The Good Guys, as a team, had a celebratory winter following their triumph in the World Series.
Mitch's situation with Naomi did not improve, and, in fact, deteriorated by the day, after the Good Guys won the championship. Vicious screaming fights escalated to Naomi again seeking advice from a divorce attorney, for the purpose of finishing her marriage with Mitch. At one point, Naomi became so enraged, that she moved into the hotel, to "cool off". As Naomi was packing her clothes, fire showed in her eyes : "Don't call me, Mitchell. I don't know for how long. Give me time to think. I swear to God, one wrong move from you, and I'm going to get rid of you. When I'm more calm, whenever that is, we will talk one last time". Naomi packed her clothes, and left.
Mitch, for his part, moved into a long, cold, lonely winter. Mitch's three grown children, who were all financially secure, decided to take their own apartment, to be away from their father. For their part, they were angry at Mitch, for what they felt was his failure, in the potential breakup of their family.
In addition to Mitch's personal life crumbling around him, a decision had to be made about baseball. Naomi, for her part, had told the team that she was not going to commit to sign a contract, until her situation with Mitch was resolved one way or the other. Due to her part time status with the team, this did not make much of an impact. Mitch, however, needed to arrive at a decision, and was more torn than ever. Additionally, Mitch was experiencing another problem. Over the winter, he had developed tightness in his neck and upper back, that would not go away. He tried heating pads, hot showers, whirlpool baths, and therapy. Considering his situation, Mitch was very nearly ready to say "Fuck it", and retire. The problem was, if Naomi followed through with her threat to divorce Mitch, he would have no one to retire with. His grown children had moved out. His relationship with Cathy, would be no more than a financial obligation , if Naomi and he split, so Mitch was like a man alone on the planet.
Shortly before spring training began, Mitch got a sense of just how bleak his situation was. He sent Naomi a dozen roses for Valentine's Day, along with a card, and a long, heartfelt, letter, pleading with her to reconsider. Naomi, for her part, did not acknowledge her husband for Valentine's Day, which hurt Mitch to the core of his soul. Mitch finally did reach Naomi by instant message, a couple of days after V day, and when he asked her about the flowers, all she said was: "It was just words on a card, and flowers. It means nothing, Mitchell. It does not change your situation with me".
Finally, just before position players had to report to spring training, Mitch reluctantly signed a one year contract. He knew, that even if Naomi decided to divorce him that day, he was bound to the team for one year. If his marriage ended, Mitch resolved to himself to take whatever money he had, and get as far away from Paradise Island as possible.
Mitch's physical pain persisted throughout the spring. The team opened the season on a cool, overcast, windy, 70 degree day, against the Mets, with Mitch in the lineup, and Naomi watching in the stands, as a spectator, more out of loyalty. She did not plan to attend every game, but wanted to be there opening day, to accept her championship ring, and support the team. Gil Bellows gave a decent effort that day, but Mitch struck out four times, wincing with every swing, to a chorus of boos. The Good Guys could not rise up, and were defeated that opening day, by a score of 3-0.
On Opening Day Two the next afternoon, the sun came out, and the temperature warmed up. Charlize Theron pitched a brilliant game, allowing only one run in eight innings, as Ed Burns hit a two run homer, and the Good Guys won their first game of the year, by a score of 2-1. Neve Campbell allowed three runs on Wednesday afternoon, as the Good Guys got five runs on nine hits, and won, 5-3.
Thursday was an off day. That day, Mitch spent his time at the casino, and at home. Off days would be difficult, with Mitch alone. His grown children saw him, reluctantly, on occasion, but for the most part, let him know they had their own lives, and that Naomi was their priority.
Atlanta came to town on Friday night. Rachel Leigh Cook pitched, and got demolished, allowing eight runs, in an 8-4 defeat. Hayden took the ball on Saturday night. She shut out the Braves for seven innings, as the Good Guys got a homer from left fielder Dawson, to win, 2-0. Gil Bellows opposed new Braves ace Derek Lowe on Sunday, a sunny, warm, 82 degree day, in front of a sellout. Bellows allowed an early two run homer, and third baseman Michael hit a solo one for Paradise. That was all the scoring the Good Guys got however, as they went down to a 2-1 loss.
