The Hitting Zone
chapter-1042

The rest of the weekend flew by. It wasn't like we had much time left anyways. Saturday night, the three of us took Grampa bowling, trying to beat him with our improved scores. Kyle complained about missing out, but Dave was quick to let him know that he was on a date and it was something he had to live with.

On Sunday, the four of us went on a morning run followed by weights and a brunch. Kyle rushed to the shower first afterwards to get ready for another day with Marie. The rest of us were slower. Noah and I made plans with Alisha and Kaylee to go work out at the park so we didn't bother with showers. After hearing our plans, Dave decided to go to Garret's with a few other seniors.

Kaylee couldn't believe the drama that went down yesterday. She was even more astounded when she found out we would be playing for JV tomorrow afternoon. I think it really took her mind off her own problems with her family and potentially moving away. She promised to be there tomorrow for us after her own practice which was nice. Alisha wanted to go too, but said that Coach wanted her to be with him and the JV guys. Probably to track times and take notes.

We did practice grounders, short fly balls, high fly balls, and turning double plays. Kaylee did her best to hit what we need, but it wasn't always perfect causing Noah and her to bicker. I switched with her halfway and allowed her to practice too. Even though she and Noah fought the most, they didn't make one mistake when playing together.

After playing, we walked back to our house with the girls and had a late lunch that Grampa made. The girls got picked up by Alisha's mom afterwards. The twins didn't make an appearance until right before dinner. Everyone was relaxed and in a good mood, talking about everything and nothing all at the same time.

Monday morning was a different story. I was still half asleep at the breakfast table as Mom lectured everyone. From Grampa, all the way down to me. No one was left off. "It's a school night, so no going out or staying up late. It's school, baseball, homework, bed."

"What about dinner?" Kyle asked. "Are you going to starve us?"

"Don't be obtuse, Kyle." Dad said with a warning look.

Mom turned to me. "You." I straightened up. "I'm expecting pictures of everything you eat these next few days." I nodded. She looked to Grampa. "You're going to have your work cut out for you, Dad. I've left a list of ideas for snacks and meals for the boys. Make sure Noah stays out of the sweets and that Jake eat more veggies and protein."

"I understand, Mary." Grampa smiled. "Don't worry, worst case scenario, we go out to eat. We've done this a few times now; why are you all in a panic?"

Mom frowned. "We haven't been gone this far before." She looked at Noah next. "Stay out of trouble for the next 48 hours please."

Noah nodded. "I'll wait until Wednesday before creating some trouble." Dad sent a look his way and Noah straightened up. "C'mon, you guys know me. I don't go looking for trouble. But for the sake of your sanity, of course I'll promise to be on my best behavior. I'll make sure the twins don't fight. Jake will eat. Homework will be done. We'll be fine."

Mom needed to hear a few more reassurances before letting us go to school. She and Dad would leave shortly after us. Noah gave Grampa a reminder that we wouldn't be on the varsity field today so he might have to do a little more walking. Grampa took this opportunity to show off his shiny new cane, even more happier with the deal he got on it. We said our last goodbyes and hurried out the door.

"Do you need us to park somewhere different?" Dave asked us as he drove us closer to school.

"Nah." Noah wasn't bothered. "It's not that much farther. Plus, Jake is probably more comfortable still changing in our club room and then we'll walk to the JV field."

Oh. I didn't even think of that. I rubbed my eyes to wake myself up. "I can just change in the bathroom."

"Nah. The whole JV team will be near the locker room up there to talk to Coach. Better to avoid all of them." Noah told me. "They're going to be in a bad mood. Coach too."

I nodded.

"We'll have plenty of time." Noah continued. "We'll change like normal with the guys. Wish them luck, then take a walk over. Maybe try to steal away a few of the varsity fans." He grinned mischievously.

"Hard to do with Garret on the mound today." Dave parked the car in the usual spot.

We all got out of the car and took our backpacks. The twins left first, making the walk up to the school while we waited around for Mr. Miller. He drove by in his golf cart like normal, picking us up and taking us to the school entrance. We made small talk about the game this afternoon before parting ways.

School was normal. Classwork, lessons, avoiding eye contact with the teachers. Met up with Kaylee and Alisha a few times. After school, Alisha and Kaylee went towards the lockers while Noah and I headed down.

We ran into a few of the guys from the team. No one was surprised that we were going to get changed like normal. Probably because everyone else had the same idea. Bryce, Brian, Korrey, and Sean were all getting dressed and ready in the club room too. It was a good idea because we then walked as a small group to the JV field. It made me feel a little more secure despite the fact that we were about to play a game with a bunch of freshmen that I didn't know.

"Where are you guys going?" Someone called out to our group as we left the vicinity of the varsity field.

"JV field." Noah took charge and answered for our group. "The JV team needs some help today!" He announced and waved around as he started to get some attention.

"JV games don't matter though."

"What about going undefeated?"

"Our best batters aren't batting today?"

Noah pointed at the kid who said that last comment. "Garret would be so offended." He grinned. "Don't worry, we have complete faith in our coaches and our team. With Garret on the mound, there's a chance that he throws another perfect game. He can also score his own backup runs. Have some more faith in the captain."

Sean laughed. "I think Garret would be more offended with the pressure you're putting on him."

"Nah. He's used to it." Noah smiled back. "Besides, if he starts slipping up, the twins will be clamoring to take his place. He'll do just fine."

We entered the JV field and went to the third base dugout, finding some spots to put our bags and gear. Freshmen started to show up afterwards. They were quiet as they scooted around us, reminding me of...me. Shy. Timid.