274 Decision 2 (1/2)

Noah and I spent the thirty minutes waiting for Mr Miller, just talking about what the week without Zeke will look like. He was convinced that we would finally have freedom, but I couldn't really see a difference. It's not like Zeke hovered over us, controlling every minute of our day. Normally we see him when he drove us to and from school, plus baseball. But we won't even be playing baseball this upcoming week so would we really feel the difference?

Mr. Miller eventually showed up and honked the golf carts horn, signaling for us to hurry up. We jumped off the bleachers with our backpacks and hurried along. As he drove us up, Noah gave him the rundown of everything that happened last night. Mr. Miller agreed with him that the school would probably help Zeke out since he's a standout.

He dropped us off and waved at us as he drove away. ”See you boys at practice.”

Noah waved back, before turning to the school. ”I wonder if it's already been resolved or not.” He thought for a minute. ”It won't hurt to stop by the office for a second before heading to class.”

I froze. ”Do we have to?”

Noah looked over at me. ”Why? What's wrong?” Then he realized why I didn't want to. ”Is this about that counselor lady? Golladay? Come on Jake, she's not here anymore. What's there to be afraid of?” He snatched my wrist and started to drag me.

He walked right in the office, and pushed through some kids who had an actual reason for being there. As we moved around the crowd, my heart started to race. She's not here, she's not here, she's not here.

”Jake? Noah? What are you two doing here?” A familiar male voice asked. Super familiar. In fact, I heard this voice last night. We turned to face Dr. Moore. ”Is something the matter?”

I sighed with relief.

”Ah, Dr. Moore.” Noah greeted. ”What are you doing here?”

”I've been helping out a few students here when my schedule allows it.” I recalled that Mrs. Atkins had once said something about that after Golladay got fired. Dr. Moore was truly a kind person. ”Jake? Are you sure you're okay? You looked like you were scared for a minute.”

”Nah, he's fine.” Noah answered for me. ”He was unjustly worried that Mrs. Golladay would still be here. But really, we're here to check on Zeke before going to class.”

Dr. Moore nodded, understanding what I was scared about. ”It's good to face these little fears head on, Jake. I'm glad you have a friend like Noah to help you.”

Help me? More like forced me. I let out a little sigh, but nodded. Noah's pretty great all around.

Dr. Moore looked between us for a second, then settled on Noah. ”So you said something about coming here for Zeke?”

Noah nodded. ”He came in here with Mom to talk about taking his midterms early or late so he can go visit some colleges down south.”

”Oh? That sounds a little counterproductive.”

Noah shook his head. ”There's no baseball practice or games during midterms week, so to Zeke, this would be the perfect time to go. He wants to knock out three colleges when he goes.”

Dr. Moore smile. ”Right. Baseball is everything to you boys these days.”

”These days? You mean, every day.” Noah corrected. ”Even after I cant play anymore, I'll start training to be a coach. Baseball is my life.”

I shifted from foot to foot. I really can't say the same.

Dr. Moore laughed. ”Okay, I get it.” He looked passed us. ”Looks like your mom and Zeke are done speaking with the principal and vice principal. Here they come.”