Persuasion.

BOTH MY HANDS clenched into fists as I pushed up against my antagonizer, Danny, who straddled my back. His towering presence felt like a suffocating weight, his large right hand against the back of my head forcing it down to the unforgiving ground.

The coldness of the water in the puddle filled my mouth with bitter taste and gritty mud. I spat and sputtered, desperate to break Danny's hold.

“Give up you little wus?”, his lip snarled.

With a surge of adrenaline I managed to twist my body sideways using the slippery mud to my advantage as I wriggled free from his grasp.

I leaped up and delivered a powerful kick to Danny's shin. He winced, his eyes squeezing shut as he bent over and gripped his leg in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

Spotting "Trigger" my beloved bike lying on the grass I dashed towards it. I grabbed hold of the handlebars. I pulled it up, swung my leg over the seat, and started pedaling as fast as I could, eager to escape Danny's menacing presence.

“I'll see you at the carnival!” Danny howled behind me.

I pedaled as fast as I could to create distance between us. I was one hundred percent certain that he was giving me his signature gesture of his raised fist.

This could ruin everything. Maybe my entire Spring break and even the carnival!

Two minutes of hard pedaling brought me up the sidewalk leading to my front door.

With a solid “clunk,” I pushed the kickstand down on my bike, jumped off, and stood it next to the front porch. As I gazed at the welcoming house, a sense of urgency washed over me. I had to figure out how to sneak inside without my Mom noticing my disheveled state.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for the cold door handle and twisted it slowly. The door let out a low groan as I pushed it open, my heart pounding in my ears. With each cautious step inside, the anticipation of being caught heightened the tension in the air.

“You're home already?” My Mom called from the kitchen.

“UH-HUH.” I yelled back and hurried to the stairs that were just to the right of the door, explaining, “School got out early today.” Moving swiftly like a mountain goat, I ascended the stairs two at a time until I reached my “Fortress of Solitude”, my bedroom. Without wasting time, I entered and shut the door behind me.

First, I peeled off my shirt and then my pants. Opening my bedroom door slightly to ensure the hallway was clear, I dashed to the bathroom for a quick wash-up.

Returning promptly to my room, I changed into fresh clothes. Retrieving the mud-caked pants, I reached into the back pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of paper.

With a smile I opened it and read “Tildon Grade School Spring Fling.” at the top. Then it outlined the carnival rides. YEP! Actual CARN I VAL! I shivered with delight. All day yesterday all of us kids could hear the carnival being setup.

Throughout the day the teachers nagged us to pay attention, but who could think about anything else?

My only problem was that I did not have any money. Somehow I needed to make money.

I grabbed my latest Superman comic and flopped onto the bed. I went through the motions of reading but my money problem nagged at my brain.

Suddenly through the window came a commotion from the directions of the Peterson's. I popped my head up as a white truck with some kind of trailer pulled up and a guy jumped out.

I jumped up from the bed and grabbed my official Batnoculars! This might be serious!

` Peaking over my headboard I aimed the Batnoculars in the direction of the truck. I could tell there was some writing on the back but it was too blurry to read. I slid my finger to the focus dial and with great skill brought the words into focus “Orson's Lawn Service. Lawn mowing, weeding, sod for sale.”

“Holy happy days, Batman!” I shouted as if I were Robin “The Boy Wonder.”

I sprang out of bed with a burst of excitement, the idea sparking a surge of energy within me. I could totally mow some lawns for quick cash! Yes, that's it! And hey, maybe I could even take that cute girl from across the street along for the ride. With pockets full of money, the possibilities were endless! WOOT!

I put on my socks and my play shoes. I stopped and pointed my index finger up like I had seen Batman do, “There's no time to lose!” I exclaimed.

Flinging my door open I mounted the banister and slid down into a perfect landing at the bottom of the stairs. As I burst into the kitchen, my mom glanced back at me with a bemused expression, her hands busy wiping on her floral apron. "Well, what's got you wound up like an eight-day clock?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

I didn't waste a moment before shoving the crumpled paper flyer into her line of sight, the colorful details practically jumping off the page. "Mom, look to this!" I exclaimed eagerly.

Her eyes flicked over the flyer briefly before she turned back to the stove, reaching for a wooden spoon to stir whatever mysterious concoction was bubbling in the pot. "Well, isn't that something," she remarked casually, clearly more focused on her cooking than the excitement radiating from me.

But I couldn't contain myself any longer. "Mom, I need to make some money. I really, really want to go to the carnival," I implored, my voice tinged with desperation. I knew what was coming next, but I had to try.

“I need to use the lawn mower. That's okay, right?” I blurted out, the words rushing out in a jumble.

She paused, turning to regard me with a mixture of concern and firmness. "Sweetie, you know how I feel about you using the lawn mower. It's not safe for someone your age," she began, but I could see a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.

