06

« You are still recovering from your shoulder surgery. Some time off will do you some good. » I rolled my eyes at her. For the past few weeks she keeps going on about me taking it easy but all I have done is sit around my house. I was tired of not doing anything and I wanted nothing more than to get out there on the field and throw some balls.

« I am fine. »

« No you are not. You think you are but you aren’t. Your head isn’t in it and if you throw a ball now you may not ever play again. »

I didn’t want to agree with her but she was right. This past year, before I got hurt, I wasn’t playing my best. Ever since the World Series my mind was else where and it was almost like I wasn’t giving my all anymore. Then I got hurt which didn’t help matters at all.

I knew if I threw a ball and re-injured myself I would be in deep shit. I have seen enough pitchers do that and never play again. That was not something I wanted to happen. But being home and not being able to do anything was driving me nuts.

« I’ve been taking a break for a month now Vanessa. »

»I mean you need to get out of town for a while. Get some fresh air and a new change of scenery. »

« I like it here in L.A. »

« I don’t care. I have everything ready and you are leaving in two hours. » At her words I sat up straighter. She really was serious.

»What ? » I raised an eyebrow at her. If she had everything already planned then she has been thinking about this for a while now.

»You are going home Brock. » I almost chocked.

« As in my hometown in Washington ? » I questioned.

« Yes. I already told your parents and they are thrilled for you to come see them. » It has been a while since I last saw my parents. I think the last time was earlier this year when we made it to the World Series. « You will stay there for two weeks. » At that I stood up.

« No, no. I can’t be there for two weeks. I need to be back and be on the field for practice. »

« I have it all figured out Brock. You will stay there for two weeks and still be back in plenty of time for your physical exam and practice before pre-season even starts. » She said. The way she said it let me know there was no room for discussion. She really had it all planned.

« You’ve been up to this for a while. » I commented, crossing my arms. The slight pinch in my shoulder had me clenching my teeth.

« You need to clear your head. You’ve been so focused on baseball the last three years that you need a break. This is the perfect opportunity. »

Vanessa was probably right but the thought of going home sent a wave of nerves through my body. I hadn’t been home in like five years. I wasn’t sure how it was going to be going home. I wouldn’t be surprised if my parents had told the entire town I was coming home.

Sighing I ran my fingers through my slightly long hair.

« When do I leave ? »

With my bags in my hands I un-boarded the plane and headed for baggage claim where my parents said they would meet me. For some reason I was nervous seeing them and being back here. A lot of things have changed since I last stepped foot in Port Townsend, Washington. I wasn’t the same 18 year old boy that left.

The moment I saw my mother standing there next to my father, glancing around for me, all my nerves went away. I smiled at the sight of my mom and dad. They still looked the same except for more grey in their hair.

« Brock ! » My mothers voice rang loud through the baggage claim area. A few heads turned to look but I didn’t care. Striding towards them my mom immediately wrapped me in a tight hug. Her head only came to chest, making me lean down a bit to hug her back. I hugged my father next and he roughly patted my back.

« Are you sure you have been eating ? » Was the first thing my mom said the moment she pulled away. Even though my mom, Andrea Spencer, was short she by far the scariest woman alive.

« Yes I eat mom. »