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 sothing new.
Mrs. Atkins saw my excitent. "Okay, deal." Then she looked at Noah. "But we’re still having a talk with your father when we get ho. Just because you’re right doesn’t an 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 . Mom’s just mad that I was rude and outspoken. She just might ground ."
"Or no cookies for a straight week." She countered.
"Nooo. Mommm." Noah pleaded. "You know I didn’t an it. It won’t happen again."
She looked skeptical. "We’ll discuss punishnt at ho." 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 cos to this."
"Jake wants the sa one as this." Noah looked towards 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 so! He was amazing mom!"
"Oh?" Mrs. Atkins tried making eye contact with , 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 mont."
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 .
I nodded.
His lips twitched. "It’s a bit harder to take care of compared to an aluminum bat. Will you rember how to look up how to take care of it when you get ho?"
"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 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 ho as a souvenir or sothing." She winked at . "Right, Jake?"
I nodded, enthusiastically. That’s exactly what I want.
Mr. Williams chuckled, but didn’t comnt 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 et a friend like him. He looked at my face and laughed. "Don’t look at 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 ."
I nodded quickly. I owe Noah more than just cookies.
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