262 Collecting the Winnings 1 (1/2)

Monday morning, all of us were sluggish in our movements to get going for the day. None of us got to bed before midnight, which was more true for me than them. After staying up and talking about the game, and what to do about my lack of nutrition, I still had to do my homework and shower before sleeping.

”Did you get to the math homework last night?” Dave whispered as we walked down the stairs for breakfast.

I nodded and let out a yawn.

”Okay, we'll find you at lunch so we could see it.” He sped up and beat me to the table.

”See it?” Noah snorted from beside me. ”More like to copy. One of these days, we're gonna have to cash in on your hard work.”

If it was my hard work, then why is it a 'we' cashing in? But I let it go. I wasn't one to blackmail others. That was obviously Noah's expertise. I'm pretty sure he could get a bigger reward than I ever could too.

At breakfast, we usually picked what we wanted to eat out of the choices given. Today, however, was different. But only for me. At my usual spot, two plates were already there, piled up with waffles, pancakes, fruits, a bagel, bacon, and scrambled eggs. I looked around the table to see if it belonged to someone else.

”It's yours, Jake.” Zeke confirmed, nodding at my spot. ”Sit and eat. We can't be late for school.”

I slowly sat down, and Noah plopped in his seat next to mine. Noah took his empty plate and filled it up with his favorites, yet it didn't amount to half of what was in front of me.

”Time to fatten you up!” Kyle laughed as I studied my plate, trying to figure out where to begin.

I grabbed a piece of bacon and started to eat. Then the scrambled eggs. And then the waffle. After that, I looked to Noah for help. I was stuffed. There was no way I could eat anymore unless I wanted to throw up which would be counterproductive.

Noah understood right away, and smiled at me before hollering for his mom. ”Mom! Come here for a second!”

Mrs. Atkins, who had been in the office all morning, came out and took a look at Noah. ”What is it honey?”

”Jake's full. He doesn't have to eat everything you put on his plate, does he?” Noah explained, gesturing to my leftover food.

Mrs. Atkins let out a short laugh. ”No, he doesn't have to finish. I just want him to eat as much as possible.” She moved to the kitchen and came back with Noah's lunch bag and mine. ”I packed more food too so don't hold back. Noah, I want to ask you if you could make sure he eats a snack between classes?”

Noah raised an eyebrow. ”Why?”