A Kid's Game: (A Baseball Fantasy)

CHARTER 1

They were just talking; a conversation between a grandfather and grandson, -In appearance, innocent enough, but in this case could have serious consequence – grandpa was sitting on the edge of the bed, he was bend forward with one hand in the bed the other graving his kneecap and his head slightly turned to the boy sitting in a chair close to the end of a bookcase where the door of the room was.

It was a large room with large windows in the right side of the bed grandpa is use to keep a lot of memorabilia, remembrances of all the jobs he has done and thins that he collected for more than 45 years since he came to this country from Cuba, always trying to keep a record of where he has been or what he has done, the appearance was like a museum every item was tag, dated and a small note describing the history of the item,-adding to that the children and grandchildren were bringing all kind of this junk (as they call it) of their own, what came into the room never leave;- this was not his original house , he move in from Texas when the lady that accompany him for 36 years left him after a long and impossible battle with cancer, and he become ill with arthritis two years latter

This is his daughter‘s house and the boy visiting with him was her son.

He was bearable 18 years old, just finish high school, grandpa could see in his face that he was angry, disappointed ,and some how resolute to face the problem head on, (only in this case the enemy was his own dad) even if he have to do some thing stupid;- he holding a piece of paper in his hand, a letter letting him know he has being accepted in MIT.

I do not know what I am going to do G.P. he star saying…

G.P. raise his arm with his hand open toward him, his lips were tied and his eyes bright by the frustration of seen the boy, so distressed, then said – I know is a difficult decision to make, your father want you to be an engineer, so he is going to be very happy with that letter, he has being dreaming of it for years.

The young man luck his grand father moving his head and arms with a gesture of desperation; then added I want to stay here, I have to say no, you know G.P. the try out are in less than 3 month and…

G.P. do not let him finish the sentence, showing surprise then ask –Are you going to try?; I meant you want to go? this is going to be quite battle, you are going shake the entire harmony in this house, this is not and easy step you know?- you can not please your father with that decision

G.P. we are talking major league here, and this guy- I meant the scout for the Mets. Told me that my chances were very good, I can’t miss this opportunity is my future and….. dam is what I want more than any thin in this world

Dam said G.P. did you talk to your father about this?- what did he said?

No I don’t- you meant about the try-out, I can’t even think how he is going to react, you know him I told him I want to stay here,- is your choice he said, thinking I was talking about school but that was before I receive this dam f. letter,-

Wash your language O.K.

Sorry G.P. his face became red, he never used to talk to G.P. this way

Why you said to your parents you want to be and engineer? G.P. ask ed they are architect and doing pretty well, you could…

Ah said Martin I can’t imaging working with them, talking before G.P. finish what he was saying.- that is why I told them I wanted to be and engineer. Martin fill his blood filling his face with anger then he cover his face with both hands, what can I do?

Even so, your father is expecting you to go and work for them in the future, when you finish school of course

That’s the world for them see even you can recognize that.- Is no way I’m going to work under pop- no way –At anything

But if you become an engineer…

No, no and no I’ll work doing anything else-Mon, she is O.K. she is very good, but dad all he cares is about money and his dam public relations stuff, G.P. I hate that, I want nothing to do with, it make me so mad

G.P. smile with a sarcastic look in his face.- thank to that, the firm is doing very good –very good in deed, he, know how to push thins

Martin rose to his feet, he was 6 feet tall slowly walk toward G.P. and bending close to his face replied ;-Sorry but that will be impossible for me-try to understand I don’t want to be working seven days a week, 10 hours a day, that is not the kind of life I want to live, is a big sacrifice, I will never follow him that way

Hold it right there,-base ball is seven days a week too, doesn’t it not, plus hotel living and restaurant food, and traveling all the time– thinking of it, is a hard way to make a living and some of them the player I mind don’t last long I understand.- but in the other hand is the money.-Some of this kids become rich pretty fast- you don’t think going in this profession for the money Martin ? Do you?.

