"Yes I am!" Chris shouted back rounding first base. Rebekah launched the softball to Sean at home base because Taylor was about to score a run. The ball took a weird bounce, so Sean had to leave the plate to get it, so Abs' Gumen were up 1-0.
"Aaron!" Chris yelled to Aaron, who camped out at third base by AJ. Aaron looked at Chris. "We don't have to run, so don't if JC hits a grounder."
"No problem, Chris!" Aaron exclaimed, flashing a thumbs up.
"Coming right to you, Ike!" JC hooted, pointing to the outfield.
"Bring it on!" Ike hollered back. JC did, sending Brian's pitch highter into the air but not as far as Chris'. Theresa and Ike both ran to where they hoped to would fall. When she saw Isaac, Theresa stopped and watched him. He tipped his glove up and waited for the ball to land in it. As soon as the ball did, he held it above his head and called "Thanks, JC!"
Amanda selected a bright blue aluminum bat from the pile and stepped up to the plate. Brian's first pitch was fast, and Amanda wasn't expecting it. "Hey! I wasn't ready!" she yelled at Brian.
"Sucks for you!" Rebekah screamed from the outfield.
At Brian's next pitch, Amanda shot the ball at Rebekah's head. Rebekah ducked, and Theresa ran after the ball, laughing hysterically. "Right back at ya, Bek!" said Amanda as she rounded first base. Theresa recovered the ball and launched it into Justin at second base. Amanda tapped the base with plenty of time to spare.
"That was a nice hit," Justin told Amanda, giving her a high five. "Do you play softball?"
"No!" Amanda laughed.
Justin grinned at her. "Maybe you should." While Rich faced Brian at the plate, Amanda and Justin continued their small talk. Then, it got a little deeper. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Amanda hesitated. She had a boyfriend, but they were thinking of breaking up. "Um..."
"You do?" He was obviously disappointed.
"I think we're gonna break up. He's been a jerk lately. I want to break up, but I don't. You know?"
"Uh huh," Just said absently. He watched Brian pitch a ball.
"Why?" Amanda wondered.
"Cause I wanted to ask you out," he replied honestly. A huge smile spread over Amanda's face.
"Let's go guys," Drew said, taking off his glove. "Rich struch out."
Justin looked down at Amanda. "If you decide to break up, call me," he suggested sweetly. He supplied Amanda with hi number, and she instantly memorized it.
Katie tossed Amanda her glove, and they walked together to the outfield. "Katie! We're both going out with a guy from 'N Sync!" Katie's face lit up. "Well, I didn't say yes to Justin yet, but I got his digits," she bragged, quoting her future boyfriend.
Hurrying to a seat by Lance on the bench, Justin almost tripped over Erin's legs. "Lance," said Justin, trying to get his attention.
"I liked the swimming part," Erin told Isaac. They were talking about Hanson's video, Road to Albertane.
"Shhh," hissed Rebekah. She tuned into Justin and Lance's conversation.
"I asked Amanda out," Justin admitted.
"Do you think that was a good idea?"
Justin shrugged. "What can I say? You inspired me!" Lance smiled and stared at Katie in the outfield.
