Page 9 of Love and Pumpkins
“Straight down the middle,” he replies.
I could have sworn that ball was going for my earlobe. I settle in and get ready for the second pitch.
Just as I lean back on my back leg, I hear Hunter yell, “Let’s go, Phoebe! You’ve got this!”
Why is he here?
The pitcher releases the ball, and, against my better judgment, I close my eyes and swing.
I feel the impact before I hear the hit. Contact!
I open my eyes and start running for first base.
Hunter yells, “Run, Phoebe, run!”
My foot hits the bag before I even look around to see where the ball is going. Can I make second? The left fielder is standing close to the line, and I watch the second baseman catch the throw. Better stay on first.
I got a base hit! Yeah, me!
I glance towards the sideline, and my entire family is standing, cheering. Hunter is sitting next to my mom, and she is beaming up at him.
This can’t be good.
The rest of the game flies by. Only one ball made it towards me in right field, and I caught it. Wee!
I strike out in the next two at-bats. Each time I did, I heard Hunter yell, “That’s okay, Phoebe, you’ll get it next time!”
After the game, I join my family on the sidelines to celebrate the Lightning’s 11-4 victory over the Bybee Bumblebees. My cousin Jackson punches me on the arm and tells me I still stink at softball. Chloe gives me a big hug and says, “Yes, you stink.”
“Thanks, sis. It’s ninety degrees out, and I was running around.”
“You haven’t run since the first inning,” Annie says.
“Glad you were paying attention,” I reply, rolling my eyes. This family. They’re mean. And yes, I love them andcan dish it right back. “When was the last time you played softball, Annie?”
Annie laughs. “Don’t know. Eighth grade?”
Aunt Dana suggests we all meet at the Dairy Barn for a treat. I think about how early I need to be up and the fact that I need a shower right now and beg off.
Hunter raises an eyebrow at me. “If anyone deserves an ice-cream break, it’s you. You’ve got to go. I’ll treat.”
Why is he being so nice to me? I don’t know this side of Hunter.
“Well, if you’re paying, I’m in.”
The Dairy Barn is only three blocks away, so we walk there. Chloe falls into step with Hunter and me.
“So, Hunter,” she begins, her eyes shining. “How long are you staying in town?”
“At least a week. I promised my mom I’d help her repaint her kitchen.”
“That’s sweet of you,” Chloe says. “Taking a week of vacation to help your family out.”
“I’m not on vacation next week,” he replies. “I’ll work remotely during the day and help her out in the evening.”
“You can do that?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“Yep. Benefit of a desk job. Have laptop, will travel.”
