Running Bases With You

Chapter 30

*Annabeth's POV*

"C'mon, Annabeth! Hustle, hustle, hustle!"

I push just a little bit harder before I finish my final lap of the day. It was the first day back to softball practice, and I can tell how much the long break effected me. I've got a lot of work to do before the season starts.

I jog towards the bleachers of our large indoor facility and take a seat. I take my water bottle out of my bag and take small sips to keep from cramping.

"Tough day, huh?"

I look to my right to see our assistant coach and pitching instructor, Coach Malison. I nod my head, too out of breath to say anything just yet.

She pats me on the back. "It'll get better. It's been a long holiday, too much time away from the field. How's that shoulder treating ya?"

I set my half empty water bottle down by my softball bag and wipe my sweaty face with a towel. "Not good. I'm going to see a doctor sometime soon though, to see what's up."

She shakes her head with a slight frown. "Shoulder injuries aren't something to play with Anna-B, so I want you to sit out the next few pitching practices, just until you see a doctor. Talia can catch Evelyn while you're out."

I look at my coach with a shocked question. "What? Coach, that's not even-"

She holds a hand up to silence me. "That is my final word. If I even hear of you pitching so much as one fastball, you'll be suspended for the first five games. I hate to do this Annabeth, but I don't need you getting hurt any further. You're one of our top pitchers, and for all we know, you could've torn something and pitching will only make it worse."

I sigh in frustration and run my hands over my sweaty head. I can't believe this. Coach Malison gets up from her seat and walks away without another word.

So much for pitching practice...

I pack up my gear and make my way towards the exit. I don't think I've ever been so disappointed in my life. I'm pissed off and I feel like punching a wall, but I know I need to calm down.

I hear rushed footsteps behind me, but I ignore them, not caring who it is.

"Annabeth! Where are you going?" Talia falls in beside me, confused as ever.

"Shouldn't you be catching for Evelyn right now?" I ask with no emotion in my words.

"What? No, why would I be? I should be catching for you! Where are you going?" She throws her hands up in frustration, clearly clueless on what's going on.

"Coach Malison said I can't pitch until I'm cleared by a doctor! She even threatened me with suspension of five games if I threw so much as a tennis ball! I'm going home, I'm not needed here obviously." I finally snap. I really need to get out of here. Fast.

"What? That's ridiculous! That not even f-"

"Griffin!"

She turns abruptly and I lose her for a few seconds. A few seconds later she falls back in step with me, moving in front of me and laying her hands on my shoulders. I grunt and try to move past her, but she keeps my pace. I eventually stop and cross my arms, glaring at her.

"Annabeth. We're going to see a doctor tomorrow, we're gunna fix this. I'll tell coach after practice, and I'm sure she'll be more than happy to excuse us for a day. Alright?" She looks me dead in the eyes, seriousness flooding through them.