Double Play (T.Jones)

Chapter 16: Stars

"Guys, you ready?" I asked as the other siblings and I headed down the stairs onto the complex.

"A bit nervous." A few admitted, but I just laughed it off. 

"Don't be nervous. Look who we've got representing us." I smiled pointing towards the boys who were talking to our parents. 

I saw him. It felt like everyday I fell in love with him all over again. 

I flashed back to yesterday, talking to Tyler.

He sat across from me in Buffalo Wild Wings as the other boys were at the bathroom. While he played with his fork, he looked up.

"Tanner told me he gave you the note." 

"Yeah." I smiled looking down. 

"You two are something special, you know." He added. 

"What's that mean?" I asked.

"I don't know. Like, the other couples our age. I think they just like each other, they think one another is cute and they date, there's not much more to it. Not you and Tanner."

"Yeah well, me too. I really love that kid Tyler, I really do."

"Not as much as he loves you." He rolled his eyes.

The boys came back all running around, and just like that, it ended. 

I flashed back to reality, and stood there, taking it in.

All my life, I thought I just had been looking for someone else, someone, anyone. I didn't think it was possible for someone like Tanner, to love someone like me. But I guess it finally hit me, that he really did love me. I saw myself when I looked at him. I saw me, him, and our future. I saw a lot of things. When he talks, everything seems to just wipe away. I only hear him. 

I only hear, see, and feel him. 

That's the thing with Tanner and I. We're different, but different for us, is more than okay.

-

"And yeah, I think you tried your best. Don't even worry, trust me. Next game? You'll win. I know it." I sat next to Tanner under the pavilion, after his tough loss.

"Yeah. Thanks." He tried to smile, but he was upset. 

"Tanner, for real. Please don't worry. It's going to be okay." I took his hand. 

He looked up, his eyes puffy and tinted red, "I know. I know, I believe in our team. But it's just. I don't want summer to end, because of us." He intertwined his fingeres into mine.

"Tanner, I... I-" 

"You know something," he started, "Everyday is like the best day of my life." He smiled.

"Yeah, Williamsport is really nice." I laughed.

"No. It's because everyday, I see you. And, everyday I get to talk to you. Hear your voice, hold your hand. I've waited so long for this. It's finally here. I can't be sad, not when I have you." He looked down at our hands.

"Tanner, how am I lucky enough to have you?" I laughed softly.

"Because you deserve everything I could ever give you. I'm nothing like what you deserve, but I just want to try my best." He took my other hand, "Do you like your necklace?" 

"I love it, its perfect. Like you." 

"I'm afraid." He sighed.

"Of what?"

"Of saying the wrong thing. I've just got so much to say to you, but I'm afraid it will pass right through you." 

"Everything you say to me, stays right here." I let go of his hand it pointed to his heart.

"You know the solar system?" He asked , taking back my hand.

"Yeah." I smiled.

"And how everyone revolves around the sun? And, without the sun everything would be off?"

"Yeah." 

"Well, you're my sun. Because without you, I'm off."

Tears started to flow out of my eyes, but he stopped me before I could respond.

"But you're also my sunshine. Because everyday is brighter with you. You give me this warm feeling."

"Tanner, you know how much I love you? Bigger than the sun. Bigger than anything. You have me tied around your finger, and I'm not getting untied anytime soon." I leaned closer.

"I talked to your parents." He started.

"Wha-"

He smiled like an idiot, that huge smile, I knew what he was up to.

"It took a lot of time, and crying, and explaining. But, I've got something to ask you." He leaned in close too.

"Kayla, I've never felt this way before. My whole life, I've loved you. The moment I saw you, I loved you. I forget the world when I see you, and I am the happiest kid alive right now. I never stopped loving you, and I never will. I didn't give up on us, and I never will. Never. Your parents weren't easy to convince, but I care about you too much to let it go. So, Kayla Oden, will you pretty please be my girlfriend?" He asked, and I could feel him shaking in my hands.

Before I started sobbing, I answered.

"Hell yes." I laughed and cried simultaneously.

"I was praying you'd say that." He relaxed.

"How could I not?"

"You're finally mine Kayla. Finally. Forever." He took my face in his hands, "You're so beautiful."

"Thanks, sunshine." were the words I could get in before Tanner Jones, my boyfriend, sealed our night with a kiss.

Under the stars, under the same stars our hopes of this night had survived for, for so many years.

Finally, and forever.