The Game Changer

by Trio, L. M.

  “JJ! Jess! You’re fine... I’m right here. Look, I can stand... Calm down!” he’s shouting as he reaches out to grab me.

  “I’m not fine... It’s ffrreezzzinngg!” I shout as I jump in his arms and wrap my legs tightly around him. “Don’t drop me! The crabs are going to bite my feet!” I scream.

  This sets him off into a fit of laughter. “What? What crabs? You scared them away when you fell in!”

  “I don’t care… It’s slimy... and my feet touched the bottom!” I continue to rant as I have chills from being so cold and from being so skeeved out from the cold mucky water.

  “Shit! It is cold!” he says, laughing. “I can’t believe you did this!”

  “You knocked me in!” I holler accusingly.

  “Why do I always get blamed? I was tryin’ to help. You’re stupid shoe was stuck!” he says hysterically.

  “Just get me out of here!” I yell, as I clutch onto him for dear life.

  He gets quiet for a second while he contemplates the situation. “Well, I’m gonna have to try to jump up and grab the end of the dock to pull myself up. I have to put you down for a sec then, I’ll pull you up.”

  “Oh... No way! There is no way in hell you are leaving me here by myself! I can’t reach the bottom... and… it’s dark!” I yell.

  “It’ll only be a second. Do you really think I can jump up there with you wrapped around my neck?” he asks sarcastically.

  “Think of something else!” I snap.

  “J, you’re being unreasonable.” He pauses, rethinking his strategy. “Wait, we can swim across to the other side and climb up the ladder. It’s right over there.” He points out the ladder, which is attached to the dock across the way from us. The water is so dark. The only light is coming from the moon.

  “Alright, but you have to hold me. I’m scared. What if a sea creature comes up and pulls us under? We could die out here and no one would know!” I argue.

  “We are not goin’ to die out here. Stop being so dramatic,” He chides me and starts humming the famous tune from Jaws as we venture deeper into the dark, icy water.

  “Knock it off!” I yell.

  “Jess, you gotta help me out a little. It’s over my head here, too. Kick your feet or somethin’ before you drown me.” He’s laughing as I cling tightly to him, my arms are wrapped around his neck so tight; I really think I am choking him.

  Finally, we make our way to the ladder as he boosts me up first, then follows. “There. See? We’re fine. Where’re your shoes?” he asks as we climb onto the dock.

  We both are laughing hysterically when I tell him I lost them in the water. I jump on his back and he carries me until we reach his house. I can’t go home. My dad’s car is there and I’m afraid he’ll still be awake. He would have a heart attack if he knew I fell in the bay at night.

  Maria is getting ready to head up to bed when we come plowing through the kitchen, soaking, with me still on Luke’s back.

  “What are you two doing?” she asks, looking at us like we’re crazy while we drip water all over the floor.

  “This goofball fell in the water and I had to save her,” Luke says proudly as I add my two cents.

  “You knocked me in!” I accuse.

  “What the hell were you standin’ so close to the edge for?” He asks, laughing as we dredge up the whole thing again, blaming each other.

  Maria, not quite thinking it is as funny as we do, reprimands us like two little kids and tells us we’re lucky we didn’t get hurt. She tells us not to be up late and, as she turns to go up the stairs, I catch her smiling, shaking her head as she heads out of the room.

  I peek in the family room before heading upstairs to shower. Mikey and De are asleep on the couch, in front of the TV, looking adorable. His arm is around her as she sleeps peacefully against his chest. Despite Mikey being a pain in the ass, he’s still a great guy and I truly love him. I’m glad he has Deanna. She understands the anxiety that he and Luke are feeling right now. She’s the perfect one for him to share his feelings with. If nothing else, they care for and look out for each other.

  I wait for Luke in the rec room while he showers and we eventually fall asleep watching the replay of the Phillies game that was on earlier in the night. Luke is restless through the night, tossing and turning.

