Cowbob and the Teeter-Totter Gang

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The sound of pancakes sizzling on the griddle brought Robert straight out of bed. With his red hair mangled and his pajamas bunched he wiped the sleep out of his eyes. He darted through the living room, narrowly missing the stack of boxes that neatly took up the corner. He rolled around the couch and hopped over the footstool. Nothing was going to stop him from enjoying ma’s homemade pancakes.

He sat down at the kitchen table, making time to inhale the aroma that lay in the thin atmosphere of his new home. The smell of Ma’s cooking was enough to make anyone’s belly grumble in anticipation. Ma was just setting the table, complete with orange juice, when Pa came in wearing his new suit and tie. The black pin stripes and red color splash looked awfully strange on him. Not necessarily bad, just strange. Robert always saw his pa in overalls and a baseball cap. By the end of the day he was wearing dirt and a baseball cap, but never a suit and tie.

He watched as his Ma straightened his tie and pecks him on the cheek. Pa sat down and wrapped his fingers around the fork, working the pancakes to his eager mouth.

“I hope things go well for you guys today. I really hate leaving the unpacking up to you. You know how it is though, when they say jump...”

“We will be fine dear, you worry too much.” Ma said.

She gave Robert a little wink and took a sip of her orange juice.

“It’s my job to worry. Besides...”

His thought was cut short by the glimpse of his watch. He pushed the plate forward and grabbed his briefcase from beside the chair.

“I-I got to go. Can’t be late on my first day, now can I?”

With that, Robert watched his father slink out of the front door. He sighed and went back to eating ma’s pancakes. All he wanted was for things to go back to the way they were. After breakfast, Ma stood in front of the sink washing the dishes and whistling some unknown tune. Robert walked through the living room and down the long hallway. The turquoise blue paint seemed to suck any warmth that existed completely out of the hall. He reached the bathroom and washed his hands and face, staring at himself in the mirror.

Besides the frayed condition his red hair was in, he looked like the same old person he saw every day. He didn’t feel quite the same though. His pale face was splashed with freckles and his eyes still retained their normal shade of green. Standing on the stool to reach the mirror made him feel small. He always felt short, usually being the shortest person in his class helped to maintain this feeling.

After brushing his teeth, Robert trudged to his room. He put on his blue jeans and old flannel shirt. He slid his belt through the loops and fastened his belt buckle. The twin six shooters crossed barrels on the large buckle and seemed to give an extra shine in the sunlight. He pulled his boots on and straightened his cowboy hat. A smile slid between his lips.

“Reach for the sky!”

He lifted the first finger of each hand and pointed it at the invisible bad guy. A devious stare crossed his face.

“Ya’ll are lucky my ma needs me. Next time you might not be so lucky!”

He chuckled to himself as he walked back into the kitchen. Ma was just finishing up her lyrics and drying the last of the breakfast dishes when she spotted her little cowboy standing behind her.

“I’m ready!” Robert said

“I suppose you are. What exactly are you ready for?”

“I’m ready to help you unpack Ma that’s what.”