Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan Read Free Book Online Page B

uncontrollably onto the gym floor. I feel like I’m going to die.
    Coach Phillips sits down next to me. “You know, Biggie, more than forty kids will try out for this team and two-thirds of them will hear what you’re going to hear, and they have played baseball every summer for a decade. I’m sure you would love to pitch, and for some schools you probably could. But here at Finch, we can’t have any rookies. We win championships; we don’t hold training camps. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
    â€œI can do this, sir,” I spit out.
    â€œI’m sorry, son,” Coach says, “but there’s no place for you on my team.”
    As Coach walks away, Kyle comes over and hands me a plastic water bottle. “You threw some nice strikes, Biggie. It’s just too bad you’re out of shape. Have you ever thought about getting a personal trainer?”
    I hand the cup back to him and lie, “I’m fine.”
    Later that night, I struggle to get to sleep. I keep thinking about the three perfect pitches. For a brief moment, I think a personal trainer may help, but then reality sets in. I can’t even run ten feet without almost having a heart attack. I’m way past a personal trainer. I’m a lost cause.
    My phone vibrates and Lucy’s picture appears with her crooked, cheerful smile, her tiny hazel eyes, and freckles.
    â€œHey, Lucy,” I say.
    â€œI’ve been waiting all night to ask. How was the meeting? Did you show the coach your pitch?”
    Ignoring the question, I mumble, “Lucy, I have to tell you something about me. I’m really, really fat.”
    â€œHenry, I’ve seen your picture.” She chuckles.
    â€œNo, it’s worse than you think. I’m not overweight. I’m not even obese. I’m something worse, off the charts. I can’t run, walk right, or throw a ball without falling to the ground to catch my breath. I’m really, really fat and I don’t deserve anyone.” I hang up on her and drop the phone onto the blanket. With the meat of my palms, I wipe the tears off my cheeks. The phone lights up again and there is Lucy’s crooked smile. I press the power button until the phone disappears into the black.

Chapter 8
    Close Your Eyes and Throw
    I can’t sleep. As slivers of Sunday morning sunshine pierce through open columns between my window blinds, I decide to give up on a good night’s rest. For the past five hours, I’ve gazed at the ceiling. My eyes are bloodshot from tears and lack of sleep. It’s no use. My body will not relax, my eyes won’t shut, and my brain won’t quit replaying what happened last night in the gym.
    I need to quit thinking about sports and get back to what makes me great.
    Lying on a shelf is my four-hundred-page government textbook with a backdrop of a bald eagle flying next to an American flag. As I stare at the book, calm comes over me. For the first time since I shut my bedroom door five hours ago, I feel like I’m home.
    As I read about city government ordinances, my mom turns the doorknob.
    â€œAre you okay?” She peeks inside.
    â€œI’m fine, Mom. Just studying,” I answer. Of course I’m fine. I’m sitting in my room. I’m studying for a test that I’ll ace. I’m in my zone. I couldn’t be happier.
    â€œJim told me about the meeting.” She gives me a look like my grandpa died or something.
    I know she’s dying to ask me if I will go back again and beg for a spot on the team.
    â€œI just wanted to check it out,” I say. “Maddux talked me into it. It was dumb and I’m glad it’s over.”
    Ignoring me, she begins a sales pitch. “Jim said he would teach you how to play if you’re serious about being a Yellow Jacket.”
    â€œWell, I’m not, so it’s fine,” I interrupt. “Tell him that’s okay.”
    â€œI’d just like to