166 Monday: Results/Practice 1 (1/2)

The Atkins firmly agreed with that last part, so after getting home, Mrs. Atkins stopped by mine and Noah's room. ”You both will be going to school like normal tomorrow with the other boys.”

”But mom-” Noah started to protest.

”No buts.” Mrs. Atkins cut him off before he could get started. ”Do you really want to make Jake face that woman again just so you can skip some classes?”

Noah looked down. ”No.”

”I would be fine.” I spoke up after seeing Noah looking sad.

Mrs. Atkins gave me a light smile. ”Of course you would be. We would support you with all our might. But, think about this, if you miss class or practice, you'll have to sit out the following game. That's the rule. Do you really want to sit out again?”

I checked with Noah. I didn't really mind sitting on the bench as long as Noah was there.

Noah frowned as he thought it over; after a minute, he faced me with a serious expression. ”School. Then practice. The next game is Tuesday so there's only one day we have to be good.”

”Noah James.” His mother scolded. ”I expect you to be good everyday.” Her facial muscles relaxed. ”I'll make sure to text you the results after the meeting so you can tell Jake, okay?”

We nodded and she left us so we could go to bed. Noah waited for me to get to my bed up top, then he turned off the light and got in his bottom bunk.

”Are you really okay, Jake?” He asked.

I snuggled under my comforter. ”I'm fine. Your mom said she wouldn't let that woman come after me, and I believe your mom.”

”What do you think will happen at the meeting tomorrow? Will she get fired?”

”I. I hope so.” I stuttered a little.

”Regardless, I don't think she'll be work at our school anymore. Did you see all those kids that were supposedly 'helped' by her? That's crazy that she's been able to stay for so long.”

”Yea.” I mumbled, feeling tired from the days activities.

”Alright, we'll talk tomorrow. Goodnight!”

”Night.” I yawned, burying my head into my pillow.

Sunday night turned into Monday morning, bringing the usual beginning of the school week drama. Kyle and Dave bickered, Noah dragged his feet around, and Zeke ordered all of us to get in the car so we wouldn't be late. The boys left us at the bottom of the parking lot by the fields so Mr. Miller could bring us up with his golf cart. Then we followed the same class routine, pushing our way to lunch time.

We were walking to our usual bench when we came across a surprise. A big surprise. Our picnic bench was crowded and overflowed to the surrounding tables.