I run my fingers roughly through my hair, throwing it up in a rough pony tail just like I did before every game. This game is different, this is the game that would make or break my career. The national champion ship, this would decide mine and Taylor’s spots on the US Olympic team. I shuffle nervously, flicking a ball into my mitt, the clamping sound it made every time it hits the pocket brings me peace.
“Rox Star you ready?” Taylor calls, war painted as ever. I bite nervously on my lip ring and she chuckles.
“Roxanne, you remember our very first game? How nervous you were? How about the last game senior year, nationals again? This one wont be any different. Just us against the world. It doesn’t matter what the rest of the team thinks of you, cause when we step on the field we’re a family.” Taylor says and I nod before grabbing my bat.
“You’re right Scab… Let’s kill it.” I say a smirk reappearing on my face. I haven’t gotten here just by looks. I’ve got a reputation, no bullshit and no one gets hurt. Scab nods and walks out on the field and I follow, taking the pitcher’s mound, Scab walks to home plate and salutes me. Soldiers together forever. I salute back before throwing my 5 given warm up pitches. I wave everyone in and we stand in a circle. The preps that hate me and Scab smiling, they love us on the field but off… well that’s a different story.
“We’ve got this girls, remember no matter what happens we have today. Fight for now not for the game, or the inning fight for the fucking play.” They cheer as I growl my little speech before the umpire calls “PLAY BALL”
First girl’s up and I strike her out in 3 pitches. Easy as pie. As soon as I release the first pitch I know it’s a goner. I take ready position and take the line drive in the mitt, cradling it against my body to make sure it doesn’t drop. The next innings follow suit, till my last at bat.
“HEY LITTLE EMO!! YOU DON’T BELONG ON A BALL FIELD!!” The 3rd baseman screams at me and I shake it off. The pitcher smirks and throws one at my head. I duck and it misses but barely. I growl and the next pitch is a rise to the inside corner. I chuckle before crushing the ball, my bat snaps in half but not before sending it over the fence. I scream in triumph before taking my lap around the field… WE FUCKING WON!!
“ROX START WE DID IT!!” Taylor’s voice rings above the rest and I back flip into home. We’re in. Starting pitcher and catcher. The unbeatable gothic team.
“That was amazing.” A deep voice draws me out of the thrill of the win and I gasp, turning around. Andy Biersack is standing right behind me.
“Thanks to you… if it wasn’t for your music I would have been dead long ago… same with Scab here.” I smile before dragging the very excited catcher over to him.
“WHAT THE- OMG….” Taylor screams in my ear and I flinch away from her before turning to Andy in puzzlement.
“What are you doing here?” I ask and he shrugs.
“Saw the pair of you on TV, noticed we were playing nearby and decided to check you out. I heard you play guitar and sing and you Scab? Play drums.” Andy cocks his head at Scab at I just chuckle. It’s a long story.
“Want to come hang with me and they guys?” He asks and I shake my head. I have my own after win rituals that need attending.
“We’ve got plans, but you’re welcome to join. That is if you think you’re up for it.” Taylor chuckles slightly nudging me and I nod. The more the merrier. Andy just nods and pulls out his phone, by this time we’re the only ones left on the field. The mid afternoon sun almost burning us.
“Can I call the guys?” He asks and we cock our heads as if to say, ‘is that even a question?’
“Yo!! ASHLEY GET THE FUCK OVER HERE WITH THE GUYS!!” He screams into the phone line and I laugh slightly. So retarded. I hear grumble complaints from the other end and then Andy outs his phone away.
“Be here in 5.” He smiles and I nod before turning to Taylor.
“So Taylor… easy way or hard way?” I ask and she smirks.
“Hard.”