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For an entire week, all Chase could talk about was his archery lesson. He was so proud of himself for hitting the target and for being as good as the older kids. It really boosted his confidence.

Beth also noticed him talking about his teacher, Daryl. It truly was amazing how much you could talk about someone that you spent an hour with. Perhaps it was the fact that Daryl really took the time with him and he wasn't someone of authority in her son's life. It pained her that he didn't have a male role model in his life and of course, he would latch on to the first man who ever did. It wasn't like she had a choice in the matter. Men were heartless bastards in Beth's eyes.

Her father and brother were truly amazing men but they both left her way earlier than she ever thought. Maggie's husband Glenn was a nice man but he pulled Maggie away from her to Minnesota. And Zach, well, he was the biggest asshole of them all. Cheating on her with her now ex-best friend was the lowest of the low. It was after him, that Beth swore men off from her life. It must have been a cruel joke from God that her child was a boy. She someone hoped that he could right the wrongs of those before him.

With Chase speaking so much about Daryl, it did make Beth think about him more. He was incredibly handsome and broke the mold of men that Beth was usually interested in. Daryl was rugged and rough around the edges. He didn't speak much, but you could see the enthusiasm in his eyes and voice when he spoke about hunting and archery. It was actually nice to see someone enjoy themselves in a work setting, instead of complaining about it.

She wondered what he did for a living. He was offering this class free, so he must work during the week. He was very muscular and tan so it wouldn't surprise her if he worked outside. He wore a sleeveless plaid button up, with an angel wing vest over top, and Beth could see that he either worked out, or was into manual labour. As much as Chase was looking forward to his next lesson, Beth sort of was too. It was the first time in seven years that she actually felt something for a man. She knew she would never act on it, as she wasn't looking for a boyfriend in all this. Her priority was Chase and her own needs would just have to suffice with herself

When Friday rolled around and Beth picked up Chase from school, he told her there was a note inside his backpack for her. Beth had received plenty of notes from his teacher already so she could only imagine what this could be about. She was actually plenty surprised to read what it said.

Ms. Greene

I am elated to say that I have seen a vast improvement in Chase's attitude the past week. I was made aware of your meeting with Mr. Wallace and the conditions that needed to be met. I can happily report that his attitude has improved tremendously and he's less disruptive in class. He still needs to focus more on his studies but I think we are at least on the right path.

I will make sure to pass this along to Mr. Wallace and I hope that these changes continue for Chase.

Mrs. Schneider

Beth nearly dropped the spoon as she was stirring the pasta sauce. Chase had improved in a week's time? That seemed impossible. She looked over at her son, who was playing with some toys on the kitchen table.

"Chase, how was school this week?" Beth asked. He mumbled something along the lines of fine and continued on playing. Beth sighed. It was always hard to get him to talk about boring things like school, but she was determined to see what had changed in him. "Did you tell any of your friends about your archery lessons?"

Chase's head perked up and that smile of his beamed from his face. "Yeah. They were really jealous of me cause I got to shoot an arrow and that I hit the target. They didn't believe me that I did it before the other kids."

"Well, they should cause I saw it with my own two eyes," Beth praised him.

"Daryl saw me do it too. If they don't wanna believe me, then maybe he can come tell them,"

"Maybe your friends would want to join next time if they offer this class again,"

"Nah, I like being the only kid who gets to do this." Beth giggled at his statement. He did like being the centre of attention most times, which also caused him to distract other people in inappropriate moments. It wasn't always embarrassing, but she certainly couldn't go back to church anytime soon.

"Well after supper, we can watch a movie and then get you to bed early. We gotta go grocery shopping in the morning before your lesson."

"Sure mom," he said, getting back to his toys.

That was something else she noticed. He wasn't putting up a fuss over every little thing she asked him to do. Bath time was still a chore and getting him in the morning was a headache, but he was listening the first time around and Beth found she wasn't raising her voice as much anymore.

She would have to test this theory for a few more weeks, but this class may have been exactly what he needed.

Once Beth had the car parked, Chase unbuckled himself and jumped out of the car and went full speed towards the practice area. Beth could tell he was ready to go since that morning. He was a ball of energy at breakfast and all through grocery shopping. He even offered to help her put things away, if it meant they could leave sooner.

