558 V2 ch30 (2/2)

”I'm surprised you don't watch reality tv.” Rhys laughed at Dave's exaggerated reactions. ”You seem really into this.”

”This is something out of daytime soap operas, not reality tv.” Dave corrected. ”Too bad Kyle is missing all this.”

Noah scoffed. ”He got to go camping with Dad, by himself. I'd say it's about even.”

”Do you think...that Kyle will...be better?” Dave asked, turning unsure.

”I do.” I spoke up before Noah could start ranting about Kyle some more. ”Your dad knows how to make me feel better. I don't see why he won't be able to get through to Kyle.”

Dave sighed with relief.

Noah snorted. I get that he was defensive on my behalf, but Kyle isn't purposely being mean. I thought about that conversation he had with Zeke on the ride home. He's probably stressed. It's been a lot of little things piling up, and he's now bowing down to the pressure.

The game soon got everyone's attention off Kyle as it began. The starting lineups were announced and Noah wrote the players names down along with their positions. We stood for the national anthem and then got comfortable as the game got going. Noah spent most of the time teaching me how to fill in the scorecard as we went down the lineups and switched innings.

Halfway through, Rhys and Zeke went to get food and drinks using the vouchers. It was a fun evening, just hanging out and watching baseball. For a minute, I even almost forget that I was related to a player on the field. At least, until the seventh inning stretch.

The crowd was standing up together and singing ”Take me out to the ballgame” and a cameraman was flashing different groups. Surprisingly, our section made it to the big screen and Noah went crazy. He threw his arm around me and waved the other.

After it ended, I noticed that Jeremy was on deck, looking our way. As we made eye contact, he lifted his bat and rested it on his shoulder, using the other hand to touch the edge of his helmet.

”He's saying 'hi'.” Noah told me.

I lamely lifted a hand for a small wave. Then quickly put it back down.

Bottom of the seventh, the batter before Jeremy got walked. As Jeremy went up to the batter's box, he glanced at me one more time before focusing. The pitcher was only so-so, according to Noah. He was a relief pitcher just put in to get through this inning as the score was tied at two.

He didn't stand a chance against Jeremy. Jeremy took a couple of pitches before launching one out to left field. We were so close that we could see him smile as he started to run the bases. He knew it was long gone. Home run. 4-2.

As he rounded third, his eyes found mine. He touched the tip of his helmet again as a greeting. It was hard not to smile at him.

Noah happily filled in the scorecard and explained what a homerun looked like on paper.

The game ended with the score of 4-2 and some of the crowd started to leave. Just a few though; most were staying for the firework show. Including us. We had great seats to see the fireworks come out from behind center field. I had never seen anything like it. Music blared as bright colors filled the night sky. It was like a celebration that summer was here. A new season for growth.