THE SLINGSHOT
Disclaimer: We all know that I don’t own any of the characters from the two movies we all like. They belong to Universal Studios and Stephen Sommers. So now we can begin
It was three weeks away. Alex was going to be six, and he was excited. He liked Christmas, but his birthday was the best, because it was all about him. The one thing he wanted most this year was a slingshot. His friend Max had one. Max’s mum had grown up with his mum, and though they didn’t get much time to spend together, when they did, it was always lots of fun. Now he was sitting on his parents bed trying to convince Evelyn why he needed a slingshot.
“If I had one, I could protect us against any intruders.” Evelyn was putting away clean cloths, not convinced.
“Alex, I know you want one, but not right now. You need to be older.” Alex wasn’t ready to give up.
“But if we got one for me, then Dad can teach me how to use it and be responsible.” As he finished saying that Rick walked in, returning from getting the car fixed.
“What can I teach you how to use?” Evelyn didn’t look happy, and that was never a good sign.
“Mum says I’m to young to have a slingshot, and I told her that you could teach me how to use it. Then I won’t hurt anything.” Rick had learned a long time ago, that Alex was good at manipulating both of them, and that it saved many an argument, to have a united front.
“Sorry son, if mum says no slingshot, then I’ll have to agree. I promise you when you turn 8 we will consider it.” That was not what Alex wanted to hear.
“But dad, thats going to be forever.” Rick walked over and gave Alex a kiss.
“Not that long, only two years.” Not happy with being told no, Alex ran out of his parents room, and they heard his door slam shut. Evelyn sighed, and Rick came taking her into his arms.
“Sometimes I think I should just stop being so protective,” Evelyn admitted as she rested her head against her husbands chest.
“No you shouldn’t. Alex doesn’t need a weapon at this point in his life, and he has to get used to the fact, that he’s not always going to get his way.” Rick gently held her away from him and kissed her lips.
“I’ll go talk to him.” She nodded, and after one more kiss, he left to do just that.
In his room, Alex had made a big mess. He was mad, and when he got mad, things got messy. Now he sat in the middle of his floor pouting when he heard the door open.
“Looks like a storm blew through here,” Rick said, light hearted. Alex didn’t say a word.
“We better start picking up.” Rick suggested.
“I don’t want to,” came his sons reply.
“Would you rather go without dessert tonight?” Rick asked. Alex slowly got up, and together the two of them put his room back together. When they were finishedk Rick lifted Alex into the air and spun him around, getting laughs.
“Thats better,” Rick said setting Alex down. A frown creased the little boys face, and Rick sat down pulling Alex onto his lap.
“It’s not fair,” Alex said.
“Whats not fair?” Although he knew the answer, he wanted Alex to talk about why he was so upset about not getting a slingshot.
“Max has one, and he’s only seven.” Now Rick was beginning to see why his son was upset.
“But Max isn’t my son, you are, and for right now your mum and I need to keep you safe. Slingshots can be dangerous, and right now we feel that you need to be older to take on that responsibility.” Alex pouted.
“Still not fair.” Rick kissed the top of his head.
“Come on, let’s go see what Marie has made for dessert.” Rick stood tossing Alex over his shoulder and they went downstairs.
A few days later, Alex was under his Uncle Johns care, and was talking about wanting a slingshot, with him.
“It would be soo fun to have one, then I could defeat all the bad guys.” Not thinking anything of it, Jonathan agreed that they would go get him one on his birthday. Alex was so happy, he did a dance around his uncles room. Jonathan was happy to see a smile on his face, and glad to be the one to put it there.
A few days before his birthday, Jonathan purchased a nice slingshot for his nephew. It was a smaller model, one just right for Alex, and on his way home, Jonathan decided to save this present for last, kind of tease him into thinking he hadn’t gotten it. He had know idea that this gift was not something either his sister, or Rick had already said no to, and being Jonathan, he didn’t even think to ask about it.
Now the big day of the party arrived. All of Alex’s buddies were there. Megan, Max, Josh, and Thomas had arrived pretty much at the same time. It was too cold to do anything outside, so the parlor had been set up for the event. Right now the kids were playing tag, using two couches as base. Thomas was it.
