Page 4 of Sometimes You Fall

“Scottie…” I say, my voice nearly cracking from my nerves. Our eyes bounce back and forth between each other, and in that moment, I swear she’s leaning toward me. I can feel the heat of her breath on my lips, the scent of beer on her breath, or maybe that’s mine.

But then her eyes widen, she takes a step back, and turns away from me just in time to throw up her beer all over the grass.

“Shit.” I grab her hair as her body empties all of the alcohol from her system. “It’s okay, Scottie. Get it out.”

She heaves a few more times, and then stands up slowly. I release her hair but continue to rub her back. “Ugh. That was…”

“Disgusting,” I finish for her, turning away from the mess she left on the ground before I add to it with my own.

Laughing, she wipes at her mouth and then glances up at me. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s all right. But I’d just like to point out that clearly it’s notmeyou need to be worried about throwing up all the time.” I shrug, but she rolls her eyes at me.

“Gloating isn’t a good look on you, Grady,” she says as she heads for the base of the tree, sitting down on the ground and lying back against the trunk.

I join her, motioning for her to lay her head down in my lap, and she does. Even though I know I should be hanging out with my friends and probably getting ready to head home soon, a part of me doesn’t want to leave.

That part of me just wants a few more moments with Scottie.

“I think I need to close my eyes for a few minutes,” she murmurs.

“Go ahead. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I wish you didn’t have to leave, Grady,” she mumbles as her eyelids flutter closed.

And in that moment, that same part of me from moments ago wishes the same.

***

Three Years Later

Scottie:Oh my god! You did it! You’re going to the minors, Grady!

Me:It’s fucking happening, Scottie! I fucking did it!

Scottie:I’m so proud of you!

Me:Thanks! What about you? I’ve been trying to keep up with your career, but life has just been crazy…

Scottie:Same here, but I’m still working. My coach says I have potential to make it to the USA Women’s National Team, I’ve just got to getthrough this season.

Me:That’s fucking awesome! You can do it, I know you can.

One Year Later

Me:Scottie! I’m getting called up! One year in the minors and the San Francisco Giants are calling me up!

One Month Later

Me:Scottie? I’m worried about you. I’ve been watching this season and haven’t seen you play. Is everything okay? Text me back.

Life has been insanely busy this past year, but Scottie and I still check in with each other occasionally. Not hearing from her as soon as I texted her has me worried to the point that I decide to call her. We never talk on the phone, just a text here and there, but I can tell something’s not right.

The line rings only once before a voice that’s not Scottie’s comes through.

My stomach plummets when I hear it.

“The number you are trying to reach is no longer in service.”

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