Backyard Barbecue

Chapter 1

I wipe the sweat from my brow as I stare them down.

This 90 degree heat leaves a light brown tint across my exposed skin. The sun shimmers off the pool water as the wind blows softly through the trees on this Saturday afternoon in the middle of June.

This position wasn't my intention when I first got hit but it's about the only option I have since I'm now on defense without a game plan.

I'm outnumbered by four, the intensity surreal as they count down from 9; only yelling out the odd numbers.

I quickly run over to the garden and smear my two fingers in the soil before spreading the dirt under my eyes. Hurrying back I shuffle from one end to the other, making sure I look every single one of my opponents in the eye. "It's game time. Don't get scared now."

They don't feel threatened as I point my two dirty fingers from my eyes to theirs. Stopping just in front of my 8 year old son I comment "Bet you wish you didn't throw the ball in my direction now, don't ya?"

He just rolls his eyes and stays in the zone. Raised that boy well.

"36!"

Did they just call out my age?

"36!" I watch as Ben looks side to side at all his cousins.

"I'm coming for you." I point at Erica

"Hut-hut-hike!"

All at once I see my life flash as a gang of kids rush towards me with a yell. I pick up the first one that reaches me and spin around. Not even 5 seconds later two more are wrapped around my legs. "What, are you guys triple-teaming me now?" I question.

They just laugh in response. It's not as if I was looking for an exact answer, anyway.

"Wait..." I look over when I see Ben pass the ball to the youngest member of the family "There goes the ball!" Little Ryder giggles as he passes everyone, racing to the tiki post "There it is! I see it..." My voice hitches as I try to speak softly to all the kids. Unfortunately, I can't move with a set of twins on my feet and Emma in my arms.

I'm too busy being pounded that I can't watch my youngest son spike the ball into the ground like his older brother taught him.

Slowly my knees give in and they bring me down until I hit the floor with a puff. My breath feels heavy as I try to bring it back to a steady pace. Emma is spread out on my chest and quickly Jack and Erica pile on top of her. "Ugh..." It would be different if they eased onto my body with a gentle and careful lay, but instead, they jump on top of this dog pile.

Looking down at Emma, I make sure she's not hurt from the hard pounding. But the smile on her face reassures any concern I may have.

"Okay, okay..." I breathe and they stop wiggling for a second to look at me "Let's get one thing straight." Thankfully, Ben stands over my head to block the sun so I don't look like a squinting goof as I tell them a very important life lesson. "I'm 28."

"Dad, you were 28 when you had us." Erica points out

"Hey, hey hey." I point my finger at her, my head lifting up slightly and by the strict tone in my voice she looks quite frightened "Your mother had you." I correct "I would have gladly settled for the monkey's at the zoo." I pause "Oh, wait, that's exactly what I got!" I begin tickling their stomachs, making them squirm.

"Ahhhh..." And just like that my vision goes black.

One of these days he is going to break my nose. I know he is only 3 at the moment, but it won't be long until his knee actually hits a bone just right.