Page 86 of Clash

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Mommy always said that if she ever told me to run, to run. When those bad men grabbed my mommy, and she started screaming, I wanted to help, but knew I couldn’t.

My legs hurt so bad, but I ran, just like she said, slipping underneath a fence and into a backyard. I could hear someone following me, so I kept running, then found a place to hide from the bad man.

But I had no idea where I was. I wanted to go back to the flower place and find the nice lady named Miss Karen, but I was afraid. What if those bad men were waiting for me to come back?

My mommy always said that I was the bravest and the smartest kid she knew. And I hoped she was right, because when I came out of my hiding place, I was so scared.

I walked for what felt like hours until I heard what sounded like a motorcycle heading my way.

I remembered that Mr. Clash had a motorcycle, one that he promised I could ride one day. But mommy said that guys on motorcycles were mean and scary, and I should stay away. But she also said to find Mr. Clash.

The black bike turned the corner, and before I could think twice about it, I ran out into the road, blocking the path of the man on the motorcycle while waving my hands back and forth.

The bike swerved to miss me, careening into some bushes on the side of the road. I felt bad, but I also needed help. Mommy always says to ask for help when you are lost.

The man jumped off his bike, but he wasn’t Mr. Clash. He was someone else, someone big and mean looking.

“Hey, kid, you almost killed me. You shouldn’t be running into the road like that. Where’s your mommy and daddy?” The man kneeled down in front of me, and I took a step back, peering around his back until I saw the familiar picture on his back that Mr. Clash wore.Maybe he knows Mr. Clash?

“Mommy said to run and find Mr. Clash. Do you know him? You have the same jacket he does.”

The man smiled, it was friendly and not as mean looking as before.

“You know Mr. Clash?”

“Yeah!” I said excitedly. “He bought me this teddy bear.” I held up the white bear and showed it to the guy. “He’s very soft and cuddly. I named him Skittles. Mr. Clash also lets me watchSpongeBob. I loveSpongeBob.”

“SpongeBob, huh? Well, I think you’re in luck little guy, because where I’m going, Mr. Clash should be.”

“Really?”

The man nodded. “My name is Kolten, but my friends call me Wasp.”

I giggled. “You mean like those mean, angry bees that are always grumpy.”

The man chuckled. “Yes, just like those mean angry bees.” He stood up, motioning to his bike that was still in the bushes. “I’ve never had a kid on my bike before. It can be pretty scary. Do you think you can hang on to me? I’ll try not to go too fast.”

I nodded. “I’m not scared. Mommy says motorcycles are just big loud bikes that go really, really fast.”

“That they do, kid. What’s your name?”

“Mommy said I shouldn’t tell my name to strangers.”

He nodded. “You’re right, you shouldn’t. Does Mr. Clash know your name?”

My head bobbed up and down vigorously, excitement taking over me. “He does!”

“Well, good. Let’s get you to Mr. Clash then, okay?”

“Okay, Mr. Wasp, but Mommy said I shouldn’t get in a car with strangers either.”

“I guess it’s good I have a motorcycle then. Everyone can see you on the back of it.”

I thought about what he said, realizing that it was true and smiled. “You’re right. It’s not a car. Okay, let’s go find Mr. Clash.” I held up my arms, and he picked me up, carefully putting me on the bike in back of him.

“See these handles here?”