The Hitting Zone

We waited in our seats as the other passengers hurried to get up and get off. Taking our time and giving ourselves distance helped me. More like a comfort I guess. Like Dad said earlier, these strangers are in a hurry to get on with their lives. They aren't here to bully anyone or even make conversation.

Because of the five-hour long flight and the three-hour jump forward, it was already evening when we got to the hotel. We barely had enough time to change into our A's gear and then immediately left for the stadium. And by 'left', I mean we walked out of the hotel and continued to walk to the stadium. Our hotel was only two blocks away from the stadium.

We weren't the only ones walking. The sidewalk was full of fans, mostly Nationals fans though. Like 97% Nationals fans. There were only a few green jerseys spotted besides our group.

I looked around, interested in the lively atmosphere. There were vendors selling food and drinks for lower prices than inside the stadium. There were a few people selling Nationals souvenirs and it only got busier the closer we got to the stadium.

Mom had us stop to take pictures with the stadium in the background. Afterwards, when we got real close, she called Rose to find somewhere to meet up. We blindly followed Mom while she received instructions from Rose.

"Over here!" Rose waved both arms to get our attention.

Mom hung up and we joined Rose by a secured entrance. She spoke with the security guard as we came through the gate one at a time. The adults made small talk as Rose led the way to our suite.

"This is amazing!" Noah whispered-yelled. He was taking in all the sights like me, proving that he had never been here either.

"It's so packed." Dave looked around too. "I'm glad we get to stay in a suite. Otherwise we might cause trouble, wearing these away-team jerseys."

I stiffened.

Zeke reached out and patted me on the shoulder.

Rose opened the door to our assigned suite, which was about halfway down on the visitors side. Maberry's brother, Parker, and their cousin, Conner, were both already inside.

Zeke stepped forward to introduce our parents to them while Noah and the twins made a move for the food. Rhys and I also joined them. I don't know about everyone else, but I didn't get to eat on the plane ride so I was starving.

The suite didn't have too many people in it which made it more comfortable. There was adequate space and food. Noah and I loaded up and took it to the outside seating, watching the grounds crew refresh the infield as a few player warmed up in the outfield.

"There's Jeremy!" Noah pointed him out for me.

Jeremy and Maberry were both still in sweatshirts, stretching along the baseline with a trainer watching over them.

"HEY! JEREMY! HEY!!!" Noah was jumping up and down, waving his arms, trying to get his attention.

I don't know if he actually heard him or if it was a coincidence, but Jeremy looked our way. He got up from his stretch and waved with both hands.

Noah nudged me. "Get up and wave too."

I complied. Standing and waving, I could feel a few looks coming from the neighboring suites.

Jeremy and Maberry went back to stretching and preparing for the game. Game three definitely had a better start than the first two. For the first time in the series, the A's took the lead first, thanks to a solo shot from Jeremy. Even better, the starting pitcher for the A's came out with his best stuff despite not being the number one pitcher in the rotation. He held the Nationals down the first five innings.

"Watch the Jumbotron, Jake." Mom patted me on the shoulder, pointing at the big screen in left field.

Confused, I watched as the screen changed and started to wish people 'happy birthday' and 'happy anniversary'. I knew what was coming and started to smile.

"Stand up and face me." Dad said, waving his phone. "I'll take some pictures while we can. I think it'll last like thirty seconds."

I got up and stood in the first row, facing back towards Dad, but also keeping an eye on the big screen.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE A.!" The screen flashed.

My grin deepened.

Dad took pictures. Noah jumped in and so did the twins. Dad continued to take pictures even after my name was gone. It was a great night.

Jeremy came up in the top of the sixth and hit a three-run bomb to push the score 4-0. The A's continued to dominate even after a pitcher change, only giving up one run. They won game three 4-1.

We moved inside to watch the postgame interview with Jeremy on the tv. Jeremy answered a few questions before pausing. "Do you mind if I take a minute?"

The interviewer nodded and held out the mic for Jeremy to speak into.

Jeremy grinned at the camera. "Just want to take a second to wish a happy birthday to my little brother, Jake Atkins. Thanks for bringing all the luck today!"

I felt my face heat up as the guys looked my way.

We hung out in the suite a little longer, letting the crowd die down before heading back to the hotel. Conner and Parker were staying in the same hotel and even told us that the A's stayed there too.

It took some time before bed arrangements were made between the two rooms. The twins were deemed the biggest risk and moved to the other bed in Mom and Dad's room. Zeke and Rhys were stuck with me and Noah. The rooms weren't connected, but were right next to one another.

Everyone was so quick to fall asleep after showering and getting in pajamas. I didn't though. I couldn't. I had already slept so much on the plane and now being in a foreign room in a different state made me feel a little queasy. It wasn't a big deal, but I didn't like the change. Plus, Noah moves in his sleep.

My phone buzzed with a text. From Jeremy. Asking for my room number. I answered fairly fast. He responded after a couple of minutes, telling me he was outside the room.

I moved quietly throughout the room, getting to the door just as Zeke sat up.

He squinted at me.

"Jeremy's outside." I whispered.

Zeke gave a nod.

I opened the door and was a little embarrassed with how loud it was. Thankfully the other two didn't wake up.

"Hey." Jeremy smiled, holding...a bat.

I frowned. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

He held the bat out to me. "Here. A physical birthday gift. I know I said this trip was your gift, but this wasn't planned."

I reached for the bat and ran my hands over the wood, finding that it had been used. "Is this..?"

"It's the bat from tonight's game." Jeremy grinned, putting his hands in his pockets. "Two homers and a win. It served me well."

I gripped and swallowed a small lump in my throat. "Don't you want to use it tomorrow?"

He shook his head. "Nah, I've got a few others to use. This one is for you. I gave you Dad's bat that meant something and I figured I should give one of my own. I didn't know how to make it special until I had a great game on your birthday. Your first birthday that I've celebrated."

My grip tightened, making my knuckles go white. "Thanks Jeremy. For everything." I hesitated.

He opened his arms and stepped to me. "This is a hugging moment."

I accepted and hugged him back, thankful that he made the first move. We separated after a few seconds. "Jeremy, thanks. Again." He did so much to put together the best birthday. A lot of thought and a lot of money. It's hard not to be appreciative.

Jeremy patted my head. "Get some sleep. Mary said she wanted to take you around the capital for some sightseeing. Have a good rest because tomorrow will be a long day for you."

"Will I get to see you tomorrow too?" I asked.

Jeremy nodded. "Yea, I'll stop by your room again tomorrow night since I won't be able to see you before your flight on Sunday."