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)
Quitting Group Therapy
"Honey, you said you’d give it a try." She was on the verge of tears.
"I did try!"
She began to cry.
"Lance, your son is making a reasonable request," said Brother Haven. "He just…"
Lance exploded. "Denny, we’re listening to all his adolescent demands but we’re not talking about the real issues. Responsibility. Accountability."
"I was right then," said Phillip sharply. Everyone turned to look at him.
"What do you mean, honey?" Margo wiped tears from her cheek.
Phillip’s face was set. "Nothing’s changed."
Lance jumped to his feet. "Margo, this is ridiculous! We’re wasting our time!" He held out his hand to help his wife to her feet. A sobbing Margo took it and rose. Lance strode into the entryway as Phillip and Brother Haven stood. Margo embraced Phillip wordlessly, sobbing on his shoulder. She kissed him on his cheek, wiped her tears and went into the entryway.
Phillip sat alone. He could hear but not see the adults in the entryway.
"Denny, I’m sorry you’ve ended up in the middle of this."
"Lance, don’t give up."
"I’m surprised you can put up with him."
"He’s a good kid, Lance. Give it some time."
The door closed. Phillip heard his father open the car door for his mother and then close it. More steps on loose gravel. Lance’s door slammed. Just as the car squealed away, Brother Haven came into the living room and sat on the edge of the recliner. For ten seconds they stared at each other.
Phillip broke the silence. "I’m sorry," he began. "Dad’s right. You shouldn’t hafta be involved."
"No, Phillip, I’m glad to help."
"Am I asking too much?"
Brother Haven thought for a minute. "Well, it’s not really my place to say, but I don’t think so."
Phillip considered this. "Guess I’d better talk with the bishop on Sunday."
"I’ll give him a call tonight and bring him up to speed."
"I guess I’m imposing on you. Can I stay for a few more days?"
Brother Haven smiled. "Yes, Phillip, of course." He rose. Phillip rose too. " I’ll let you know what the bishop says." He left the room.
Phillip stared at the trophy, untouched and unnoticed. He bent to pick it up. Absentmindedly, he polished the top of the miniature runner’s head with his tee-shirt. He heard Brother Haven talking to Sister Haven in low tones in the kitchen. He softly padded down the hall to the guest room. He reached in the closet for his clean-clothes bag; he pulled it out and dumped all the clothes on the bed. He put the trophy in the bottom of the bag and stuffed all the clothes back on top of it. He threw the bag in the closet and heard the trophy clunk on the floor. He closed the closet door and went to find Grant. He was empty and defeated.