241 Stanford University: Saturday 1 (1/2)
After the scout, Willie Ramsey, left, the other random men in the stands started to follow him. I figured it was to find out what him and Zeke talked about. If they were scouts like himself, then they probably had an information exchange or something to find out the status of players. Maybe he'll share, maybe he won't.
Zeke faced us as we all started to get up and move around. ”I don't want you guys to stick around anymore today.”
The twins froze and Noah's jaw dropped. Mrs. Atkins frowned and I remained confused. Does this mean we won't be eating dinner together?
Mr. Atkins was the only one who wasn't surprised, offended, or anything. He just smiled at his oldest son. ”Okay. Will you be eating in the cafeteria with the team? Or do you need some money to eat out with them?”
Zeke shook his head. ”They provide my meals even if we go out. Afterwards they plan to take me out around the town to show me what else there is to do in town.”
”What are we going to do then?” Noah remained a little upset. I didn't realize he wanted to eat with the team so much.
”We'll go pick somewhere by the hotel for dinner. Then we can even catch a movie.” Mr. Atkins offered. ”Tomorrow morning we can go to San Francisco and take Jake to the Golden Gate Bridge. Maybe Chinatown. The Ghirardelli Factory too. We could also drive by the stadiums on the way back before we come watch Stanford play their game.”
The boys cheered up at Mr. Atkins suggestions.
”The game starts at 7pm.” Zeke reminded his dad. ”Meet me at the gate so I can bring you guys the tickets.” He looked around. ”I think this would be our seating area. The coach said somewhere behind home plate.” He lifted his bag. ”I'm going back to the dorms to shower. See you tomorrow.”
”Be safe if you go out with the team.” Mrs. Atkins rushed to say before he left. ”No drinking. No getting into cars with someone who has been drinking. Don't do anything illegal. Have fun though.”
Zeke let out a light chuckle. ”I'm not dumb, Mom. You taught me better than that.” He waved. ”Have fun at the movies.” He walked away, leaving us behind.
As the family watched him walked away, a heavy atmosphere started to settle in. I looked around at them, confused at their sad expressions. I poked Noah in the arm. ”Are you okay?”
Noah regained his normal attitude and nodded. ”Of course. Who needs Zeke around anyways. All he does is boss us around and nags.”
”It would have been cool to have dinner with the team though.” Kyle remarked.
Dave agreed. ”Yea. I wanted to ask Shawn about his pitching since we didn't get to see him do anything at the practice.”
”Okay, okay, lets go eat.” Mr. Atkins guided us out of the seating area and started to lead us out of the stadium. It's just a day without Zeke. No need to get so depressed.” Oh. They were sad about Zeke not wanting us around?
Mrs. Atkins sighed. ”It's just a sign of what's to come. Soon, he'll be off to college, busy with school, the team, and his friends. Or worse, he'll go to the draft, and be stuck in the minor league system. The money won't be enough and he'll have to work in his spare time and he'll never call home.” Mrs. Atkins looked close to crying, making me a little nervous.