School is a place where children learn different social skills. And in this installment to the Borderline Farm series Paulie and Becky Sue strengthen their classmate relationship with a short conversation

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Only a few miles from the barn that was on the border there was a school yard used as a healthy exercise classroom where the students could learn basic social skills while playing. This was the time when young Paulie would interact with the villagers despite having the responsibility of being the closest real estate holder to land that neighbored the other side.

Having fun kicking a ball around and challenging peers to steal it Paulie laughed while working his physical muscles. With the score level the future decision maker found an opening and soon was headed for the goal guarded by the athletic enemy. But out of nowhere the kid assigned to sit next to Becky Sue in class suddenly appeared ready for a confrontation.

“So, you want to take me on?” Paulie asked in his mind where the inquiry would never be heard.

Staying close the opponent put up a fair defense not touching anything, but Paulie made a move that could be debated as a foul. Not hearing a whistle, the child kicked the round object into the net then produced a theatrical presentation imitating television matches.

“Paulie,” a scream came from the sidelines, “get over here.”

Putting his shirt back on he saw Becky Sue with her arms folded and fiery red hair in flames and once again the internal conversation continued, “she is still angry about the in-law thing earlier.”

“Daryl did nothing to you,” Becky Sue greeted him as he returned to being a classmate.

“I fairly faked him out and scored,” Paulie defended his action.

“You took advantage of his weakness and that was not very nice,” Becky Sue commented, “anyway sit down and stop puttering around, I need to talk to you.”

Taking a seat and giving a sincere look Paulie investigated the sensitive situation with the appropriate question, “does this have anything to do with the in-laws?”

Teeth gritted Becky Sue dropped her arms, “No, this is not about the in-laws, I am not moving in on you and trying to control you,”

“That is good,” Paulie wiped the sweat off his brow.

“It is about our friend,” Becky Sue paused, “ship”

“We have a friendship?” Paulie was acting his age.

“My Father and your Poppa have a friendship which means we have a friendship,” Becky Sue concluded, “and we want to make sure any issues the barn may have does not get out of control.”

“It won’t that is what the zebra is there for,” Paulie watched Becky Sue simmer down.

“Yes, the zebra a four-legged peace maker,” Becky Sue remembered positioning herself on the grass right next to him, “look my father said we need you to be strong, we are dependent on you Paulie to make the right calls.”

“Becky Sue, I made the right choice on the field, didn’t you see?” Paulie reminded Becky Sue.

“You didn’t make the right verdict, Paulie,” Becky Sue clarified, “you faked out Daryl my neighbor and that is not difficult to do.”

Starting to laugh Paulie heard true honesty during the short connection, “I just wanted you to know if there is anything from my father and me, just ask, since I consider you, my friend.”

Standing up Paulie heard another whistle signaling recess was over, “c’mon friend, let’s get back to learning.”

Tending to the zebra’s feeding schedule hours later it hit Paulie on what Becky Sue was doing and he thought to himself, “she was not mad at me, she made me stronger by taking a stand, like a loyal friend.

By Marc OBrien

From: United States

Website: https://www.austinmacauley.com/author/obrien-marc

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