Homebound

Chapter 34

       Robert, Isaac, both Joshuas, and Billy enclose Asher's sleeping figure.

       "We shouldn't bother him. Look how peaceful he is!" Little Joshua whisper-yells in nervous anticipation.

       "We must. We're doing him a favor. If we wait for him to wake up, then the party begins later. Why should we delay fun?" Roberts explains to his son as the other boys nod in accord. "On three we throw the water balloons. One. Two. Three!"

      Asher is dreaming about a grilled chicken sandwich when frigid water alarms him awake. He flys out of his bed unto the floor. He's unsure of what's going on around him, and he can barely gather his sense before bodies pile on top of him.

      "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

      "How can I be happy if I'm lacking oxygen and I'm freezing?" Asher's voice comes out muffled. Thankfully bodies roll off his crushed limbs, and Asher takes a gasp of fresh air. "Y'all need a shower."       "After boating. Let's eat breakfast first." Robert winks at him.

       Asher walks into the kitchen heavily decorated with streamers and overfilled with balloons. "Happy birthday, dear!" Laura turns her head to view him from her position by the stove.

       "All this is for me?" Asher queries with disbelief as he goes over to kiss Laura on her cheek. He glances back at his comrades for reassurance that this is all true. He closes his eyes for a few moments fully knowing that when he opens them he'll be staring at the roof of his room. However, this isn't a dream. The decor is still flashing its bright colors, the aroma seems to have gotten sweeter, and the people he holds precious are with him to celebrate.       "It's not for the neighbor." Big Joshua twinkles brightly.       "When did you have time to plan all this?"       "Late night text conversations. We created an exclusive group chat with Robert so we can talk behind your back." Isaac shares with a smug expression.       "Happy birthday, brother." Arms wrap around his midsection and his heart swells. Delilah rarely displays affection. There must be something in the pancakes. Regarding breakfast, Laura has outdone herself. There are stacks of pancakes of all flavors: original, cinnamon, blueberry, sweet potato, banana, and his personal favorite, chocolate. She tops each with whip cream and array of fruits like strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry. Freshly brewed coffee sits alluringly in its pot, its smell wafting the air. Nothing beats warm coffee with tempting pancakes. It is Asher's preferred breakfast, and the fact that Laura prepared a king's meal for him is beyond his understanding. It's just his birthday. He's never gotten more than a crummy cupcake.

        "Present time!" Little Joshua squeals in joy. Asher widens his eyes and shakes his head.

        "Breakfast is enough. What more can you give me?"        

        "You'll just have to see." Laura grabs his arm, and the entire group moves to the living room which was empty beforehand. Now lay before him a single box. It is large and lacking gift paper with holes on its sides. Asher sends a distrusting stare to his family. They return it with encouraging smiles.

        "Open it already." Delilah urges her phone raised to videotape his reaction. Asher bends on his knees before the parcel, hesitant to lift the lid. His reluctance increases when he hears movement from within.        "No. I don't have faith in any of you. You guys are going to prank me. Get your revenge for my past antics." Asher scoots back, crossing his arms. Everyone releases a moan of annoyance, voices raising an objection. Asher wouldn't have perceived the yip if he was farther away from the package. He scrambles forward and hurls the cover aside. "Oh, my f*ck! A puppy!" Asher shrieks in delight as he gently lifts the hairless babe from its resting place. He raises the puppy to nose level, and it licks him. "What an awful sight you are! Look how ghastly this cutie is!" Asher didn't acknowledge until now how much he needs a four-legged companion. He missed bonding with an animal on a personal level because all the creatures he's known had belonged to another. He never thought there would be a possibility where he could be an owner himself. He brings the puppy into his chest, already feeling protective over his new friend.          "Do you like him?" Delilah laughs joyfully.          "I love him!" Of course, Asher would admire a repulsive pooch. He doesn't care about the superficial, but what it is within a person (or animal).          "Good idea, Billy boy." Isaac pats him in the shoulder, and he flushes in humility.