Chapter 459 - Team (1/2)

One thing I didn't account for or thought would be a problem was my team. It just slipped my mind, or maybe I thought Zeke would handle it. But, as soon as I walked into the club room with Noah, the place got quiet. Most of the guys were there, yet no one spoke.

Noah narrowed his eyes and pushed me along to our own spot. He glared at them. ”If any of you dare to ask for an autograph, I won't hesitate to beat you up.”

”You and what army, squirt?” Garret laughed, making a few others chuckle as well.

”I'm serious, Garret.” Noah stood in front of me, completely protective. ”It's been a long day of being surrounded and being asked the same dumb questions. If Jake could really get his autograph, why would that douchebag publicly deny having a brother? He's just a piece of trash.”

”A piece of trash that will take the A's to the World Series.” Jason added, getting some more laughs, loosening up the atmosphere. He smiled at me. ”We're just curious. If it bugs you, we won't say anything. Our focus should be on winning CIF after all.”

”Precisely.” Zeke made his presence known as he walked into the room, with the twins and the rest of the guys. Everyone moved to their spot and started to get ready for practice.

Before anyone got to leave though, Coach came in with all of the other coaches, plus Drew. ”Okay guys, let's have a quick talk before taking the field.” Everyone settled, taking seats.

”There's been a lot of talk about Jake and his situation.” Coach stood in the center, looking around. ”I know that it's a bit distracting and you're all curious. Don't shake your heads, I know how teenagers work.” The guys laughed. ”It's alright. That's human nature. But, like everything else in life, there are priorities. School is first. You all better be doing your homework and passing your classes. Weren't you all wondering why Williamson wasn't there for the Servite game? I inquired about it and found out that he was put on academic probation.” Everyone straightened up.

”What a loser.” Dave scoffed. ”If you just do your homework and show up, you should at least get a C.”

”Coming from someone who doesn't even do their own homework.” Noah laughed.

Coach swiveled to stare down Dave. ”You aren't doing your homework?”

Dave stood at attention. ”Of course I am! Coach, you know my mom! She wouldn't accept anything under a B!” The guys all laughed and there were shouts of 'mama's boy!'”Stop, you guys are such hypocrites! You all listen to your mom too.”

I shivered. Noah noticed. ”You okay?” His worry caught the attention of everyone else.

”Sorry, Jake.” Dave mumbled. ”I-well-and then-it's just-” He sat down. ”I'll shut up now.”

Seeing everyone's worried glances and Dave's discomfort about his mom comment, I decided to speak up. ”It's okay.” I stood up and walked towards Coach in the center of the room. ”Can I speak for a few minutes, Coach? Just so everyone's questions can be answered and they can put baseball first?”

Coach nodded and stepped back. ”The floor is yours.”

I swallowed hard, but kept my determination. I faced the group and glanced over their attentive eyes. ”I'm Jake.”

A few of the guys laughed outright.

”Are you sure?”

”Noo, I thought you were Noah!”

”Is this a self-introduction?”

I nodded and pointed at Julian, who said that last line. ”Yes. An introduction. I've never introduced myself. I've been relying on Noah for all my talking.” I smiled at Noah. ”Thanks.”

”Anything for you!” Noah gave me two thumbs up. ”Keep going!”

Brushing off the embarrassment, I continued. ”I'm from down south. I never played on a team before. I like going to the batting cages.” The guys chuckled at the crude and simple intro. Stuff they all knew. So I got serious. ”And, my mom almost killed me.” Everyone got quiet and it became slightly awkward, but I pushed through it. ”Don't worry, I survived.” A few friendly smiles and nods. ”It's no secret I was placed with the Atkins. They're a foster family and I'm a foster kid. My mom lost custody since she's in jail now. I never knew my father. I had vague memories of a brother. We weren't close.”

”So you haven't spoken with Jeremy before?” Sean blurted out.