488 Scars (1/2)

With everything done, it was time for me to go back to school. It was the start of practice by the time they dropped me off, so they took me straight to the field.

”Noah sent a text saying he put your baseball bag in the clubhouse.” Mrs. Atkins told me as I got out of the car. ”We'll take your backpack home.”

”Thanks.” I gave a smile then hurried down to the field. If I didn't hurry, I might have to warm up with Drew instead of just joining in late with the team. I could see them just coming out of the dugout so I could still make it.

In the clubhouse, I spotted my bag out in the open where Noah and I usually put our cleats on. I went to it and pulled out my baseball pants and an old t-shirt. Neither of these items were appropriate court-wear so I had to just pack them. I looked around; seeing that I had the room to myself, I started to change here instead of running to the bathroom to do so.

I quickly got out of the khakis I was wearing and pulled my baseball pants on. Then I put on my socks and cleats, keeping them untied for the moment. I unbuttoned the dress shirt I was wearing and reached for the t-shirt on top of my bag.

”Jake!” Noah hollered.

”What's taking so long Jake?” Dave asked.

Two familiar voices came in the room. I hurried to turn away and tried my best to get my shirt on before they could see me. After getting my shirt on, I realized it was quiet. Too quiet. Did Noah and Dave leave? I spun back around, finding the pair standing side by side, looking at me.

I felt the blood rush to my face in embarrassment. ”Did you see?”

Dave shifted his eyes away, uncomfortable. He definitely saw some of my scars. I was scared to face Noah, but he gave me no choice as he took long strides across the room to me.

”Jake. Was that..?” He asked, worry and a hint of fear in his voice.

”Just some old scars. They don't hurt.” I reassured him.

He reached for my shirt, about to lift it.

I quickly slapped his hands away. ”Don't!”

Noah looked down at his hands that I just smacked. ”You. You just hit me.” I turned really red in the face, feeling uneasy.

”Come on, Noah, back up.” Dave jumped in, pulling Noah back a few feet. ”You know how shy Jake is. Just leave him alone.”

Noah recollected himself and looked me in the eye. ”Is this why you change in the bathroom all the time? How bad is it? Does Mom and Dad know? Are they all from that woman?”

”Noah.” Dave shook Noah's shoulders. ”Relax. Why are you asking questions you already know the answer to?”

”I just want him to talk with me.” Noah glanced up at Dave. ”We're friends. Practically brothers. Isn't it weird that he hasn't shared this? Isn't it-”

”Embarrassing.” I blurted out. They went silent and watched me. ”I'm embarrassed, alright?”