A simple story II part 4
#4 of A simple story II
Sitting at one of the last rows of the bus, the head isolated from the bus discussions by his headphones from came a current music making him to ignore the conversations that didn't interest him, Francis was resting his chin on his wrist, the gaze outward. The vehicle was practically full of people with cluttered packages, just letters or even barely larger parcels. He had a few miles to notice the glut of women of all ages among the passengers. Few men. But mothers. Sisters, wives, probably too girls who all went to visit as he did to sons, brothers, husbands or fathers who, for one reason or another, could not attend home before long. Or even never. The day was sunny, as often in the beginning of the school year. Even there is no wind to move leaves which no longer existed on the outside.
Seeing the clean cut of the forest with the prairie with low herbs, Francis had understood that he was approaching its destination. In recent years, some still stricter security measures had forced to cut all the trees within a radius of two miles around the State prison. An inmate on the run could be found more easily if he had not had time to join the forest. He had never walked on this road which ended once crossed the double barrier of barbed wires. Francis had to lift his head to see the top, more than twenty feet it seems. He had heard that in the past, a ten feet concrete wall surrounded the prison. It had been razed, because experts had judged that concrete provided too valuable protection to the escapees who were trying to take advantage of blind spots.
The bus slows down and crosses two security stations isolated by a barrier, then the bus stopped on one of the assigned places for external visitors. Francis left his headphones from his ears while he slowly rose out of the bus, leaving the elderly or loaded out first. He was guided by the crowd who walked slowly toward a side door. Out of the question for them to go through the double door or many inmates left their last hope to escape from the judicial system.
The donkey checked again that he had his identity card in order to enter. Satisfied to feel the rectangle of plastic in his hand, he entered, following again the crowd who started in line to pass one at a time in front of a guard post. A guard was to verify the identity of the visitor, gave him a badge struck a large red 'V' in exchange for a card or a valid licence. A second guard was taking the package or the letter and made them spend in an annex room where scanners would check if nothing dangerous or forbidden were inside. For his first visit (and maybe the only one, who knows ?), Francis came empty-handed. The faces of visitors were tensed or relaxed, according to the people. The guards them trying to fight the boredom of the routine, praying, however, than no riot or escape would disrupt the day.
When it was his turn to get his access badge, the keeper looked at the teenager he was seeing for the first time, checking his list. The visibly tired leopard wasn't even trying to show friendliness. A robot would have as well suited to the task.
« Redhorn. At the bottom of the room, booth 22. Next ! »
Francis still thanked the guardian stapling his badge and passing under the security's portico who did not react, the boy having attention to remove his coins from his pockets to not to alarm the metal detector.
Once a second door crossed, the boy found himself in front of a wall of open cabins. The other side was visible through a thick glass, no doubt shielded. An old chair, on the right side an antique telephone handset black, no dial, useless because only connected to a twin handset placed on the other side.
Francis had barely time to take up that excitement was felt at the back of the room. Two guards, hand on a taser, made their entrance, followed by a line of ages and sizes variety men, all wearing the same pinkish outfit of prisoner. Organized in advance, the leader of the convicts or suspects had only to move forward to find on the other side of the family member or the friend come visiting.
Sitting in the middle of the wall of visitors, Francis was able to see a part of the prison population before him until a thick donkey, white nose and greying hair took place.
The boy had a slight shock. Had his father aged so much in no time ? Or had he forgotten his allure for the months or they were separated ?
Francis realized that his father had the handset in hand and he looked at him, inviting him to do the same. He picked it up.
« Daddy...
- Son... »
If Francis had forgotten the true face of his father, he recognized his strong voice, mixed with shame, regret and sadness without difficulty.
Open cabins filtered nothing of the conversations which stood on another, but Francis could concentrate enough to ignore the noise. The handset, despite its appearance, was good, letting the paternal voice without great distortion. The words were missing however. Despite their long separation, the two donkeys had almost nothing to say. Or at least, the words did not come easily. Francis was the first to try a new approach.
« How... Are you, dad ? »
Francis Senior couldn't help but pinch his lips.
« I better get used to. I started. I know I'll not get out of here for a long time. Maybe even never. »
The boy nodded. He had had enough time to get used to this idea to no longer be surprised or scared by the idea.
« Have things misses you ? I could get some for you. I saw the list of the elements that it is possible to provide prisoners. There are a lot. You can't buy some ?
- No, I have no money. You have to work here to get some and is not a right granted to everyone. Not to the prisoners in custody anyway. »
Francis Senior thought for a moment.
« Some shower gel. This would be helpful. The provided soap here is too dry, I feel like I have eczema. »
Francis nodded again. He knew the favorite brand of his father.
