Art, Poem, etc. thread

[jennaceeta25]

very nice work, Tab!
I feel bad for the guy..I hope he finds someone in the story.
More please, Tab!

[tabatha]

i should be able to write some more tonight and post it tomorrow. he meets somebody.

[jennaceeta25]

thanks Tab.
You got me writing too! lol.

[tabatha]

Chris always came prepared for the game. Ready to go. He played most nights. So when he came an noticed his name not on the line up card he was pissed. What the hell was this? He got a couple of hits last night, and this is what he gets. Deflated, he tossed his equipment to the side, walked slowly to the bench, bowed his head, and sat down. Yet another long night lay ahead for him.


The night wore on at a snail’s pace. The guys around him were joking and laughing. Chewing gum, talking about baseball, what else, and some fan they saw in the stands. He usually joked along with them, but he wasn’t in the mood for it tonight. He hoped his mom wasn’t seething in the stands. That was the last thing that he needed.
Bruce started talking about Claire, but Chris was too tired to care. Too anything really. His team was leading, but it didn’t matter. Nothing did. Some nights he wondered why he bothered coming out here. Sure he loved it a passion at times. But like tonight, he resented it. Hated everything it stood for. The fans, the field, the game itself. Most of all, his complete failure. Deep down he wanted to get up, uniform still on, and just drive. Didn’t care where.
For the most part, Chris was grounded. But a little piece wanted to fly. Just get out of dodge. Leave without looking back. Maturity was over rated. Didn’t drink, didn’t go out much. Never smoked. Not that it mattered, he had chewing tobacco. Hated that too. Didn’t even know why he started. Played video games, hung out with the guys. Never dated much. He flirted every now and again.
People always looked to Chris to be bigger than life. To know all the answers. To be well groomed, nice, the all American kid. Give people the time of day he so wanted for himself. The kids, he adored, and for the most part stuck around for them. But even he had days where he just wanted to sulk. Hated doing that to the kids. He’d remember faces, hope to see them again, sometimes did. He’d apologize, sign for them, told them not to give up on him, or themselves. Young boys and girls nodded. Eyes big with wonder. He loved seeing himself in their eyes. Felt worth while. Special. Needed. Things were just begining for them.
He had been a kid not too long ago. Watching his favorite players gun out runners, throw sinkers, sliders, fast balls. Run like the wind. And Chris loved the bigger than life players. Just wasn’t sure he would be one in the long run. That feeling came again. That deep in the gut, oh crap, feeling. Like something bad was about to happen. It felt, dark. Oppressive. His stomach churned. Something didn’t always happen, but he felt it coming on.
Just then he heard the crack of the bat, then watch in horror, as the pitcher threw to the first basemen. He threw out his arm to tag the runner, like a clothes line. The runner had his head down running, and hit Tom the wrong way. His wrist snapped, the look of pain appeared on his face. He crumpled on the ground, glove still on, as he cradled his arm to his chest. Chris clenched his eyes shut. Nothing was worse than a sports injury.

[jennaceeta25]

Oh gosh. Tom!
I hope he's not badly hurt.
Wonderful writing as always, Tab.
more, maybe? please?

[tabatha]

here's tammi. i always have a part of me in the characters. this one is obvious.

Tammi breathed out a long sigh. Man, it was hot. She was from the Midwest. It was hot and humid there too. To the point she rarely went outside unless it was sorely needed. As a teen she worked with the vet and local animal shelters. Making sure the animals had food, and water. And if too hot, shade or if they should go in to cool off. Her favorite animal to work with was horses. Yeah, some were mean, others stubborn. But smart, and when she had a bad day, one always came up to her, nudged her. How Tammi loved that horse. She still missed that big old bay. Her cousin’s husband adopted her. And she made visits when she could. Belle was her nickname.
The heat pushed down on her again. She remembered a game at old Busch Stadium, her and a friend went. It was a game in early September. Hot and muggy. It was 91 degrees. At night for crying out loud. The Cardinals and The Mets. Oh how she hated that team. Jimmy ‘ballgame’ hit a homer in bottom of the 9th. They went home happy that night. So the heat wasn’t a problem. Hard to believe he was wearing Cubbie blue now. He looked better in Cardinal red. But that’s how it goes.
She still couldn’t believe her luck. Her boss was thinking of letting her switch to being a beat sports writer. Oh how she loved the game. The love lasted for nearly two decades. And her team’s triple a affiliate. Even better. Tammi blushed. She meant to stop by and introduce herself to the guys. But seen Chris in a towel and lost her nerve. She was a big fan of his. But admitted that seeing him shirtless made her stomach flutter just a little. He had muscles. Who knew? Nice smooth yet firm back. She always loved a man’s back. It spoke of strength.
She shook her head clear. Tonight was just testing out things. She was going to blog about it. Get into form. Let’s hope she wouldn’t screw this up too badly...

