128 Monday Morning 1 (1/2)

When I woke, I was startled. Somehow I went from the game to my bed. Was it all a dream? I sat up and noticed I was still in my dirty uniform.

”Oh. You're finally awake!” Noah stood up so he can peek in the top bunk, where I slept. ”Go take a shower and I'll tell mom to warm some breakfast up for you.”

I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. ”I have a headache.”

Noah looked startled. ”Oh. That could be because you slept for so long. How about you go take a nice warm shower to feel better.” He sniffed. ”And smell better.” He cracked a smile and headed for the door. ”I'll be downstairs with mom and dad.” He left.

I rolled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, with clean clothes in hand. Once I was there, I realized, it was Monday. There's school. We're going to be late! I rushed through my shower and quickly got dressed. I tugged my socks and shoes on before running downstairs with my backpack.

”What are you doing..?” Dave asked as I tripped over the last step, stumbling a few feet.

I held up my backpack.

Kyle came out of the kitchen just in time to see me hold my backpack up. He and Dave made eye contact and started to laugh together. I shook my backpack at them with exasperation.

”We're going to be late!” I told them.

They stopped and looked me over. Dave spoke first. ”Late? For what? Mom said you're appointment wasn't until nine o'clock.”

Kyle laughed at my confusion. ”There's no school today, kiddo. It's President's Day. All schools have the day off. But there'll be an evening practice so make sure your bag is ready to go before you forget that too.”

My bag? My bag! Where did I put it? I didn't even clean my bat after yesterday! I tried to recall yesterday's game against Paradise Prep. I had a few hits. Zeke got for the cycle. And then-and then? I put my fingers to my temple and tried to soothe the headache that was coming back. Yesterday, I froze.

”Jake?” Noah's voice sounded near. I opened my eyes and saw him standing by the entrance to the dining room. ”I was wondering what was taking you so long. Come on. Sit down and eat something before it gets cold again.”

”But...” My headache started to get even worse. I felt lost and confused. I was missing my bat and bag. I barely remember the end of the game last night. And now I'm told there's no school today.

Dave came over and took my backpack out of my hands. ”One thing at a time. Go eat. You don't need this today.”

I nodded and walked over to Noah. He then guided me to the table and we sat beside each other. Mr. Atkins sat on one end. And Mrs. Atkins sat next to Noah on the opposite end.