Chapter 108

Kadeem

"Hold it like this," Kadeem said. He stepped in close and reached his arm around Ardal's willowy frame. He slid his hand over hers, helping her to steady her bat, feeling a delicate warmth radiating from her body. She turned and smiled at him, the intensity of her gaze making his heart skip.

From across the field, he heard Layla groan in exasperation. "Come on, Deem," Layla shouted. She rolled her eyes so dramatically he could see it all the way to her position on the pitcher's mound.

"Do you want her to be any good," Kadeem shouted, keeping his arm firmly around Ardal's waist. "If so, shut up!"

Ardal turned her head to him, her eyes shining with excitement as she looked into his. "Do you think I'll be good," she whispered.

"Oh yeah," he said, giving her a reassuring grin. "You'll be great."

But it wasn't long before they realized how wrong he was. As soon as the ball was pitched, Ardal froze; clumsy as hell getting to the baseplate if by sheer luck she made a hit in. On top of that, she was an even worse fielder, seemingly distracted and unable to focus on the game.

It was Kadeem's very first coaching gig. Bored over the summer, a collection of the neighborhood kids had formed their own mini softball league. It seemed like Kadeem had more work cut out for him.

Out on the field, Kadeem cupped his hands around his mouth to make sure he could be heard over the noise of the kids playing all around them. "Ardal! Wake up," he called out, striding over to her.

"That ball was coming at you, practically in slow motion. You could have easily knocked him out," he said, pointing to Ethan, who'd made it all the way to second base with his weak hit.

"Thanks a lot," Ethan scoffed, glaring at Kadeem.

Kadeem rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Ardal.

"I'm trying," she said, wiping sweat from her brow. "It's too hot out here, and the sun is in my eyes."

Kadeem reached up and tugged gently on the brim of her hat. "That's what your hat is for," he said, adjusting it so it would block more of the sunlight. "Just try to pay attention," he said sternly.

She sighed and lowered her eyes.

"Okay," he shouted, turning to the team, "Let's call it for today."

The group began to disperse, some still milling about as they sipped their water bottles, while others slung their gear onto their backs and started heading toward the homes that lined the park.

Ardal turned to leave, too, but Kadeem held up his hand to stop her in her tracks. "Wait," he said, firmly, "You're not done yet."

Before Ardal had a chance to protest, Layla sauntered over, hands on her hips.

"Kadeem," she said indignantly, "We've hardly gotten any practice in. Why are you sending everyone home?"

"Because it's already 100 degrees out here and everyone's playing like crap," Kadeem shot back.

Layla crossed her arms defiantly. "I'm not," she said.

Kadeem laughed. "Layla, you and I are two of the oldest kids out here. I don't think that really means as much as you think it does."

His sister's over competitiveness was something that Kadeem used to find incredibly annoying, but at fifteen years old, it was beginning to reach beyond ridiculousness and all he could do was find the humor in it.

"Micah is exactly my age," Layla replied indignantly. "And Andy is 14 like you."

"Okay, whatever," he said. "I'm trying to talk to Ardal, so just move along," he said, waving her away flippantly.

"Fine, enjoy playing with your little crush."

"I will," Kadeem countered.

Layla twirled around with a theatrical flourish, her pony tail swishing.

Kadeem turned to Ardal beside him, who was already pink-faced from the heat, but now red as a lobster with embarrassment.

"Sorry," he said. "I, uh - you're not my crush or anything, by the way."

That was a total lie and the false statement stung at his conscience, though he knew he couldn't reveal how he felt for her. He'd known Ardal for two years and they'd been good friends. There'd always been a connection to her he couldn't put in words, but now a little older, he knew with certainty what he felt.

Still, they were a couple years apart, a distance that was especially sizable now that he was about to start his freshman year in high school. He'd wooed a sophomore girl, Naomi - one of Layla's friends (much to her horror) - and they had filled the summer days with flirtatious laughter by the poolside, slyly ducking behind the concession stand to kiss.

But Kadeem's curiosity remained ever-focused on Ardal - the junior-high aged beauty he couldn't possibly date - the girl he could easily talk to as an equal, despite their age difference; the girl who had no idea the kind of impact she had on everyone around her.

Ardal peeled off her cap and raked her hands through her damp locks, her green apple scent spilling from her tresses. "It's okay," she murmured. "Your sister's kind of a dick."

Kadeem let out a snort of laughter. "Why, Ardal, shame on you. I'm shocked."

Ardal rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.

"C'mon, let's get out of this heat," Kadeem said, motioning towards the dugout. "Also, I'm not sure why you used that particular word for my sister, but somehow, I support it."

"I'm saving the 'b' word for compliments, only," she said, following him to the dugout. "Do you know Dan Mayer? He's an idiot in my grade and he's always calling girls that word. It makes me so mad." She slung off her glove and sat down on the hard wooden bench with an exhausted groan.

"He sounds like a dick, for sure," Kadeem said, reaching for the water bottle he'd left underneath the bench.

"What did you want to talk about," Ardal asked, peering at him warily.

"I think it's time for a pep talk," he said, clapping his hands together.

She crossed her legs and made a face before slumping against the wall.

"Pep talk, not lecture," he added quickly at her expression. "You have a lot of potential. The real makings of a standout - maybe."

Ardal grinned. "Kadeem, you are such a liar."

"I said, 'maybe,' didn't I?" He sighed. "Okay, maybe this is a slight lecture. You could do so much better if you just paid attention, at least. Promise me you'll give it the old college try tomorrow when we play. Nothing would give me more satisfaction than creaming Hart's team."

Ben Hart was the ultimate frenemy - an arrogant know-it-all with whom Kadeem had an ongoing competitive rivalry, although they were teammates on their school baseball team. Still, come lunchtime each day they could usually be found together sitting in the cafeteria or walking to 7-11 for Slurpees after classes.

Ardal murmured her agreement, but Kadeem didn't believe her for a second. He lightly punched her in the arm to get her moving and grabbed her bat and glove to carry as they walked in the stifling heat towards her house.