336 Changes 3 (1/2)

I showered after him and got dressed in some comfortable sweatpants and a t-shirt. By the time I got downstairs, most of the boys had gathered in the living room. In front of the couch, a folding table was propped up and was completely covered with food. The only one missing was Dave.

Noah patted the end of the couch, where he had left an empty seat. ”Here! I didn't think you would want to sit in the middle.”

”Thanks.” I went and sat down. ”Where's Dave?”

”He's still showering.” Kyle told me as he filled his plate with some fruits. ”He had to go last. Since he doesn't have to go to the second practice.”

Okay, sure. I started to fill up a plate of my own. ”Is your mom and dad not going to join us?”

”Dad's working in the office. Mom said she's not hungry yet and will just let us be.” Noah said between bites of his sandwich. ”She doesn't always let us watch tv while eating, ya know.”

I nodded. I kind of got that. His parents were really big on family meal times. They always ate together without the distraction of cellphones and other electronics. It was almost out of a sitcom, except it was real. The bickering, the jokes, the sincerity. I never had that before. With my mom, I was on my own for food. There was a place that would pass out some cans of soup, then I'd go home and have to warm it up on the stovetop. I never ate with my mom. Not that I can remember. It was just me, fighting off my hunger even though I had a parent that was supposed to provide. The absentee parent wasn't any better. Can't get food from someone you never see.

I filled up my plate with the assortment of food that Mrs. Atkins had prepared and started to chow down. I halfheartedly listened to Noah as he talked about the opening outlook of all the MLB teams. He wasn't just knowledgeable on his favorite teams, but on every team.

I started to doze off when his attention shifted to the game that was on. The Oakland A's were playing in Boston so he was focusing on whether the team could start the season off with a win.

”Hey, if you want to nap, go to your bed.” Zeke patted my shoulder, causing me to jump in my sleepy state. ”You'll get a stiff neck if you sleep on the couch. Rest properly.”

I nodded weakly as I forced myself up on my feet. I looked at the messy table and frowned, wondering if I should help clean.

”Don't worry about it.” Noah waved me away. ”You look beat. Just go lie down and we'll wake you before practice.”

I smiled with relief and started to drag myself up the stairs.

”Where ya going?” Dave asked at the top of the stairs with freshly wet hair.

”Bed.” I told him.

”Ah, you need a nap? Was this morning too hard on you?” Dave asked.