Tyler's Battle

Chapter 1 - A Day Out

Archie ran across the hall and hid behind the sofa whispering into a walkie talkie. Then Dexter appeared cautiously round the corner, pressing himself against the wall ninja style, creeping slowly passed the piano towards the open office door. Chloe and Candi-Rose came chattering out of the lounge and barely batted an eyelid at the antics of the two spies as they headed to the kitchen. Dexter had now made it to the office door and was listening intently. So intently in fact that he didn't hear Finn wander up behind him and Dexter almost jumped out of skin when he tapped him on the shoulder.

What r u doing?

Finn! Shhhhh!

Dexter pulled him away from the office door and back round the corner almost tripping over Joseph who was sitting cross legged on the floor studying a crude map drawn in felt tip. They were only just in time. Mike had stuck his head out of the office door just as the boys had disappeared out of sight. He had sworn he had heard some of the kids but there was no sign of anyone so he retired to his meeting with May Li and shut the door firmly behind him.

Archie appeared from behind the sofa groaning and snuck passed the office windows and met Finn and Dexter in the corridor beyond. Dexter was busy berating Finn for his ill-timed arrival on the scene.

We were just about to find out where they have booked for us to go on our summer holiday and now you've blown it. They won't tell us for ages and now we can't find out because they shut the door

We're going to Riverdale Farm. Didn't you know? Replied Finn matter of factly and promptly turned to leave.

The three remaining boys stared after him in surprise.

How's does he know these things? Asked Joseph bewildered.

Mission accomplished but in the most unlikeliest of ways the boys packed the spy things and headed upstairs.

On the stairs they passed Tyler and Jody in animated conversation, Tyler's hands waving furiously and Jody laughing. They were heading to the skate park in attempt get themselves into the skate gang who "owned" that particular skate park. Josh Howinski and Janeece Jordan, two of the cool kids in the year above were in the gang and Jody was determined to improve her street cred by becoming friends with them. Tyler wasn't impressed and had teased Jody mercilessly when she first mentioned the idea but he had soon been persuaded to join her, if only to ensure he had a front row seat for what would soon become the talk of their whole school. They had just left the house laughing and talking ten to the dozen as usual when Tylers phone rang. The word Mum flashed on his phone screen.

It's my mum, I'll catch you up. Won't be a minute. Tyler muttered as he stared at his phone.

Sure shrugged Jody and she headed off in front. Leaving Tyler to perch on the low garden wall as he answered his phone.

Mum what's up?

Oh not much. How are you my love?

Fine. Why are you calling mum? Is everything OK? Tyler questioned. His first thought was always that something was wrong. Not surprising that he thought that way, after all the years he had spent watching her battle her mental health problems

Of course everything is fine. I was just wondering if you fancied meeting up in town. Theres that new film out or we could go bowling, you love bowling or we could just skip straight to dinner, burgers, pizzas whatever you want.

Er thanks mum but I kind of have plans this afternoon with Jody and anyways Mike would hit the roof if I met you without permission. Let's organise something for another weekend and you can get it all approved by mike and the social worker

Don't worry about them. I have every right to see my son. How about meeting at three, that gives you an hour to get ready and get the bus

Mum, really I can't. I have plans. Maybe next time. I'll call you later

Oh right. Ok

Bye mum

Bye darling

Tyler stabbed at the end call button and thrust the phone into his pocket. He felt guilty turning his mum down and he would happily have devoured a pizza and milkshake. But the sight of the skinny girl leaning against the tree half way down the street and waving at him was enough for him to know that he had made the right decision. He caught up with Jody at the tree and they continued their conversation from where they left off. Within seconds they were deep in conversation again, Tyler laughing at Jody's silly impression of Sasha as she retold a funny story of one of the many dramas that seemed to unfold on an almost daily basis at Ashdene ridge.

When they returned to the house that evening it was as if their conversation had never ended. The only difference was the lengthening shadows as the last rays of sun disappeared behind the rooftops. This time it was Tyler doing impressions as he teased Jody about her failed attempts to get the attention of the skate gang.

They were laughing so much that Tyler's side ached and he had to clutch the door frame for support and Jody was laughing uncontrollably. They met Ryan in the hall on his way to dinner.

What have you love birds been upto he sneered

Oh shut up Ryan replied Jody through gritted teeth

Whatever. Ryan shrugged and continued towards the kitchen door.

Oh by the way, Mikes on the war path, you were supposed to be back ages ago. He called back over his shoulder

Tyler and Jody hurried after him into the kitchen. They were hit by the warmth of the room, twelve bodies and a steaming pot of spaghetti had sent the temperature rocketing up. May Li was serving up the last plates of spaghetti. Floss and Archie were sitting at the breakfast bar, faces already covered in Bolognese.

Where have you two been? enquired Floss between mouthfuls of spaghetti.

Nowhere special just the skate park retorted Jody as she passed by.

Suddenly the shrill of the office phone could be heard over the noise of dinner table conversation. Mike sighed and put down his forkful of spaghetti, it would just have to wait. He ran out of the room to answer the phone. A few minutes later, just as Tyler and Jody tucked into their food, Mike returned. Mikes face was enough to completely change their mood and the air was suddenly thick with silence. The babble of conversation had halted abruptly. As he whispered to May Li the serving spoon she was ladling the spaghetti with clattered into the pot.

Tyler I need to speak to you in the office. Mikes words cut through the silence like a knife, everyones eyes shifted from Mike to Tyler.

What, what about?

Just come with me please. He responded, he looked over at Jody who had automatically stood up with Tyler

I'll explain in private. He added firmly. Tyler glanced at Jody.

No, anything you need to say to me can be said in front of Jody retorted Tyler sensing something was wrong. A knot was already forming in the pit of his stomach and every instinct was telling him not to go with Mike

Fine, that might not be such a bad idea replied Mike glancing nervously at May Li