Page 21 of Only With Me

“Hey, man. How’s it goin’?” I ask when he picks up.

His hair’s wet like he just got out of the shower and he lifts one shoulder. “Fine, I guess.”

Bentley lives in the next town over, but we hang out a couple times a month on the weekends and sometimes video chat during the week. He loves coming to the ranch and getting on the horses. He didn’t know how to ride until I taught him andnow he’s as comfortable as ever. I plan to teach him how to rope soon.

“Just fine?” I lean against the table that my laptop is on. “What’s the matter?”

Bentley had a rough childhood after his dad died, so I try to encourage him to talk it out instead of holding in his feelings. I have firsthand experience of what happens when you don’t and how it affects you into adulthood. However, he doesn’t always want to talk. I understand why because I can be the same way. But I always try to encourage him on his own terms.

Instead of answering, he looks down and shrugs. I know he has a hard time in school. He suffers from ADHD, so he struggles with comprehension and staying focused. He doesn’t like asking for help, though, so I always have to pry it out of him, question by question.

“You have homework tonight?” I ask, noticing he’s leaning over an open notebook.

“Yeah.”

“What’s the subject? Maybe I can help.”

I wasn’t an A student, but I did well for someone not interested in anything besides ranch life and girls.

“Geometry,” he replies, already sounding defeated.

“Alright, well, that doesn’t sound so bad. Tell me what you’re workin’ on and let’s figure it out.”

“It doesn’t even make sense,” he groans, rubbing his palm over his eye.

“It’s a good thing you have me and this handy thing called the internet,” I tease. “What’s the lesson you’re on?”

Bentley shrugs, leans back, and flips through his notebook. When he holds it up for me to look at his notes, I see what he’s currently studying.

“Pythagorean theorem, nice. First, let’s make sure you understand the formula and then we can figure out how to solve it. What’s your first question?”

Bentley shows me the problem and I write it down on a notepad so we can both work on it at the same time. It takes me a minute to remember since it’s been over fifteen years, but once we get going, it all clicks.

We go through about fifteen problems and by the end of them, his confidence is up.

“You know, there are websites that can help walk you through math problems like this, too. In case I’m not around or something. That way you ain’t strugglin’ on your own.”

“Yeah, but it’s easier when you explain it,” he says.

“It’s all about comprehension and practice. The more you do it, the better you’re gonna understand. But you know you can text or call me anytime. I’m always here to help with homework or listen.”

He nods. “Yeah, thanks.”

“Anytime.” I smile back at him. “Anything else goin’ on? You find a date for the holiday dance?”

When his cheeks turn red, I laugh and shove my notepad out of my way. “Alright, who did you ask?”

He rolls his eyes, clearly embarrassed. “I haven’t yet. I’m scared she’ll say no.”

“Who’d say no to you? You’re the best-lookin’ kid in your grade.”

“Pfft. You don’t even know what anyone else looks like.”

“Maybe not, but still, you’re a cool kid. I bet I could give you some advice on askin’ her out.”

“You?”

My mouth falls open at his hesitant tone. “What’s that mean?”