The Hitting Zone

"You didn't know?" Noah asked, shocked.

I shook my head. When would have I learned that if Noah didn't teach me? I knew the very bare basics less than two weeks ago. Most of what I know comes from the videos Zeke made me watch and commit to memory.

"Then why did you swing?"

"The third baseman came in so I knew I could get it over his head." I shrugged.

Zeke eyed me. "Five laps." He then took the lead and walked in front of us.

Now it was my turn for my jaw to dropped. Why?? How did I get stuck with laps? What happened to not giving me any laps for game two? Five laps is a whole mile! And there's still tomorrow's game. Thankfully Kyle took my game one laps or I'd really be crying right now.

I looked at Noah for help.

He shrugged and motioned for us to catch up to Zeke. The three of us found the twins and Mr. and Mrs. Atkins in an open area, but a man with a camera was there too. He was taking pictures of the twins who had their backs up against one another.

"I'd also like a shot of just Kyle. No doubt his perfect game will be a headliner for the sports section. No NorCal high school player has thrown a perfect game in the last three decades." The man was saying.

Dave moved away from Kyle and joined us and his parents. "I can do it too." He mumbled.

"Let Kyle have his moment." His mom scolded. "When you do it, we'll celebrate you as well." She noticed the three of us who stood behind them. "Hey boys, we were wondering where you were. Mr. Cameron wanted to do a special article on you kids. Isn't that sweet?"

I warily took a step back. Another reporter? We just escaped the first one.

Noah laughed at my reaction. He tugged me back to him. "Not all reporters are like the guy before. We just have bad history with him. Mr. Cameron here is a good guy. He's the one that made Zeke famous statewide in high school baseball."

I relaxed.

But Mrs. Atkins didn't. She frowned. "You guys ran into Thompkins?"

Noah nodded. "He tried interviewing me and Jake without you present and I even warned him. Then Zeke showed up and said he would report him."

Mrs. Atkins whipped out her phone. "I will right this moment. That guy should know better by now." She went a few feet away and started to make a call.

"Hey guys! You finally showed up!" Kyle was done taking pictures with Mr. Cameron and they rejoined our circle.

Mr. Cameron's eyes lit up at the sight of Zeke. "Zeke! How's it going?" He held out his hand.

Zeke shook it firmly. "Can't complain. We're off to a good start."

"Yes, yes. I was able to watch both games. Three homeruns, two intentional walks, and a double. An impressive 1.000 batting average. Definitely living up to your status as the best in the county. Do you mind some questions and pictures? I just finished asking Kyle about his perfect performance."

"I don't mind." Zeke replied.

Noah smirked. "I know a certain somebody who also has a perfect 1.000 batting average and isn't ranked in the top of the county."

Mr. Cameron's attention shifted to us. "Ah, right. Noah you had a strong showing as a freshman. And you must be Jake Hollander, the freshman with a 1.000 batting average."

I shuffled my feet and safely found a spot over Noah's shoulder, trying to avoid his attention. The only reason I have a perfect batting average is because walks don't count for anything and I only have one hit for one plate appearance. Nothing impressive like Zeke's multiple homers.

Mr. Cameron blinked in confusion with my response.

"Don't mind Jake. He's super shy." Kyle explained my reaction.

"Oh. Well are your parents here? I'd like to ask a few simple questions about how you feel playing alongside the Atkins and what it's like to be one of only two freshman in this tournament."

I backed up even more, almost bumping into Mr. Atkins. Mr. Atkins put a hand on my shoulder for reassurance. Or to stop me from running away. Too soon to tell. "Jake is actually staying with us right now. He's in the foster system. We act as his guardians."

"Oh." Mr. Cameron paused. "I'm sorry for being so insensitive. I hope you'll allow him to answer some light questions. Just a little filler in case we have room."

"Jake won't talk to you." Noah answered before his dad could. "I'll answer for the both of us."

Mr. Cameron looked confused.

"Jake hardly speaks at the moment." Mr. Atkins explained. "In the eyes of the state, he's a mute. Diagnosed as selective mutism."

Mr. Cameron smacked his own forehead. "I'm double sorry for being insensitive again."

"It's fine. It's not something you would expect to come up." Mr. Atkins gave my shoulder a light squeeze. "Jake, do you want to answer some questions? I'm sure Mr. Cameron can make them yes or no questions. And we can fill in the gaps."

I immediately looked to Noah. He gave me a bright smile. "We can do it together. I'll answer for you and we can be grouped together."

Mr. Cameron sensed my closeness with Noah. "Yes, I can do that. In fact, it'll be easier to interview the two freshmen together. It can be a nice short side piece. Kyle and Zeke will be getting all the attention, I promise."

Mr. Atkins gave me a little push to Noah.

Well it doesn't sound so bad if it's just going to be a little. And almost unnoticeable next to Kyle's perfect game and Zeke's multiple homeruns. I gave one last glance to Noah to confirm. He gave me a nod then threw an arm around my shoulder, making us face Mr. Cameron head on.

"We're ready." He said.