She could see that Daryl was already out there, so she casually strolled over to where they were. Daryl was crouched down to Chase's level and was showing him the crossbow he promised to bring. Beth could see that sense of wonderment in her son's eyes again and that warming feeling in her heart started up again.

Daryl nodded in Beth's direction, as she made a place for herself on the ground again. It seemed Daryl was happy with Chase's progress and has all four targets setup at the same distance. It probably was a sense of accomplishment to him, as it was his students. She certainly would feel pride in herself if she was in his shoes.

She noticed that one of the other boy's father had joined. He stood on the other side of the field, watching his son and Daryl's interactions. The man's demeanor seemed a little off, as his arms were crossed over his chest and he seemed to be analyzing every little detail. Looks of judgement were passing over his face and Beth knew those well.

When she bumped into some old neighbours of her parents while she was six months pregnant, she could tell the way they judged her situation. No ring on her finger or man by her side. They even had the gall to ask where the father was in which Beth was honest; he wasn't in the picture.

Why this man had any right to judge Daryl and his teachings was beyond her. She made a mental note to keep watch on them, but she wanted to keep her focus on Chase.

Daryl was working with Chase now, showing him how to line up the shot, now that it was farther away, and taking the elements into account. He backed away so Chase could take the shot and he almost hit it in the bullseye. He was excited again and jumping up and down. Daryl gave him a pat on the shoulder and went on to the other kids.

It was amazing to watch how transfixed Chase was on Daryl. He listened to every word that man spoke, focused on his turn and waited patiently until it was his turn again. This was the most attentive Beth had ever seen her son and she knew that if they could make everything he did engaging, maybe he wouldn't act out so much.

Before long, the class was over with and the kids were sent on their way. The other boy's father went and spoke a few words to Daryl. She could tell he was being intrusive because Daryl could be seen standing up straighter and puffing out his chest a little more. It was a move that Beth could only describe as challenging. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could tell it wasn't a heated argument, and there seemed to be threat between them.

Once the man left with his son, Daryl seemed to relax a bit more and started cleaning up the area. Chase pulled on his mom's arm, wanting the attention.

"Could I go ask Daryl if it's okay if he shoots his crossbow? I want to see how it works," Beth nodded.

"Only if he says it's okay. Don't try and pressure him into it," Chase smiled and ran over to Daryl. He seemed to be okay with it and looked over at Beth. She nodded her head in accordance and went to sit back down on the ground.

Daryl showed Chase how to knock the bolt and pull it back. He let Chase try it but the kid could barely move the string. She watched Daryl's muscles flex as he pulled it back with all his strength and she could feel herself heat up from the action. His biceps were tight and bulging and she suddenly wished she could go in for a closer look. She shook her head and refocused herself on her little boy and not how good his instructor looked. Although the weather was changing, the man still wore a sleeveless shirt with that vest and Beth could only wonder if the elements even bothered him. She certainly felt warmer in the sweater she was wearing.

Daryl shot his bolt and Chase just smiled at him. "That's so cool," he shouted. He looked back at Beth. "Can I get one mom?"

"When you're an adult, you can do whatever you want," she answered him. She giggled and got up from her spot. "We gotta' get going Chase."

"Alright," Chase mumbled and looking to Daryl. "I'll see you next week Daryl," he waved to the older man and made his way to his mother. Daryl gave a little wave and continued cleaning up. Chase was full of excitement and would have another week full of stories to share with her and his friends.

After getting him in the car, Beth noticed Lori waving to her from the front doors and she started making her way towards the car.

"I wanted to see how things are going with the class. Daryl says that Chase's a natural with the bow."

"He really is. It was a little shocking but it seems like he was born with the talent." Beth said proudly.

"That's great to hear. I hope Daryl is good as a teacher. It's his first time."

"Really? He seems like he's done this before"

"No. He works construction during the week and hunts on the weekends."

"Well it seems my son isn't the only one with a natural talent," Beth giggled. Lori laughed as well.

"It took a lot of convincing to get Daryl to do this. He's more the strong, silent type,"

"I could see that. He doesn't say very much except for what he's teaching. But the kids understand him,"

"That's great!" Lori chimed with a smile. "I won't keep you any longer. Have a good night,"

"You too," Beth waved as she made her way into the car. Chase was happy and that made her even happier.

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