300 Zeke’s Reaction (2/2)
They spoke a little more before ending the call. Doug had even more work to do while Mary had to prepare for tomorrow.
Wednesday morning she drove to USC and met up with her son and his potential new coach. They looked to be getting along and he even personally escorted them around to meet with the faculty and show them the school. He was definitely on par with the Stanford coach in terms of friendliness and attention. They enjoyed eating at the cafeteria for lunch, almost making Mary forget about the major decision she and Wayne made last night. She sneaked a glance at Zeke and his blank expression. She was confident that he wouldn't be angered by their decision, but that didn't mean he wouldn't feel disappointed or caught by surprise.
On the way to the field, Zeke noticed his mom becoming increasingly distracted as time went on. He told the coach that he would be down on the field for the tryout in just a few extra minutes. He wanted some alone time with his mother. The coach nodded understandingly and gave them space.
Zeke sat on a bench by a fountain. ”What's on your mind, Mom? Do you not like the school?”
Mary came out of her thoughts and noticed that it was just them. She felt oddly embarrassed being caught lost in her thoughts. ”No, nothing like that. It's a lovely school. The weather here is nice even in March. Not as cold as up north. The coach was also very attentive. I think he's really interested in recruiting you.” She rambled on.
”Mom.” Zeke cut her off. ”Just say what's on your mind then. Is something wrong back home?” He put his elbows on his knees, leaning forward. ”You're worrying me.”
”Oh honey, I don't mean to.” She sat beside him. ”It's me that's the one worrying. Worrying about your thoughts and feelings on a decision that your father and I just made last night.”
Zeke tensed up. ”Mom, I'm already visiting colleges. You should allow me to at least experience the draft. I could still say no and pick my college.”
She blinked. ”What.” Then she shook her head. ”Oh no, this isn't about you and your future. Well, maybe a little.”
”Mom.” Zeke said, exasperated. ”Please. What is it?” For the first time in awhile, Mary heard impatience in her son's tone of voice.
”How do you feel about another brother?”
He glanced at her stomach. ”You're pregnant?”
She smacked him on the shoulder. ”No. You dummy. Your dad and I want to officially adopt Jake.”
This time it was Zeke's turn to blink, blank expression back on. ”Oh.”
”'Oh'?” She repeated. ”Oh what? Is that a bad oh? A good oh? An excited oh?”
”Oh, I'm not surprised.” Zeke shrugged, expanding on his thoughts. ”You and Dad already seemed pretty attached to Jake compared to other foster kids we had every now and then.”
”So you're not upset?”
”Not at all.”
”Are you happy then?”
”Not particularly.”
She sighed, irritated by his indifference. ”Some kind of emotion to describe what you're feeling would help me out right now. Can't you smile or frown? What happened to the exasperation? The worry you wouldn't be allowed to the draft?”
”I trust you and Dad. I'm not against it, but I won't be upset if it doesn't go through.” Zeke stood up and stretched. ”I need to go change and make sure I have all my gear. You can find the field on your own, right?”
Mary gave a nod, then watched as he turned and walked away. Zeke really wasn't concerned about anything unless it was baseball related. It made her heart ache. For Zeke or for Jake? She couldn't tell.