  The following morning, Mikey and Luke are in the kitchen eating breakfast when De and I come down from getting ready for school. We sit down with them to eat and keep the conversation light. All of us are on edge thinking about the day ahead. At least we have our story from last night to keep everyone amused and distracted from thinking about today’s events. Luke and Mikey have decided to attend school till at least noon before heading to the MLB Network Studios in Secaucus.

  As soon as we enter the building, they’re surrounded by friends and teachers wishing them luck; it is all a little overwhelming. After making our way through the crowded halls of well-wishers, we finally reach my first period class.

  “How ya doin’?” I ask as we stand outside the room.

  “OK... A little nerve-racking. Do you think it was a good idea that we came today?” he asks, looking around and forcing a smile as kids high-five him in the hall.

  “Sure. It will kill some time… Everyone is really excited, huh? If it gets to be too much, go hang out in Coach Briggs’s room,” I suggest as I kiss him goodbye, leaving him standing there like a deer caught in the headlights.

  By the time we reach Study Hall, he is practically climbing the walls. “How are you holding up? Getting nervous?” I ask.

  “Anxious. Especially since you keep asking me how I’m doin’ every five minutes,” he answers abruptly.

  “Testy, too. Sorry. I can’t help it. I’m not used to seeing you uptight.” I smile. “Did you go to any of your classes?”

  “Only first period, then I went to Coach’s room. Mikey was already there.” He laughs. “We hung out till the bell rang, then I came to meet you. We’re heading out after this. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

  “I do, but... you and Mikey should do this together, De and I will be waiting when you get back. Besides, you know they’re planning something for you.”

  “I figured.”

  I show him a couple of pictures I drew for art class, then we play a couple games of hangman. I’m trying my best to keep him distracted for the remainder of the class, but the time seems to drag on and on.

  He places his hand on my thigh as he whispers in my ear, “I know something you can do to get my mind off tonight.”

  He’s joking, of course, but hearing that husky sound in his voice and feeling his warm breath in my ear, still causes my heart to flutter. For some reason, I’m always willing to follow whatever he suggests, knowing it may not be the best idea. I give him a look, which he knows by now means, I am up for anything. To be honest, I’d do whatever he asks. I know, stupid girl, but, in my defense, he’ll do anything for me, too.

  Before I can rationalize, he has his hand raised. “Mrs. Rosen, I’m signing out early today.” She smiles and shakes her head knowingly. The whole school knows, “and… Jesse left her book in my locker, would you mind if she walks me down so that I can give it to her, I need to get going soon?” he asks in his most respectful, good boy voice.

  “Sure, Luke,” she says as she writes us both a hall pass. “Good luck tonight.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Rosen.” Again with the innocent, good boy voice.

  Everyone at our table wishes him luck as we gather our books and head out of the cafeteria. “You are such a slime ball,” I joke as we reach the hallway.

  “Look who’s talking. You looked all innocent yourself. Once again, always puttin’ it on me,” he accuses.

  “Where are we going?” I giggle.

  “I’m thinkin’. Give me a second.” He eyes the supply closet to our left then he checks out the hallway to make sure no one is coming as he tries the door; it’s open and we slip inside.

  “Luke, we shouldn’t. I’m sc
ared. What if we get caught? I would be in huge trouble,” I begin to protest; realizing that maybe this isn’t the best idea.

  “Shh...” He kisses my neck, pushing me up against the door. “We’re not goin’ to get caught.”

  “You sure?” I ask, already filled with desire.

  “Uh, huh,” he replies as he traces the curve of my neck with his tongue. His hands impulsively slide under my skirt, removing my panties while my hands recklessly tug at the button on his shorts. Of course, the excitement of it makes me want him more. I guide his mouth to mine as a moan escaped my throat, arousing him more, knowing how much I’m into this. His breathing is rapid as he lifts me up against the door. I hook my legs around his waist as he enters me while holding tightly onto my hips with his strong arms and then he rocks into me guiding me back and forth. It is reckless, carefree, passionate, lustful, and definitely satisfying, all at the same time.

