Flipped Into Place

Play Time

Bryce's POV:

The clock in our locker room ticked, every second getting closer to game time.

Before, I revised strategies and positions for the team to get a better chance of winning. I had to. Juli would be watching and that Alex is challenging me. If I lost, he'd think he'd get a better chance with Juli. That's not happening.

The clock stroke ten and we all went running out the room. We waited until our names were called in the tunnel leading to it before actually running into the field.

Over the speakers, I heard the Principal give an opening speech.

After what seems like a good 10 minutes the speakers went, "Let's give a round big of applause to our Mayfield Lions! Bryce Loski no. 12 as their Captain."

The bleachers went wild and I saw Juli sitting on the row before the top. She was cheering us on with Dana by her side.

We ran into the center of the field.

We faced the crowd and waved. I looked at Juli and smiled, waving at her.

Then, the Principal announced their arrival.

"And as our esteemed guests, let us welcome the East Union Bears! Alex Collins, no. 21 as their Captain."

They ran into the center of the field where we were. They looked more vicious and tougher than before. It looks as though Alex was really holding a grudge against me and made his team a part of the whole facade.

They faced the crowd toward the bleachers right beside the Lions, which were once a bus full of East Union Bears. I followed Alex's gaze which ended up on Juli. Juli didn't look back at him though. She still looked straight at me as I gave her a flying kiss. She smiled and at the corner of my eye, I saw Alex glaring at me.

Before going to position, Captains are supposed to acknowledge each other and shake hands.

"Now, Captains, please shake on," said the principal.

As the blazing hot sun hit my face, I squinted a little, as I held my hand out. He gave me a look which said 'I challenge you.' He scoffed and took my hand. We shook on and the rest of the Bears sat on the bench getting ready.

We put on our headgears and mitts.

Us Lions took our place on the field with Ben Lartze, as the first member of the opposing team.

I played Pitcher, the first to throw the ball. Daven was the Catcher. I positioned myself in order to throw the ball properly.

We waited for the whistle.

As I heard the whistle blow, I gave my best throw, hoping it'd reach Daven.

It didn't.

Ben Lartze managed to hit the ball with his bat. But, he didn't hit it as nicely. As it zoomed to where I stood, I responded fast and got ready to catch the ball in my mitt. The ball zoomed heading toward my right and was low. I hit the ground as I attempted to catch it. Fortunately, I did. Woah. I CAUGHT IT!

I held the ball up to let the referee know that he was out.

Huh. That was fast.

The referee blew his whistle and once again, I saw the bleachers with people standing, cheering and jumping.

Cheerleaders perform our victory chant.

The commentator cheers from behind the microphone throughout the speakers.

One down, three strikes to go.

The next player positioned himself as the batter. The commentator said that his name was Lawrence Lofins. The whistle was blown once again and I gave a good throw toward them.

The speakers went:

"Captain Loski releases the ball... And... Oh! Caught by batter, Lawrence Lofins! Lofins, hits the ball with the bat. The ball zooms across the field... On to short stopper, Vice Captain Garrett Einbinder, he runs, trying to chase it... On the other side I see Lofins just dropped his bat, making his way to the first base, running as fast as his legs could take him. Back to Einbinder. He falls with the ball in his hands! But oh, no! Too late! Lofins already standing on the first base."

The whistle blew. Students from East Union stood up, and cheered from their side of the bleachers. They brought props of their own school flag and were waving it around.

The game was still on. Still, one down, three more strikes to go.

This time, positioning as the batter was Hugh Jenmans. He was making his way to the field.

We positioned ourselves once more, the target ball in my hands. The whistle blew and I made a hard throw. Hugh Jenmans gave a nice hit to the ball with his bat.

The game went on and they were getting better and better. Each person who stood as the batter managed to hit the ball across the field. My team attempts to catch it but no matter how many times they fall just for the ball, the opposing team were a better and faster runner.

One after the other reaches the second base, third base and back to where they started.

Only one person out.

Before it was time for them to take over the field, it was lunch time. The first game ended at 12:16. I rushed to the locker room to get hydrated. It was really hot on the field.

I wasn't going to hide it. The Bears were good. I guess Ben Lartze, the first to place as batter, was nervous and didn't get to hold his bat properly and therefore, didn't get to take a good shot.

Well, that's that but I'm still hoping for better chances for later.

I was no longer nervous. Just fully determined.

I didn't want to feel this way as I just want to be easy.

I needed Juli's comfort. Fast. She'd know how to make me at ease. She always does. Now, I really was looking forward to lunch with her.

{P.s. Sorry for the game part. I never understood the game but Baseball was Bryce's favourite sport, according to the movie}