Hope's Chance(77)

I pulled back and watched as she mouthed the same words to me. Figuring this might be our last time together, at least for a while until I either recovered from Mark beating the shit out of me, or somehow being arrested for sleeping with a minor, I started washing Hope’s hair. She closed her eyes and didn’t fight me. When I started to do my own and then wash my body, I saw the tears in her eyes. She knew why I was taking my time, and her fear matched mine. Before turning off the water, I gave her one last kiss over her lips.

“It will be okay. I promise.” I whispered.

I turned off the water and reached for a towel for Hope first. I got her out and grabbed a towel for myself. When I made it to the hallway I peeked out realizing Mark was sitting in a chair with his back facing us. Buffy was sitting across from him, not even noticing me standing in a towel. I grabbed Hope and led her into my bedroom so that she could get dressed at least.

Before I could even find shorts, she was already fully dressed, sitting on the edge of my bed. I threw on my shorts and kissed her one more time, trying not to get choked up over it.

When I headed out to the living room, I knew it had only been about ten minutes in total from the time they had come into the apartment. I threw on a t-shirt as I made my way into the room, where Buffy and Mark sat waiting.

“Morning you two. What’s up?” Even though I knew what was up. I tried not to look Mark in the eye as I sat down next to my sister.

Mark had both hands on the ends of the chairs arms. To me, it seemed like he was trying to control his temper. I could feel the beads of sweat already starting to form across my forehead, even though I had just got out of the shower. I didn’t care if he hauled off an hit me. I had gone against his word time and time again. There was no way he would understand how I felt about her. This could only end badly.





Chapter 44


Chance


I was prepared for anything. If he wanted to call me out about being with his daughter, I was going to tell him the truth. I was in love with her and probably had been since the first day I met her. She made me want to live again and I couldn’t imagine spending one day without her.

When his mouth opened, I hung my head high and waited.

“So as you know the wedding in just a month away. Your sister and I took the day yesterday and drove a few towns over to shop for Christmas. I realize that this may be too forward of me to ask, but I wanted to know if Hope had talked to you about school? I know that you help her study all of the time and I think it has been a big influence on her. Did you know she hates school?” Mark asked.

So far, I wasn’t getting the crap beat out of me.

“Yeah, she mentioned it a few times. And to answer your question, no, she never really talks about it. Why? What’s up?”

Mark looked over at Buffy and then back to me. “Chance I have some connections here in Virginia. I have made several calls on your behalf and I personally went to college with the baseball recruiter over at Virginia Tech. I know I should have talked to you first, but I felt so bad for sending you away to South Carolina. I want you to know that I trust you and that I am sorry.”

“I’m sorry. I am not following you?” I said.

“My friend, who is the recruiter, he knew of you Chance. He watched you play in high school, but you had already picked Penn State. Anyway, his short stop broke his leg last week and they say he won’t be able to play for at least a year. I told him how you lived with us and were planning on enrolling at the community college next semester. After explaining everything that happened, he pulled your transcripts and saw your high grade point average. They want you to play for them Chance, at least for one year. What do you say about that? Would you like to go back to school at a University instead of a community college?”

I was shocked. This had nothing to do with Hope, but actually everything to do with her. “I am kind of in shock right now. Do I need to give you an answer right now? I had already enrolled at the community college.” I said.

“He needs to know, before they look into other options Chance. I need to know by week end.”

I was in shock. Who was this guy? How did he know all of these important people? My mother always said ‘Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth’ and I finally got it! “Wow, well I want to say yes, but I think I need a couple days to think about it. I feel like I am dreaming.

“Why did you ask about Hope?” I had to ask.

“Well we figured if Hope saw you going there, she would want to follow. She looks up to you, almost like you are her brother.” Mark replied.

Holy shit! Her brother? He was so wrong…

“Okay, well give me a few days. I will let you know what I decide by lunch time.” I watched as he and Buffy got up and started leaving. “Mark thanks.” I said.

“We just want you to be happy Chance.” Buffy said as they walked out.

I watched them enter into the main house and locked my door. I needed to start doing that.

“Hope you can come out baby. They are gone now.”

My girlfriend came walking out of the bedroom. Her face was expressionless.

I grabbed her into my arms and kissed her on the forehead. “That was close. I have got to lock that door when you spend the night.”

Hope sat down on the couch and I sat across from her on the chair. “What are you going to do Chance?” She asked.