Whatever It Takes: Mutations

Chapter Twenty-Two

Amelia Davidson

Unknown Date (Probably in June)  

Current Location: Natchitoches, LA

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"Amelia, honey? Are you awake? It's time to get ready!" 

Amelia's eyes fluttered open and she sat up in her bed, the sun knocking on her window as she looked outside. It was sunny and looking hot, as it usually was in central Louisiana during the summer. 

"Amelia?" her mother called out to her from the door, knocking on it a few times. 

"I'm up Mom!" she said. "Give me a few minutes!" 

Today was the annual summer sports festival. Athletes from all over the state would meet in Alexandria, a town not that far from here, and compete for a first-place trophy. This was extremely important for her because Amelia knew that college scouts would be watching, and her dream was to make it to that level. So, the happy girl got ready for the exciting day. Her softball uniform was hanging on the closet door, and she looked at the number. It was her lucky one since she's owned it since she was little. Although, at the time, Amelia had yet to find out why. 

 "Number ten, I won't let you down." 

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On the way there, her parents were constantly bombarding her with questions that were only making her more nervous. She'd answer them nonchalantly, but internally Amelia was begging them to stop. 

"Where are you in the batting order?" her dad asked. 

"Second. Trinity is first, as per usual." 

Amelia and Trinity were supposed friends, but both of them knew that they both wanted that leadoff spot. They never fought, but the two competed like animals desperate for food. Trinity was good, and everyone knew it. Even Ja-

"Is Jake going?" her mom asked with a sly smile. 

Her eyes widened. "J-Jake?" 

Ah, Jake. He was the school's star quarterback and Mr. Popular. He had every girl drooling over him, and unfortunately, even Amelia. The only bad thing about him was that he was known for hooking up with every girl that he dates, then ditching her for the next one. That was why Amelia didn't really pursue him as much as her parents wanted her to. 

"Yeah, is Jake going?" her mother asked again. "Hmm?" 

"I-I don't know," she said, trying not to blush. "Probably, but not for me. He never has." 

"Awe, you don't know that, sweetheart. You'll get him if you try," Mom said, giving her a kind smile. "You've definitely got the looks for it. I promise." 

Amelia didn't say anything back, mainly because she didn't want to. The truth was, a few of her other friends had told her that Jake liked her. Amelia, on the other hand, didn't want to be the next girl in line. Yes, she liked him back; that part was true, but she wasn't like some of the other girls in her school. 

Minutes passed, and soon enough, they've arrived in Alexandria. 

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"Hey, Davidson!" a girl's voice called out as Amelia was walking towards the dugout. 

"Riley! What's up?" she said with a kind smile. They hugged and chattered their way onto the bench. Riley was that girl that was really short but packed a powerful punch when you tried to mess with her. She usually stands up more for herself than anyone else, which can make it hard to get along with her at times. Despite this, Riley was Amelia's most trusted friend.