91 Game One: Villa Park end (2/2)

I nodded. I didn't feel nauseas until the game ended. Then all these 'what if' questions popped into my head. I tried to slow down my breathing. ”I could have messed up.”

”But you didn't!” Noah said. ”You did it! We did it!”

I started to feel sick again.

”Noah. Why don't you get Jake a cold water. And a Gatorade to replenish his electrolytes.” Mr. Atkins handed him a few dollars. ”The snack bar was just outside.”

”Alright...” Noah said slowly and I heard him walk away.

”After the play, were you thinking, 'what would have happened if I messed up the perfect game?'” Mr. Atkins asked.

I nodded, glancing up at him. ”They would have been mad.”

Mr. Atkins squatted down so he would t be so high above me. ”You'll never know that for sure. The chances of that ever coming up again is minuscule. Almost nonexistent. There'll be other plays. New plays. Heck, you could go the rest of the season without having to make the game ending play.”

That's true, I guess. The chances of me participating in another perfect game would be astronomical.

”Overthinking something that has already happened, won't change anything. Just let it be, and let it go.” He told me. ”If you want to talk it out, I'm here to listen. If not, that's okay too. We could also save it for Dr. Moore.”

I thought about it. Mr. Atkins was right. It was done with so it was dumb to worry over. But maybe we should talk about it. With the therapist. ”I'll save it for Wednesday.” I mumbled.

”Great.” He stood up. Then lifted me up. ”Next time you throw up, don't sit on the bathroom floor. Especially a public bathroom. It's unsanitary.”

”I'm back with the drinks!” Noah hollered, almost running into the stall that we were trying to get out of. He looked me over. ”Jake, you look super pale. Maybe we should get something to eat to fill you back up.”

”Actually He should stick to fluids for right now.” Mr. Atkins advised. ”Let's get back to your team first. Jake, rinse your mouth out. Then you can start taking small sips of the Gatorade.”

I grabbed the water from Noah and went to the sink. I rinsed my mouth quite a few times to get rid of the smell. Then I followed them out while holding the Gatorade. Apparently our team was watching the game after ours, because the winner will be our next opponent this afternoon/evening.