And They Were Roommates

Play Ball

We were on the road to what I assumed was his old high school when Samuel randomly yelled, "Fuck yeah! I did that." I couldn't help myself from smiling. "I'm really proud of you, Samuel Alejandro Martinez." Sam burst out laughing. I could feel my cheeks warm up as my face turned cherry red. Did I say something wrong? "You sounded extremely white, saying my full name." I punched him softly, and we both had a laugh. 

We finally made it to the school. Concord high school, home of the tigers, or at least that's what the mural said. It was a pretty big school and modern looking too.  We got there at just the right time because it was ten minutes until ten. We went to the office and got checked in. Everyone in there remembered Samuel and were very friendly. We got out visitor badges and headed to the baseball field.

"Let me show you something." Samuel held my hand as we walked down the halls. Even though this wasn't my school, it brought me back to that feeling of being in a relationship in high school. Something about it made me wish I had gone to school with Samuel. If only I knew him before. I think we would have been voted cutest couple.  

He took me to a hallway with tons of trophy cases. Most of the trophies were old, some even going all the way back into the '80s. At the end of the hall were trophies from the last four years. There were tons of awards, but most of them were for baseball. There were many pictures of Samuel in the trophy case.

"You see that black and white picture?" It took me a second to find, but when I did, I nodded. "That's my dad when he was in high school." I was shocked. He looked just like Samuel, or Samuel looked just like him. I kept having to look between the pictures of Samuel and his dad to find something different, but I couldn't. Even their batting stance was the same.

"Is that Samuel Martinez?" Someone called out from the end of the hall. I looked over to see who it was, but Samuel didn't. It wasn't a long hallway, so I could see what the mystery man looked like. From far away, I could tell this man was attractive. He had brown hair and hazel eyes. Of course, he was taller than me and more muscular. He was pretty good looking, but he wasn't Samuel.

He walked over to us and slid right between us. "I know you heard me, Sammy. Who's your friend?" Samuel just sighed. "I've got to go. Nice seeing you, Carter." Samuel started to walk off, and I soon followed. I wasn't the only one following Sam. Carter quickly caught up and started walking with us. Why did I have the feeling Samuel didn't like him?

"Would you just quit following us? I don't want this to escalate. Please?" He started laughing then gave Samuel a pat on his back. "Wish I could, but I too am heading to the baseball field." Sam groaned but kept his cool. The three of us walked together to the baseball field like we were great friends.

In the field were kids playing kickball. I assume they're playing for physical education. The teacher of the class was sitting in the bleachers and looked extremely bored. Carter yelled out, "Coach!" The older guy was startled but got over it quickly. He got off the bleachers, and we met each other halfway.

"Martinez and Philips. Well, I'll be damned.  How's college Sam?" Even though Carter is the one who called him over, he was giving most of his attention to Samuel. Carter would try to be the star of the conversation, but it wouldn't stay on him. I could tell he was getting annoyed with each attempt he made.

The whole time that was happening, I was off to the side, minding my own business. "Who's the kid you brought Sam? Does he wanna try out for the team?" I tried really hard to keep myself from laughing, but once Samuel started, I couldn't help myself. I know I look younger than I am, but to think I'm athletic enough to play baseball is funny on its own.

"He's just a friend from school. Thought I would show him around." We shook hands and introduced ourselves. "Anyways, this class period is almost over, and it's an early day. Philips will go first, then Martinez. Gotta save the best for last. I have to take the class back to change out of their P.E. clothes, but you boys can stay here."