Chapter 790 - V3 ch25 (1/2)
Noah could only talk about the A's all day Monday. He told everyone about our trip and how the A's looked good both on offense and defense. He didn't even care that some of our classmates weren't really into baseball, like Cassie in first period. She just stared at him blankly until Kaylee intervened and told Noah to shut up and do the lab.
She put us back on track during chemistry, but as soon as we finished, Noah was back at it. When we got to practice, it got worst...or maybe better. He had teammates and other players to talk to about the weekend games.
”I have a few announcements I want to make.” Coach raised his voice as we were stretching, implying that the conversations had to stop around him. When he got everyone's attention, he nodded. ”I know you're all excited about the A's bouncing back to take the lead in the series, but now it's practice time. I would like for you to focus on becoming a better player instead of talking about it.”
Coach looked around. ”As some of you can tell, our groups are getting bigger. The fall sports are ending and we'll have some more players joining in on these after-school practices. There will be some who do winter sports and will have a separate tryout in a couple of weeks. Also, we're going to start putting together the teams. Nothing will be official and will be subject to change, but I want to start getting a feel for my new starting lineup. It'll allow for more personalized coaching too.”
He waved at me. ”Jake, stand up.”
I clumsily got up on my feet and stood straight.
”So far, no one has been able to strike Jake out.” Coach pointed at me. ”I know some haven't had the chance and some are waiting, but I want you to let me know soon. This Friday, there's no school which means no practice. Therefore, no challenges for Jake. That leaves two Fridays left before I start official tryouts. Then it's thanksgiving break. When we come back from break, I'll have preliminary rosters set and cuts made.”
His words felt heavy. I looked around and saw quite a few players looked unsure.
”This week is midterms so practice won't be mandatory.” Coach continued. ”If you need to study or need extra time to work on your projects, use it. Although I like your focus being on baseball, grades come first. In order to play in the spring, your grades have to qualify. I take pride in the scholar athletes on my team. Work hard.”
Coach nodded at me, signaling that I can go back to stretching. Practice had a more somber and serious feel as his announcements hung in the air. Midterms. Roster selections. The semester was really moving too fast.
On the way home, Kyle surprised us by saying he wasn't going to go to practice this week.
Dave nodded in agreement. ”I'm not going either.” He glanced back at me. ”I was hoping you weren't either.”
”I'm not struggling in any of my classes...” I said, unsure if they were trying to imply something.
”We need more help reviewing for the calculus midterm.” Kyle sighed.
Noah laughed. ”Are you serious? You're asking your little brother to tutor you?”
Dave threw an empty water bottle at him. ”Shut up. You aren't taking calculus so you don't know. This stuff just comes naturally to Jake. We haven't even been copying his homework that much anymore.”
My lips twitched. Maybe not as much, but still do. If anything, the only change was them asking me to explain some of my steps. ”I can help you guys review.”
Noah groaned. ”What about me? I want to practice.”
Kyle shrugged. ”How about if we study in the library after school while you practice? When you're done, you can let us know and we'll come down.”
Noah sighed with relief. ”Yea. Okay.”
Tuesday after school, we started to study. Kyle invited Marie along to study calculus with us. She didn't have the same class, but still had the same teacher. I was a little insecure with her asking me questions, but soon understood that she was at a similar level as the twins. She understood, but couldn't apply the lesson properly. Two hours passed quickly.