Andlat's Story Spot

The wedding's tomorrow! Making it the perfect day requires a lot of practice and for everyone to focus “Run, Carson!” With a squeal the towheaded toddler took off running toward first base, nearly tripping over the ball that he had only just barely managed to knock off the tee. His oversized batting helmet threatened to fall down over his eyes with every wobbly step he took. Alex rolled his eyes. Carson finally getting a hit meant he was next. “Kiss for good luck?” Mark asked, holding Alex in place until he got his answer. “No, Bubba.” Alex muttered. Yet another piece of evidence that this was not a real sport was the players hung out with their family until it was their turn to play. “Suit yourself.” Mark smiled all the same. That worked just fine for him since it meant Alex would be going up to bat with caramel still all around his mouth from his mid-game snack. It felt almost like a tragedy as Alex pulled his batting helmet over his freshly cut hair. The wedding was next wee...

The wedding is fast approaching and the time has come to get their suits. But what will the ringbearer wear? And will Alex even be the ringbearer? “Ma- mom, I've got it!” After weeks of careful negotiations – and even a little begging – Alex was still the ringbearer. Now he had a perfect plan: present Mom with an alternative in the form of his cousin. “This better not be another attempt to ruin my wedding.” Mom teased. “Aren't you supposed to be getting ready anyway?” “I’m ready.” Alex said dismissively. “Why can't Lucas be the ringbearer? He's seven.” She sighed. “One, I'm not even sure his family is coming. They live half a continent away, you know. Two, I made my choice and that choice is my son.” She pulled him in as he groaned and kissed the top of his head. “Besides, you're much more responsible than he would be. Lucas the ringbearer would lose the rings. Lexie the ringbearer will make the day perfect.’ “Well, Mark has a cousin. He's named Alex too...

"We're here!" Dad said in sing-song. In truth, they had been at the ballpark for at least fifteen minutes while Dad found a parking spot, but now the car was stopped. Jayden tried to unbuckle his car seat, but the release was behind him, which meant he was stuck until Dad came over. "Aaron, can you" Aaron snorted and got out of the car. "Let Dad do it." The bratty nine year old said, punching his mitt with his hand. "Alright, slugger." Dad said, opening the door. "Ready to get out?" "Yeah." Maybe he had forgotten, Jayden thought, until Dad pulled the diaper out from behind his carseat. "Dad! No!" "Jayden, we talked about this." Dad said. "You didn't like the potty rules last time, so-" the potty rules had been Jayden was not allowed to go by himself. He had to be accompanied by either Dad or Aaron, which had led to a near-accident and Dad carrying a squirming Jayden up the stairs to the n...

"Shit!" Billy sat up with a jolt, staring in disbelief at his clock by his bed. "No! No-no-no-no" was his mantra as he launched out of bed and his pajamas, threw on a t-shirt, grabbed a pair of socks that did not stink too bad, and bolted down the stairs. "Where are my shoes?" He muttered under his breath, throwing shoes left and right in the closet. Mom might be mad when she saw that, but he would apologize after. Right now, he had to- "What the?" He stared down at his legs in disbelief. No pants, no shorts, just his lucky pair of undies, sharks swimming to and fro across its surface. "Shit!" He ran back upstairs, hopping his way into a pair of shorts. He had maybe ten minutes to make it to the baseball field for tryouts. Could he make it? He'd have to bike harder than he ever had before. He could do it, right? "I gotta." He muttered, full of resolve as he nearly tripped and fell down the stairs. He gripped the bannister...