Houston entered Paradise on Monday, for the last part of the homestand, before the Good Guys would hit the road. Charlize allowed a three run homer early, as the Good Guys, with Mitch in the lineup, but still not hitting, got but two runs, and lost again, suffering a 3-2 setback. Neve Campbell pitched on Tuesday night. After Neve got lit up early, the Good Guys bats went to work, overcoming a 4-0 deficit on homers by third baseman Michael, Ed Burns, and left fielder Dawson. Paradise managed to tie the game, and finally won it in the eighth, with two runs, for a 6-4 victory. Rachel Leigh Cook had the ball on Wednesday afternoon, a sunny, dry, 83 degree day, in front of a sellout. Cook gave a quality start, allowing three runs in six innings. The Good Guys broke a sixth inning 3-3 tie, with three runs, as Ellen Page got the save, and the Good Guys finished their homestand on a positive note, with a 6-3 win, that completed a winning, but subpar, five and four homestand. It was too early in the season to tell how the Good Guys would do as a team, as they could easily hit a long winning streak at some point. For Mitch, with the pain in his neck, and the pain in his heart, with his family hanging by a thread, each day was a matter of mere survival.
In the meantime, the team held its Saturday tickle party. The featured lee, would be a player from the opposing team. This was a rarity. However, the "opponent lee", was a very special guest, and a special friend. Kate Hudson was visiting the island that weekend with the Braves, and with the permission of her team, had decided to join the Good Guys for their tickle party, for old times sake. Kate was tied hands and feet to the bed, in the middle of the fetish club. Center Fielder Burns began the tickle on Kate's neck with fingers, as her head shifted, and the laughter began: HEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEE! NO! Working down, pitcher Gil Bellows was next, attacking Kate on her underarms, sides, ribs, and belly with fingers, as she thrashed, and squealed:HHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEE! OMG I FORGOT HOW MUCH I MISSED THIS NOT BEING A PART OF THIS TEAM ANYMORE! Moving down, shortstop Tom Cruise was the next ler, tickling Kate on her hips, inner thighs, and knees with fingers, as her legs bucked:HHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEE! Finally, third baseman Michael, (substituting for Mitch, who was at the party, but on the sidelines, as Mitch did not feel like tickling, due to his situation) attacked Kate with his fingers, feathers, and an electric toothbrush on her toes and soles. Kate went beserk, wiggling her toes every which way, and squealing with laughter:HEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEE! OMG PLEASE NO MORE! I GIVE UP! IM NOT USED TO BEING TICKLED LIKE THIS ANYMORE! NOOOOOO! HEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEE! Finally, the tickle ended, and Kate was untied.
On Wednesday night, around midnight, Mitch was in bed, when the telephone rang : "Mitchell, it's Naomi". Mitch tried to be warm: "Nai, how are you?" "Stop it, Mitchell, don't try to play the loving husband, okay? I don't believe you" Naomi said. Mitch was silent, and Naomi continued : "Since I logically can't keep you at bay forever, and since it is appropriate that I need to make a decision for myself, I'm calling to tell you something. Go off on your trip, and when you come back, call me the day after you get home. I want to meet with you, in a public place. You will get one last chance to try and convince me why I shouldn't divorce you. By then, I'll be in a mindset to make a clear decision, and weigh all the facts, instead of the rage I'm feeling for you right now". Naomi said. "Okay" Mitch said weakly. "You will need to be careful, Mitchell. One wrong move, a clipped tone, an annoyed look in the eyes, anything. I will pick myself up, leave whereever we meet, and file for divorce the following morning, and I will never again listen to what you have to say to me. You are not to throw up to me that your staying with me for 24 years shows you love me, or to tell me the things I did to you in the marriage. You need to listen to me, and be careful not to interrupt me if I'm talking. I am doing this as a courtesy, because of all the years we have invested. In my heart, I know what I should do, and what painful choice I have to make, but the memories of the good times we had, dont make that choice easy" Naomi said. "Okay, Naomi" Mitch said weakly. "Goodnight, Mitchell. I will speak to you a week from Monday" Naomi said. "Goodnight, Naomi", Mitch said, hanging up the phone.
Mitch and Naomi's 24 year marriage had now come down to one single meeting to determine their fate. Mitch was now standing at the cliff, with his feet hanging over the edge, barely hanging on for life, ready to be thrown off by Naomi at any moment. Could Mitch convince Naomi at their upcoming meeting to stay, and work with him on fighting for their marriage, or would Naomi push him off the cliff, and into oblivion, forever? That answer to come in the continuing story of the Tickle Team From Paradise Island.
