The House Next Door.
Catch 22
Addison was furious. Simply and irrationally furious.
It consumed her through out her second day and it raged on till try outs.
Addison stood facing the blistering heat of the sun while Marcy and the rest of the team ran around and around past Mr Hardy. Addison wheezed as she ran her tenth lap without stopping. That caused a scream from Mr Hardy.
Addison lowered her head and began taking a deep breath. With a set jaw Addison began to move. Marcy cursed dragging on.
"Please make it stop" Marcy muttered.
Addison sighed and her legs ached in the process. Rounding the lap a whistle echoed the track.
"Let's go" Mr Coop echoed.
"Thank god" Marcy muttered.
Addison gritted her teeth and moved past Marcy and into the dug out. Marcy cocked her head and followed after Addison.
Addison pulled open her sports bag and pulled out her the bottle. Gripping the water bottle she began to drink the water.
"Ya' feeling okay?" Marcy asked swigging her own bottle of water.
"This is so unnecessary" Addison complained.
"I guess I understand where he's coming from" Marcy offered.
Addison shot her a doubtful glance.
Marcy opened her mouth and Addison watched as her mouth turned upwards.
"Oh shit" Marcy muttered looking away.
Addison rose her brows and turned in the direction of Marcy sudden fearful gaze.
Mr Hardy stood arms cross in the dug out doorway. Addison lips raised in a nervous smile.
"Come" Mr Hardy motioned with his finger.
Addison winced and stepped forward.
Mr Hardy led her away from the large group of girls.
Then did he spin around and faced the girl.
"What's troubling you" Mr Hardy accent flowed.
"Nothing" Addison said defensively.
"Do not bullshit me" Mr Hardy scoffed.
Addison orbs widen and peered back but Mr Hardy stepped forward.
"I understand that your angry" Mr Hardy said in a low voice. "But keep up your strength"
"I am.." Addison said.
"I want you to stay after" Mr Hardy said.
"Why I -"
"Trust me" Mr Hardy said. "I believe I have a position for you"
Addison nodded as Mr Hardy stalked away from her.
Marcy replaced the coach stance and stood beside Addison.
"Everything okay?" Marcy muttered.
Addison crossed her arms "Wants me to stay after"
"I really hate you" Marcy stomped away.
"Oh c'mon" Addison called running after her. "Stay and watch"
Marcy turned her head. "Fine"
Addison smiled and rolled her eyes. Narrowing her eyes to gaze at the coach curiously. Addison held the place of caption and first base. It was her strong point.
Mr Hardy flexed his arms cocking his head.
"I need a batter"
Every girl rose there hands eager to help the man. Addison crossed her arms peering away.
Marcy wiggled her fingers toward the coach.
But his shielded eyes from the glasses he wore zeroed in on the odd ball.
"Frost" Mr Hardy inclined his head.
Addison bit her lip and walked toward as Mr Coop handed her a bat.
"Go to the plate" Mr Hardy murmured.
Addison drifted to the home plate and gripped the bat tightly. Her head turned and watch the coach grip the softball.
Without a word the ball was thrown catching the girl off guard.
The bat swung and missed the ball.
Addison sighed feeling some anger in her gut.
"Pay attention" Mr Hardy screamed.
"I am" Addison snapped.
Then she saw a smile from Mr Hardy all the way from the mound.
God, I hate that smile.
Mr hardy arm rolled and the ball shot forward. Addison took the chance and swung the bat.
The ball smacked against the fence.
Addison glanced toward the group and now she held the entire attention of the team.
Oh my lord
Addison nodded to herself clearing the sudden anxiety of missing the ball.
Twice.
Her stare was turned to Mr Hardy, who had a hand placed on his hip.
It was the most sassiest thing Addison ever witnessed.
"Do I have your attention?" Mr Hardy called.
Addison nodded shyly and grip that bat once more.
Mr Hardy twirled the ball and released the softball. It was to fast for her so Addison decided not to swing.
That caused Mr Hardy to scream.
Addison flinched in his direction.
Mr Hardy stalked toward Addison glaring. Taken aback and suddenly petrified Addison stepped back.
