A is for Absolutely Fine Afternoon
Rating: K
Don's heart flip-flopped when he saw Wilson's window…or rather, the lack thereof. "Great," he growled under his breath. How was he going to get out of this? He was just about to turn around and scowl at a certain little brother who had started the whole thing, but he didn't have time. A white head became visible over the hedges and Don grabbed the collar of his brother's shirt and ran, dragging him behind.
As the two rounded the corner, they came face to face with a crowd of boys. "Well Eppes," said another boy, "where is it?"
Don shook his head, still trying to catch his breath. "It's gone boys," he said forlornly. "It's in Wilson's house." The chorus of groans that followed showed just how hopeless the situation was. Dejectedly, the boys parted ways, each headed home; the ball game over. Don and Charlie had gotten about a block when they heard footsteps behind them. Turning, Don saw none other than the dreaded Wilson! Grabbing Charlie's hand, he increased their pace. They couldn't get caught! Not again, anyway…
After ducking behind hedges, crawling under bushes, and hopping fences, the boys finally lost him. Exhausted, Don turned toward home. Charlie had been great! He'd done everything Don had told him too, even keeping quiet! Seeing how slow his little brother was walking now, Don banished all thoughts of embarrassment and scooped him up into his arms. Charlie didn't struggle, but rather snuggled into Don's shoulder.
The duo walked up their front porch steps just as the sun finished setting. Heading in, he set Charlie down and pointed to the stairs. They both started tiptoeing up. His parents were in the kitchen. Maybe they could get cleaned up and neither would be the wiser. His mom's voice came from the kitchen. "Boys? How was your afternoon?"
Don motioned Charlie all the way up the stairs and into the bathroom. He turned and looked at the grin that had replaced weariness.
Don smiled. His exhaustion had abated too.
"It was fine, mom. Just fine."
END