Slugger (Sequel to 'The Jet') Benny Rodriguez

Chapter 12

Seven months had passed, they passed faster than any seven months had sped past you before. You didn't think much of it, because time goes on. It's always moving forward, even in the small moments. In the big ones it moves just as fast, though we may perceive it to be different. In those seven months, you'd quit your job, become more of a stay at home mom, and you and Benny graduated with your two year degree. Benny didn't need any extra years of college for now, as he'd decided to sign with the Oakland Athletics, active starting in the fall.

They already had been training him through the summer, even though the league was still in their competitive season. They were just so anxious to have him along with the group already, knowing he was going to practically skyrocket into the big league world the moment he started playing. Benny had a gift and a focus for baseball that few people in history possessed. It might seem like a stretch at the moment, but you knew Benny would some day sit in the baseball hall of fame along side some of your greatest heroes. Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, Ernie Lombardi, and even Babe Ruth.

You didn't mean to say Benny would be better than the Great Bambino himself, but he was going to be one of the greats. You just knew it. You'd known it since the first time you saw him play.

By now he was starting to get a bit more press, what with the contract being officiated and all. He was now big news to the whole town, and people constantly recognised him.

You tried to steer clear of the limelight a little bit. It's not that you minded having your picture taken, but right now, being nine months pregnant with your second child, you didn't think you looked so good.

As of this moment you'd been sitting on the couch with you feet up on the coffee table, digging a large spoon into about a gallon of birthday cake ice cream. You hadn't had really strong cravings when you were pregnant with Eva, but this time around you wanted every food you could get your hands on. Mainly things like Ice cream, lasagna, brownies, Benny's mom's enchiladas... You name it. If it was food, you wanted it. Anytime, any place. You even ate a burrito whilst in the shower. Benny secretly thought you were crazy, but he'd never tell you... Not with these psycho pregnancy hormones.

While you guys were laying in bed one night, the topic of names came up. You figured since you were due any day now, it might be a good idea to come up with some name ideas. Given that you knew she was a girl, that made it a heck of a lot easier.

"We could name her after your mom..." You suggested, threading your fingers through his hair. His head was in your lap, his face pressed lightly against your stomach, with his fingers gently caressing it.

"Selena?" He asked, tilting his head for you to see. He had this sort of look that conveyed disagreeance, although he did love his mother's name.

"Yeah. I love her name, its beautiful."

He scrunched his face up and shook his head. He knew it was a beautiful name, but he had already named Evangeline after his abuela.

"How about after your mom, she has a pretty name?" He suggested. However you weren't too into the idea. You loved your mother dearly, but there were still some issues there, and you didn't feel like naming your daughter after her.

"Jessica isn't that pretty. Believe me we can do better." You rolled your eyes whilst laughing, making him give a chuckle as well.

"Well what are we gonna name her then?" He asked, pressing a kiss against your swollen midsection.

Just then, you had an Idea. It wasn't brilliant or anything, but you thought it was at least okay.

"What was the name of that girl from Argentina? Ava Perone?" You stumbled for words. Ava was what they called her, but she had another name. "I can't remember..."

"Evita." He told you, his accent heavily laced in his voice. There was a calm silence after he spoke. You smiled and nodded a bit, looking down to see that he wasn't looking at you anymore, but rather at the little package you were carrying.

"That's her name isn't it?" You gestured to your stomach, letting your hand rest on top of Benny's where it laid.

"Yeah, that's her name." He replied, finally glancing up at you with a small smile.

You pulled him up to face you, bringing your lips to his for a soft sweet kiss. A few months ago any kiss like this would have turned into an entire night of festivities, but now that you were almost due, you couldn't really give that extra energy right now. So you kissed him, long and sweet, letting him feel every ounce of love you held for him in the way your lips would move.

You loved him more than life, and you were darn good at showing it. Never again would be question whether you love him or not. Never.

You would never have to question him either, because you knew, that no matter what, his heart would always belong to you.

You laid there, entangled in each other's arms, waiting to be met with sleep. It came soon enough for the both of you, and you were pulled to the sweet dreams that awaited you.