198 Postgame: Durham Preparatory (2/2)

”Is it University Prep?” Zeke spoke up.

Coach nodded. ”It is.”

The team stayed deathly silent.

Coach sighed. ”Don't take yourselves out of the game before it even starts. Didn't we just pull off an incredible comeback?”

”That's right!l

”In the last inning too!”

”Right?!”

The team perked up and slowly came back to life.

Coach smiled. ”Good. Alright. Tomorrow's game will be at 8am, be here at 7am for warmups. I've spoken with your parents before coming over and most have agreed to check in a nearby hotel. For the ones who couldn't, the Atkins said they can take you in. So go to your parents and find out what each of you will be doing. I'll send out a mass text for dinner plans in an hour or two.”

The team started to disperse as they each met up with their respective parents. I obediently followed the Atkins boys to the Atkins couple. Mrs. Atkins smiled at all of us and congratulated each of us individually on something we did well at.

Mr. Atkins, however, remained quiet. His expression was blank, but I felt unsettled even though his gaze was solely directed at Zeke.

Sure enough, after Mrs. Atkins finished her round of compliments, he took over. ”Zeke. How's your back?”

The twins, Noah, and I, all immediately looked to Zeke. Zeke shrugged. ”It's fine.”

”Really?” Mr. Atkins didn't fold. ”You wouldn't mind having the tournament trainer look at it then, would you?”

Noah nudged me. With that nudge, I could tell he was trying to say that he was right and that something was wrong with Zeke. Even Mr. Atkins thought something was off.

Zeke kept his own blank expression, looking almost identical to his father. ”I don't see the need to waste my time or his. Shouldn't we be heading back to the hotel? We'll have to shower before dinner and make room for the members of the team that'll be staying with us.”

A deflection! Just like what he did with Noah during the game.

Mr. Atkins refused to give in. ”You were hit by a pitch. You either get it checked out here by a professional or we'll take you to the doctor at the hospital.”

Zeke's facial expression finally changed to a frown. ”I wasn't the only one hit.”

Mr. Atkins looked down at Noah. ”You too. Athletic trainer here or a hospital visit before bed?”

Noah rolled his eyes. ”I'm fine. Maybe just a bruise on the quad.”

Mr. Atkins stared him down

Noah straightened up. ”But you're right. I should get checked out before we go. Definitely. Don't want anything hidden to pop up.” He shot a glare at Zeke. ”Let's go together. As a family.”

Zeke let out a sigh, but didn't put up a fight any longer.