Rite of Passage
Two boys standing in a vacant lot. Tyler, a chubby boy with his hands shoved deep in the pocket of his pants, his school books wedged between his arm and the softness of his belly. Drew had the collar of his wind breaker pulled up around the back of his neck, little protection against the cold wind that day, his books lay in the tall grass. The prospect of witnessing the after school challenge was exciting and filled both boys with anxious anticipation.
The combatants stood face to face, hands poised, feet holding steady. Jessie, was in a tee-shirt and jeans and a bit smaller than his opponent. Brad, still wearing his jacket seemed to be the aggressor, more by attitude than by appearance. As they glared into each other’s eyes, they knew there could be no turning back now, not with their two avid spectators.
Who knows what really brought those two boys to the lot that day? The stories will have changed a hundred times even before they reach home. But, at this point, standing there, pride comes before common sense. They no sooner stepped up to each other when Tyler began his loud mouthed, non stop chatter. Calling out to neither boy specifically, “If you win I’ll give you $2” pulling a handful of coins from his pants pocket. Obviously, Tyler was much better suited to standing on the sidelines making catcalls, rather than in the middle of the action. Drew was equally interested but not about to join Tyler in his antics.
Jessie and Brad started in on each other though few blows actually landed. It was too late, the momentum had already taken over. Next thing they both knew, they were rolling down the bank to the creek below, one over the other. It was Jessie who landed in the water first, somewhat stunned more from the sting of the freezing water than anything else. Gathering his feet beneath him Jessie knew he would be ready for whatever Brad had to bring next. As he looked up Brad was coming towards him both feet in the air, hands ready to deliver anything Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris would have at their disposal. Unfortunately, neither man was standing there with him. Brad was up, up and…no contact made…on his way to the same cold water as Jessie.
The badgering and catcalls continued from atop the bank., but Jessie and Brad now felt like gladiators fighting for their lives in an arena of ancient Rome. Knowing it wouldn’t be a lion to finish off the loser but worse, their reputation would be at stake. They continued to give it their best “shot”.
By now, Tyler had made his way to the edge of the bank to make sure he was getting his money’s worth. Just then the damp grass gave way under his feet, and the antagonist found himself tumbling down the bank right into the water. That was just enough of an intrusion to bring Brad and Jessie back to some sense of reality. They were no longer even sure what had prompted this challenge and decided to take advantage of the opportunity. They stood together, took one look at Tyler, and laughed for all they were worth. Without saying a word to each other they grabbed Tyler, one on either side pulled him to the middle of the creek. Satisfied, they headed up the bank back to the lot, the crowd had grown considerably since this all began. Brad and Jessie quietly walked past everyone and headed home teasing each other and slapping each other on the shoulder. Tyler? Well, he was still trying to pull himself up that bank…
It will happen perhaps more than once, you will be called on (out) to defend your opinions, your honor, or a case of saving face. And for a few young years sometimes the only way to defend these things is physically. But, if you are a bystander just remember, sometimes your opinion is not wanted and if you still insist on giving it you may have to pay the price.
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