The End
Mitch's situation with Naomi did not improve, and, in fact, deteriorated by the day, after the Good Guys won the championship. Vicious screaming fights escalated to Naomi again seeking advice from a divorce attorney, for the purpose of finishing her marriage with Mitch. At one point, Naomi became so enraged, that she moved into the hotel, to "cool off". As Naomi was packing her clothes, fire showed in her eyes : "Don't call me, Mitchell. I don't know for how long. Give me time to think. I swear to God, one wrong move from you, and I'm going to get rid of you. When I'm more calm, whenever that is, we will talk one last time". Naomi packed her clothes, and left.
Mitch, for his part, moved into a long, cold, lonely winter. Mitch's three grown children, who were all financially secure, decided to take their own apartment, to be away from their father. For their part, they were angry at Mitch, for what they felt was his failure, in the potential breakup of their family.
In addition to Mitch's personal life crumbling around him, a decision had to be made about baseball. Naomi, for her part, had told the team that she was not going to commit to sign a contract, until her situation with Mitch was resolved one way or the other. Due to her part time status with the team, this did not make much of an impact. Mitch, however, needed to arrive at a decision, and was more torn than ever. Additionally, Mitch was experiencing another problem. Over the winter, he had developed tightness in his neck and upper back, that would not go away. He tried heating pads, hot showers, whirlpool baths, and therapy. Considering his situation, Mitch was very nearly ready to say "Fuck it", and retire. The problem was, if Naomi followed through with her threat to divorce Mitch, he would have no one to retire with. His grown children had moved out. His relationship with Cathy, would be no more than a financial obligation , if Naomi and he split, so Mitch was like a man alone on the planet.
Shortly before spring training began, Mitch got a sense of just how bleak his situation was. He sent Naomi a dozen roses for Valentine's Day, along with a card, and a long, heartfelt, letter, pleading with her to reconsider. Naomi, for her part, did not acknowledge her husband for Valentine's Day, which hurt Mitch to the core of his soul. Mitch finally did reach Naomi by instant message, a couple of days after V day, and when he asked her about the flowers, all she said was: "It was just words on a card, and flowers. It means nothing, Mitchell. It does not change your situation with me".
Finally, just before position players had to report to spring training, Mitch reluctantly signed a one year contract. He knew, that even if Naomi decided to divorce him that day, he was bound to the team for one year. If his marriage ended, Mitch resolved to himself to take whatever money he had, and get as far away from Paradise Island as possible.
Mitch's physical pain persisted throughout the spring. The team opened the season on a cool, overcast, windy, 70 degree day, against the Mets, with Mitch in the lineup, and Naomi watching in the stands, as a spectator, more out of loyalty. She did not plan to attend every game, but wanted to be there opening day, to accept her championship ring, and support the team. Gil Bellows gave a decent effort that day, but Mitch struck out four times, wincing with every swing, to a chorus of boos. The Good Guys could not rise up, and were defeated that opening day, by a score of 3-0.
On Opening Day Two the next afternoon, the sun came out, and the temperature warmed up. Charlize Theron pitched a brilliant game, allowing only one run in eight innings, as Ed Burns hit a two run homer, and the Good Guys won their first game of the year, by a score of 2-1. Neve Campbell allowed three runs on Wednesday afternoon, as the Good Guys got five runs on nine hits, and won, 5-3.
Thursday was an off day. That day, Mitch spent his time at the casino, and at home. Off days would be difficult, with Mitch alone. His grown children saw him, reluctantly, on occasion, but for the most part, let him know they had their own lives, and that Naomi was their priority.
Atlanta came to town on Friday night. Rachel Leigh Cook pitched, and got demolished, allowing eight runs, in an 8-4 defeat. Hayden took the ball on Saturday night. She shut out the Braves for seven innings, as the Good Guys got a homer from left fielder Dawson, to win, 2-0. Gil Bellows opposed new Braves ace Derek Lowe on Sunday, a sunny, warm, 82 degree day, in front of a sellout. Bellows allowed an early two run homer, and third baseman Michael hit a solo one for Paradise. That was all the scoring the Good Guys got however, as they went down to a 2-1 loss.
