The Pitcher

One

"Liam! Hurry up, you can't be late to the game! Coach will bench you!" I yelled up the stairs, at my twin brother.

"I'm coming Layla! Hold your horses!" He yelled back.

"I just don't want you to not be able to play!" I yelled up the stairs.

"I know." He said, finally coming down the stairs.

"Breakfast was made by mom before she left for work." I said, quietly.

"Well, it's good to know she does something around here." He said, upset.

"Liam." I said, sternly. "Don't say that."

"I'm not lying! All she does is work! I bet she doesn't even know our birthday!" He yelled.

Immediately I flinched at this tone. It reminded me of dads when he was angry.

"Let's just go." I whispered, harshly.

Ever since dad left, I was scared. Everything that reminded me of him, made me panic. Liam's tone when he was angry, was one thing that reminded me of dad. It wasn't that he was a bad person, but he always fought with mom. He would always end up yelling, and it always scary.

I grabbed a water bottle, and my keys before heading out the door. I waited in the car for Liam to come out.

When he finally came out, we could leave. He hopped in the car, and I started to pull out of the driveway.

"Sorry about that Layla. I didn't mean to say it like that." He said, sadly.

"It's fine. Let's just get to your game." I mumbled.

"Okay, but I really am sorry Layla." He said, sincerely.

"I know you are. But if we don't want to be late for your game." I stated.

"You got it!" He said, hustling to the car.

"You guys need that win today." I said.

"I know! If we do, then we start training to head to the playoffs." He replied.

"You think I don't know that?" I challenged. "Please do remember I am the assistant coach."

"Oh whatever!" He said, laughing.

"Addison is coming today, just so you know." I said, knowing he has a crush on her.

"Really!" He yelled, excitedly.

"Yeah." I stated, with a laugh.

Addison is my best friend. We have danced together for over ten years, and she helps out with the baseball team sometimes. She obviously has a crush on Liam, as he does her, but they are both to stubborn to admit it.

"So when are you going to ask her on a date?" I asked.

"Ugh..." He said, not knowing what to say exactly.

"It's obvious you both like each other! Why don't you just ask her on a date?" I asked.

"I don't want her to turn me down. Okay." He said, sadly.

"She likes you. You do know that." I said, laughing.

"You can't be serious!" He said.

"But I am." I stated.

"Looks like I have a question for her today." He said, smiling wider than I've ever seen.

"Took you long enough!" I said, laughing.

We arrived at the game a couple minutes later, to find Addison waiting for us.

"Hey Addi!" I said, running over to hug her.

"Layla! What took you so long?" She said, as we hugged.

"Liam. He decided to take a shower before a game." I said, rolling my eyes.

Liam then got out of the car, walking over to us.

"Hey Addison, can I ask you something? In private?" He said, hinting me to leave.

"Sure!" She said, happily.

I walked away, smiling like an idiot. My brother finally got the girl. It took him long enough, but he did.

"What's with that smile?" Henry asked me.

To be honest, I've always had a crush on Henry. He's sweet, funny, and athletic. And although he'll never like me, that doesn't mean I won't like him.

"Liam finally manned up and asked Addi out!" I said, happily.

"Finally!" He said, laughing.

"That's what I said!" I said, laughing as well.

"Now I gotta man up, and get my girl." He says, smiling.

"Whoever it is, she'd be stupid to say no." I said, smiling, even though it hurt to hear he liked someone.

"Yeah. You're right! Anyway I'll see you on the diamond." He said, before running off.

I stayed there. Almost frozen. He liked someone. I liked him. I'd have to get over it, but I didn't know how.

"Layla? You okay?" I heard Addison say, as I started to come out of my frozen state.

"To be honest, no. I guess I have to be though." I said, frowning.

"Is it Henry?" She asked.

"Yeah. Today he told me that he was going to ask out his 'girl'. I've just liked him for so long..." I said, trailing off.

"I know you have, but if he can't see how perfect you are, then he isn't worth it." Addison stated.

"I guess you're right." I said, more confident.

"Now, who is going to go in there, and be a completely confident girl!" She said.

"I will." I said, before stomping towards the diamond.

After an two hours, we had won. The final score was 3-1.

All I had to do now, was watch Henry with that mystery girl. Just the thought made me sick. I was thinking about it all the way to my car.

Until I was stopped by someone.

When I turned, I was Henry.

"Hey." I mumbled.

"Hi." He said, shyly. "I have a question for you."

It was probably about how he should ask out his mystery girl.

"Will you go on a date with me?" He asked.

In response, I froze.

"Yes." I squealed, happily.

He then picked me up, spinning me around.

"Hallelujah! I thought you'd say no, but I didn't want you saying no because I've liked you for years!" He said, with his smile so wide.

"Want to hear I secret?" I asked. "I've liked you for years as well."

"Really?" He asked, shocked.

"Really." I stated, firmly.

Then he did something I've been waiting for all those years.

He kissed me.