"I was told your a very bright girl and a player" Mr Hardy said in a low harsh tone.
"I-" Addison studdered.
"We are going to work on that" Mr Hardy informed her.
"This is not captain material" Mr Hardy harshly said.
Addison completely mortified and furious of the coach embarrassing her.
"I'll just quit and leave you the trouble"
Addison threw the bat frustrated.
"Addy, come back"
"Addison" She snapped correcting him.
Addison moved past the tiny crowd and Marcy quickly followed.
"Don't quit" Marcy begged.
"It's not worth getting harassed every day" Addison said.
As much as she would liked tears suddenly brimmed her eyes. She hated that she was so emotional.
"He looks so piss" Marcy glanced back.
"Good" Addison pushed open the locker room doors.
"I bet you twenty freaking dollars he will be waiting for you"
"I don't give a shit" Addison snapped.
Lacing up her tennis shoes and throwing her clothes into the bag Addison deciding to go threw the entrance instead of the back.
"I don't give a flying fu-"
Marcy shrieked as the door to the locker room cracked open while Addison stepped out.
"Holy sh-"
Mr Hardy leaned on the wall arms crossed glaring.
"I want you to drop your bag and come with me right this instant"
Addison lips quivered from his tone.
"I quit-"
"I don't think so love" Mr Hardy scoffed.
"That is so -"
"Absurd?" Mr Hardy's brow furrowed.
Addison glared and crossed her arms.
Mr Hardy stepped forward and gripped the bag.
Addison froze her breath ceasing.
Mr Hardy took the bag and dropped it onto the floor.
"Hey!" Addison said.
"Let's go. I have a five year old waiting"
Addison lips twitched feeling awful for taking up unnecessary time.
"You to Jared" Mr Hardy said. Addison turned and watched as Marcy crept out of the locker room.
Marcy pony tail bounced as she happily trailed behind the coach while Addison stalked behind him.
Stepping back outside Addison mentally cursed all along the way.
Addison did not want to deal with him.
"Right" Mr Hardy said flexing his arms. "Jared go to the base and grip a bat"
Marcy trailed away more happy then Addison ever saw.
"C'mon" Mr Hardy said to Addison leading her to a mound.
Mr Hardy bent and grasp a glove handing it to Addison.
"I don't pitch" She said reflexively.
"We will see about that" Mr Hardy grinned.
Addison sighed. "I tried. Mrs Pegs and I tried all last season"
"You didn't have me" Mr Hardy grinned.
Was this man a man child?
"Now" Mr Hardy began stepping back. "Force all of your weight into the throw"
"Gotcha" Addison murmured.
Marcy waved smiling at them. Addison laughed shaking her head.
"No laughing girls" Mr Hardy said.
"Sorry" The girls said in unison.
A snide chuckle escaped Mr Hardy plump lips. Addison grinned moving the ball in her glove.
"I have this" She said for her benefit.
"I agree" Mr Hardy replied.
Addison peered up and shot the coach a genuine smile.
Mr Hardy returned the smile.
"I'm waiting" Marcy yelled.
Addison gripped the ball and cocked her hand pulling the softball back. Addison forced her weight and released the ball from her grip.
And Marcy swung the bat and missed.
"Strike" Mr Hardy whispered.
"Again"
Addison mimicked the throw again. Marcy swung the bat and missed.
A frustrated curse escaped her lips.
Addison bit back her grin.
"Don't get cheeky now" Mr hardy tisked staring.
Addison lips turned down and she nodded. "I can always practice more"
"Oh?" Mr Hardy asked. "No more complaints from you?"
"I guess not" Addison shrugged.
"I blame the heat" And he did the most appealing thing to both girls. Mostly Marcy.
Mr Hardy lifted his shirt revealing a perfect stomach. Addison quickly noticed a abdomen tattoo in black ink.
Marcy gawked.
"I need water" Marcy screamed throwing herself away from the base. Addison inwardly winced at her friend.
"Can you be on the team now?" Mr Hardy asked calmly.
"I was just angry" Addison frowned. "I didn't mean to-"
"I will take you serious" Mr Hardy smiled.