« I'll make you have some then. Or I'll provide you some. »
The father nodded in turn, a slight smile on his face.
"Everything is done here to make us feel the most harm. The only positive to be there is that it has totally weaned from alcohol. It has not been easy. Far from it. But I have to the less conquered this freedom... »
The last spoken word gave a wry smile on the mouths of two donkeys. Senior breathed deeply, seeming to find what remained of courage.
« Son... Don't make the same mistake as me, I beg you. Here, life is hard, but what I can't stand, is to see you also to end up in a place like this...
You did it...
And you have no idea how much I regret it ! If I could go back. I will not listen to Charley, that jerk ! I was stupid to listen to him and weak to follow. »
Francis did not lose a word uttered by his father. The departure of his mother had truly broken Senior. Before, never he would had even the idea to run a red light.
« Whatever my fate will be, I deserve it. My regret, among so much else, is that this also affects you. You don't deserve this, FJ... »
Francis shook his head.
« Francis, please.
What do you mean?
I won't be called so, dad. I'm not a kid anymore. My name is Francis-John. But Francis is fine, too. »
The boy had spoken in a strong and calm voice. He was somewhat impressed his father who had not imagined to see him be mature. Senior remembered than the boy sitting in front of him was more a child anymore.
« When the police took me, the first thing that I thought, was what would happen to you. I guess you're no more in the house, right ?
No. The trustee has broken the rental contract. Our stuff is in a storage unit. The law requires them to pay one year of custody, but after it will be for us to pay the bill. I do not earn enough for that.
That's what my lawyer told me, indeed. A committed office fool, but I won't hold it against him. I am indefensible after all. I understand that you had a tutor, then ? »
Francis somewhat gulped.
« Yes. This saved me to find myself in a home or a foster family.
Your sports teacher, right ?
Yes. You know him ?
I've vaguely heard of it. Given what I know of him, I am surprised that he did.
Miller is a jerk sometimes, I know. But he's a great guy in fact. He plays hard, but I don't know anyone more helpful. »
Senior smiles more frankly.
« With a protector, you must be quiet now. This brute should no longer dare to approach you, isn't it ? »
Francis quickly realized that his father was referring to Gregory. He didn't know what to say or do about it. Somehow, he was now quiet, Yes. But not for the reason that his father imagined. The handset in hands, Francis was thinking fast on what he would say or shut up.
For years, during rare moments of lucidity, Senior had pushed his son to be tougher, to defend himself, to show that he was not so weak than the others thought.
Now, yes, Francis was quiet. But not because he showed his strength to get respect, but because he was sleeping with Greg.
« It must also leave you more time with your girlfriend, also. »
Senior's smile was more frank. Francis understood that his father had a need. The need to know him safe to keep a mental balance. And for this, nothing like a romantic relationship in the midst of family crisis was better.
« She is not my girlfriend, dad.
- Come on, you're not 10 anymore, you don't have to be ashamed to have a girlfriend. Everyone has or has had ! »
Francis sighed a little. Still this habit to consider any man or any woman as being necessarily heterosexual ! However, he kept his calm. The encounter with his father went well, he didn't wanted to waste anything.
« You'll know someday anyway, so. She's not my girlfriend. I don't have a girlfriend. »
Francis wanted to add something else, but he preferred to let his father fill in the blanks.
« You want to keep a secret ? If you don't have a girlfriend... If you want to hide this kind of thing, it's that you feel some discomfort in a certain way. »
Francis remained silent, despite the fact that he understood that his father's reasoning prevailed to a bad track.
« I know you see someone, you can't hide. New undies, you've stayed out at least once, obviously you're with someone. »
Senior was thinking. He had found in this puzzle a short escape to his prison life which he hoped to enjoy it for as long as possible.
« Don't tell me you sleep... With your sports teacher's daughter ! »
Francis wondered for a moment if he wasn't going to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. Senior was obviously unaware of many things to his subject and his entourage. No wonder when we had spent the last three years of his life in alcohol.
« Note, if it is this, I understand your desire to keep the thing secret...»
Francis couldn't wait. The handset always against the ear, he put his other hand in front of his mouth to try to hide his laugh without the slightest success.
He laughs, so. Frankly, cheerfully. Uncontrolled cheerfulness somewhat attracted the eyes of its neighbours in the booths around until the latter return to their private conversations. Senior did not understood why his son was laughing so much. As a wise father, he however understood that it wasn't joy that inspired his son, but a deep discomfort, almost a humiliation. Francis noted his father's sad face, and realized in return that his feelings had been deemed at their fair values. This helped him to regain control of himself.
