349 Game: @ Etna H.S. 4 (1/2)

Top of the fourth, Mahki was first up. Noah, who is right after, hurried to grab his stuff before going to the on deck circle. He tugged on batting gloves, pushed his helmet down on his head, and carried his bat on his shoulder. I felt a little sad as he left me alone on the bench. I missed being one and two. It was easy to talk to him without actually having to talk. Now I just sit alone to watch the game without Noah's commentary.

”You look like someone kidnapped your puppy.” Dave laughed as he scooted over closer to me. ”C'mon, is Noah really your only friend? The whole team is here with you.”

I think Dave was trying to comfort me, but I felt guilty instead for not considering the whole team as friends. Teammates? Yes. I just nodded and turned to watch the game.

Dave got the hint and didn't continue. He just sat quietly beside me.

Mahki who had a groundout in the first inning was able to do better against this pitcher, earning a double by hitting a ball to the outfield.

”Prettier than yours.” Dave remarked as we clapped for Mahki.

I glanced at him. ”Why?”

”Look, he isn't huffing and puffing like he had just run a marathon. He's calm and relaxed on the bag.”

”Well he doesn't have to push himself to get a double.”

”Exactly.” Dave laughed. ”Better players have prettier plays. Just look at Zeke. When he dives and make plays in the outfield, they almost look effortless, right?”

I nodded, then frowned. ”Are you saying my double is uglier just because I had looked like I reached beyond my grasps? Rude.”

Dave laughed again. ”I'm just teasing. On paper, it all looks the same doesn't it?”

”Yea...I guess so.”

He gave my hat a flick with his fingers. ”I'm trying to cheer you up here. You look like a puppet just watching expressionlessly. Are you taking after Zeke?”

I let out a small laugh. ”No, no.” I wanted to take after Noah. I want to be as bright and happy as him.

A nice 'ding' was made and we both looked to the field to see Noah taking off for first. I jumped up and clapped for him as he had gotten his first hit in quite some time. Mahki only made it to third though since it was just a short hop to left field.

”That's better.” Dave nodded in satisfaction. ”I'd be disappointed in him if he kept going hitless at the plate.”

I sat back down, giving Dave my own look of disapproval.

”Don't look at me like that. This is for his own good. Noah gets a lot of heat for being on the team, right? A lot of his classmates say it's because of nepotism. Not only does that make him feel bad, but it makes us look like jerks.”

”You?”

”And Kyle and Zeke.” Dave nodded. ”We get grief from our classmates as well. Noah is taking up a roster spot. A spot that could be taken by a hardworking senior who has done more for our baseball program than others.”

”Oh.” That wouldn't be good. ”I'm sorry.” I wonder if the other guys say the same thing about me.

”For what? Being good at a young age?” Dave laughed. ”No need to apologize. You or Noah. You're both good in your own ways and make some of the greatest contributions to us winning games.”

My lips twisted as I fought off a smile. ”Was this a roundabout way of saying that you're happy that Noah broke out of his slump?”