Chapter Twenty-Seven

Indya

Atlas stayed at the apartment with us after game eight. Today is their off day before the final game, whoever wins this one is the winner of the World Series. Atlas said he would more than likely be at the clubhouse with the team for most of the day, but will come back when they are released.

Which is fine, I have plenty of company crowding our little apartment. Both of Atlas' siblings are here along with the three of mine, Amara, Haven, and obviously, me, but Samantha is also here. Since she and Atlas reunited, she has become more interested in my life as well as Haven's. She is even taking classes to learn sign language.

Samantha and I are sitting at the dining room table, everyone else is scattered between the bedrooms and living room. We have been talking about her new cottage she recently bought, which we have plans of visiting soon, it sounds gorgeous. Her house finally sold; she gave the entire amount to her now ex-husband. She told him if he signed the papers and made the divorce quick and painless, he could have all the money from the sale of the house. No one was shocked the divorce was finalized within a week.

"So, I have an idea I would like to run by you," Samantha says, leaning in, like she is about to tell me the secret of life. I lean in as well, because that is just what you do when another woman leans into you, you never know what will come from one of our mouths.

"Okay, hit me with it," I respond in an excited whisper. Samantha giggles, shaking her head at my excitement.

"I think I am going to plan another charity gala. This one specifically catered to Riverside Legends. I want to give away multiple baseball scholarships to those who can't afford the camps and training, even to be on the team at school," she starts, her eyes are so bright, I can tell she is excited about the event.

"I think that would be an awesome charity to raise money for. There are a lot of kids in the community that would be thrilled to be able to play and the parents not having to worry where the money is going to come from to allow them to play," I respond, getting excited with her.

"Even though my children never had to go through that, I remember what it cost when Van and Atlas went to those camps and trainings and even when they were playing for school, the prices were ridiculous. I figure this is a way to celebrate the Legends for making it this far, whether they win or lose tomorrow, something good will be coming from it. I better go then I have lots to do and no time to do it in. I'll let you know the details as soon as I have a concrete plan," she explains as she starts gathering her stuff to leave.

Before she gets to the door, Haven stops her, giving her a hug goodbye. The warmth that is in Samantha's eyes when she looks at my daughter, is something I thought I would never see when I first met her. Samantha has taken on the role of grandmother to Haven and doesn't even realize it. She gives me a wave, and heads out the door.

Atlas ended up going to his condo last night, he said they stayed late strategizing today's game. We won't see him until the game is over. I am glad we still have the home advantage, because traveling to Texas again would be exhausting.

Haven comes out dressed in her game gear, bringing me a brush and some hair ties. I want puffs, please, she signs. Once her little puffs are on her head, she runs back into her room, only to come out with a crown on her head. She looks adorable to me and the others around us, but to those on the outside, she probably looks like she can't decide if she wants to be a princess or a ball player. I say, fuck them, why can't she be both.

We all get to the field around the same time, going up to the family box like we have done many times before. I am so nervous, and I am not the one playing. This time Thomas, Atlas's dad, joins us with his new girlfriend. None of us were impressed. I feel like for someone who was so upset about the divorce, he sure did move on quickly. Samantha doesn't seem to care; she is living her best life these days. She is a completely different person that the one I knew months ago.

During the entirety of the game, Haven is at the window, face pressed against it. At this point, she doesn't care about her breath fogging up the glass, she just takes a napkin with her when she is up there, to wipe it away once she can't see.

We are going into the ninth inning and the Rangers are up by two, they bat first. As long as the guys can keep them from scoring, we still have a chance.

A couple of the Rangers players get on base, but none make it home. The first out they received was from Zander striking a batter out, then Danny, the short stop, grabbed a field ball and tossed it to first, for the second out. Finally, the last out was made by Atlas, catching a ball in center field, Emerson tells me it is called a ‘fly out', whatever, he caught the ball and now the Rangers have no more chances to score.

The Rangers are still up by two, then the Legends get their turn to bat. We need three runs, it is bottom of the ninth, and we need three fucking runs. I am so stressed out, all I can do is sit in my seat, bounce my leg, which is more than likely shaking the entire row of seats on either side of me, and chew my nails.

Simms bats first, making it to second, then Bailey is up, moving Simms to third and Bailey to first. Danny is the next batter and strikes out, I see the guys patting his back, trying to cheer him up a bit.

Atlas is doing his ritual at home plate, then focuses on the pitcher. I am now standing next to Haven, and my face may be pressed against the glass along with my hands.

The pitcher throws a fastball, according to the announcer, and Atlas makes the hit, Simms hits home, and not long after, Bailey touches home plate, tying the score. Atlas made it to second before the center fielder had the ball to the second baseman.

Ortiz is up to bat, tied game, Atlas on second, and two outs. This is it I can feel it, he will be the last person to bat, as long as Ortiz can hit him home, we will win. Atlas must have spooked the pitcher when he hit his fastball so hard, sending it out into center field, because the first two pitches are a little wild. On the next pitch, Ortiz gets a strike. The crowd is going nuts, chanting his name, cheering, doing the wave. It must be enough to encourage Ortiz because his next swing connects with the ball sending it into left field.

I focus on Atlas; I have never seen someone run as fast as he does. He is booking it around those bases. The ball reaches the third baseman, but Atlas has already passed by him, at the speed of light. Atlas's foot hits home plate, seconds before the catcher has the ball. The umpire is giving the signal showing that Atlas is safe.