And this helped him to break his own dikes and be fully honest with his father.
« No, Dad, you didn't understood. It's my fault too, I should have been more frank and direct.
What do you mean?
You're partly right and partly wrong. Miller doesn't have a daughter. He has a son. And I'm dating with him. »
Francis stood again silent to allow Senior to understand the new. Francis knew that the moment had arrived when the eyes of Senior changed, filled with surprise.
« You....
- I'm gay, dad. I've always been. Sorry if this bothers you, but it's like this. And better to say everything, it is with Gruff I'm dating. »
Francis spoke quickly. He needed to say it. Senior remained silent for 10 seconds before to talk about it, in a voice still under the shock of the new.
«You just said you were dating Miller's son...
- That's him. Gruff is his son. Long story. Simply put, Greg was hiding from others and from himself. I blew the dam I do not know how and since then, he's my boyfriend. »
Francis was concise in his comments and light in his voice. He was doing everything to make understand to his father he has a gay son.
« I... have to admit that the idea would never come to me to mind. »
Francis ignored the deep meaning of these words, or what it meant.
« It's so, dad. Gruff and me, we're together. He made me shit a bunch of years, but for me, it's as if nothing had happened. Now that I know him better, I know than he's not a jerk. He was just... unwise. »
Francis watched his father right in his eyes. He always saw the surprise, but not aggressive or rejection. It was a good sign. Then Senior lowered his gaze and Francis saw him wipe away a tear.
«So much time lost to lie...»
Francis did not understood what his father meant him.
« I'm a full bastard. I'm supposed to be a father to you. A guide. And nothing of what I've done in my life has been good in the end. I let myself go in alcohol. I betrayed you. Lied to hide the fact that I was going to rob a poor guy who died now by my fault. I let you alone all this time while I was so close. Worse still, I lied to you since the beginning. To protect you, my wife and I have hidden everything from you. Lied every day so that you don't know. I can't do that, Francis. I can't anymore and yet I don't feel brave enough to tell. »
Francis didn't always understood. He was trying to make sense of the fast words charged by Senior, but he didn't understood. A moment, he wondered if he had not became crazy simply. Senior raised his eyes, wet with tears.
« The storage unit, you know where it is ? »
Francis nodded.
« I'll leave you for now, Francis. I can't talk anymore. Not today, I'm sorry. You have to remember the picture with the golden frame that was on my bedside table, right ? »
Yet once, Francis showed he knew. He didn't always understood the words of his father, and he couldn't find the words to try to understand himself.
« Find it. Everything you need to know is inside. I was sworn to never tell you but I understand now that silence is no longer possible. I was right to not burn all this as I have many times wanted to do. You have the right to know, son. You deserve it. Although I doubt that then you'll know you maybe will not want to see me ever again. I understand it in advance. Your well-being is more important than mine. I hope I at least managed this in my relationship with you ! »
The bag on his back, the boy put his hand against the corner of the wall and turned his head to look beyond the limit. No one in sight, which made him catch his breath, happy, before being startled, panicked by the
« Looking for someone ? »
pushed unaware behind him. He could had react more quickly, having a few moments before, felt the vanilla fragrance he knew well for two days now.
Regaining the partial control of his heart rate, Fred shook his head.
« Not really, I wanted to... just to check something. »
Dressed in a loose green t-shirt and a purple skirt, Lorette looked up at the sky.
« It seems than you're trying to avoid someone. But it's not my business after all. »
Fred sighed inwardly. He didn't really wanted to explain and tell her it was her that he hoped to avoid.
« You ate already ? »
Two days. Two days that Fred had knew the young black panther and Fred already had this feeling of being a bull running from the cowboy behind him, a long incandescent pole in hand in order to mark him with her seal. That was the reason why he had spent the previous day walking in the halls cautiously in order to avoid to meet her again.
Which was a shame, because Lorette was quite charming. Friendly, open to others. Beautiful too, Fred had to recognize it.
But obviously possessive and determined. Fred had given her his phone number and he had been waylaid by calls and texts.
« No, but I will not eat lunch. I stuffed myself this morning and I'm afraid to take too much weight.
It's rare to see a boy to pay attention to his fit.
I do not plan, but I'm careful, Yes.
You'll be there for the opening session this afternoon ?
The session ?
The rhetoric's club. The first session is today. Normally it is just a meeting session but I have a hunch that this will be different.
I also believe. I remember I got their message. I can't remember, drowned under the fifteen thousand texts I received from you. »
Lorette chuckled a little, loving the exaggeration.
