50 Tattling (1/2)

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.”

”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.”