A tiny voice asked, "Is he the one?"
"No, he's dead - now you're the one."
"You said it wouldn't be me."
"I lied."
Archie pulled the covers tightly up around his neck,
"Go
away," he whispered to the large shadowy figure.
"You know I can't do that - you invited me here."
"You said
you were my
friend."
"I lied."
Archie felt sick, he wanted to call out for his father
but
the tightness in his throat kept him from it.
"Oh Archie," came the figure's softened voice, "didn't
anyone ever tell you not to talk to strangers?"
"Bobby said you were his friend."
"Oh yes, Bobby, sad thing, isn't it? ...truck came out
of
nowhere... must not have seen the signs warning trucks that
large to turn off on Canter Street."
Tears welled in Archie's eyes, he realized he'd never
see
his best friend again.
"Now Archie, don't cry, you know I'm only going to
help you
get what you really want."
After the shadowman left, Archie fell into a deep and dreamless sleep, awakened only by the bright morning sun streaming into his room. He dressed quickly and hurried over to Apple Field, for the first game since Bobby's death.
The team lazily tossed around some warm-up throws, their minds on their lost friend, and on the increasing heat as noon approached.
"Hey Mike," Coach Davis hollered to first
base, "gonna get a hit today?"
"That's right, coach."
"Hey Tom," he continued, "gonna get a hit?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good Attitude. Hey Archie, gonna get a hit?"
"Gonna try,
coach." The words were out of his mouth before he had a
chance to think.
"Boys," thundered the Coach, "you gonna get a hit or
you
gonna try to get a hit?"
"Gonna get a hit, coach." Together came the single
voice of
the team.
"Archie?" yelled the coach.
"I'm gonna get a hit, coach."
"Alright, then, let's kick some butt!"
The team was behind two runs when Archie stepped up to
bat.
He knew he could get a hit if he wanted, all he had to do
was want it enough. At least, that's what everyone kept
telling him.
He looked at his father, sitting with the few
other parents in the small metal stands, knowing he would
be so proud to see his son finally get a hit. For a moment
Archie thought he saw the strange Shadowman by a large
tree, but it was just the shadow of the leaves dancing in
the wind.
"Strike one," boomed the umpire.
Archie bravely waited for the second pitch. All he had to do was swing. Or he could stand there as Bobby had, too scared to move, and strike out. But he already knew what had happened to Bobby.
"Strike two."
This was his last chance, he steadied his legs beneath
him,
readying himself. The ball came quickly as if straight for
his head. Archie didn't even have to look at it, he swung
with all his might and felt the jarring thud as the two
forces connected.
Without even looking, he knew what it
was, and he rounded the bases, right on the heels of the
two other runners.
He ran quickly to the dugout, not able to look at his father. Coach Davis gave his a pat on the back as he entered. His fellow teammates offered high-fives, and then Archie sat down on the far side of the bench, away from everyone.
"You see, I kept my promise," came the chilling voice
from
no certain direction.
Archie looked around but saw no one.
"It will be like that every time," came the voice
again.
"You will be Archie Smith, Boy Wonder."
"Every time?" Archie asked in awe.
"Every time you want it," answered the voice.
Suddenly
Archie's face brightened, he'd never again be the worst
player on the team, now he'd be the best. He smiled at this
thought. "Are you God?" he asked.
And for a split second the shadowy figure appeared,
returning Archie's smile. "To some," he whispered, and was
gone.
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