751 V2 ch223 (1/2)

I had just come back from my shower, feeling slightly better and more refreshed. My eyes were still a little swollen, but I wasn't crying anymore. Little wins. I went to the desk. ”Did you look?”

”I did.” Noah nodded.

It was from Jeremy: I didn't know, but I will find out. I'll call you later.

There was no missed call. ”Should I reply?”

”If you want.”

I thought about it for a second before typing back 'okay.'

”Pizza is here, you ready?” Noah asked.

I nodded. ”Yea.” I put my phone in my pocket.

”I don't think you'll need that.” Noah told me. ”He has a game tonight still and probably has to deal with a lot. When he said later, he probably meant tonight.”

”Oh.” I took my phone back out and put it back on the desk. I didn't really need it after all. Everyone I talk to mostly lived with me.

Noah left the room first and I followed. Downstairs in the kitchen, they had the food all set out. We filled our empty plates with a little bit of everything.

”This kind of sucks.” Dave said between bites. ”What a way for camp to end. I wonder if they're going to continue with those reporters hanging around. And if they do, what will they get to do since we scrimmaged already?”

”Mahki sent me a text.” Zeke said. ”Coach had called the school security to escort the reporters off school grounds. They can't see them anymore.”

”So they're playing this afternoon?” Kyle asked.

”I'll ask Alisha.” Noah got his phone out and started to text.

”What are we going to do all afternoon?” Dave asked, frowning.

”You could get started on your college applications.” Mom suggested with a smile.

”Aww, Mom.” Dave groaned. ”That's so boring. It's Friday.”

Mom shrugged. ”I'm sorry, honey. There's nothing I can do. Mr. Pickens will come over to address the reporters this afternoon and we'll have to wait this out.”

”Sorry.” I mumbled, feeling guilty.

”It's not your fault.” Dave laughed. ”I'm just feeling dramatic.” He looked to Kyle. ”We could practice our pitching in the backyard. I'll catch for you, if you catch for me?”

Kyle nodded. ”Yea. That's a good idea.”

”We don't have catcher's gear, do we?” Dad asked, sounding concerned.

”Well...I'm sure we'll be fine.” Kyle shrugged.

Dad shook his head. ”No way. That's too dangerous. You boys both know what level you're at. Let me go to O'Conners and pick up a face mask and chest protector. At least.”

Dave scratched his cheek. ”Okay. That'd be great. Thanks, Dad.”

”You don't have to pick out anything high-end.” Kyle reminded him. ”We're just using it for practice.”

”Can I go with you?” Noah asked Dad.

Dad glanced at me before looking at him. ”You don't want to stay at home with Jake?”

Noah put his pizza down. ”Now that you put it that way, I have to explain.” He rolled his eyes. ”I figured since you were getting something for the twins, you can get something for us.”

I smiled. Noah was still Noah. I could always count on him. I looked to Dad.

”Sure.” He nodded. He looked at me. ”Sorry, Jake, you should probably stay inside.”

”Yea.” I ate my food, feeling a little more relaxed.

”We'll stay inside too.” Dave told me. ”Even when Dad gets back with the catching stuff. I just showered and don't feel like getting dirty again.”