

Everyone sat around, pondering this for a moment. They all had those funny faces of wonder and mystery combined. I thought I should tell them of my experience with softball. Which was nothing. At all really. Jane used to watch baseball, so maybe I could catch on to it quickly.

"Hey guys," I felt like I had butted in to their own little thought bubbles. "You should know most orphanages don't have places to train their orphans to play sports."

This brought a little sadness to everyones face. Except Kate. I couldn't even explain the look on her face. Finally it faded away and she began to speak.

"Well, there was a girl that is running from the law too. Her name is Mili. Its not Miley, no more like Mill, but with an e at the end. But it's spelled M-I-L-"

"Get on with it Kate. We can't be waiting here all goddamn day."

"Hey, I'm trying to get Junie here on the right page before I flip it."

"Yeah well you better knock it the hell off. And stop calling her Junie. Her name is Juniper. Get it. Got it. GOOD."

"Hey miss. Yes you with the blonde hair. Allison. Do we need to wash out your mouth again? I found better tasting soap this time." Foxy said. She shot in her words like a bullet.

"Ya know what? Why don't I just go get my mom and ask her if she could join. She doesn't even have to play! We found a job for Alisha. So how bout Kate gets her freaking act together, Alisha stays outta my goddamn way, and Juniper joins the team?" Allison shouted.

"Ma'am how many times have I told you to call me Foxxy?"

"Shut the hell up Alisha." She hissed as she got up and walked to the back of the car.

"That was unnecessary. " Maria Ann whispered.

"Well that's Allison for you. And Kate, running away from an orphanage isn't a crime, is it?" Foxxy asked as if nothing had just happened.

"That's what I thought," I blurted out before Kate could say a word. "But then a bunch of police cars drove passed me as I hid in the junk yard." I got quieter as I spoke and the last couple words became a soft whisper.

"So that's why you look like junk. Tried to use camouflage I see." Kate said. She was obviously speaking too quickly to realize how much of an insult that was.

"What the hell does that mean?" Maria Ann roared to her. "You're a pile of shit, Kate."

And with that Maria Ann got up and left, too.

"Oh... I'm sorry Juniper it slipped my mind. I di-didnt mean to s-say that. I-I'm r-r-really s-sorry..." and her voice drifted off.

"It's okay Kate. I know I look bad but I didn't plan that far ahead when I escaped." I responded.

"Aww deary, its okay. You didn't hurt her feelings. Don't cry now, don't cry sw-" Foxxy was cut off while rubbing Kate's back.

"I'm such a loud mouth sometimes. I-I-" Kate stammered. I pointed to the back of the train to let Foxxy know I was leaving. She nodded and I walked off.

Mary Lee was talking to Maria Ann.

"-speak of the devil, here she comes. Isn't there something you wanted to ask Mary Lee, Juniper?"

"Uh, well you see, I was sitting with them and they told me to ask you if I... if I... WouldBeAbleToJoinYourSoftballTeamCoachMaryLee?" It all came out as one long, fast slur.

"Why of course darling! We could put you as outfit manager or-"

"But Mary Lee, you always said how we need more players! You should train her."

"Maybe. I'll think about it. How about Tori and Ashley go up with Foxxy and Kate, and Allison and Maria Ann can introduce Juniper to our team. Thank you so much for going up there girls. We have to do shifts." Two girls jumped up, one bright red, thick haired girl and the other dirty blonde, curly haired girl and walked up to the front of the train.

"Actually, Mary Lee, call me Junie."