Love Is Beautiful (Chelsea & Max) Read Free Page B

against Charlie a couple weeks ago. I explain what happened and she asks me a few more questions and then puts me through a series of exercises. Even though the stupid joint aches and sends these jolts of pain through my leg, I refuse to flinch. I’m only as hurt as I let myself be and I’ll say it as many times as I need to.
    I am not hurt.
    Chelsea continues to move with clinical efficiency, a tightly wound ball of energy buzzing around me. She sees everything and says very little. I can tell she notices the lightning strikes of pain but she doesn’t make a big deal about it. It almost seems like she’s decided to stop interacting with me completely and has decided to make this appointment solely about my knee. All of this is fine with me but it does make me wonder if maybe I misjudged her. Not that it matters. I’ll let her do her thing long enough for the Bossman to get off my back and then I’ll be out of here.
    The hour passes slowly, although the massage at the end isn’t half bad. Her hands are strong and she knows exactly where to concentrate her attention. Again, I work hard not to flinch, but she finds some spots in my thigh that are downright excruciating. Before I know it, I’m heading out to my car, not sure if I might actually be looking forward to our appointment next week or if I’m still dreading it like the plague. Oddly enough, I found her quiet efficiency very calming. And lord knows I need a little extra calm in my life.
    It’s one of those beautiful fall days where the sunlight seems extra golden against the blue sky and warms you against the chill in the air. The shadows are just the right length and the red and orange leaves dance in the wind. I love the beginning of October in Ohio. It makes perfect days for meeting Charlie in the park. Normally, we’d play some basketball, because in all honesty, the kid is a little obsessed. But even I know my knee needs some rest, so today I’m going to bring my dog Reagan, a German Shepherd rescue. Reagan is smart, too smart for her own good really, and has enough energy to keep the boy entertained. They can play fetch while I sit on the bench and then I’ll take them for ice cream before his mom comes to pick him up.
    When I first joined the Big Brother program, I was nervous that I wouldn’t have anything of value to impart to these kids. After all, I’m carrying more than my fair share of scars. I couldn’t help but worry that I wasn’t the kind of role model these boys would need. It didn’t take long to learn that these kids just need some one on one time with someone who cares. That I didn’t need to worry about imparting some great dose of wisdom on them. I just needed to be there with an encouraging word and a friendly smile. And, as it turns out, I learned that I actually do have some advice for these kids. In the end, I don’t know whose life is more changed. Theirs or mine.
    The drive home is peaceful, another rare thing. I head inside to get Reagan and the moment I pull the leash off the little hook by the door, she comes running, her nails clicking and clacking on the hardwood floor of my kitchen. “Hey, my friend.” I kneel down and press my forehead to hers. Her tongue is lolling out the side of her mouth and she’s panting her doggie breath into my face, but none of that bothers me. I take a moment to appreciate the closeness and then clip the leash to her collar before leading her outside and up into the backseat of my car.
    I roll down her window just enough for her to stick her head outside and turn on the radio as we make the short drive to the park. I can’t stand silence. It makes me anxious. Itchy. The thoughts in my head get loud and angry and I don’t need any more of that in my life than there already is. The music helps keep them at bay.
    Charlie is already waiting for me, swinging his skinny legs on a bench all by himself, his worn shoes skimming just above the concrete. Give him another month and he’ll be