“Ahh come on you guys get off base so I can get you.”
“Hey Thomas look its a parrot,” Josh said. Thomas being the gullible sort looked, and Alex, and the others scattered. Thomas came after Alex, and almost caught him, when Megan destracted him. He ran after her, then finally caught her. It was then that Evelyn came in.
“Do I have anyone in here who would like cake?” The kids all screamed, and she took that as a definite yes. They all went into the Dining room and took their seats, Then Jonathan turned the lights down, and Rick came out with the cake, which was in the shape of a pyramid. Everyone sang to Alex as Rick set the cake down in front of his son, then Alex made a wish and blew out all of the candles in one breath.
“Wow Mrs. O’Connell, how did you get the cake to look like this?” Josh asked.
“I would love to take the credit, but Marie is the one who made this.” Evelyn cut the cake, and Jonathan and Rick served it to their guests. It didn’t take all that long for the kids to finish the cake, and then, they all went back into the parlor for present time.
“Megan, why don’t you give Alex your present,” Evelyn said. She handed him a basket that was covered. Alex uncovered it, and found in it, all the things he would need to groom a horse. He went to Megan’s allot, and loved to help out with the horses, so this was the perfect gift.
“Thanks Megan.” From Thomas, Alex got a cowboy hat, and a bandanna, that his dad and he had gotten him, while they were visiting relatives in the states. Josh and Max got him trucks of various sorts, then they went back to playing. His family would give him their gifts later. Now they were playing Peter Pan. Of coarse Alex being the birthday boy, got to play the part of Peter. Megan refused to be Tiger Lilly, so they let her be a one of the lost boys
“Megan, your Nanny is here.” Rick said. He had her coat, and helped her put it on. She started to leave, then very quickly ran over to Alex and gave him a kiss on the cheek and left. The other three boys teased Alex who was very red in the face. Evelyn came in noticing Alex blushing and asked about that.
“Megan gave him a kiss,” Rick said. In the next hour all of the rest of the guests left, and now Alex was playing with his trucks. His mum and dad came in with a few more gifts, and Uncle John came in with nothing. Alex tore through all of them looking for the gift he really wanted , but it wasn’t there, however he had gotten some pretty cool stuff, and decided that not getting a slingshot wasn’t such a bad thing.
“All right Alex, you’ve had a big day. Its time for a nap.” Alex started to protest, when Uncle John offered to take him up. So they agreed.
Now in bed, Alex waited, hoping that his uncle had gotten him the present he really wanted.
“Well, I guess there is one more present I should give to you.” He pulled out of his pocket the slingshot.
“Oh wow how neat.” Alex held it smelling it, which made Jonathan laugh.
“So what do you intend to do with that?”
“Guard the house of coarse. Uncle John, can this be our secret.” Jonathan didn’t see any problem with that.
“Sure partner. Now, you have to use this outside. Is that a deal?” Alex nodded.
“Will you sit with me?” Jonathan took off his shoes and laid next to his nephew. Truth be told he was tired as well, so in the end both of them ended up taking a nap.
Despite the cold days of November, everyday after school, Alex bundled up and went outside practicing his shooting skills. He didn’t know why mum and dad had been so against him having one. He generally went out into the woods to practice, knowing that his butt was toast if mum or dad ever found out he had one. Right now he was practicing shooting off dead branches, using stones he found as ammunition. He was so intent on what he was doing, that he didn’t see Uncle John sneaking up on him.
“Gotcha.” Alex jumped.
“Uncle John, you scared the life out of me.” Jonathan chuckled.
“Your doing pretty good there.” Alex smiled, always glad to have Uncle John pleased with him. Jonathan gave him a few pointers, and Alex caught on fast.
“It’s getting pretty cold out here, why don’t we go inside and have some hot chocolate.” Alex liked that idea
“With Marshmallows” Jonathan nodded, and the two raced back up to the house.