On her trusty laptop under the screen name C. A. 4, Chris’s initials and number, she started her new blog. Worried it would take a while to put it into words. Instead, it was typed with a flourish. Describing the game with vivid detail. Even having some stats without having to look it up. She stayed up well past midnight researching articles about Chris. They were wanting her to write a book about him. She’d hope that he’d agree to it.
Tammi heard different things about him. None too bad. He was shy around certain reporters. While he liked to sign autographs for kids when ever he could, some days he wouldn’t even come out of the dugout. Forbid anyone have one of those days where it took a lot out of you and you were selfish. It happened. But she felt for the kids at the same time. It must of hurt.
Then there was the autograph sessions with adults. The kid just came out of high school. Yes, he was one of the best on that team, tied a record for that same school. And just killed the ball. And he threw too. But he switched positions in his senior year. To center field. And was clocked at throwing 94 mph. Jeeze, he had an arm on him still.
To be from a baseball town, to the lime light had to of been crazy. One day you were barely making it by, the next you are signing a bonus of nearly a million dollars. Leaving home to play ball in towns you never heard of. Leaving some buddies behind, trying to make new ones. And yet stay humble through it all. He wanted to keep working at it. To get better. Some guys just coasted. Others worked from dawn to dusk just to even get a chance. Those were her favorite players. Took nothing for granted. Ryan Ludwick. Once considered a top prospect. Injuries took over and nearly ended his career. Fractured hip, bum knee, four or five different surgeries. But he kept pushing, never thought he’d become what he dreamed of.
Next thing you knew, he was on the Cardinals roster. Playing outfield with some guy named Jim Edmonds. Hitting in the line up with all-star Albert Pujols. Hitting homers, moon shots really, in games. Then he’s in the all star, his dear friend and wife, about to have their first child. And he always praised his team mates. Especially his fellow out fielders he played in the minors with. Even if it meant they started a game over him.
Chris could easily get hurt, turn cold, hate the game. But could he come back. Tammi’s gut said yes. Something in him was so unique others dreamed of having it. But Tammi wanted to know the person behind the game. Something called out to her. She had to find out what it was about.

[jennaceeta25]

Ooooh, I see a LOVE connection going on, Tab!
Go for it!
I this story!

[tabatha]

thank u. wish i could of written more last night. by tummy hurt. feeling better now.

[jennaceeta25]

So your tummy is better?
that's good. take your time. I know, writing is very hard.
I only written about a paragraph..

[tabatha]

i written more in chapter 1, but had to type up this part. chris the character was saying 'everyone has someone, why not me'

“Just stop.” Chris told her in a patient tone. “Just stop all ready. I’m sick to death of baseball. Can’t a guy just get away from it all. It’s my job, but stop trying to shove it down my throat like everyone else. There’s other things to me, in my life, besides the game. I’d wish you’d understand that.”
Tammi took a step back. Shocked as ever. Had glimpses of that mentality. Waiting for it to come to a head. It did. “Okay. Then what do you want? I can leave, if you want to be alone.” She started, only to have Chris walk closer.
“No, that’s not what I want. Don’t go, please.” He murmured.
“Then, what do you want? I can’t read your mind.”
“It’s a good thing too. It wouldn’t be pretty if you seen my thoughts.” She raised a brow at that. “Stay. I know you love the game. That’s great. You are my fan.” He swallowed, that was still odd to say. “You want what’s best for me. Bust my butt when needed, there when things aren’t right. Tammi, stop using our jobs as some kind of excuse. I want a relationship, away from the game, away from the field. I know you want a friend. But I want more. Are you willing to do that? Stop being ‘just’ my friend?”
That held her in her tracks. Heart picked up speed. Of course! But how to say it with out looking like some kind of fool. He made the decision for her. His lips dipped down to gently cover hers. Seemed to breathe everything in. Tammi swayed into him. Against his chest, Chris’s heart beat just as wildly as hers.

