403 Game @ OLU (4) (1/2)

Top of the fourth started with our best batter and player, Zeke. He faced the same new pitcher as me.

I sat with Noah and Garret.

"I was thinking while we were on the field-" Noah started.

But Garret cut him off. "You can think?"

Noah threw his glove at Garret's face, but Garret caught it with ease.

"As I was saying," Noah shot a glare at Garret before facing me. "Instead of some secret signal, we should just follow Mr. Miller's signs. I know he's been giving out fake signs for you, but it would really help me or other baserunners if we knew when you're actually going for a hit."

"Not a bad thought, Noah." Garret turned serious and agreed.

Noah was about to continue, but Zeke had smashed the ball to center field, grabbing everyone's attention. Noah jumped up and started to chant, "Go! Go! Go!"

The ball soared over the center fielder and then the fence. A home run! 2-0.

Zeke slightly slowed down from his sprint and tagged home plate before coming back to the dugout. All the boys rushed him to give high-fives and to congratulate him. Noah was one of the most excited players and was jumping around his big brother.

Zeke showed a rare, genuine smile and patted Noah's head. They shared some words that couldn't be heard in such a lively dugout. Noah didn't return to his seat...or to me. He and Zeke were having an animated conversation, looking closer than ever.

"Big brothers." Garret sighed. "They're born to be role models for the little ones." He glanced at me. "You should join them."

"No...it's okay." I looked to the field to watch the game. It'd be weird if I went over now. I would look needy. The twins weren't even going over to interrupt Zeke and Noah, so what right did I have?

Garret leaned over to peer into my face, but whatever he saw, scared him away and kept him silent. We both watched on as Mahki grounded out to the shortstop.

I was sensitive right now about 'big brothers.' I don't understand what Garret means when he says that they're role models for younger brothers. I can see that with the Atkins because Zeke was cool, smart, and great at baseball. He is what his younger brothers want to be.

But what about mine? He's MIA (missing in action). How can you look up to someone that isn't around? Maybe Garret doesn't understand that every older brother isn't exactly role model material. I'm sure there are people out there with older brothers who are criminals that would agree with me.

Julian hit a fly ball to right field that was easily caught. Jason followed it up with a ground ball to second base.

I put on my glove and jogged out with the others.

"Hey, why didn't you come over and congratulate Zeke?" Noah caught up with me while Dave went to the mound to warm up.

I shrugged. "Too many people."

Noah tilted his head and looked skeptical. "Most just gave him a pat on the back, ya know. Or just, 'way to go' and 'do it again'." He glanced to the outfield where Zeke was playing catching with Mahki. "He just tied his season home run record. You could have said something."

Oh. "I didn't know." Then I looked at the twin closest to me: Dave on the mound. "The twins didn't go say anything." Which makes it especially weird since it's also Zeke's birthday.

Noah grinned. "I'm sure they have something planned for later."

My eyebrows pulled together as I frowned. "Then I will join them."