« Sorry, I can hardly contain my enthusiasm sometimes. And telephone operators like me, instead of my parents who pay the bills...
It's not bad, but you know, with me, a three word message is enough, no need to repeat it in 20 different ways.
I will try to be careful, I promise. I'll see you tonight then ?
Of course. »
Satisfied, Lorette put quickly her lips on the boy's left cheek before he could refuse or protest.
« See you tonight !
- But ! »
This time, it was Lorette's turn to leave quickly before Fred could protest. She kept a smile on her face, enjoying the warmth and the taste of the skin of the young boy.
Fred, remained surprised, a hand on the cheek.
It was not unpleasant, physically, but Fred already felt it deep inside of himself. If he did nothing, everything would end very badly. Lorette was a lovely girl, but she clearly wanted more. She wanted what Fred could never offer to her. He had spent hours and hours thinking about the question and his certainty was unshakeable. He would ever be the partner of another man. No woman, no girl would not cross that line.
It bothered much the boy, who knew this would violently hurting Lorette's feelings. His mother was right. To delay would make things worst.
Yet he stood in his first position. He would wait for his date before to end her hopes. He just had to pray that it would not too late.
A bit depressed by the idea, he resumed his walk to reach another corridor. He noted, arrived at an angle, the strange looks that students were exchanging with each others, the conversations being softer, more discreet. Passing the corner of the hallway gave him the reason for this heavy atmosphere. Facing his locker, Greg had a box on the ground. He sorted his stuff and put in the box everything that was connected with his football team's membership. In the box, there were towels, leggings, a helmet. The lines of the facial protection, concentrated at the level of the jaw and leaving the eyes-free, showed than it was a fullback's helmet.
Greg wore a blue shirt and black pants. He hadn't any more the red and white jacket on his shoulders. The latter was in the box. Fred noted that his clothes had not an hint of red or white either. A massive break with his old habits. Greg wore a straight and quiet look.
Fred was certain that this calm was only appearance. When one or two students wanted to approach, full of commiserations in their looks, Greg turned his head and his eyes gave them the order to turn back. His gaze was powerful enough to make them understand that these would run into big troubles not going back.
Fred dared to come forward somewhat. Greg turned his head on his side and held his gaze. The boy had in hands his jerseys, looking inside his locker then. The outfits were the last things relating to his membership in the team. He rolled them into a ball and forced them into the already full box, picking up the box and closing his locker door with his foot.
« You don't put a padlock ? »
Fred had dared to ask the question, trying to understand how much Greg was upset.
« No one here is stupid enough to take anything from me, Fred. »
Greg's voice was cold, without emotion or almost. Fred realized that Greg repressed his feelings for not to collapse. Greg was headed to the locker rooms, Fred took it upon himself to follow him, without saying a word or almost.
He could see the power of the boy's anger when, away from a place, frozen conversations started again.
« Francis isn't here ? I haven't seen him. »
Greg merely shakes his head.
« He has a leave of absence. He's seeing his father today. »
The tone Greg used convinced Fred to stand mute. Fred still noted that instead of others, Greg had agreed to meet him and he tolerated his presence at his side. It was a good sign.
The hands full, Greg did not hesitate to use his feet to push the fire protection's doors when the latter impeded him. He joined his former locker room, pushing the last door in the same way.
Before him stood the only occupant that the boy knew well. Leonid.
The lion looked at the Walrus in a suit before him, the two men have certainly done a conversation just before Greg's arrival, muffled sounds of conversation having been collected before the crossing of the door. Leonid sported his saddened eyes when his eyes were on Greg. The walrus was trying by all means to not watch. Greg then vaguely recognized one of the members of the School Board. It appeared clear that the two men had talked about him. Greg glanced quickly around him. The benches on the middle of the room, the lockers on the perimeter, access to the showers at the bottom. It still had this mix of sweat, warm feet and detergent, he has always loved. He knew that he was breathing it probably for the last time, also he shut his eyes to keep the memory, probably forever.
Reopening his eyes, he saw the two adults looking at the contents of the box, still in his hands. The walrus, slender and oldest, had deviated from Leonid. Greg said not a word in him throwing the cardboard to his head, merely grunting his frustration and anger. The individual is able to avoid it, making a jump on the side, the contents crashing into the ground in a loud sound when the helmet broke a tile of the ground, cracking at the same time. The walrus looked at Greg with anger, beginning to protest violently. Greg did not take the time to answer. He turned his back and crossing Fred, still backward, held out a well felt finger to the adult who was smothered with more anger.
The two teens leaving, Leonid seemed to breathe more deeply and calmly.
« It went well in the end. »
The walrus, the debris from the helmet in hand, watched the coach angrily.
