Homebound

Chapter 14

       "Something is wrong with Asher." Joshua leans over and whispers to Isaac. Isaac lifts his eyes and gazes at Asher by the cashier. He is staring at a product on the shelf, yet he isn't really seeing it. This is how Asher has been for about two weeks. He seems to be in his own world, thoughts taking over him. When any of them attempts to hold his attention, it takes a few calls to bring him out of his brooding.

       "Maybe it's family problems." Isaac shrugs as he pounds the dough he is working on.

       "What makes you think that?"

       "Family seems to be the only topic that makes Asher unhappy." Joshua straightens himself out, and ponders Isaac's words. He recalls Asher's longing glance as mothers grasp their child's hand or frown when fathers buy their child a dessert from the bakery. The pain flickers in his face for a moment, and then he stubs it out like a flame.

      "What should we do?" Joshua doesn't like seeing Asher like this. He prefers the Asher that makes sarcastic comments and questions his every move. Asher challenges him; an activity no one ever dares does. He doesn't look at him as a 'freak', but as a human being. He even called him a 'big, cuddly grizzly bear.'

      "Give him a cigarette." Isaac finishes preparing the dough and places it in the oven to bake.

      "Be serious, Isaac."

      "I am serious. When am I ever not serious?" Isaac notices that Asher is smoking more. Of course, not like Isaac. Isaac smokes about a pack a day. Smoking is like oxygen to him. Within the two hours they have to be at Mr. Mosby's after school, Asher smokes at least five times. Isaac also acknowledges that Asher has been in a somber mood. He isn't mocking him for being silent and acting shocked when he talks. He doesn't attempt to steal his cigarette pack from his back pocket. He doesn't even beg Isaac to give him a fresh pastry from the oven. In conclusion, Isaac believes that Asher only smokes when he is in bad mood. For what reason Isaac could only guess. His assumption is that it helps Asher with whatever he is feeling. Like he is blowing away all the negative vibes.

      "Alright, boys. Thanks for the help. I'll see you tomorrow. Why don't you take some of the leftover pastries." Mr. Mosby passes each of them a bag, Asher's apparenty larger. "Thanks for your help. Enjoy!"

     "There's this cafe that just opened nearby my house. Who wants dinner? It's on me." Joshua offers. Asher would never deny food. Especially anything sweet. He would have to come. Isaac bows his head, and they glance at Asher. He stands farther away from them. They can tell he wants to be alone and sulk.

    "Get in the shotgun seat, Crocker," Isaac commands, surprising everyone, including himself. Six words that are laced with worry. Isaac emotions are never visible. How he feels remains private; it's a secret only he knows. He must be really concerned if he is sharing his voice. The boys anxiously stare at Asher. His eyes are cast down, his hands are in his jeans, and his lips are pursed in a thin line. It seems like decades until he finally answers.

     "Jeez, Thompson. A please would be nice; where are your manners?" A ghost of a smile plays on his lips.

    The cafe is quaint; it reminds Asher of what a fairy house would look like. The table is wooden, while the chairs are made of wicker. Red and white checkered table clothes lay on top of the table. A vase with a sunflower is positioned in the middle. He would never have guessed that this restaurant resides in the southside. It's too charming; something so sweet shouldn't be in the midst of the sketchy area. They settle in a booth at the far end of the room.