Come on G.P. you know me to ask that question, first I like to play and,,, I am very good –and above all you are not in a dam office all day long getting frustrated because this or that doesn’t work.- Like pop say –no mistakes are allowed, check, check twice before release the work, I can not live like that all, the time under the gun

You know, I believe is going to be very difficult for you to work with your father.

You think? Martin jump back almost screaming, then he realize that G.P. was Laughing

The tension wend down a little and both laugh .A silent took over for a few seconds then sitting again Martin say- I want you to come with me to the try out not realizing what he was saying when G.P. in a sarcastic voice answer I love to –tell me when we star the trip tomorrow?; is a long walk you know.

Martin laugh again and moving his head from side to side say- no,- no I meant to say I witch you could; knowing you there will give me comfort.

Why don’t you ask your father?

I witch, nothing could made me more happy, but I know he will kill me first

First you have to tell him that you are going.

I know and that is a problem, a big problem G.P. what should I do- you know maybe you could talk to him.

Oh no,- leave me out Is your decision ; put the best attitude in front of you and …well is the best I can tell you for now,- Pray and ..and good luck is all I can say.

It not fair G.P. said Martin falling in the sit in desperation, is not fear he repeated once more looking to the ceiling with a resignation look in his eyes

O.K.—say G.P.- I promise you this –if I get rid of my pain, we go together and have a good time, even I do a try out myself

It a deal said Martin smiling I am holding you to you word –the he ask you never play ball in your live G.P.?

Never –I saw a couple of game in Havana, was pretty boring nobody hit the ball you know, I could not figured that out, the guy I when with, told me that was because the pitcher was in very good form that day.-Ha,- if I were with the bat I hit it so hard that they could be looking for the ball today G.P. was smiling, to the comment, looking to his grand son reaction

Do you believe that G.P.? said Martin with a new light in his eyes, talk base ball and he fill alive

Sure you have to be blind not to hit that white ball coming to you

You know what, that ball is coming to you 90 miles per hour, by the time you see it, is gone.

Anyway was really boring, but people scream anyway, as far as I could imagine they were having a good time, and with the beer you can appreciate,

I am sorry to hear you saying something like, that because that is exactly what I want to do, pitch so hard that nobody can hit the little white ball- except for you G.P. he said with a mischievous look in the face

You bet- I will hit so hard that little ball that will open a hole in the glove of the pitcher not you off course, I bet I will never hit your ball

a-ha you are going to be a great problem for me G.P. maybe they offer a contract to you making a few millions to ruin my pitching career .

Both laugh aloud.-

The door downstairs open and somebody from downstairs yell for everybody to hear- I am home

G.P. said –Is Jack ;he is home early 3 days what could happen?

Let see said Martin standing up and waking toward the door

Jack is you?

Who else could be?

I’m here in the room with G.P. come up

He close the door, push some luggage’s to the side and star running the stairs two steps at the time, went into the room and smile them with arm gesture as a salute he said,- hi grandpa –hi Martin are you alone in the house where is mom and Tammy?. I know dad is working and grandpa here in his room as usually,- he was as tall as Martin but in appearance built with a large frame, he were glasses and lock that his face come with a sarcastic smile

G.P. answer to him Well let see, your mother and sister went to a recital, a play or something of the sort at school, your mother said she will be back in time to cook dinner.

Well- well you luck great G.P. I brought you another piece of junk for the collection this time cost me nothing, he said that winking to Martin .-as you see I did not forget about you

How come you are three day early? You were supposed to get here the day after tomorrow –what happen?

Oh some trowel with the hotel reservations – and the days we supposed to stay we were told we pay less so we left a week early – Mr. Blankwill is going to see the travel agent to fixed –see if he can get part of the money returned .

Your mother is going to be more than happy to see you back.-every time she see me, is the same litany –don’t know why Jack hasn’t call- I told him to call,- Cairo is so far away G.P. said with diminishing his voice, in a high pitch, mimicking his daughter voice

What you bring me this time? ask G.P. filling curiosity and anxiety to know .

Martin said, lucking to the bag that hang from Jack’s hand;- most be pretty heavy what you have there-what is it?

