702 V2 ch174 (1/2)

Dave looked confused. ”What happened?”

Alisha looked at Kaylee. ”No. It's alright. I should actually expect people to ask me if I'm just doing this for Noah. But I'm not. I'm doing this for me. I want to be part of the baseball team.”

”Wait. What?!” Dave looked even more confused.

”She wants to help the team.” I whispered.

”Oh. Like a manager of sorts?” Dave nodded. ”When I was a freshman, the Varsity team had one. You can ask Zeke about it.”

”I already have plans to meet with Coach Wilcox tomorrow.” Alisha told him. ”Mr. Miller is helping me.”

Dave laughed. ”You know...some of it is going to be hard work. Mr. Miller will probably ask you to help him with the field and everything.”

She nodded. ”I'm prepared for it.”

With Kaylee's apology and Alisha's determination, all happiness seemed to be restored. Dave went ahead and showed the other two the funny video before moving on to other groups. We spent most of the afternoon at Alisha's and even helped with cleanup after most of the people started to leave.

Kaylee left with Marie while we left with Zeke. The twins drove the other car back earlier, probably trying to get out of cleanup.

After we got home, Noah and I went up to our room and started to prepare our baseball bags for tomorrow. I took out my phone and checked it. No news from Jeremy.

”Are you going to call him?” Noah asked.

I nodded. ”Yea. His game is over. I just want to make sure...nothing is wrong.” I went to his contact information and pushed the call button. Noah stopped what he was doing and sat beside me on the floor, so I turned on the speaker phone so he could hear.

It rang and rang. Then went to his voicemail.

I shrugged. ”Maybe he's already on the flight back.”

”No, because then the call would have gone straight to voicemail.” Noah pointed out. ”Try calling again.”

I did so.

This time I got different results.

”Hello? Jake?” Jeremy's voice came on the line. ”Is something wrong?”

”No. I was just trying to return your call from yesterday.” I replied. ”And just to ask, how are you?”

”Oh. My call. That was just-” He stopped mid-sentence and let out a heavy sigh.

”Is everything alright?” I asked, more firmed.

”I'm tired.” He said. ”Being on the road, game after game. Other things are going on my life that don't necessarily concern you. I don't want you to worry and be stressed like I am. My problems aren't your problems. But soon things should be settled. I just can't seem to catch a break.”

”I'm here for you.” I said.

He let out a short laugh. ”There's nothing you can do. Just enjoy being a teenager for the both of us, okay?”

There was a pause. Nearly silent. If it wasn't for the background noises, I would think he hung up on me.