Page 119 of Curveball

Arizona nods in agreement. “He’s the full package. He looks like a vagina and acts like a dick. He can actually go fuck himself.”

Ripley giggles. It’s the first big smile I’ve seen on her face. I truly don’t care that it’s at my expense.

I roll my eyes. “You’re fucking hysterical, Z.”

She winks. “Whatever it takes to put a smile on my girl’s face. Are you ready to meet your daughter, Rip? She’s perfection, but she told me she wants to be a catcher, not a pitcher.”

Ripley smiles but shakes her head and croaks, “No way. She’s a pitcher.”

I wheel her to the sterilization area. “Come on, time for you to meet our redheaded angel.”

Ripley gets sterilized and does everything necessary to prepare to hold our daughter. Watching the nurse place her in Ripley’s arms for the first time is a moment that will forever be embedded in my mind.

Arizona is there too. All three of us are now crying.

At some point, Ripley asks about her mom. I answer, “I sent her home to sleep. She hasn’t gotten any rest in days. She’ll be back soon. I texted her to let her know that you’re awake.”

RIPLEY

Holding my baby for the first time is the most emotion-filled moment of my life. I can’t deal with Quincy’s hovering yet. I just want to take in my little girl.

When they brought me to the hospital, everyone was so panicked, and I was immediately sedated. I hate that I don’t remember her birth. I’m filled with sadness that I didn’t have my first moment with her when they took her from my body.

At the nurse’s insistence, I’m told to go back to my room to rest. I’m wheeled back by Quincy and Arizona who are bickering, per always. I was surprised to see Quincy at my bedside when I woke. I was more surprised to hear him tell me he loved me over and over when he thought I was asleep and then again when I was awake.

When we get back to my room, Quincy again refuses helpfrom any staff and places me back in bed. I don’t have the strength to fight him. Yet.

At some point, I realize the date. With my throat feeling a bit better, I ask, “Shouldn’t you be at spring training right now?”

He and Arizona exchange glances before he turns back to me. “I’m on a family emergency leave of absence.”

I nod in understanding. “Are you headed back tonight?”

“No. I’m exactly where I belong. I’ll return when you and our daughter can return with me.”

I shake my head. “I don’t live in Philly anymore.”

Before he can respond, Dr. Berger walks in. “There she is. Ripley, you look great. I just heard your voice from the hallway. It sounds like your throat is already doing better.”

“That’s hardly true.” At least the part about me looking great. I look like I was at death’s door, which I may very well have been. I certainly feel like it.

“Assuming all goes well, we’re going to release you by the end of the week. You’ll need to take it easy, but I’m sure you’ll be happier to do so at home instead of at this hospital.”

I pinch my eyebrows in confusion. “My baby girl will be ready to leave by then?”

“No, but you will be.”

“I’m not leaving without my daughter.”

She gives me a small smile. “That’s not how it works.”

Quincy clearly knew this was coming. “Don’t worry, I rented a house down the street. We’ll be close by.”

I shake my head. “I’m not staying with you. I live with my mother. I’ll stay with her.”

He sighs. “Shortcake,” he’s never once called me that in front of other people, “your mom lives in a tiny apartment nearly thirty minutes from the hospital. Wouldn’t you ratherbe closer to the baby? Arizona and Layton are staying there too.”

Arizona interrupts, “Layton is getting it set up now. It’s right down the street. It’s perfect for us to be closer to the hospital. Consider it, please, Rip.”

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