We finished out the week with high leveled intensity at practice, cramming every possible second with a drill, stretch, or conversation about the upcoming weekend. Thursday night, the Atkins and I packed up the bags for the weekend stay, making sure we would be ready to go after coming home Friday evening.

After Friday's practice, coach gave us a meeting time and place for the tournament, and then Zeke hustled us home. Once at home, we took turns showering and finalizing what needs to be on the car for the mini road trip. We had so many bags that Noah and I had to put some under our feet when the trunk filled up. Then off we went.

Mr. Atkins drove through the town of Watsonville and then onto the main highway, officially starting the three hour drive.

Mrs. Atkins, in the passenger seat, started to pass out tupperware to each of us.

"I prepared dinner while you boys were at practice. I didn't want to stop somewhere for fast food or sit down for a nice meal and take a lot of time away from our drive.

"

"I don't mind!

" Noah said excitedly, opening his container and revealing his dinner: alfredo pasta, green beans, corn, a slice of garlic toast. And two homemade cookies on the side.

"Perfect mom! Thanks!

" Noah started with the cookies skipping over his whole dinner.

"Thanks mom!

" The other boys echoed as they opened their containers, revealing the same dinner. Mrs. Atkins included plastic forks and they started to dig in.

I held my dinner, not ready to eat yet.

"What about you guys? What will you eat?

Mrs. Atkins turned to face me. She had to look between the older boys who got to sit in the middle row. She gave me a happy smile.

"We ate before you boys got home. We want to make sure we get to the hotel before ten so you boys can have enough sleep. The first game is at nine in the morning, so I'm sure you'll have to be there at eight.

"

"Seven.

" Zeke corrected.

"Check-in and registration is at seven for all teams. Then we'll head to the field for warmups at eight.

"

"Oh, okay.

" She nodded.

"Sixteen teams like normal?

"

"Single game elimination format.

" Dave said between bites.

"There'll be only four teams left on Sunday morning.

"

"It's a long shot for us to be one of those four.

" Kyle muttered.

Dave reached over Zeke in the middle, just to flick Kyle's leg.

"Don't be such a Debbie Downer. I hope coach doesn't let you pitch game two with that attitude.

"

Kyle was quick to slap his hand away.

"How many times do I have to say that I'm being realistic? We were destroyed in game one last year. In five innings.

"

"Boys.

" Mr. Atkins warned.

"Hands to yourselves. It's okay to disagree, but it's not okay to fight over it. Besides, it's a game. You're supposed to have fun. Not stress over being a winner or loser.

"

The car got quiet.

"Okay, so that was an unpopular opinion.

" Mr. Atkins recognized.

"I'm just saying that it won't be the end of the world. Just go out and have fun. Zeke, it's your last year of high school ball. Do you want to look back at how much fun you had? Or look back and see how pointless your stress was?

"

"Winning is fun.

" Zeke said in an inexpressive way.

Noah was the first to laugh. The twins followed up. Even their parents were smiling.

I poked Noah, more than slightly confused.

Noah took a breath from laughing so hard.

"It's just funny because it's Zeke. The robot gave such a robotic answer.

"

"Five laps Noah.

"

Now that made me laugh. That's what I expect from Zeke. With the atmosphere turning light, I felt relaxed enough to eat. Mrs. Atkins always made the best food and it would be a waste to miss out.

The drive felt long as we drove on the dark highway, but according to the clock, Mr. Atkins got us to the hotel in less than three hours. Once parked, Mrs. Atkins went in ahead of us to check in and get the room keys. While Mr. Atkins helped unload the car and divided up the bags among us.

Mrs. Atkins came back to the car holding a few sets of room card keys.

"Okay, I reserved two rooms, adjoining one another. Your father and I will be in the smaller one. You five will take the suite. There are two beds plus a couch that can pull out into a bed.

"

"Dibs on bed!

" Noah hollered out.

"Dibs!

" The Twins said in unison.

Zeke merely glanced at them.

"I'm oldest, I don't have to call dibs.

"

"No one should be calling dibs. There are plenty of beds.

" Mr. Atkins sighed.

"If no one wants to sleep on the couch bed, then Zeke can fit with the younger two on the king size bed.

"

"I can sleep on the couch..

" I offered.

"It's a couch that turns into a bed.

" Mrs. Atkins corrected.

"Don't pay attention to them. I'm sure it's just like any other bed except it folds into a couch.

"

"No. Jake should sleep on a normal bed with me.

" Noah protested.

"I even called dibs on our behalf.

"

"No dibs.

" Mr. Atkins said once more.

"It's settled. Twins get a bed. Zeke and Noah share a bed. Jake gets one of his own.

"

Noah pouted.

"I'll just stick with Jake. I don't wanna sleep with Zeke.

"

I toed the ground, keeping my eyes down.

"I prefer my own bed. I don't like to be touched when I'm sleeping. I won't be able to sleep well.

"

The family stopped bickering.

I continued.

"It's not a big deal...it's just-sometimes my mom would wake me up by hitting me and then I would have trouble going to sleep.

"

"Fine. I'll sleep with Zeke.

" Noah said firmly.

"Can't let tomorrow's star player be sleep deprived.

"

"Hey! Who's going to be the star tomorrow?!

" Kyle argued.

"Shouldn't it be a pitcher? Keeping the big schools at bay?

"

"You won't be pitching tomorrow.

" Dave said coldly.

And the bickering picked up once more. Not like I minded. I hate having to bring up my past and feeling their pity. Them accepting it without question and continuing normal conversations make me feel like I don't stand out.