I heard Mrs . Atkins sigh . "Even if you boys aren't totally in the wrong, we should still pay for the bat . "
"Tell you what, if you guys pay for the broken bat, I'll give you a discount on a new one . " Mr . Williams spoke up .
I lifted my head, filled with hope . I really like batting with a wooden bat . Even though it felt heavier and different, it was something new .
Mrs . Atkins saw my excitement . "Okay, deal . " Then she looked at Noah . "But we're still having a talk with your father when we get home . Just because you're right doesn't mean you're not in the wrong . " Damn . It was like she could see right through her son .
I looked at Noah, nervous that he might get upset since he looks to be in trouble, but I'm not .
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He rolled his eyes . "Don't pity me . Mom's just mad that I was rude and outspoken . She just might ground me . "
"Or no cookies for a straight week . " She countered .
"Nooo . Mommm . " Noah pleaded . "You know I didn't mean it . It won't happen again . "
She looked skeptical . "We'll discuss punishment at home . " I shivered at the word . "First, lets get the appropriate bat . I feel like we should wait until your father gets back . He's more knowledgeable when it comes to this . "
"Jake wants the same one as this . " Noah looked towards me for confirmation and I nodded along eagerly . "He was excellent with this bat . Twelve for twelve up to the 85 mph cage! And then he fouled all twelve 100mph pitches and put those guys in their place . But then they wanted to count only hits, yet he could still hit some! He was amazing mom!"
"Oh?" Mrs . Atkins tried making eye contact with me, but I looked away shyly . Noah was just bragging; I'm only good in the cages . "Well how much is a brand new version of this bat?" She looked at Mr . Williams .
He thought for a minute . "With the discount, I can sell you one for $120 . Plus the fifty you owe, it'll be $170 . Is that fair?"
She glanced at Noah . "That's usually on par with your aluminum bats right?" He nodded . "Okay, but Jake, you'll have to take care of this bat . We can't afford any spares at the moment . "
I nodded . I would agree to any conditions to get this bat . A new one is even better!
"This is your first wooden bat, right?" Mr . Williams asked me .
I nodded .
His lips twitched . "It's a bit harder to take care of compared to an aluminum bat . Will you remember how to look up how to take care of it when you get home?"
"No worries . I'll look it up and print it out for him . " Noah interceded on my behalf .
"Very well then . We won't be held responsible after the sale is finalized . " Mr . Williams stayed clearly . He looked at the pieces I was holding and raised an eyebrow . "You gonna toss that? Or just keep holding it?"
I looked at it sadly . This was my first bat since my hospital visit . It didn't last long, but it gave me hope . I didn't really want to part with it .
"Do you have a box we can put the pieces in?" Mrs . Atkins suddenly asked . "Technically we did purchase it so we might as well take it home as a souvenir or something . " She winked at me . "Right, Jake?"
I nodded, enthusiastically . That's exactly what I want .
Mr . Williams chuckled, but didn't comment on my peculiarities . "Well, lets get you the new bat too and send you boys on your way . " He stood up and led the way out of the office .
I looked at Noah, grateful to meet a friend like him . He looked at my face and laughed . "Don't look at me like that . This isn't anything special . Just another day with the Atkins family . " Then he lowered his voice . "But if I do lose my cookie privileges, you must share with me . "
I nodded quickly . I owe Noah more than just cookies .
Chapter end
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