126 Game Four: Paradise Preparatory 9 ~Noah (1/2)
~~~~~NOAH~~~~~
Jake looked like he was shutting down. I felt helpless to stop it.
”Roberts! Get on that field! Noah, Zeke, you both get out there too. I'll keep an eye on Jake.” Coach's yelled at us to take the field.
I didn't want to go, but Zeke grabbed me by my collar and dragged me onto the field as we followed John.
”Zeke, something's happening to him. We can't just leave him with Coach. He's going to feel scared and get agitated. He might run if I'm not watching.” I swatted him hand off my jersey.
Zeke glanced at the dugout then back at me. ”Jake isn't feeling anything. He's despondent. What he needs is a therapist, not some kid who might make him feel worse.”
I frowned. ”Let me go tell dad then.” I thought about what we overheard the other night. ”Dad would know what to do.”
Zeke sighed. ”Fine, but don't waste anymore time. The umpire is already giving us looks.” He left me to get to his position.
I jogged to the fence behind home plate, trying to look for my parents.
”What do you think you're doing?” The umpire approached me. ”It's time to get back to the game. Get in position or get in the dugout.”
”My teammate has a medical emergency.” I didn't spare him a glance. I spotted my mom and dad in the middle row, near the steps. I waved at them. ”Hey! Hey! Dad!”
The crowd started to point at laugh, but I didn't care. My dad looked embarrassed as he made his way down the stands to me. He towered over me, making me feel a little more calm. ”What is it? Why are you stopping the game like this?”
”Dad. It's not me. It's Jake.” I quickly explained. ”Something happened and now he's not responding to anyone. Even me! No talking, no eye contact, barely any movement. Coach is taking him out of the game.”
”That's strange. Did you guys accidentally trigger him?”
”What? I don't know. I don't think so.”
”I'm giving you ten seconds to get back to your position.” The umpire said from beside me.
”Just get to the dugout.” I pleaded to my dad one last time before running to my spot.