"Get in loser."
I looked up from my post at the bench to where Carson was sitting behind the wheel of his truck. One of the front two seats was occupied by his best friend, Carl.
"Hey." Carl greeted when I got in.
I responded with a nod and shut the door behind me.
"Listen I've got an errand to run - you alright getting home a little late?" Carson asked.
"Yeah It's fine." I responded, rolling down the window. "Mom said to get some groceries. We're running low."
"Right. Groceries - almost forgot."
I nodded and looked back out the window, not paying much attention to the passing scenery, mind elsewhere.
"Just... relax. You've got this."
"Have I really though? Those guys could turn me to pulp."
"They couldn't if they tried - Now go on champ. You show 'em."
Hesitant steps forward, an 8 year old Charlie nearing the biggest boy in his class, glancing back at his older brother - who gave him two thumbs up in encouragement.
Charlie continued forward - a sudden surge of confidence made him stand taller and he came face to face with his nemesis.
"Bryce." He greeted, determination in his eyes. The boy turned to him with a scowl. "Give me my lunch money back." Charlie ordered.
Bryce laughed and turned back to his friends, ignorant.
"I said give it back!"
"Don't talk to me like that." Bryce warned. "I'll wedgie you so hard you'll cry like a baby."
Charlie felt himself reclining - but pushed forward still, knowing his brother was right behind him.
"I'll talk to you how I want. Now give me my money back you big bully!"
Bryce pushed Charlie, causing the smaller boy to stumble.
"Shove it Charlie."
Before Bryce could make another move Charlie lifted his arm and propelled it forward to hit the older boy square in the face.
"You -" Bryce grabbed Charlie by the collar, lifting him up off the ground. Charlie kicked and struggled, but was quickly dropped, a shadow had fallen over him.
"Empty your pockets kid." William's voice came.
Bryce did as he was told.
"Now give little Charlie everything you stole."
"But -"
"Now."
Bryce handed the coins over.
"Get out of here."
Bryce and his friends ran, a hand lifted pulled Charlie to his feet.
"You hand that back to whoever he took it from alright?"
Charlie nodded, dumbfounded by the experience. In that moment, his big brother never looked more noble. With the rays of sun behind him and a satisfied smile on his face.
"What's on your mind kiddo?"
I looked back to Carl, Carson had gone to run his errand.
"Nothing. Just... remembering stuff." I responded.
"Stuff?"
"Will -"
"Alright I got it." Carson exclaimed as he climbed into the car.
"Next stop groceries?" Carl asked.
"Yeah." Carson agreed.
Carl sent me an apologetic look to which I responded with a small smile. I didn't mind.
