Disability 101

After school at the Carlin home, Spencer has told his mom about everything that happened at school between him and Ashley, and that he invited her over. Spencer’s mom Paula was pleased that her son had made a friend so quickly, and promised that she wouldn’t, as she put it, “cramp his style”. Then, there was a knock at the door. Paula took that as her cue to exit the living room and head up to her and Mr. Carlin’s bedroom.

Spencer goes to answer the door. Meanwhile, Ashley waits patiently for it to open. When Spencer opens the door a brief moment of shock, followed by one of pleasant surprise comes over Ashley.

“Spencer, you’re standin’?!”

“Not all on my own, but yeah…I use this thing (referring to the black and blue walker with a seat that’s helping him stand) …for short distances like; around the house, and a chair for places for longer more populated areas where I need to move a little quicker.”

Spencer says downplaying the significance of his ability to walk with a walker while remaining mindful of the fact that it is a big deal to Ashley because she thought he was confined to a wheelchair. That is after all what Ashley is here for…to be informed about her increasingly intriguing new friend.

“Okay Ash, not that you’re not pretty enough to stand here and look at all day… (Ashley blushes), but unfortunately my legs don’t agree…So, unless ya plan on commin’ in I’m gonna sit down and look at ya instead.” Spencer says with a smile as he turns his body around to sit on his walker seat. Before he can turn to the point where he would be unable to see her for that quick second or two it would take for him to complete the turn, and be facing her again, Ashley steps through the door way into the house.

Spencer stands “C’mon my room’s this way…” He instructs motioning with his good left hand while his bad right hand remains clinched on to his walker for balance.

“Ya just can’t wait to get me alone can ya?” Ashley jokes.

Spencer gives a quick laugh. “Wishful thinkin’ Davies?” He plays along.

Ashley shrugs her shoulders. Spencer laughs again. Both were enjoying their half joking half flirting banter. However it wasn’t helping Ashley learn more about Spencer’s disability…Unless you count the fact that it doesn’t seem to hinder his sense of humor. Ashley definitely counts that. Sense of humor is one of her favorite qualities in anyone especially potential boyfriends.