Homebound

Chapter 32

             "Solve your own damn problem! I've got my own issues to deal with!" Asher yells in aggravation at his math final review. He has to study for the final that is tomorrow, and he can't seem to focus. He's fortunate that Billy and Joshua forced him to study a few nights in advance. Asher sighs deeply and runs his hand through his hair, causing his hand to become entangled.

            "F*ck it." Asher hisses in pain as he struggles to free his hand from its snare. He rises from his chair to pace the room. He can not afford to fail this final. He's put every last blood, sweat, and tears to maintain a B average. He's lost countless precious hours of sleep reviewing formulas and completing homework and additional problems. Disquiet eats Asher's inside, and he knows he needs to run.

            Officially quitting smoking, Asher's only way to relieve his stress is to run. In his past, he would run from his problems. Therefore, running was always a negative activity. However, when he changed his fitness life, running became a blissful experience. It is the outlet that makes him a stronger, quicker, and healthier human being.

           Donning on his sports' gear, he exits his room to go downstairs. On the couch, he sees Delilah transfixed on a book, and he tiptoes pass her because he knows she hates disturbances while she reads.

          "Where are you going?" Her voice startles him, and he jumps two feet.

          "Do you want me to go under cardiac arrest? You don't do something like that to an already emotionally unstable human!" Asher cries out as he clutches the area of his beating heart.

         "I merely asked a question." Delilah snickers as she re-positioned herself.

         "Well, I'm going for a run."

        "Oh, ok. Don't you have a final tomorrow?"

         "Ugh, don't remind me. I need to refocus myself because nothing's making sense." Delilah had a feeling that the statement ran deeper than math equations, but she chooses not to push the matter further.

         They say goodbye and Asher hopes he doesn't have to make conversation with anyone else, but Laura pulls into the driveway. Seeing her reminds him of his need for a hug. She barely steps out of the car before he tackles her in his arms.

         "Hello there to you too, sweetie." She chuckles as she wraps her arms around him. "Are you going for a run?"

        "Yes, I am. I have to clear my head."

        "Oh; I wanted you to go somewhere with me." Asher's perks his eyebrows.

        "The grocery store?"

         Laura laughs. "You're always thinking of food! Yes, but mayb-"

         "I'll run when I get back home." Asher is finding any excuse to not return to his accursed math review. "Why didn't you go on your way back home from work?"

         "I left the money. Let me go get it, and we'll go." Laura smiles with a wave of a hand and goes to do what she says.

           She enters the house, and stands by the front door for two minutes before stepping out. She's surprised Asher didn't find her response suspicious. She always carries spare money and a debit card in her wallet. Laura feels bad for the lie, but a mother does whatever she must to restore peace in her household.

           "Robert, dear. Are you going to Delilah's grave today?" Laura questioned after she kissed his cheek as a morning greeting. She smiled graciously as he passed her a steaming cup of tea. She preferred the drink over coffee. She never liked the bitterness and refused to drown the taste out with sugar.