All About Timing

Chapter 19

I slip on my cleats before pulling my hair into a tight bun, mentally preparing myself with what I'm about to do.

Was I prepared?

No.

Was I doing it though?

Yes.

Did anyone know?

Only Momma because I needed her to sign the paperwork in order for me to do this.

I talked to my therapist, Susan, and she said that it would be good for me to do this so here I am, doing this.

"Harris, I'm glad you came," Mikey tells me as he holds his hand out. I shake it and stand there awkwardly as he stares.

"Some of the freshmen are stupid and will think that they can dominate the field trying to get on Varsity but I'm pretty sure you're going to be better than any of them, I trust Ben's word," Mikey tells me as he brushes his brown hair from his eyes.

Ben walks up to the two of us, smiling widely as he pats my back, "told you she would come if you asked. To hell if we are going to have Zach on our team. Especially after what he said."

I look between the two, confused as Mikey smacks Ben's arm, "dude she doesn't know."

"Oh."

I raise my eyebrow at them, curious as to what they are talking about.

"Now you cannot not tell me," I tell them both as they are looking at each other.

"Boys, I have heard the worse this week. People have no filter and I've heard it all, even when they didn't think I was listening," I explain to them.

"Well, before I say this, I beat the fuck out of him as soon as he said it," Mikey defends himself, "he said you deserved it."

I clench my jaw and swallow the lump in my throat, even though it's not the first time I heard it, it still stings.

"But don't worry, he's not coming anywhere near this and I've shut up about every single person who said anything about that," Mikey immediately tells me.

"Thanks Mikey, I appreciate it. Don't worry about me though, I can handle myself."

"I know but you don't have to do it alone."

That right there made me want to hug him but I resist myself. 

"Alright, time for warm ups!" an older gentlemen announces.

"Go get them, we will be right here for support."

I turn back towards them concerned as they both have supportive smiles.

"We are already on the Varsity team but usually the coaches pick people that catch their eye and then you have a scrimmage against the team. You got this okay? Now go!" Ben nudges me for support.

I grab my mitt before walking up to the group of boys who were all lined up along the field.

We start off with some warm ups before we do two laps around the field and that's when we get to the fun part.

"Catchers over here," someone yells out and I grab my catchers mitt before I meet up with the three others.

The coach does a double take before looking at me.

"Are you a girl?" he questions the obvious.

"Is that going to be an issue?" I question back.

He shakes his head no before pointing to a few duffle bags on the floor.

"Gear up, let's see what you got."