Nobody Special

Chapter 4

* Alec *

The dirt and chalk from the field embed themselves in my fingernails. I spit my last mouthful of sunflower seeds into the grass and pick up the ball. I was finally in a focused state, ready for this Friday evening game. I glanced up at the bleachers. It seemed as if quite a few classmates had shown up for the game. Several very nice looking females as well. I wink at a brunette in the front row. She giggles and turns to her best friends to gossip about me. I smirk and head towards first base, my position and comfort spot. I was in the zone and ready to kick some butt. I throw the ball to my teammates to warm-up. Chad, our pitcher, turns to me after a few pitches and touches the rim of his hat. I do the same. It was kind of our good luck charm / pre-game ritual. You could say we are a little superstitious. The referee struts onto the field. I await anxiously for the phrase that never gets old; "Let's play ball!"

******I take off my hat and wipe the sweat off my brow with my arm. A sudden force hits my leg almost shoving me off balance. "Good game bubby!" A little voice exclaims excitedly. I grin and look down. My little sister Jasmine had attached her little arms abound my leg. I bend down and give her a hug. "Why thank you," 
"I saw you hit the ball right over the fence!" She replies. Her brown eyes as big as saucers. I chuckle. 
"Did you? That was pretty cool wasn't it? Do you remember what that's called?" Jasmine stares up at me. I could almost see the little gears turning in her cute little mind. 
"Uh..." She hesitates. 
I help her out a little," home..." 
She gasps excitedly and grabs my hand, " A home run! Bubby you hit a home run!" 
"Yes my little Jem," I reply with a laugh. I set my cap on her blonde little head and prop her up on my shoulders. It was a good baseball game with a home run and several good catches. I was in a good mood. I head towards the bleachers where my dad should be. I pass a crowd of girls from my school on the way. They giggle and twirl their hair, eyeing me. I wink at one of them playfully and continues to walk past. I made it to the bleachers only to find my dad's secretary waiting for us. I look up at Jasmine who seems unfazed. I sigh and frown. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Dad was never at my games. He was always working, constantly. He sent his stupid secretary to do all of his dirty work for him, including shepherding his kids around. As I walk over the uptight, bird looking secretary briskly approaches me. "Are you ready to lea-" she begins to ask. 
I cut her off, "I've got it," I reply coldly. I brush past her and head to my truck. One handed, I toss my baseball bag in the back and unlock the cab. Sliding jasmine off of my shoulders, I set her gently in the cab. 
"Daddy didn't come," she says quietly. 
I try to smile at her. 
"I know, but it's ok. If you want, you can tell him we won when he gets home," I reassure her. (If he ever comes home) I think to myself. "Well," I reply, " We won, do you know what that means?" 
Jasmine's face brightens excitedly. She jumps up and down on her seat. "Ice cream!?" 
I grin as my cap falls down her head and covers her eyes, " Yes," I confirm, "ice cream,".