Before she could deliver the inevitable "no," I seized the opportunity. "Mom, I promise I'll be careful. I'll go slow, and I won't do anything risky. Please, Mom," I pleaded, willing her to reconsider.

I grabbed the broom from the corner and moved it around the floor avoiding the chairs as I swept around the table, “See? It's almost the same as sweeping. Please mom?” With a theatrical sigh I flung myself back in one of the kitchen chairs my arm draped across my forehead. The broom falling to the floor.

But she held her ground, shaking her head gently. "I'm sorry, honey. It's just too dangerous," she replied, a hint of regret in her voice.

Defeated but undeterred, I mustered up my last bit of hope. "Okay, Mom. Can I ask Dad when he gets home for lunch? Maybe he'll say yes," I suggested, already plotting my next persuasive tactic.

With a small smile, she nodded. "Of course, you can try your luck with your father," she conceded, turning back to tend to her cooking as I made a mental note to prepare my best argument for Dad's arrival.

It was not long before my Dad stepped through the door and I rushed to greet him.

He put his hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eye and smiled.

“Well, well what's all the rush?” he said.

I took a deep breath and said, “TheSpringcarnivalistomorrowandIwannamakemonyandmowsomelawnsMomsaid I... should.... ask ….you.” I gasped.

"Whoa there, take a deep breath and start again," my dad said, leading me into the kitchen where he settled into one of the red chairs, causing the vinyl to squeak.

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I looked him in the eye.

"The carnival is tomorrow. I really want to go but I need some money," I said in my most assertive man-to-man tone. He leaned back and glanced at my mom.

"I already told him that using the lawn mower is too risky," She said.

"Come on, Dad. I'll be extra careful. I've watched you a thousand times," I insisted, staring him down without blinking.

"Well, I have a solution," he finally said, making my heart race with anticipation.

"Really, Dad, really?" my voice rose as I struggled to contain my excitement, wiping sweat from my forehead. My dad and mom exchanged a glance. My mom with furrowed brows, reminiscent of the time I broke the window.

Standing up, my dad gestured for us to follow him into the garage. Turning on the light, he walked to the corner and unveiled something hidden under a musty tarp. With some effort and a series of squeaks and shlip, shlip, shlip sounds, he revealed something unfamiliar to me. "Here you go, son. Our old push mower. The wheels need oil, but the blades are sharp," he said, handing it to me.

"Thanks, Dad," I hugged him tightly, feeling grateful.

"Well, it's still dangerous, so be cautious," my mom's voice trailed off as she retreated inside.

Convincing my dad that I knew how to oil the mower, thanks to my experience maintaining my bike, I persuaded him to let me start with our own lawn. Soon, under the blazing afternoon sun, I was sweating profusely as I mowed my first lawn.

Upon my dad's return from his job, he inspected my work, praising me for a job well done before reaching into his pocket and producing a bill.

"You've saved me hours of work on the weekends. Here's a little extra for a job well done," he said, shaking my hand and placing the bill in my sweaty palm before heading inside.

Peering down, I unfolded the bill. "FIVE BUCKS!" I exclaimed, twirling in excitement and waving it in the air.

The next morning, I woke as the sun just started to light up the mountains, my excitement for the day already bubbling inside me. I wasted no time in getting dressed.

Since it was still early, I occupied myself by reading my comics until I caught the sounds of my mom moving about in the kitchen. Without missing a beat, I dashed down the stairs to find her preparing breakfast for my dad.

"You should eat something before you go," she insisted.

After some negotiation, we settled on a glass of chocolate Quick. I guzzled it down, licked off my chocolate mustache, and hurried outside to Trigger.

Settling onto the seat, shifting to first gear, and rolling out onto the sidewalk, I set my course towards the school. Glancing back, I saw my mom standing at the door.

"Don't forget to be home when the street lights come on," she reminded me.

"I will!" I shouted back as I rode off.

My heart began racing faster than the tires going round on my bike. I pumped my legs against the pedals with increasing speed. The wind whooshing past my ears as I flew down the street. My breathe became ragged and puffs of steam flowed out of my mouth like I was a locomotive.

Then I heard it, “Clunk, swhoooosh,ssssssssss”, THE CARNIVAL!

I rode faster. A minute later gravel went sliding as I slid sideways and came to a halt at the bike rack. I pushed Trigger into an open slot and then stood looking at the heaven before me.

My chest heaving, I paused to absorb it all - Octopus, Scrambler, Haunted House. I stamped my feet and leaped into the air, exclaiming, "WooHoo!"

I made my way to a wagon boasting a vibrant red and white striped awning, where I indulged in some popcorn to fuel up for the day ahead. Seated on a bench beneath the oak tree, I strategized my plans.

