Chapter Twenty-Five

Indya

Today is day one, of the World Series, Riverside Legends is playing against the Texas Rangers, who won the series last year, so I am told. All the guys are nervous, I could tell just by looking at them yesterday. This is a dream for a lot of these guys, so I am happy to a part of it and enjoy the ride with them.

I am just about to jump in the shower, before Haven wakes up from her nap, so I can get ready. The games for the World Series are all around eight in the evening and go by eastern time. But here in Oregon, it will only be five p.m. when they start the game, so I had Haven down about two hours after she normally takes her nap. By the time I wake her up, I will be dressed and ready to go, and I will just need to get her in her lucky outfit.

As I close the door, my phone rings, I don't look at the caller ID, I just answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Uh, is this Indya?"

"This is she. How may I help you?" Whoever is on the other end of this call sounds familiar, I just can't place a name or face to the voice.

"I am sorry to call you again, so out of the blue, but can I ask you something?" I pause, is this person not going to address who they are?

"May I ask who is calling?"

"Oh, I am so sorry, this is Samantha. Samantha Kensington. Atlas's mom."

Oh, my goodness, why is his mom calling me again? I really don't want to be the in between person in this war zone.

"What can I do for you Mrs. Kensington. I did pass along your last message, but I can't make him do something he does not want to do," I tell her, making sure that she understands, I am not going to be the gopher for her or for Atlas.

"I know you did, dear. I actually wanted to speak to you, if that is alright," Samantha sounds nervous, which is freaking me out. I didn't get the vibe from her that she gets nervous talking to people.

"If it has anything to do with Atlas, then I am sorry, I can't help you with that. I underst—"

"No, no, dear, nothing like that," she cuts me off, then continues, "I wanted to apologize to you. I understand that the way that I acted around you was not appropriate, professional, or called for. I am sorry for any hurt I may have caused you, in any of the actions that I have taken since you met my son. I wanted to meet in person and not do this over the phone because I feel as though apologies over the phone are not as sincere as they are when people are face to face," she rambles on. I am actually shocked.

"I have seen how women are when they see or meet someone who has a wealthy lifestyle, the things they do to trap them, just to get a payout. I judged you prematurely, so I apologize for that."

"I appreciate that, Mrs. Kensington, I really do, I accept your apology. Honestly, it is now water under the bridge," I tell her truthfully,

She is quiet on the phone for so long, I check the screen to make sure we are still connected and she didn't hang up on me again.

"Mrs. Kensington, are you still there?" I say after the silence starts weirding me out.

"Please, dear, call me Samantha. But yes, I am still here. I know you said you didn't want to get involved in whatever is going on between Atlas and I, but could I ask your advice on something?"

I give her the go ahead to ask and what she says blows my entire mind and breaks my heart.

"I know that I have done some horrible things when it comes to my children. The way I was raised, as well as their father, you don't marry for love, you marry for business. Not like in the mob or whatever, they don't arrange anything. But if the person you are seeing isn't in a high enough class, then your family will forbid you from marrying them. Connections, reputation, social status, having the best of the best and never letting anyone else surpass you.

"Sorry, I was rambling. I didn't think the feelings you had for my son were genuine. I thought he just had a crush, nothing serious, you are a stunning woman, so I know that he wouldn't have looked past you. What I am trying to say is I've seen the way you are together, the connection you have, I felt the current in the air when you were standing together," Samantha's voice softens, as if she is remembering a time when she had the same connection but it was taken away from her.

"You mean at the gala? I believe that is the only place I remember you seeing us together," I question, because now I am a little confused on where she is going with this.

"No, not the gala, though you did look stunning, you picked an amazing dress that fit perfectly within the theme I was going for. So, thank you for that. I saw you at dinner one night, months ago. You, Atlas, and a little girl with dark hair and wild curls. Just looking at that little girl put a smile right on my face, giving me a warmth on the inside, I haven't felt for a long time," she coos, Haven seems to have that effect on a lot of people these days.

"Was it the Italian restaurant, in the town over? I think it is called, Casa dei Sogni, that is where you saw us?" I ask, the pieces all coming together.

"Yes, that is my favorite restaurant, not only because they house our wines and their food is delicious, it is my favorite because of the name. It means House of Dreams, how magical is that," she gushes, excited over her favorite place to eat.

"That is beautiful, I didn't know that, that makes me love it even more," I laugh, which causes Samantha to giggle.

"That is where I saw its truth, the connection between the three of you, I felt it, the energy, I felt it all the way at a table near the back. It was a beautiful feeling. Then my past got the best of me. When my children were younger, I swore I would not be the same as what our parents were, and what did I do? I made it worse," she sniffles, sounding angry that her emotions are getting the best of her. I decide to take the reins. I know now, what she wants to ask, she wants my advice on how to get back into the lives of her children.

