Mom's New Favorite Player

Whew... finally home at last. The coach really worked our asses off today and made sure I felt every damn minute of it. At least that idiot Tyler had to deal with the same bullshit. Hopefully everyone’s already asleep. Just a quick shower, then straight to bed.

To prevent the door from creaking, I turned the key in the lock and opened it slowly and softly. It was quiet and dark in the house. Great. I released a breath that I was unaware I was holding. Everyone appears to be out cold, so I'm safe.

That relief lasted about three seconds. Because there she was, Mom, Lauren Reynolds. principal of Morrow Community College, sitting on the couch in the living room. Staring right at the doorway like she’d been waiting for me to walk in.

She was not scrolling through her phone or reading. Just Waiting. My stomach dropped. I understood exactly why.

I gulped. For a sec I thought I could get away with the “oh I’m tired from practice” excuse and just head upstairs.

But then Mom’s voice boomed.“Eric James Reynolds, where are you going? Come here.

"Her tone made it clear that she would not take no for an answer. There's no point arguing when she's in one of those moods. I tried my usual charming smile, which usually gets me out of trouble, and asked as I walked over, "Hey Mom, you didn't sleep yet?"

Her eyes were serious as she stared at me."

No, I was waiting for you." "Come sit here."

I nodded and sat beside her, already feeling depressed.

What took place today at baseball practice? Coach Ramirez has already told me but i want to hear it directly from you.

"Well..." I dragged it out a bit before continuing. "I may or may not have clashed with Tyler today at practice, but I assure you that it was his fault. " I hurriedly added that part.

Mom looked at me with serious, slightly disappointed eyes for a second, then sighed. "Eric, how many times are you two going to fight? Is there no way for you two to get along? At least for the team?"

"Mooom, he's an asshole, really."

"Language, mister," Mom cut in quickly.

"Yeah, anyway... you know how arrogant he is. The only reason he's even on the team or in the college at all is because he's Mr. Harlan's son. I mean, even you must have heard the rumors," I murmured."No." Mom's voice sharpened. "First of all, those 'rumors' you've heard are nothing but made-up and defamatory. I will personally see to it and punish anyone who spreads that kind of garbage about staff or players. And yes, his father has been really helpful to the college with his donations and sponsorships. But don't act like Tyler isn't the best player we've got on the team right now." She paused, saw my face drop a little, then softened her tone. "One of the best... along with you. So yeah, we can't afford to lose him."

I rolled my eyes, getting a little irritated at how she was defending him. "Yeah, he may be a slightly better pitcher than me, but I'm a way better hitter. I mean, even James could replace him on the team, no big deal," I said.

Mom gave me a sarcastic look. "Yeah, sure, sure. Anyway, I've had enough of these childish quarrels. I've already arranged a meeting with Tyler tomorrow at 10, and I expect you to be there too."

I opened my mouth to object, but she shot me down with one sharp look.

I sighed and got up. There was no point arguing anymore.

I'm beat, so I'm gonna shower. "Good night, Mom."

"Good night, honey. There are leftovers in the fridge if you want any.

"I nodded and walked upstairs to take a shower.

I couldn't believe she was defending him like that. The more I thought about it, the more irritated I got. She used to call him arrogant too. What has changed now? It's clear she sees him as more than just a troublemaker.

And her saying the rumors are fabricated? What a load of bull. It's not even a secret in the team how his dad stepped in to save his ass after they caught him having an affair with Mrs. Janet. I guess Mom doesn't have much choice but to tolerate him and his money bag dad for now. It's only a matter of time before he tries the same shit with another teacher and finally gets his ass kicked out of college. I smiled at the thought.