Special

2

Robby played with my hair gently as we sat in my bedroom on my mini couch and watched tv, my head laying in his lap. He was quiet all day and wasn't even chattering excitedly as we watched his favorite show; he didn't even seem to be paying attention, which was strange because he had been looking forward to the new episode all week.

I sat up and paused the tv, looking at him.

"What's wrong?"

A sigh left his lips. His eyes stayed focused on the popcorn bowl that was displayed by his feet which were propped upon my glass table and twiddled his thumbs.

"I found a flyer with my dad on it; he's opening up a karate dojo."

"A karate dojo?" I ask in disbelief. He only nodded; nothing else. "Did you... want to join or something?"

"No it's not that," another sigh left his lips and he finally looked at me, "when I was a kid, I'd always ask about my dad like I'm sure any kid would, and I learned that he loved karate. So the rare occasions that I saw him or would send letters or drawings, I'd ask him to teach me. He never would. And now... I don't know, seeing him create a karate dojo now feels like... a slap in the face I guess." his eyes were sad and seemed a little lost.

This was something that I've never heard Robby mention before. Sure, he talks to me about his dad sometimes but very rarely does he talk about his childhood; which I don't blame him for considering I don't ever talk about mine. Seeing him vulnerable like this made me want to reach out and hold him to let him know that it's going to be okay. I settled for holding his hand.

"I think you should talk to him, Robby. Maybe this is a sign that things between you two could be... patched up."

He rolled his eyes and pulled his hand away. "As if you're able to give me daddy advice. When's the last time you saw yours?" He crossed his arms and looked at the paused tv screen in anger. My throat tightened and my heart suddenly felt heavy. I knew he only said that because his father was a sensitive subject, but it still didn't hurt any less.

"Alright...," my voice cracked as I slightly scooted over from him, "I know you don't mean that."

Robby sighed and relaxed his tense position. "I'm sorry. It's not fair to do that to you."

"You're right, it's not fair. You're lucky that I didn't make you leave for that comment." And I should've; but he's hurting. Hurt people hurt people, and he needs someone to balance things out for him. Even if it means I get tortured in the process.

"Look, you said he came over the other day to convince you to go back to school, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Maybe he actually cares about you. You both just need a push in the right direction."

He sat quietly, taking in my words. After a moment of silence, he smiled and grabbed my hand again. "I guess you're right. I'll talk to him."

I smiled widely. "Good. You need this." I leaned in and lightly kissed him, but pulled away when I heard my bedroom door open.

My grandmother stood there in the doorway. "Your door was closed. Did you forget my door open rule when Robby is over?"

"I'm sorry, that was my fault." Robby spoke up, smiling softly at her. "I closed the door when I came in with the popcorn out of habit. It won't happen again."

"It better not," she looked between us for a moment before smiling. "Sure did miss seeing you around, Robby. Days aren't the same without seeing your smile."

He chuckles lightly. "Missed you too. Sorry, I've just been busy."

"So I've heard," she commented. I gave her a look. I knew she didn't approve of Robby's behavior at times, but she loved him once she got to know him and she knew how I felt about him. That's all I could ever ask for from her. "Just remember that you're welcomed over at any time as long as I know about it."