Rivals (Sequel To Pitcher)

Kissing

Two Weeks Later

Calm...Calm...Be at peace...Be you...Just breathe...Easy ace...

My heart was racing from the second I woke up this morning, hands shaking. I wriggled out of Austin's grip around my body with the unwelcome reminder of the game today and what it meant. The season was either going to end in joy and pride or heartbreak and disappointment. Two very different things.

My heart did not cease racing while I ran through the streets of Philadelphia that morning or even while Austin drove me to the stadium later in the day. He turned off the radio when it went on to rambling about the typical sports news, which eventually moved towards the game today. World series this, world series that. 

Austin would just shake his head and switch the radio over to country. He attempted to get me to sing along to ease my nerves. But I just couldn't open my mouth. I was weak with nerves. 

My heart continued its rapid pace by the time the whole team began practice. It was clear that I was not alone in my emotions. There was a clear abnormality in our typically relaxed atmosphere. Sure we still spoke to each other every second that we could, but something was different. 

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Cameron, Cody, and Odubel. We all nodded wordless greetings and continued our march onward towards our fate. Aaron arrived shortly after I did. He walked in with his normal broad smile and acted as though nothing were different.  Perhaps in his mind, the world hadn't changed at all. Maybe his world wasn't near collapse and would not come tumbling down at the slightest touch. 

"Bonjour mon Ami!" Aaron pulled me into a bear hug that I knew there was no escaping no matter how hard I tried. His chest shook as he laughed.  

"Heh, h-hi Nola. How's life?" My voice was shaky as he released me. He raised an eyebrow unequivocally. 

"Well since you asked, life's been great!" 

"Uh huh..." 

"Welp, I best be going! See ya!"Before I could even respond Aaron was rushing off to god knows where. 

"Best be going?" I repeated, trying to comprehend what had just happened. 

"Don't think about it too much, princess. You need to focus on yourself, he is not the one pitching in the most major game of his career. Come on, my dear the people are waiting." Cameron startled me and gave me that same knowing look he always gave me whenever be knew exactly what I was thinking.  Struggling to disguise or at least prevent the blush that I knew would soon blanket my face, I focused on the ground and attempted to keep pace with him.  

"I have no need to worry. My guys will pull through for me.  They always do..." I had begun to speak to Cameron but alas it was hopeless. My voice trailed off as I glanced into the stands to find Austin. At first, he was out of my reign of visibility. But then when I found it I could not be rid of the shock that soon filled my body. 

There he was sitting...no not sitting...kissing. Kissing Ginger. Aaron's stupid ass girlfriend was totally making out with my boyfriend. Austin had been distant lately. But now this? Not once had it occurred to me that he would be cheating on me, particularly not with his brother's girlfriend. 

"What?" My heart wrenched at Cameron's cluelessness to the entire experience. But then he followed my gaze. I swear I saw his jaw drop. 

"Oh. Who the fuck is she? She looks so familiar." 

"She is Aaron's new girlfriend, whom he's madly in love with." I turned swiftly and walked away from the edge of the bullpen where we had been standing. 

"Shit. I'm so sorry. That really sucks." 

"No, it's not your fault. I should have known. God, how could I have been so stupid?" I asked the question more to myself than to him and Cameron knew this full well. But that didn't stop him from approaching me and wrapping me in a hug. 

"Hey." 

"..."

"Hey!" 

"What?!" 

"Listen to me. You are not stupid. I don't ever, EVER, want to hear you saying that about yourself. Now here's what we're gonna do. You are going to pitch like no one is watching, better yet pitch like your with Aaron, back home in New Orleans." I couldn't hide the confused smile that emerged on my face at the mention of Aaron. Even in such an aggravating circumstance, his name could still bring me endless joy. 

"Don't you mean Austin?" 

"No! Don't ever say that idiot's name again! Forget him! You never deserved him since the beginning, I've known since the moment you two started whatever the heck it was you started. I never want to see you with him again! Unless...unless it is at your wedding to...his brother!" 

"Cam! You know I've moved passed him." 

"Sure. Don't think that I miss those little glances you give him. Please, Abby, admit it you were never over Aaron and probably never will be. You love that man, more than you have ever loved Austin. You would stay by his side to the end of the world and back if you had the chance. No matter what has come between the two of you. Your undeniable love has still prevailed. Don't even try to act like this is a lie. You wish that it were him kissing you and holding you close at his side, lying next to you late at night and keeping up those late night conversations that only you two will ever understand to their full extent. You are glad that at least it's his girlfriend that your boyfriend is cheating on you with. Now at least the two of you can be happy together. Admit it, Abigail Smith, you love Aaron Nola! Now enough of this gross stuff and let's begin this practice."