“Okay girls that’s good.” Their coach said as Gloria and Jess entered the opposite dugout. The youngest girl on the other team was 15.

The rest of the Chasteen arrived at the field and began warming up. Chasteen would be playing as the home team. The stadium filled with students from the two schools as well as the other three other teams. The coaches were arguing with the each other. This only increased Jess’s nerves. She and Gloria stood together on the pitchers mound.

“I thought they had all this worked out all ready.” Jess said.

“They did they are just trying to make excuses to keep you from playing.” Gloria said. Megan walked up beside them.

“Why me?” Jess asked.

“Because you are so good.” Gloria said. The game began with the younger players playing. The debate was that the younger ones weren’t on the same level as the older girls and might get hurt. There was 3 up 3 down and then it was time for Chasteen to hit. They got the bases loaded with the first three batters. Jess stepped up to the plate. The pitcher threw 4 deliberate balls.

“Come on ref.” The Chasteen students yelled. Some of them booed, because they were taking the power hitter out of the game. Lilly and Holly shook their heads at each other. Fran was the first base coach and Taylor was the third base coach.

“I can’t believe they did that.” Lilly said as Jess jogged past her on the way to first base.

“Its okay we will get them with her running.” Holly said. Each time Jess came up to bat they walked her. Chasteen still won the game 6-1.

LA

Home

“Hi Lilly.” Bette said.

“Hey.”

“So how are things going?” Bette asked.

“It’s going great. Jess is really shining up here.” Lilly said.

“Good. I heard there was an altercation with the equestrian team.” Bette said.

“I guess you talked to Alice. Everything is fine. The coach wanted Jess to switch teams. Everything got worked out and is fine. She played a great game this afternoon.” Lilly said.

“Good. Can I talk to her?” Bette asked.

“Sure hold on a minute.” Lilly said.

“Hey mom.” Jess said.