Holy shitballs, they won. They actually freaking did it. Riverside Legends won the World Series. The crowd is going wild. The players are going wild. This has been one of the best games I have ever called. What a ride!

The announcer is going crazy, I am pretty positive he was not supposed to say shitballs while being live, but holy shitballs, we won!

Everyone in the box is going insane, everyone is hugging each other, I think every female in the room is crying tears of joy, well everyone except Thomas's girlfriend, whose name I can't remember. Even Van looks a little teary eyed, but more than that he looks so proud. Proud of his brother, proud of his hometown team.

After all the interviews and celebrations and ceremonies are over, Atlas finally makes it home. Everyone is at his condo waiting for his arrival.

When the elevator door opens, Haven is on her feet, moving as fast as her little legs will take her. Zander, Simms, Danny, and Bailey are walking in behind Atlas as he bends to grab Haven, tossing her in the air.

Her deep husky giggle can be heard above all the chatter and congratulations coming from everyone. I see her sign, I love you, and he hugs her, saying the words to her, so she can feel the vibration from his words. She has told me many times, she likes it when he does that, because it makes her feel like she can hear his voice. Of course, I cried like a baby after that, but he does that all on his own, I have never told him what she said about it, neither has she.

After waiting for Atlas to hug his mom, Van, and Lyra. I make my way to him. I thought that it would be best for his family to be one of the first ones to congratulate him on the win. Haven on the other hand, had other ideas.

As I stand in front of him, I smile, he smiles, then he is lifting me up, our mouths connected. "I am so proud of you, Atlas. You did it! You made your dream a reality. I am in awe of you," I tell him in between each kiss.

"Thank you, Indy, but my dreams have changed, but they still became a reality. I just didn't know you and Haven were my dream until it became my reality. Winning the World Series was just the icing on the cake. I love you," he responds, taking the kiss deeper.

"I love you."

Everyone cleared out of the condo a couple of hours later. The only one left besides Haven and me, is Samantha. She wanted to talk to both of us about the charity gala and get some input. Haven fell asleep hours ago, and is in the room she has claimed as hers. So, we figure now is a good time to talk everything out.

She has explained again about how she wants to raise enough money to have several baseball scholarships, whether it be used for camp, training, the team at your school, pretty much anything as long as it is baseball related. She tells us she wants to have it at the Kridel Grand Ballroom inside Portland's Art Museum. Making it a fairytale themed gala, the vision she gives us is breathtaking.

"I have decided that Riverside Legends players and coaches will be able to attend with their families at no charge, my thanks to all of them for taking such good care of you all these years." Samantha's eyes are glossy, and I know that this is a lot of work for her, she told me for this gala, she is hands-on.

"That sounds magical, Samantha. When are you thinking of hosting it?" I ask, already planning another trip to Dress Me Up to see Maggie.

"Well, uhm, yeah, that is what I wanted to talk to you both about. I reserved the area for December 17th. I know it is just a couple weeks away and so close to Christmas, but I thought the snow would give it a magical feel on the outside. So, what do you all think?" Samatha looks so nervous, I almost break out into laughter.

My face lights up, as Atlas stiffens next to me. "I think that is a fantastic way to celebrate our team, and help kids in the process." I jump up and wrap my arms around her neck, so she knows how excited I am for this event.

"Indy, are you sure you don't have a problem with the date? You know, since it is your birthday and all," Atlas asks looking concerned, Samantha stiffens in my arms.

"Oh, dear, I didn't realize it was your birthday, I can see if I can move some things around, it will be trouble," Samantha says, shocked. I am not sure what it is about people thinking birthdays are some awesome day, but it was just another day while I was growing up. I didn't start celebrating my birthday until I graduated college, and that was all because of Amara.

"I think this will be a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday. All my favorite people in one place. Besides you made it a kid friendly event, the look on my daughters' face when we arrive will be the best gift anyone could give me." I try to say it without my voice trembling, but just thinking of the look on Haven's face, which is just priceless.

"I can't wait to see her reaction, myself. Well, I am glad I didn't plan it on her birthday. Wait, when is her birthday?" Samantha asks, looking appalled that she doesn't have this information already.

"Mom," Atlas laughs, "Haven's birthday is December 18th."

"I had her a day after I turned eighteen," I add.

Samantha's eyes bulge, "You had a baby the day after your birthday! I couldn't imagine. My word, Indya, you are a superhero. You graduated high school with the highest of honors, then moving along to do the same in college, all while having a baby. To have the fears that grew with you from foster care, my sweet, sweet, girl, you are a force to be reckoned with." I get a lump in my throat at her kind words, I didn't even realize she knew all of that about me. I am truly touched.

"Thank you, Samantha," I whisper, trying to hide the emotion in my voice. That does not go unnoticed by Atlas though.

Atlas pulls me to his lap, holding me tight. "She is right, you know, you are a phenomenal woman," he whispers in my ear.

I look at him from beneath my lashes and his gaze is filled with nothing but pure intoxicating love. I press my lips against his, not meaning for it to go deeper than something sweet. The next thing I know, I hear the elevator door close, Samantha nowhere in sight.

Atlas lifts me by my thighs, my legs automatically going around his waist, taking me straight to his bed.