I arrive thankfully not seeing any sign of a single person I threw my glove on the ground and threw the ball in the air and hit it most of them hitting the fence on the other side of the diamond. But I never missed a single ball. After a little I got bored of that so I practiced my pitching against the wired fence. I practiced my curve ball especially because I just got the hang of it and then my fastball which I usually caught as it rebounded of the fence. Then I start to hear feet shuffling, god I lost track of time. I grab my stuff and run out through the other side of the diamond. Hoping none of them saw me I ran back to my house hoping not to run into anybody. Once I made it back to my house I was nearly and my sidewalk when I bumped into someone and dropped my glove. I looked up it was the new boy he looked about a year younger then me. He bent down and grabbed my glove and handed it to me.

You: thanks! sorry for running into you.

"It's fine"

You: your new here huh

"Umm ya"

You: well consider me your first friend I'm Lilly Anderson. What's your name?

"Scotty Smalls"

You: well Scotty want me to show you around

Smalls: Sure let me tell my mom"

He runs inside and tells his mom that he's going out and then closes the door behind him and runs to me.

You: you got a baseball glove?

Smalls: yeah why?

You: probably gonna need it

Smalls: ok one second

He runs into his garage and grabs his glove and runs back out. I grab my ball and glove and we both walk to the sandlot. I set my stuff down near the entrance so none of the boys would harass me about it. Maybe I'll work up the courage to grab it but not now.

You: Smalls just sit here for a second till they notice don't want to interrupt the play.

Smalls: what's a play?

You: you don't play baseball do you?

Smalls: no

You: you'll learn I promise

He nodded as I watched Benny hit the ball that was pitched my Kenny and the ball hits the fence and Benny is already on first base. He makes his way to second base then third when squints picks it up and throws it to Ham who's back catcher but before Ham could catch it Benny slide and touched home he was safe. I smiled but grew nervous as Benny looked at me and walked over.

You: good job Rodriguez

Benny: why thank you

You: so this is Scotty Smalls the new neighbour he doesn't play baseball but I thought he would make a good addition to the team so...

Benny: well I'm Benny and Lilly we could always use 10 people on the team

You: Benny no you haven't even seen me play what if I was lying

Benny: then you wouldn't have a expensive mitt and bat over there

Smalls: that's why you were hiding it

You: fine but the boys will hate it

Benny: Yes! But they don't have a say

You: I regret coming

Smalls: I saw you throwing the ball at the fence in your backyard yesterday you dented it there's a giant hole

Benny: boy I regret asking you now

I laugh at his remark and grab my mitt and glove and place my ball on the bleachers but just as I did that Ham hit it over the fence.

Yeah-yeah: well shit guess it's over

You: no it isn't actually

I grab the ball and throw it to Kenny with my right hand which was the less dominant arm.

Kenny: she's got a arm

You; you should see me throw with my left hand

Kenny: that wasn't your dominant

You: no

Kenny: oh

Squints: Benny why's your girlfriend here girls don't play baseball

Benny: not my girlfriend and she played baseball so shut it

Ham: girls don't play baseball and nerds don't either

He points to Smalls standing beside me

You: I could strike you out faster and hit it harder then you ever could.

Ham; I like to see you try

You: watch me

I grab the bat from Bennys hands and walk to the plate Ham gets behind me in the back catchers position.

Ham: you don't know what your doing

You: you don't know who your talking to

Kenny: want me to take it easy on you considering your a girl and all

You: pitch to me like you pitch to Benny

Kenny's eyes widen in shock as I grab the shale and let it drop from my fingers I rub it against my hand and get in position along with the rest of the boys. Kenny pitches to me with what he calls "the heater" and I hit it straight from the middle of the bat letting it go almost over the fence and I run as fast as I could making it to second base before they even had the ball and I get to home before the fall is even in the inner field yet.

You: can a girl play now?

Ham: you can hit and run what about catch and throw.

You: I'll pitch to you then if you still don't believe me

I grab the ball from Kenny and Ham takes off his mask and grabs the bag Tommy takes the mask and puts it on crouching down behind him.

You: want me to take it easy on you considering your a boy and all?

