176 The Foothill Classic 1 (2/2)

”Five laps Noah.”

Now that made me laugh. That's what I expect from Zeke. With the atmosphere turning light, I felt relaxed enough to eat. Mrs. Atkins always made the best food and it would be a waste to miss out.

The drive felt long as we drove on the dark highway, but according to the clock, Mr. Atkins got us to the hotel in less than three hours. Once parked, Mrs. Atkins went in ahead of us to check in and get the room keys. While Mr. Atkins helped unload the car and divided up the bags among us.

Mrs. Atkins came back to the car holding a few sets of room card keys. ”Okay, I reserved two rooms, adjoining one another. Your father and I will be in the smaller one. You five will take the suite. There are two beds plus a couch that can pull out into a bed.”

”Dibs on bed!” Noah hollered out.

”Dibs!” The Twins said in unison.

Zeke merely glanced at them. ”I'm oldest, I don't have to call dibs.”

”No one should be calling dibs. There are plenty of beds.” Mr. Atkins sighed. ”If no one wants to sleep on the couch bed, then Zeke can fit with the younger two on the king size bed.”

”I can sleep on the couch..” I offered.

”It's a couch that turns into a bed.” Mrs. Atkins corrected. ”Don't pay attention to them. I'm sure it's just like any other bed except it folds into a couch.”

”No. Jake should sleep on a normal bed with me.” Noah protested. ”I even called dibs on our behalf.”

”No dibs.” Mr. Atkins said once more. ”It's settled. Twins get a bed. Zeke and Noah share a bed. Jake gets one of his own.”

Noah pouted. ”I'll just stick with Jake. I don't wanna sleep with Zeke.”

I toed the ground, keeping my eyes down. ”I prefer my own bed. I don't like to be touched when I'm sleeping. I won't be able to sleep well.”

The family stopped bickering.

I continued. ”It's not a big deal...it's just-sometimes my mom would wake me up by hitting me and then I would have trouble going to sleep.”

”Fine. I'll sleep with Zeke.” Noah said firmly. ”Can't let tomorrow's star player be sleep deprived.”

”Hey! Who's going to be the star tomorrow?!” Kyle argued. ”Shouldn't it be a pitcher? Keeping the big schools at bay?”

”You won't be pitching tomorrow.” Dave said coldly.

And the bickering picked up once more. Not like I minded. I hate having to bring up my past and feeling their pity. Them accepting it without question and continuing normal conversations make me feel like I don't stand out.