Dinner was a weird kind of quiet without the twins. Noah told his parents what we did all day. He also made a few hints that I wanted to ask them something, but I didn't speak up. I already told Dad, and I could only tell Noah that after dinner.

"You're too shy.

" Noah told me as we prepared for bed.

"It's not like any of us would have made a big deal out of it. The twins aren't even here.

"

I shrugged.

"I felt more comfortable asking one-on-one than at the table.

" Dad makes me feel more comfortable and I rather not make Mom cry again.

"What'd he say?

"

"That he would find a dermatologist for me.

" I explained to him how Dad thought that a simple cream wouldn't be enough.

"Yea, leave it to the professionals

" Noah agreed. He yawned.

"Man, I hope tomorrow's game is a good one.

"

I smirked in the dark.

"You don't like playing for fun?

"

"It's fun to play, period. But, I want some competition. It's more satisfying to beat a good team than a team that's playing just for fun. What about you? Don't you like facing better pitchers?

"

I shrugged.

"It's all the same to me.

"

"So you wouldn't want a rematch against that pitcher from University Prep?

"

"Never thought of it.

" I told him.

"Do you even have a competitive bone in your body?

"

"I like to hit the ball. That's good enough for me.

"

Noah sighed.

"Fine. You're completely disinterested. Goodnight. See ya in the morning.

"

"Night.

" I replied. Noah wanted to be the best all the time, while I just wanted to hit the ball. We weren't the same. Baseball is fun with the Atkins, but I don't know if I would ever play without them.

The next morning, we woke up at dawn and hit the streets. I chased after Noah and Zeke through the neighborhood, losing them halfway. At home, I joined the pair in the garage and started on the exercises Zeke had assigned. Workout, shower, breakfast, school. Mitchell wasn't too depressed today about not catching for the twins; it sounded like he had planned something with them when they return. Our Thursday test wasn't too hard as Mrs. Lorenz really reviewed with us beforehand.

After school, Zeke took us home for lunch, preparing spaghetti as we watched some baseball in the living room. He even let us eat in the living room as we watched the game, not nitpicking about making a mess.

After such a relaxing afternoon, I felt kind of lazy as we showed up to the softball field. Noah was eager to throw the ball around and warm up, so I sat down and watched as he and Zeke started to move. KJ and Kaylee, who both rode with us also started to warm up after Noah informed them that today's opponents might actually be good.

Alisha stayed with me, sitting by the bags in the grass as we waited for the others to show.

"Hey, Jake?

" Alisha asked, looking out at those playing. Specifically at Noah.

"Do you and Noah want to come over this weekend? To play in the pool? I can invite the whole team. What do you think?

"

I pulled my knees to my chest.

"Do we have to play in the pool?

"

She looked at me.

"Do you not like the pool?

"

I shook my head. It's mostly the idea of being half-naked.

She pouted.

"Noah won't come if you don't come.

"

So straightforward. I scratched the tip of my nose.

"Do you like-like Noah?

"

She nodded without hesitation.

Oh...really straightforward now.

"Why don't you just tell him?

"

"How about you ask him what he thinks of me, and then you tell me?

" She shot back.

I made a face.

"What if he doesn't like you like that?

"

She laughed.

"Then that's my problem. You don't have to feel bad. I know that Noah is obsessed with baseball. He was like this when we were in elementary school.

"

I don't know. I don't want to be too involved. Alisha is really nice. I don't want Noah to hurt her feelings.

"How about we go to the arcade and cages this weekend instead? You can spend time with him there. He would agree in a heartbeat.

"

She nodded thoughtfully.

"I can say it's to work on my batting!

"

I don't really think she needs an excuse to convince Noah.

"You want to work on your batting?

" Andy asked, joining us with Julian right behind him.

Alisha glanced at me, before replying.

"Yes. I mean, I was going to ask Noah and Jake if they wanted to go to the cages this weekend. Maybe play some arcade games too.

"

Andy looked expectant.

"I'll come too.

" He put his bag down and got his glove out.

"Do you want to play catch for a little bit? Today's opponent might be good!

"

Alisha unwillingly got up with her glove in hand.

"I don't think you should expect too much from me.

"

"It's fine. Practice makes perfect.

" Andy took off, jogging in the outfield.

"Another baseball-nut.

" Alisha mumbled before slowly following.

Julian laughed as he watched the two go.

"Let me guess, Alisha didn't want to work on her batting?

"

I grinned.

Julian laughed some more and started to stretch.

"I'm really starting to see some similarities between Andy and Noah. Andy is just a little more withdrawn.

"

I looked at him, not understanding why he was telling me this.

"Just an update on how we're getting along.

" Julian understood my unspoken words.

"How are you and Jeremy?

"

I shrugged.

"We send a few texts, but he's been busy.

"

Julian nodded.

"I know. He's practically carrying the A's to the playoffs. Luckily an All-Star break is coming up, otherwise he might get burned out or fall into a slump.

"

"All-Star break..?

" I thought about it.

"Should I be voting for him?

"

Julian laughed.

"You should. If you want. I mean, I have been. He's the best player on the A's right now. He has a lot of votes right now though so it's fine if you don't.

"

"He's going to be an All-Star?

" I asked.

"Doesn't that mean he won't be getting a break?

"

Julian took a minute to explain how the All-Star break looks like for the players that get picked and then told me about the voting. Right now is the primary and it's almost a sure thing that Jeremy will be picked. After the primary, comes the election that picks the starters. It's a relatively big deal for the players.

Eventually, Mr. Miller and Stu showed up, completing our small team. With everyone present, we all started to warm up, knowing that game time was almost here.

A glance across the field to the opposing team, showed a much younger demographic than we have been playing against. Instead of people old enough to be grandparents, I spotted young adults. Men and women looking younger than Mom and Dad.

"I bet some of them played college ball!

" Noah told me as we moved our stuff into the dugout, peeking at the other team.

"They look fit.

"

I nodded. They were in better shape than any of the previous teams. I hope we can still win.

"Do you think their pitcher will throw like KJ?

"

"I hope so!

" Noah said, excited more than any of us.

Andy was a close second, tapping his bat against his cleats.