Houston entered Paradise on Monday, for the last part of the homestand, before the Good Guys would hit the road. Charlize allowed a three run homer early, as the Good Guys, with Mitch in the lineup, but still not hitting, got but two runs, and lost again, suffering a 3-2 setback. Neve Campbell pitched on Tuesday night. After Neve got lit up early, the Good Guys bats went to work, overcoming a 4-0 deficit on homers by third baseman Michael, Ed Burns, and left fielder Dawson. Paradise managed to tie the game, and finally won it in the eighth, with two runs, for a 6-4 victory. Rachel Leigh Cook had the ball on Wednesday afternoon, a sunny, dry, 83 degree day, in front of a sellout. Cook gave a quality start, allowing three runs in six innings. The Good Guys broke a sixth inning 3-3 tie, with three runs, as Ellen Page got the save, and the Good Guys finished their homestand on a positive note, with a 6-3 win, that completed a winning, but subpar, five and four homestand. It was too early in the season to tell how the Good Guys would do as a team, as they could easily hit a long winning streak at some point. For Mitch, with the pain in his neck, and the pain in his heart, with his family hanging by a thread, each day was a matter of mere survival.
In the meantime, the team held its Saturday tickle party. The featured lee, would be a player from the opposing team. This was a rarity. However, the "opponent lee", was a very special guest, and a special friend. Kate Hudson was visiting the island that weekend with the Braves, and with the permission of her team, had decided to join the Good Guys for their tickle party, for old times sake. Kate was tied hands and feet to the bed, in the middle of the fetish club. Center Fielder Burns began the tickle on Kate's neck with fingers, as her head shifted, and the laughter began: HEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEE! NO! Working down, pitcher Gil Bellows was next, attacking Kate on her underarms, sides, ribs, and belly with fingers, as she thrashed, and squealed:HHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEE! OMG I FORGOT HOW MUCH I MISSED THIS NOT BEING A PART OF THIS TEAM ANYMORE! Moving down, shortstop Tom Cruise was the next ler, tickling Kate on her hips, inner thighs, and knees with fingers, as her legs bucked:HHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEE! Finally, third baseman Michael, (substituting for Mitch, who was at the party, but on the sidelines, as Mitch did not feel like tickling, due to his situation) attacked Kate with his fingers, feathers, and an electric toothbrush on her toes and soles. Kate went beserk, wiggling her toes every which way, and squealing with laughter:HEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEE! OMG PLEASE NO MORE! I GIVE UP! IM NOT USED TO BEING TICKLED LIKE THIS ANYMORE! NOOOOOO! HEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEE! Finally, the tickle ended, and Kate was untied.
On Wednesday night, around midnight, Mitch was in bed, when the telephone rang : "Mitchell, it's Naomi". Mitch tried to be warm: "Nai, how are you?" "Stop it, Mitchell, don't try to play the loving husband, okay? I don't believe you" Naomi said. Mitch was silent, and Naomi continued : "Since I logically can't keep you at bay forever, and since it is appropriate that I need to make a decision for myself, I'm calling to tell you something. Go off on your trip, and when you come back, call me the day after you get home. I want to meet with you, in a public place. You will get one last chance to try and convince me why I shouldn't divorce you. By then, I'll be in a mindset to make a clear decision, and weigh all the facts, instead of the rage I'm feeling for you right now". Naomi said. "Okay" Mitch said weakly. "You will need to be careful, Mitchell. One wrong move, a clipped tone, an annoyed look in the eyes, anything. I will pick myself up, leave whereever we meet, and file for divorce the following morning, and I will never again listen to what you have to say to me. You are not to throw up to me that your staying with me for 24 years shows you love me, or to tell me the things I did to you in the marriage. You need to listen to me, and be careful not to interrupt me if I'm talking. I am doing this as a courtesy, because of all the years we have invested. In my heart, I know what I should do, and what painful choice I have to make, but the memories of the good times we had, dont make that choice easy" Naomi said. "Okay, Naomi" Mitch said weakly. "Goodnight, Mitchell. I will speak to you a week from Monday" Naomi said. "Goodnight, Naomi", Mitch said, hanging up the phone.
Mitch and Naomi's 24 year marriage had now come down to one single meeting to determine their fate. Mitch was now standing at the cliff, with his feet hanging over the edge, barely hanging on for life, ready to be thrown off by Naomi at any moment. Could Mitch convince Naomi at their upcoming meeting to stay, and work with him on fighting for their marriage, or would Naomi push him off the cliff, and into oblivion, forever? That answer to come in the continuing story of the Tickle Team From Paradise Island.
The End
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