Homebound

Chapter 7

      "Wake up." The beginning rays of sunshine glimmer in Asher's eyes making him groan.

      "Five more minutes." He sleepily whispers back and turns on his side his back facing the blinding light.

      "You don't have five more minutes. Get up now, or I'm leaving for work, and you'll be late for your job." Robert's deep voice commands. Asher begrudgingly lifts himself from his comfortable bed. Today is the day he begins working for Mr. Mosby instead of waking up in a prison cell.

      Robert leaves the room with his mission complete. He's going to escort Asher to Mr. Mosby store to make sure Asher actually gets there. Mrs. Katz warned him about Asher's lack of attendance. The first day of school (or any day) he is absent. Dinner time at foster homes has an empty seat at the table. Mrs. Katz checking up on Asher, 'Sorry, but Asher has gone missing and didn't tell me where he's going.'

      Robert waits for Asher in the kitchen drinking coffee. He almost chokes when he sees Asher in an all-black attire.

      "You can't wear that."

       "Why? Freedom of expression; God bless America."

      "It's not a good color for first impressions."

      "But I look fine!" Asher whines.

     "Find yourself another outfit. You and Laura bought a lot of clothes. Pick something different."

      "No." Asher stubbornly refuses and opens the refrigerator to bring out the milk. He bustles about to bring out the necessary items for cereal.

     "You have to dress appropriately. This isn't some outing with friends." Asher ignores Robert's attempts at getting him to change. He zones out the lecture Robert is giving him. He doesn't care.

      "Robert, I'm going up to brush my teeth, and then we'll leave. I will not be changing. I don't give a damn on how I look." He explains slowly as if speaking to a child.

    "Don't mock me. If you don't want to listen to quality advice that will help you excel in life then that is your problem." Asher rolls his eyes and goes to do what he said.

     They go into the car and drive in silence. Parking at the front of the store, Robert tells Asher.

    "Don't do anything that will get you into trouble. Mr. Mosby is kind for giving you a second chance. Be grateful."

     "Don't lecture me. I've had enough for the morning." Asher rolls his eyes and opens the door to leave.

     "It's not a lecture, it's-"

     "Quality advice that will help me excel in life? Yeah, you told me."

      "That attitude won't help y-"

       "Bye, Mr. Barker," And slams the door.

        Mr. Mosby hears the jingle of the door and sees Asher coming in early. This causes him to smile (bigger than he usually does) and goes to greet him.

       "Asher! I'm glad you're here early. That's good for first impressions."

       "If it was my choice, I would be sitting in a cold cell in Antarctica with a polar bear." Mr. Mosby laughs heartily and pats Asher.

       "You sure know how to joke around."

      "I'm not kidding, but if it helps you sleep at night, I was kidding."