485 Summer Plans (1/2)

With that information, I wanted to talk to Jason at practice, but I didn't want to do it with Noah around. He had apparently sent some texts to his Dad during class and said his dad would handle it before we even got back from practice. Seeing him all calmed down, I didn't want to be a negative Nancy and share what Kyle said to me during math.

When we got home after practice, Noah went looking for his dad right away. I was going to go upstairs to shower before dinner, but Noah grabbed my sleeve and dragged me along. ”Come on, this involves you too, Jake.”

Errr, I guess.

We walked into the office downstairs where Mr. Atkins did a lot of his work.

”Dad!” Noah greeted. ”What'd they say? When is our tryout?”

Mr. Atkins paused, then turned in his chair to face us. I could tell from the look on his face that he didn't have good news. I fidgeted. ”Noah, Jake, how was practice?”

”Dad.” Noah narrowed his eyes. ”That wasn't a very good deflection.”

Mr. Atkins showed a sad smile. ”I'm sorry Noah. I made a few calls, but they seem pretty set on their roster already. Not everyone can make exceptions for you.”

Noah looked crestfallen. ”But, but I was on the team last year! Shouldn't that count for something?”

”We can find something else for you to do this summer instead.” He offered. ”There are camps and clinics of all sorts nearby. We can look into some-”

”That's not what I want though.” Noah cut him off. ”I wanted to play baseball this summer! Practicing and playing games. Real games! Not just training. Why pay hundreds to a camp that will teach me the same drills and skills that I already know?” He groaned, turned away and left. I could hear him stomping up the stairs in frustration.

Mr. Atkins sighed. He looked at me. ”Are you upset as well, Jake?”

I shook my head. ”I haven't really thought about baseball after this. It's just-” I lowered my voice. ”I think, the other freshmen didn't want Noah to tryout.”

Mr. Atkins gave me a sad smile. ”I've heard. Kyle sent me a text and I asked some of the other parents.”

I blinked in surprise. ”What do we do now?”

”Forget about it.” Mr. Atkins stood up. ”I'll talk to Zeke and see if he can convince Noah he's better off without them. They would only hold him back and he wouldn't be in the right state of mind if the whole team doesn't want him there.” He came near me and patted me on the head. ”Do you understand what I'm saying?”

”I do.” I nodded. I just don't know if Noah will bow out like this. He's the type that fights for what he wants.

”Now let's talk about you.” He looked down at me. ”Are you ready for tomorrow? Will you be okay going to school tomorrow morning beforehand? Or do you think you'll need to mentally prepare yourself?”

”Ah, good thinking on his part.” He smiled. ”I'm glad Noah looks out for you. Takes a lot off my plate sometimes.”

Yea...he does look out for me...

”I'm gonna go now, bye!” I rushed out of his office and up the stairs. I tried calming myself down before getting to the room I shared with Noah. Walking in, I saw him at his desk, pulling out his homework. I cleared my throat. ”You're not going to shower first?”