The Hitting Zone

Alisha did her best to get close to Noah on Sunday, but with us being in a group, it just wasn't ideal. Julian and Zeke hung back, acting more like supervisors than teens, but it was Andy acting like the third wheel. Or maybe...Alisha was the third wheel. Because Noah and Andy were more together than the rest of us, challenging each other in the cages and then pairing up for arcade games.

"I wish Kaylee and KJ could have come." Alisha sighed. "Being the only girl is intimidating with Zeke and Julian hovering around us."

I glanced back to where Zeke and Julian were sitting, holding a conversation that had each other's attention. "That doesn't look like hovering to me." And I knew hovering.

"Okay, so I'm just annoyed that Andy is stealing away alone time I could be having with Noah." She sighed again.

My lips twitched. Andy and Noah were both playing a game that only allowed for two players. I wasn't any good and Alisha didn't know how to play.

"Invite him to do a game you're good at." I told her. Noah has a competitive streak and would accept any challenge.

"Hmm." She looked around. Then her eyes widened. I glanced to the spot she was looking at. 'DDR'. Dance Dance Revolution.

This time I couldn't help but laugh. "You want Noah to dance?"

"Hey! It's a game! With a clear winner and loser." She stated. She waited for her chance, grabbing Noah as soon as he was done with that game. She dragged him over to DDR, leaving Andy behind.

Andy walked over to me, watching them. "Was she getting bored?"

"Something like that." I shrugged.

We watched in silence as the pair danced to the game music, trying to get all the steps. The trip ended with Zeke buying ice cream for everyone and then heading home.

We didn't slack one day for the morning workouts, running steadily, lifting weights, and doing ab exercises. The more we did, the closer I felt to Zeke and Noah. I used to struggle running up the hill, but now I could see their backs when I run downhill. I'm catching up.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we went to our Spanish class with Mitchell. He had been in contact with the twins in a group chat, and had even planned to play with them on Thursday.

Knowing that, Noah was quick to offer him a ride on Thursday, saying he could join us for lunch.

Mitchell was grinning with excitement.

Tuesday night was another softball game and another win. I could see some change in KJ's pitching and knew she had been practicing all weekend. With her and Marie pitching, I think all opposing teams will have minimal chance at getting any hits.

Wednesday night, Mom and Dad left after dinner to pick up the twins, leaving us on our own. We studied for Thursday's test and went to bed without a reminder from Zeke.

Thursday morning, Noah woke up with some extra energy, changing in record time and racing downstairs. I hurried after him, but found him looking at the kitchen table in disappointment.

Zeke handed each of us a banana. "Eat up and we'll go."

"What about Dave and Kyle?" Noah asked. "They're not coming?"

Zeke held back a smile. "No. They didn't get to bed until just a couple hours ago. They just came back from an intensive pitching camp, they deserve a day off. Maybe they'll be awake before you go to class."

They weren't. Even after eating a bigger breakfast and taking showers, they didn't stir at all. We left for school and they continued to sleep.

Zeke went to the library as we walked on towards our class. Halfway there, we ran into Mitchell, who was lugging his baseball bag full of catchers gear.

Noah laughed. "Shouldn't you be able to carry that more comfortably? You wear it all the time, don't you?"

Mitchell looked helpless. "No, I've got an extra set in here."

"Why?"

He shrugged. "One is more new, but they're both still in good condition. I don't usually decide which to wear until right before."

"So weird." Noah laughed.

Mitchell carried the bag to the classroom and then pushed it into a corner so it wouldn't be in the way. It wasn't long before Mrs. Lorenz came in and started class, giving a helpful review, then passed out tests to take.

Once the three of us were done, we headed for the library and met up with Zeke.

"Thanks for the ride, Zeke." Mitchell said politely when he got into the car.

"Sure." Zeke replied.

Mitchell sat stiffly in the car as if he wanted to be a statue.

At the house, Zeke got out the fastest and went inside first, while Noah and I waited for Mitchell to carry in his baseball bag.

"Are you afraid of Zeke?" Noah asked.

"Not afraid." Mitchell answered, but he wasn't very convincing.

Noah shrugged and led the way.

We walked into the house and were greeted with a very fragrant smell.

"Lunch must be ready!!" Noah bolted and rushed to the dining room.

My mouth watered as I wondered what the twins had prepared. I walked into the dining room and found that the table was already set, with lunch spread out. It was a pasta bar of sorts, offering different sauces with noodles. And then a mountain of garlic cheese bread.

I was only in class for three hours, but it suddenly felt like days.

"Jake! Did you miss us?!" Dave came out of the kitchen and threw an arm around my shoulders, guiding me to my seat.

I nodded.

Dave laughed as I sat down. Noah and Zeke were both already seated. Dave glanced around Mitchell, who had stopped. "Mitch! Come and sit down! Kyle and I cooked lunch. You don't have anything planned for this afternoon, right? We'll do some pitching after lunch."

Mitchell put his bag down and sat in Mom's seat. "Wow. Thanks. I didn't expect you guys to cook so much."

"It's the least we can do." Kyle answered, coming into the room, holding some water bottles. He passed them out.

"Wow, this is some A+ cooking!" Noah remarked as he started to load up his plate. "You guys sure know how to apologize."

Dave glanced at Zeke.

Zeke nodded. "Looks good." He started to serve himself as well.

Seeing the eagerness of Noah and Zeke's acceptance, the twins sat down in their own seats and also started to pile the pasta on their plates.

Mitchell was the only one sitting politely and waited patiently for the us to grab our food first. Then he helped himself.

"Don't be stiff." Kyle told him. "We're all teammates here. Friends."

Mitchell nodded, still stiff.

Noah laughed at him. "Come on, you weren't this awkward in class. I know you want to work with the twins, but just treat them like Kelvin does."

Mitchell made a face. "Kelvin was their senior."

"Seniority doesn't matter on the field." Zeke spoke up. "All that matters, is skill. And respect. If you want to be their catcher, then you have to be able to control them. You aren't going to be able to control them if you're scared of them."

"You're scared of us?" Dave looked eager and happy, like he was proud of himself for making someone scared.

Mitchell shook his head. "Not scared. Just...slightly nervous. You guys are good. No. You all are great."