558 V2 ch30 (1/2)

”You're just joking about the running right..?” Noah asked as we got back to our seats. He sat down next to Zeke, then me, then Dave. Rhys was on the other side of Zeke. ”We still have to turn in all the release forms for softball after all.”

”No.” Zeke answered flatly, glancing down. ”I told you ten minutes.”

”That's not my fault though!” He objected. ”Why didn't you just call me?”

”I'll return that question to you; why didn't you call or send a text?” Zeke frowned. ”You're about to turn 15, why can't you show some more maturity and responsibility?” He glanced at me, making me shrink in my seat. ”Don't think you're off the hook either. You forgot your phone. You should at least have reminded Noah to send me a message. What if something happened to you two?”

”Sorry.” I mumbled.

Noah glared at Zeke. ”Are you happy now? Making Jake feel bad?”

Zeke didn't waver. ”That's not my intention. I just want you guys to learn from this.”

”And we will!” Noah answered.

”But maybe some physical punishment will reinforce it.” Zeke looked over at me. ”Any objections?”

I shook my head.

”I absolutely object!” Noah raised his hand.

Zeke pulled out his phone and showed it to Noah. ”Let me remind you that I know how much peanuts cost. You can't fool me.”

Noah immediately became docile. ”What-What do you mean? They must have overcharged us.”

Zeke smirked. ”Too young, too naive. Double running tomorrow. You keep fighting it and it'll be nothing but running. We have until Tuesday to turn in our roster and paperwork.”

Noah straightened up.

”So what did you guys say to Rose? Is she going to tell Jeremy that you're here?” Dave asked, wanting to know what had happened while we were out.

Noah leaned over, getting closer to me so he could gossip with Dave. I felt a little awkward at first, but I cracked a smile and laughed a little as Noah recapped on what we learned.

It was even more dramatic with Dave as the listening party. He would occasionally gasp or laugh or his eyes would go wide as if he couldn't believe it.

”Oh geez! So awkward. For everyone.” Dave laughed at the end. ”Rose knows that you're here and that his family is here. You know that his family is here and that Rose knows. While Jeremy and his family know nothing and are living in bliss.” He laughed some more. ”I wonder how Rose will act around him later. Or will we see him before her when he comes over tomorrow?”