The Hitting Zone

I heard Mrs. Atkins sigh. "Even if you boys aren't totally in the wrong, we should still pay for the bat."

"Tell you what, if you guys pay for the broken bat, I'll give you a discount on a new one." Mr. Williams spoke up.

I lifted my head, filled with hope. I really like batting with a wooden bat. Even though it felt heavier and different, it was something new.

Mrs. Atkins saw my excitement. "Okay, deal." Then she looked at Noah. "But we're still having a talk with your father when we get home. Just because you're right doesn't mean you're not in the wrong." Damn. It was like she could see right through her son.

I looked at Noah, nervous that he might get upset since he looks to be in trouble, but I'm not.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't pity me. Mom's just mad that I was rude and outspoken. She just might ground me."

"Or no cookies for a straight week." She countered.

"Nooo. Mommm." Noah pleaded. "You know I didn't mean it. It won't happen again."

She looked skeptical. "We'll discuss punishment at home." I shivered at the word. "First, lets get the appropriate bat. I feel like we should wait until your father gets back. He's more knowledgeable when it comes to this."

"Jake wants the same one as this." Noah looked towards me for confirmation and I nodded along eagerly. "He was excellent with this bat. Twelve for twelve up to the 85 mph cage! And then he fouled all twelve 100mph pitches and put those guys in their place. But then they wanted to count only hits, yet he could still hit some! He was amazing mom!"

"Oh?" Mrs. Atkins tried making eye contact with me, but I looked away shyly. Noah was just bragging; I'm only good in the cages. "Well how much is a brand new version of this bat?" She looked at Mr. Williams.

He thought for a minute. "With the discount, I can sell you one for $120. Plus the fifty you owe, it'll be $170. Is that fair?"

She glanced at Noah. "That's usually on par with your aluminum bats right?" He nodded. "Okay, but Jake, you'll have to take care of this bat. We can't afford any spares at the moment."

I nodded. I would agree to any conditions to get this bat. A new one is even better!

"This is your first wooden bat, right?" Mr. Williams asked me.

I nodded.

His lips twitched. "It's a bit harder to take care of compared to an aluminum bat. Will you remember how to look up how to take care of it when you get home?"

"No worries. I'll look it up and print it out for him." Noah interceded on my behalf.

"Very well then. We won't be held responsible after the sale is finalized." Mr. Williams stayed clearly. He looked at the pieces I was holding and raised an eyebrow. "You gonna toss that? Or just keep holding it?"

I looked at it sadly. This was my first bat since my hospital visit. It didn't last long, but it gave me hope. I didn't really want to part with it.

"Do you have a box we can put the pieces in?" Mrs. Atkins suddenly asked. "Technically we did purchase it so we might as well take it home as a souvenir or something." She winked at me. "Right, Jake?"

I nodded, enthusiastically. That's exactly what I want.

Mr. Williams chuckled, but didn't comment on my peculiarities. "Well, lets get you the new bat too and send you boys on your way." He stood up and led the way out of the office.

I looked at Noah, grateful to meet a friend like him. He looked at my face and laughed. "Don't look at me like that. This isn't anything special. Just another day with the Atkins family." Then he lowered his voice. "But if I do lose my cookie privileges, you must share with me."

I nodded quickly. I owe Noah more than just cookies.