Oh is a stone that I pick up at the side of the road in route to the Valle of the dead.- It call my attention because was like nothing else around the area, probably was brought by another guy from some place else and dumped it who knows for what reason, Jack argue extending the hand with the bag forward

So you bring me what somebody else dumps as a present –very thoughtful of you. say G.P. extending his hand toward Jack who was approaching the bed with a big smile in his face. Then he stops pulling the stone put and showing it to G.P.

G.P. maybe you can tell me what king of a rock we are lucking at, I can’t understand why it did not look like any other thing in the surrender area, that is why it call my attention, or maybe is curse, what do you think, I asked for three wishes but nothing happen, say Jack laughing this time

Is a piece of rock Jack -that what it is – has been polish I grant you that –that’s all – any way thank you at least you remember me.

Always grandpa, then he bends to kiss his grandpa in the forehead

You know by thinking of it I believe is going to come very handy, G.P. laughing too

What is that G.P.?,

I will have something to thru at you when you come bothering,

O.K.- G.P. a thank you. is more appropriated – I love you any way

Martin stand, walk to the door and without lucking back said, I am going to take a shower , before mom come,

In that very moment Tammy star screaming downstairs- mom Jack is home- all his thins are here –she was the baby only 5 years old, black hear and black eyes maybe small for her age.

Maggie came thru the door almost running, expecting to see Jack, then she yell Ja-aack were are you?

I am here mom said Jack standing at the top of the stair- is not need to yell I am coming down-I was with G.P.- I came just ten minute ago, wait I am coming down, wait I am coming down .

At the bottom of the stairs mom waited with her arms open when Jack reach her she embrace him so hard that Jack whispered to her in the ear- hey mom I am happy to see you too-;-I love you too, then he kiss her

mom fill a little ashamed said I miss you – I miss you so mush –how are you? Are you O.K.

Yes mom I am O.K.-my god I only was going for two months

Oh Jack I miss you

Tammy got closer to his brother, and hug him then said, you know you are the love of her live-thank god you are here mom was driving me crazy –how was the trip?- you are early

It was great we have a wonderful time, we enjoy the trip in the ship very much latter I tell all the story to all of you

Tammie lucked up and said mom I am going to take a bath- I need it after all the

She did not finish the though

Martin is taking a shower – luck I came to a house of dirty people-all of them laugh

See you grandpa ?

Oh yes –he luck some how more wicker now than went I left- I was about to show him the stone that I brought for him when Tammie told you I was here

You always bringing junk for him

Don’t we all? ; mom smile filling guilty of the same crime-them she added –you well know G.P. is very proud of all three of you –he will do any thing for all of you.

Come on mom you know you are his biggest price- nothing is more beautiful, smarted, Bella, intelligent ,wise and thinking of that I think he is right

Oh my got I am getting out of here –see you mom-welcome home Jack

Thank you misses Tammie

let me go upstairs-see if G.P is comfortable before I start cooking

they claim the stairs together

how come you are three day early? Ask Maggie

Were have some problems with the hotel in Cairo The teacher said he is going to see to that with the travel agency

Maggie walk thru the door just about to ask G.P. if he need anything but stop and without turning then, she said to jack, he is sleep –is better to let him rest until dinner-I am going to turn the T.V. off- she walk into the room and turn off the T.V. then she pointed to the small round table and in a whisper ask is this the stone?

Jack gesture affirmative with his head, she took it out of the bag-is very rare –how come is polished like glass with all this incrustations large than a grain of corn.

