By the time Reese reached school he was already 5 minutes late, but he was still no closer to settling on a solution to his problem. There were just so many sports to choose from - baseball, football, soccer, even things like basketball and hockey - and he felt that given the chance he could be good at any of them. He wandered idly through the corridors, not in any hurry to get to class. He was so deep in thought that he didn't see the person waiting for him by his locker until he had almost walked into her. He jumped with surprise, which turned into astonishment as he looked into the face of Delilah. She smiled at him. He felt as if his legs had turned to stone, he couldn't move.
'Hey Reese. I didn't see you at my party on Friday' she said, still smiling. Reese just stared at her with a dumb expression on his face, still temporarily paralysed. 'Where were you?' She continued, 'I was looking forward to maybe getting to know you a little better, you know we've never really spoken before.' There was still no response. 'Reese?'
Gradually Reese regained control of his body. It was a slow process, kind of like waking up from a really deep sleep. 'Well I was... you see... something came up, at the last minute.' He said eventually. 'Why aren't you in class?' He added, hastily trying to change the subject.
'Because I was waiting for you, I wanted to talk to you. I hope that's OK.' She was beginning to look slightly puzzled by the strange way Reese was acting. In the past he had tended to gaze at her in something like adoration, but now he stared at her in horror as if she were a monster. She knew he liked her of course, it would be obvious to a blind rabbit, and she was beginning to develop a slight crush on him as well.
'Oh, oh right, I'm sorry I...' he trailed off, still looking very distracted.
'Reese are you alright?' Delilah asked in a concerned voice. He appeared to be sweating quite heavily, and he kept looking away from her, as if he couldn't face seeing her.
Eventually he spoke, and it was in the voice of a broken man. 'Delilah I... I'm sorry, I just can't do this.' He turned and ran in the direction of the boys' locker room, not stopping until he was safely inside. Behind him Delilah looked shocked and hurt. She called after him a few times, but to no avail, he was gone.
***
For several minutes now Craig had been watching Lois, peering through the gap in the shelves on the other side of the store from her. Though his view was partly obstructed by tins of baby food and packets of diapers he could still make out the gentle curve of her shoulders as she leant over the cash register, the stress of another hard day already evident in the slump of her posture. Though his love for her had not in any way diminished and his determination to confront Hal once and for all had not abated, he still felt bad about what interrupting their dinner on Friday night. He couldn't stand the thought that Lois might be mad at him, or worse disappointed with him for letting his feelings get the better of him in public, in front of her husband. There was just one important thing he needed to do before he moved forward with his plan - he had to apologise.
He walked quickly to the back of the store, moving lightly on his feet as large men often do, barely making a sound. He pushed open the door to the storeroom and entered. Taking a moment to compose himself he reached for the microphone in the corner, pressing the button which would broadcast his voice throughout the store.
'Lois, can I see you in inventory for a moment?' came the sound of Craig's nervous voice over the intercom. A minute later Lois appeared at the door, a slightly frazzled expression on her face. She looked at Craig expectantly.
'What is it Craig?' She asked impatiently, 'can you make this quick I'm very busy at the moment.'
Craig took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead. 'Lois I would like to apologise for interrupting you anniversary dinner on Friday' he said in a monotone voice. 'It was very rude and unnecessary of me, I wasn't thinking. Please accept this gift as a token of how truly sorry I am.' He produced a small package from his pocket which he held out to Lois, who couldn't help but smile.
'Oh, Craig' she said in exasperation. 'Craig it's not a problem, you don't have to apologise to me. And you know I can't accept this gift. Just don't worry about it, okay? I appreciate the thought though.' She smiled at him again, and then turned to leave. 'Now I really have to get back to work.'
'I'll see you later' Craig called after her as she left, a satisfied grin on his face. 'Phase one complete' he said to himself quietly, 'now time for phase two - Operation Take Hal Out.' The grin spread across his face once more.
