522 New Phone (1/2)

I want to say that things were smooth-sailing after Kyle's apology, but that'd make me a liar. I didn't have a problem with Kyle being upset with me, but it felt like his brothers did. They may have defended him when he wasn't present at the kitchen table, but it was still a relatively cold atmosphere while shopping.

Noah and I paired together like always, while Dave had bugged Zeke about baseball stuff. I felt uncomfortable pushing Kyle out of his own family, and was afraid that he would think the same. Luckily, Mr. Atkins was there to talk to him. Though, most of it sounded like a lecture on his attitude.

We had a somewhat early lunch before heading home. Mrs. Atkins came out of the office room once she heard us making a racket as we came in the house.

\”Looks like you all had a successful trip.\” She smiled happily at the bags in our hands. \”Jake, did you get a phone?\”

I nodded.

\”He did!\” Noah replied for me. \”He got the same kind as mine so I can help him work it. On the ride home, I already put in all of our contact information. I listed dad as his emergency contact.\” He looked a little sheepish as he shrugged. \”You're number two though.\”

\”That's fine.\” She smiled warmly. \”As long as it's properly set.\” She held out her hand. \”Let me add a few more contacts for you, Jake.\”

I obediently handed over my new phone. She took out hers and started transferring some information over without saying anything. The rest of the boys went to put away their purchases after Mr. Atkins commanded them to do so.

Mrs. Atkins handed me the phone back with a light smile. \”You should also put your shoes up. Make sure to hang up the clothes you're going to wear tonight. Make sure Noah and the others do the same.\”

I nodded and jogged up the stairs, phone in one hand and a box of shoes in the other. I stopped in the doorway of the big room that Zeke shared with the twins. I found them already hanging up their clothes for tonight.

\”It's not our first time going to the banquet.\” Dave smirked when he caught me staring. \”It isn't just for varsity players. All three levels are invited to the banquet so we have experience getting ready for it.\” He grinned. \”Do you think you'll get an award tonight?\”

\”For what?\” I asked, clueless.

\”The banquet is like an award assembly. But for baseball.\” He explained. He nodded towards Zeke. \”Zeke will probably rake in the most, but I'm sure you'll be a close second.\”

Kyle sighed. \”It must be nice to be a hitter. You get all the glory.\”

I stiffened up.

\”Stop making him so anxious.\” Zeke told the pair. He glanced at me. \”You'll be with Noah and us the whole time. What are you so afraid of?\”

I gave a small nod and went to the room I shared with Noah, thinking his question over. What was I so afraid of?

I looked down at the phone. \”I didn't check. She said we should hang up the clothes we're going to wear tonight.\”

\”Yea, yea, sure.\” He got up from the seat at the desk and came over to take the phone out of my hands. He opened the contacts app and looked over the limited names. I peeked over his shoulder to see too. \”Dr. Moore. That makes sense. Wait. Jeremy? Jeremy Patterson?\” He was stunned.

So was I.

He looked up from the phone and made eye contact with me. \”Are you going to call him? Maybe send a text?\”

\”Like what?\” I asked, unsure.

\”Like an intro text. To let him know that this is your number.\” Noah said. \”You should probably do the same to Dr. Moore. Just a simple, 'this is Jake, here's my number' kind of thing.\” He handed me my phone back.

\”Do you really think I should?\” I asked.