"Samantha, if you want to be back in Atlas's life, or any of your children, I am not sure what your relationship is like with Van and Lyra, so all I can do is comment on what is going on between you and Atlas. He was hurt when he told you he was stopping all contact between the two of you. He loves you so much, but what you did went too far for him, he didn't know how else to make you understand. He wanted you to know that your actions were not only hurting him, but others, others like the four-year little girl, who absolutely adores him. He feels the same about her, too. Watching them together is so beautiful, it is just like magic.

"If you want to be back in his life you need to change the aspects in yours that caused him to make this decision to begin with. He will not want to hear words—he needs to see actions. I believe deep in my soul, that if sees that you are trying to change and making strides in the right direction, he will give you another chance," I tell her softly. My heart breaks for her, it really does. But if she doesn't change her ways, Atlas will never want to be in her life.

"I appreciate you taking your time to speak to me, Indya. Thank you for the words of advice. I really did judge you before knowing you. If the shoe was on the other foot, I would have cursed you out and hung up the phone. So, thank you. Again, I am sorry for everything. Have a great time at the game. I am going but I won't be in our box. I have friends whose son is on the team, and I will be sitting with them. Have a great day, goodbye." She hangs up before I can respond.

I really hope she can show him actions and not just one or two changes for a few days, she is going to have to work hard to get his forgiveness.

After I hang up with Samantha, I jump in the shower. While I am showering, washing my hair, mama comes to mind.

I felt it, mama. The connection that you told me about. I haven't followed everything you told me before you left me, but I think on the parts I did succeed in, I did extremely well. I didn't love a lot of things growing up, mama, even though you said to, it was just too hard.

Life has been so hard, but I believe my luck is finally changing. Atlas makes me feel everything, loved, safe, protected, and most of all, wanted. I have never felt wanted by anyone, aside from you and daddy, until I met Atlas. We danced among the stars, our connection sparking colors, like the most vibrant fireworks in the sky. It was a beautiful moment; I wish you could have witnessed it.

He not only loves me this way, the way he loves Haven is beyond words. He treats her like a princess, and gives her more love, all the love she needs.

I have started loving things for you, mama. I love the work I get to do, I love the little family I have with Silas, Amara, Emerson, Asia, and Haven, and I love the friends I have gained since moving here. I'm not sure if it was you or fate that led me here.

But if it was you, thank you for leading me to my other half, the one who makes me feel whole. One last thing—thank you for helping me slay the dragon, mama. I love and miss you so much.

Give daddy a hug for me and send him my love as well.

***

It is game time, the anthem has been sung, the hot dogs eaten, and the popcorn is popping. They have this, Riverside Legends have this. The box is full today, Van and Lyra are here, all decked out supporting their brother. Silas, Emerson, Asia, and Amara are also here, they all decided to purchase other players' jerseys. Silas is wearing short stop, Danny Morrison's number six jersey; Emerson is wearing catcher, Bailey Layne's number one jersey; Asia is wearing left fielder, Tony Simmons number seven jersey, and Amara is wearing number thirty-four, our favorite pitcher's jersey, Zander Houston.

Zander gifted Haven with another jersey he had custom made, half of it is his jersey and the other half is Atlas. She looked him straight in the eyes, had a straight face the entire time, and a serious expression glaring out at him and said, Are you crazy right now, Zan? I can't change my shirt during the World games! I can't believe you! I am part of the team now, Zan, my superstitions count too, you know.

Yep, he just stood there and took his scolding like a man. Then tells her it is for next season, which seemed to make her feel better, which made him feel better. Well until she hit him with, well if we win the World games, and get a cup, I will have to keep wearing this, okay? When the magic is gone from this outfit, we will try another one to see if it works.

Again, he just stood there. All Atlas or I could do was laugh, poor Zander was so excited it arrived in time for the first game. Atlas keeps trying to remind Haven it is World Series not World games, this little sassy girl, put her hand on her hip, pushed out said hip, signing with one hand in jerky movements, trying to make her point, she signed, SAME. THING.

She is going to be the death of me when she is a teenager, I just know it. Van told us she is a mixture of Amara and me, a gentle caring person with fire and spunk. Then he thought about it a little more then said he is starting to see Atlas in her looks and personality. I just laughed in his face. It was physically impossible for her to look like Atlas.

Although, she has never had dimples, and suddenly, they are beginning to show. Maybe Van is right, she is getting some of Atlas in looks and personality. I would have zero issues with that.

The game is just about over, here we are at the bottom of the ninth, and we are winning by two runs. No matter what we won this game, the Rangers did not play their best, from what I hear from Emerson, anyway.

We are waiting in the hall across from the locker room, waiting for Atlas to come out. There are a couple journalists waiting beside the door, waiting for the guys to open the door so they can attack their prey.

On the left side of the door is a guy with greasy hair, holding a recorder and some notecards. He is dressed in khaki pants and jacket, with a white dress shirt, which looks more gray than white. Every time he looks our way and licks his lips, I get a chill that runs down my spine.

Beside the creepy guy are two women dressed similarly, dressed to impress, hoping to get the attention of someone huge. Someone that could give them a big pay day if they were interviewed.

