580 V2 ch52 (1/2)

We got home and split up from Zeke after he gave us our shirts. We took them upstairs to our room and hung them up.

”First game is Tuesday.” Noah grinned at the bright blue shirt. He gave himself number one, with 'Noah' written above it. He really liked being number one. ”We should practice throwing a softball around. It's lighter but bigger so it's better to get used to it before Tuesday.”

”Want to practice after school tomorrow?” I asked.

Noah nodded. ”Just for a little bit. I don't want Mom and Dad thinking that we aren't studying for finals.”

”Should we invite Alisha?” I suggested. She doesn't have experience and...I think she would like to be around Noah.

Noah pulled out his phone. ”Yea! I'll invite her and Kaylee. Kaylee can ask KJ to come too if she wants.” He started to type away.

Okay, not what I expected. ”Should we also ask Julian and his brother too then?”

Noah was more hesitant. ”Meh. I'll tell Zeke, but I don't think Andy is the type to participate in such an informal practice.”

”I think he would come.” I shrugged.

Noah paused to look at me. ”Really? Want to bet on it?”

Errrr. It was my turn to hesitate.

”If you're not willing, then that just means you aren't confident in your opinion of him.” Noah said.

”Well...it's not that I doubt him.” I told him. ”I'm actually more concerned on what you want to bet.”

”It wouldn't matter if you don't doubt him.” Noah grinned, knowing that he cornered me.

I scratched my cheek. ”Okay. What do I get if I win then?”

”What do you want?”

I shrugged. There wasn't anything I was lacking.

”What about a bat?” Noah asked. ”We never got to look at used ones at The Cages. How about I use my own money to buy you a spare bat? And in exchange, if Andy doesn't show up, you buy me new batting gloves?”

I liked how it sounded, but... ”I don't even have money though...”

Noah grinned. ”Guess you'll have to ask for an allowance.”

I raised an eyebrow. ”I don't think that qualifies as my own money...”

”What does it matter if you believe in this kid so much?” Noah asked.

”I guess...” I looked up at him. ”Alright. You're on. You better tell Zeke. I don't want to find out that you didn't even send an invite.”

”I'll text Julian myself.” Noah came closer to show me as he sent the text to everyone on the team, even Mr. Miller.

Satisfied we went back to studying for our finals for this week. There would be finals for periods one and four on Monday. Two and five on Tuesday. And three and six on Wednesday. Thursday was no school, just clean out lockers and then the seniors graduation at the football stadium that night.

Kyle started to regret as soon as he saw Marie's car in the parking lot. He looked to Noah, accusingly. ”What is she doing here?”

Noah, who had just finished tying his cleats looked up. ”Oh. Probably just dropping off Kaylee. Maybe KJ too.”

Kyle shifted around uncomfortably until he saw two girls get out of the car, and then the car left. Marie really came just to drop off the girls. Kyle was more relaxed knowing that Marie wasn't sticking around, but it didn't last.