Bette wanted to get more involved in it but she wasn’t a sports person. She was glad to see Jess and Tina getting along so well. She would never forget the time she came home from work and saw Jess and Tina playing catch in the yard. Both of them laughing and smiling. Something that she hadn’t see Jess doing a lot of lately. It was that day that she decided that Tina was not only the perfect woman for her but the perfect woman for Jess.

“Most parents take it more seriously than they should Bette. But they have good reason. The raven program sends more girls on full softball scholarships than any other program in California.” Carter said.

“Why is that?” Tina asked.

“I think it is because that they take a team and make them one. With the year round program this team will stay together until they graduate High school. The team will move up together.”

“I see.” Tina said.

“Well I don’t.” Bette said

“Don’t you remember, Coach Olivia’s believes that most important thing is that the girls play as one and the only way that they can do that is for them to be best friends.” Tina said.

“In fact, The Jr. Ravens and The Sr. Ravens are so close that they decided that they wanted to go to the same school.” Carter pointed to the group of teenagers wearing Raven Jerseys sitting right behind home plate. “See Coach Olivia’s girlfriend April is the coach for the Sr. Ravens. She has her girls come to all our games. They even practice once a week with the little ones. Olivia calls it their fun day, but it is really a chance for the older girls to mentor the little ones.” Carter said.

“Yeah the girls look forward to it all week. Belle and I watched the last 45 min of Thursday’s practice. The older girls pair up with the girl who player their same position and helps them learn the tricks to that position from a different person than their coaches. The girls have so much fun with them because they know exactly what it is like and they get down on their level.” Tina said.

Belle walked up and sat next to Carter.

“What did I miss?” She asked

“Nothing Tina and I were just explaining how important it is that the girls remain together as much as possible until they graduate.” Carter said. Belle looked at Bette.

“Don’t worry it is not as serious and important as they make it out to be. Kelly got involved because she needed an outlet and a place to make friends just like Jess. The best thing about the program is that the girls that grow up playing for the Ravens wind up being life long friends. Isn’t that right Carter?” Belle said nudging Carter.

“Absolutely. I was on the first Raven team in the 70′s and I am still good friends with all my teammates. I even married one.” Carter smiled and kissed Belle.

“Two of our teammates are Kelly’s godparents. Olivia and Bethany.” Belle said.

“Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to a new season of Raven Softball. Today we play host to the Wildcats.” The woman announcer said. The home side erupted in boos.

“Lets introduce our starting Raven line up.” As the announcer called out their name the girls ran out from the dugout to their positions and continued to warm up. Jess was playing catcher and Kelly the pitcher.

“Now for the Wildcats.” The sea of green and blue jumped to their feet and cheered. As the announcer called their names they stepped out of the visitor dugout. After the announcer reminded the fans in the stadium to be good sportsmen the game began.