Game two of the World Series, a few friends came over again to watch. The happy atmosphere of having friends over died in the first inning as the Nationals took an early 3-0 lead. Then the A's came up empty-handed.
The guys all groaned and a few expletives were let loose.
It only got worse from there. The Nationals continued to score runs while the A's couldn't get any in. Near the end of the game, Maberry hit a three run homer, but no on celebrated. How could we? The game ended with the Nationals winning 12-3.
"That was a good game..." Garret sighed. Everyone glared at him. "What? It was! For the Nationals anyways. Successful hitting and pitching. They scored runs when there were runners on the bases. Only one relief pitcher gave up runs. This is what a win should look like. They practically coasted and had fun." He grinned. "That's what we look like most of the time."
Bryce shrugged. "I think we have a few close games though. Like counting on Jake here to win the championship."
Noah grinned and threw his arm around my shoulders. "Jake's even stronger now. He'll be able to carry us all the way back."
"If Jake is the new Zeke, who is the new Jake?" Dave mused.
"For the record, Jake had better numbers than Zeke." Kyle pointed out.
"Yea, but he couldn't hit homeruns then." Garret replied. "Now Jake is Zeke. I can't be Jake. Although my hitting is good, it's not very consistent." He looked to Noah. "You have to put more work in the cages before the season starts."
Noah started to flex. "Watch me! I'll be getting on base all the time!"
We joked and laughed with one another until the guys had to go back to their own homes. The A's are now down two games and have to travel tomorrow to Washington DC for three straight away games.
Thursday morning, the whole school seemed to be talking about the A's big loss in game two. I could feel a few extra stares directed my way. Occasionally I could hear Jeremy's name in passing and knew that a lot of people probably weren't saying anything good about him.
I sent him an extra text at lunch, wishing him a safe flight and reminded him that there was still time to turn things around. Noah said I shouldn't worry unless they lose game three. If Noah still has faith, then so do I.
Friday morning, we packed up the car with our bags full of clothes. Our weekend trip starts here. Dad drove us to Stanford university first to pick up Zeke and Rhys, along with their baggage. Dave squeezed into the very back row with me and Noah, then off to the airport we went.
Rhys's parents declined going on the trip so it was just the eight of us. Which...is a lot. We were like a party moving throughout the busy airport and Mom was constantly doing headcounts.
I stuck close to Noah, feeling nervous. His constant commentary made me feel less anxious and it took a lot of time away as we waited at our gate for the plane. When it came time to board, Noah asked me if I wanted the window, middle, or aisle seat.
I gulped, my breathing became more sporadic. "I think...I'm having...a panic attack." I was getting dizzy and my body didn't want to move.
Dad overheard me and reached me in two steps. He guided me out of the line and helped me sit back down in the waiting area. "Breathe, Jake. Take some deep breaths. In and out."
I tried to cooperate, but I felt like the whole family was watching me. Making it more embarrassing. "They're...staring."
Dad glanced back at the rest of the family. "Mary, why don't you get the rest of them settled in their seats on the plane? Jake and I will take a minute."
"Can't I stay?" Noah asked. "Jake?"
I gave a short nod and closed my eyes, trying to calm my heartrate down.
Mom must have taken the other four because I felt less eyes on me. I didn't want to be a baby, but I hate the looks. The stares. The uncertainty that I'm still not normal.
"Why don't we talk this one out, Jake?" Dad prodded me lightly.
I opened my eyes and peeked at him. He sat down right beside me, casual. Like we weren't in a hurry to board a plane that could soon be leaving without us.
"What's making you anxious right now?" He asked. "Is it the strangers? Or the plane?"
"Both." I frowned. "The plane is full of strangers. So close. So tightly packed."
"I know it's not easy, but try not to think too much about it." Dad said. "You can sit between me and Noah the whole flight and just sleep. No one on this plane is going to hurt you. They're going to be doing their own thing."
My brows furrowed.
"I have an idea!" Noah rummaged through his bag and pulled out headphones. "Here. We can plug this in your phone and just listen to some music to relax. Tune everyone out and keep your eyes shut." He held out his free hand. "Phone."
I pulled my phone out and handed it over.
He played with it and set me up with a playlist to listen to. "Already set on airplane mode. Put it in your ears and let's go."
I put the headphones on and was surrounded by music. Noah gave me a thumbs up and then pulled me to my feet. Dave closely followed as we got back in line. Our tickets were scanned and down the walkway we went. Noah led the way, and Dad stayed right behind me, occasionally patting my shoulder for reassurance.
I kept my eyes on Noah's back as we boarded the plane, trying to not pay attention to the strangers already in their seats. Noah stopped to put his bag in the overhead bin and then helped me with mine. He slid into the window seat, I sat in the middle, then Dad in the aisle.
Noah waved his hand over my eyes, signaling to close them. I buckled the seat belt and sat back with my eyes closed. The music played the whole time. I could feel the plane moving and then came the roar of the engines as we prepared to take flight. I gripped the armrests on both sides of me.
Dad covered my right hand with his own hand. So did Noah, almost as if he was copying his dad. I didn't take a look, not even when the plane leveled out.
I didn't think I would be able to fall asleep, but relaxing with my eyes closed and the music playing, I ended up being able to. It may have helped that Dad and Noah were patting the tops of my hands to soothe my nerves.
I only woke up when Noah pulled my headphones out. "Hey, Jake, we're about to land."
"Did I have to be awake?" I asked, feeling groggy from sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long period of time.
Noah looked beyond me, to Dad.
Dad gave my arm a small pat. "I just want you to get used to flying. We still have to get back home. Maybe exposing you to what it's like will help. Plus, you were bound to wake up when we start the descent."
The two of them kept up a small conversation, talking about the flight and tonight's game. They successfully distracted me until the plane touched the ground.