Ham: give me your best pitch

You: you asked for it

He got into position as did I. I stood right behind the pitchers mound and threw him one of the best curve balls I've thrown. He didn't even swing thinking it would be out.

Tommy: STRIKE ONE

I could hear murmurs being passed around behind me.

You: still want my best throw

Ham: any day

You; ok then just saying don't think anyone's been able to hit this

I did the same thing as before throwing a fast ball and Ham missing and almost fallen off his feet letting the boys laugh at there friend.

Tommy: STRIKE TWO

You: I'll let you off easy with my classic pitch huh

The pitch that I used often was pretty much a curve ball that looked like a grounder but somehow would rise just a little so it would be in. I threw it and everyone laughed at me as it went to low and then as it rose they quieted down. Then Tommy caught it and everyone went silent. I looked around and everyone's Jaws were dropped in surprise.

Tommy: Strike three

You: and girls can't play baseball well I guess I'll just have to see you guys tomorrow at school. Bye bye

I say as I walk off the diamond when I feel someone pick me up over there shoulder and walk me back to the diamond. Once I realize its Benny I start to feel butterfly's in my stomach but pushed them away as he set me down in front of the boys.

Bennys: ok now go.

All of them: sorry we said you didn't know how to play because your a girl

Then Kenny walked over to me

Kenny: how'd you throw that last pitch

You; you know how when you throw a ball to the ground and you twist your wrist upright so It spins back to you.

Kenny: ya?

You: you kind of do that but in a throwing motion it took me a long time to learn

Kenny: do you mind trying to teach me sometime

You: sure

I look away and can't see Smalls anywhere so I walk over to Benny.

You: do you know were Smalls went?

Benny: he said his mom wanted him back home at this time. Why?

You: he just moved here can't have him getting lost plus I'd feel bad.

Benny: you just met the kid and you would already feel bad if he got lost

You: duh you know how sad that would be

Benny: you care to much

I roll my eyes at him playfully

You: sorry I have feelings

Benny: it's cute

He wraps his arm around my shoulder and there they were butterfly's. The slightest touch from him gave me butterflies and I didn't know why but I had had a crush on his for a couple months. He could never feel the same about me he was just being friendly.

Squints: I have to get home I'm already late you two enjoy your flirting

Yeah yeah: yeah, yeah I got to go to

Bertram: I'm coming with you guys hold up

The 3 of them walked off together to there houses then Ham and Kenny walked over after having a conversation in the dugout.

Ham; your really good you know Lilly

You: thanks Ham

Kenny: and if you don't teach me that pitch I'm gonna be bitchin

I giggle then Timmy and Tommy walk from behind them

You: bye Timmy bye little man

They both waved bye and then it was just me and Benny left at the diamond. I looked at him his arm still wrapped around my shoulder he looked at me into my eyes and I looked away and grabbed his arm and pulling him to the dug out were all of our stuff was. I grabbed my bat and glove and gave Benny the ball for tomorrow. The both of us walked home together in silence comfortable silence. When I thought of and idea.

You: do you want to come over

Benny: sure I'm just gonna clean up first

You: sure, see you later

I kissed his cheek and we both separated into our own houses. I walk in and see my mom cooking dinner and I walk over to her.

Mom: Lilly you look so dirty! YOU WERE PLAYING BASEBALL

She yelled in happiness and hugged me and spun me around.

Mom: how'd you do did you kick there teenage bums

You: hell ya

She smiled and high fived me

You; oh and can Benny come over

Mom: oOoOo Lilly's boyfriendddddd

You: no he's just my friend

Mom: you you like

You: fine friend that I like but I need to have a shower I'm gross.

I walk upstairs and shower and changed into a pair of grey sweatpants and a tight crop top that covered all my stomach but just a bit above my belly button. I put my wet hair into a messy bun and walked downstairs and helped my mom set the table whenI heat a knock at the door. So I walked over and opened it and saw Benny standing there wearing jeans and a white wife beater with a plaid flannel overtop. I Smiled at him and let him in.

