Chapter 787 - V3 ch22 (1/2)
Game two of the World Series, a few friends came over again to watch. The happy atmosphere of having friends over died in the first inning as the Nationals took an early 3-0 lead. Then the A's came up empty-handed.
The guys all groaned and a few expletives were let loose.
It only got worse from there. The Nationals continued to score runs while the A's couldn't get any in. Near the end of the game, Maberry hit a three run homer, but no on celebrated. How could we? The game ended with the Nationals winning 12-3.
”That was a good game...” Garret sighed. Everyone glared at him. ”What? It was! For the Nationals anyways. Successful hitting and pitching. They scored runs when there were runners on the bases. Only one relief pitcher gave up runs. This is what a win should look like. They practically coasted and had fun.” He grinned. ”That's what we look like most of the time.”
Bryce shrugged. ”I think we have a few close games though. Like counting on Jake here to win the championship.”
Noah grinned and threw his arm around my shoulders. ”Jake's even stronger now. He'll be able to carry us all the way back.”
”If Jake is the new Zeke, who is the new Jake?” Dave mused.
”For the record, Jake had better numbers than Zeke.” Kyle pointed out.
”Yea, but he couldn't hit homeruns then.” Garret replied. ”Now Jake is Zeke. I can't be Jake. Although my hitting is good, it's not very consistent.” He looked to Noah. ”You have to put more work in the cages before the season starts.”
Noah started to flex. ”Watch me! I'll be getting on base all the time!”
We joked and laughed with one another until the guys had to go back to their own homes. The A's are now down two games and have to travel tomorrow to Washington DC for three straight away games.
Thursday morning, the whole school seemed to be talking about the A's big loss in game two. I could feel a few extra stares directed my way. Occasionally I could hear Jeremy's name in passing and knew that a lot of people probably weren't saying anything good about him.
I sent him an extra text at lunch, wishing him a safe flight and reminded him that there was still time to turn things around. Noah said I shouldn't worry unless they lose game three. If Noah still has faith, then so do I.
Friday morning, we packed up the car with our bags full of clothes. Our weekend trip starts here. Dad drove us to Stanford university first to pick up Zeke and Rhys, along with their baggage. Dave squeezed into the very back row with me and Noah, then off to the airport we went.
Rhys's parents declined going on the trip so it was just the eight of us. Which...is a lot. We were like a party moving throughout the busy airport and Mom was constantly doing headcounts.
I stuck close to Noah, feeling nervous. His constant commentary made me feel less anxious and it took a lot of time away as we waited at our gate for the plane. When it came time to board, Noah asked me if I wanted the window, middle, or aisle seat.
I gulped, my breathing became more sporadic. ”I think...I'm having...a panic attack.” I was getting dizzy and my body didn't want to move.
Dad overheard me and reached me in two steps. He guided me out of the line and helped me sit back down in the waiting area. ”Breathe, Jake. Take some deep breaths. In and out.”
I tried to cooperate, but I felt like the whole family was watching me. Making it more embarrassing. ”They're...staring.”
Dad glanced back at the rest of the family. ”Mary, why don't you get the rest of them settled in their seats on the plane? Jake and I will take a minute.”
”Can't I stay?” Noah asked. ”Jake?”