154 Extra Training 2 (1/2)

When we got home, the dining room had completely transformed. It used to be clean, and well organized, yet now it looks like a tornado of papers went by. The adults had papers on every available surface of the dining room table, and had even pinned some to the walls. And the amount of adults had doubled. Mr. Duncan showed up and Coach had beaten us home after pizza. The final member was introduced as George Pickens, the Atkins family attorney.

Mr. Pickens sat quietly beside Dr. Moore and listened to his medical jargon regarding me and my issues. He looked like a grampa on the brink of retirement, but he gave off the vibe of someone that shouldn't be messed with.

Mr. Duncan hovered over me. ”Are you alright, Jake? I've heard everything from Mary and Wayne, however, I'm still worried.”

I shrugged. I'm fine now, I guess. The Atkins seemed to have everything covered.

Noah stepped in front of me. ”Nope. He's not okay. Even I'm not okay. We should stay home from school tomorrow in case that woman comes after him or something.”

I froze. I didn't even think of school tomorrow. What are we going to do? I looked up at Mr. Duncan, worried.

”You'll be going to school tomorrow.” Mrs. Atkins jumped in and declared. ”There's no reason for my kids to put their education on hold, in fear of getting in trouble with a school counselor. George has already contacted the school board on our behalf and got that woman placed on paid administrative leave. For now. Soon we'll have her out on her butt.” She narrowed her eyes at Noah. ”So go do your homework.”

”Busted.” Noah mumbled before dragging himself upstairs. I followed. ”I really thought I'd be able to get us the day off. Mom is too quick.”

I shrugged. As long as Mrs. Golladay isn't there to harass me, then I don't care.

”Don't act so nonchalant.” Noah instructed as we walked into our room. ”Tomorrow, not only do we get back to classes, but practice. We got today off so we'll have to work twice as hard tomorrow. Zeke might even make us stay late since we won't be playing in Saturday's game. Then Sunday night be even tougher.”

I frowned. ”Zeke owes us batting cages on Sunday. He promised.”

Noah brightened up. ”Right! Good! Excellent! Tomorrow will probably be the worst of it.” He pulled out his homework and I followed suit.

We spent the rest of the night finishing our homework and getting ready for tomorrow.

Friday. The kitchen was still a mess for breakfast so Mrs. Atkins let us eat in the living room before sending us off, with promises of talking to the school board and having answers by the end of the day. Then Zeke drove us to school and Mr. Miller met us by the fields.

”Doing alright?” Mr. Miller asked as he drove me and Noah up to the building.

I nodded. But then realized he couldn't see me behind him, so I cleared my throat and forced out a, ”Yes.”

”Good. Next time you run into trouble, run to the field. You can find me there, working on the field. You won't have to talk or anything. Just know that you can relax in the dugout or exert some of that excess energy around the field.” He let us off and waved as he drove back.