Stuck Chronicle (Part 25.5 - The Deats)

[Xavier B]

As the night unfolded, Joel told Lyle about his chance encounter with Mick. Lyle then came clean, and told Joel about their friendship, and past adventures and escapades (not TOO much into detail, though).

“So HE got you into mudding...” Joel remarked, as he picked up the photo of Lyle and Mick from their high school years. “I figured that was the case. He’s kinda like you in a few ways ”.

Lyle laughed. “I could say the same about you! ”

“Hell no! In WHAT way is—“ Joel paused, thinking about how Mick acted and drove earlier, “...never mind!! ”. The room echoed with their laughter.

“Anyway, you shoulda been there, man!” Joel said. “I was SO close to beating Mick! I even passed him a few times!” Joel went on and on about their challenge, until he mentioned the hill...

“Wait, wait...”, Lyle said, holding up his hand. “So you followed Mickey up a hill...but got stuck in a ditch at the bottom?”

“Nah”, Joel cut in, “it was more like a trench of mud than a ditch. It was on a slight incline, and the mud was like slimy PB...”

Lyle snickered. Mick would make his trips and challenges more fun (for him) by wetting the ground or digging holes in places. He saw it as a way to build his skills as a mudder, and also provide “entertainment” during his challenges.

Joel paused when he saw Lyle’s face. “...what’s so funny?”

“N-nothing!” Lyle replied quickly. He didn’t want Joel to get pissed over Mick’s tricks.

“Anyway” Lyle continued, “don’t worry about what happened at the Shortcut. You’ll get another chance to beat Mickey.”

“Oh! That reminds me”, Joel said. “He wants to meet me at that old football field for a rematch.” He grabbed Lyle by his shoulders, and gave him a sweet smile.

“I kinda told him that I’d invite you. You’ll come, right? ️“

Lyle didn’t want to miss the muddy showdown. “Sure...”, he replied.

Joel gave Lyle a tight squeeze. They had a little fun, then laid down side by side afterward.

“Hey...” Joe whispered to Lyle.

“Yeah?” He replied groggily.

“After our showdown at the field...I think it’d be nice if the three of us went muddin’ together sometimes. What do you think?”

Lyle thought about it, then said, “Well...yeah, that’d be pretty cool. He knows about these cool spots that I know you’d love to explore.”

Joel smiled. “Can’t wait...”