Chapter 26 Juniors No More
-Annie-
I’m sitting in the crowded arena in Tulsa with my parents, waiting for graduation to finish.
“Miles James Campbell,” is announced over the sound system, and my brother walks across the stage and takes his diploma.
We make so much noise in our section that he looks up at us all and waves.
I notice Daniel Jace Davis getting announced and see the Davises' cheering a few sections over. They keep announcing names, and I start daydreaming. It’s weird to think next year will be the last year of high school; it has gone by so fast, and yet I feel like I was just a freshman.
I have to start applying for colleges. I’ve been researching the idea of going into journalism, with a focus on broadcasting.
Drew inspired me when we talked about the possibility of him making it to the minors and even making it to the pro level.
As much as I could imagine him taking the field, I was starting to imagine what it would be like to be the one to do the on-field reporting.
I have already talked to my newsroom teacher, and she told me that I’ll be secure in my position on the Visual News for my senior year.
She’d given me some things that I could improve when it came to being aware of the camera and the angles for interviewing, but she’d said it was clear that I’d loved being ready to capture the moment for each sport I’d been able to cover.
She’d even offered to put together a highlight reel that I could submit as part of my applications.
***
After the graduation ceremony finished, we headed home to a house decorated with Miles's face from kindergarten until his senior year. Mom had gone all out and had invited family and friends. Dad started the grill out back, manning his station of the party. I’d helped for as long as I could until I needed to escape.
I'd made the rounds already, talking to all my aunts, uncles, and cousins, and I wanted quiet. I’d gone to my mom’s bench in the back corner, hidden away by the hedge of the hydrangea bushes.
Quiet at last, I thought. “Boo,” comes from the other side of the fence, and I jump.
Hands raised, Drew stands up. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.
” He smiles, showing off his dimple, “Are you hiding from all the family members, too?” “Yes, it’s Miles’s graduation, and I’m the one stuck all day helping all our extended family and my parents,” I say, letting out a sigh of exhaustion.
“Can I join you?” he asks, adding playfully, “Please say yes before they find me.” “Yes, hurry or you’ll give away our position.
” I watch Drew jump the fence, making it look far easier than I know that it is.
We hang out on Mom’s bench for a long time.
It’s easy talking with Drew: there doesn’t seem to be anything we can’t talk about.
I’m so comfortable with him, and before I realize I’m doing it, I say, “Can I tell you a secret?” “Yeah, Annie, I’d love to hear your secrets,” he responds, looking both a little mischievous but also looking serious, too.
“I want to be a sports broadcaster.” He smiles, “Annie, I don’t think that’s a secret—you do an amazing job on the Visual News, you’d be great at it.
” “You think so? I know, I love doing it! I have a lot to learn, but I think I’m going to look into schools that have a focus on developing my skills.
Maybe I’ll be interviewing you on the sidelines after a game one day.
” He gets all animated and in his best imitation of a TV sportscaster says, “Now down to the field with Annie Campbell: she’s joined by Drew Davis after his game-winning home run, back to you Annie.
” I laugh at his awful imitation, but it would be pretty great to hear my introduction before getting the exclusive.
“You should probably focus on your on-field performance… I don’t think you are destined for the booth,” I say, nudging him with my elbow.
“Yeah, you’re probably right about that.
I was meaning to tell you and then got busy—Mom and Dad agreed to the travel team.
I’ll be staying in a spare room with one of the other guys' families until August.” “Drew! This is great news, I’m so happy for you,” I respond, because it is great news.
“Keep me updated on how the season goes,” I tell him.
“You know I will, you’re my favorite person to talk baseball with, but don’t tell Craig I said that—it may reduce the guy to tears.
” Drew is almost laughing by the end of his reply.
“What will you be up to this summer, Annie?” “I’ll be in Texas most of the summer visiting my grandparents, and then we have our last Campbell family adventure cruise before Miles heads to university,” I respond.
Drew’s phone starts ringing, and he flashes me the screen with his mom’s name.
“It appears I’ve been noted as missing in action.
” We both stand, and before I can second-guess it, I lean in and hug him.
He wraps his arms around me in return. “See you at the end of summer, Drew,” I say, pulling back.
“I’ll miss you, too,” he replies before jumping back over the fence.
I make my way towards my own house to see if Mom or Dad needs any more help.