" I, uh, was bringing your basketball back in," Charlie started nervously.

" Wait! Wait! Wait!" Don interrupted furiously, " So you took my ball, too! Charlie! How many times have I told you to STAY OUT OF MY ROOM!"

Charlie cringed away from Don. He should have kept his mouth shut about that. Don glared down at his little brother. Taking in a deep breath he calmed down.

" What happened next?" he said through gritted teeth.

Charlie looked up at Don and in a small voice replied, " I was just placing the ball in your room when..."

Charlie sat contently in the shade staring at the basketball hoop. A cool breeze blew in as the sun began to set. Any minute now his mom would be home. Of course, she would most likely flip out seeing Charlie outside the house. For some reason she seemed to be overly worried that someone was going to kidnap him or something like that. To Charlie's way of thinking, it was reaching to the point of paranoia.

Don's ball began to roll as the breeze picked up slightly. Charlie watched it for a few seconds before standing up. Stooping down he grabbed the ball and headed into the house. A welcome quiet reached his ears as he started up the stairs. Entering his own room he cautiously put the ball onto his desk and began jotting down a steady stream of numbers. In an instant he found himself transported into his own world, the basketball long forgotten.

Time passed without Charlie's knowledged as he applied whatever data could be used. With any luck Don could give these new equationsto his basketball team. If that luck,thoughCharlie thought of it as probable chance, held, then Don's team would be three times as good as they were last season.

Besides, Charlie thought to himself, they could help the other guys catch up to Don.

The thought cheered Charlie on, even though it was accompanyed by bitter as long as he could remember Don had always told him to stay away from school sports games. At home Don was more than happy to sit with Charlie and depending on the season watch baseball or basketball on the T.V. At school, however, Don would forget to tell Charlie when he had a game, or which opponent they were facing. Charlie remembered always having to find that information out from his dad a few days before and then spend theremaining timeprior begging Don to let him go. He didn't know why, but Charlie felt he needed Don's permission to watch anything his brother did.

Charlie heard the back door open loudly downstairs. Walking over to his bedroom door he peaked out in time to see his mom walking up the stairs.

" Hey, mom," he called outwhen she reached thelast step.

" Hey, Charlie," she replied jokingly, " So did you finish building a better mouse trap?"

Charlie glared at his mom.

" Ha, ha, your a real riot, Mom," he replied.

His mom smiled and said, " I think you've been around your brother to long. Your starting to pickup his bad habits."

A look of curiosity crossed Charlie's face. Opening the door a little wider he looked at his mom.

"Don doesn't have bad habits," Charlie answered defensively.

" I know, sweetie," his mom replied, " I just mean that you two become more alike every day."

Charlie's eyes lit up.

" You think I'm like Don," he mumbled trying to keep his voice under control.

His mom nodded. Charlie smiled pleased at the thought. Wait till Don finds out, he thought excitedly.

" So if you haven't been building a better mouse trap, what have you been doing?" Charlie's mom asked.

Charlie looked up.

" I've been figuring out new equations that should help Don's basketball team! I tried using a comparison to ball weight, trajectory, and arm strength to create the perfect shot. If Don gives that to his new coach, I know they'll win this year!" Charlie answered excitedly.

A look of worry flashed over Mrs. Eppes face. She was aware of the tension Don felt whenever Charlie tried to help him or his team. She knew Charlie had no idea and that Don would never admit to it. A sigh escaped her lips.

" That's very good, Charlie," she answered catching herself, " I'm sure Don would be happy to give your equations to his coach."

She watched Charlie grin with pride. It hurt her to know how young Charlie still was, and how much he had to learn about the world. The only thing she could do was protect him until he was ready.

" Well, I'm going to sort this laundry. Then I'll start making dinner."

" What are we having?"

" Tuna."

" Kay, Mom," Charlie replied walking back into his room, " Call me when it's ready."

With that Charlie closed the door. His mom smiled to herself. Everyday Charlie became more and more like Don. Pretty soon, he wouldn't be her little boy anymore. Sighing she walked back to Alan's and her's bedroom.

Charlie stared at his desk in disbelief. Sitting right there in plain sight was Don's basketball. How could he have forgottern it! Charlie hurriedly picked it up and ran for Don's room. If Don caught him with this ball, it would be good-bye equation and hello pillow ducking. Don's door slammed open for Charlie. Quickly he dropped the ball and let it roll.

Wait, Charlie thought to himself, Don will notice if it's not in the same spot. Where did I find it?

Charlie remembered nearly tripping on the ball as he was backing out. Don wouldn't want his ball there, he thought to himself, where would the best place to put it be.

For some reason Charlie's eyes were drawn to Don's dresser. A breeze from the window tugged at a few loose articles of clothing. If there had been a breeze when Charlie stumbled in it may have pushed the ball into the doorway. Logically, then, Charlie placed the ball carefully next to the dresser.

Satisfied Charlie crept back cautiously reanalyzing the location. It seemed suitable to him. Suddenly without warning Charlie felt himself lose his footing. Trying to regain his balance Charlie grabbed out for anything he could find. His hands connected with the dresser jostling it as Charlie caught his footing.

Right before his eyes, Charlie watched in horror as the small jostle knocked down Don's most prized possession, an MVP award he had won last year. The crystal- like structure toppled in slow motion, crashed to the ground, and shattered right before Charlie.

At that moment Charlie heard Don's voice yell, " HELLO! Is anyone home!"