After dinner, Noah guided me back to the couch and helped me get comfortable. He picked out a sports movie for us to watch, but it didn't matter to me. I fell asleep soon after it started.

The next two days passed in a similar fashion. Noah stayed indoors to hangout with me as I recovered from the laser treatment. Once I was feeling better, we met up with some guys from the team at the park and played another scrimmage. Afterwards we went to get a pizza together and finally, really, say goodbye to those who had graduated in the spring. Julian, Mahki, Kelvin, Alex, and even the pitchers like James, Troy, and Matt. They were moving on.

Zeke had already started to pack his clothes and personal belongings. It was clear to see that he wasn't going to stay very much longer either.

When I felt up to it, I would follow him and Noah on their runs, happy to see the two racing in front of me. Zeke started to take us to The Cages every afternoon, treating us to ice cream after.

A couple weeks before school started, Mom pulled me aside.

"Jake, the school called me and wanted to know if you wanted to be in the same classes as Noah again, and then match up your math class with the twins?

"

I nodded. That sounded great.

She raised an eyebrow.

"I don't think you need Noah anymore. As Dr. Moore would advise, you need to get rid of the crutch and stand on your own.

"

I deflated.

"So I can't have the same classes as him again?

"

"Hmm.

" She thought about it.

"How about we compromise? You have six classes to take, and the twins will definitely be in your math class so I'll let you have Noah in two classes?

"

I thought it over, feeling a little unwilling. I knew that it wasn't good for me to rely on Noah all the time, but doesn't everyone want to share the same classes with their best friend?

"What if-

"

"No, don't do that.

" She cut me off.

"You know that Dr. Moore works at the school now. If you have any problems, your teachers will allow you to see him at any time regardless of the reason.

" She gave me a small smile.

"Jake, I know you're worried, but you can do this.

"

I sighed and nodded along.

"Okay.

"

She grinned and messed up the hair on my head.

"I believe in you.

"

That made me feel a little better. I joined the others in the backyard and told Noah the bad news. He was also upset that we wouldn't have all the same classes, but knowing that we would have two together was pretty good.

Alisha was jealous when she found out that we already knew we would have two classes together. We went to her house to hang out, inviting Kaylee over too.

"Can your mom try to get you in the same class as me when you aren't with Noah?

" Alisha asked us. The four of us were sitting at on of the small tables in her backyard.

I shook my head.

"It's left up to chance now.

"

"We don't even know what classes we'll have together.

" Noah sighed.

"Well, technically I know we won't have math together.

"

"I'll be with the twins again.

" I nodded.

"Ew.

" Kaylee made a face of disgust.

"That can't be pleasant with the two of them together. Do they bully you?

"

I shook my head.

"They totally do!

" Noah disagreed. He looked at Kaylee and told her.

"They copied his homework all semester. I really don't know how they got by on their tests.

"

Kaylee frowned.

"Such sc.u.m.

" She pointed at me.

"You better stop giving them freebies.

"

I shrugged helplessly.

"I'm already doing it anyways.

"

Kaylee nodded.

"Exactly, so try to get something out of it. If they want to copy your homework, let them, but get something in return.

"

Noah laughed.

"Right?! Jake is too innocent. He knows nothing about making deals that are beneficial to both parties.

"

I pouted.

"Sorry if I'm not that good at swindling others like you two.

"

The three laughed at me.

We spent the afternoon eating snacks and talking about what we expected for our sophomore year of high school. I was more comfortable with Alisha and Kaylee than I ever thought possible. They were as cool as Noah.

"I still can't believe you guys all got together without me.

" Kaylee complained.

"It's not like it was planned.

" Noah shrugged.

"Everyone just sort of came.

"

"I saw the news on Insta and just showed up.

" Alisha laughed, a little red in the face.

"I didn't expect to see all the guys there. I really thought I was the only one that had the idea to come.

"

"You were the only one to bring gifts.

" Noah said to console her.

"Yea, but Jake didn't even have one of the cookies.

" Alisha looked at me like I had done something wrong.

"Sorry.

" I apologized.

"I didn't feel like eating after all that. I only had soup later on. For the record, I only started feeling normal just yesterday.

"

"Has it all healed over already?

" She asked.

"Meh.

" I shook my hand around.

"Kind of. Like, it's better, but I'm not ready to let others see me yet.

"

"Guess you won't be learning to swim until next summer.

" Kaylee snorted.

"We'll still have warm days every now and then.

" Alisha said. She smiled at me.

"You're welcome to use my pool anytime you want to learn. We'll occasionally heat in the fall and spring depending on how sunny it is for the week.

"

I gave a noncommittal nod.

Eventually the conversation shifted to something other than me. Kind of. Alisha and Kaylee were curious how things were working out with Jeremy.

I knew some reporters were still talking about Uncle Jack and what kind of price Jeremy had to pay to bail him out, but I don't think anyone knew he visited our birth mother in prison. After a couple days of addressing it, the mentions he got were less frequently about his personal life and more about his hitting. He was on another hot streak in the middle of August.

We spoke on the phone instead of him visiting me on his off day. I think Mom or Dad reminded him that I was recovering from the laser treatment because he didn't bother me by coming over.

"Jake?

" He called out to me near the end of our call.

"Yea?

" I answered, wondering why he needed to say my name.

He cleared his throat.

"I originally wasn't going to come to your court hearing, but...things change. And I'd like to be there. If you don't mind?

"

I remembered that he wrote a letter to the judge to be read out loud.

"Sure. I don't mind. But what about your schedule?

"

"It's a home game. I won't be able to stay after your hearing, but I want to be there for you. After all this...I want to be present for your new start.

"

"Thanks Jeremy.

" I smiled to myself.

"Oh. Is it okay if I bring Rose?

" He asked.

"Does she want to come..?

" I was surprised. There wasn't much reason for her to come, was there?

He chuckled.

"Hey, she could be your sister-in-law soon. She's part of the family.

"

I nodded.

"Yea. Okay. I don't mind. She's nice.

"

"Yea, she is.

"