The Hitting Zone

Coach wrapped up the team meeting and passed out the snackbar vouchers. He then told us the field number for the game that would decide our next opponent. We still had an hour or so before then so we broke up into smaller groups.

Noah, me, and the twins went to find Mom and Dad first. Grampa and Jeremy too. We found three of the four in a more open area. The one missing wasn't hard to spot either. He was off to the side, surrounded by a few players, parents, and whatnot.

"Jeremy's probably happy that this is the last tournament he can make." Kyle snorted-laugh. "It's gotta be annoying being surrounded every time you hit the fields to watch a game."

"There'll be less people around tomorrow." Dave said, then slightly paused. "Well, hopefully. I guess it depends how many locals in the area want to see him and get autographs." He looked at me. "Why couldn't your brother be more normal? Like just an average MLB player?"

Noah and Kyle laughed at Dave's comments. They were absurd, no doubt.

"I'm sure Zeke would have been the same way by the time we're seniors if he had gone pro right away." Noah told me with a simple shrug. "Can't complain about winning the lotto in the sibling department."

That's one way to look at it.

"Honey! Congratulations!" Mom pulled Kyle into a side hug as soon as we got close enough. "Another no-hitter in the books. I'm proud of you!"

"Thanks, Mom." Kyle turned red with embarrassment as he tried to stand on his own, but still stayed beside Mom. He looked at Grampa. "Well, Gramps? What do you think?"

"You kept it short." Grampa nodded at him and gave him a thumbs up. "I hope to see more games like it."

Noah laughed and nudged Dave. "You hear that, Dave? It's going to be your turn to deliver."

"We don't know who's going to pitch yet." Dave rolled his eyes and pushed Noah away. "Maybe Coach will save me for the finals. I'll be the first to hold the tournament trophy then."

"Realistically, Jake will probably be first because he's most likely to be tournament MVP." Noah rebuked.

"Why you little-" Dave pulled Noah into a headlock.

"Boys." Dad said sternly. "Knock it off." He looked at me. "Jake, don't take his words too seriously and give yourself any pressure. As long as you kids have fun, that's the most important."

"Baseball is always fun." Noah quickly replied, pushing Dave off of him. "Really Dad, there's no pressure. No problem. Jake is so much better than last year. Physically and mentally. I could tell during the game." He threw his arm around my shoulders and grinned. "The kid wants to hit bombs."

I gave a shy smile, just a little embarrassed by the attention. Noah knew me best.

"It'll be exciting to see how many he can get this weekend." A new voice joined us. All eyes went to Mr. Cameron. He gave a small wave and got closer to join the group properly. "Sorry to interrupt. I wanted to congratulate you players on the first win of the tournament. Strong start." He looked at Kyle. "Great showing on the mound. That ump robbed you on the walk from my perspective."

"Thank you!" Kyle pointed at Mr. Cameron. "I thought the same way. No way did I miss that. I painted that edge perfectly."

Noah faked-cough. "BS." He straightened up after a look from Mom. "I mean...obviously...it wasn't THAT perfect." He shrugged. "You want to paint the edges, you have to realize you give the ump more power to screw you over."

Kyle rolled his eyes. "I bet you're not this tough on Jake getting his homerun stolen. Like tell him to hit it harder and farther and all that crap."

"Language, please." Mom sighed with exasperation. She looked at Mr. Cameron. "Sorry, Chris. These boys...all they know is how to fool around. If you want to ask them some questions, please do so in my presence so I can make sure they don't embarrass me too much."

"Embarrass you?" Noah looked offended. "Mom, you're a mom. You're the embarrassing one."

Dad reached over to slap him upside the head.

"Ow!" Noah rubbed his head. The glare from Dad made him freeze. He let out an uncomfortable laugh before looking at Mom. "Sorry, Mom, just joking."

"So help me God." Mom shook her head. "What in the world was I thinking having so many boys?" She made eye contact with me.

I smiled, thinking how happy I am that Mr. Duncan had found this family to place me with.

Mr. Cameron finally got to ask a few questions, mostly for Kyle about his shining performance on the mound. He did ask me about my homer and what I hoped to accomplish for this tournament. That's where Noah took over and said we would be repeat champions.

"I believe it." Mr. Cameron winked. He tried to ask about the next planned pitching, but we said that would just have to be a surprise since we didn't know either.

He left and Jeremy finally got away from his dwindling crowd. He offered to take us to brunch since it was still early for lunch, but we had plans. Snackbar vouchers and a game to watch.

Jeremy looked at Mom and Dad and Grampa. "You three don't want snackbar food, right? How about I take you out? We're a bit out of my normal hotspots but I still know this area."

"They get the good stuff and we get a hotdog...that's messed up." Noah joked.

"If you're lucky, I'll come back with some leftovers." Jeremy wiggled his brows. "Some sweet leftovers."

"Go. Go! What are you guys waiting for?" Noah suddenly started to shoo them away. Ulterior motives for sure. Jeremy got him good with the promise of sugar. "Grampa's probably cold and exhausted. Let him warm up inside so he's ready for game two."

Mom and Dad were helpless to Jeremy's and Noah's persuasion. They reminded us to have our phones on just in case and took Grampa back to the car.

Jeremy stopped right beside me, reached out and gave my shoulder a pat. "You did well. Get some rest but make sure to stretch so you don't get stiff."

I nodded. "Thanks." I cleared my voice. "And thanks for coming." It's always good to see him getting along with my 'new' family. I couldn't really return that feeling for him, and I think that probably hurts him.

Jeremy smiled and followed Mom, Dad, and Grampa out to the parking lot.

"Jake, you okay?" Noah poked me in the cheek. "You kind of zone out for a second. And you look a little...off."

I shrugged. "I'm alright." It's Jeremy I worry about. I should probably ask Dr. Moore about it. He's the expert in this kind of stuff. I casually shook the thoughts away and looked at Noah. "Should we eat before the game? Or take it to the game?"

"Take it there." He answered. "Get a good spot to watch."