« Are you kidding ? He deliberately aimed at me ! I'll switch him to the disciplinary board and get him fired ! »
Leonid closed his eyes and shook his mane.
« You won't.
- Watch me ! »
Leonid turned his head and looked at his boss right in the eye. His tone of reproach was clearly marked. The walrus realized quickly than Leonid was containing his anger.
« You have made enough bullshit like this ! You had the father's head, you will not have the son's ! If you sue Greg, I'll demand to testify ! You know that I'll do and I'll manage to have the minutes posted outside the school. The judges will love to jump on your throat about that blatant discrimination ! »
The walrus left the lion belching his sourness. When Leonid regained his breath, he took the opportunity to counterattack.
« You will not ! You have not the power to counter a school's decision.
You think it's going to stop me ? You're breaking the career of this boy ! I dare not imagine what must be on in his head ! I refuse to put my resignation in the balance because I know the outcome of such a gesture on my part, but I'll risk my position without qualms to stop you from ruining his life more than you did !
The decision of the Board is taken and it is irrevocable. We cannot afford to lose the football team in its entirety ! »
The walrus took his breath, a warm and friendly hand on the shoulder of the lion.
« You have to believe me ! It's not with a light heart that we chose this solution. Greg is... was a very good player, an irreplaceable part. But he was alone against everybody. »
His voice was more quiet, serene and concerned. Leonid could not agree more. He did not hide it.
« What is happening is a shame.
- I agree with you completely. That's why Mark was not fired after his fight in your office. We have considered the situation. He is a very good teacher, but he must know that he also has limits that he must not cross. »
Leonid was circumspect. He knew the sincere words of the walrus. He also knew that if Mark was not fired, it was also for not to have to provide further explanations to the State. The school had good administrators, able to properly manage the establishment and to stash their butt when the time comes.
« Greg has also his limits. He must test them. It's for his own good after all. »
Leonid was again forced to agree.
« I know. But I also know that he will not support a sanction. Consider this gesture as the payback. If you call a Board of discipline against him, I'll call the police and give a word to the medias. Is that clear ?
You can't do that !
Watch me ! In return, I'll settle things with him. If Greg does not calm down and continues to harm you, I will not oppose to his dismissal. »
The walrus grumbled his disagreement. But think about it, it was the best solution to avoid a mediatic and judicia overflow.
« A step in the wrong direction, and he's out !
- I'll make him understand. »
Satisfied, the walrus turned his head and went back to the exit while Leonid began to gather Greg's scattered cases from the ground.
« I should update my resume... »
--
Out of the locker room, Fred was blown away by the strength of mind and character of Greg. Not by his high head carriage or the righteousness of his look, no, because Fred knew that it was a show, Greg being ready to collapse at any time. But to invite a Counsellor from the school board to get fucked, it was really daring. Fred never had the idea to make such a gesture, even if sometimes the desire had not failed him.
It was something he understood nevertheless. Greg had followed the rules and here's what was his reward. He kept to himself a smile thinking that Francis had lived the same in its scale. One more thing that would bring the boys together.
« You listen to me ? »
Fred went out of his day dream. The look that he carried on Greg made him understand that no.
« My head was elsewhere, sorry.
It's ok. Have you finished your day ?
No, I still have English literature.
With Ingworth ?
Yes. You know him ?
So, you got your day. He is in full digestion at this hour, I can tell you that he would not deliver more than ten sentences in the time coming. »
Fred understood the Greg's implicit request.
« I am very discreet, sometimes, I think that he won't notice my absence. »
Greg looked at his friend right in the eye, continuing to walk toward the exit.
« I don't force you to nothing... »
Fred knew that. But he also knew that Greg needed to be with someone. Francis was unavailable for hours. And his parents had to work. The right decision was easy to make, as Fred left the high school with some trepidation, and the feeling to do his duty not to leave a friend alone in full storm.
Standing in front of the work plan, the brown bear, dressed simply in an old white t-shirt smeared with dust and Red shorts, held a wide blade in his right hand. Facing him, elongated, his future victims were waiting, inert, unable to resist to the sharp steel which was beginning to loose pieces of the branches of what was a piece of celery. Worried, the bear was cutting pieces larger and more irregular than usual. He was aware, but he didn't care, the mind occupied with other thoughts. He was not even paying attention to the radio who was broadcasting the country music he hated so much. Ed turned his head upon hearing the opening of the door, recognizing the heavy and dealing pace of his husband. A step slower and heavier than in the usual. Mark was worried, almost ashamed at what he seemed. The rott took the time to remove his shoes and went barefoot in the kitchen, sitting on a chair, looking at the back of his husband. The red track suit worn by the new entrant seemed to float on his shoulders yet wide. Elbows on the table, Mark is passed his hand over the face to try to dissolve the tension that made him nervous.
