546 V2 ch18 (1/2)

Our seats with the team was not as good as last week, but it was a different kind of experience. I was surrounded by my teammates on my left, on my right, in front of me, and behind me. And for once, my claustrophobia felt under control. It helped that my only choices was to be surrounded by my teammates or by complete strangers. Plus, it was a week night and not a weekend so the stadium wasn't really that full. Far from being sold out.

Zeke was in full adult mode, playing babysitter to me and Noah. He got the food and drinks, sitting right behind us to watch over us. He had separated the twins into two different sides of the seating section to discourage any bickering. He still made sure to enjoy himself by sitting with the other seniors though, and I overheard them talking about graduation plans.

Noah kept me entertained throughout the game, talking about every player that came up. What position they played and whether they were good. It was funny to hear him talk about Jeremy with reverence and respect in regards to his playing. Jeremy didn't let us down at all during the game. He made some excellent catches in the outfield and was just as good at the plate, hitting two doubles for a couple of RBIs.

After the game we parted ways with the team as everyone went back to their own car. A few of the guys stopped to tell me thanks, even though I didn't do anything besides speaking with Jeremy. It didn't feel right for me to say 'you're welcome' so I kept silent and just nodded.

”I call shotgun!” Dave raced to the front passenger door of the car.

”No way!” Kyle argued.

”You had it on the way here.” Dave pointed out.

”So what?” Kyle scoffed. ”That means nothing.”

Noah frowned. ”What's your problem Kyle? Dave called shotgun first, and you already sat in the front.”

Kyle rolled his eyes.

”Sit in the back.” Zeke told Kyle, completely stern and in control.

Kyle groaned as he climbed in the back of the car as the rest of us shared a similar expression of confusion. Kyle had been just fine during the game, but back with us, he was kind of being a jerk.

Noah scrunched up his nose and looked like he was about to go on a rage.

Zeke held up a hand to stop him. ”Let's just get home. It's a long drive and we have school tomorrow. It's probably best if you four go to sleep.” He lowered his voice. ”Don't antagonize Kyle right now.”

”Us?! Don't antagonize him??” Dave rolled his eyes, then got in the front seat without saying more.

Noah nodded in agreement and whispered to Zeke. ”Kyle has been hot and cold for weeks now. It made sense for him to be mad about the finals, but isn't this a little too weird?”

”Yea? When?” Noah didn't wait for a reply and got in the car next.

Zeke looked at me. ”You okay?”

I nodded. ”It's not like I was going to sit in the front.”

He cracked a smile. ”I meant, with Kyle?”

I shrugged. ”It doesn't bother me.” I've been through worse. And who was I to butt in with his problems when I can't even solve my own. I thought about something Mr. Atkins had told me once before and repeated it. ”We're all a work in progress.”

Zeke reached out and tweaked the hat on my head. ”If he gets to be too annoying, come and talk to me first.”