***
'And then we just ran for it' said Malcolm dramatically, 'and they chased after us like a pack of feral dogs. It was a close thing, but we just got away by the skin of our teeth. When I think about it now I'm just thankful I lived to tell the tale.' Malcolm was relating the story of his encounter with Richie and the gang to the other Krelboynes, and they were hanging on his every word. Of course, he was taking a certain amount of artistic license, but judging by the gasps and occasional squeal from his rapt audience. That didn't seem to matter at all. When he had finished the 'tale' they broke out into an impromptu round of applause, no doubt dazzled by Malcolm's bravery and gallantry in nobly saving Dewey from certain death. Now they looked at him with something like reverence. All of them that is, except one.
'What a...load of...bull!' said Stevie emphatically as the crowd around Malcolm began to gradually diminish. Malcolm glared at him, but fortunately none of the other Krelboynes had heard.
'All right, all right, so maybe I exaggerated it slightly' he said in a hushed whisper, 'but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. I mean, we were this close to getting our butts kicked.' He held out his hand in a gesture that indicated they were very close indeed.
'What...ever' said Stevie casually. He began to wheel himself towards the door of the classroom, following the other Krelboynes who were already outside. Reluctantly Malcolm followed him.
'Well anyway,' he said as he pushed Stevie's wheelchair in the direction of the cafeteria, 'one thing's for certain, I need to think of some way to get back at those jerks. I talked about it with Francis but he was all out of ideas. He said that when it came to mischief, mayhem and general debauchery those guys were the best of the best. He seemed kind of in awe of them.' They had reached the cafeteria now and they joined the lunch queue. Stevie always bought a packed lunch from home but he usually waited in line with Malcolm anyway. It wasn't as if either of them had any other friends.
'I might...be able...to help you' said Stevie eventually. He couldn't help but smile as he thought about his idea.
'What could you possibly do to help? Asked Malcolm, a little harshly, but Stevie continued to smile.
'Wouldn't..you like...to know?' he asked in reply.
***
Reese sat dejectedly on a bench between two rows of lockers, staring into space. Now he had really done it, blown the only good chance he was likely to have of getting to know Delilah. Most likely she would never speak to him again after this. The disillusionment and embarrassment he felt was nothing compared to the frustration however. It was as if he were filling up like a balloon, a balloon which must surely burst in an outpouring of anger and aggression. He felt it welling up inside him, his internal demons shouting down his better angels as they reared their ugly heads, building to a crescendo which surged throughout his body, taking control. And then he was off. He emitted a yell as he began to run, a primal scream that was more animal than man. He hit the row of lockers at full speed in a fluid shoulder charge. The pain rushed down his arm and throughout his upper body like an electric current. He reeled away in shock as the entire row of metal lockers was sent tumbling by the impact, doors bursting open as if they were on springs. With an almighty crash they landed, sending dust spraying in all directions like an erupting volcano. Reese stared at the devastation open mouthed, astonished at the mayhem he had created, but equally surprised at how good it had felt. Though the pain in his arm was extreme he couldn't help but smile, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Abruptly he heard sharp sound from behind him, and he reeled around suddenly. He saw the figure of Coach Crawford standing by the door. To Reese's amazement he was clapping, a slow rhythmical applause which seemed all the more bizarre amid the wreckage of the locker room at his feet. Slowly the Coach crossed the room towards Reese, a strange look on his face that was half pleasure and half disapproval. All the while he continued to applaud.
'Nice moves, son. That was quite a hit!' he said eventually as he reached Reese, who smiled.
'Thanks Coach!' he replied. 'I don't know what came over me.'
'Well whatever it was' continued the Coach, 'I liked it. You know there's always an opening on the football team for someone with the sort of raw aggression you just showed. It's that enthusiasm and spirit that wins ball games, and God, we badly need some winners on the team.' The Coach paused as he considered his next words carefully. 'Look son, why don't you come down to practice this afternoon, we can try you out in a real game situation. I'm not promising anything, but you sure have some potential.'
'Sure, absolutely' said Reese without a second thought. He had been racking his brains to think of some possible way to break into a sports team, and now suddenly an opportunity had fallen right into his lap. He intended to grab it with both hands.
