Dreamer

Chapter 3: Can I Help You With the Bike?

*FOUR MONTHS EARLIER*

Jamie sat in the back seat of his parents car as it drove through the countryside. The sun was out and Jamie stared out the window with his headphones on. Wherever he went with his parents depending on the time of day, the journey and the weather; Jamie liked to have specific playlists to listen to while on the journeys. Currently, Jamie was listening to Feels Like Today by Rascal Flatts. As he listened, Jamie thought about his grandad they were going to visit for the weekend. He eagerly awaited every visit to his grandad in the very small village in the middle of nowhere. The whole vibe of the countryside and the houses really made Jamie happier. He loved the peacefulness. But his grandad was the best part of the visit.

Out of everyone Jamie knew, his grandad was someone he got on the most with and loved being around. This made Jamie often wonder how his grandad was his dads father. They seemed so different from each other. His dad was cold whereas his grandad was warm. The man had an infectious laugh and while he liked to do serious odd jobs around his home like fixing up his old bike, cleaning up his big garden or fixing up the house, he was a fun soul and always liked to get Jamie involved while making it fun. Jamie didn't mind, even if it was boring he just found it very interesting to him. In a way, it felt like his grandad was living in his own world where nothing else mattered. He had nothing to worry about.

The passing of his wife of about fifty years hurt him but he learned to adapt over time and fend for himself. Naturally, concern would rise about the age of the man but nothing could stop him. Jamie's grandad just had this inner strength. He rarely fell ill and was all in all just tough. Everyone knew each other in the small village and everyone knew him.

The village he lived in was very small and consisted of one single road that stretched for a few miles. Along that road were a row of houses that sometimes separated. There was also a local pub and a cemetery. At the end of the village, the road curved off and continued into the openness of fields and a lake. Surrounding the village were various forests that could be accessed by walking on some trails. From time to time, Jamie and his grandad would go for a walk on one or two of the trails. This would bring out the love in Jamie to go on walks, especially on trails in the countryside and promised himself that one day he would live in the countryside where he would go on a daily walk out and take in the beauty of nature.

Jamie recognized that they were very close and sat up excitedly. Either side of the car was thick with trees and he struggled to recall the last car or bus he had seen. He smiled to himself, liking the seclusion. The first house came into view as Jamie stared out in front. Another house came into view and then a third as the road became a little more laid out as a village road. A fourth house came into view up ahead and Jamie instantly recognized it. He took his headphones off as the car pulled up to the house and parked up.

While his parents got stuff from the boot of the car, Jamie hurried up to the front door and rang the doorbell. After nearly a minute, the door opened revealing the old man that always made Jamie smile. "If you get any taller, you won't be able to fit into this house!" His grandad greeted, making Jamie laugh a little. "I'm not that tall!" Jamie argued. "Taller than your mum and dad that's for sure, what are they feeding you?" Jamie's grandad asked. "If I find out the special ingredients, I'll let you know" Jamie replied, making his grandad laugh.

For the next hour or so, Jamie's parents settled in while Jamie wandered into the living room. Jamie looked around at the familiar pieces of furniture and ornaments in the front room. He saw the two pictures of his grandad and his grandma. The letters underneath the photos read Leon under his grandad and Rose under his grandma. After his parents were done, they joined Jamie in the living room and they went out down to the pub for a meal. Jamie walked up front as his eyes darted at all the trees and houses. The meal was highly enjoyed by Jamie and his family.

Jamie loved the atmosphere of the small pub. Everything inside screamed old English pub from the wallpaper, tables and chairs, pictures and even the wood on the ceiling and floors. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. It was relatively busy as people inside were having their dinner or having a few drinks with friends. After the meal, they slowly made their way back to the house up the road.

Now back at the house, Jamie's parents sat on the sofa while Jamie's grandad relaxed in his armchair. Jamie was watching TV while his parents caught up with his grandad on various things. Jamie's attention dipped in and out of the conversation as he kept focusing on what he was watching on TV. After a while, Jamie got a little bored and glanced over at the window.

"Can I go in the garden?" Jamie asked, turning to his parents. "Okay" his mum replied and Jamie got up to get his shoes. Jamie stepped out onto the stone path of the back garden and inhaled deeply. The smell of the countryside air filled his lungs and it made him smile a little. Jamie walked forward onto the long patch of grass where he found two white garden chairs. For a few minutes Jamie wandered around the garden, looking at the various plants and small trees against the fence going around the whole garden. As he approached the two chairs he noticed his grandad walking out of the backdoor and joining him in the garden.

He smiled at Jamie and joined him at the two chairs, taking his time a little. "You're getting slower, maybe I should bring the chairs closer to the back door?" Jamie said with a smile, making the man laugh. "I'm not there just yet kiddo" he replied, taking a seat and letting out a sigh of relief. "No matter how many times I come out here, it always feels great every time" Jamie's grandad smiled. Jamie nodded in agreement, looking to the sky. "How's school going?" Leon asked. "It's going okay, you already know though" Jamie replied.

"Yes but I don't get much through texts, I just want to make sure you are doing well. Making friends and everything. Making friends back in my day was a lot harder then now I can imagine" Leon smiled as Jamie shrugged. "I mean... It's hard sometimes. People are in their own crowds and make fun of you for how you look or talk. They'll even judge you on how you walk" Jamie admitted, his grandad humming at his words as he listened. "It was exactly the same for me kiddo. But when I grew up, what I learned is it's not just you trying to fit in. Everyone is trying to fit in. Just like the food chain, they will do and say anything just to be accepted" Leon explained.

"The truth is like you, they are scared too. They just don't show it the same way" Leon added, giving Jamie a comforting smile. Jamie nodded slightly and gave his grandad a little smile. "My best friend helps make school days easier" Jamie admitted. "Ah yes, Joe" Leon smiled. "No! Tom!" Jamie laughed, making Leon laugh. "I'm glad he's making things easier for you. What about any girls?" Leon asked, making Jamie blush a little. "No, I've not got a girlfriend... But there is a girl I see around sometimes" Jamie replied quietly. "I see" Leon simply said as they both relaxed in their chairs.

For a few moments they sat in silence, taking in the sounds around them which consisted of the occasional bird and the slight breeze. "Are you going to help me out with a couple of jobs over the weekend kiddo?" Leon asked. "Sure, but I'm not a kid" Jamie smiled, making Leon chuckle. "Can I help you with the bike?" Jamie questioned in a hopeful tone. "If you like" Leon answered.

As they sat and smiled at the scenery, Jamie relished in the moment. Everything was so simple and perfect. He didn't need to think about who he was and what worried him on a regular basis. Jamie could just be himself around the one person he cared about so much. A man who understood him and was always there for him. It's moments like this Jamie truly cherished, no matter how simple they were. This was a moment most would forget but not Jamie. He would remember this memory forever, more so because of it being one of Jamie's final memories, with his grandad...