« So ? »
Mark looked up to watch Ed who looked at him the head turned, the knife still busy to slice vegetables into pieces.
« Three months of layoff. Without pay, of course. »
Mark's voice remained calm, almost relieved. A similar tone was heard of the bear's throat.
« It's an almost a good news, tell me ! Given what has happened, I was wondering if the school was about to sue you. »
Mark agreed.
« If they did not fear the thing to become media, that's what they would have done, I am sure !
What Leonid said ?
Nothing. He did not attend the deliberations. I even understood that he had intervened on my behalf. I don't know what I can do to thank him ! »
Ed turned his head to focus more closely on the blade as and that last as close to his fingers.
« Do you ever think about what you going to do ? »
Mark nodded.
« I contacted Perry. You know, the old rail depots janitor. He knows everything about everything before everyone else. I can't imagine or it drags his ears. He said that the Standard was looking for keepers for a few weeks. A history of stolen barrels, I didn't understood everything. Minimum wage. But it's a night shift. »
The celery into pieces, Ed picked up fragments and made them fall into the melted butter into the pan. His quick hand took a large piece of beef and he began to cut it into strips.
« It is not dangerous ?
Here ? No, the job is painful, but there is nothing interesting in their warehouses. It does not pay as much as my current position, however.
Don't worry, I already planned to reduce costs. I hope that the boy's stomachs will endure two weeks of Chili con carne... »
Ed focused again on his preparations. Behind him, Mark rubbed his eyes with his hand. Despite his best efforts, tears him rode to the eyelids. Heavy sobs rose finally. Mark was trying to swallow his tears, but he was unable. Ed laid the blade and walked behind the rott, putting his big reassuring hands on the shoulders of his husband, leaning to sticking his cheek against Mark.
« Let it go. You know, you have to let go all this shit to feel better ! »
Mark knew, but his tears did not involve his sadness at the usual. In fact, each sobbing made him sadder.
« I am ashamed, Ed. You don't know how much I'm ashamed of myself ! Leonid is a friend and I almost crushed his throat ! Can you imagine this ? »
Ed was unable. He had seen many people die because of his job, but none only had passed through his fault, direct or not.
« For nothing. It wasn't his fault. Greg has lost any chance of a career because of that, because of me ! »
Ed shook is head.
« Don't be so strict with yourself.
- No, it's true ! If I had not encouraged him to make his coming out so soon, he would still be on the team ! It's all my fault ! He has no chance to go to University and all he can hope is to play in fourth grade teams ! He deserves a thousand times better than that, Ed ! A thousand times better ! »
Mark's sobs did not cease, but slowed down somewhat.
« There is no way out, Ed. Other high schools argue their full ranks for refusing to take him. Leonid tried to see what a legal action would do.
Would that change things ?
No. A judge could force his registration, but he would not have the possibility of preventing others from leaving. Greg would be left alone in the team, or almost. It's hopeless. »
Mark advised facing him a full jug of water and two glasses. He took one and used a big splash. This had the effect of making him somewhat swallow his tears, his voice regaining strength.
« That leave just the media. But I have no desire to make Greg a media freak. This could make the situation worse. And I do not think that it would. He resisted a lot of things. He's a survivor, Ed. Able to support all kinds of situations and overcome them. But it would be too much for him. Too much.
Not to mention that it can change once the cameras left.
I know. He 's back by the way ?
Yes, he's in his room. One of his friends is with him. The one who stole my harness. »
The memory of the morning or Mark and Ed had surprised Greg in gallant company gave a smile to the face of the rott.
« And Francis ? He should already be there ?
- His bus lost a wheel. He should come back soon. »
Mark was now watching the serene face of the bear. Ed bore to him his full attention. He could hardly do more, but he was fulfilling his duty as husband and friend. To support who was in trouble, even though he had no solution to offer.
However, Ed was sure of it. There was a solution. It was obvious, there had to be one. This would be unfair, if not.
There was something to do. But neither Ed nor Mark knew what.
--
Fred felt all the eyes being on him. Alone, of all the assembly, he was the only one not raising his hand. Of the 30 students present in the room, he was the only one ostensibly keeping his arms down.
The boy didn't knew what to think of his day. Up early as usual, he had completed his course, answered and confirmed his date for the next saturday with all the fears that went with. Then he had escorted a Gregory who, despite his strength of character, was at the edge of the depression and tears. His friend had been able to keep a poker face along the way back, but he eventually crack barely got home. Fred still had fresh memories of the accolades given to comfort the boy who the life and the future were broken.