"I don't want to quit" Addison said. "I plan on trying to get a scholarship"
"Ah excellent plan" Mr Hardy commented. "Was it the nerves that swallowed you whole today?"
"That and I was angry"
"From Mr Coop" Mr Hardy asked innocently. "That guy is mean"
Addison laughed. "I know right?"
Mr Hardy grinned crossing his arms.
"Marcy-" Mr Hardy began wincing. "You okay?"
Marcy tripped over her feet gawking at the two. "Fine" giving the two a thumbs up.
Addison cocked her head squinting at her friend curiously.
"Do this again" Mr Hardy lowered himself placing a ball into her glove. "The pitching position is yours"
"Oh no" Addison shook her head. "It's Casey position"
"Casey isn't the coach" Mr Hardy eyes harden. "It's my call"
Addison lips twitched. "I love my position"
"I love this position for you"
Addison lips curved up into a smile. "I really don't think-"
"Confidence is key"
Addison sighed and turned her body aways.Marcy waited patiently swinging her bat.
Marcy placed herself on the base and rolled the bat in the air.
"Roll the ball.." Mr Hardy said lowly.
Addison pulled back with a huff and the ball eased off her fingertips.
Swing.
Miss.
Marcy started to collide the bat into the dirt. "Son of a female dog"
Addison slumped and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Get use to the mound" Mr Hardy whispered "It is yours"
Addison completely stunned just nodded.
Mr Hardy leaned in to whisper
"Congrats love"
_________________
"The scene was so unreal" Marcy drove out of the parking lot of the school.
"What do you mean?" Addison turned in her seat.
"Mr Hardy stares at you kinda weird"
"Like he sees me all the time?" Addison mocked. "Because he does"
"No that's not what I mean" Marcy shot back. "I bet he thinks your adorable"
"Marcy" Addison said outrage. "A student and teacher love affair will not happen"
"I bet" Marcy grinned resting her chin on the steering wheel.
"You live in a fantasy land" Addison commented sincerely.
"Better than your land" Marcy muttered.
Marcy suddenly shrieked.
Addison jumped gripping the what she liked to call 'The oh shit bar' above the window.
"Let's talk about David"
"Oh" Addison said. "That"
"So cute and perfect" Marcy gushed. "I died"
"I did too of embarrassment"
"Stop it Addy" Marcy said sharply.
"You're a beautiful young lady"
"Thanks mom" Addison laughed.
"You little jerk" Marcy laughed.
Tuning into the community of homes Marcy spun the tires of her Honda.
"The children" Addison screamed.
"I see the little bastards"
"Please just park the car in your driveway"
The beautiful thing about Addison and Marcy friendship is that the two lived two streets down.
It brought problems to there parents when they went missing and later found out they were at each others houses.
It brought chaos.
Especially in three am.
"I can take you home"
"Oh no-"
"I want to see that cute piece of ass" Marcy whispered.
"If you run over my brother-"
"Have a little faith" Marcy shot her a grin.
Rushing down the street. Blowing a stop sign.
Cursing out a mother of two Addison was finally pulling into her driveway.
"Thanks Marc" Addison pressed her lips together.
"There's no car in the drive way. Lets wait" Marcy suggested brightly.
"No" Addison shook her head. "I have to draw the line"
Addison attempted to unlock the door. Marcy lunged herself towards Addison.
"I can't wait to tell Henry about this" Addison yelled pushing the girl away.
"A car" Marcy shrieked letting go.
Addison flung open the door. "Call me"
"I will" Marcy promised. "Hi, Mr Hardy"
Addison pulled out her bags and noticed Mr Hardy wave and smile gripping Louis on his hip.
Addison shut the door lightly and waved as Marcy pulled away.
"Hi, Addy" Michael called rushing over to the fence.
"Hi Michael" and she watched Michael inched toward the fence.
"Can Louis play with me?"
Addison smiled at her brother then watched Mr Hardy peer down at Michael smiling himself.
"What do you say Louie?" Mr Hardy asked softly.
"Can I?" Louis asked.