On the right side of the door, is another woman, who looks like the complete opposite of the women across from her. She looks like a fairy, if I am being honest, from her strawberry blonde pixie cut, her big blue eyes, pert little nose that tilts upward in the most adorable way. She looks as though she feels out of place, I guess she could be new, and this is her first time in the locker room, attempting to get one of the guys to let you interview them.

Haven keeps staring at her, and I know what she is thinking, she thinks she is Tinkerbell in human form. I nudge her shoulder and when she looks at me, I shake my head at her, her response, an eye roll, a huff, and then goes back to staring at the poor woman. She already looks scared to death; my daughter is probably making her uncomfortable the way she is gawking at her.

Moments later, the door to the locker room opens and they guys start pouring out. Haven and I know better than to move from our spot, Atlas told us that it is mayhem down here due to the journalists. Atlas is never one of the first ones out the door anyway, so we may as well stay put.

As the players pile into the hallway, the fairy takes a step back, her eyes look bigger than they were before, I know that look well, she is scared. As for the others, they are like vultures. They yell a different player's name when the one they called earlier doesn't respond right away. Atlas was right, this is mayhem.

I keep my eye on Tink, the poor woman looks like she is on the verge of a panic attack. I grab Haven's hand, and we fight our way to where the woman stands. Haven is thrilled, she is probably thinking, Atlas is going to yell at us for moving, but it is going to be worth it to meet a real-life fairy. The smile on her face is definitely giving her away.

"Excuse me, ma'am, hi, are you okay?" I ask her, she looks as though she is trying to disappear inside the wall.

"Oh, uh, y-yeah. I'm cool. Are y-you okay?" she asks, which confuses me a little, but I go along with it. If anyone could make someone's stress melt away it is Haven.

"My name is Indya, and this is my daughter, Haven. I don't know if you noticed, but she has been staring at you for an uncomfortable amount of time. She thinks you are Tinkerbell in human form," I whisper the last part, giving her a little wink, so she knows we are not going to harm her.

"Oh! That's new. I mean—" she starts giggling, her cheeks heat, "—I'm not Tinkerbell, but my name is Joey. This place is insane. Sorry. I get a little anxiety-ridden in an outrageous crowd, but I guess I need to get used to it if I want to be taken seriously as a journalist."

My eyes widen, oh my goodness, I bet she is the Joey that Atlas was telling me about. I am smiling so hard, I am probably freaking her out, but who cares? Atlas is going to be thrilled to see her again.

I look down to Haven and tell her my theory, and she gets a look on her face and says, Atlas knew Tinkerbell this entire time and has never brought her over to play. That is so rude. I'm giving his bracelet to Zan for that.

I just laugh, and when I look up Joey has her head tilted to the side, confused. So, I explain, how she is hearing impaired and then tell her what she said about Atlas. She starts to laugh as well. Which is also fairy-like, soft but high pitched. Maybe she shouldn't have worn the green dress that stops a little above her knee with gladiator sandals. She is so giving fairy vibes.

I feel him before I see him, and when I turn, he has a pissed off expression on his face as he stands in the exact spot where we are supposed to be waiting. Haven releases my hand and makes a run toward him. She may be tiny, but she is plowing through the journalists and players standing between her and her destination. When Atlas sees her his face lights up, losing all the irritation that was there just moments ago.

I see him signing, and asking where I am, Haven points our way, his gaze follows her little finger.

"Indy, what I told you it was chaos—" he stops speaking when he sees Joey.

"Joey! How the hell are you?" Atlas exclaims. The last time he saw her was when he went to her job to confront James, but didn't get to speak to her.

"Hi, I'm okay. How about you? Great game by the way," Joey says shyly.

I elbow Atlas in his side, well it is more like his waist, because I am not that tall and he towers over me, getting him to calm down and to actually see she is kind of freaking out right now. Not because of the athletes, but because of the crowd.

"Atlas, where is Zander?" I ask, giving him a smirk. It takes him two seconds to realize what I am going on about, and he is down with the plan for Joey to interview them both.

Zander is still in the locker room, he likes to wait until the journalists leave because he says that they don't care about the game or the player, they care about the paycheck. So, it is rare for anyone to get an interview with him after a game, especially when it isn't one that is scheduled. I grab Joey's hand pulling her along with me, I have a hold of Atlas's belt loop, and he is carrying Haven, so she doesn't get lost in the crowd.

Thankfully it is quiet inside the locker room and Zander and Atlas agree to let Joey interview them both. They were not only impressed by her professionalism, but the questions she asked. If they would have seen her earlier, they would never have believed this was the same woman. She is confident, professional, and very knowledgeable in the sport and all the players. It is really impressive. I am impressed and so are the guys.

Joey and I exchange numbers, and I tell her I need her to meet my best friend, and we all need to hang out. She almost doesn't believe me when I tell her that, but my goal is to make friends, and she gets to be the guinea pig.

Look at me, mama, I am making friends, new ones, not people I meet through other people. Me. I did this, and I think Joey and I are going to be great friends.