And now, although he was in a large room usually vested to the physics lessons, the topic was back for discussion to his surprise.
For a first meeting with the rhetoric's club, Fred had imagined making contact with the 30 other students who wanted to work their skills in public speaking or to acquire the basics like him. The teacher's desk had become for an hour a rostrum behind which Lorette and two other boys who were still unknown to him stood, having apparently taken power over the rest of the assembly.
Fred was not really surprised to see Lorette to join from the start the de facto leaders of the club. What he couldn't understand, it was the way with which she had taken power. It was clearly one of her qualities. To get what she wanted easily, without you notice anything. A trait that seemed both admirable and dangerous.
In the face of the triumvirate, the other members were placed behind each bench, forming short rows or each group actually deliberating before grant or reject proposals and the arguments given. All in a brouhaha who was trying to organize. Fred would soon include the advantage of bringing together in such conditions, but for now, he still railed against the apparent disinterest of the School Board was to rhetoric club.
« You didn't heard the question ? »
Lorette was addressing to him. She had the place of honor, framed by two other boys whose the presence diminished when she spoke, that is to say often. It was expected that the end of the session should be devoted to the election of the final board but for Fred, the poll was going to. The boy could admire the way in which Lorette had changed character once seated in power. She was always talking in a friendly manner, but each suggestion seemed an order actually. A radical change with the way in which Lorette had managed to conquer his friendship.
« I heard perfectly. »
Lorette bowed her head to signify that she understood. Her face seemed neutral but Fred saw disapproval in her eyes. Rhetorically, Lorette asked this question.
« And those who are against the idea of a boycott, now raise your hand. »
Fred, this time raised his arm. He was the only one still to do, and the whispers of reprobation went louder. Fred knew that he would have to be justified, and that annoyed him a bit. All eyes turned to him. Some frankly hostile, others surprised and interrogative.
« Frankly, what's your problem ? »
Fred tone was clear, he was somewhat angry. He surprised some members of the group. Fred closed his eyes and stood up, heading to the teacher's desk, standing next to it to deal with his audience. His nervousness made him forget his slight shyness to have to defend himself against a group unanimously against him. Lorette seized the opportunity.
« Fred, this is a position at the same time courageous, we did recognize it, and somewhat disturbing. You should understand that. »
« Why would I understand it ? Am I not free to have an opinion contrary to that of all others ?
Of course you do, Fred, but on this issue...
This question worth another. I am against. I am against the fact to boycott and protest against the football team, despite what they have done to Greg.
Why that ? »
Lorette watched Fred with a look frank and bad. The subject, obviously, was to her, even though Fred was unaware of the reason.
« I... I don't like football. I don't like watching this sport because I find it annoying, is not the problem. What I refuse, is to put the players who voted against Greg and Dave's exclusion in the same bag with those who voted for. I find it unfair to make them pay for it. That is why I am voting against.
- It's an interesting point, but these players have not protested the result, they didn't left. Somehow, they approve their peers' behavior . »
Fred watched the young felidae at the left of Lorette who came to argue in favour of the motion of his friend. He was no more certain of his first name and to tell the truth, he didn't cared about.
« Why would they do that ? What they want is to play. Nothing else. They don't care about what just happened. Is it not a normal behavior ?
Normal ?
Yes, it is not because we voted for the losing party of an election that we must leave the country, right ? »
Fred heard a few whispers of approvals in front of him. He was happy, he made a point. He began to feel the pleasure that someone had to feel supported in a public discussion. This did not prevent him from scratching the back of his head. Not that it was itching, but this gesture enabled him to better align his pleas.
« We are in a democracy, right ? This means that the system works, different ideas must be able to coexist and be discussed. Otherwise, what's the point of having freedom of speech if only one type of position can be discussed ? Therefore, the system is no longer free, but it becomes a dictatorship. »
Fred looked at the board and the public. He was careful to stay as long as possible in the face of the public. Perhaps they did not have the power, but they were the most numerous.
« I do not approve their decision. Far from it. But I respect it. I have to respect it because they chose it unanimously or almost. I don't like their decision, but how I could criticize them ? Our parents are doing the same, election after election. They contest and do not like the choice of the majority sometimes, but they accept it. »
Fred could see the effects of his position on the public. Some had recoiled to signify their complete disagreement. Others watched Fred, until they would know more before judging. They were a minority, however, as those who seemed convinced by Fred. Of the members of the board, Lorette was the most hostile. Fred smiled inwardly. Maybe she would give away her date ?
