346 Game: @ Etna H.S. 1 (1/2)

The bus ride to Etna High School was the quietest one yet. Mostly in part to the fact that the JV and freshman team didn't have to go. Etna only had a varsity team so we had the whole bus to ourselves. Meaning...everyone had their own seat! The quietness could also have something to do with it being another morning game and most of the team chose to nap on the hour long drive.

I wish I could do the same, but even with a seat of my own, I just couldn't fall asleep. It's weird that I'd be okay with sharing a room with a stranger like Noah, yet everyone else puts me on edge. I just closed my eyes to rest as the bus rolled on.

As soon as we arrived, my eyes were the first to open. Or so I thought until I heard Dave groaning. ”This is insane. I can't believe I didn't even get a wink of sleep.” Dave stood up. His left hand was grasping his right wrist as his face twisted in agony. ”I'm so tired, I could probably sleep for a day straight.”

”Stop your whining.” Kyle yawned. ”It's not like you're playing today. Just sit in the bullpen and relax.”

”No way am I going to sit in the bullpen and be the only one that can't pitch.” Dave replied with disgust. He glared at his own hand in anger.

After yesterday's second practice, we came home before Dave and were able to clean up before he even got back. The first thing we noticed was the crazy amount of bandage on his finger. The second thing was his twisted facial expression.

”The anesthetic must be wearing off.” Mrs. Atkins told us while rubbing Dave's back. ”They numbed the finger in order to cut off the nail up to the nail bed. They said he'll be okay to pitch once the nail grows over the nail bed again. So maybe a week. Or two.”

”Damn. How bad did you rip the nail?!” Noah got a closer look at the bulging finger, hiding under mounds of gauze and tape.

”Language.” Mrs. Atkins warned.

Dave gently held his right hand in his left, almost cradling it. ”It was split to the nail bed. One half was ripped off already and that's where the blood was coming from. They just made it more even.” He held his hand like it was a dying pet. ”I never realized how important my nail could be.”

”Dude. It's just a nail.” Kyle scoffed. ”Get over it. Kelvin got nailed in the elbow. Who knows when he'll be able to play again.”

Dave sighed. ”Could be worse I guess.”

Mrs. Atkins gave him a half hug around the shoulders. ”Don't worry dear, it'll be okay. We just have to make sure to put neosporin on it every morning to fight off any infections.”

Dave went pale. ”Mom, please don't say things like that. It's practically a curse.”

Mrs. Atkins laughed like it was funny, but the way Dave looked at his finger made me think it wasn't a joke.

***

Warmups went smoothly with Zeke in the lead. Kyle and Alex joined us in the dugout after doing their warmup in the bullpen.

Kyle was rotating his shoulders. ”Let's get this game going! I'm ready to kick butt!”

”To show off to your girlfriend?” Noah snickered.

Kyle made a funny face at Noah. ”What do you mean?”

Noah lifted his hands with a shrug. ”I was just asking if you were trying to show off since your girlfriend is here?”

Kyle ran out of the dugout to check the stands.

From the gate, I could easily spot Marie and Kaylee in the visitor stands, just a few rows back from Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. I looked back at Noah. ”Did you know about this?”

”Of course.” He snorted. ”Kaylee asked last night about the game like the time and location. I can't wait to see how Kyle performs now.” He laughed to himself.