232 Stanford University: Friday 8 (1/2)

The best out of five wasn't as close as I thought it would be. The twins were right to say that experience mattered most. Noah didn't let anymore balls pass him by, but it was rendered useless. He stopped three with two hands and one with one hand. Shawn was ruthless to him, but just as much to Nick. Nick also didn't let any balls pass, yet he was able to grab three grounders one-handed. Score of of 8 for Nick to Noah's 5.

Noah wasn't filled with resentment towards concerned citizen like I thought he would be. He had been pretty hostile to Nick in the multiple encounters we've had. But Noah took this opportunity to bug him for tips on fielding. I tried to listen in to improve my own craft, but it was like they were speaking another language. I wanted Noah to translate, but he was too absorbed to see my distress. Which wasn't a bad thing. I could always have him break it down for me when we get home after this trip.

”Anything you want to compete in?” Shawn came over to where I stood by the twins. He smiled gleefully as if it was him that had just beat Noah. And Nick for that matter. He was definitely the competitive type. I remember what Nick had said about Shawn not even being able to make his freshman high school baseball team. Then he had a crazy comeback year and made varsity as a sophomore. What a jump. You have to have a competitive spirit to get there. He even changed positions and excelled some more.

I looked at the fake home plates, wishing this could be a real field, where I could show something that I excelled in.

”Jake would probably like to see the cages.” Kyle stood up and told Shawn. ”He's more of a batter than anything.”

”Yea, according to Noah, Jake practically spent all of his free time in a batting cage.” Dave added, standing up as well.

Shawn blinked. ”Oh? I thought Jake was your brother too.” He looked at me. ”So you grew up in the batting cages?”

I shook my head. ”Not really 'grew up'. I just spent a good couple of years only practicing in a batting cage, because I wasn't allowed to be officially a part of the team.”

Shawn looked more confused, but I didn't elaborate. ”That's weird. Well, I can take you all to the cages. No one should be using it right now. Most of the guys would be in class or in the gym working with weights.” He looked over to where Noah and Nick were going over techniques. ”Hey! I'm gonna take these three to the batting cages in the back. Are you two coming or not?”

Noah lit up. ”Of course! I can't wait to see your faces when Jake gets in there to show off.” He bounced on over, not even thinking about his loss. He sent me a grin. ”Don't hold back. It's just cages and it's not like we have to worry about these guys spreading info on us to other high schools. That would just be petty.”

Shawn raised an eyebrow as his lips thinned. ”Holding back? Do you hold back on a normal basis?”

Do I? Not really? Well maybe. Kind of. When Zeke tells me too. Or I'll choose to fight for a walk rather than a hit. I settled on shrugging in response.

”You have to see him in action.” Noah declared.

Shawn looked doubtful.

Nick headed for the exit of the bullpen. ”Let's go then. We've wasted quite a bit of time already so Zeke and your parents might almost be done.”

We all made a move.

”Did you know Jake isn't actually one of the Atkins brothers?” Shawn asked as we filed out of the bullpen. ”The way Zeke spoke about them, I thought Jake was included.”

Before Nick could reply, Noah jumped in, throwing an arm around my shoulders. ”Jake is my brother. An unofficial brother. Not all brothers have to be blood related.”

”He's our foster brother.” Kyle explained Noah's defensive remarks.

An awkward pause from Nick and Shawn made me feel uncomfortable.