69 Julian (1/2)

The next day we started the school routine once more. It followed the same pace as the previous week so I really felt like I was settling in. It wasn't until practice that something new happened.

”I'm Julian Wilson.” A tall teen with broad shoulders stood before me and Noah as we finished warmups.

The name sounded familiar, yet I couldn't remember why.

”Julian usually starts at first base.” Noah told me; then faced Julian. ”Did Zeke send you over to go over plays with Jake?”

He nodded. ”We'll have to coordinate well.”

I pointed at Drew, the trainer, who seemed to be waiting for me with the ladders all set out. He saw me pointing at him and waved. So deceitful, trying to act friendly before he goes back to torturing me.

”You can go with him first.” Julian sounded mellow, like he was one to just go with the flow. He started to walk back to the group, but I reached out and grabbed the back of his jersey. He turned back to us and I dropped my hand. ”What is it?”

Noah cleared his throat. ”Jake wants to go over the plays now since he feels insecure about it.”

”You sure it doesn't have anything to do with him not wanting to work out with Drew?” He replied lazily.

I tugged my cap down to hide my guilt.

”It's also true that he's insecure though.” Noah defended. ”Zeke bullied us all day Saturday, going over situational plays. Could you imagine? I think he would feel better if Zeke wasn't supervising since that would be added stress.”

I nodded. Noah had a way with words.

”Okay, but you'll have to go join the group in team drills.” Julian acquiesced. ”I'll take Jake in the infield to go through some visualization. I'm sure Zeke will test us still, but it's always better to be prepared when he's the proctor.”