  After releasing a lot of nervous energy, we are finally brought back to reality by the sound of the bell and hundreds of people moving about, right outside the door.

  “Oh, shit! That was fuckin’ unbelievable,” he whispers as he rests his head against my neck, while trying to control his breathing.

  “Awesome,” I reply breathlessly as my fingers remain tangled in his dampened hair.

  He regretfully releases me and we quickly straighten ourselves up, but stay put so we can spend a few more minutes alone. Not to mention, we don’t want to get caught leaving the supply closet while the hallway is full of students switching classes.

  ”Thank you.” he says. His breathing is still erratic as he looks lovingly into my eyes.

  “Anytime,” I tease, straightening out my skirt.

  “That’s not what I meant.” He laughs. “Thank you for just being you and for loving me and for always havin’ fun with me and makin’ me laugh.” He pauses momentarily and then continues, “And… Okay, for this, too.” He smiles as he pulls me close to him and kisses me again.

  “You’re welcome. More relaxed?” I whisper as I kiss his ear.

  “Definitely more relaxed,” he says, pulling me closer.

  He kisses me hard as we fall back against the door. Someone starts turning the knob, trying to get in. “Oh, shit, Luke!” I whisper.

  He holds up his hand to tell me to quiet down as he slowly opens the door. “Oh, hey, Mrs. Jackson.” Mrs. Jackson is a Science teacher who is about a hundred years old.

  “Luke, what are you doing in here?” she asks as she pushes the door open wider, revealing me standing behind the door. She looks at me and gives me a frown.

  “Sorry, I was getting ready to leave for the day. I got really nervous thinking about tonight, you know, everyone’s been coming up to me all day, I just had to duck away for a minute. Jesse was talking to me, trying to calm me down,” he says in the innocent good boy voice, in addition to, the puppy dog eyes.

  “Alright, young man, but you shouldn’t be in here.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. We were just leaving,” he answers apologetically, picking up our book bags as he pulls me by the hand, leading me out into the hallway.

  “Alright then. By the way, good luck tonight.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Jackson,” he replies innocently.

  As soon as we are out of ear shot, I start, “Oh, my God. You are sickening! Do you always talk your way out of everything so easily?” I ask. “I can’t believe I actually follow you and get involved in all of these stupid scenarios.”

  He’s laughing so hard he can hardly speak. “You are such a hypocrite. I can’t believe the way you always spin everything and put it all on me. Honey, you are right by my side for every one of these stupid scenarios. You’re just mad because I always get us out of everything. I think you are secretly dying to see me get in trouble!”

  “That is so not true,” I say, laughing as we turn the corner, practically bumping into Mikey and Deanna.

  “Yo, where the hell have you been? We gotta get out of here,” Mikey says anxiously with De practically on his heels.

  We both look at each other and start laughing. “Relax. I’m ready!” Luke answers excitedly.

  “You’re comin’, right?” Mikey asks De and I.

  Before I can answer, Luke is pulling me by the hand. De and I laugh as we follow them out the door.

  ***

  We’re all so quiet on the way up. The ride seems as if it’s taking forever. Once we finally arrive we tour the MLB Network Studios. I thought it would be packed with guys waiting to hear who has chosen them for their teams. I’m surprised that Mikey, Luke and two other guys are the only ones that show up for the draft. We heard that about fifteen were invited to attend. It’s an exciting experience being right there in the room while the names are called.

  It isn’t long before the commissioner begins announcing the names of the first round picks. I can tell the anticipation is killing the boys, even though they try to remain calm. The rest of us do the same, so as to not make them more nervous.

  “The fourth selection in the first round of the first year player draft, the Tampa Bay Rays selects, Luciano DiAngelo…” We all go crazy. “Luciano is a left-handed pitcher from Bay Point High School in Bay Point, New Jersey.” Luke is ecstatic as he high-fives Mikey and hugs us all. People around him begin to congratulate him. It is pretty much a done deal that Tampa wants them, but until their names are called, they still wouldn’t fully believe it.

