Page 37 of The Perfect Hit

My fourth-period class was with Mrs. Sanderson, and I knew she’d have a way to help soothe my wounded soul. If I went before class, maybe she’d find a way to talk me out of the anxious feelings about where my life was heading.

Several deep breaths got me through fourth period. When I’d gone to talk to the drama director, she’d been trying to help another student figure out what to do for a final project, and as patient as she was, Mrs. Sanderson looked like she was at the end of her rope. At least there was no play practice that night.

Colt had a game that afternoon at home, and as much as I thought about all that I still had left to do to get ready for the next rehearsal, I figured it might be a good idea to go watch one of his games. He’d come to everything of mine since we’d been friends, but I hadn’t taken the time to support him. It was me and Seth, only in reverse, and I wasn’t going to let that happen any longer.

Wasn’t that what I ultimately wanted? Someone who would support me, even with my weird quirks? I thought of the time I asked Colt to be the Beast character so I could practice last fall. We’d only known each other a handful of weeks, but he’d stood there and done his best. I should’ve seen his talent for theater earlier.

I packed up my things and headed for the baseball field, not sure what I was doing. My baseball knowledge was limited to whatever Colt had told me, and I just hoped I’d be able to understand some of what happened.

As I climbed into the stands, I breathed a sigh of relief that Brynn, my cousin, and her other friends were there. They would at least be able to explain some of the calls to me.

“Hey, Haze,” Brynn said, scooting over a bit to give me room to sit. “What brings you here?’

“Hello,” I said, nodding to the other girls.“I, uh, figured I should be a good, um, friend and support Colt.” That was painful to my ears.

“Serena, Penny, Kate, this is my cousin Hazel. Hazel—Serena, Penny, and Kate.” She pointed to each one individually, helping me know who was who.

“It’s nice to see you all again. Who are they playing today?” I asked, trying to act like I knew what was going on.

“Groveton.” Penny’s voice sounded ominous, and I tried to pretend I knew what that meant.

Brynn leaned over and said, “They’re a big rival of Rosemont. So this is a pretty big game.”

I grinned, glad that I’d decided to come to this game.

The guys warmed up on the field, running and catching. Colt was closer to us, and I watched as he fielded the ball so easily. I’d never really seen him in action, and he was really good.

The game began a few minutes later, and Colt ran out next to one of the bases. “So what position does Colt play?” I asked.

“Third base,” Penny said, next to Brynn. She was staring out at the field, and I was a bit intimidated by it all.

The pitcher threw the first pitch, and Serena went crazy when he got the first strikeout. “Atta boy, Ben. Take them down one at a time.”

Brynn leaned over and laughed. “Serena is dating Ben. Penny is dating the shortstop, Jake,” she said, pointing just past Colt to a guy standing on some of the dirt. “And then Kate is dating Dax, the catcher.”

I laughed. “Wow, nothing like dating friends.”

Brynn gave me a weak smile. “It’s actually really fun. We are all at the same events for the guys.”

“Do you come to every game?” I asked, curious what it was like to actually date a baseball player. As I thought about it, I hadn’t been to any of Colt’s games, not even in the fall. I’d been such an avid supporter of Seth and his basketball up until he dumped me that I wondered if I’d avoided them subconsciously because I didn’t want to ruin Colt’s relationship with me. But now, looking back, that was one of the lamest excuses for it all.

Brynn nodded. “Now that basketball is done, I can. Nate came to as many games as possible for me. It’s fun cheering them on.”

The game progressed rather slowly. I had to keep telling myself that it was okay for the runner on first to be off the base a few steps. I was completely over the pitcher trying to get him out, though.

“Is this game always so slow?” I asked, hoping I wouldn’t annoy anyone.

All four girls turned and said, “Yes.”

Penny grinned. “As much as I love this sport, it has its moments where it’s hard to keep watching. I mean, I play softball, and that goes by so much faster.”

I laughed. “Okay, at least this nonathletic girl isn’t totally off.”

Colt walked up to bat, and I clapped and cheered, excited to see him bat. For a second, I thought he saw me and gave a big smile, before his expression turned neutral again as he stepped up to the white thing. Home plate, I think it was called.

The pitcher threw the first pitch, and Colt watched it go into the glove. The umpire didn’t say anything, so I assumed it was a ball.

He swung on the next pitch and connected with the ball, sending it down the white line on the one side. Everyone stood, and then there was an audible sigh as everyone sat back down.

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