The Hitting Zone

I did my best to keep a neutral expression. I didn't want him to feel even worse after coming forward with his guilt, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to spend some alone time with him. Maybe I could convince Noah to come along.

I listened to Jeremy suggest a few ideas and nodded along. "I'll be sure to ask Mom and Dad." I told him, wanting him to know that it wasn't up to just me.

Jeremy smiled. "Yea. I'll call them too. When do they get back?"

I shrugged. "I'm not completely sure. They're spending time with the twins while they're visiting schools and preparing for another camp."

"Speaking of camps, are you excited for the Stanford camp?" He asked.

I shrugged. "I guess I'm a little more interested than before. Plus, Zeke, Noah and Rhys will all be there so I won't be alone." I looked down at my leg. "I hope to get a rematch against Rhys then."

"I should be the one to say that!" Rhys laughed, coming back with Noah and Zeke. "You're too amazing. It's hard to believe you still have three years of high school left."

I blushed.

"Hey, Patterson! Your girlfriend is here!" Someone called out.

Jeremy turned immediately to the door and saw Rose. He stared at her as she came in and joined our small group, saying 'hello' to the players she knew. Jeremy stood up and smiled at her, but it wasn't a normal smile. He kind of look like he was choking or grimacing. It wasn't a good look.

"Hey, boys." Rose greeted, friendly as always. She caught a look at my leg. "Oh no! Jake! What happened?"

"We had a showdown." Rhys gave her a brief rundown of what had happened.

"Let me contact someone to bring a wheelchair." Rose suggested, pulling out her phone. "It'll tire you out if we make you walk." She stepped away to make a call.

Jeremy's eyes stayed on his girlfriend, not even caring if others knew he was staring.

Noah got closer to me and leaned down to whisper. "I'm guessing they're fighting right now. Did you see how she ignored him and only greeted us? And her eyes never drifted his way."

"Shh." I whispered back, scared that Jeremy could still hear him.

My fear became real as Jeremy glanced back at us. Noah straightened up. Jeremy gave a small, yet sad, smile. "Just adult things. We're fine." He looked at Zeke. "I'll let Rose take you all to your seats. After the game, she'll bring you guys down to the field. We can watch the fireworks together."

Zeke nodded. "Sure. Thanks."

Jeremy looked at me. "But if your leg is bothering you, just let me know. You guys don't have to stick around for fireworks if you're in pain. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

I smiled. "I like fireworks. I think I'll be okay as long as no one kicks me."

"Who would dare?!" Noah took a fighting stance and threw some fake punches. "I'll take them on."

Rose came back as we were laughing at Noah. She grinned. "Everyone's in a good mood today despite the injury delay, huh?" She waved at us to follow. "Come on. The wheelchair will be at the elevator so you still have some walking to do."

Rhys and Zeke started to follow her. Noah waited for me to get up.

Once I was standing, I smiled one more time at Jeremy. "Good luck. Later!"

"Yea, later." He waved as we walked out of there.

Rose took us back through the halls, to the elevator, where a wheelchair was conveniently waiting. I sat down and relaxed, while Noah took control of the handles behind me. "I'll push him!"

We went up in the elevator and reached the appropriate level. Usually we took a ramp or escalator to our seats so this was a new experience. Noah steered me through the packed crowds, heading to our normal seats. He zoomed left, right, sped up, and suddenly stopped. I was starting to think that this is how others get motion sickness.

I was happy to reach the stairs that took us down to our seats.

"I'll come get you guys after the game." Rose have a friendly smile and left with the empty wheelchair.

Going down to our seats, Zeke walked in front of me, keeping close in case I fell forward. Rhys and Noah patiently walked behind me, talking about what food and snacks we should order. When we got to our seats, I was abled to prop my injured leg up on the rail in front of us. Elevation.

I was surprised how packed the stadium was on a holiday. It was the most people I've ever seen here. There was a festive air hovering over everyone as the game started. The A's came out strong, getting an early lead. It only got worse for the other team as the game went on. Jeremy was able to hit two home runs, bringing in so many runs.

Noah spent most of the game standing and clapping. He was in energizer-bunny-mode, bouncing and yelling nonstop. It really added to the atmosphere, making my heart pound every time he gasped. Of course, by spending so much energy, he had to refuel. Zeke didn't stop him from ordering extra peanuts and cotton candy, and didn't even glare when he asked for refills on his soda.

As the game neared its end, Rose appeared and asked if we wanted to get started on heading down to the field. Noah was reluctant at first, but when Rhys gave him grief about not trusting his favorite team, Noah got moving.

By the time we reached the field, the game was over and some of the fans started to leave.

"They'll probably watch the fireworks from the car. Beat the traffic and whatnot." Noah explained to me.

Rose let us sit in the grassy area between the A's dugout and the third baseline. She looked like she was about to leave us there alone, but stopped when Jeremy came jogging out of the dugout. He must have taken a quick shower because he was in jeans and a shirt, not looking like the baseball player he was.

"Stay." Jeremy told her, taking her hand in his and interlocking their fingers.

Rose was hesitant. She glanced at me.

Feeling awkward, I showed her a smile.

"Okay, but I'm still mad at you." She conceded.

Jeremy was relieved. "I know." He revealed a jacket and laid it down so she can seat on it.

"You didn't bring anything for us?" Noah joked.

"You're baseball players." Jeremy told him. "You guys shouldn't mind sitting in the grass."

Noah rolled his eyes, but plopped down and sat freely in the grass. "So biased."

I carefully sat down next to him, stretching out the boot.

Rhys and Zeke sat down as well, without complaints.

We faced the outfield and eventually the lights started to dim until most of them turned off. The music started, then the fireworks. It was a show. A professional show. It didn't even compare with the Saturday night fireworks show. I can see why Jeremy said we could watch it from the field. I could lay flat and just watch the bright colors cover the dark sky. What a contrast.

"This is too cool." Noah mumbled under his breath.

I nodded in agreement even though he wasn't necessarily talking to me. This was another great day to be saved in the memory bank.