Battered playing cards rattled loudly as they spun around the spokes of a bright red dirt bike hurtling through rain puddles early in the fall morning. Draped preciously over the wire carrying frame bulging white canvas sacks safe guarded the daily periodicals printed by the Sheboygan County press. Tucking back his shoulders as he leaned forward in preparations to jump the curb the small badger paper boy sped up as he approached the sidewalk. Neatly clearing the obstacle the young entrepreneur reached back to grasp a bundled paper and in one smooth motion launched it at the porch of a bluish grey townhouse as he sped by.
Stepping out of the front door a golden furred hare took a deep breath of the brisk autumn air before bending over to retrieve the newspaper. Speckled blue eyes scanned through horn rimmed glasses taking in the headlines that ominously proclaimed the most recent polls leading up to the election which elicited a snort of disproval. Folding the paper carefully under one arm the hare picked up his briefcase and closed the door behind him. Walking curtly down the wooden steps of the covered porch and around the house to the drive behind where the hare then reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his car keys.
Glancing through the window caused the hare to come to an unexpected halt as his paw descended towards the handle. Raising an eyebrow curiously the hare rapped on the glass to gain the jeep’s occupants attention as he waited patiently outside. Looking up at the hare from the driver’s seat the mischievously grinning sandy colored ferret waved for the hare to get into the passenger seat. Containing his slight frustration with his playful friend’s antics the hare walked around the vehicle and sat down in the vacant front seat.
“So, I take it you need the car this morning?” The hare stated as he buckled his seat beat with a metallic click, “You can drop me off at the school but you have to make sure to pick me up at four or you won’t be getting any dinner tonight.”
“I need more then just the car today,” The ferret said as he started the ignition and backed out of the drive, “I have something to show you and then we’re going to the Brewer’s game. Don’t worry I already called the school and told them you were taking a sick day. Told them you had that nasty flu bug that’s been going around and I couldn’t get you away form the toilet.”
Twitching at the impudent nature of his friend’s spontaneous inconvenience the hare ran a paw over his long ears pulling them back behind his shoulders. Rubbing the bridge of his nose as he sighed wearily the hare struggled to find a diplomatic way to turn down the generous yet truant offer.
“I appreciate the sentiment Andy,” The teacher opened gently, “But I really can’t just run off and play with you today. I’m supposed to be handing out my U.S. History class’s term paper requirements this afternoon. I can’t get that information out to the sub if we’re out at the ball park.”
Turning off the residential roads the four by four picked up speed as it merged onto the highway leading south to Milwaukee. Frowning as the pair left the town and school far behind the hare turned to glare at the ferret. Noticing the scathing disapproval sent his way Andrew turned big pleading eyes on his partner.
“But I have something really important to show you and it has to be today as it’s the last game of the wild card series.” Andrew negotiated with the irritated hare, “Relax we can stop and fax your notes from a truck stop if we have too.”
“And you don’t think they’ll notice the phone number doesn’t match ours?” The teacher replied as his voice took on a condescending tone, “This is just irresponsible and I want no part of it. Now turn this car around and take me back to work!”
“Trent I found one.” Andrew stated firmly with the unshakeable conviction the hare knew his best friend simple could not ignore, “I promised him I’d take him to a Brewer’s game and this might be their last one this year if they don’t win. I want you to meet him and you promised you would if I found one.”
Trent recalled his promise to his friend as well as the paper work and back ground checks he had also undergone along with the ferret. Gaining approval to foster a child has been foremost on Andrew’s mind and Trent had agreed to share custody in the event something happened to his partner. Already the ferret’s power of attorney as well as executor of his estate made the prospect of adding joint custody completely reasonable. Settling back in his chair at the news of a potential addition to the home the hare pondered the implications now that the moment had finally come to a reality.
“What’s his name?” Trent asked after a moment of silent contemplation.
“Collin Conway,” Andrew informed Trent as he peered at the hare hopefully taking his lessened state of agitation as a good sign.
“How old is he and what species?” The hare asked holding his chin in the palm of his right hand.
“He’s five and half,” The ferret replied as he continued down the highway, “His mother was a raccoon and his father was an arctic fox so he’s a mix.”
Trent nodded at that and fell into quiet reflection as the jeep joined the heavy morning traffic rush of the city. Stealing quick worried glances at his friend as he maneuvered skillfully around the congestion Andrew nervously began bouncing his left leg up and down. Pulling in at the first major filling station within the city limits the ferret parked outside and waited for his friend to responded. Placing his hands over his vibrating limb Andrew looked over at his best friend remorsefully.
“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” The ferret began nervously, “If your having second thoughts or don’t feel ready I’ll understand.”
Startled out of his meditation the hare looked at his best friend with sympathy. Gently taking Andrew’s paws into his own Trent’s expression filled with encouragement as he reassured his friend.
“No, its o.k. really it is,” The hare began shoring up his own courage as well, “It just a really significant moment. If it wasn’t for you I’d most likely have never come to this. I’m just a little nervous my self and you did spring this little outing on me with no warning, it’s just a lot to take in that’s all.”
