So far gone

Winks

“Venny! You’re up to bat!” Coach Jeter says with a smile that reminds me of the type my father used to give me when he believed in me. I can’t think about that right now.

I get into position as people watch and the pitcher retrieves the ball. The team hasn’t yet seen me play but I can already hear them talk s**t. Typical.

“Let’s go Venny boy, it’s obvious you like bats and balls.” Jimmy, or as I like to call him Sam2.0 is a fan of saying gay jokes. Sometimes when I look at him my vivid imagination pictures him wearing a clown suit with make-up and all.

“Shut the f**k up, I wanna watch this. I heard he was good.” Evan says smacking Jimmy’s arm. I met these guys only a few days ago, and I can already tell they are going to be an unforgettable team, not only because of their diverse personalities but from what I’ve heard, they were also pretty good players from high schools all over Texas.

“Why do I need to shut up for you to watch him? Also, he’s got a lame haircut.”

I actually laugh at that insult because, one, I have normal ass hair cut, and two, Jimmy is rocking a 2001 spiky, gelled up hair cut. The kind that can pop a balloon. The pitcher finally comes back and the catcher gives him signals.

He throws a speedball and I hit it plenty far. I lose sight of the ball and people gasp.

“No f*****g way Venny boy hit a home run on his first try!” Jimmy says actually sounding impressed and claps.

“I told you,” Evan says, nodding in approval.

“Hell yeah player!” Jonah, the pitcher with the laid-back California accident, wavy hair, and nice tan says with a smirk and a wink...

Woah... A wink?

“Thanks.”

I feel a pat on my back and turn to face the coach.

“We’re you born with a baseball bat or something? Jesus Venny. Try not to show these guys up too much.” He says and I chuckle and shake my head.

“I’m not trying to be a kiss ass or anything, but it’s really a dream to be on this junior varsity team.”

He shakes his head.

“It’s a dream to have you on the team Venny. Maybe this time we’ll actually win games like the good old days with Kevin Smith.” Jeter says as he looks out in the distance thoughtfully.

Kevin Smith was the best baseball player this school has ever had. He graduated 7 years ago and is now playing major leagues for the Boston red socks. He was a huge icon of mine growing up. There is no way Coach Jeter is comparing me to him.

“Coach... I can only wish to be as good as him. Kevin is a legend.” I tell him and he laughs.

“And? Kevin was in this same spot as you telling me all about his worries of not living up to the expectations of the team. Yet he became the best, do you wanna know how he did that?” He asks as he takes a pinch of tobacco and stuffs it in his lip.

“How?”

“He stopped comparing himself to others.” He says with a half-smile as he walks off.

“Evan! You’re up next!”

***

Levi POV:

I’m on the phone with mom as she tells me all about her trip to Bali with her girlfriend Milan. I lay on my bed smoking a joint while waiting for my hot pocket to finish microwaving.

Levi: (“That’s awesome, mom. I’m glad you two enjoyed yourselves.“)

Mom: (“Thanks baby, now tell me what’s been up with my favorite boys.“)

Levi: (“Venny and I have been doing well and school’s great. I haven’t chosen a degree yet but I have about two semesters to figure it out, same for Venny.“)

Mom: (Good. I’m sure you will figure it out in no time. Your father was nice to have given you money to study. It’s the least he could do since he barely visits.“) She says sounding annoyed.

A month ago dad offered to pay for half my studies in college. I almost told him I didn’t want it, and that what I wanted most was for him to spend time with me. I miss him, and ever since he started his new family in New York. He’s forgotten all about me.

Levi: (“Yeah well... you know how he is. Always busy or whatever.“)

Mom sighs.

Mom: (“I know you miss him. Have you talk to him on the phone?“)

I snort shaking my head, as the microwave finally dings.

Levi: (“I stopped calling him after he stopped answering. I haven’t heard dads voice in four years mom. Four.“)

Mom: (“Yeah um... your father was very depressed after we got a divorce. That’s why he moved away and decided to start a new life. Sometimes I... I...“) My mom starts crying and I wanna be there to hold her.

Levi: (“What mom?“)

Mom: (“Sometimes I feel like I’m the reason you don’t have a strong relationship with him anymore. I cheated on him with a woman, I broke his heart and...“)

Levi: (“Mom, please don’t say that. What you did is not an excuse for him not see me. It’s all on him.“)

She continues to sniff and someone knocks on the dorm room.

Levi: (“Mom, I love you so much, but I have to get the door.“)

Mom: (“Okay, I’ll talk to you later baby.“)

I hang up and open the door. Venny is standing on the other side of it with his uniform on and a cute grin on his face.

“Wow. I can watch you smile forever and die happy.” I tell him and he runs into my arms and kicks the door shut. He kisses me fiercely and I chuckle against his soft lips. Before pulling away.

“Okay. You’ve got to tell me what the good news is. The anticipation is killing me Venny.”

He bites his lips and shrugs.

“Nothing major happened. I just had a good first baseball practice.” The smile won’t leave his sexy face and I kiss it. I know he’s downplaying it because he doesn’t like to brag.

“I’m proud of you. I wish I didn’t have to take that damn math test. I would have loved to watch you.” I tell him as he blushes.

“Eh. I was nothing out of the ordinary.”

I give him a knowing look and he winks at me, before taking off his dirty baseball uniform. f**k. I never get tired of seeing his athletic body that is similar to mine only lighter, and smoother.

“Get your ass over here let’s celebrate,” I tell him as I undo the knot of my sweatpants, and his eyes light up with desire.