Mr Hardy nodded. "Yes" the boys cheered as Louis wiggled down.
Michael and Louis ran away laughing. Addison stepped forward without acknowledging the teacher or coach.
"Addy"
Addison froze and turned her body toward the teacher, who leaned on the fence.
"May we have a talk?"
"Sure" Addison nodded.
Dropping her bags and steeping toward the fence. "Yes Mr Hardy?"
"Edward" Mr Hardy smiled. "You may call me Edward"
"Okay, Edward" Addison nodded. "What's up?"
"No hard feelings right?" Mr Hardy asked sincerely.
"Of course not" Addison said taken aback.
"I would hate for it to be awful for you and I to resent each other" Mr Hardy said. "With us being neighbors" Mr Hardy finished.
"No" Addison frowned. "I understand the act of being the coach"
"I wasn't to much of a priss?"
"Eh not really" Addison joked.
Mr Hardy laughed and shook his finger. "Cheeky"
"So" Addison began. "How was your second day teaching?"
"Lovely" Mr Hardy smiled. "I'm takin a liking towards here"
"That's awesome" Addison exclaimed. "And being the coach?"
"I think I'm way over my head" Mr Hardy winced.
"Your good" Addison said with less enthusiasm.
A slow dazzling smile spread across his lips.
"See you bright and early" Mr Hardy stepped back.
"The joy of high school"
"Nonsense" Mr Hardy called. "You have my class first period it's full of joy"
I guess he's right
_____________________
Addison gripped the worn novel of Catch 22 with loopy vision. It was past twelve and she wanted to sleep.
Desperately.
Closing the book gently and placing the
novel beside her pillows.
The room needed a draft for her to sleep. Addison crept to the window and peered the curtains back.
And halted.
Right across a open window cast Addison view.
Addison sputtered clamping her mouth shut.
Mr Hardy room right in view.
A sleeping Mr Hardy.
Addison peered open the window with more force than needed.
A loud bang eased through the her room.
Addison jumped back and threw herself under the covers.
I have the worst luck
_______________________
And that was the night Addison dreamt of Edward Hardy.
It consumed her through out her second day and it raged on till try outs.
Addison stood facing the blistering heat of the sun while Marcy and the rest of the team ran around and around past Mr Hardy. Addison wheezed as she ran her tenth lap without stopping. That caused a scream from Mr Hardy.
Addison lowered her head and began taking a deep breath. With a set jaw Addison began to move. Marcy cursed dragging on.
"Please make it stop" Marcy muttered.
Addison sighed and her legs ached in the process. Rounding the lap a whistle echoed the track.
"Let's go" Mr Coop echoed.
"Thank god" Marcy muttered.
Addison gritted her teeth and moved past Marcy and into the dug out. Marcy cocked her head and followed after Addison.
Addison pulled open her sports bag and pulled out her the bottle. Gripping the water bottle she began to drink the water.
"Ya' feeling okay?" Marcy asked swigging her own bottle of water.
"This is so unnecessary" Addison complained.
"I guess I understand where he's coming from" Marcy offered.
Addison shot her a doubtful glance.
Marcy opened her mouth and Addison watched as her mouth turned upwards.
"Oh shit" Marcy muttered looking away.
Addison rose her brows and turned in the direction of Marcy sudden fearful gaze.
Mr Hardy stood arms cross in the dug out doorway. Addison lips raised in a nervous smile.
"Come" Mr Hardy motioned with his finger.
Addison winced and stepped forward.
Mr Hardy led her away from the large group of girls.
Then did he spin around and faced the girl.
"What's troubling you" Mr Hardy accent flowed.
"Nothing" Addison said defensively.
"Do not bullshit me" Mr Hardy scoffed.
Addison orbs widen and peered back but Mr Hardy stepped forward.
"I understand that your angry" Mr Hardy said in a low voice. "But keep up your strength"
"I am.." Addison said.
"I want you to stay after" Mr Hardy said.
"Why I -"
"Trust me" Mr Hardy said. "I believe I have a position for you"
Addison nodded as Mr Hardy stalked away from her.
