557 V2 ch29 (1/2)

”That's them.” I stated.

”What?” Dave bent over, trying to look where I'm looking. ”What are you two talking about? Is this something only short people can see?”

I didn't know how to describe them so I just pointed like Noah did. Soon, Dave spotted what we were seeing. He straightened up, looking awkward. ”Should...uh...what do we do?” He asked.

I shrugged. I was even more unsure than him.

”Don't do anything.” Zeke spoke up, overhearing our conversation. ”Unless you feel the need to do so.” He looked directly at me.

”What would I even do..?” I asked. Was there anything to do? It was weird to see Jeremy laughing and being happy with his family, but that's his right. ”I have you guys. Aren't we the same way without him?”

Zeke cracked a smile while Noah laughed.

Dave put his arm around my shoulders. ”That's right. We have a good time without him too. No need to be selfish.” He smiled.

I didn't feel selfish. I mean, I don't. What I feel...is more like a sense of loss. They were supposedly blood related to me too, yet they only took Jeremy.

”Let's go get food before the game starts.” Noah suggested. He looked up at Zeke. ”Can we get a scorecard too? I'll teach Jake how to keep score and whatnot. It'll be a cool souvenir.”

Zeke looked around. ”You guys are already hungry again?”

I shook my head. I definitely didn't have an appetite at the moment.

Dave rubbed his stomach, pushing it out. ”I'm definitely not ready. I think I ate half the pizza all by myself.”

Rhys laughed. ”You did. You really did. Let's wait awhile until we actually feel hungry again, Noah.”

”When you feel hungry, it's already too late.” Noah claimed. ”To keep your metabolism going, we should eat every four or five hours.”

”Is that why you're so skinny??” Dave asked.

”That's only if you eat balanced meals.” Zeke told him. He pulled out a wallet and handed him the debit card. ”You can get a bag of peanuts for now. And the scorecard if you want.”

Noah accepted the card. ”Okay! Jake, come with me.” He scooted back the way we came and I followed.

”If you're not back in ten minutes, you'll do extra running tomorrow.” Zeke told us, watching us go.

Noah waved his hand. ”Sure, sure!” He tugged my jersey with his other hand. ”Hurry up, Jake!”

He rushed to the snackbar, and got in line with a grin. The line was short since it was still early. We were up in just seconds.

”A bag of peanuts and a cotton candy please!” Noah greeted the cashier.

My jaw dropped. This kid is helpless. I shook my head. ”Zeke is going to be so mad.”

My lips twitched. ”No thanks.” It wasn't appetizing to me and I didn't want to take any from the desperate Noah. He might tempt fate and get another bag if he doesn't eat this one all by himself.

Noah plucked the cotton candy as we walked along the tunnel, trying to find a scorecard. We checked out the team shop and found one in a team magazine. In line, Noah finished his snack and went to throw away the trash, leaving me alone.

I stood in line with the peanuts, magazine, and debit card. In my mind, I could only wish that Noah would hurry back before I got to the cash register.

He came back in time, but a familiar face was following him back.

”Look who I ran into!” Noah gestured at Rose.

”Hey, Jake.” Rose greeted in her work uniform. ”I didn't know you guys would be here at tonight's game. Did you try to get ahold of Jeremy?”

”Hi.” I said back, more focused on handing the magazine and debit card back to Noah.

”We came with a friend today.” Noah told her, accepting the items. ”His dad is the Giants pitching coach. Jake was going to tell Jeremy we were coming, but he forget his phone.” He paused to say, ”Excuse me, let me go buy this real quick.” He left to the empty register, leaving me with Rose.

”Where are you guys sitting? I'll take you back.” Rose offered.

”We already found our seats. We just came for a scorecard.” I told her. Then I realized what I was holding. ”And peanuts.”

”No hotdogs or drinks?” She smiled, giving off friendly vibes.