484 Missed Tryouts (1/2)

The whole day followed a similar pattern of compliments, questions, and well-wishes. I was impressed with myself for not shying away like normal. It's not like I started speaking and socializing, but I stayed with Noah as he talked to everyone.

When it was time for lunch, Noah had an odd request. ”Let's go by the inner courtyard.” He told me as we went the long way to our usual table.

Knowing Noah, I knew he was up to something so I kept my eyes open as I followed him obediently. The inner courtyard was another place to have lunch, but it was only benches and trees with no tables. Very shady, but I rather be out in the sun. I was learning that even in May, Northern California was warmer than the South.

”It's nice to be still playing baseball.” Noah said suddenly, speaking slightly louder than normal. I furrowed my brows, not understanding why he would speak like that. ”Just one more game and if we win, we'll be CIF champions. We'll get a trophy for the school and receive rings. Wouldn't that be cool.”

I guess..?

He glanced at me, raising an eyebrow.

I cleared my throat. ”I'm just happy to be still playing with everyone.”

Noah grinned. He opened his mouth to speak but was suddenly jostled from behind as someone brushed up against him. He narrowed his eyes and glared at the familiar face. Austin. ”Watch where you're going.”

”Or what?” Austin mocked. He was a little taller than Noah now and slimmed down a little. He must have had a growth spurt in the last month.

”Or Coach might be wondering who hurt his starting shortstop before the big game.” Noah shot back, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Austin glared down at Noah, clenching his fists by his side. ”Do you really think you're that important to the team? You're just filling the gaps. Your brothers practically carried you to the CIF championship. You're easily replaceable. Just like on the travel team.”

Noah blinked in surprise.

Austin noticed. ”Oh?” He sneered. ”Guess you didn't hear. Tryouts for summer ball happened last weekend. You missed out. I'm not surprised no one told you or even let you know. That just shows how little you mean to the club.” He turned on his heel and left us, dumbfounded.

For two different reasons. I didn't know what was going on while Noah just looked stunned over what he was just told.

He glanced at me, looking less surprised and more upset. ”Come on! We have to go find Zeke!” He hurried through the courtyard and headed to the area where the varsity team usually hung out at.

I tried my best to keep up, just trailing a few feet behind. I had never seen Noah looked so panicked before. Which was saying something since we've been in multiple troubling situations.

Noah found Zeke near some of the seniors, who he ignored. He approached Zeke directly. ”Zeke. There's a problem!”

”The travel team had their tryouts already! I missed them!” He moaned. ”What am I going to do? Do they allow late additions? When do they start practices?”

Zeke frowned. ”They already did the summer tryouts? How do you know?”

Noah looked a little guilty. ”We ran into Austin in the courtyard and he told me. Do you think I won't be allowed to play??”

”I bet you went looking for trouble.” Dave came over, joining us. Zeke's eyes narrowed. ”But it's strange. Usually summer tryouts would be held at the end of May. It's only the 14th.”

”Are you talking about Watsonville Baseball Club team for ages 14 and under?” Julian asked from nearby. He was originally a part of the group Zeke was talking with before Noah's interruption.

”Yes!” Noah looked to him. ”I played last year after 8th grade. I should still have another year left.” He looked my way. ”Jake should be able to play too.”

Julian nodded slowly. ”My brother is in 8th grade now; he just tried out this past weekend. They told him they'll have the results posted in a week. So Saturday or Sunday at the latest.”

”Is your brother coming here in the fall?” Dave asked.

Julian nodded. ”Of course.”

”Hey, who cares about that!” Noah groaned. ”Do you know why they had tryouts so early?”

Julian shook his head and gave a small shrug. ”I didn't even know he went for tryouts. I was training this past weekend for yesterday's game. We aren't super close. I just found out Sunday night when he asked our parents at dinner if they could afford to let him play travel ball if he makes the team.”

”And will they?” Dave asked, curious.