[jennaceeta25]

wow, I'm speechlees! seriously..
that was insane, keep going!!!!!!!!!!!!
;D ;D ;D

[tabatha]

from chap 1

Chris sat in the ER waiting room. He hated having to wait until the game was over to drive over here. Tom played for The Wichita Storm. Stan felt guilty for doing it. Knowing full well he didn’t mean to. Pacing the small area. Hand rubbing back and forth over his top lip. Didn’t notice anything but the glaring lights off the tiles.
He himself recalled a bad play in left center field. Just learned the basics of that position in the outfield. He ran out to get the ball, while Derek was doing the same. Neither called out. Didn’t see one another. The collision caused a separated shoulder for Derek. And a slight concussion for Chris.
They waited long hours before any news on Tom was official. Fractured wrist. No damage to ligaments for the like. It was set, and ready for a cast. Right now in a sling. He was staying the night to keep a watch on him and give him more meds. All went well. Nothing to be afraid of. Stan sighed. Went over to the young Asian doctor and told him to give a message to his patient. He nodded then went back through the doors to the ER.

[jennaceeta25]

well written so far!
Can't wait for more!
Wonder what Stan whispered to the doctor...

[tabatha]

here's a lil more from chapter1
***************************
Leaving the hospital Chris just turned on his cell phone and got a call. “Hello?”
“Hey. You still up?”
“Well, you did call me...”
He heard Ethan’s sigh on the other end. What now?
“Things aren’t going right. My shoulder is just not behaving the way it wants to. Maybe I should quit while I’m ahead.”
That made Chris pause. Ethan, quit? No way. He was waiting for the bombshell. It made him jump.
“Kay thinks she might be pregnant. And I’m not making much in the minors. Hell, I can’t even throw. How can I pitch? I got money in savings, but what if she is? I have to support her and the baby. I can’t tell mom, she’ll freak!”
“Ethan, our parents have been there.” He muttered.
“And didn’t want us to fall into that so soon. Not all of us can be like you.” Chris swallowed a lump in his throat.
“What do you mean by that?” But he knew. How he hated it.
“Look, Chris. You’re higher up. The oldest, closest to your goals. Not worried about if your girl is having your baby. Still ranked high. You played for team USA for crying out loud. What do you have to complain about. And to top it all off, you’re pouting about it.”
“Ethan, give me a break. For the smart one, you sure didn’t use your brains. I’ve been there, done that. But I was smart enough to protect us both.” He began.
“I love Kay. We’re both safe.”
“That wasn’t the point. The point is, she may or may not be pregnant. There’s birth control, among other things to prevent these things. Look, I’m happy for you, and Kay. But if turns out to be a false alarm, let it be a lesson.”
“Wow. Saying we wouldn’t be good parents, is that it?”
For them being close, they sure got into arguments a lot. “No, jerk. Just young. Our parents did a great job. But it was hard on them, on us. I just want what’s best for you, Kay, and my future nephew or niece.”
“I’m scared, man.”
“It’s okay to be scared. Just stay rational. Have her take the test. Support her. Be there. Talk to dad. He’ll know what to say. He’s been there before. With me.” And that lay heavily on his shoulders. If it weren’t for him, would his dad push it as far, as quickly as he did? A better career. Part of him knows, he loved coaching him and his brothers. But the what if comes a lot. It was one of those nights.
“Look, I’m sorry Chris. You made me look at things differently. I didn’t mean to be so...jealous. Things look good for you from where I’m at.”
“Well, it’s not as good as they seem, believe me.”
“Seen Claire much?” Chris growled. “Haha. She was, well, you know.” Oh how well he knew. His hormones ruled that relationship. Bad idea all around. Now he just looked at her and seen a spoiled little girl in need of love. But he wasn’t the one to give it. He pitied her, but he didn’t love her. He thought he did. What they shared, deep down he cared for her. But it wasn’t enough. “Turned quiet on me.”
“Sorry. Just reliving the past.”
“Don’t, not worth it. Well I’ll let you call it a night. Back to re habbing my shoulder tomorrow...” With that Ethan hung up the phone. Chris sighed, drove the rest of the way home, changed, and went to bed. Too tired to shower. In the morning, he’d take two.

[jennaceeta25]

I'm speechless.
That was lovely, Tab!
Is Ethan, Chris' brother than?