Alex managed to keep the slingshot a secret for a few more weeks, then he blew it. Max had been after him to bring his to school, so that they could start a club. Seeing no harm in that, Alex brought it with him the very next day. Now it was recess, and the boys were outside, hiding behind one of the many trees on the playground, taking shots at various things.
“I dare you to shoot for the window,” Max said. Never one to say no to a dare, Alex took a small round stone, took aim and hit the window, shattering it.
“Oh my god you broke it,” Max said.
“Well you dared me,” Alex yelled back.
“You don’t always have take a dare,” Max yelled. They didn’t notice one of the teachers walking over, until it was too late.
At home, Jonathan was there. He had agreed to watch after Alex for 2 days, while Evelyn and Rick went to another meeting of the Bembridge Scholars. He shook his head, not seeing how, at least Rick, could stand to be around those stuffy suit types, but then he knew how much Rick loved his sister, so that would be reason enough he guessed. The phone’s ring pulled Jonathan out of thought
“O’Connell residence.” Jonathan answered.
“Yes is Mr., or Mrs. O’Connell available,” came a stern voice from the other end.
“No, they are away on business. May I be of any assistance.”
“I’m Head Master Fredricks, at the school.” Jonathan didn’t like the sound of this.
“I’m Alex’s Uncle, Jonathan Carnahan.” For some reason just talking to this man made Jonathan’s hands sweat.
“Mr. Carnahan. Your nephew brought a slingshot to school with him today, and shot out a window with it. As punishment he is suspended until after the holidays.” Closing his eyes, Jonathan tried not to think about how much trouble his own butt would be in when Rick and Evelyn came home.
“I’ll come get him, and bring enough money to pay for a replacement.”
“Thank you sir.” The phone clicked and Jonathan got his coat on, and left for the school
When he arrived it was a little before school let out. Jonathan walked through the main door, and up the stairs. He took the first door, and a left, down to the end of the hall, where the head masters office was. When he walked in Alex was sitting on a chair, and didn’t even look up. Head Master Fredricks greeted Jonathan with a handshake.
“We got an estimate for the damage.” The Headmaster gave Jonathan a peace of paper and Jonathan paid the man out of his own money.
“Alex lets go,” Jonathan said to his nephew, none to pleased. The ride home was silent, and Alex knew he was in serious trouble. He had never seen uncle John angry, and hoped never to see this again. When they got home, Jonathan sent Alex to his room.
“Go up to your room, and sit on your bed, and don’t do anything until I come up.” Alex ran upstairs, and Jonathan went into the parlor debating poring a drink, but decided not to. He sat down and put his hands on his head. What had he been thinking getting Alex this slingshot, and now that he though about it, why was Alex being so secretive. There was only one way to get to the bottom of this.
It was upsetting having Uncle John so mad at him, and Alex wanted to cry, but didn’t. When the door opened he dared to look up, but didn’t find a happy Uncle John.
“Now, I want you to be truthful with me,” Jonathan said sitting down next to Alex.
“Your parents didn’t want you to have a slingshot did they.” Alex took in a breath of air.
“They said I was too young.” Jonathan closed his eyes and took in a breath.
“You’ve never lied to me before, so why now?”
“I just wanted to have one, and I didn’t mean to make you mad.” Alex started to cry, but didn’t get any sympathy from his uncle.
“Alex, I’m not sure what to do here. You and I have always been able to tell the truth to one another. I don’t like being the one who gives out the punishments, thats not what Uncles do.” Alex sniffed.
“I’ll never do it again.”
“I hope not. Your grounded until your mum and dad come home and think of a more suitable punishment. I’ll bring your dinner up to you. Your not to come out unless its an emergency.” Jonathan shut the door and Alex cried hard.
The next two days were bad. Uncle John wouldn’t talk to him, and Alex got it in his head that his Uncle no longer loved him. The night before his parents were to come home, Alex wrote a note, the best he could, telling his Uncle he was sorry he had been bad ,and that night he went to Megan’s. He was glad she had a room on the first floor and knocked on he window. She opened it up, and he crawled in.
“You look sad,” She said.
“I am. I made my Uncle John hate me. So I want to live here with you.” Megan loved Alex like a brother, and after he got his pajamas on they got in her bed.
