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pedropascalisruiningmylife · 18 hours

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under the texas sun;

summary: the miller family enjoys a peaceful afternoon, driving through the texas countryside to ellie's softball game. joel lightens the mood with dad jokes, and the family settles into the familiar, comforting routine of a weekend at the ballpark. as they cheer ellie on, a sense of contentment fills the air, but beneath the tranquil scene, an unexpected storm looms just beyond the horizon.

wordcount: 1.8k

previous chapter

part: 2/?

warnings: deaf character. established relationship. DAD JOKES!!! enjoy the last of the fluff before it all goes to shit.

As the Miller family continued their drive to the softball field, the earlier tension in the car began to dissipate like morning mist under the Texas sun. The SUV hummed along the winding country roads, its tires crunching over the occasional patch of gravel. Joel adjusted his grip on the steering wheel, casting a quick glance in the rearview mirror to check on the kids. The familiar landscape of their small town unfurled around them—endless stretches of golden wheat fields swaying gently in the breeze, clusters of towering oak trees providing sprawling canopies of shade, and the distant silhouette of farmhouses dotting the horizon. "Why did the scarecrow win an award?" Joel asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.

Ellie looked up from the softball mitt she was meticulously re-lacing. "I don't know, why?" she responded, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"Because he was outstanding in his field," Joel delivered the punchline with a playful grin.

A chorus of groans filled the car, but Ellie couldn't suppress a giggle. Even Sarah, seated beside Ellie and gazing out the window, turned to give her father a fondly exasperated look. She caught his eye in the mirror, and Joel signed to her, "Dad joke," winking as he did so.

Sarah rolled her eyes dramatically but smiled, her fingers moving as she signed back, "Terrible joke, Dad."

Anna chuckled softly from the passenger seat, her hand resting lightly on her lap. She turned slightly to face Joel. "You're incorrigible," she said affectionately, her eyes shining.

"Just trying to lighten the mood," he replied, his Texan drawl wrapping around each word like a warm embrace.

Tommy, ever the inquisitive five-year-old, leaned forward in his booster seat. "Dad, what's incorrigible mean?" he asked, stumbling slightly over the unfamiliar word.

"It means your dad can't help himself," Anna explained, turning to smile at her youngest. She reached back to tousle his hair, and he grinned, satisfied with the answer.

The road dipped and rose gently, taking them over a small hill that offered a panoramic view of the town below. The afternoon sun bathed everything in a golden glow, casting long shadows that danced across the fields. The earlier unease from the strange sight in the sky was now a distant memory, replaced by the comforting routine of a Saturday spent at the ballpark.

"Hey, look! Mrs. Henderson put up new scarecrows," Ellie pointed out, gesturing toward a neighboring farm where several straw figures stood sentinel over the crops.

"Probably to replace the award-winning one," Joel quipped, earning another round of groans.

As they pulled into the gravel parking lot of the softball field, the lively atmosphere embraced them like an old friend. The sounds of children laughing echoed in the air, mingling with the metallic ping of aluminum bats connecting with softballs and the enthusiastic cheers of parents and coaches alike. Brightly colored team uniforms dotted the landscape, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and concession stand hot dogs.

Joel maneuvered the SUV into a parking spot under the shade of a sprawling pecan tree. Shifting into park, he exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding—a subtle release of lingering tension.

Anna was already unbuckling her seatbelt with practiced ease. "Alright, team, we've got a game to win," she announced, turning to face the back seat. Her eyes met Sarah's, and she signed, "We're here! Ready to cheer on your sister?"

Sarah nodded enthusiastically, her fingers moving rapidly. "Can I take pictures?" she signed.

"Of course," Anna replied, both speaking and signing. "It's in my bag. Just be careful with it."

Tommy was practically vibrating with energy, his feet kicking excitedly against the seat. "Swings! Swings!" he chanted, his arms stretching toward the door.

"Hold your horses, little man," Anna laughed, reaching back to unbuckle his booster seat. As she lifted him out of the car, he wrapped his arms around her neck, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"Mommy, push me super high!" he exclaimed, his voice ringing with pure joy.

"Only if you promise to hold on tight," she teased, booping his nose. She glanced over at Joel, her eyes softening. "We'll be over at the playground if you need us."

Joel nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. "You two have fun," he said, his voice warm. He watched as Anna and Tommy made their way toward the playground, her hand securely holding his as he skipped alongside her.

Turning his attention back to the car, Joel found Ellie already out and bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her green eyes sparkled with excitement. She clutched her glove in one hand and a softball in the other.

Joel signed as he spoke, ensuring Sarah was included. "Well, we better get you over there so you can show 'em how it's done."

Ellie grinned broadly, her confidence radiating. "I'm gonna strike them all out," she signed to Sarah, who gave her a thumbs-up and an encouraging smile.

Sarah smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. "I have no doubt about that," she signed, filled with pride.

Ellie turned to Joel, her expression determined. "Thanks for bringing me, Dad," she signed, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I'm really glad you're here to watch me play."

Joel's heart swelled with affection for his daughter. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a brief hug. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, kiddo," he said, his voice gruff with emotion.