As I sat on the bench, a squirrel dropped from the oak tree behind me and approached. I reached out to give him a piece of popcorn. The little creature soon returned for more, earning the name "Chewie".

With each visit, Chewie grew bolder, edging closer to me as he filled his cheeks.

Suddenly, a hand reached over my shoulder and snatched the popcorn away.

I turned to see Danny, causing my face to redden. To my surprise there stood my crush, Angela, by his side. Did she come to the carnival with him? My heart ached, but I fought to conceal my emotions.

“HEY WUS!?”, Danny said.

I was frozen to the seat. My insides were shaky like Sunday Jello.

“Give it back!” I yelled.

Two kids from school gathered nearby and started yelling “FIGHT! FIGHT!” causing a crowd to gather.

Danny reach into the box and grabbed a huge handful of my popcorn and shoved it into his fat maw.

"Whatta ya gonna do about it?" He mumbled through a mouthful of food, "Ya gonna cry like a girl?"

Danny smirked, holding the popcorn out of reach. "Finders keepers, losers weepers!"

Desperate to get my snack back, I racked my brain for ideas. "I-I can do your homework for a week! Please, just give it back," I offered with a shaky voice.

Danny chuckled, shaking his head. "Homework? That's not going to cut it, Timmy."

I thought quickly, "How about desert from my lunch for a week?"

"Hmm, that does sound tempting. But you know what sounds even better? Letting me ride your 3 speed for a whole week!"

Everyone new I had the nicest bike of all the kids. A red stingray with a banana seat and shifter handle like a real car.

As Danny's eyes gleamed with mischief, a surge of determination washed over me. There was no way I was surrendering my precious Stingray bike to this popcorn thief.

"Riding my Stingray for a week? Are you crazy?? That bike is my pride and joy, Danny! I can't just let anyone ride it" I protested, trying to buy some time to come up with a better deal.

Danny leaned in closer, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Well, that's the deal, Timmy. Unless you have something better to offer."

I look at Angela, concerned that I would look like a wus. What I wanted was to not get beat up. Her face was blank. I could not tell what she was thinking. Relief flooded through me when Angela distanced herself from the bully.

I scanned the crowd for any allies, but all I saw were kids from various grades, a few not even from my school.

"I'm not sure," I replied, rising to confront him. I clenched my fists, which only provoked a booming belly laugh from him.

Then I spotted what I knew would be the best persuasion of all.

In the tree above, Chewie sat on a limb just above Danny's head. He was leaning forward with his tiny front legs trying to get the popcorn.

I could not help myself, I started laughing.

“What's so funny!” Danny demanded.

“You'll see,” I said.

As if on cue, Chewie leapt on top of Danny's head.

Danny screamed like a girl. Chewie ran around his head and jumped to the ground. Then Chewie found the safest darkest place he could. He ran right up Danny's pant leg!

The whole group fell silent as Danny's crotch began to wiggle, prompting him to frantically hop around and yell. Popcorn was sent flying into the air, creating a shower around him.

"IT'S BITING ME! IT'S BITING ME!" he screamed, trying unsuccessfully to free Chewie. Frustrated, he turned away, pulled down his pants, and continued his efforts.

Someone yelled, “Hey Danny, I think it's looking for its nuts but can't find any!”

All the kids burst into laughter, pointing at Danny and his "fruit-of-the-loom" underwear on display.

Panicked, Danny raced towards the school office, only to trip and fall because of his pants. Before he hit the ground Chewie sprang out from the waist of his pants, scampering up the tree. Danny landed face-first in a muddy puddle near the tree's roots, with half of his face submerged in the murky water.

“How's that muddy water taste?” I yelled to him.

The school Principal, Mr. Woodson, ran over and picked Danny up and escorted him to the school. Disappearing inside the doors.

Seeing the excitement was over the crowd started going about their business.

I watched as Chewie ran into hiding amongst the tree foliage.

I sat heavily on to the bench, still shaking from the chaos around me. In a minute someone sat down beside me. Glancing over, I saw Angela. Her smile, accentuated by dimples, was a ray of sunshine in the midst of my turmoil.

"Are...are you O.K.?" she asked with concern in her eyes.

Images of Batman and Roy Rogers flashed in my mind, urging me to be strong. Summoning up my bravado, I replied, "I sure am," even though I wasn't entirely convinced myself.

Angela scooted closer and placed her tiny hand on mine, a gesture that somehow reassured me. "Let's go then!" she exclaimed, taking me by the hand and leading us away from the bench.

That day turned out to be the best day of my life. With plenty of money in hand, we rode every attraction as many times as we wanted. The thrill of the carnival blended with the warmth of Angela's companionship, making everything seem brighter.

And then, as we ventured into the haunted house and darkness enveloped us, Angela surprised me by leaning over and planting a sweet kiss on my cheek. In that moment, I knew for certain—it truly was the best day EVER.