Wheelchair

TWO

"What?"

I look at Mr. Peterson with wide eyes, then a short glance at Danny, before turning back to Mr. Peterson. Danny looks just as dumbfounded as me.

Taking me back to reality Mr. Peterson says, "I have a commercial that I want you to be in."

Now that I think about it, Mr. Peterson sounds like he is ordering me to do it.

I don't like people telling me what to do. I don't do things people tell me to do. Call me stubborn if you wish.

"No." I state simply and Mr. Peterson raises his eyebrows shocked. Well that's the first sign of emotion on his face.

Mr. Peterson looks unsure of what to say then he pulls himself back together and asks me, "why?"

I thought deeply for a moment.

"Because, I don't find much use in doing it." Wow, that was low, even for me.

Mr. Peterson shakes his slightly. I don't want to do it unless I get something in return, other than being on the screen, riding a new model of motorbike and great experience.

I'll gladly do it for some greens though. Don't judge.

"It comes with a lot of money."

It was like he read my mind.

"How much?" I ask, a little cautiously. Don't wanna scare him off.

Mr. Peterson gives me a sly smile. "$20 000."

My jaw dropped to the ground. He's got to be kidding me. Now, I'm more intrigued. "Ok. Details, please." Don't forget to use your manners kids.

"Well, let's see. The commercial will be around thirty seconds. It will be filmed in about two months time. It will be at this track, here. You will get gear sponsored to the company and you will have a brand new bike when you do the commercial. Anymore questions?"

He sounded like he had to be somewhere so I made it quick.

"Is it only me riding a bike?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. No, you will be with another rider. In the commercial it is going to be a pro rider and an amateur. The amateur is you. It's just to show anyone can ride it. You will meet him on the day."

I felt a little at ease now. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Danny shifting from one foot to the other and I knew he wanted to say something.

"What is it, Danny?" I asked him, brushing my dark hair with my hands, it's a habit.

He just nodded his head sideways, indicating he wanted to talk, privately.

I looked towards Mr. Peterson again who was looking at the exchange between Danny and I. "Can you wait a few minutes, Mr. Peterson. I will be back." And with that I walked with Danny to a private area where we could still see Mr. Peterson.

"Zach, that guy's crazy! I don't think you should trust him," Danny said, while taking a small peek at Mr. Peterson who was on his phone.

"Danny, don't worry. He's cool." When I say 'cool' I mean not guilty cool.

Danny looked at me, "still. And what 'bout your parents. They'll have a massive fit, and then probably kill you in your sleep."

I roll my eyes at him. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. I assure you." With that I walked back to Mr. Peterson who looked at us with a straight face.

When we got to normal hearing range, Mr. Peterson asked, "so Zach, do we have a deal?" He held out his hand for me to shake.

It's never to late to back out while you can.

Stupid voice. Don't tell me to back out.

Hey! Who you callin' stupid.

Now i know I'm going crazy.

I give Danny a look and he shrugs his shoulders. I look back to Mr. Peterson who raises his eyebrows, hand still out for me to shake and agree.

I take one last breath and shake his hand. A grin spreads out on his face and he hands me a piece of paper. Wait. No. He shoves the paper into my hands along with a pen.

"Sign it," he says.

I nod and sign the piece of paper, handing it back to him.

Wow. You have a death wish you know that.

Shut up, voice!

•_•

A/N

I don't know... Hate all you want. Love you xx