He grabbed Ellie's equipment bag from the trunk, slinging it over his shoulder. "Let's go find your coach."

As they walked toward the field, the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over everything. The scent of freshly mowed grass filled the air, and a cluster of butterflies fluttered past, momentarily capturing Ellie's attention.

"Dad, look!" she pointed, her face lighting up.

"Monarchs," Joel noted, pausing to watch the delicate creatures.

Ellie watched them for a moment before turning back to the task at hand. "Come on, we don't want to be late!" she urged, picking up her pace.

They reached the dugout where Coach Ramirez stood organizing the team. The coach, a tall woman with a friendly smile, greeted them with a wave. "Ellie! Ready to play today?" she called out.

"More than ready!" Ellie replied, her excitement palpable.

"Good to hear. Let's get you warmed up," Coach Ramirez said, gesturing toward the field.

Joel handed over Ellie's bag. "Give 'em hell, kiddo," he said with a wink.

With Ellie settled, Joel turned back toward the SUV, spotting Sarah diligently unpacking the snacks. Her movements were methodical, each item placed with care into a reusable tote bag. He walked over, his boots crunching softly on the gravel.

"Need a hand, baby girl?" he asked, crouching down beside her. He signed the question, ensuring his words were accessible to her.

Sarah looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, please," she signed. "There's a lot to carry."

"Well, it's a good thing you've got me," he replied, his fingers articulating each word clearly. He lifted the heavier bags, leaving the lighter ones for her.

As they made their way across the field toward the concession area, the sun cast long shadows, and the sounds of the game starting filled the air. The national anthem played over the tinny speakers, and everyone paused, hands over hearts. Joel and Sarah stopped walking, turning toward the flag. Sarah watched the singer's lips, her hand over her heart as she absorbed the moment.

After the anthem concluded, they continued to the snack table. Other parents were bustling about, setting up displays of baked goods and coolers filled with drinks. Sarah began arranging their contributions neatly, her attention to detail evident in the precise alignment of each item.

"You're really good at this," Joel observed, his admiration clear.

Sarah looked up, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Mom taught me," she signed modestly.

"Well, you both have a knack for making things look nice," he replied, signing. "Maybe you should go into event planning."

She laughed silently, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe."

They finished setting up, and Joel noticed Sarah glancing toward the playground where Anna and Tommy were. "Want to go join Mom and Tommy?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I want to watch Ellie pitch," she signed. "It's her first time starting."

"Good idea," Joel agreed. "Let's find a good spot."

They chose a place along the first baseline, where they had a clear view of the pitcher's mound. As they settled onto the bleachers, Sarah pulled out Anna's camera from her bag.

"Mind if I take some pictures?" she signed.

"Go right ahead," Joel encouraged. "Capture the moment."

The game began with Ellie taking the mound. She stood tall, her expression focused as she adjusted her cap.

As the game began, Ellie took the mound, her confidence radiating from every inch of her. She bounced the ball a few times, getting a feel for it, before winding up and throwing a perfect pitch. The crowd erupted in cheers as the batter struck out.

Joel watched as Sarah captured the moment, her fingers moving quickly over the camera's buttons. She had an eye for composition, and her shots were sharp and well-framed.

"She's got a good arm," a voice beside Joel remarked. He turned to see Mr. Thompson, another parent, taking a seat nearby.

"That she does," Joel agreed, his eyes never leaving the field.

As the innings progressed, Ellie continued to dominate, her pitches swift and accurate. Sarah documented each play, her excitement evident in the way she eagerly showed Joel the shots she'd captured after each inning.

"Look, Dad," she signed, scrolling through the images. "This one is my favorite."

Joel leaned in, appreciating the photo of Ellie mid-pitch, her face a mask of determination. "That's a keeper," he agreed. "You have a real talent."

She beamed at the compliment, her joy infectious.

During a brief intermission, Anna and Tommy joined them. Tommy clambered onto Joel's lap, his cheeks flushed from play. "Ellie's winning!" he announced, bouncing slightly.

"She sure is," Joel replied, wrapping an arm around his son. "You having fun with Mom?"

"Yeah! I went so high on the swings!" Tommy exclaimed, stretching his arms upward to demonstrate.

Anna settled beside Joel, her hand resting lightly on his knee. "He's going to sleep well tonight," she said with a chuckle.

"That's the plan," Joel teased. He glanced at Anna, noting the contentment in her eyes. "Enjoying the game?"

"Very much," she replied, her gaze drifting to Ellie on the field. "She's really shining out there."

Joel nodded, his heart full of pride for their daughter. "She's definitely enjoying the attention," he said, his eyes tracking Ellie as she joined her team for a huddle before the next inning. "But it's good to see her so confident and focused."

Anna leaned into Joel, her head resting against his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her, savoring the moment. Despite the loud cheers and occasional clamor from the other parents, there was a sense of tranquility surrounding their little family—a feeling of being completely at peace in this tiny corner of the world.

Tagging everyone who showed interest on a previous post! @berrygoesprivate @lanaispunk @pillowpantsxoxo @midnightbabylon

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