Chapter 3
When they returned to the dorms later that
night, both were excited about the festivities the next night.
Saturday was filled with various things promoting events at
the school. The bookstore was staying open longer and even giving away door
prizes. The sports teams were going to be "scouting" as
someone had put it last night, so they'd be around. There would still be people
hanging around the walkways with flyers.
Saturday night was started with a softball game played. The
teams were being set up by Paul Eruzione and someone else with him. After that,
there were a few parties. One of the major ones was being held by one of the
guys on the swim team and was boasting that Michael was going to be there.
Patience and Heather were both looking forward to playing in
the game. Patience, however, wasn't sure about the party afterwards. But, when
Heather heard that Paul was going to be at the big one at the swimmer's place,
she had talked Patience into coming with her.
So, as they got dressed for the softball game, Heather kept
telling Patience that she would try and keep Patience away from Phelps.
Patience, in turn, kept telling Heather that their goal of the night was to get
Paul to notice Heather. So, they also planned out outfits to wear to the party
to help Heather catch Paul's eye. And, since the two were the same size, it
helped that they could lend each other things to wear.
Once their party outfits were picked out, they headed out to
the field. Patience drove her Explorer and parked it where she had found other
students parking. And then, the two stepped out and started joining the group
that had started forming.
It was obvious to see who had been to one of these games
before and who had not. The newcomers to the school staid in one circle, not
mixing with each other. Anyone else who had been to the school and one of the
games before were walking and high-fiving each other.
A car's stereo was heard pulling into the parking lot causing
some to try to cover their ears, while others laughed. "Looks like Michael's
here." One guy said to one of his buddies.
"Oh, you got Phelps to play?" The other said.
"I pretty much suggested it to him and he was all for it."
The first replied.
Heather looked over at Patience, who had obvious heard the
conversation. "If you want to leave now, we can." She suggested to her roomie.
"Nah. Why waste the chance of beating him in softball?"
Patience replied, smiling.
"So, it looks like everyone is here." A familiar Boston voice
said, as everyone turned away from where Michael Phelps had come speeding into
the parking lot to where Paul was now standing. "Many of you don't know me,
mostly because I'm a freshman. But, I am Paul Eruzione, and I came here to
Michigan from Winthrop, Massachusetts. I was given the softball game we are
about to do, and was told to run with it." Paul explained.
Patience watched Heather eat up everything Paul was saying
and had to smile to herself. She couldn't wait to get Paul to notice Heather at
the party later on. And, if it ended up that Heather caught Paul's eye at the
game, it would make it easier for Patience to not go to the party.
"So, I am going to announce the teams. Team 1 will be
composed of Michael Phelps…" Paul started listing names, as Heather and Patience
watched the entire female population of the group start praying that they were
on that team. "Heather Murray and Patience Jeffers."
Patience's mouth dropped open and she grabbed a hold of
Heather's arm. Heather turned to face Patience and noticed the look on her new
friend's face.
"We can do this." Patience forced out.
"We can." Heather replied.
"I'm sure we can. I mean, it's just a game." Patience said.
"It's not like it's a class or something."
"Yeah, just a game, not a class." Heather replied, hoping it
was helping Patience. "So, do you believe all this yet?" She asked.
"Nah. Maybe at least once more and it'll sound like the
truth." Patience said.
"I will be on Team 1 also. Everyone else that is left is on
team 2." Paul said, as the group started breaking off and forming the teams.
Patience staid close to the back, watching the group
instantly form around Michael. Heather staid with Patience, and Paul ended up
near them. "So, we should start handing out positions." One guy suggested.
"Michael, you should be our pitcher." A girl said.
"We should pick someone who's played pitcher before."
Patience whispered.
"Who's played catcher before?" Another girl asked, as Heather
laughed.
"For that, they'll ask. They just automatically give Michael
the pitching job." Heather said.
"Anyone?" The girl asked again.
"Actually, I played catcher back in high school. And, I
pitched." Patience spoke up.
The entire group turned to face her. A few of the girls gave
her looks that clearly said, 'How dare she fight our decision to make Michael
Phelps the pitcher'. "Looks like you got the catching job." Paul spoke up.
Other jobs were quickly handed out, as the group slowly made
their way onto the field. Heather got ready to play at first base, as she
watched Patience turn the University of Michigan hat on
her head backwards.
Gloves were handed out and catching gear was placed on
Patience. Michael turned his cap backwards and then walked out to the pitching
mound. Patience followed, holding the catching helmet in her hand. "Do you know
how to pitch?" She asked nicely.
Michael turned to face her. "I did play baseball when I was
younger." He replied.
"That doesn't answer my question." Patience replied.
"Let's just put it this way, I don't like to lose." Michael
said. "Even if you and I end up making all the plays, I don't want to lose."
"Heather Murray on first base is good." Patience said,
remembering the game of catch they had played last night after going and
dragging out Patience's softball glove from one of the boxes.
"So it looks like three of us know what to do." Michael said.
"Toss me some warm-up pitches, will ya?" Patience said,
turning and walking to home plate.
"Sure thing Patience." He called after her.
"How'd you learn my name?" Patience said, turning to face
him.
"It's on the back of your jersey." Michael said, pointing to
the old jersey t-shirt that had Patience and the number 10 printed on the back
of it.
"I guess you found out the answer to your question then."
Patience said.
"Guess I did." He replied, watching her squat down behind
home plate, place the mask on her face and then hold up her glove.
Patience did have to admit it, Michael was pretty good. But,
she would never admit it to anyone who asked her. Just right now, as he kept
"pitching" to her, she admitted to herself that he was pretty good.
Patience stood up after one, stretching out her legs. She
took the time to watch everyone else who was on the team. And, Michael's
sentence about possibly the three of them having to make every play was right.
Patience shook her head, and then squatted back down. This
was going to be an interesting game.