Chapter 460 - CIF Quarterfinal Northwood HS (1) (2/2)

The guys broke off in pairs to discuss their futures. I looked to Julian and saw him thinking to himself. He didn't look back to me and Noah anymore and instead, pulled out his phone. I was curious if Zeke had inspired him to do something different, but was still a little shy to ask. Noah was too preoccupied with his lunch, no longer interested in the college talk.

I followed his actions and started to eat my own lunch. I didn't know if I was playing yet, and I don't want to be hungry even if I'm on the bench. Food is fuel.

After the long drive, the bus finally pulled into a somewhat empty lot. There was another bus already present with a big group of boys getting out with baseball bags on their backs. They must be Northwood.

”Listen up.” Coach stood up after we parked. ”As the home team, Northwood has already requested the third base dugout. Take your gear towards the entrance near first base, put your cleats on and follow Zeke's lead.” His eyes found me. ”Jake, you work with Drew. We'll make the decision ten minutes before game time so Sean, keep your focus.”

Sean nodded. He looked my way for a second, but I couldn't tell what he was thinking or feeling.

”Okay, get moving.”

With his command, all of us got off the bus with our bags and headed for our dugout of the game. The stands were still empty for the most part since it was an hour before game time, but a few strangers were spread out, watching.

Everyone got ready and headed out of the dugout, almost quicker than when we came in. I could only watch from afar as they left me behind.

”Jake? Let's check the wound.” Drew approached me with his medical bag.

I rolled the sweatshirt up and showed him.

”No pain?” He asked, looking it over.

”No pain.” I nodded.

”Grab your bat and glove. We won't do anything too strenuous. Just a few throws and a few swings.” He got up. ”Follow me.”

I quickly grabbed my stuff and followed him to a secluded side near the empty bullpen in right field, just passed where the team was warming up.

”Swing from both sides and see if either way hurts. Or one more than the other.” Drew instructed, dropping his bag off to the side. ”Let's just start with five swings from each side first.”

I dropped my glove and held my bat as a lefty first. Five swings. Switch. Five swings as a righty.

”Did either hurt?” He asked, scrutinizing me.

I knocked my bat against my cleats. ”I felt some pulling when I extended my arms, but I can't say that one side hurt more than the other.”

”Let's see you throw a little.” Drew pulled out a glove and a ball.

Surprised, I could only blink. I dropped my bat for a glove and backed up a few yards.

”Don't try to throw too hard. Just play catch.” Drew threw me the ball.

I caught it, then used my right to throw. I frowned. We continued for five minutes and then he jogged to me.

”How was it?” He reached for my hand.

I held it up and show him the injured arm again. ”It hurts more to throw than to swing, but nothing too awful. I think-” I stopped.

”Be honest with me Jake.” Drew saw my hesitation. ”I know you want to play. And I want you to play too, but your safety comes first.”

I swallowed. ”As long as I don't have to throw too hard or do a double play, I really think I'll be okay.”

Seeing me come clean, Drew nodded. He took hold of my hand and turned it this way and that. ”Alright. I don't see any cause for concern about straining muscles or ligaments. Your stitches are healing nicely too, but it's probably best to wrap them and keep them covered.” He dragged me over to his medical bag. ”I don't want you to roll in the dirt and accidentally rip them open. And maybe, by keeping it compact, there'll be less risk of them opening.”