Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: GATHERING (07/14/16)
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TITLE: The Fence-Sitter | Previous Challenge Entry
By Belinda Peoples
07/21/16 -
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It wasn’t that Alfie didn’t want to smile. He dearly desired to say hello with his whole face, his voice and his hands — all at the same time! But for Alfie, just to bravely lift his head and meet someone’s gaze was a struggle.
Alfie’s parents gently encouraged him to mix with his classmates. They’d suggested everything from playdates to parties, but Alfie’s nerves had got the better of him every time. He sensed this frustrated his parents, but he was grateful they did a pretty good job of hiding it. Whenever Alfie’s courage failed, they enveloped him in a loving hug and soothed his anxiety with reassurance that he could try again when he was ready.
Alfie had one friend he loved spending time with. If it was up to Alfie, they’d be together from sunrise to sunset every day, if only things like school and homework didn’t get in the way. Pickles was as loyal as good friends come, so Alfie never hesitated to be loyal in return.
Once a week, since the start of spring, the best buddies had been allowed to walk around the block on their own, with a stop at the park to play fetch. Pickles always knew when Saturday had arrived. He sat, tail wagging, at the front door with his favourite ball in his mouth, waiting patiently for Alfie.
This particular Saturday started out the same as usual; boy and dog stepped out in lighthearted happiness together, chests puffed with the notion of independence. As Alfie rounded the street corner, the inviting expanse of deep green grass came into view. Pickles’ tail whipped and waggled with excitement, but Alfie felt suddenly deflated. A bunch of kids were playing cricket together, right where Alfie and Pickles played.
What was Alfie to do? He couldn’t leave and walk home; Pickles surely would feel so disappointed if Alfie made him miss their special weekly outing. But Alfie already felt his stomach tying itself in knots at the thought of going over to where the other kids were, even if a part of him really did want to join them. He recognised one child from school; a girl with curly red hair named Sarah.
There was nothing for it. Alfie would have to sit on the fence and hope it wasn’t too long before their game finished and they decided to leave. Awkwardly, Alfie perched himself on one of the fence’s thick wooden crossbeams, trying not to release the dog lead, on which Pickles was insistently pulling.
“Pickles! Stop!” Alfie cried in exasperation, “We need to wait, just a little while.”
Alfie heard the unmistakable thwack of a ball on the sweet spot of a cricket bat. Unfortunately for Alfie, so did his eager Border Collie. Before Alfie could tighten his grip, Pickles had broken free and was in hot pursuit of the ball as it soared through the air. Moments later, he was bounding back to Alfie with it in his mouth.
“Hey! That’s our ball!”
Alfie looked up to see Sarah running towards him.
“Oh! Hi Alfie. I didn’t see you sitting there,” Sarah puffed, catching her breath. “Is this your dog?” she asked, wiping her unruly fringe from her eyes.
Alfie nodded as he retrieved the ball from Pickles and gave it to Sarah.
“Thanks. He’s lovely,” said Sarah, admiringly. “What’s his name?”
“Pickles,” Alfie whispered.
“Hey guys! Come over here!” Sarah called to the rest of her mates.
As the kids gathered around Sarah and Alfie, Pickles introduced himself to all of them with a lick and a handshake. He was an instant hit.
“Guys, this is my friend, Alfie, from school,” Sarah said, putting her arm around Alfie’s shoulder. “And this is Pickles,” she added, gesturing in his direction.
“Hi Alfie,” came many friendly greetings in reply.
Alfie was gobsmacked. He didn’t even know Sarah knew his name, but she had just said he was her friend.
“Alfie, we really need more fielders. Can you play with us? Pickles wants to!” Sarah laughed. They both watched as Pickles trotted away with the rest of the kids.
Alfie hesitated. He really wanted to.
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Sarah encouraged, and held out her hand.
With a brave smile, Alfie took it.
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Not so sure what you meant by the sentence: There was nothing for it.
Congratulation on your EC award.
The parents were a wonderful example of providing support to a more hesitant child.