“Finished.” I shouted in relief.
“That’s that done and dusted.” John replied.
Although John was very misfortunate with his financial situation he managed to be pretty clever – tell a lie, he was a Godsend when it came to academic work – I respect him so much for that. John then escorted me out of his room to the front door. On my way through his humble abode I said goodbye to his mum and dad.
As I was walking down his street I was now determined more than ever to get John the best career out there available to him. John was slightly overweight and not very ambitious so I had a big task ahead of us to get him his pilot training. Also it will be hard to get him in shape because his morale has always been pretty low. I got home and had a word with my dad about John
“All is not lost my dear son.”
“Well maybe not all lost. But you must admit dad that it will be pretty difficult.”
“In six months you can get him into shape – no problem. A bit of exercise here and there never hurt anyone. Certainly I doubt it will exert John too much.
“But dad you don’t understand. He has no self-confidence whatsoever.”
“Simple solution then. When he does even the smallest of things well give him a verbal pat on the back. But don’t make it too obvious. That always does the trick.”
At that moment I had the reassurance that my self-assigned duty was actually feasible.
The next day as we were walking to school I asked John an important question.
“John, if I manage to get you in the reckoning for a place on the pilots training program will you be willing to accept it.”
“Um, I’m not too sure Chris.” He replied hastily. Well at least it weren’t a blatant no. I know this was a bit sinister of me but I got some girls to give him wolf-whistles whenever they saw him. But it was for his own good after all although it may have been under false pretences. At the end of the day I popped the question to him once more. This time I got a much better reply.
“Of course I will.”
This was one great obstacle I had overcome.
“Fantastic. Come over my house tonight and we’ll fill in the application form.”
We arrived at my house. My dad was sitting in the front room awaiting our arrival.
“Where do I sign.” John asked my dad even before he had said hello. It’s amazing the difference six hours of compliments does to someone’s head.
“One step at a time son.” My dad replied with a smile and a wink to me.
“How much do you want this John?” my dad asked.
“A lot Mr. Fields.” John replied.
“How much do you really want it?” my dad enthused.
“Stop encouraging him dad.” I said.
A few minutes later and the formalities were over.
“Don’t let me down John.” My dad said putting one arm around him.
“Don’t worry Mr. Fields, I won’t.” John replied.
“You do my bit Johnny boy and I’ll do my bit. I’ll be able to pull a few strings here and there, but that’s the limit. You and you only will have to do the interview and the fitness test. Not me, not Chris.”
“I understand fully Mr. Fields.”
“Good, good.” my dad replied.
“Do you want a lift John.” I asked Chris.
“No I can’t you’ve done enough for me that will just be taking liberties.”
“Go on we insist.” My dad said butting in.
“ Well seeing as you put it that way I’ll love one thanks.”
You could tell he weren’t looking forward to the long journey home anyway. On this cold and wet winters night. As we were driving back to his house he came out with a comment straight out of which truly flattered my dad and I.
“I wish I was as privileged as you Chris.”
I really found it hard to come up with a reply for that one. But I just managed to squeeze some words out.
“Truly John, it isn’t my doing. It is my dad’s doing. He strived night and day all his life so that our family could enjoy life the way we are now. This could be the way your family could be living if you really endeavour for this piloting career.”
“That’s my son.” Dad shouted.
“Also that isn’t the end of it for you either Chris. You still have to put in the effort so you can be where your dad is today.”
Looking back in hindsight those words of wisdom from John were pretty good in fact. By now we had arrived at John’s house.
“Thanks for the lift Mr. Fields.”
“No problem.” dad replied.
“See you tomorrow Chris.”
“Yeah see you later John.”
On our way home dad had a little father and son chat with me. He said how proud he was of me for doing so much for John. But I should still concentrate on myself and not be sidetracked by helping other people more than myself.
It was the weekend and I went straight round Johns house.
“The strict fitness program starts here.” I said to him
We went first of all to the local swimming baths to do a few laps of the pool. First of all john struggled but eventually was coping fine after I taught him a new technique. Then we had a little kick-about in the park. We did this continuously for a week and by the end of it we lost a combined weight of just under two stone. The majority being lost by John. One morning John got the letter. He was awarded the basic training subject to an interview and a fitness test. The only problem was that it was next week, which gave us virtually, no time to get John prepared mentally and physically for the big day. Nevertheless that is only a little challenge in an even bigger challenge. We stepped up the amount of exercise in the last week.
“I’m very grateful Chris for everything your doing for me you know.” Those were the words John said to me on one of our cross-country runs.
“Don’t mention it. After all what are friends for.” I replied.
John then challenged me.
“Last one home owes the opponent a fiver.”
“Are you serious.” I replied slightly perplexed.
“Of course I’m serious.”
“You got yourself a deal then.”
For the first time ever John was betting money and it was a fair sum also for him. How could he afford it? I thought to myself. I knew I could beat him but for his sake I let him run ahead so that he would eventually beat me. Also so I wouldn’t put him out of pocket. £5 is a lot to him. So everything went along to plan and everyone was happy. This also gave him a confidence boost ahead of tomorrow.
“John.” I said to him.
“Just one word of advice for you. Do us proud.”
“Sure will Chris.”
Today was the big day. All for the rest of the day I couldn’t help but think how John was fairing. It was getting a bit on now and the day was far from young. In fact it was nearly my bedtime. The doorbell went. It was John.
“I got it.” He shouted.
“Come again one more time please?” I asked to make sure I weren’t dreaming.
“I got the job Chris.”
“Fantastic. Well done mate, this calls for a celebration.”
“Remember when I said to you that when I became rich I’ll buy you a portion of chips every day. Well it looks like I’ll be able to fulfil that promise after all.”
“Lets hope so then. Lets hope so.”
