245 Stanford University: Sunday (1/2)
Sunday morning, Mr. Atkins woke us up to get dressed, packed up, and to load up the car. We did as he instructed, then we were able to enjoy the free continental breakfast that came with the hotel stay.
After a heavy breakfast, we headed to the school and met with Zeke, who stood with Coach and Bradley Thompson.
Noah lit up, and for once ignored Zeke to focus on someone else. His eyes never left Bradley. ”Can I get an autograph? Please?”
Bradley chuckled. ”Sure. Do you have paper and a pen?”
Noah came prepared, whipping out a notepad and pen.
”Should I make it out to Noah? Or to the whole Atkins family?” He asked as he received the utensils.
”Just your signature is fine. That way I can sell it if you hit the big time.” Noah said innocently.
The twins broke out in laughter and I joined in. Typical Noah, always trying to make a dollar. I guess you could also say this is a bet. A bet that Bradley Thompson would make it big in the MLB.
Zeke rolled his eyes, slapping his youngest brother upside the head. He looked at Bradley. ”Just make it out to Noah.”
Bradley laughed. ”Sure.” He signed it and handed the paper and pen back. ”I'll become so good that you'll want to keep that framed on your wall someday.”
Noah smirked. ”Nah. That spot is already reserved. For Zeke's signature.”
Zeke shook his head, but I could see a little smile fighting to appear on his face. ”You're ridiculous.” He looked to Coach and held out his hand. ”Thanks for letting me come on such short notice. I appreciate everything you guys put together for me.” They shook hands.
Mrs. Atkins looked surprise at the sudden goodbye. It was then that we noticed his bags were already packed and sat on a bench. ”Oh. I didn't realize we would be leaving so soon.”
The coach smiled warmly at all of us, patting Zeke on the shoulder. ”I've already shared with Zeke what I thought about him and his skill. Stanford is ready to prepare a full ride scholarship to cover all of his tuition for the four year stay.”
”Wow!”
”That's great!”
”What'd you expect? It's Zeke.”
”Yea, only he could get a full ride after asking for a last minute visit.”
The whole family started talking at the same time, happy with the offer to Zeke.
”We only ask that you let us know as soon as you make a decision.” The coach looked at Zeke alone. ”That money could help out other players on the team, or even help us recruit another player of the same caliber.” He handed Zeke a manila envelope. ”This is the paperwork. When you're ready.”
Zeke held the long envelope carefully as if he was scared to fold it. ”Thanks Coach. I won't drag my feet for too long.”
”At least say that we would be the number one choice if you decide to go to college.” Bradley smiled as he shook Zeke's hand too. ”It was nice meeting you and getting to know one another. I hope you take my experience to heart and really consider my school. I'm positive you would become a starter as a freshman and help me carry this team to the College World Series after these seniors leave.”
Zeke raised an eyebrow. ”If I became a starter, it would be for center field. Are you willing to move to the corners?”
Bradley turned serious. ”For you? I'd consider it. Heck, I would let you have the cleanup spot too. If you could handle it.”
Zeke opened his mouth to speak, but Noah cut in.
”Of course Zeke could handle it! He doesn't even need you to hand him those things. He'll be able to take it with his own skill.” Noah handed me the autograph on the notepad. ”Here Jake, you can have this. The only autograph I need is Zeke's.”
There was an awkward pause where no one knew what to say.
Of course the twins attacked first. One grabbed Noah and held him up as the other started to attack him. By tickling him. Noah burst out laughing and started to struggle in their clutches.
”Hey, hey! What do you mean you only need Zeke's autograph?”
”Yea, what about us??”
”Are we nothing in your eyes?”
”Just who do you think you are?”