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nThe four of us sat in the car, and waited for Zeke and the twins. They were probably having a postgame discussion that we bailed on.

n

"I didn't know I would end his season, I swear.

" Noah spoke aloud for us to hear. I looked away from the window to look at him. His hands were put together and his elbows rested on his knees.

n

"That's no excuse, Noah.

" His mom told him.

"Try to switch perspectives. What if Dave had hit the other teams best player, then they retaliated by hitting you. Wouldn't that feel unfair?

"

nNoah frowned.

"But that's part of the game.

"

n

"What if they went after Jake?

" Mr. Atkins asked suddenly.

nNoah looked at me.

"Jake's different.

"

n

"They don't know that.

" Mr. Atkins shook his head.

"All they know is that he's batting 1.000 and hasn't made an out at the plate yet. He's just a tiny freshman. He would be the easiest target.

"

nI know Mr. Atkins is speaking hypothetically, but it made me feel nervous. I should be more cautious from here on out.

n

"Fine.

" Noah sighed.

"I was wrong. Violence isn't the answer.

"

n

"That didn't sound sincere at all.

" His mom replied.

nNoah sat up straight, turned his body to mine, and stared me in the eyes.

"Jake, I wasn't thinking clearly. From now on, I won't intentionally hurt anyone...even if they deserve it. It's not fair to them and it's not fair to you. Now will you forgive me?

" He pleaded after making the pledge.

nI gave a weak shrug. Noah's a pro at twisting words and getting things his way. I didn't want to give in so easy and have him end up breaking his oath.

nNoah sighed.

"Jake, to be honest, you're a bit mean. You may not hurt others physically. But you're hurting my feelings right now.

"

n

"Noah James-

" Mrs. Atkins was about to jump in, but Mr. Atkins held out a hand to stop her.

n

"I've apologized and I feel remorseful. I would never take away someone's chance at baseball on purpose. It was the heat of the moment. Now you're refusing forgiveness.

" Noah continued.

"As my best friend, you should know that it's upsetting not being trusted by you. When you ignore someone's feelings, that's hurtful too. On the inside.

"

nI mulled it over. I could relate. My mother was physically abusive, but her words would hurt more than being hit. They left mental scars that would never heal like a bruise that could disappear in a week. Her anger at my dad and brother were directed all at me, causing her to hate me. Just like how my aversion to hurting others, was causing me to lose trust in Noah. He had already said sorry and that he wouldn't do it again. Why isn't that enough? Why wasn't I enough for my mom? Couldn't she just be happy that I was with her?

n

"Ya feel me, Jake?

" Noah said after we all sat in silence.

n

"I understand.

" My voice cracked. I cleared my throat.

"No more hurting others.

"

nNoah smiled bright and threw his arm over my shoulder, drawing me closer to him.

"Glad we got over our first fight. Now we're true brothers.

" He pulled me in tight.

nI started to tear up, but instead of pushing him away, I just let him be. Noah's my closest friend. And the closest thing I've ever had as a brother. My own brother was 10 when I was 3. He felt like a figment of my imagination. Something there, but not there at the same time.

nThe sudden opening of the trunk made us both jump. We heard the other boys throw their bags in and then closed it before piling in the middle row.

n

"Mom! I get to be the starter for the season opener!

" Dave said once his butt touch the seat.

n

"That's not a for sure thing. My rest period will be over by then too!

" Kyle argued.

n

"You weren't there in the dugout when coach said it.

" Dave smirked.

nKyle looked at Zeke.

"But I'm the better option! I had a perfect game!

"

n

"Yea.

" Dave said.

"Against a **ty team.

"

n

"Language.

" Mrs. Atkins warned.

"Why can't you boys fight and make up like Jake and Noah.

"

nThe twins simultaneously looked at us in the back.

n

"They don't look like they're fighting?

" Dave remarked.

n

"They just made up.

" She replied with pride.

"It was civil compared to the constant bickering you two do every day.

"

n

"I didn't see them fight at all..

" Kyle said.

"When was it? What was it like?

"

n

"What do you mean, 'what was it like?'

" Dave snorted.

"Jake obviously gave him the silent treatment.

"

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"How is that different from any other day?

" Kyle asked with confusion.

nZeke, who was sitting between them, lifted both arms and rested a hand on each of their heads.

"You both sound too energetic. Some laps can cure that.

"

nThe twins clammed up.

nMr. Atkins let out a laugh.

"Okay. That's enough. Dave, you pitched well today. Where do you want to go for lunch?

"

nDave smiled evilly.

"Anything goes?

"

nMr. Atkins frowned.

"Within reason. You still have the championship this evening.

"

n

"It's not like I get to play.

" Dave shrugged.

"Let's go to Outback Steakhouse. I'm thinking a nice juicy steak will fill me up and replenish the calories I burned this morning.

"

n

"I second the motion!

" Kyle added on.

"Look at us. We already made up! Now it's a double celebration.

"

n

"Triple.

" Noah corrected.

"Jake and I made up too! Which means we should go there after the championship.

"

n

"Denied.

" Dave said.

"Mom and dad said it's my pick.

"

n

"That's not fair. I can't have steak before the big game.

" Noah pouted.

n

"Too bad. Have a salad.

" Dave and Kyle laughed mercilessly.

n