Chicago Style[Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs]

Sleepless in Chicago

Lexi Sloane

"Lexi! I have tickets to the Cubs game this Sunday, and I have no one to go with!" I heard Logan's voice from down the hall. Logan is my best friend and the biggest freaking Cubs fan ever. I preferred hockey but to buy tickets at the United Center to see my beloved Blackhawks play was just not an option for a college senior like myself. I didn't have the money. 

"Loge, first of all knock before coming in to my room. Second, you know I hate baseball. Its too slow and I don't want to see any injuries happen. I might be in training to be an athletic trainer, but I, for sure, am not going into baseball," I said, putting emphasis on the for sure. 

"Pweeeeaaaaasssssseeeeeeeee," he begged, using his stunning hazel eyes to bore into my blue ones. 

I ran a hand through my long brown hair, I hated baseball, but I knew he wouldn't let up till i gave in. "Fine. But just this once."

He smiled and his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Thanks Lex! One other thing, will you wear your Mark Grace jersey?"

"Loge, I swear, you're lucky I am even going with you. Who are you wearing anyways?"

"Sandberg. But Lex, come on, its lucky when you put it on... Ill do anything, please?"

"Logan, what are you, seven? I don't know. That was my father's jersey, I don't know if i'm ready for that yet," I said, starting to tear up. Fucking baseball.

Logan moved closer to me, and pulled me in close. My female best friend, Faith, swore we were dating when she this. Of course, we did it all the time so i guess she was justified. 

"Lexi, its okay, its too soon. You're right, I am lucky that your going with me at all. Im  sorry I pushed you. Come here, its okay. Do you want me to call Faith?" He asked me, i just snuggled closer to him, pulling the old worn in jersey that was laying on my bed to my chest. My parents had gone to a playoff game last season and were in a very serious car crash, and it forever changed my view on baseball. My father didn't make it home that night, or ever again. His jersey had been soaked in blood and it took ages to get out. 

"No, Loge, its okay. I'm okay. I think," I told him

I got up and went to the bathroom to fix my mascara and eye shadow...I decided to fuck it and just take it off. It was almost time for me to go to bed anyways. 

"Loge," I poked my head out of the small bathroom we shared. "Can you stay with me tonight? In my room? I was having really bad nightmares again last night," I said,  coming out to get some pajamas and a towel, I'd decided to take a shower.

"Sure thing Lex. Ill always be here for you," he said, going to his room to get his favorite pair of cubs pajama pants as i went back to the small bathroom.

I got undressed and got in, realizing that tomorrow was Sunday and I had to go to Wrigley field with Logan. I detested that place and didn't really want to go. 

I shook my head, hearing 'Hail To The King' by Avenged Sevenfold play. My mom was calling. I had set that as hers and my dads ringtones just about a year ago, right before the accident. I would have to call her back when I got out of the shower in a few minutes to tell her what I got myself into.

I finished in the shower and got dressed and went to the back porch. It was June in Chicago, and the nights were reletivaly mild. 

"Hey mom. You'll never guess what happened. No no, Logan and I still aren't dating mom. what happened? Oh, he talked me into going to a Cubbie game. I know. Yes mom, I will be careful. No, I'm not gonna drink, so I will be the designated driver." My eyes widened at her next comment. "Y-you want me to wear Dad's jersey? I-I guess. I hadn't been planning on it though. yeah okay. I'm gonna go to bed now mom, I have to get up early to finish some homework before the game for class on Monday. I love you too. Mom." 

I went back into the house, plugging in my phone and went to go lay down with Logan. I snuggled up to him and fell asleep easily.

***

I sat in the backseat of my parents car feeling like something was gonna happen. like at any minute wed be dead. That was when I saw the car in the wrong lane. it was flying at us but everything seemed to go in slow motion as it collided with our car. I could hear myself screaming as I was thrown from one side of the car to the other. I sustained minor injuries. I could hear my mother screaming, 'ERIC! Oh god, ERIC PLEASE WAKE UP!' I could see his face, what was left it, in the windshield. He was battered up pretty good. I was crying, I knew he wasnt going to make it.

***

"Lexi! Wake up, its okay, your okay, shhhhh its okay Lex," I felt myself being shaken gently, and the warmth that Logan provided me. I curled up to him.

"It happened again Logan, the flashback dream," I told my hazel eyed best friend honestly.

"Its okay Lex, lets go back to sleep, a ball game awaits us!" he half exclaimed before I heard him snoring softly. 

I curled up to him with my dads jersey in my arms and followed his lead. I could not let one measly baseball game ruin my life. besides, it was only one right? I could be a typical girl and gawk at players and walk down the concourse. It was only one game, and i wouldn't allow it to bother me.

AN

Wow okay, alot in this first chapter, and i know that. I literally decided that I wanted to do a jake Arrieta fanfic like this morning. and i got super pumped. I have no idea where this story is going. and i do have Save One More Goal to finish. but i wanted to start this one. 

also, I thought the name of the story was so creative, cuz in chicago, you usually get a chicago style hot dog at the baseball games, and hes a baseball player! Woo!

hey, its not super necessary, but if someone could make me a cover i will dedicate a chapter to you, here and in Save One More Goal. thanks guys!