Her Volkovs #Book 1 novel Chapter 6

Belle's POV

Sawyer and I just finished our lunch together. Sawyer is really nice and sweet. Sometimes he's quiet, perhaps too quiet but every time I engage him in a conversation, he would sincerely oblige. We also have grown close together. I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts with him and I think Sawyer feels the same way.

"So, let me get this right. You challenged a group of teenagers to play baseball. Yes?"

"Yup."

"And you are dragging me to the game even if I'd rather stay here."

"Uhuh."

Sawyer lets out a sigh of defeat. "What are you doing?" He said.

"Getting you a shirt and some pants. Unless of course, you want to go nude, I wouldn't mind." I said teasingly while scanning Sawyer's closet. "Here, this would be fine." I went towards his direction and handed him a shirt and pants. Sawyer crossed both his arms in front of him like a stubborn child. "Really? Really now Sawyer? Are you seriously getting shy on me right now? I have practically seen everything except of course the uhhh... you know." Sawyer's face slowly turned red.

"How many times do I have to tell you Belle that I'm not an invalid! I can put my clothes on my own."

"Just please let me do my job Sawyer. You know, you're stubborn like that Tom Sawyer kid from the book. And speaking of Tom Sawyer, that kid is a complete gentleman even though he is terribly hard-headed. He's really nice with girls too, especially with Becky. So please just be nice to me just like Thomas Sawyer." I give him the puppy face.

"You know, you're the only person I know who wins an argument by telling a children's story." Sawyer said in defeat.

"Yay. Okay so chop chop. I don't want to be late." Honestly, I really want Sawyer to get some fresh air. He only gets to go outside the house during his therapy sessions. Otherwise, he just stays in his room, sulking. I want him to be around people.

Matty and his gang were already there when we arrived at the baseball field.

"Hey kids, ready to eat some dust?" I approached them all too confidently. "Okay so here's the deal, I'm only up for at least 5 innings. Are you good with that?" Truth be told I think my legs would not be able to keep up with my enthusiasm. Since that incident when I fell more than twelve steps down the stairs in one of the buildings back in college, my activities had become limited to non-strenuous ones as per my father's advice or to be exact his order.

"Fine." Matty exclaimed.

While stretching, I see Sawyer smirk. "What?" I mouthed.

Sawyer just shook his head in response. My heart is filled with joy every time I see Sawyer smile. I can see in his eyes that he is sincerely happy. I could never ask for more.

In the fifth inning, I was able to hit a home run. The ball went over the fence, to Matty's dismay. They were all in awe as I made the run.

"Yay! Did you see that Sawyer? I killed it!" Sawyer lets out a laugh from his stomach. Oh thank you heavens for this wonderful day and for putting a smile on Sawyer's face.

"You know, you're really badass." Said Matty as he and his teammates approach my direction.

"Well thank you very much." I made a small curt in response. "So are we cool?"

"Yeh, we cool." Said Matty.

I walked towards Sawyer while the boys went to pick up their things.

"Wow Belle, I didn't expect that you have it in you." Sawyer sounded amazed.

"To be honest, I also didn't know I still have the grip. I guess I just got lucky." Sawyer shook his head in response.

"Cmon let's celebrate my victory. Hahaha." I look in the boys' direction. "Hey boys cmon let's go grab pizza, my treat."

"Yeah?" Matty said.

"Yeh sure. Now cmon before I change my mind."

We went to a pizza place not far from the neighbourhood. Me, Sawyer, and the boys had a great time, laughing and hitting jabs at each other. I can see Sawyer engaged with the boys really well. For the first time, I see Sawyer forget about the fact that he's in a wheelchair and the possibility that he might not be able to go back in playing football again.

~

We were almost halfway to the house but my legs are doing it again. I feel like anytime now, my legs are going to give up on me, and Sawyer was able to sense it.

"Come sit here, don't worry I can carry you. I'm just crippled from waist to feet but I'm strong."

"No, I'm okay Sawyer."

"No. I insist. You have been very helpful to me, now it's my turn to do the same in my own little way."

"Okay. I don't want you to change your mind." I said all too quickly. I then sat on Sawyer's lap and wrapped one arm around his neck. I giggled when I felt Sawyer slightly tickle my side.

"You know Belle, sometimes you really are peculiar."

"Peculiar good or peculiar bad?" I said while I crinkle my eyebrows.

"Peculiar good, don't worry."