“I would have told you sooner but I didn’t have any time to really plan it out,” Andrew admitted guiltily, “The series and all put on some heavy restraints. The Brewers are known for letting down their fans after all.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Trent chuckled at the unreliable baseball team’s usual performance record, “Alright then let me run inside and fax out my term paper and lesson plan to the school and we can get going. It’s going to work out just fine you know.”
“I know,” Andrew agreed calming down as his left leg fell still, “It just I’m a man of no luck at all. Something usually goes awry.”
Chuckling at the truth of his friends normally ironic misfortune Trent step out of the jeep and made his way inside the convenience store. Handing over his paper work along with the requested monetary compensation the hare waited patiently as his lesson plan was faxed out to the school. Once the transaction was complete he returned to the car and the pair continued on their way to pick up their future ward.
Pulling into the parking lot of the Milwaukee County Orphanage Trent took in the ancient looking brick wardens and open courtyards filled with playing children. Following his friend inside the hare was introduced to Mrs. McCarter who warmly shook his hand and was clearly pleased that Andrew was following up after his original visit. Once approval for the little foray to the ball park was arranged Trent wait in the office as a teacher was dispatched to retrieve Collin. When the small white cub with a black face mask and tail rings entered the hare couldn’t hold back a wide grin.
“Cute.” Trent whispered into Andrew’s ear as the foxcoon was informed of his day pass.
“I know, why no one has already adopted him I’ll never know.” The ferret whispered back and then walked over to the counter to put his name on the sign out sheet.
Trent could think of one reason why the kit hadn’t been adopted yet but remained silent on that darker motive. Now was not the time to dive into the prejudices other furs had against one another but a time to build a new relationship. Once all the formalities had been completed Andrew introduced the young cub to Trent.
“Collin this is my best friend and partner in crime Trenton Taft.” The ferret beamed brightly as he showcased his best friend.
“A pleasure to meet you Collin,” The hare held out his right paw invitingly as he smiled warmly, “You can just call me Trent, everyone else seems too.”
“Nice to meet you Trent,” Collin said bashfully as he took in the golden hare and shook his hand.
“You’ve ever been to a baseball game before?” The hare asked the shy kit as the trio head outside to the car.
“No, usually I don’t to go any where other then the park.” Collin stated as he took a hold of Andrew’s hand. “They did take us to the arboretum once on a field trip.”
“You ever play baseball before?” Andrew asked as he opened the door of the jeep and helped Collin climb inside.
“I played t-ball a couple of time during recess but I wasn’t really all that good,” The kit said as the ferret buckled him in; “Tony my room mate is really good though. He can hit the ball over the fence and he’s only a two years older them me.”
“Cool.” Andrew said as he and Trent climbed into the jeep, “Well if we’re going to be at the ball park I think you need a mitt. If a fly ball is hit your way you’ll want to catch it for a souvenir.”
“I haven’t got a mitt.” Collin said quietly looking down at his sneakers.
“No glove huh, well that won’t do at all.” The ferret declared and reached between the seats and pulled out a wrapped package, “You can have this then. It’s not brand new but it’s already broken in. It worked wonders for me when I was your age.”
Collins eyes widened as he pulled off the colorfully wrapping paper and revealed a small well worn baseball glove. Trent smiled warmly as he watched the kit turn the heirloom over and over speechless at Andrew’s generosity. After a moment the cub looked up gratefully at his benefactor.
“I can keep it?” Collin asked unaccustomed to receiving many gifts, “But it’s yours, don’t you want it back after the game?”
“It’s really too small for me to use anymore,” The ferret stated truthfully, “I’m sure you’ll make good use of it. It’s all yours now.”
“Thanks.” The kit replied gratefully holding onto the mitt tightly as Andrew turned back forward and started the jeep.
While the group drove their way to the ball park Trent traded off questions with Collin as the pair inquired more about each other. Collin learned that Trent taught art and history classes at the Plymouth high school as well as played the piano in the Sheboygan Community Orchestra. Trent informed the kit that he and Andy had been friends since middle school and had moved in together after the ferret had gotten back from Iraq so the hare could help out his friend heal and recuperate. Six months prior the two came to an agreement with each other to become foster parents so the house could become a true home.
Shortly after the jeep pulled into Millar Park where the trio departed the car and made their way into the stadium. Presenting the tickets to the guard Andrew then led Collin and Trent through the gate around the upper decks to the field bleachers situated on the far side of the field. Working their down the steps the group took their seats near the rail giving a wide paramedic view of the whole field. Settling down on the aluminum bench Trent leaned over and inquired about the ticket price.
“So how much did these seats cost,” The hare whispered as he squinted to see home plate, “I hope not too much I can barely see anything.”
“Well this is the best spot to catch home runs; all the upper decks are out of play.” The ferret said knowingly then leaned in closer so Collin didn’t over hear, “These was the best I could do on short notice. I’m not buying season tickets until they can prove they can win in the play offs.”
