629 V2 ch101 (1/2)

After the show, Jeremy and Rose walked us through a secret exit, getting us to the parking lot. They wanted to walk us to the car so I could sit in the wheelchair longer, but Zeke had refused. It made sense. Jeremy was easily recognizable amid the A's fan base so walking around would just hinder us from getting back to the house.

Zeke helped me into the backseat and we left.

Rhys's mom was waiting up for us even though it was nearing midnight. The extended family had already left so it was just her, alone. It made me feel bad knowing that she didn't have anyone until we got home. But she didn't look bothered at all.

She brought out the sparklers and a lighter. We sat on the curb, holding the lit sparklers over the street. Zeke didn't seem too interested while the other two were trying to make shapes appear by swinging theirs around.

Fireworks continued to go off all night, making the dogs bark and car alarms go off. We all went to bed and fell asleep despite the noise.

As instructed, I took the boot off and put a couple of pillows underneath my leg to keep it elevated throughout the night. Noah offered to sleep on the floor or the couch downstairs, but that was too much. We've shared a bed before so I know he won't be kicking me in his sleep or anything.

The pain woke me up early as the sun was rising. I gasped and held onto my knee, trying not to make any noise.

Noah still woke up though. His bleary eyes looked me over, trying to figure out what was happening. ”What's wrong? Your leg..?”

I nodded.

He immediately got up, more awake. ”I'll go get some ice!” He ran out before I could say a word.

Noah came back five minutes later with Mrs. Johnson following close behind. She gave a warm smile. ”Good morning, Jake. I heard from Noah that your leg is hurting?”

I nodded, feeling a little shy.

She stood beside the bed and started to place some items on the nightstand. ”I've brought you some pain killers and water. And a granola bar because you shouldn't take pills on an empty stomach.”

I sat up and took the pills with a sip of water. Then I ate the granola bar in three bites. Feeling tired, I laid back down and got comfortable in bed.

Noah revealed my left leg and put a towel on it before putting on a bag of ice. Him and Mrs. Johnson helped me get comfortable and then I fell back asleep.

I woke up with more clarity the next time around, and noticed that someone had gotten the bag of ice off me. I hopped around on one leg and changed clothes before strapping the boot on. Then I went downstairs.

Mrs. Johnson was in the living room, watching tv. She got up and smiled. ”Good morning, Jake. Are you hungry?”

I nodded. Then cleared my throat. ”Where is everyone?”

I shook my head. ”That's good.” I awkwardly waited for the bagel to be done while Mrs. Johnson asked about my leg. ”It felt bad the first time I woke up, but now it's okay.”

”It'll probably be like that the next few days.” She handed me a bowl of fruit and the bagel. ”They're in the bullpen.”

”Thanks.” I grinned and went out. Mrs. Johnson was really nice. On par with Mom. I hobbled over to the bullpen, munching on my bagel.

Zeke was standing behind the fence, watching Noah and Rhys face off. ”Noah told me you woke up in pain?”

”I'm okay now.” I told him.

”That's good.” His eyes went back to Noah, who was struggling against the fastball.

”Why didn't you guys wake me?” I asked.