The Jealous Backup (Ab/Dl)

          Clyde's Pov:
     The pitcher was so right, I'm such an idiot. Why can't I ever do anything correctly? I wash my face off in the bathroom sink and text Pete, asking for a ride back to the apartment. I just wanted to go home. I need to find a way to impress Connor, but I don't know how. He's just so amazing and I'm so- me. I'm not even worthy of being on this team...
     I don't even care that they pulled that prank on me- to be honest, I'm a little flattered. They went out of their way to prank ME. I know it's stupid but, you know what? So am I.
I just stand there, staring at the mirror. Pete would be here for me in ten minutes... but I really didn't want to leave the bathroom. I don't think I can. I embarrassed myself in front of Mr. Kruzer. I just stand in the bathroom, praying that nobody would knock. I really couldn't handle anybody right now. I just want to go home and-
     There was a knock at the door I sigh. "J-just a minute!" I turn the water on and wash my hands, quickly walking out of the bathroom. A man walked in and I was left standing outside of it now. I took a deep breath and made my way to the door, deciding it would be best to just leave the restaurant and wait for Pete outside.
I slowly walk out and let out a soft sigh. I just go onto my phone for the moment and lean against the wall. After some minutes went by, Pete had finally shown up. He was in our shared fancy red car. I walk over to it and let myself in.
"Hey man, everything okay?" Pete asks with a frown.
"J-just drive..." I mumble and sigh, resting my head against the window.
Pete sighed as well and began driving. We made our way down the busy street slowly and silently for some time. I didn't want to disappoint my friend. He has been supporting me throughout my life, and this is something that we were both so excited for, me making it into the big leagues. I didn't want him to think that it was terrible or anything. I couldn't do that to him.
Pete reaches his hand out and turned on the radio, and of course, an annoying, overplayed pop song came on. Pete groaned and turned the channel... but it was the same song. "Damn these networks! They do know that there are MILLIONS of amazing songs to choose from, and yet they all play the same annoying overly-auto-tuned song over and over?!"
I couldn't help but smile a little. Pete has always hated pop music, and I just find his reactions too funny sometimes. He eventually settles for a 90s channel.
"What's wrong? I thought you LOVED that song." I laugh.
"That song has been and is going to haunt me for the next month!" He groans.
"I think it's kinda catchy!" I start to hum along to it, getting another groan from Pete.
"Shut up!!" He moves his hand to cover my mouth, still focusing on the road. I give his hand a kiss, causing him to quickly pull it back. "Ew!! Clyde!!" He smacks me gently.
"You were basically asking for it!!" I laugh.
We were now approaching our apartment, Pete pulls in and laughs. "I find it sad that I as able to get you smiling again through my pain and suffering."
"It is rather funny." I shrug. He rolls his eyes with a happy smile and parks our car in the assigned parking spot. We each get out of the car quickly, and make our way up to our room.
"I'm beat. It's been a long day." Pete says while we enter the elevator. I push the button to our floor.
"Oh yeah? What did you need to do today?"
"Oh gosh, we had such an annoying client. It was one of those Karen ladies, she was complaining about my customer support and stuff and how she was never going to support the brand and all that Jazz." He shrugs. Pete was the CEO of a car company, hence why we have a FANCY red car. He made good money from it... but I'm gonna make more playing baseball. I know it!
     "But what happened at the bar? You didn't seem great when you were coming into the car." He frowns. We exit the elevator and make our way toward my apartment.
     "Oh,, that?? I was fine. It was just a silly freak out because I was so excited!" I explain with a grin. I could tell he knew I was lying, but Pete just sighs.
     "Yeah, Whatever. I am spending the night at your apartment, mines so boring." I unlock the door and Pete immediately allows himself inside.
     "I figured as much." I huff and hang my sweatshirt up.
     "It's your payment for the ride." He smirks. "I call your bed."
     "What?? No you had it last time!!" I pout and make a run for my room, quickly dashing onto my bed and laying down.
     "Awww come on, get up! I give you a ride you should repay me." He laughs but I don't budge. I smile but gasp as he sat on me. "You better agree to move, or else you're getting sat on for the night."
     "No! Get off Pete!" I groan, but eventually sigh. "Fineee!! Have it your way!" I get out from under him, and he quickly lays down with a small.
     "Very much obliged, thanks." He pulls the blankets over himself. "So, when's your first game? Do I get to come?"
     "Well... I think we have a scrimmage in a week." I smile. "But there is no way I'm going to be playing, not with Mr. Kruzer in the team." I go to my closet and take off my shirt and shorts, looking for an outfit to wear to bed. I couldn't sleep in just boxers, I've never been able to. I just feels so... wrong.
     "A scrimmage, aye? That's exciting." He smiles and sits up. "You think the team is ready?"
     "With our players?? Yeah! Are you forgetting, the Emperors made it to the semi-finals last year, we were in the top four!! If that doesn't say ready- I don't know what does!" I say with excitement, throwing on a large shirt and some basketball shorts.
     "Well I guess that's true." Pete chuckles. "But to be fair, you did loose a few talented people last year..."
     "Yeah, that's true. Like our shortstop from last year is gone- gosh he was good. He was like a brick wall- nothing got through him!" I grin and bounce around a little in excitement. I just really liked talking about baseball and the Emperors. It made me so happy and excited.
     "Yeah, But now they got you! And I'm sure some other good rookies too, eh?" He smiles and yawns. "You're gonna do great this year too."
"You're so right." I nod and walk out of the closet. "I just know we can make it to the finals this year! We can totally win it!"
"Yeah, But you won't be able to win it without any sleep. Get to bed, will you?" Pete asks softly with a small chuckle.
"I guess your right... we have practice super early tomorrow morning! Goodnight Pete." I smile and leave my bedroom, going onto my couch with a yawn. Today was so exhausting and filled with so much drama. I was so tuckered out. I could probably fall asleep on a rock. I throw a blanket on top of myself, and, cuddling my pillow, slowly begin to fall asleep.
This has been one of the best nights of my life.

~~~

How's everyone doing? Are people still in school or are you on "summer break" now?