Keith

Crack! The pool ball falls into the pocket Im getting a lot better at this ,all of this bonding time with Al has really improved my game. "Been thinkin' about what you said about that concrete goal." I say as i walk around the table to take my next shot. Crack.

"And?" He prompts.

"I think I've nailed it!" I say, aiming. "I feel really good about this one."

"Lay it on me." He said.

"Its a girl." I reply smiling. I know he's going to love this one.

"Cool. Whats she like?" He asked enthusiastically. I walk around Al to take the next shot.

I am actually having a very great game today. "You know, smart beautiful, popular the classic TGFY too good for you, Al." I add. Hes used to it. "But not for you?" He asks ignoring the insult.

"Well im sorta outside the whole high school food chain at this point, wouldn't you say?"

Al sighs. "Are you going to ask her out?"

"Ask her out?" I repeat. "No. Bad idea. No." I lean over the pool table and aim for the green ball. "I mean wheres the therapeutic value in that?" I continued.

"So whats the plan?" He asked sounding impatient.

"Simple" I said slowly walking behind Al and aiming for the red ball. "Im going to have fun with her." Crack.

"Fun." Al said sharply. "What does that mean?"

"Fun? Fun means fun, right?" I say smirking at him. Crack. I hit the last ball. "Dont over think it Al." I say to him patting his back. I walk over to my backpack sitting in the corner "its been nice knowin' ya." I sling my backpack over my shoulders. "Next week?"

"You know what Al?" I turned around grinning. "You've made so much progress here, i think your ready to face the world on your own, now, " i said in an official sounding tone.

"Keith?" He says sounding concerned.

"Dont worry, al," I say walking backwards towards the door , "you can cope" i put the other strap of my backpack on my arms and walked out the door.