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.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
(About Phillip Home) (Last) (Next)
Lance's Response
"Phillip, I recognize we have a bad relationship. There’s been lots of water under the bridge. I think we can work together to build a stronger family."
Phillip looked mistrustfully at his father. Old dogs, after all… He said nothing.
"Lance," interjected Brother Haven. "Perhaps you can outline some steps that would help build a new relationship."
Lance studied the wall again. Margo patted his knee.
"Ok, I’ll try. With regard to the accident," said Lance. "I’m sure we can work out a mutually satisfactory conclusion and put it behind us."
"Like what?" asked Phillip.
"I’m sure you can understand there are expenses…"
"Dad, I already told you I only have five hundred dollars and I’ll probably need it for the ticket."
"Honey, we won’t make you do anything you’re not comfortable doing," offered Margo.
"With regard to driving," said Lance, ignoring his wife. "It comes as a complete surprise that you would surrender your permit. But if that’s your decision…" he swallowed " …I’m sure…I guess…well, that’s a closed issue."
"Thank you," said Phillip.
"With regard to treating you as an individual, you’re already an individual. Explain more what you mean."
"Dad, I’ll never be a straight-A student, nor will I ever be an Eagle Scout, and I’ll never play football or be written up in the paper as a big deal athlete. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things I’m good at."
Lance was silent. He stared at the wall again. Margo patted his knee.
Brother Haven cleared his throat again. Everyone looked at him. "Phillip, could you give us some examples of what you consider your strong points?"
Phillip looked at the trophy. "I do pretty good at track. I’m good at computers. I’m good with animals. I do my church stuff."
Lance spoke quietly. "Phillip, I wish you’d let me come to your track meets."
Phillip eyed his father suspiciously. "I don’t want you telling me how to run better or try harder or compete more. That’s what Coach Johnson is for."
"What would you like me to do?"
"Cheer. That’s all. Just cheer."
"I can try to do that."
"Regionals are Thursday, a week from today, in Thornton."
"I have an appointment with Bill Banks. No. I’ll move the appointment."
"No coaching."
"No coaching," said Lance, gritting his teeth. "As far as not understanding your viewpoint, I think I already understand…" He flinched as Margo’s fingernails bit into his knee. "I’m sure we can ensure you have an opportunity to explain your point of view."
"I don’t mean just give me a space to talk. I mean I want you to actually understand what I feel."
Lance sighed. He pried Margo’s hand from his knee and stared at the wall.
"As far as yelling, I apologize for raising my voice from time to time, but I would ask that you…"
"Honey, I think Phillip has a good point," said Margo. "Can we make it a family goal to lower our voices?"
Lance shrugged. "I suppose," he said without conviction.
Brother Haven cleared his throat again. "Phillip, I think we’ve covered all five of your points. What do you think?"
Phillip eyed his mother and father. Margo held her breath. Lance held his temper. Brother Haven looked at Phillip expectantly.
Phillip stared at the trophy. "I need some time to think," he whispered.
"Oh, Margo!" exclaimed Lance. "This group therapy thing is leading nowhere!"