'3.00pm sharp, don't be late' said the Coach as he turned to leave. He took another look at the toppled row of lockers. 'And you'd better get this mess cleaned up before the Principal finds out. I don't want you missing training because you've got detention.' Reese surveyed the mess and prepared to clear up. 'Oh and son' said the Coach; Reese turned to look at him again. 'If I were you I'd put some ice on that shoulder.'
'Hey Reese. I didn't see you at my party on Friday' she said, still smiling. Reese just stared at her with a dumb expression on his face, still temporarily paralysed. 'Where were you?' She continued, 'I was looking forward to maybe getting to know you a little better, you know we've never really spoken before.' There was still no response. 'Reese?'
Gradually Reese regained control of his body. It was a slow process, kind of like waking up from a really deep sleep. 'Well I was... you see... something came up, at the last minute.' He said eventually. 'Why aren't you in class?' He added, hastily trying to change the subject.
'Because I was waiting for you, I wanted to talk to you. I hope that's OK.' She was beginning to look slightly puzzled by the strange way Reese was acting. In the past he had tended to gaze at her in something like adoration, but now he stared at her in horror as if she were a monster. She knew he liked her of course, it would be obvious to a blind rabbit, and she was beginning to develop a slight crush on him as well.
'Oh, oh right, I'm sorry I...' he trailed off, still looking very distracted.
'Reese are you alright?' Delilah asked in a concerned voice. He appeared to be sweating quite heavily, and he kept looking away from her, as if he couldn't face seeing her.
Eventually he spoke, and it was in the voice of a broken man. 'Delilah I... I'm sorry, I just can't do this.' He turned and ran in the direction of the boys' locker room, not stopping until he was safely inside. Behind him Delilah looked shocked and hurt. She called after him a few times, but to no avail, he was gone.
***
For several minutes now Craig had been watching Lois, peering through the gap in the shelves on the other side of the store from her. Though his view was partly obstructed by tins of baby food and packets of diapers he could still make out the gentle curve of her shoulders as she leant over the cash register, the stress of another hard day already evident in the slump of her posture. Though his love for her had not in any way diminished and his determination to confront Hal once and for all had not abated, he still felt bad about what interrupting their dinner on Friday night. He couldn't stand the thought that Lois might be mad at him, or worse disappointed with him for letting his feelings get the better of him in public, in front of her husband. There was just one important thing he needed to do before he moved forward with his plan - he had to apologise.
He walked quickly to the back of the store, moving lightly on his feet as large men often do, barely making a sound. He pushed open the door to the storeroom and entered. Taking a moment to compose himself he reached for the microphone in the corner, pressing the button which would broadcast his voice throughout the store.
'Lois, can I see you in inventory for a moment?' came the sound of Craig's nervous voice over the intercom. A minute later Lois appeared at the door, a slightly frazzled expression on her face. She looked at Craig expectantly.
'What is it Craig?' She asked impatiently, 'can you make this quick I'm very busy at the moment.'
Craig took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead. 'Lois I would like to apologise for interrupting you anniversary dinner on Friday' he said in a monotone voice. 'It was very rude and unnecessary of me, I wasn't thinking. Please accept this gift as a token of how truly sorry I am.' He produced a small package from his pocket which he held out to Lois, who couldn't help but smile.
'Oh, Craig' she said in exasperation. 'Craig it's not a problem, you don't have to apologise to me. And you know I can't accept this gift. Just don't worry about it, okay? I appreciate the thought though.' She smiled at him again, and then turned to leave. 'Now I really have to get back to work.'
'I'll see you later' Craig called after her as she left, a satisfied grin on his face. 'Phase one complete' he said to himself quietly, 'now time for phase two - Operation Take Hal Out.' The grin spread across his face once more.
***
'And then we just ran for it' said Malcolm dramatically, 'and they chased after us like a pack of feral dogs. It was a close thing, but we just got away by the skin of our teeth. When I think about it now I'm just thankful I lived to tell the tale.' Malcolm was relating the story of his encounter with Richie and the gang to the other Krelboynes, and they were hanging on his every word. Of course, he was taking a certain amount of artistic license, but judging by the gasps and occasional squeal from his rapt audience. That didn't seem to matter at all. When he had finished the 'tale' they broke out into an impromptu round of applause, no doubt dazzled by Malcolm's bravery and gallantry in nobly saving Dewey from certain death. Now they looked at him with something like reverence. All of them that is, except one.