Marcy replaced the coach stance and stood beside Addison.
"Everything okay?" Marcy muttered.
Addison crossed her arms "Wants me to stay after"
"I really hate you" Marcy stomped away.
"Oh c'mon" Addison called running after her. "Stay and watch"
Marcy turned her head. "Fine"
Addison smiled and rolled her eyes. Narrowing her eyes to gaze at the coach curiously. Addison held the place of caption and first base. It was her strong point.
Mr Hardy flexed his arms cocking his head.
"I need a batter"
Every girl rose there hands eager to help the man. Addison crossed her arms peering away.
Marcy wiggled her fingers toward the coach.
But his shielded eyes from the glasses he wore zeroed in on the odd ball.
"Frost" Mr Hardy inclined his head.
Addison bit her lip and walked toward as Mr Coop handed her a bat.
"Go to the plate" Mr Hardy murmured.
Addison drifted to the home plate and gripped the bat tightly. Her head turned and watch the coach grip the softball.
Without a word the ball was thrown catching the girl off guard.
The bat swung and missed the ball.
Addison sighed feeling some anger in her gut.
"Pay attention" Mr Hardy screamed.
"I am" Addison snapped.
Then she saw a smile from Mr Hardy all the way from the mound.
God, I hate that smile.
Mr hardy arm rolled and the ball shot forward. Addison took the chance and swung the bat.
The ball smacked against the fence.
Addison glanced toward the group and now she held the entire attention of the team.
Oh my lord
Addison nodded to herself clearing the sudden anxiety of missing the ball.
Twice.
Her stare was turned to Mr Hardy, who had a hand placed on his hip.
It was the most sassiest thing Addison ever witnessed.
"Do I have your attention?" Mr Hardy called.
Addison nodded shyly and grip that bat once more.
Mr Hardy twirled the ball and released the softball. It was to fast for her so Addison decided not to swing.
That caused Mr Hardy to scream.
Addison flinched in his direction.
Mr Hardy stalked toward Addison glaring. Taken aback and suddenly petrified Addison stepped back.
"I was told your a very bright girl and a player" Mr Hardy said in a low harsh tone.
"I-" Addison studdered.
"We are going to work on that" Mr Hardy informed her.
"This is not captain material" Mr Hardy harshly said.
Addison completely mortified and furious of the coach embarrassing her.
"I'll just quit and leave you the trouble"
Addison threw the bat frustrated.
"Addy, come back"
"Addison" She snapped correcting him.
Addison moved past the tiny crowd and Marcy quickly followed.
"Don't quit" Marcy begged.
"It's not worth getting harassed every day" Addison said.
As much as she would liked tears suddenly brimmed her eyes. She hated that she was so emotional.
"He looks so piss" Marcy glanced back.
"Good" Addison pushed open the locker room doors.
"I bet you twenty freaking dollars he will be waiting for you"
"I don't give a shit" Addison snapped.
Lacing up her tennis shoes and throwing her clothes into the bag Addison deciding to go threw the entrance instead of the back.
"I don't give a flying fu-"
Marcy shrieked as the door to the locker room cracked open while Addison stepped out.
"Holy sh-"
Mr Hardy leaned on the wall arms crossed glaring.
"I want you to drop your bag and come with me right this instant"
Addison lips quivered from his tone.
"I quit-"
"I don't think so love" Mr Hardy scoffed.
"That is so -"
"Absurd?" Mr Hardy's brow furrowed.
Addison glared and crossed her arms.
Mr Hardy stepped forward and gripped the bag.
Addison froze her breath ceasing.
Mr Hardy took the bag and dropped it onto the floor.
"Hey!" Addison said.
"Let's go. I have a five year old waiting"
Addison lips twitched feeling awful for taking up unnecessary time.
"You to Jared" Mr Hardy said. Addison turned and watched as Marcy crept out of the locker room.
Marcy pony tail bounced as she happily trailed behind the coach while Addison stalked behind him.
Stepping back outside Addison mentally cursed all along the way.
Addison did not want to deal with him.
"Right" Mr Hardy said flexing his arms. "Jared go to the base and grip a bat"
Marcy trailed away more happy then Addison ever saw.
