Louisville Slugger

In the rearview mirror, the girl looking back at me isn’t someone who I really recognize. She’s wearing way too much foundation and concealer and her eyeshadow is too dark for no reason. She wears long sleeves all the time and is constantly apologizing for everything. When did that girl become me? When did I become a girl that hides behind clothing and makeup and doesn’t stand up for myself?

I fix my hair and makeup before slipping my dark sunglasses over my eyes and exit my car. I walk into a familiar house, a house I’ve crashed on the couch one too many times whenever my home life was less than ideal. The Baker’s house was always a second home to me and they were more family than my own.

“Lexi!” I hear two women squeal. I turn and see Maria and Zina running towards me, instantly pull me into a hug. I try and hide the amount of pain I’m in but it fails. Maria pulls away and looks at me questionably. “You okay, Alexandria?” Full name means she’s serious.

“I hurt myself skateboarding, it’s nothing.” I tell her. “You know me, I should stay away from skateboarding but can’t do it. My accident prone self keeps getting on that thing.”

Both of them laugh but Maria is the one to speak, “I remember the amount of times Zack had to race you to the hospital because of that damn thing. You never will learn your lesson will you?”

“Me falling on that thing is how I met your son.” I remind her. “I keep hurting myself to make him feel important.”

“Speaking of my son, he’s in the back will the boys.” Maria informs me. “He’s been talking about you all morning, I’m sure the boys are sick of hearing about you.”

“They’re just jealous.” I scoff before kissing Maria on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.” With that I walk out back where the boys are playing a rowdy game of Bullshit; Zacky is losing big time. “Zachary James, I thought I taught you better than this!?” I yell announcing my arrival. Zacky instantly jumps to his feet and pulls me into a hug; earning a pained groan to escape my lips. Just like his mother and sister he immediately pulls away and looks at me.

“What the hell happened to you?” He asks. “You hurt yourself?”

“Skateboarding accident.” I lie with a shrug. “You know me and my proneness to getting hurt. I’m fine. It’s just a couple bruised ribs; nothing fatal.”

“Tis but a scratch.” Matt quotes me. “That’s what you always say but it ends up with all of us sitting in the ER for for-fucking-ever.”

“No hospital trips were needed.” I assure them. “I’m fine honestly. How about we restart this game of Bullshit and I can show you boys how it’s fucking done.”

“Please, you’re a worse liar than Zack is.” Johnny scoffs before he starts shuffling the deck of cards. I just sigh and force a fake smile onto my lips. They have no idea how well I can lie; no idea what so ever…

**

The night is winding down and everyone is on their way home. Instead of driving two hours, Zacky is allowing me to crash at his place and that’s where I am right now. I look at my cell phone and see a dozen missed calls from Trey and a couple angry texts from him. A frown appears on my lips as I turn my phone off and toss it in my purse as I curl up on the couch; waiting for Zacky to come back with popcorn and beer.

“So how is Solana Beach treating you?” Zacky asks. “How’s your grandfather’s bar doing?”

“I took it over 100 percent.” I reply. “Him and my grandmother are now living in Miami and loving retirement.”

“Wow, my best friend is a business owner, who would have thought that?” He laughs. “I’m so proud of you Lexi.”

“It’s nothing compared to being this badass guitar player for this bad ass band; but thanks.” I chuckle.

“How’s Trey? You said he was acting different since he’s come home from his second deployment.”

“He’s been drinking more but we’re working on it.” I lie. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“If you ever need me, I’ll be there for you.” He tell me. “If I have to drive, fly or take a train, I’ll be there for you no matter what. Please remember that. You hear enough stories about soldiers beating their wives and girlfriends and I don’t want that for you.”

“I’m fine, Zacky. I promise. There is no need for you to be worried about me. Trey wouldn’t dream of hurting me.” Bull fucking Shit.

Notes