Smoky Darling by S.J. Tilly EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available for Free Download
- Authors: S.J. Tilly
- Language: English
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Format: PDF / EPUB
- Size: 2 MB
- Price: Free
Age 7
“MOVE IN, LOU’S UP!” BRANDON’S SNEER GOES STRAIGHT INTO MY CHEST,
but I’m not gonna let him scare me away. Not today.
Clenching my fists at my sides, I step up to the chalk outline of home
plate.
The other kids chuckle as they all take a few large steps forward.
Kick the ball. Just kick the stinkin’ ball and pretend it’s Brandon’s stupid
face.
Pulling in a deep breath, I poof out my cheeks as I exhale.
Focus.
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Brandon laughs as he shares a look with the kid guarding first base.
I squeeze my fists tighter. I’m making it to that freaking base.
“Just pitch the damn ball!” I shout the words, surprising us both.
His eyes narrow, “Whatever you say.”
Brandon spins the kickball one more time before he cradles it in his right
hand, pulls his arm back, then sends the ball flying across the blacktop
towards me.
I take a couple stutter steps forward, trying to time my strides perfectly.
Closer.
Closer.
One more step and I kick out with all my might, my toe connecting with
the rounded rubber surface.
Except the ball doesn’t rise off the ground. Instead it skids across the
blacktop, straight towards Brandon.
Crap!
Kids are already yelling about me being Out, but there’s no quitting. Not
today. Not for me. So, I run.
My legs pump, moving as fast as I can towards the manhole cover
marking first base.
Brandon shouts something, but I don’t listen. I just keep running.
Footsteps sound behind me, and I know Brandon’s chasing me so he can
tag me out. But he hasn’t thrown the ball to the kid on first base so I have a
chance.
The distance between me and my goal is shortening.
I’m going to make it!
A sudden shove to my back sends me flying forward.
The tips of my shoes scrape against the road as I try – and fail – to catch
my balance. Instead of screaming, I feel the air freeze in my lungs as I brace
for impact.
I have just enough time to extend my arms and close my eyes before my
palms, then knees, slam into the unforgiving street. There’s a second of shock
before the stinging pain hits my system.
Don’t cry. Don’t you dare cry!
I’m surrounded by silence. Everyone waiting to see what I’ll do.
“Hey, Asshole!” My brother’s angry shout breaks the quiet.
My eyes are still pinched closed, but I can hear the sound of footsteps
scattering in every direction. Everyone running for their lives.
Brandon might think he’s cool, because he’s a 5
th grader, but my brother
is in middle school.
I want to watch them all flee like the cowards they are, but I’m afraid to
move. If I don’t move, maybe the pain will go away.
Still trying to catch my breath, I focus my attention on the soft bounce
bounce bounce of the dropped ball.
James crouches down next to me, “You okay, Lou?”
Opening my eyes, I nod, not sure I won’t cry if I try to talk out loud.
I hear more steps approach and I’m sure it’s Tony, my brother’s best
friend. They’re always together.
“James, toss me that ball.”
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