Road to The Academy (EDITING)

Chapter 12: Growing Pains

*Ben*

I went back into my room and decided to get ready for bed. I was excited! Now all I have to do is get Carlito to agree. I have to talk to him. It's too late tonight though, I'll have to talk to him tomorrow. But how should I do that? Call, text, in person? When this crossed my mind, I instantly got nervous. Getting any sleep tonight is going to be fun...

The Next Day

I went to baseball practice with the neighborhood guys. We've been playing together during the summer and for the school team since we were little kids. I for sure needed this time out with the guys. I showed up bright and early with almost no sleep written all over my face. I was tired and the guys saw it. I ran onto the field into the circle talk the guys were having on the pitcher's mound.

"Dam what happened to you?" Sean laughed and pushed my shoulder.

"Shut up I had a long night." I was embarrassed and just ready to play.

Sean was my best friend on the team. He's level headed, smart and I was his first friend when he moved to the neighborhood three years ago. He knows Bri and he knows how I feel about her. He's the best person to talk to about this situation. As the morning went on, we were able to fit in two games and do a full team rotation. I needed this practice so I have a better chance at scholarships for college. Anyway, Sean and I always walk home from the field together. It was about two miles and an hour to talk this out.

"So what's really going on? You're never that distracted during a game." Sean wasted no time.

"I told Bri, and I asked her on a date." I tossed my ball into the air and caught it with my glove as walked.

"That Great! What'd she say?" Sean was excited taking the ball from me.

"Well she said yes to the date. I just have to ask her brother if it's okay for me to take her by myself." I slowed down and caught Sean's last toss.

"So that's why you're so out of it? C'mon you and him get along, he's your brother's best friend. It'll be fine." Sean was being positive.

"I was gonna stop by her place later and see if I can talk to both of them. I have no idea what to say though." I was racking my brain trying to find something I could say to him.

"Just be cool and ask him, just be respectful and yourself like you always are when you see him. He'll match your energy. See you later bro" Sean gave me a pat on the back.

Sean gave me a quick handshake and kept walking down the street. Leaving me in front of my house, lost in my thoughts. I snapped out of it and went inside to prepare for the rest of the day. I went upstairs to take a quick shower, then change into something that's not so dirty. I can't make a good impression like this. By the time I left the bathroom and walked into my room, Luís was home from practice. He dropped his bag and started to take off his jersey, clearly getting ready to shower.

"Hey twin, no shower at the arena?" I started to make small talk. We really need to overcome the drama.

"Nah, had a street game with the guys at Collins' house after practice. I'll be right back." Lu walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on.

I stepped in front of my side of the closet and just stared at my clothes. I think I need to look more put together to have this talk with Carlito. But I don't know what to look too out of place. I was overwhelmed. I didn't even realize how long I was standing there. Lu walked back into the room, immediately standing beside to me.