Kimber Chin

Beth picked up the dusty bat. ‘It’s simple,’ Brent, the team captain and her chief torturer, had said, ’swing at the ball. Any idiot can do it.’ She walked up to the plate, which looked nothing like a plate, plates were round and this thing wasn’t, and held the bat the way she saw the others hold it.

The pitcher looked big and mean, bigger because he stood on a hump, with the ball clasped like some sort of weapon in his huge hand. People got killed by baseballs, didn’t they? She closed her eyes, preparing for that death.

“Time-out, time-out,” called from over her shoulder.

She opened her eyes again. What did this mean? A reprieve? She looked back at the man, another giant, wearing protective clothing. She frowned. How come he got to wear protective clothing? He stood behind her. Shouldn’t she be the one with the gear?

He lifted the wire mask he was wearing. Dancing brown eyes. A wide grin. “Is this your first game?”

Beth nodded. She was here because they needed a girl or it was a guaranteed loss. And she had been the only female left in the office. “First and last,” she whispered.

The giant must have super hearing too because he laughed. “I hope not. Come, let me show you how not to hurt yourself. Stand here.” He stomped on a piece of dirt, dust flying up. Beth moved over to that spot. “Now hold the bat here.” He put his arms around her. He smelled so good, she dropped the bat. He caught it, placing her hands around it. “There. Don’t lean over the base, you’ll get hit that way. When the ball comes, swing like this.” Beth tried to pay attention. “There, got it?” He stepped away.

Much to Beth’s regret. “Why are you helping me?” He was on the other team.

Another laugh. “Sweetheart, you’ll need more help than that to hit one of Jared’s fastballs.” He backed up. Beth found it strangely comforting that he was behind her. “Oh, and keep your eyes open.” A wink before he lowered his mask. “Play!” he yelled at ear drum bursting levels.

Beth swallowed hard, concentrating on the white ball. It might have been easier to see if she had worn her glasses.