The Colors of Us

four

On the sidelines is where I stood watching the end of the game play out. The sun had been replaced by the moon hours ago, pushing a cool breeze along the air. Pete was up to bat with a man on both first and third base. This was the pitcher's last pitch, but it didn't matter whether he made it count or not. We were ahead by six points meaning there was no chance of catching up to us for a win. The game was rightfully ours.

Pete tapped the head of the bat against the clay, twirled it around a few times then adjusted his feet for his preferred position. The pitcher took a few deep breaths before raising his leg in the air and launching the ball in Pete's direction.

"Ahhhh!" the crowd roared as soon as the ball landed in the mitt of the catcher. The pitcher struck out.

Rather than walk to first base, Pete swung his bat off to the side to start the lineup to pay respects. The game was over.

After we displayed good sportsmanship, we headed back to the clubhouse to unwind. Unlike like majority of the players, I waited until I was in the comfort of my own space to shower. Thankfully, we were in New York all week, therefore, I was able to go home and shower rather than at a hotel.

I swapped out of my uniform for the clothes I'd brought along with me. I grabbed my bag, standing up to leave. "Alright y'all boys I'm out."

"See you tomorrow." Chad gave me dap.

Pete was on his way to the showers so he simply held his hand up to me. I acknowledged it then left out of the clubhouse to the parking lot. It didn't take me long to make it home where I expected to be greeted by silence. Instead, Brielle and her friend Zina sat on the couch drinking wine and giggling.

The sound of my feet hitting against the floor caused them to turn their heads in my direction.

"I thought you had to work tonight."

"I did too but I was actually off. How was the game?" Brielle sat her glass down.

"We won by six. The pitchers were down bad the whole game giving us an advantage."