Taking in the sights and sounds of the field, the stands, and the throng of other furs mingling about while shouting at each other set Collin’s head spinning. Leaning over the rail to get a better look as the players started entering the diamond and warming up the young cub stared bedazzled by all the activity. After both team were set and lined up in front of their dugouts the honor guard entered the field carrying the American flag and state flag. Calling over the speakers the announcer asked everyone to rise for the national anthem and Collin imitated as best he could as he saw Andrew snapped to attention.
After the celebrity singer finished belting out the Star Spangle Banner the Umpire cried out ‘Play Ball!’ and the game started. Pointing out each of the positions and who was playing as the game progressed Andrew taught Collin all about the game of baseball. Collin learned that the pitcher had to get three strikes to retire a batter, and that the Brewer’s had a hard time getting their pitchers to stay consistent through out the year. He also learned what a single and a double was as well as a double play that ended up saved the home team in the bottom of the third.
During the fourth inning Andrew called out to a wandering concession man and had an order of juicy hot links, gooey cheesy nachos, and ice cold Pepsi passed down to be snacked upon. Munching his way through the tasty yet totally unhealthy improvised lunch Collin marveled at how much better stadium food was to the cafeteria. When the seventh inning stretched came along Andrew led Collin along with half the stadium to the restroom to freshen up before the last few innings. Making it back to their seats just in time for the first pitch of the seventh inning, Collin watched as Andrew and the crowd came alive as the Brewer’s finally scored on a run batted in which put them a head by one.
Holding on to their lead all the way to the bottom of the ninth, all the Brewer’s had left to do was hold out and they’d advance to the divisional playoff series for the first time since they had been the Milwaukee Braves. With two out and a runner on first the final batter of the Cardinals line up came to the plate. Even Trent was standing on his tip toes holding his breath as the Brewer’s pitcher filled the count. Collin who was watching unblinking had never felt so excited in his entire life.
“Come on, come on you miserable wretch, just one more strike!” Andrew was praying eyes closed rubbing his paws tighter for good luck.
The pitcher checked the runner, turned to wind up, and launched a fast ball dead center. The crack of ball meeting bat filled the stadium and the roar of the crowd went silent. Opening his eyes as the batter made contact Andrew watched as the ball streaked right for the bleachers Collins was standing on. The ball would fly just out of reach if only the kit was taller…
“Hang on little buddy I got you!” The ferret cried out and lifted Collin up in his arms. Holding the kid up over his head gave the cub the elevation he needed to hold out his glove and catch the wining drive.
“I got the ball! I got the ball!” Collin yelled as he felt the homer smack into his mitt and stick as he clamped down hard around it.
The crowd around him erupted with a wide array of cheers, moans, and boos as it finally dawn on Collin that the Brewer’s had lost the game. Still holding him up securely Andrew gave a resigned grin happy the kit had caught the ball and vexed that his team had let him down again.
“You hold onto that, it’s the winning ball.” The ferret suggested ruefully as the surrounding crowd gave mixed regards to the cub’s fortunes.
The silly grin on Collin’s face fell as he remembered the condition of Andrew’s leg.
“You can put me down; I don’t want to hurt your leg.” The kit said as he looked down at the ferret’s left pant’s leg.
“It’s alright, you’re not that heavy.” Andrew reassured the cub as he put him down on his own two feet, “Still right as rain.”
To confirm his statement the ferret stomped his left leg a couple time showing he wasn’t worst for wear.
With the completion of the game the crowd slowly made their way out of the stadium and headed home. Piling back into the jeep Andrew, Trent, and Colin began the return trip to the orphanage. Gazing at the deciding game ball and his new mitt the kit was particularly quiet through out the ride back. Pulling into the drive Andrew shut off the car and turned around to look at the cub.
“So you have fun today?” The ferret asked with a grin.
“Yeah it was awesome.” The foxcoon replied then blushed slightly, “Sorry your team lost.”
“Don’t worry about it they do it all the time. You kind of get used to it.” Andrew said with a sigh, “The important thing is you got to have a little fun and got out and about for a bit. I hope you willing to do it again some time.”
“I am its fun to hang out with you guys.” Collin said holding the glove tightly again and asked hopefully, “You think you might want to adopt me?”
“I can’t see any reason why we can’t.” Andrew said and looked at Trent, “What do you think buddy, is he a keeper?”
Trent looked at his best friend and then at the cub who had a longing expression on his face. Closing his eyes the hare consider it for a moment before giving his consent.
“Oh I’d say he’s a keeper for sure. It looks like you two were made for each other.” Trent affirmed to the delight of the foxcoon, “I guess we just need to talk with Mrs. McCarter to seal the deal.”
“Well that’s that then,” Andrew smiled and ruffled Collin’s hair affectionately, “It’s all but done up on paper work kido. Once we get Mrs. McCarter to sign off it will be official. We can be a family then.”
“Thank you.” The kit said and reached up into the front seat to hug the ferret and then the hare tightly, “Thank you.”
