61 The Weekend 6 (1/2)

We spent the whole afternoon running scenarios and Zeke would talk about what was the right decision afterwards. He sounded like a baseball encyclopedia, spitting out facts and how-to's for second basemen. I made a mental note to try and remember to ask Noah how he knew so much even though he plays in the outfield.

By the time we got home, everyone was exhausted. We each took a shower and took our spots at the table for dinner.

”You boys are awfully quiet.” Mrs. Atkins noted. ”Are you all actually getting along?” She faked gasped.

”Just tired.” Noah mumbled, and I nodded my agreement. ”Zeke ran us into the dirt. Physically and mentally. I feel like all of us could play second base now that Zeke has crammed in so much info.”

Their dad laughed. ”Isn't that a good thing? Jake won't be considered such a newbie anymore then.”

”Still at the beginner level.” Zeke said between bites of his dinner.

I picked at my food, sulking. It's not my fault I couldn't learn this earlier. Not everyone is blessed with a perfect family and two wonderful parents. I didn't get one decent parent. My dad and brother had never once come back either. They truly didn't care. Maybe they don't even exist and I just imagined them. I was young when they left.

”Jake? Jake!” Noah nudged me. ”You're zoning out over there. You okay?”

I shrugged and let out a sigh. I was caught up in my thoughts.

”Look what Zeke did.” Noah huffed out. ”Jake went from talking yesterday to not even being mentally present. We demand reparations.”

”What does that even mean?” Dave asked.

”It's Noah. He's obviously demanding money like always.” Kyle replied. ”Noah must have all recessive genes to be such a hustler in this family.”

”I'm not a hustler.” Noah pouted. ”Just a poor boy who can't handle this slander. Reparations from you two as well.” The twins started to object.

Mr. Atkins laughed. ”There will be no reparations of any kind. Simmer down. Noah, where did you even learn such a phrase?”

Noah feigned innocence. ”English class of course.”

”I thought we agreed you wouldn't gamble anymore.” Mrs. Atkins frowned at her youngest son.

”I wasn't betting. I just demanded money for Jake's mental scars from today's family practice.” Noah looked towards me. ”I'm sorry my family is so heartless, Jake.” He faked sob, making the others laugh.

”They're nice.” I mumbled in reply. And it was true. They were all nice. Even the twins and Zeke. No one tried to make me uncomfortable intentionally, nor have they hurt me.