Chapter 779 - V3 ch14 (2/2)

”But you've done so well!” Dave reached over to poke me in the cheek.

I think every high-pressure scenario has taken some years off my life. ”My anxiety...” I didn't need to finish.

”Everyone's different.” Jeremy cut me off. He grinned at Noah. ”Don't worry about me. We just need our pitchers to stay hot. They control a lot of the game as players who touch the ball the most.”

This led to the twins and Rhys talking about pitching. Mr. Johnson even spoke up, giving the boys pointers.

After brunch, I said goodbye to Jeremy and Rose. They would both be leaving on the team plane this afternoon to get to Tampa, all the way across the country.

We also had to part ways with Zeke and the Johnson's. Rhys and Zeke would get to stay another night before going back to school, while we had to go back to our own home. Mom and Dad still had work to do.

Sunday late afternoon, Noah, me, and the twins, gathered in the living room to watch the A's take on the Rays. It was almost like a repeat performance of game one. Jeremy and Maberry both had solo shots while the pitcher didn't give up anything. Dad brought home pizza for us to eat as the game finished. A relief pitcher for the A's gave up a run, but they still got out of it, winning the game 4-1.

Going to school on Monday, there was a sense of excitement for those that were A's fans. A few classmates would approach me to compliment Jeremy, but thankfully Noah would take over.

In Spanish, Mitchell and Sean asked about the game experience.

I smiled. ”It was cool. Very packed. Everyone there was an A's fan.”

Sean laughed. ”Of course. They're playing the Rays. That's an even smaller fan base. If they played one of the big teams like the Red Sox or the Yankees, then it wouldn't really feel like a home game. You can fans of those teams anywhere.”

”It looks like it'll be them and the Yankees in the ALCS.” Mitchell said. ”Both of them have won games one and two. Only one away from moving on.” He looked at me. ”Are you guys watching the game after practice?”

I nodded. ”Probably.” Noah would never pass up the opportunity to see the A's in action. Especially in playoffs.

”I wonder if we can get Coach to end practice early so we can watch the game.” Sean said thoughtfully. ”Watching baseball could be considered as practice.”

”Why don't you text him and ask?” Mitchell suggested. He nodded his head at Coach Luis, who was working at his desk. ”Ask Coach Luis to say something and that might help too.”

”You know what? I will!” Sean got up out of his seat. He approached Coach Luis and spoke with him quietly.

I watched nervously, still a little afraid when it came to Coach Luis. But soon, Coach Luis was nodding at what Sean was saying. Then he sent Sean back.

”What'd he say?” Mitchell asked.

I looked up at Sean too.

”He'll call Coach during break.” Sean grinned.

After class, I met up with Noah near our lockers and told him what Sean did and said.

Noah beamed. ”Yes! That would be awesome!”

I raised an eyebrow. ”You want to miss two practices in a row?” We had already skipped Friday and now if we miss Monday, that's four days of not playing baseball.

”Like Sean said, watching baseball is a form of practice.” Noah stated. ”Also serves as inspiration. That's where I want to be. Now if we had a game, I would rather play than watch.”

By the end of our fifteen minute break, Coach sent out a mass text stating that practice was canceled and to pass it on to the freshmen since he didn't have everyone's numbers. Noah forwarded it to Andy and told him to pass it on too.