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)
Martin Speaks
Martin’s right arm was in a blue ready-made adjustable sling that the hospital had provided. Inside the sling was a cast that extended from his knuckles past his elbow. Sixteen stitches graced his forehead above the right eye. An ugly mottled purple bruise extended from his right temple to a point just above his lips; there were several miscellaneous stitches here and there to complete the picture.
But his eyes bore their usual twinkle. "What are you guys laughing at? Can I see?"
Phillip and Grant moved away from the computer screen.
"Cool! Totally cool! He looks like a monkey that lost its banana. How’d you get that picture, Grant?"
"Well, your brother was telling him off…"
"You told him off?" exclaimed Martin. "I thought he intimidates you."
"Not this time," continued Grant. "I think we’ve seen the new Phillip."
"Wow. Maybe Phillip hit his head too hard in the accident."
Phillip stiffened. He looked away from Martin, staring at the wall, not seeing it.
"Uh," stammered Grant. "Yeah, the accident."
Martin laughed. "Oh don’t worry. You think I’m lording it over Phillip, don’t you? It wasn’t Phillip’s fault."
Phillip was surprised. He turned in his chair to face Martin, the photograph of Matthew forgotten. "You don’t blame me?" he said blankly.
"No, stupid brother. It was Dad’s fault; he was yelling at you even worse than Grams yells at him. You could’ve heard Dad from the top of Long’s Peak. How you ever drove with him is a mystery."
"But, I mean, your arm…your face."
"Well, dear ignorant brother. Didn’t Dad tell you I wasn’t wearing my seat belt?"
"No."
"Sounds like Dad. That’s why my face got cut up so much. Probably still would’ve broken my arm—maybe—‘cause that’s where the other car hit. But it gives me a good excuse not to go to school. Kinda boring staying home, though. I think I’ll try school tomorrow. Everyone is gonna think the bruise is totally cool. And the stitches will freak out the girls, just like last night at church. Yeah, I’m gonna go to school tomorrow!"
Phillip grinned. His brother was still his brother, even if he looked like a badly abused substitute. He felt a rush of gratitude.
"Phillip," asked Grant. "Tell me something I’ve been wondering about. All Martin’s injuries are on his right side. How come you have a big bruise on the left side of your face if the car got hit on the right?"
Phillip froze. He hadn’t told a soul. "Uh," he stammered. "Maybe ‘cause I was on the left side of the car?"
"Yeah, right, dear brother." Martin was mocking him. "I think Dad probably smacked you a good one. You busted up the new car, you know. I don’t blame him."
The color drained from Phillip’s face. "Martin, Dad yells but he’s not violent. The accident happened so fast."
"Well, I think it makes a better story than going around telling people that you don’t know how you got a black eye."
"Martin! Stop spreading rumors like that!" protested Phillip. The room was suddenly too warm.
"I don’t need to spread the story. That’s what everyone was guessing last night at church," he said happily. "We all figured you ‘n Dad must’ve had a big argument because no one’s seen another argument ‘tween you ‘n Dad on the subject and everyone hears your arguments, so it’s the only explanation. So there." He sat back to enjoy Phillip’s discomfort.
"I’ve just…just been avoiding Dad, that’s all," muttered Phillip.
"Maybe you should schedule something with your dad," offered Grant. "We could sell tickets and have popcorn…"
"Hey!" Phillip was horrified. Both Grant and Martin burst out laughing.
"Show me the other pictures," begged Martin. "For some reason I couldn’t be there yesterday."
"Martin, I think you’re lording it over Phillip," said Grant.
"My privilege," said Martin. "Show me the other pictures. I wanna see my big deal jock brother in action."
"I’m not a jock!" protested Phillip.
"Yeah, right. Show me the pictures."