"C'mon" Mr Hardy said to Addison leading her to a mound.
Mr Hardy bent and grasp a glove handing it to Addison.
"I don't pitch" She said reflexively.
"We will see about that" Mr Hardy grinned.
Addison sighed. "I tried. Mrs Pegs and I tried all last season"
"You didn't have me" Mr Hardy grinned.
Was this man a man child?
"Now" Mr Hardy began stepping back. "Force all of your weight into the throw"
"Gotcha" Addison murmured.
Marcy waved smiling at them. Addison laughed shaking her head.
"No laughing girls" Mr Hardy said.
"Sorry" The girls said in unison.
A snide chuckle escaped Mr Hardy plump lips. Addison grinned moving the ball in her glove.
"I have this" She said for her benefit.
"I agree" Mr Hardy replied.
Addison peered up and shot the coach a genuine smile.
Mr Hardy returned the smile.
"I'm waiting" Marcy yelled.
Addison gripped the ball and cocked her hand pulling the softball back. Addison forced her weight and released the ball from her grip.
And Marcy swung the bat and missed.
"Strike" Mr Hardy whispered.
"Again"
Addison mimicked the throw again. Marcy swung the bat and missed.
A frustrated curse escaped her lips.
Addison bit back her grin.
"Don't get cheeky now" Mr hardy tisked staring.
Addison lips turned down and she nodded. "I can always practice more"
"Oh?" Mr Hardy asked. "No more complaints from you?"
"I guess not" Addison shrugged.
"I blame the heat" And he did the most appealing thing to both girls. Mostly Marcy.
Mr Hardy lifted his shirt revealing a perfect stomach. Addison quickly noticed a abdomen tattoo in black ink.
Marcy gawked.
"I need water" Marcy screamed throwing herself away from the base. Addison inwardly winced at her friend.
"Can you be on the team now?" Mr Hardy asked calmly.
"I was just angry" Addison frowned. "I didn't mean to-"
"I will take you serious" Mr Hardy smiled.
"I don't want to quit" Addison said. "I plan on trying to get a scholarship"
"Ah excellent plan" Mr Hardy commented. "Was it the nerves that swallowed you whole today?"
"That and I was angry"
"From Mr Coop" Mr Hardy asked innocently. "That guy is mean"
Addison laughed. "I know right?"
Mr Hardy grinned crossing his arms.
"Marcy-" Mr Hardy began wincing. "You okay?"
Marcy tripped over her feet gawking at the two. "Fine" giving the two a thumbs up.
Addison cocked her head squinting at her friend curiously.
"Do this again" Mr Hardy lowered himself placing a ball into her glove. "The pitching position is yours"
"Oh no" Addison shook her head. "It's Casey position"
"Casey isn't the coach" Mr Hardy eyes harden. "It's my call"
Addison lips twitched. "I love my position"
"I love this position for you"
Addison lips curved up into a smile. "I really don't think-"
"Confidence is key"
Addison sighed and turned her body aways.Marcy waited patiently swinging her bat.
Marcy placed herself on the base and rolled the bat in the air.
"Roll the ball.." Mr Hardy said lowly.
Addison pulled back with a huff and the ball eased off her fingertips.
Swing.
Miss.
Marcy started to collide the bat into the dirt. "Son of a female dog"
Addison slumped and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Get use to the mound" Mr Hardy whispered "It is yours"
Addison completely stunned just nodded.
Mr Hardy leaned in to whisper
"Congrats love"
_________________
"The scene was so unreal" Marcy drove out of the parking lot of the school.
"What do you mean?" Addison turned in her seat.
"Mr Hardy stares at you kinda weird"
"Like he sees me all the time?" Addison mocked. "Because he does"
"No that's not what I mean" Marcy shot back. "I bet he thinks your adorable"
"Marcy" Addison said outrage. "A student and teacher love affair will not happen"
"I bet" Marcy grinned resting her chin on the steering wheel.
"You live in a fantasy land" Addison commented sincerely.
"Better than your land" Marcy muttered.
