We packed up pretty quickly; it didn't take long for all of us to pile in the car and head to their house .
"Wow . They're both home . " Noah said after seeing both of their cars in the driveway . We had to park out on the street in front of their house .
All five of us hopped out and grabbed our bags . The older three left their baseball bags in the trunk, but Noah went and grabbed his .
"What are you doing with that?" Kyle raised an eyebrow .
"I need to take it inside . Jake's bat requires extra care and maintenance since it's wood . Plus I want dad to take us to O'Conners and get Jake some equipment . He can't keep using mine . It's not exactly a proper fit . "
Advertisement"Oh good! I want to go to O'Conners too!" Dave jumped in . "My batting gloves get torn so easily . " He glanced at me . "I don't know how Jake can hit without a pair . "
I flipped my hands and showed them my calluses .
"Dangggggg . " The twins said at the same time .
"What are you boys doing just hanging out in the front yard?" A feminine voice called out to us . We looked towards the front door to see Mrs . Atkins staring us down, with her hands on her hips .
"Just admiring Jake's work ethic . " Kyle replied .
"You're all back so early . Did something happen?" She frowned, examining all of us .
We all looked at Zeke . He stepped up first to head inside . "I called it early today . Jake made the team . But he's out of shape so we brought him home to rest . I'm going to shower first . "
"Second!" The twins called out at the same time . They looked at one another and then raced to the house and probably up the stairs .
Noah and I brought up the rear . She looked us over . "Why is Jake all dirty and sweaty? You look like you didn't even practice . "
Noah slapped me on the back . "It was a tryout mom . They wanted to see how he did . And then after he made the team, Zeke made us run ten laps each! Poor Jake couldn't last . He collapsed as soon as we finished . "
"Oh, Jake is that true?" She looked me up and down . "You do look a bit exhausted . Come inside and sit down . Let's tell Wayne what happened and see how he wants to deal with Zeke . "
We followed her in the house and found Mr . Atkins in the office . He was working on the computer, but quickly gave us his undivided attention . Even sitting down, he was as tall as me .
"Dad, Zeke made Jake and I run ten laps for no reason . " Noah got right to the point and complained about his oldest brothers wrongdoings . "Jake had just finished his tryout, made the team, and didn't even meet with our teammates before we were sent on a run . "
"Ten laps?" Mr . Atkins frowned . "That's only two miles . That shouldn't be too hard for you . " He looked at me . "But for Jake . . . you feeing okay?"
I shrugged . I just felt tired and a little sore .
"Jake, do you mind if we give the boys some background on you? Nothing too detailed, I promise . I just don't want them pushing you too hard, too fast . "
I shrugged once more . It didn't seem like a big deal, but maybe they were worried because I only left the rehab hospital last week .
"Noah said Jake collapsed after running . Do you think we should do a check-up or something?" Mrs . Atkins looked worried .
Mr . Atkins turned to Noah . "Is that true?"
"He just wanted to lie down on the grass because he was so tired . It wasn't like he passed out . " Noah quickly corrected . "I told Zeke that he shouldn't make him run so much on his first day, but he said it was for endurance reasons . "
I'm pretty sure he did that because you called him a negative Nancy . Noah sure had guts to tattle on Zeke . I'd be too scared to say anything at all .
"Okay, we'll discuss at dinner . We'll go to Da Vinci's to celebrate you making varsity . As a freshman, no less!" Mr . Atkins stood up . I took a few steps back to give him space . Alright, mostly to give me space to run since he still intimidated me . "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you . Why don't you boys hurry and shower?"
"Yep, yep!" Noah grabbed my arm and started to drag me past his mom . But he quickly stopped . "We need to go to O'Conners after dinner too! Jake has almost nothing . And my stuff is a bit big or baggy . "
Both of his parents nodded and agreed . Not even showing a hint of displeasure . I wonder if all parents were this nice and caring, and it was just me that got unlucky?
Chapter end
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