Chapter 7

October 5, 2021

The school was closed the next day for repairs to the ceiling and roof. Counselors had been called in for anyone who needed them. Joshua hadn't told his parents about the late night hospital visit and he remained silent when his parents tried to talk to him. Sportacus told his son that he wanted to talk to him in private. This usually meant a chat in the airship.

It was a place where father and son had enjoyed talking about anything they wanted. Often the behaved like men up there too, so that Stephanie didn't have to deal with it. She didn't mind the watching football, hockey, or any other sport that happened to be on TV, it was the scratching, burping, and arguing about a referee's call that she minded.

Joshua walked with his father to where the airship was docked. Sportacus called for the ladder and the two climbed up.

"I need you to explain to me what happened. Tell me everything. I promise I'll understand more than you think." His father told him.

"How can you understand? I shot someone." Joshua said, his first words to his father in over a day.

"Not intentionally. Whether you believe it or not, you and Patrick saved a lot of lives yesterday." Sportacus replied.

"At what cost? I sent George to the hospital. He's hooked up to machines and mentally troubled. What I've done could possibly drive him over the edge." Joshua told his father.

"It was for the greater good. How do you know all about him?" Sportacus asked.

"Dr. Rottenstein let me see him last night. I connected with him and felt the paranoia and struggle inside his head." Joshua explained. This surprised his father but he continued on with the conversation.

"What you did took bravery son. You wrestled with George and it could have been you that got shot. Do you know how nervous I was? I could be visiting you in the hospital. But you took the chance anyway. That's why I think you are ready." Sportacus told him.

"Ready? For what?" Joshua asked.

"Ready to make a decision about your future. What path do you want to take?" His father asked.

"Are you crazy? I can't do this. After what happened yesterday? After what happened when I was five?" Joshua raised his voice.

"Son, I want you to have all the facts before you do anything. It's your life and I want to do what you want. I want to make sure before you just jump in head first." Sportacus tried to explain.

"No. You don't get. I can't." Joshua's voice continued to rise.

"I just want you to think. That's all." His father said. At this, Joshua seemed to calm down. The boy said nothing and went for the platform.

"DOWN!" He commanded. Before his father could stop him, Joshua was gone from the airship.

And I wanna believe you; When you tell me that it'll be ok; Yea I try to believe you; But I don't...

Joshua walked away from the airship. He needed to be alone.

I don't know how I'll feel; tomorrow, tomorrow; I don't know what to say; tomorrow, tomorrow; Is a different day...

Samantha saw her friend walking away from the airship and decided to follow.

It's always been up to you; It's turning around; It's up to me; I'm gonna do what I have to do; just don't...

She was surprised to see him head toward the old clubhouse instead of going home.

Gimme a little time; Leave me alone a little while; Maybe it's not too late, not today, today, today, today, today...

Joshua crawled into the old clubhouse. He, Patrick, and Samantha had built it when they were younger.

...Hey yeah yeah, hey yeah yeah, and I know I'm not ready; Hey yeah yeah, hey yeah yeah, maybe tomorrow...

Samantha watched him enter the clubhouse and she quickly ran over. She had to talk with him.

And I wanna believe you; When you tell me that it'll be ok; Yeah I try to believe you; Not today, today, today, today, today...

Joshua saw the door open and in walk Samantha. She smiled at him. They needed to talk.

Tomorrow it may change; Tomorrow it may change; Tomorrow it may change; Tomorrow it may change.

To Be Continued...

For reference the song is "Tomorrow" by Avril Lavigne.