Do Simple Better (Anthony Rizzo)

Chapter 66: Breaking Point

-Anthony's POV-

We weren't playing good. It's as simple as that. Going down 3-1 in the World Series isn't what we wanted but it's not like we've never won three games in a row before. I just want to win it all for the fans to be honest. They've waited so long to see a championship back at Wrigley and it isn't looking like that'll happen. Accepting that this is the position we're in doesn't make it any easier, just helps keep me grounded. After getting home after game four I collapse on my bed and scream into my pillow. I know that doesn't change anything, but man it felt good. Obviously I was frustrated with how things we're going and kinda wanted to die in that moment. "Babe" Vanessa says softly opening the door. Her voice was so soothing and I couldn't help but smile. "Yes dear" I say quietly as she crawls into my arms. "I know what you're thinking and I want you to stop. Things like that don't belong in that pretty little mind of yours" she says drawing a circle on my chest. She was my muse when I was about to self destruct and I'm not sure how I did any of this without her. "I know I shouldn't think about these things but it's kinda hard to stay positive when you can literally be eliminated tomorrow" I laugh dryly. "That is true. Or you can amount the greatest comeback in sports history. Look what the Cavs did" she reminds me. "That is true" I admit, unconsciously playing with her hair. "How can you always have a positive outlook on the ugliest things" I wonder. "Because I don't believe in bad things. They're not to hurt us but to help guide us another direction" she says. "Even if you don't win a championship, look what you've done for your team. What you've done with your team. You won the first pennant in 71 years, you won over 103 games, you broke records and made new ones, you practically engraved your name in the hall of fame and you're only 26. Yeah, it sucks right now but the future is bright as ever. But being down 3-1 doesn't mean to give up, it just means you have to try that much harder" she says patting my chest. Now this is why I love her. She is everything I ever needed and then some. "You know, even if we lose I still win. I still got you and our child which I already love to death" I admit as I pull her in tighter. "Can't win them all, right" she asks looking up at me with her beautiful blue eyes full of playfulness. "Right" I laugh feeling a lot better. We fall asleep in each other's arms not completely satisfied but over joyed with life.

No matter what happens in game 5, this would be our last game here at Wrigley this season. I wasn't ready to let it go, we thrived at this ball park and I wanted to hear Go Cubs Go one last time before this season ended. It was a bit chillier today and batting practice was optional. Vanessa and I stand outside the cages as we watch Kris crank balls onto waveland. "Tomorrow is Halloween, want to do anything" I ask as Kris sends out yet another dinger. "Hopefully we'll be on our way to Cleveland" she says and Kris agrees. I bet Joe makes us dress up for the plane ride if we do" I say. "That's true" she agrees as we walk to the clubhouse. Turns out she was right all along and we win game five a little less than comfortably. Tonight's hero would have to be either Kris for starting the 3 run rally or Chapman's eight out save. Regardless the team won and we were heading to the Land. As the crowd sang Go Cubs Go I found myself stopping to look around. Over 40,000 people here singing along, it sounded amazing. No matter what happens I want the people of this city to know they're appreciated and that I love them. This season would mean nothing without them traveling and standing strong at home.

After the game we head over to Artemi Panarins place where he invited us to his birthday party. He's actually the funniest guy ever and Vanessa and I hang out with him sometimes. It was Halloween themed so I just changed into Davids jersey then threw in a beard and went as him. Vanessa was Walter Peyton because of course she was and we had a nice time. "How many days until you guys are married" Artemi asks. He dressed as bread because, well, because he is the bread man. "34 days" Vanessa and I say at the same time before laughing. "That's cute" he responds. Out of all the athletes around town Artemi and Jonny where closest to me, well who I wasn't on a team with. Artemi is fun and so freaking hilarious and Jonny is one of those people your mom makes you hang out with in hope you will become like them. But I love them both the same. "So, 25 now. Do you feel old" Vanessa teases him. "No different, bed time did move up 5 minutes though" he cracks and I die. He's so fucking funny. We watch him open our presents to him and mingle a little before going home. Tomorrow is traveling day and us and the baby needed rest.

Magic number= 2