Friday morning, I felt like we were in a movie as we walked the halls. Everyone had something to say, either congratulating us on the win, wishing us luck for the next one, or complaining to me about getting walked. I nodded vigorously anytime I heard the third comment. I was just as annoyed.

Noah did his part to help Kaylee talk about the softball team and how tonight was their last regular season game. Away...so we also heard a lot of apologies. Which was understandable. We wouldn't be able to go either. But Noah still pushed about their playoff game Tuesday. To the point where I was wondering if he was going to have money riding on the game.

"Would we even be able to go Tuesday?

" I asked.

"Wouldn't Coach want us to practice for the finals.

"

Noah grinned.

"I'm liking your confidence. But I'm positive I can convince him to give us at least one day. He would understand. We're all from one school; we've got to support one another.

"

I nodded along. I think Coach would let us too. Maybe say something about practicing on our own if we can.

Noah stopped by the front office to make sure they were organizing a student bus again for our game Monday and for the girls on Tuesday. I used the same time to stop in Dr. Moore's office just to say 'hi', but also maybe to get away from all the looks I got.

"Hello Jake. How are you?

" Dr. Moore adjusted his glasses as he looked up at me.

"I'm good. How are you?

" I looked around his office, taking in how much he made it his own. It looked a lot like his private office I used to go to.

"Do you miss your old office?

"

He smiled and leaned back in his seat.

"It's not going anywhere. In fact, I still do appointments there for my regular patients. I just go there a lot less. I love this change for me, working with teenagers that may need a little more guidance. High school can be difficult to navigate and you do a lot of growing in a short amount of time.

" He pointed at me.

"Just look at yourself. Last year, it was difficult to get a full sentence out of you.

"

I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling guilty.

"I mean, I still struggle. Yesterday I clammed up talking to a coach. I was embarrassed he came to a game where I didn't hit the ball once.

"

"You didn't get a hit?

" Dr. Moore asked.

"How did that make you feel?

"

"Frustrated more than anything.

" I made a face.

"Also bored. But Noah said we can go to cages this weekend to make up for it.

"

"That's a good idea. Redirect that feeling of frustration elsewhere and think that this moment won't last forever.

"

"I hope not.

"

He leaned forward on his desk.

"I know that the players get better at the higher levels. Have you given some thought to what your future might be shaping out to be?

"

I cringed.

"I'm not asking you to make a decision, Jake. Just tell me some ideas. Like this summer you plan to play baseball, right? Not that softball league you did last year.

"

Oh. I nodded.

"Yea. I already made the team, I guess. But Noah still has to do round two of tryouts. I'm going too. To face pitchers.

" I shrugged.

"Then I think after the final team is made, we go to North Carolina to play other teams.

"

"Sounds very competitive.

" He said.

"I think you'll be quite happy when you find out that no one wants to walk you.

"

"You think so?

" I asked.

"The part about no one wanting to walk me?

"

He smiled.

"From what little I know and understand about this process, winning isn't the end goal.

"

"It really isn't!

" Noah walked in the office with a big smile.

"Come on, Jake. You can't forget. Making the regional team is just a step. Getting to this tournament in North Carolina is how we get noticed for Team USA. No pitcher is going to make it if they have to intentionally walk you.

"

"Oh right.

" It started to click what this regional team was all about. I was thinking it more like a way to play baseball this summer with Noah, but it meant more. It was a stepping stone.

"It would be nice to play against guys that pitch to me.

" And I wouldn't really have to worry about winning or losing. Not bad.

"Right?!

" Noah grinned.

"This is why you have to play no matter what. Even if I don't make the team, I want to see you face the best pitchers around the country. See how you compare.

"

I tensed up.

"So Jake will be playing on his own for the first time?

" Dr. Moore sounded interested.

"Sort of. I'll still be there to cheer him on. Dave wants to go too.

" Noah glanced at me.

"This isn't Jake's first time playing alone either. He did so at the Stanford camp last summer.

"

I made a face.

"Rhys was there with me. I don't think that counts.

"

"Why not?

" Noah shrugged.

"He didn't play with you out on the field. He was more like a supervisor. Which Dave and I can do from the stands. Really. We won't ever be too far.

"

I pursed my lips.

"Do you think you won't make the team?

"

"I'm just saying all this to make sure you play no matter what.

" Noah repeated that phrase again.

"I don't want you passing up on good opportunities.

"

My lips twitched.

"You sound like Mom.

"

Noah laughed.

"Well I'm bound to after listening to her for years. Don't forget, she made Zeke and the twins visit five colleges. I don't think there's any saving me.

"

"You're not bothered by that?

" I asked.

"Why would I be?

" Noah laughed again.

"It's basically a weekend baseball camp. Stanford will definitely be one of my visits.

"

"Mine too.

" I hurried to say. I knew some of the players. I knew the area. I knew the coach. It could be a good fit.

"Sounds like you boys will have some planning to do later on.

" Dr. Moore spoke up.

"I look forward to the great things you both will accomplish and achieve in the future.

"

"Starting with becoming a two-time CIF champion.

" Noah pointed at Dr. Moore.

"Next game is Monday. You coming?

"

"We'll see.

" He smiled.

"I hear you guys had quite the showing yesterday. The office staff were talking about having two student buses on Monday.

"

"I heard.

" Noah nodded.

"I also tried to convince them to do two for the girls on Tuesday. But they said one. Maybe two if they move on depending on how many students show interest in going.

"

"It's good to show support for your classmates. Especially with so many showing up for you.

"

"We know.

" Noah waved him off.

"We like it when people show up for us.

"

I coughed.

"Okay, I like it when people show up and cheer for me.

" Noah corrected himself.

"So I think the girls team will like it too.

"

We talked with Dr. Moore for a little bit more before going to eat lunch at our spot. The rest of the school day flew by since there were only two more classes. At practice, Coach did the coin flip between the twins early. Whoever won would have to start preparing. The other would prepare too...prepare to be in the bullpen.

Everyone was gathered around Coach and the twins, ready for the drama to play out. Coach showed each twin each side of a quarter.

"Instead of either of calling it out to pick, I've assigned Dave heads and Kyle tails.

"

Kyle pumped his fists.

"Yes. Tails never fails.

"

"You're dumb.

" Dave rolled his eyes.

Coach flipped the coin high into the air and let it drop to the ground. The twins both squatted down and leaned over to get a look. Everyone was trying to see.

"Tails. We go with Kyle.

" Coach announced. He turned to Dave.

"You'll have first shot out of the bullpen after him. And...if we do make it to the finals-

"

"WHEN we make it to the finals.

" Noah stressed.

"You'll have first shot to come out after Garret.

" Coach finished.

"Yea, yea.

" Dave said, straightening up.

"I get it.

"