703 V2 ch175 (1/2)

”Are you going to drive us to camp in your pajamas..?” Noah asked, really surprised.

I ate my eggs in silence.

”Why would he take us?” Dave asked.

”Yea, we can drive.” Kyle added.

Noah made a face of disgust before looking at Zeke. ”You aren't going to come? Play a little? Maybe coach like you did for the Stanford camp?”

Zeke shook his head.

Noah squinted. ”Then...what are you going to do?”

Zeke shrugged. ”Enjoy my last few days of summer break. Pick out my fall classes. Get a jump on my school reading. Might go on a jog to the beach.”

Noah kept blinking like he couldn't recognize his brother anymore.

”Hurry up and eat.” Kyle told Noah. ”Otherwise you'll be running to practice.”

”Kyle.” Mom warned.

Breakfast was finished and we started to pack up the car minus one bag and minus one brother. Zeke watched as we loaded everything.

”Oh wait. I wanted to bring my new batting gloves.” Noah hurried back into the house.

I glanced at Zeke. He caught me looking and waved me over. Seeing the twins arguing about who was going to drive us to practice, I went over to Zeke silently.

Zeke put his hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. ”Make sure Noah stays out of trouble. No fights.”

I frowned. ”You think he would fight?”

Zeke glanced at the door Noah went through. ”I think a few of the guys know how to get under Noah's skin.”

”Then why aren't you coming with us?” My frown deepened. ”I'm sure Coach would like having you to help out. Plus, you're the captain.”

Zeke shook his head. A small smile played on his lips. ”I'm no longer your captain. It's a new season. I need to let the other guys have a chance to stand out and take on the leadership roles. I won't be around to keep Noah in check during the regular season. If he loses his cool against those guys, then try to keep him at bay. You don't want him to lose his varsity spot over a temper tantrum.”

”Can we still beat them during scrimmages?” I asked. ”That's what Noah said we should do. I don't want him to get in trouble though.”

Zeke grinned. ”That's just playing the game. Go ahead. Show them your best.” He turned serious. ”As long as Noah can play seriously and doesn't fool around, I think he has a considerable chance at being a captain in the future. He can't do that if he's fighting his future teammates.”

”He won't fight. Physically.” I said resolutely. ”Noah wouldn't do that.”

Zeke squeezed my shoulder. ”Be careful on the field too. There are other ways to hurt players besides hitting them.”

I nodded.

”Okay.” I went back to the car where the twins just agreed that Kyle would get to drive us to the camp while Dave would be driving us home. I told them about Zeke wanting to have lunch with us and they started talking about where to eat during our hour break.

A few minutes later Noah came running out of the house. He didn't even glance at Zeke as he got into the car.