Dave Casler
PO Box 98
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
Young Adult Novels by Dave Casler...
I've been told by publisher after publisher that there's no market for Young Adult novels. I think they're wrong! So I'm putting my novels on-line for you. Forget the publisher! Read to your heart's content--it's free! And, I'd like to hear from you, too! Contact Page.
You're reading About Phillip. Be sure to check out About Dan here.
Phillip is a computer nerd who suddenly discovers a liking for track. Everything would be fine except for his father.
About Series Home
About the About Series
Index to All Chapters
Here are all the chapters, disguised as asterisks. Hover your mouse over an asterisk to see the title of the chapter. Click on the asterisk to go straight to that chapter.
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(About Phillip Home) (Last) (Next)
Put Up or Shut Up
Phillip stood up. But Matthew didn’t have spite in his eye today. He approached Phillip awkwardly as though uncertain about his mission.
"How’d you do?" he asked hesitantly.
"I qualified for Regionals. That’s all I care about."
"Good." Matthew paused, not knowing what to say. He stuck out his hand. " Congratulations, it must feel good."
Phillip didn’t wipe his hand this time. Matthew’s handshake had no grip; it was like the time he’d picked up a dead trout from a cold stream.
He said nothing, waiting for Matthew’s inevitable snide remark. Grant stood on his right and Melanie on his left, the three forming a phalanx against the coming onslaught.
Matthew paused to remember his script. "Uh, Phillip, I know I’ve been kind of pushy…"
"Matthew," said Phillip. "I know where you’re going. Look, here’s the deal. If you want to know if Mormons are Christians, why don’t you just come to our church and find out for yourself, ok?"
Phillip caught Matthew off guard. Matthew stepped back. "I can’t do that!" Matthew stated without hesitation. "I can’t go in a place like…"
"Why not?" pressed Phillip. "This is a free country. No one’s going to stop you."
"But my folks. And Luke…"
"I thought there was a Luke connection here." Phillip stepped forward a half pace.
"Yeah, but…" Matthew retreated a half pace.
"You know where the church is because some of your fellowship people were picketing last Sunday. We start at nine o’clock. Wear a white shirt and a tie."
"No!"
"It’s your choice, Matthew. Put up or shut up. I think you told me that yourself about two years ago. Now it’s your turn. Either come and see or forever keep your mouth shut. Are you Luke’s puppy dog?"
Matthew’s mouth moved but no sound came out. Looking bewildered, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
"All right!" shouted Melanie.
Melanie and Grant gave Phillip high fives. Phillip led the way to the Park gathering area in a search for Gatorade.
Luke handed Phillip his cup. "I hope Matthew was better-behaved today."
Phillip smiled. "Yeah. Loads better!"