Chapter 818 - V3 ch53 (VS Balboa HS 1) (1/2)

”Alright, now that everyone has had their fill,” Coach stood up in the center of the tables so all of us could hear him. ”Let's talk about the upcoming game. Balboa High School is well known for their baseball program, winning their conference for the last two years. They've won both of their first two games like us, but have a higher run differential so we need the win.”

”Don't hold me to 50 pitches, Coach.” Kyle straightened up in his seat. ”Let me take them on.”

Coach studied Kyle's face for a long second before nodding. ”Alright. You have the mound until I think it's unsuitable for you to go on. We still have a few pitchers in the bullpen at our disposal so don't think you have to get us through all seven innings.”

Kyle nodded; not giving any attitude for once.

Coach looked around at everyone. ”Game is at 4pm. I want us all to meet up at the field at 2:45pm to get dress and start our warmups off to the side. There won't be a whole lot of room to work with, so make sure you stay loose.” He spoke a little more before dismissing us. He went back to his group of coaches and they left the restaurant together.

Jeremy turned to me. ”Want to follow me to the car?”

I shrugged and nodded at the same time.

Jeremy turned to Dad. ”Hey Wayne, Jake and I will be in the parking lot. You guys take your time. I already gave the manager my card.”

Wayne glanced between the both of us and nodded. ”Sure. We'll be out eventually.”

I followed Jeremy out to the parking lot, giving head nods to my teammates that I passed or that were leaving at the same time. Jeremy took me to his black suv, opened the driver's door, and leaned in. He found what he was looking for, pulling out a baseball and a pen. ”Here ya go.”

I was handed the two items and stared at it blankly. ”What should I do?”

”Sign your name, of course!” Jeremy laughed. He reached out and took my hat off my head. He swung the cap around in circles using his index finger.

I did my best to hold the ball steady in one hand and signing my name with the other. I finished my first name, then paused.

”Finished?” He asked.

I shook my head. ”No. Just trying to think how to sign my new last name. It's my first time.”

Jeremy stopped what he was doing. ”Oh.” He paused for a second. ”Do you want to practice..?”

I clicked the pen a couple of times. ”Nah...I think I'll just give it a try.” I looked up at him. ”Will it bother you if I mess up?”

He chuckled. ”Not at all. In fact, it would make me feel better about my first autograph. I was so nervous and surprised that I nearly spelt my own name wrong.”

Wow. I looked up at him, not completely believing him. ”You were surprised?”

He gave a small shrug. ”Well, yea. Training and practicing with every spare second; it's not like I remembered the fans aspect of the game. You can still see it now...how I'm not always sure what to do or say to fans.”

I shook my head. ”I don't see it.”

He laughed again. ”Thanks. Makes me feel like I've been improving then.”

I signed the ball and gave it back to him, eyeing my new name. Jake Atkins. It didn't stand out or anything, but it made me feel good inside. No more ties with the woman who gave me birth. Jeremy and I had seemed to move on from her for good. She was put away and neither of us had plans to visit her anymore. The only hiccup was...Uncle Jack...and his family.