That what call my attention before I pick it up

We better get out of here and let him sleep for a little while I better star dinner know

I am glad you are home- I fill much better knowing you are back

Mom you worry too much. Jack went to his bedroom and she star going downstairs to the kitchen

Maggie left the stone laying in top of the gravel in the copper container with silver coins that G.P. collected from the change he usually use to put out of his pocket and in top of the table – that was a long time ago- mom put those coins in the copper container and they remain there, even when thin was full of sand –the sand came from Eddy the son of Dina , Maggie little sister now living in North Dakota..-the container with the sand and the coins were there since G.P. was limited to walk because of the pain in his legs and back for almost five year went he was diagnosis with arthritis

As soon the new addition took it place the contact between each other created a system of forces imperceptible and unknown to the modern sciences .-a magnetic camp so small in distributions waves that has and remain hidden to the curiosity of men .this waves mixed together (provide no clues of existent, no odor, no taste, invisible to any known equipment or chemical reaction) for a unique type of energy capable of regenerated a living organism to his most perfects functions-reversing the aging process

G.P. room soon was filled with this new unknown element- each crack of the room saturated since the room was close the new element concentrated more and more because very little of it was able to escape-G.P. room become the fountain of youth-G.P. sleep with ease breathing the substance provided by the mixture added to the new ambient in his room-little by little every part of his body suffer a transformation .-except every thing in the external appearance every line, remain the same –inside. the change is so smooth and delicate it will be difficult to tell-

He sleep over two hours went Tammie open the door and whispered G.P. are you sleep is time for dinner

O K. Tammie I’ll be ready in a minute

Good Martin is coming to help you down-do you need anything know

Turn on the light please and help me sit

Tammie walk to the side of the bed after turning on the light-OK hold to my hand G.P. graving his legs and pulling them to the edge of the bed then she pulled to upright him with her other hand

Let me put the sleepers on OK

No-is OK I wait for Martin- that is estrange G.P. said to himself

What is it?-what is the matter?- what is wrong?

I move, and fill no pain- I can’t fill the pain on my legs and back- stilll is difficult to move but I can’t fill a thin, maybe ..-

Ready G.P. said Martin from the door –let go and eat-are you hungry-Tammie you better go down mom need help

Tammie turned facing Martin and star walking toward him touch his hand whispered to him- G.P. said to me after I helped him get up that fill estrange when he move but with no sensation of paint at all-how it can be?

Are you sure G.P.?-Martin ask moving closed to the bed and holding the shoulders of the old man while his face reflect a somber of skepticism and dude

This is great I am much better without paint you know. I fill fine- a little bid stiff but it fills good

No is no good said Martin, sounding very worrisome- I don’t like it one bid – let go downstairs – see what mom think of all this- come G.P. I’ll help you- can you stand and walk.

I did all those thins before when it was painful-now I can run –he said that without being all convinced himself- no pain is better don’t you think? I don’t see why we have to worry about that.

O.K. better go down-I help you-grab my hand

Martin put his hand around the waist and helps him up to his feet –I got you, lean on me like usually you do OK.

The move down stair was eased than in the past –

Hi G.P. was Jack at the bottom of the stairs.- came to help Martin –he tucked G.P. by the other arm saying while they walk – you luck better know after the nap

fill better but that worry Martin- told him my pain in my legs is gone and that worries him – is the first time in a long time and that fill good.

That’s great grandpa – what is there to worry about? Jack was telling Martin that meant the last pills he has being taken are doing a good dam job don’t you think ? doing a gesturing of approval with his arm and fist –

We better see what moms have to say, said Martin sounding very disturbed

The three went into the dinning room where Tammie and Roward his son in law

were sitting waiting for mom to bring the food to the table

Mom

Yes Martin- she answer coming out of the kitchen

Martin help G.P. to his chair, them he babbles- grandpa has lost his filling for pain

What do you meant dear? she ask looking at him while she get close to the table with a plate on each hand

meant that G.P. is filling great, Jack added to the dialogue-he wake up without having pain in the legs –he is going dancing tonight-let eat I haven’t taste mom cooking in a long time I’m hungry and smell good- hum hum

G.P. said yes let eat I am hungry too.

Not so fast said mom-since when are you painless dad?

Went I was wake up by Tammie there were no difference but I expected to be painful if I move – I move and nothing happen –no pain so it surprise me ,so I tall Tammie

I don’t understand that, do not look right to me so suddenly –you don’t fill any pain at all -

None grandpa answered

Mom said unbelievable;- I think

Please let eat mom you can think latter

No she make a gesture with the head and said – we are going to the hospital right know

But maaa

No but - where are the keys of the car- your car keys Roward

I left then upstairs – Jack go and get them-Martin come with me to the hospital we drive grandpa in my car,-

honey you can stay with Tammy and jack and have dinner before every body rushing to the emergency room ,-Martin and me can take care of grandpa –come on grandpa let go, so he tuck him by one arm then Martin went around the table grab the other arm – let go dad and star walking to the garage.