  The room once again grows quiet as the commissioner continues with the selections; we hold our breaths until the sixth round pick is called. “The sixth selection in the first round of the first year player draft, the Tampa Bay Rays selects, Michael Vaughn… Michael is a catcher from Bay Point High School in Bay Point, New Jersey.” Again, everyone goes crazy. Tears are streaming down all our faces, knowing how bad they wanted this. The last couple of weeks, things started to seem as if they were going in a different direction and we thought maybe one of the other teams might select one of them first. Anything can happen at the last minute. They hug each other while they’re handed jerseys and hats. Cameras flash and the interviews begin.

  We arrive at the Little League Clubhouse around 10:30 pm. They have a nice little party going in honor of Luke and Mikey when we arrive. As we walk in, everyone stands up; claps, cheers, and the two of them get very emotional once they see so many people supporting them. For the second time tonight, that sends Maria, De and me into hysterics. Everyone is crowding around them and through the crowd, I see my dad congratulating them. When he turns, he spots me and I run up to him and give him a hug. As happy as I am right now for Luke, I can’t help but think it won’t be long until he has to leave. My dad knows me too well.

  “Hey, Sweetie, how are you?” he asks, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

  “I’m so happy for him, Dad. It’s just that this is a lot, ya know? I knew it was coming, but he’ll really be going soon,” I say.

  “Yeah, he will, but you guys are gonna be fine,” he says as he takes me in his arms and gives me a hug.

  Luke walks over to join us, he picks up where my dad leaves off, wrapping his arms tightly around me. My dad gives us a moment to ourselves.

  “This is so awesome, isn’t it?” I ask, referring to the large crowd that turned out to show their support for them.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty unbelievable, but are you okay?” he asks, looking into my eyes. I assure him that I’m fine and tell him how happy I am for them. You couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

  The party goes on for a while and by the time we get back to the house, we’re all exhausted, but still too wound up to sleep. The four of us recount the events of the night as we watch the replay of the draft on TV in the rec room. I’m not sure at what point we finally fall asleep, but it doesn’t seem that much time has passed when Maria begins waking us up for school.

  “Time to get up… Let’s go, you two,” she says as she shakes Luke and Mikey, who don’t budge when she calls out to us. “You’re not supers
tars, yet. You still have to finish school and graduate.” You can always count on Maria and Lucca to keep the boys in line and not let the fame go to their head.

  Chapter 35(Jesse)

  As I watch Luke accept his diploma at graduation, I reminisce over the last year. I think about the first day I met the three of them as they walked down the street on their last day of school; how shy I had been, hiding behind the trunk of the car as they talked with my dad. I remember thinking Luke was so arrogant, the way he smirked at me as he commented about my age and how he was bragging about how good he is at baseball. Okay, so not much has changed there, but he is also one of the most sincere, good, caring people I know and he loves me more than I could imagine. I couldn’t ask for a better friend than De. She is like a sister to me. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without them.

  A year ago, I would have never thought I would ever be able to feel this whole again. I miss my mom every day, but now I truly feel like she is my angel, watching over me and my dad. Maybe, somehow, she guided us to this place, across the street from these wonderful people, who invited us into their family. I’m so happy that I finally stopped dwelling on how fast life can change.

  ***

  Contracts are signed a few days after graduation. I’m still in shock over the signing bonuses. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around two eighteen-year-olds getting paid so much money because they are good at a game. Along with signed contracts come first assignments. This is the part I’ve been dreading. It’s not going to be easy, being separated. We’ve been through the possibilities of the places he could end up this summer; spending numerous nights, mapping out dates when I’ll be able to visit. Thankfully, their first minor league assignment is to the Hudson Valley Renegades Short Season. They’ll be in New York, about a three and a half hour drive from Bay Point. He’ll be busy training and practicing; there won’t be much free time, but just knowing he is a reasonable driving distance away, is a relief. I’ll still be able to catch some of his games.