“You don’t mind that its too girlie do you?’’ He shook his head, and the two drifted off into sleep.
It was that morning that Jonathan found the note, and cursed himself for not handling things right. This was the first time he had actually been mad at Alex, though he recalled a time when the roles were reversed, and Alex had been mad at him. Jonathan called around to various houses, but noone had seen him. He hadn’t though of calling Megan’s, too distraught to really think, and thats when Rick and Evy came home, and found him pacing in the parlor.
“Jonathan?’’ Evelyn asked
“Oh Evy I’ve made a mess of things again.” He sat down on the couch, not crying, but wanted too. Evelyn looked at Rick then sat down next to him
“What happened?” she asked in a soothing voice
“I got Alex a slingshot for his birthday. He told me how much he wanted one, and I, being the brilliant man I am, didn’t even think that it was something you two didn’t want him to have. So he took it with him to school, and broke out one of the Windows. I paid for that out of my own money, and I was so mad at him, I couldn’t think straight. They suspend him until after the holidays. I grounded him to his room, and I haven’t talked to him, and he wrote a note telling me since I hate him he’s running away.” Jonathan looked up at his sister.
“This isn’t your fault. Alex knows better than to do this. Who have you called?” Evelyn asked.
“Josh’s family, Thomas’s, Max’s.”
“What about Megan’s?” Rick asked.
“No, and I bet thats where he is.” Rick and Evelyn started to go out, but Jonathan stopped them.
“Please let me handle this?” They agreed, and Jonathan left.
When he arrive at Richardson Manor, and knocked on the door, Nanny Catherine answered, suprised to see him.
“Is Megan home?’ She nodded. Megan was home tutored, so Nanny Catherine led hem to the girls room, and left him alone. Jonathan knocked, and there was a fairly long wait before the blond hair blue eyed girl answered.
“Oh hi Mr. Carnahan.”
“Hello Megan, can I come in?” She nodded and he entered her room.
“You can sit at my desk if you would like,” she said nervously.
“Thank you.” Jonathan sat down.
“Have you seen Alex. He ran away last night because he thinks I don’t love him anymore.” She shook her head.
“No sir. I’ve been in here all day, and I haven’t seen him at all.” she sat up on her bed.
“I thought for sure he would come here. Well, will you give him a message if you see him?” she nodded.
“Tell him that I love him very much, and if he ran away, and didn’t come back, that his family would be lost without him.” She agreed to tell him, and Jonathan left, hoping that Alex would come home. When he was gone, Alex came out.
“I got to go.” She didn’t agree with him.
“But your going to be in big trouble.”
“ I know, but they need me.” She helped him get his things together, then Alex left and took his time going home. When he walked in the door, it was quiet. He removed his boots and his winter gear, then walked into the main parlor where Uncle John was waiting.
“Come sit with me,” Jonathan said. Alex did and Jonathan set him on his lap.
“I’m sorry I got so mad at you Alex. I just was hurt, and I’m not real good with having to deal with things when they get bad.”
“I’m sorry I did what I did. I know mum and dad said no, but I just had to have one. You still love me right. Jonathan turned Alex to face him.
“Alex don’t ever think that I don’t no matter what you do.” The two of them hugged.
“So does this mean I’m not in trouble anymore?” He asked.
“No, your still getting a punishment, and I already discussed it with your mum and dad. Your going to be grounded like I said, but you also have to help out with the chores around the house, as well as do your studies.”
“I think I liked it better when I was grounded to just my room.” That made Jonathan laugh, and he hugged his nephew, then tickled him.
“Stop, stop, mercy.” Mum and dad came in then, and instead of defending him ,they joined in, and had an all out tickle war. Things once again were back as they should be, and life for Alex and his Uncle, was as always, a never ending adventure.
Authors note: Well there it is. Im not sure what other kind of punishment to put on Alex, since I don’t agree with corporal punishment, and don’t see Rick or Evy ever laying a hand on him, so I know its more of the same, but oh well its my story right? Comments Welcome. Thanks Shelby