'What a...load of...bull!' said Stevie emphatically as the crowd around Malcolm began to gradually diminish. Malcolm glared at him, but fortunately none of the other Krelboynes had heard.
'All right, all right, so maybe I exaggerated it slightly' he said in a hushed whisper, 'but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. I mean, we were this close to getting our butts kicked.' He held out his hand in a gesture that indicated they were very close indeed.
'What...ever' said Stevie casually. He began to wheel himself towards the door of the classroom, following the other Krelboynes who were already outside. Reluctantly Malcolm followed him.
'Well anyway,' he said as he pushed Stevie's wheelchair in the direction of the cafeteria, 'one thing's for certain, I need to think of some way to get back at those jerks. I talked about it with Francis but he was all out of ideas. He said that when it came to mischief, mayhem and general debauchery those guys were the best of the best. He seemed kind of in awe of them.' They had reached the cafeteria now and they joined the lunch queue. Stevie always bought a packed lunch from home but he usually waited in line with Malcolm anyway. It wasn't as if either of them had any other friends.
'I might...be able...to help you' said Stevie eventually. He couldn't help but smile as he thought about his idea.
'What could you possibly do to help? Asked Malcolm, a little harshly, but Stevie continued to smile.
'Wouldn't..you like...to know?' he asked in reply.
***
Reese sat dejectedly on a bench between two rows of lockers, staring into space. Now he had really done it, blown the only good chance he was likely to have of getting to know Delilah. Most likely she would never speak to him again after this. The disillusionment and embarrassment he felt was nothing compared to the frustration however. It was as if he were filling up like a balloon, a balloon which must surely burst in an outpouring of anger and aggression. He felt it welling up inside him, his internal demons shouting down his better angels as they reared their ugly heads, building to a crescendo which surged throughout his body, taking control. And then he was off. He emitted a yell as he began to run, a primal scream that was more animal than man. He hit the row of lockers at full speed in a fluid shoulder charge. The pain rushed down his arm and throughout his upper body like an electric current. He reeled away in shock as the entire row of metal lockers was sent tumbling by the impact, doors bursting open as if they were on springs. With an almighty crash they landed, sending dust spraying in all directions like an erupting volcano. Reese stared at the devastation open mouthed, astonished at the mayhem he had created, but equally surprised at how good it had felt. Though the pain in his arm was extreme he couldn't help but smile, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Abruptly he heard sharp sound from behind him, and he reeled around suddenly. He saw the figure of Coach Crawford standing by the door. To Reese's amazement he was clapping, a slow rhythmical applause which seemed all the more bizarre amid the wreckage of the locker room at his feet. Slowly the Coach crossed the room towards Reese, a strange look on his face that was half pleasure and half disapproval. All the while he continued to applaud.
'Nice moves, son. That was quite a hit!' he said eventually as he reached Reese, who smiled.
'Thanks Coach!' he replied. 'I don't know what came over me.'
'Well whatever it was' continued the Coach, 'I liked it. You know there's always an opening on the football team for someone with the sort of raw aggression you just showed. It's that enthusiasm and spirit that wins ball games, and God, we badly need some winners on the team.' The Coach paused as he considered his next words carefully. 'Look son, why don't you come down to practice this afternoon, we can try you out in a real game situation. I'm not promising anything, but you sure have some potential.'
'Sure, absolutely' said Reese without a second thought. He had been racking his brains to think of some possible way to break into a sports team, and now suddenly an opportunity had fallen right into his lap. He intended to grab it with both hands.
'3.00pm sharp, don't be late' said the Coach as he turned to leave. He took another look at the toppled row of lockers. 'And you'd better get this mess cleaned up before the Principal finds out. I don't want you missing training because you've got detention.' Reese surveyed the mess and prepared to clear up. 'Oh and son' said the Coach; Reese turned to look at him again. 'If I were you I'd put some ice on that shoulder.'