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nThe next day we followed the same routine for the morning. Noah helped me pack my own baseball bag with all my gear and my baseball hat that Dave gave me. Apparently it was the school baseball hat that went with the game uniforms. I felt touched at the thought. I'm officially on a team.

nWe ate breakfast, packed up the car, and went to school. After filing out of the car, we grabbed our backpacks and went our own ways. The twins and Zeke started their trek up to the main building, while Noah and I waited by the field.

nMr. Miller showed up with his golf cart almost immediately.

"You boys should start walking up to the school. You need the exercise.

"

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"Very funny.

" Noah snorted and still got on. he grabbed my arm when he saw me hesitate.

"Get on. Mr. Miller has a very dry sense of humor. As dry as the Sahara desert.

"

nHe started to drive the cart.

"It's not a joke that Jake is out of shape.

"

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"My parents are going to call coach to explain. Cut him some slack, he just got out of the hospital.

"

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"No joke? Why didn't you say something?

"

nI felt ashamed and tried to focus on the passing students.

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"That's a bit insensitive to say to a mute.

" Noah replied.

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"I was talking to you smartass.

"

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"Also rude to call a kid bad names.

" Noah laughed.

"But, I'm not sure what happened to Jake. Mom and Dad said his birth mom was an evil witch.

" They definitely didn't say that, but that felt like an accurate description.

"Jake has been doing rehab just as recent as last week. So tell coach that we should have the trainer stop by practice to help out.

"

nMr. Miller stopped the cart near the building.

"Hmm. That's a pretty good idea. Especially coming from you. Now get off.

"

nNoah rolled his eyes at his remark.

"See ya at practice. Try not to be late this time, Mr. Miller.

" We both stepped off and headed for class. Noah glanced at me as we made our way to his locker.

"Do you know what I mean by trainer?

"

nI shrugged. The first thought that comes to mind are the trainers that make people get skinny.

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"Our school has two athletic trainers, and a couple assistants. But between Mom and Coach, I'm sure they'll get a real trainer to come on down. Usually they tape up athletes to help prevent injuries. They also supervise all games in case an injury happens so you'll see them around. But they also rehabilitate hurt athletes and plan programs to prevent injuries so I felt like that would help you. He can come up with a plan best fit to get you in shape without aggravating any old injuries. Isn't that great?

"

nI shrugged. I guess. It's not like I'm really injured right now. Just out of shape. And I get tired easily.

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"Come on, lets see some more enthusiasm!

" Noah nudged me. I tried my best to give him a smile.

"Eh, slightly better. Don't make that in class though, you'll scare the other kids.

"

nNo one would be scared of me. Not with Noah around. I knew Noah was nice and easy to get along with, but it really showed at school. Everyone always greeted him with a smile, wave, a hello, whichever way they could. No one specifically came up to him with me around so I kind of felt that he had warned them off. It was a nice thought, yet now, I felt even more ostracized. Only Noah spoke directly to me, along with the other Atkins. But also, I felt protected because I had nothing to say to my classmates. I might even feel more terrible if they try and talk to me and I couldn't say anything back. I don't know. It's a toss up.

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