I've had bruises like this before though so it didn't mean much to me.

"It doesn't hurt so much now.

"

She pushed the boot off to the side and got a better look at my bruise, carefully turning my leg.

"Are you sure? It looks like it definitely hurts.

"

"Jake has a high pain threshold.

" Noah told her.

"One time he got his arm cut by a cleat when sliding into home, and brushed it off like it was nothing. Needed stitches too.

"

She frowned.

"Well, let's see what the doctor says.

" She headed for the door.

"I'll be back.

" She left.

"I didn't realize how bad this looked.

" Jeremy hovered nearby, looking at my leg with worry.

"It doesn't hurt to walk?

"

I shrugged.

"I wear the boot, it's a little bothersome, but it's not too bad.

"

"Okay, just don't move until Dr. Shanfield can look at it.

" Jeremy's eyes didn't stray from the bruise on my leg.

It was bigger than the shape of a baseball, and it looked like it was spreading down the leg.

Dr. Shanfield came into the room with nurse Francince right behind him. He sat in the small chair and rolled over, smiling.

"Hello Jake, how's the leg?

"

"It's okay.

" I told him.

"Looks like a textbook hematoma.

" He chuckled.

"Fancy word for a more serious bruise. But to be safe, let me ask you a few questions. Has your leg or foot become numb?

"

I shook my head.

"Not really.

"

"And do you think the pain has gotten worse, better, or still the same?

"

I shrugged.

"I would say better.

" Last week I was scared that I broke my leg.

"That's good.

" He then had me move my leg, bending the knee and ankle, rotating my ankle, and any other movements he could think of. After that, he sent me back for x-rays again to confirm that nothing was wrong structurally.

"Alright, so everything checks out.

" Dr. Shanfield told us after examining the x-rays.

"Continue to ice and elevate. Use the boot for at least the weekend. I'll send you home with a few instructions for strengthening exercises. You'll do three sets of each for a week. If that goes well, you can start running and playing next week.

" He glanced at Jeremy.

"But if there are any changes, notify me immediately.

"

"What kind of changes?

" Jeremy asked.

"Changes in pain level.

" Dr. Shanfield explained.

"Changes in how the hematoma feels. Especially during the exercises. It should be sore at first, but it shouldn't be painful. I see some green which means it's healing and breaking down, but if becomes more blue or purple, call me.

"

"Sure! I'll watch out for him.

" Noah declared.

"I'll inform his parents as well.

" Jeremy said. He and Dr. Shanfield both stood up and they shook hands.

"I appreciate you taking the time to look after Jake.

"

"It's no problem at all.

" Dr. Shanfield replied. They exchanged a few more words before we left.

I hobbled out with the boot on.

Jeremy drove the short distance to the stadium, pulling into a parking lot for players. He waved at the security guards and a few players that were pulling up at the same time. He parked and we gathered outside of the car.

Noah glanced at the suitcase we shared.

"I don't think I can take this in with us? What are we going to do?

"

"I'll visit you guys in Watsonville next week.

" Jeremy stated.

"Wednesday we have an early game and don't have to fly out until Thursday morning so I can squeeze in a dinner.

"

Noah nodded.

"Okay. It's just clothes anyways.

"

Jeremy glanced at me.

"It's a long walk to the clubhouse. I'm going to go ask security if they can drive us there in a golf cart instead.

" He walked away without waiting for my reply.

"I bet he's still worrying about your leg.

" Noah chuckled.

"Could you imagine if he saw your scars? Probably would freak out.

"

"He might have scars of his own.

" I reminded Noah.

Noah stopped laughing and sighed.

"That's true. Ugh, what a life.

" He glanced at me.

"But you know...I'm happy that it brought you to me too.

"

It took me a second to realize he was thinking back to lunch, how I told Rose that I was happy to be with the Atkins.

"Things really do work out in the end.

"

Noah grinned.

"This is nowhere near the end, but it's a good break. This summer isn't one that I'm used to, but I'm glad you're here to spend it with me. Following me in training and in softball. Going to A's and Giants games. Pizza and pool parties. I can't wait for the baseball camps though. That's what I really want to do.

"

That's something he could have been doing all summer if I wasn't so afraid of being on my own. I swallowed a lump in my throat. My leg had to get better before softball ended and before we went to the Stanford camp. I have to prove to him and mostly to myself, that I'm growing. Mentally. Emotionally. I didn't need him by my side all the time.

Beep. Beep.

Jeremy showed up in a golf cart driven by a security member.

"Hop on!

"

Noah and I both got on the back, bringing back some memories of the baseball season, when Mr. Miller would take us up to the school from the lower parking lot. I had an urge to get back to that. But, there's no going back. Only forward. Next spring, it'll be the twins driving us to and from school. Who knows if they'll make us walk from the lower lot like Zeke did.

The security guard drove us through a concrete hallway, going all the way around to where the clubhouse was. He dropped us off and went back the way we came.

Jeremy led the way, going straight to his locker. He pushed his chair to me and motioned for me to sit.

Noah had to grab his own chair from an unoccupied locker.

"I can't believe how early it is, and we aren't even the first ones here.

" He swiveled his chair to look at all the players and staff around the giant room. Some were eating, playing video games, looking over info sheets, and so on. It was like everyone had something to do.

Jeremy had quickly changed into athletic shorts and an A's shirt while we were looking around the room. His clothes had matched the others, indicating it was a uniform. He tied on some running shoes and grabbed an A's hat out of his locker, putting it on.

"Running late, Patterson?

" Maberry came by and greeted. He looked at my leg.

"You boys make a stop at Shanfield's office?

"

Jeremy nodded.

"Just a checkup. Jake will be able to run by next week.

"

"I figured there had to be reason you weren't here after lunch.

" Maberry laughed.

"I'll see you out on the field. Lynn said I could take some extra swings. Later!

" He left as quick as he came, heading for the exit.

"You come earlier than this?

" Noah was shocked.

Jeremy nodded.

"I like to catch up on some of the video, check the scouting report on the opposing pitcher. Sometimes I'll go to the trainer to get a massage if my body's feeling out of whack. Or like Maberry, take some extra swings in batting practice. There's a lot to do when you become a pro. It was a big change for me going from high school ball to the minors. I was also surprised by how much time off the field I spent at the stadium.

"

Noah looked up at him.

"Do you think...I can get a massage?

"

Jeremy laughed.