Riddles in the Dugout

Marcus sat on the bench, his arm in a sling, watching his teammates crush the opposing school. Baseball season was basically over for him, and the dugout felt lonelier than a goldfish bowl. His phone buzzed—probably another 'get well soon' text from his mom. He swiped it away without looking.

Coach Miller walked over, dropping a heavy textbook on Marcus's lap. History extra credit. The cover showed a massive Egyptian pyramid, somehow more imposing than the pitchers he'd been facing all season. 'Since you can't play, you can still pass Miller's class,' Coach said, winking. 'We need you eligible for playoffs.'

Marcus opened the book to the page about the Great Sphinx of Giza. The creature's limestone face stared back at him, half-human, half-lion, posing some ancient riddle. He thought about Jessica in third period algebra—how she'd smiled at him yesterday when she asked if he was okay. That was his riddle. Was she being nice because she actually liked him, or just because everyone knew about his messed-up shoulder?

'Hey, stud,' came a voice. Jessica. She stood at the edge of the dugout, wearing that oversized varsity jacket that made her look tiny but fierce. 'Heard you're out for the season.' She slid onto the bench beside him, her knee brushing his. 'Sucks.'

'Yeah.' Marcus gripped the history book until his knuckles turned white. 'I'm working on extra credit.'

'Cool.' She leaned closer, smelling like vanilla and something citrusy. 'The Sphinx, right? He's all mysterious and intense.' She side-eyed him. 'Kinda like someone else I know.'

Marcus's heart did that stupid flutter thing. 'You think I'm mysterious?'

'I think you're cute when you're nervous.' She laughed, low and warm. 'So, Saturday. There's this party at Tyler's. You should come.'

'My arm...' He started, then stopped. What was he doing? Making excuses like some scared freshman. 'I mean, yeah. I'll be there.'

'Good.' She stood up, then turned back. 'By the way, nice pyramid scheme with the history book.' She gestured to the stack of flash cards he'd made. 'That's actually kinda smart.'

She walked away, and Marcus realized something: sitting on the bench wasn't the worst thing. Sometimes the best view of the game came from the sidelines.