Ken's performance in the first game of the series was dominant. Although he did not throw a perfect game like he did in the previous series, he only gave up 1 run and a walk in 7 innings.
This was enough for the Ligers to take a substantial lead and hold it for the rest of the game. With game 1 successfully won, they continued their momentum, winning the second match on home turf.
They were now set to travel to Daikin Park in Houston to complete the next 3 games.
"Have you got everything packed honey?" A sweet voice called out from the other side of the bedroom door.
"Yes mom, I'll be out soon."
The man had his open suitcase on his bed, filled with clothes for a trip. He walked over to his dresser and picked up a clear box, looking at it with emotion. It was clear this item meant a great deal to this person.
The door opened, revealing a woman in her 40's with long blond hair.
"Michael, your plane will be leaving at 12, you're going to miss it." The woman said, sounding a little exasperated.
However, her eyes softened upon seeing the scene of her son looking at his prized possession. "You're finally going to see him again." She said, a small smile creeping onto her face.
Michael nodded, unable to hide his anticipation. "There's no way I'd miss out on watching him play, not when he's so close to making it to the World Series."
Michael's mother looked upon her son and almost didn't recognize him. It was as if he had grown up all of a sudden and was no longer that small boy who always needed her.
Though it was slightly painful, she felt happiness.
"Ever since that time… You've changed." She said softly, barely above a whisper.
Her husband had received the U18 World Cup tickets through his work and since it was fairly local, they had decided to take their son Michael to watch it. He had always liked baseball from a young age, but never taken it seriously.
Yet after watching the kids that were only a few years older than him play on the big stage, it had lit a fire under her son. Well, in actuality it was the act of a single person that did this.
She was surprised that it was a Japanese kid that had ignited her son's passion, but after hearing of his accolades this year, Michael's mother suddenly understood.
Not only had Ken completely changed Michael, he had also taken him under his wing, albeit as much as he could considering the difference in age between the two.
With him as a goal, Michael was able to reach the varsity team in Middle and High School and was no longer bullied. He then got scholarship offers from many colleges, eventually choosing California State to attend.
Even now, Michael's mother found it difficult to believe that her son was a top tier prospect in College. Especially since neither her nor her husband were particularly good athletes in their lives.
"I had to change… Otherwise I would have regretted it my entire life." Michael replied after a while. He took one last look at the ball that Ken had signed for him and placed it in his bag.
"I'm ready now mom." He said, shooting her a smile.
"Okay good." His mother said, moving forward and bringing him into a hug. "Make sure you stay safe and call me once you land."
"Mom it's a 3 hour flight and I'll only be gone a week." Michael grumbled.
"Nonsense, can't you just let your mother worry?" She said, lightly admonishing him.
Michael was forced to agree, otherwise he knew that she wouldn't let him leave. "Okay, okay. I'll send you a message when I land. I need to hurry since Rachel is probably waiting for me."
At the mention of Rachel, his mother froze before her smile widened further. "Okay, you two have fun. Make sure you take care of her, if you mess up this relationship you'll regret it in the future."
"Yes mom…" Michael grumbled, grabbing his luggage. He called for a taxi and was soon on his way to the airport to catch his flight to Houston.
Upon arrival at the airport, he met up with Rachel.
The girl had long black hair that cascaded down her shoulders and warm brown eyes filled with tenderness. She had gorgeous full cheeks and a brilliant smile that warmed his soul.
"You took your time." She said, letting out an exaggerated huff.
However, Michael just stared at her, losing his focus.
"What is it? Is there something on my face?" She said, slightly panicked.
Michael laughed before reassuring her, "No… I was just admiring your beauty." He said with a smile.
Rachel's cheeks reddened slightly and she turned away, unable to respond.
The two had started dating a little over a year ago, not long after that party. Michael had never had a female interested in him before, so he had not expected it when Rachel had asked him out.
Yet thinking about the past year, he truly was grateful that things panned out okay.
"Are you hungry? We should get a meal before our flight arrives." Michael said, changing the subject.
The two got a simple ham and cheese croissant at the airport and ate together while they waited to board their flight. Since it was just a domestic flight, they didn't have to wait too long.
BUZZ BUZZ
Michael looked down at his phone and his face lit up as he saw the message.
Rachel let out a dramatic sigh after seeing his reaction, "I wonder if you react like that when I message you?"
However, Michael didn't reply.
"Ken invited us to dinner tonight… Can we go?" Michael asked, his sparkling eyes locked onto Rachel.
For a moment Rachel didn't know how to react to a grown man asking her for permission. Instead, she let out a peel of laughter, finding the whole thing ridiculous.