Marcy suddenly shrieked.
Addison jumped gripping the what she liked to call 'The oh shit bar' above the window.
"Let's talk about David"
"Oh" Addison said. "That"
"So cute and perfect" Marcy gushed. "I died"
"I did too of embarrassment"
"Stop it Addy" Marcy said sharply.
"You're a beautiful young lady"
"Thanks mom" Addison laughed.
"You little jerk" Marcy laughed.
Tuning into the community of homes Marcy spun the tires of her Honda.
"The children" Addison screamed.
"I see the little bastards"
"Please just park the car in your driveway"
The beautiful thing about Addison and Marcy friendship is that the two lived two streets down.
It brought problems to there parents when they went missing and later found out they were at each others houses.
It brought chaos.
Especially in three am.
"I can take you home"
"Oh no-"
"I want to see that cute piece of ass" Marcy whispered.
"If you run over my brother-"
"Have a little faith" Marcy shot her a grin.
Rushing down the street. Blowing a stop sign.
Cursing out a mother of two Addison was finally pulling into her driveway.
"Thanks Marc" Addison pressed her lips together.
"There's no car in the drive way. Lets wait" Marcy suggested brightly.
"No" Addison shook her head. "I have to draw the line"
Addison attempted to unlock the door. Marcy lunged herself towards Addison.
"I can't wait to tell Henry about this" Addison yelled pushing the girl away.
"A car" Marcy shrieked letting go.
Addison flung open the door. "Call me"
"I will" Marcy promised. "Hi, Mr Hardy"
Addison pulled out her bags and noticed Mr Hardy wave and smile gripping Louis on his hip.
Addison shut the door lightly and waved as Marcy pulled away.
"Hi, Addy" Michael called rushing over to the fence.
"Hi Michael" and she watched Michael inched toward the fence.
"Can Louis play with me?"
Addison smiled at her brother then watched Mr Hardy peer down at Michael smiling himself.
"What do you say Louie?" Mr Hardy asked softly.
"Can I?" Louis asked.
Mr Hardy nodded. "Yes" the boys cheered as Louis wiggled down.
Michael and Louis ran away laughing. Addison stepped forward without acknowledging the teacher or coach.
"Addy"
Addison froze and turned her body toward the teacher, who leaned on the fence.
"May we have a talk?"
"Sure" Addison nodded.
Dropping her bags and steeping toward the fence. "Yes Mr Hardy?"
"Edward" Mr Hardy smiled. "You may call me Edward"
"Okay, Edward" Addison nodded. "What's up?"
"No hard feelings right?" Mr Hardy asked sincerely.
"Of course not" Addison said taken aback.
"I would hate for it to be awful for you and I to resent each other" Mr Hardy said. "With us being neighbors" Mr Hardy finished.
"No" Addison frowned. "I understand the act of being the coach"
"I wasn't to much of a priss?"
"Eh not really" Addison joked.
Mr Hardy laughed and shook his finger. "Cheeky"
"So" Addison began. "How was your second day teaching?"
"Lovely" Mr Hardy smiled. "I'm takin a liking towards here"
"That's awesome" Addison exclaimed. "And being the coach?"
"I think I'm way over my head" Mr Hardy winced.
"Your good" Addison said with less enthusiasm.
A slow dazzling smile spread across his lips.
"See you bright and early" Mr Hardy stepped back.
"The joy of high school"
"Nonsense" Mr Hardy called. "You have my class first period it's full of joy"
I guess he's right
_____________________
Addison gripped the worn novel of Catch 22 with loopy vision. It was past twelve and she wanted to sleep.
Desperately.
Closing the book gently and placing the
novel beside her pillows.
The room needed a draft for her to sleep. Addison crept to the window and peered the curtains back.
And halted.
Right across a open window cast Addison view.
Addison sputtered clamping her mouth shut.
Mr Hardy room right in view.
A sleeping Mr Hardy.
Addison peered open the window with more force than needed.
A loud bang eased through the her room.
Addison jumped back and threw herself under the covers.
I have the worst luck
_______________________
And that was the night Addison dreamt of Edward Hardy.