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nWe spent the whole afternoon running scenarios and Zeke would talk about what was the right decision afterwards. He sounded like a baseball encyclopedia, spitting out facts and how-to's for second basemen. I made a mental note to try and remember to ask Noah how he knew so much even though he plays in the outfield.

nBy the time we got home, everyone was exhausted. We each took a shower and took our spots at the table for dinner.

n

"You boys are awfully quiet.

" Mrs. Atkins noted.

"Are you all actually getting along?

" She faked gasped.

n

"Just tired.

" Noah mumbled, and I nodded my agreement.

"Zeke ran us into the dirt. Physically and mentally. I feel like all of us could play second base now that Zeke has crammed in so much info.

"

nTheir dad laughed.

"Isn't that a good thing? Jake won't be considered such a newbie anymore then.

"

n

"Still at the beginner level.

" Zeke said between bites of his dinner.

nI picked at my food, sulking. It's not my fault I couldn't learn this earlier. Not everyone is blessed with a perfect family and two wonderful parents. I didn't get one decent parent. My dad and brother had never once come back either. They truly didn't care. Maybe they don't even exist and I just imagined them. I was young when they left.

n

"Jake? Jake!

" Noah nudged me.

"You're zoning out over there. You okay?

"

nI shrugged and let out a sigh. I was caught up in my thoughts.

n

"Look what Zeke did.

" Noah huffed out.

"Jake went from talking yesterday to not even being mentally present. We demand reparations.

"

n

"What does that even mean?

" Dave asked.

n

"It's Noah. He's obviously demanding money like always.

" Kyle replied.

"Noah must have all recessive genes to be such a hustler in this family.

"

n

"I'm not a hustler.

" Noah pouted.

"Just a poor boy who can't handle this slander. Reparations from you two as well.

" The twins started to object.

nMr. Atkins laughed.

"There will be no reparations of any kind. Simmer down. Noah, where did you even learn such a phrase?

"

nNoah feigned innocence.

"English class of course.

"

n

"I thought we agreed you wouldn't gamble anymore.

" Mrs. Atkins frowned at her youngest son.

n

"I wasn't betting. I just demanded money for Jake's mental scars from today's family practice.

" Noah looked towards me.

"I'm sorry my family is so heartless, Jake.

" He faked sob, making the others laugh.

n

"They're nice.

" I mumbled in reply. And it was true. They were all nice. Even the twins and Zeke. No one tried to make me uncomfortable intentionally, nor have they hurt me.

nThe whole table froze as if someone hit the pause button in a movie.

nNoah jumped up first.

"You guys hear that?! Jake said two words, and to the whole table. AND it was a compliment! This is a cause for celebration. Mom, break out the cookies and ice cream!

"

n

"Denied.

" Mr. Atkins was quick to respond.

"You're still on sweets probation.

"

n

"Mom? Are you actually tearing up right now?

" Dave said in shock.

nWe all turned to look at her. She tried waving at her eyes to dry up the tears that were sprouting.

"Allergies.

"

n

"In winter?

" Kyle asked, skeptical.

n

"I believe she's just a bit emotional since those have been the first words Jake has said for her to hear.

" Mr. Atkins suggested.

nMrs. Atkins stood up and walked to the kitchen.

"I'm going to make some pudding pie. You boys continue eating without me.

"

nDave scrunched up his nose.

"Was that really the first time you said anything around her? Even we have heard a word here and there. Especially last night when you couldn't move.

"

nI focused on my plate of food.

n

"Leave him alone. You heard mom a couple days ago. Jake's mom was super mean.

" Noah went on the defensive.

"Even she understood that he feels scared by the thought of a mom.

"

n

"It's not the thought of a mom.

" Mr. Atkins corrected.

"Jake just associates bad experiences with the word mom, because that's what he called the woman who gave birth to him.

"

n

"Then rename her.

" Noah looked at me.

"Give your mom a new name. Anything you can think of.

"

n

"Monster.

" I whispered.

nAfter a pause, Mr. Atkins said,

"Adequate. From now on, you don't have to think of that woman as your mother, but as a monster.

"

n

"Monsters always get defeated.

" Noah gave my shoulder a pat, then whispered.

"Save me some pudding pie.

"

nI cracked a smile.

n