You: mom this is Benny, Benny this is my mom

Benny: nice to meet you Ms. Anderson

Mom: please call me Cathrine and dinner will be ready soon so you can both take a seat if you'd like

We both walked over to the table and sat down beside each other. As my mom brought out the chicken and salad we both served ourselves and ate. I put our dishes in the sink and walked back into the dining room.

You; Benny when do you have to go home

Benny: my moms said around nine if that's ok with you Cathrine

I could tell he felt awkward calling her that and I couldn't help but laugh and he looked at me with a grim sort of look but the corners of his lips turned upwards considering he didn't want to show he was trying not to smile.

Mom; that's fine by me you two go have fun, not too much fun

You: MOM!!!

I grabbed Bennys hands pulling him from his chair

You: let's go before my mom says anything worse

I pull him up the stairs to my room and I closed the door and sat on my bed he followed and sat on the bed with me. His eyes gazed around my room looking at everything.

You: what are you looking at

Benny: Your rooms really clean

You: thanks I guess, do you want to go to the sandlot while there's still some sunlight!

Benny: is that even a question

He stands up and pulls me off my bed

You: ok ok one second

I grab a Dodgers baseball jersey and throw it over my shirt. And grab my glove and we both run out Benny goes to his house and I stand on his sidewalk waiting for him. He comes running out with his baseball glove a bat and the ball. He tosses me the ball and we both run to Sandlot and I see Smalls sitting on his stairs with his glove in his hand.

You: hey Smalls me and Benny are gonna go play some baseball do you wanna join?

Smalls: sure I guess

He runs into his house and tells his mom he's going to the sandlot then runs out. And the three of us jog to the sandlot.

You: I'll race ya

We all start running at the same time, I start running as fast as I can with Benny right behind me and Smalls is a little bit behind the both of us. I make it to the Sandlot first and Bennys comes running behind me.

You: Benny got beat by a girl

Benny: you started first

You: your just jealous I'm faster

Benny: in your dreams

You: I just beat you here so obviously I'm faster

Benny: I let you win

You: nope

Benny: yes I did

You: I can't hear you

Benny: fine you win

You: I know

Benny: I thought you couldn't hear me

You: I still won Rodriguez

Then Smalls comes running into the diamond out of breathe.

Smalls: how are you not dying

You: cmon Smalls

I say with a laugh and he jogs over to me and Benny.

Smalls: are you two like boyfriend and girlfriend

You: no we're friends

Smalls: that's not what all those guys were saying in that hut thing

Benny: that's the dugout Smalls

Smalls: right right sorry

You: what were they saying?

Smalls: they were all making kissy noises and saying that Bennys in love

Benny: what Blockheads

You: whatever, so Smalls do you know how to catch

Smalls: no

Benny: how about throw

Smalls: no

You: how about hit

Smalls: no

Benny and I both look at each other and shrug.

You: ok then let's practice, I'll hit it and you and Benny can stand in outfield field and I'll hit to either of you.

Smalls: where's outfield

Benny: there Smalls

Smalls: ok were do I stand

You: left centre

The both of them run into the field and I see Benny telling Smalls we're to go and I laugh a little as I walk to the home base. I make sure there both ready and yell.

You: I'LL HIT IT TO YOU SMALLS

He gets ready and I throw the ball up and it goes right towards him it's almost in his glove when he runs to it and falls. I cringe inside but I drop the bat and run to him as I see Benny walking to him as well. Once I get there he's standing up dusting himself off.

You: hey you ok Smalls?

Smalls: ya I'm fine

You: you were really close though

Smalls: really?

You: ya you'll be great at this I can tell

Smalls: I think I'm gonna go home though and clean up

Benny: the whole point is to get dirty Smalls

Smalls: my mom wants me home, bye guys

He runs off I could tell he was embarrassed

You: I should probably go too wanna walk me home?

Benny: sure I'll go grab the bat

He runs to the bat as I walk to the exit and he runs up to me and we both walk home. Once we arrive I give Benny another kiss on the cheek and walk inside my house.

You: MOM IM HOME

Mom: GOODNIGHT

I run up to my room and shower then change into clean clothes and lay down. I fall asleep thinking about Benny, but I don't get a very good nights rest just like always.