Homebound

Chapter 27

         Asher has no clue what he's getting himself into. It's a beautiful day that embodies spring. The sky is the perfect shade of blue with the clouds the perfect amount of fluffy white. The green of the trees and grass are a deep which brings out the color of the flowers. Asher should be lying on the grass, bathing in the sun's glory, and reading a book. Hell, he can even be running right now. That would be a perfect way to spend his Sunday. However, that's not the case.

        "No way, Joshua. You're cute for thinking I would. It's your age that prevents you from being realistic. Dream on, little one." Asher laughs at the pouting child.

      "Come on Asher! It's not that hard." He encourages as he places his foot on the skateboard and effortlessly pushes forward.

     "I promised to watch you, not break my back. Leave me alone."

    "You owe me!" Joshua exclaims as he skates back to Asher.

    "I owe you an ice cream and endless hours playing video games. I do not owe you my life."

    "Pleeeeease? I'll teach you! It's the one thing I can teach!" Joshua grabs onto Asher's hand and shakes it. Asher's resolve to continuing sitting on the bench wavers as he stares into the ocean blue eyes full of hope.

     "I hate you and your ability to persuade me to do anything," Asher grumbles and gets up. "Ok. What's the first step?" The smile that lit the younger boy's face warms Asher's heart, and he can't help smiling to. 

    "You'll need to be able to stay on the board without falling. Place your left foot straight on the front of the board. You'll be pushing with your right, but don't worry about that now." Asher follows directions carefully. "There you go! You'll be riding in no time."

   "I haven't even pushed forward yet." Asher laughs but grips Joshua as he feels himself stumble. After re-situating himself, Joshua tells him the next step.

  "Now, we'll push. Remember, we want long sweeps. It's better for riding." Asher obviously goes against the directive and makes shorter pushes. "No! Long ones!"

   "Don't rush me, boy." Asher glowers but actually does what he's supposed to.

    "That's perfect!" Joshua praises as he runs to where Asher has stopped. "You think you can get into riding position?"

     "Why not? I'm feeling confident." Asher agrees in his naivety. After pushing forward, he feels the wind whip his face as he moves forward. Feeling good about himself, he pushes powerfully and that leads to his literal downfall.

     "Oof." He breathes out as he lands ungracefully on his back.

     "Asher!" Joshua shrieks in worry and runs to his side. "Are you alright?"

     "Is that you, G-d?" He touches Joshua's face. Joshua's eyes begin to water, and he sniffles. "I'm only teasing, kiddo." Asher chuckle as he sits up. "But, I'm never riding a board again."

     "Don't say that. Every skater falls, but we pick ourselves up and continue skating. It's a part of the process."

     "Fine, as of now I'm never touching a board. Let's get ice cream and go home. I have a shift tonight at Mosby's."

     "That was fun! Thank you for taking me to the park!" Joshua expresses his gratitude as Asher opens the door to the house.

     "It was nothing, kiddo. We'll go back next Sunday if you'd like."

     "Really? Awesome!" Joshua hugs him and Asher returns it, grining softly.