115 Game Three: San Marino end (2/2)

I looked at him with disdain. ”It's not fun when others get hurt.” I said clearly without stuttering or having to clear my throat. This was something I was firm on, violence is never an option.

Noah froze. He stood tall. ”I did it for Jason. They sent him to the hospital, Jake. Don't you care? Wouldn't you want to have someone get revenge for you? As they say in the Bible, eye for eye and tooth for tooth.”

”It also says that you should turn the other cheek.” A woman said from the side. Mrs. Atkins stood near the fence with her husband behind her. ”Jesus said 'Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.'”

Noah looked down in shame after being told off by his mother. He kicked at the grass. ”I didn't read the whole book. Sue me.”

Mrs. Atkins looked at me, knowing how I felt about violence. ”Why don't you boys come off the field? We'll wait for the twins and Zeke, together.”

Noah looked up from the grass to see what I would say. But I had nothing to say to him. Mrs. Atkins put it perfectly. I turned away and left the field so I could stand with his parents on the other side of the fence.

Noah silently followed. We joined his parents and as we stood there, multiple strangers came by to congratulate us on making it to the finals. I stealthily hid myself by Mr. Atkins in order to not draw attention to myself.

”Well if it isn't baby Atkins.” A snarky voice said among the crowd. Mr. Thompkins pushed his way to stand before us. ”You look healthy for someone who had such a nasty looking collision at home plate.”

Noah made a face. ”I'm okay. Just banged up.”

”Yes, yes, much better than Michael Fultz.” He sneered. ”How does it feel to end someone's baseball season before it even starts? You're just as bad as your brother, Zeke.”

Mrs. Atkins stepped up beside Noah. ”That's enough. You can't question my son like this.”

”Why not? You complained to my boss saying I interviewed him yesterday without an adult present. Now here you are. I can ask him as many questions as I want.”

Mr. Atkins stepped forward as well, towering over everyone. ”Sure. But we have the right to refuse to answer. Come one Noah. We'll wait in the car. Jake, let's go.”