Intimidating Adversity: Day 2

Word Count: 12,021

Summary of Events:

Lane, having not pitched since Mr. Quilley, the Manager, berated him for being in the bullpen, went out and hit another home run that led to Mr. Quilley berating him again, leading him to, in frustration, damage the dressing room with his baseball bat. Having been banished by Mr. Quilley for a couple of days, Lane watched the annual intrasquad game and talked with the General Manager, Mr. Borys about what happened. Lane got called by his mom on the way to training and asked for $2,000 for wedding flowers, which he refused to give her. Lane sat in the dressing room, anxiously waiting for the last cuts to be announced, especially anxious because Mr. Quilley and Mr. Borys were getting upset at each other . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

"Finally Mr. Borys took Mr. Quilley by the arm and the two of them stalked behind a door. Lane shifted uncomfortably as he could tell their voices were raised now, but they were still not loud enough to be heard. He didn't seem to be causing anything but trouble here.

A nervous murmur rippled around the room as other players speculated on what had caused their discussion to go south, and many expressing nervousness at the idea that they might be cut from the team.

The last of the cuts were going to be announced to the team today, several days before the end of Spring Training. The cut players would then leave and the team that, barring major injuries and trades, Mr. Quilley would have all season would work together and get ready for the beginning of the regular season, which would start for them within the first few days of April, with a home opener against what Lane had been told was a fellow bottom feeder team in the Asheville Tourists.

Lane, having signed a contract with the Intimidators, was pretty sure he'd be staying with the team — and if it was in doubt wether he would or not, he dearly, desperately hoped so.

Finally, Mr. Borys looking satisfied, and Mr. Quilley looking highly aggravated, the two men emerged from the door they'd gone behind and Mr. Quilley began announcing the cuts, with reasons given as to why each player was cut.

As soon as their name was announced, the respective players started undressing out of their gear and back into their clothes. The more names were listed, the more Lane became unsettled, fearing that his own name would be added to the list.

"And, finally," Mr. Quilley said, looking Lane in the eye. "Being as I cannot cut the player I want to cut, I am cutting number seventy six, Jared Youngsberg."

Lane waited for Mr. Quilley to say why — and also to stop staring at him — but Mr. Quilley remained silent, staring at Lane, his light eyes deep and penetrating in their gaze.

Uncomfortably Lane shifted under the piercing gaze as one by one each of the cut players packed up their gear bags and left, including the incredibly disheartened Jared. Once the room was emptied of the cuts Mr. Quilley broke gaze with Lane.

"And I do hope that the player I wanted to cut knows who he is, and that he will be removed from this team and the first available opportunity," Mr. Quilley said. "Unless, maybe, he proves himself."

Lane set his jaw, meeting Mr. Quilley's gaze, which had returned to him. He was ready for a fight, and he was ready to throw everything he could into it, if that was what Mr. Quilley wanted.

He would prove to Mr. Quilley that he was a pitcher, and that he was a pitcher that was at least equal to the likes of Spencer, if not better."

Pronunciation:

Borys = Boris