Here are the keys yell Jack while running down the stair

G.P. don’t said a word he went alone just moving his head from one side to the other –I can’t believe what is happening –sorry that I said something

What you said grandpa? Are you filling some pain-

I am fine- not even think is anything wrong about me, better hurry before I die

from starvation.

Grandpa this is no time to be thinking of food

Jack reach them at the garage door open it then handed the keys to his dad

This is crazy G.P. say he fills fine, why go to the hospital I can’t see the point

Jack go to eat dinner ; I’ll see you latter

G.P. got into the back sit of the car,- a Mercedes Bens brand new that Roward bought only two weeks ago. The garage door open the car run out driven by Roward with Martin by his side

They arrive at the emergency room entrance, park the car, then told grandpa to wait in the car then both went across the parking lot to the door and into the hospital small resection room where the attendant nurse desk was and ask for a wheel chair

The nurse went around the counter and out the door asking- who is the patient?

Roward gesturing toward the door said ; he is in the carrrr—

There was G.P. walking thru the door

Grandpa you should waited in the car as I told you- better sit down in one of those chairs pointing to the one close to him

The nurse asks again;- what is the problem?

My grandpa has being in pain for the last several years- know he said he can’t fill a thin

You better explain that latter to the doctor said the nurse while she walks toward G.P. then she added looking directed to G.P. eyes- he look fine to me- where is the pain dear?- she said softly

That’s what happening said Martin he is not filling any now and…

And? ask the nurse

Roward was listening to what was going on between Martin and the nurse- luck he interrupted the conversation by saying- Mr. Lay is a 73 year old man and for the last 5 or 6 years developed paint dude to muscular deformation making for him difficult to walk and of course move as well.-Since he has no fill for pain now we sough this could be a stroke or something of the sort

Well who knows- he have insurance coverage

Yes – social security-you see he has being retired for..

OK-that’s all right - Ann she call for a girl inside –bring a wheel chair – looking at Martin and pointing to another window she said you or your dad go to that window and show proof of insurance –have to fill some papers for admission to the emergency ward – Ann please take Mr….

Lay said Martin- turning around he asks his dad if he can do the insurance papers while he stay with G.P.

Sure son I take care of the papers

Ann brought the chair close to were G.P. has being sitting –grandpa do me a favor and sit in the wheel chair for me sweeter I help you

Is OK I can do it said G.P.-see is good to be spoiled once in a while

Ann ask the nurse where to take him- after G.P. was sit she star pushing in the direction to a double doors that open to a hall

Take him to room 6 –apparently he is OK but keep and eye on him-you can go with them if you want don’t leave him alone until the other nurse take charge of him

Don’t worry I won’t –then he follow Ann across the double door

As soon as they got to the room assigned to G.P. Ann handed a paper gown to

Him and in a very low voice said, put this on grandpa the nurse will come in just a few minute to take good care of you

Martin look all around him-it was a very little room with a great amount of equipment – it has drapes all around for privacies and cabinets plus some hangers in the wall.-look that nothing was missing –he help G.P. undress and put on the paper gown.-

G.P. how do you fill ?

Dam I don’t know why you ask –I told you at home that I fill good and look were I ended-what can I say.-

Sorry G.P. I am afraid something happen to you

We better make the best of the situation-let wait and see- we are here now – to tell you the trust I myself fill some king of curiosity for what is happening to me.

Really? That takes a big load of my shoulders

Why? You did what you think was best for me and I appreciate your concern .-is a good filling went …

A nurse came into the room bringing a big smile and cheerful attitude

Hallo there I am Violet –I have to take some of your blood and look for the vital signs-are you ready

No -I’m not said G.P.-because