Page 63 of Signs and Signals

A couple of the Rangers players get on base, but none make it home. The first out they received was from Zander striking a batter out, then Danny, the short stop, grabbed a field ball and tossed it to first, for the second out. Finally,the last out was made by Atlas, catching a ball in center field, Emerson tells me it is called a ‘fly out’, whatever, he caught the ball and now the Rangers have no more chances to score.

The Rangers are still up by two, then the Legends get their turn to bat. We need three runs, it is bottom of the ninth, and we need three fucking runs. I am so stressed out, all I can do is sit in my seat, bounce my leg, which is more than likely shaking the entire row of seats on either side of me, and chew my nails.

Simms bats first, making it to second, then Bailey is up, moving Simms to third and Bailey to first. Danny is the next batter and strikes out, I see the guys patting his back, trying to cheer him up a bit.

Atlas is doing his ritual at home plate, then focuses on the pitcher. I am now standing next to Haven, and my face may be pressed against the glass along with my hands.

The pitcher throws a fastball, according to the announcer, and Atlas makes the hit, Simms hits home, and not long after, Bailey touches home plate, tying the score. Atlas made it to second before the center fielder had the ball to the second baseman.

Ortiz is up to bat, tied game, Atlas on second, and two outs. This is it I can feel it, he will be the last person to bat, as long as Ortiz can hit him home, we will win.

Atlas must have spooked the pitcher when he hit his fastball so hard, sending it out into center field, because the first two pitches are a little wild. On the next pitch, Ortiz gets a strike. The crowd is going nuts, chanting his name, cheering, doing the wave. It must be enough to encourage Ortiz because his next swing connects with the ball sending it into left field.

I focus on Atlas; I have never seen someone run as fast as he does. He is booking it around those bases. The ball reaches the third baseman, but Atlas has already passed byhim, at the speed of light. Atlas’s foot hits home plate, seconds before the catcher has the ball. The umpire is giving the signal showing that Atlas is safe.

Holy shitballs, they won. They actually freaking did it. Riverside Legends won the World Series. The crowd is going wild. The players are going wild. This has been one of the best games I have ever called. What a ride!

The announcer is going crazy, I am pretty positive he was not supposed to say shitballs while being live, but holy shitballs, we won!

Everyone in the box is going insane, everyone is hugging each other, I think every female in the room is crying tears of joy, well everyone except Thomas’s girlfriend, whose name I can’t remember. Even Van looks a little teary eyed, but more than that he looks so proud. Proud of his brother, proud of his hometown team.

After all the interviews and celebrations and ceremonies are over, Atlas finally makes it home. Everyone is at his condo waiting for his arrival.

When the elevator door opens, Haven is on her feet, moving as fast as her little legs will take her. Zander, Simms, Danny, and Bailey are walking in behind Atlas as he bends to grab Haven, tossing her in the air.

Her deep husky giggle can be heard above all the chatter and congratulations coming from everyone. I see her sign, I love you, and he hugs her, saying the words to her, so she can feel the vibration from his words. She has told me many times, she likes it when he does that, because it makes her feel like she can hear his voice. Of course, I cried like a baby after that, but he does that all on his own, I have never told him what she said about it, neither has she.

After waiting for Atlas to hug his mom, Van, and Lyra. I make my way to him. I thought that it would be best for his family to be one of the first ones to congratulate him on the win. Haven on the other hand, had other ideas.

As I stand in front of him, I smile, he smiles, then he is lifting me up, our mouths connected. “I am so proud of you, Atlas. You did it! You made your dream a reality. I am in awe of you,” I tell him in between each kiss.

“Thank you, Indy, but my dreams have changed, but they still became a reality. I just didn’t know you and Haven were my dream until it became my reality. Winning the World Series was just the icing on the cake. I love you,” he responds, taking the kiss deeper.

“I love you.”

Everyone cleared out of the condo a couple of hours later. The only one left besides Haven and me, is Samantha. She wanted to talk to both of us about the charity gala and get some input. Haven fell asleep hours ago, and is in the room she has claimed as hers. So, we figure now is a good time to talk everything out.

She has explained again about how she wants to raise enough money to have several baseball scholarships, whether it be used for camp, training, the team at your school, pretty much anything as long as it is baseball related. She tells us she wants to have it at the Kridel Grand Ballroom inside Portland’s Art Museum. Making it a fairytale themed gala, the vision she gives us is breathtaking.

“I have decided that Riverside Legends players and coaches will be able to attend with their families at no charge, my thanks to all of them for taking such good care of you all these years.” Samantha’s eyes are glossy, and I know that this is a lot of work for her, she told me for this gala, she is hands-on.

“That sounds magical, Samantha. When are you thinking of hosting it?” I ask, already planning another trip to Dress Me Up to see Maggie.

“Well, uhm, yeah, that is what I wanted to talk to you both about. I reserved the area for December 17th. I know it is just a couple weeks away and so close to Christmas, but I thought the snow would give it a magical feel on the outside. So, what do you all think?” Samatha looks so nervous, I almost break out into laughter.

My face lights up, as Atlas stiffens next to me. “I think that is a fantastic way to celebrate our team, and help kids in the process.” I jump up and wrap my arms around her neck, so she knows how excited I am for this event.

“Indy, are you sure you don’t have a problem with the date? You know, since it is your birthday and all,” Atlas asks looking concerned, Samantha stiffens in my arms.

“Oh, dear, I didn’t realize it was your birthday, I can see if I can move some things around, it will be trouble,” Samantha says, shocked. I am not sure what it is about people thinking birthdays are some awesome day, but it was just another day while I was growing up. I didn’t start celebrating my birthday until I graduated college, and that was all because of Amara.

“I think this will be a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday. All my favorite people in one place. Besides you made it a kid friendly event, the look on my daughters' face when we arrive will be the best gift anyone could give me.” I try to say it without my voice trembling, but just thinking of the look on Haven’s face, which is just priceless.

“I can’t wait to see her reaction, myself. Well, I am glad I didn’t plan it on her birthday. Wait, when is her birthday?” Samantha asks, looking appalled that she doesn’t have this information already.

“Mom,” Atlas laughs, “Haven’s birthday is December 18th.”

“I had her a day after I turned eighteen,” I add.

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