Page 98 of Clichés & Curses

The pitcher threw another fastball, only this time it was towards first base in hopes of eliminating another player. Thankfully, Miles managed to get back just in time and was saved.

The voice of the commentator filled the speakers. ‘I see the pitcher decided to pull a little trick, but it seems Thompson saw right through it and is still in the game.’

Colton prepared himself once again as the pitcher did the same.

And the ball was tossed.

Colton swung again.

Missing once more.

‘Oooof. And that’s another strike for Colton,’ voiced the commentator.

‘Damn it,’ I grumbled.

The crowd was once again filled with agitation, with everyone sitting at the edge of their seat as we were left with one last strike, before we had to switch the batting team. The effort of having all bases filled was going to be wasted.

Colton readjusted his gloves once again, as he let his eyes wander around the stadium. When they landed in my direction, I signed to him, counting on the off chance that he might see me, ‘You got this, partner.’

And it seemed like he did see me, if the nod he sent my way was any indication.

Stepping up to the plate once again, Colton prepared his stance.

The ball was hurled out of the pitcher’s glove and another fastball headed towards Colton.

He swung.

And this time, the sound of the ball hitting the bat filled the stadium, as the ball continued to fly right into left field and flew over the fence.

Everyone in the stand was already up on their feet. Wild cheers echoed throughout the stadium as the four players made their way to home base.

He did it.

He hit a home run.

‘What a beautiful hit from the Dust Devils’ finest player!’ cheered the commentator. ‘The star player not only added another home run to his list of accomplishments, but also a grand slam for the whole team! With four points added to their score, the Dust Devils are once again in the lead tonight.’

After completing his run of the infield, the other players immediately attacked Colton with a group hug and pats on the back as he made his way back to the dugout. Once they finally let him go, Colton turned his way to my side of the seats and signed, ‘That was for you.’

I couldn’t help the grin on my face, and it only grew bigger when he added,‘partner.’

The game lasted for another hour. As Jack managed to strike out the third batter of the other team, the match came to an early end, with a score of ten points for the Dust Devils and sevenpoints for the Raptors, giving our baseball team a victory to celebrate that night.

‘And that marks the end of tonight’s game as well as the last game with the Dust Devils this off-season,’ the commentator announced. ‘Hope to see you folks again next year, as our team goes into battle to defend their Men’s College World Series champion title. Goodnight, everyone!’

With his bid of farewell, the crowd started to make their way to the nearest exit.

‘You guys okay with waiting for everyone else to go first?’ Nina asked as the people around us were getting out of their seats.

‘I don’t mind,’ I answered.

‘Sure,’ Lily said.

‘Fine by me.’ Claudia shrugged, settling back into her seat. There were still a lot of people in the stadium, so we could have been there for a while. ‘I forgot how fun it was to watch live baseball again.’

‘Right? I can’t wait for the world series to start again next semester,’ Lily agreed enthusiastically, just as her stomach let out a growl. ‘Ugh, I’m starving. What are we having for dinner?’

‘I was thinking we could go to that Chinese restaurant. We can take an Uber and go there straight away or—’ Nina’s suggestion was cut off, when her phone started vibrating with notifications.

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