Lupe Throws Like A Girl

“Take it easy. I told you it would work.” David helped drag Lupe’s team gear to the dugout. “Look, there’s Amelia coming across the field in her uniform. She looks like the Pied Piper of softball.” A trail of young girls ran alongside Amelia and reached out to give her high fives.

“Get ready with the camera.” Lupe tried to corral the kids onto the bench for a photo and a pep talk. “Sit here, Amelia. We’re ready.” Amelia was having a ball, pretending to be some kind of superstar.

While David snapped photos, Lupe couldn’t help but scan the bleachers behind the bench. She was anxious to see Carlos arrive with Celina. She was worried about the team mothers hearing more gossip, now the truth, about her and Carlos.

“Which of you girls want to play with our team today?” Lupe tried her best to sound enthusiastic and inviting. The little girls’ hands shot up in the air.

“I do! I do!” At least Lupe could stop worrying about not having enough players to finish her game.

“Amelia, would you lead our new players into the outfield and show them where to stand?” With such a young team, Lupe knew few, if any, hits would make it as far as the outfield.

“You got it, Coach. Come on, team.” Amelia led her fans onto the field.

It was then that Lupe spotted Carlos and Celina approaching. Carlos barely raised his hand to give her a wave and looked away as soon as their eyes met. He bent down to talk to Celina, then gave her a little pat on the behind to send her over toward Lupe.

“Go team!” The opposition’s bench was starting to fill up, including the two girls who played with Lupe until their mothers removed them at the last minute. There was a lot of enthusiasm from the other side. Lupe spotted Betty Brewer and her gossipy friend scowling at her and whispering with their hands held up to cover their mouths. Betty Brewer even had the nerve to point to Carlos in the opposite bleachers.