~~~~~NOAH~~~~~

By the time I stepped out of the dugout, Chris had already struck out. So instead of taking practice swings, I went straight to the batters box. The pitcher was throwing straight heat and I couldn't keep up. I felt disgusted with myself for not even being able to foul one off. Being the best fielder in the world won't get you anywhere if you can't even get a hit. I struck out and stomped back to the dugout. I threw my gear in my bag and grabbed my glove.

"That was pretty ugly, wasn't it Jake?

" I mumbled as I sat beside him. I peeked at him and saw that his eyes were closed.

"Oh good. You couldn't even see how bad it was.

"

No response came. This was just like earlier when he was mad at me. Except...there was at least some kind of emotion shown on his face before. Now he just looks like he's sleeping. Or... I poked his cheek.

"Dad, I think he's sleeping. Like for reals sleeping.

"

My dad just smiled.

"Good. A little extra rest might help. Maybe he'll feel better after a nap.

"

Jordan came back from striking out as well and back on the field, we went. Bottom of the seventh with a 7-3 lead. Safe. Comfortable.

"Bring it home Garret!

" I cheered, getting into position. The team went through a minute warmup before Paradise came up for their last chance at an offense. The first guy popped out to Chris. The next one hit a hard grounder my way, but I smoothly fielded it to Julian at first for the second out. The final batter hit another high fly, but all Zeke had to do was run in and catch it for the win.

The team celebrated the win at the mound with Garret, but I went to the dugout. My dad had put Jakes baseball bag on and started to lift him in his arms.

"You going already? What about the medals and trophy?

" I hovered close to them.

Dad just smiled.

"Stop fretting like your mom. Your mom will stay for the ceremony to take pictures and to supervise Zeke's interview. Jake and I will rest in the car.

"

"I should stay with you...what if he wakes up and I'm not there? He might get upset.

" I threw my glove in my bag and zipped it up.

"Noah, you're making a mountain out of a molehill. Calm down.

" My dad commanded.

"Stay with your team. Jake is steadily asleep. Even if he does wake up without you there, it's not a huge deal. He's gone his whole life without you and survived. He'll keep going.

"

I pouted.

"I just want to be there for him.

"

"Grab his medal for him instead. Closing ceremony will only take about an hour.

" Dad walked away with Jake in his arms, attracting stares from the nearby crowd.

"You look like dad just stole your puppy.

" Dave mocked outside the dugout.

"So what.

" I grabbed my bag.

"I can be sad that my best friend isn't okay, alright?

"

"Sure. Sure.

" Dave put his hands on his head.

"I wonder what's going to happen when they find his dad. Hopefully it doesn't happen too soon otherwise we'll lose a great hitter before the season is up.

"

I crossed my arms.

"From what I gathered, Jake doesn't really like him either.

"

Dave shook his head lightly.

"That doesn't matter. A lot of kids don't like their parents and vice versa. But they're still stuck with one another unless there's extenuating circumstances.

"

Jakes mom almost killed him. They wouldn't just let anybody take him in. Even if it's his biological dad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JAKE

I felt like I was in a fog. Nothing was clear.

"Jake. Jake. Jakeeee.

" Someone was close to my ear calling me.

"We're home Jake. Let's go inside okay?

" I felt arms under my neck and knees, supporting me. Home? Did I have a home? A familiar one story house formed in my mind and I started to gasp for air. No. I didn't want to go there. Not anymore. Not ever again. I struggled, trying to get away.

"Jake? It's okay. It's me. Wayne.

" The voice said.

"I'm just taking you to your room. I'll let you sleep some more in your comfy bed. Calm down. We're home now.

"

Wayne? Did I know a Wayne? I cracked my eyes open and squinted at the blurry figure. Wayne isn't my mom. I relaxed and mumbled.

"I don't want to go home.

"

"Don't be silly. This is your new home. You have a nice warm bed waiting for you. Noah is already inside. He'll be there if you need anything.

" A pink blur got bigger and bigger. Ah, the Atkins house was pink. Their home is very nice on the inside and out. Just like them.

"Jake?

" The voice kept talking, but I didn't care. I was safe. It was safe to sleep.