« Fred, there is a huge difference between an electoral choice that affects us all and a decision affecting a person because of what he is ! »
The boy acknowledged reluctantly than Lorette was quite right. He was surprised to see her speak with a voice sweet, quiet and able to pronounce a death's sentence at the same time.
« I'm like you, Fred. I don't like football. But the idea that this boy is kicked out like this from the team because of that is unbearable ! We're all thinking the same, right ? »
Lorette had turned her gaze to the room. A large majority was gained to her naturally. The rest felt they had better to be too, or at least to make them believe even if it wasn't true.
« Lorette, what happened to Greg is a real horror, but... He has himself accepted. Greg gave up. He had his heart ripped out, but he understood that he could not force the others to accept him. I deplore it too, it's true, but we can't force others to love us.
-It's...
This is the basis of the problem. Acceptance. Players don't want him, and not any court decisions may force them to do so. Therefore, Greg should, or not, act according to his own interest, or the team that comes to kick him out ?
It is a paradoxical position, you must recognize it, no ?
Actually, no. The football team is the most popular activity of the school. If Greg force things, the team no longer exists. Not only he can not play anyway, but more, he pisses off everyone else. What is unfortunate is that Greg is forced to take such a decision. By renouncing, he has chosen the common good at the expense of his own. The only scandal, I think, is that Greg has no option to get by. Anyway, the only possible choices destroy his future. One way or another.
Unless we act so as to push the players to reconsider their decision. This is the meaning of this boycott. »
Lorette obtained a large public approval. Fred realized his ultra minority position. He now felt that was one who knew to be right in the face of the ignorant, being unable to be heard.
« Lorette, if I thought there was a chance in a hundred than Greg could return to the team, I'd take it. But I think not. There will always be a problem of trust between Greg, those who have supported him and the others. »
Fred looked again to the public. A few people seemed to change his mind again, but so little. This was enough, however, to make Fred feel back on his track.
« I feel sorry for Greg. And also outraged.
- No, Fred, if you were really outraged, you'll join us. Greg is the victim of blatant discrimination. It is outrageous that he is forced to be quiet and to go through this in silence. You'll never know what it is. »
The Lorette's plea cut Fred to the quick. His voice was stronger, faster also. Lorette had not answered in a nasty way, but for Fred, it was just like. He was very concerned about Greg's fate. He was also concerned by the fact that him too one day, he would have to live such a drama. He could already have experienced it but this time, it was his father who stood for him. His answer was just as powerful. For the first time, Fred truly understood the reason for which his father had required of him to be able to stand and face such a situation. Be it with his words or his fists.
Fred had always loved his father, but for the first time, his filial love doubled with respect and gratitude to him. He had not acted is protector for his boy, but protector for his son. Fred finally understood the difference. He would always be his son, but John had really stopped to consider him as a child.
« Because you know what it is, Lorette ? With all due respect, I doubt strongly that you know what Greg lives.
And why couldn't I ?
Because you're heterosexual. You won't ever have to justify you continually your lifestyle, your nature. Greg will have. »
Lorette shrugged her shoulders and eyes.
« I am a woman, Fred. I suffered discrimination. I will to suffer at work, I know, I prepare myself to this, to fight. It is something that you, you won't know.
Of course I do, Lorette. I know that too, I run the risk of living one day that Greg is going through.
Because you don't frequent the most popular clubs in high school ? »
Lorette sported her sarcastic smile. It seemed a harsh blow to the argument of Fred, who was shaking his head, rejecting her plea.
« Because I am homosexual too. »
The Lorette's smile disappeared as fast as it had appeared. Fred felt the eyes of the public even more converge on him. The sentence was out so fast that Fred had hardly noticed it. There had not been time to hold it, or think about the consequences. Lorette smiled, mouth open in surprise. Fred could swear however than her eyes expressed some deep disappointment.
« I have this in common with Greg. I know what he feels, because I'm like him. And Francis. It's... »
Fred took his breath, he was a little emotional.
« This summer, I made the decision to say. To my mother first. I did it because... I was a bitch to a friend, and for me, the only way to get out passed by the fact to tell her. Then, I said to my father. Because I wanted to be honest with him, even if in fact it happened because I made a misstep that brought him to know. As I said to some of my friends from my old school that I wanted to keep in touch. And unlike my parents... They... Made me realize that it was better for me as for them that I don't contact them anymore. Lorette, I know how it feels to be rejected because of what I am. »
The girl had no more words about Fred. The latter took the opportunity to continue. The public did not lost a word of the exchange.
« These friends.... Some were close to me and not seeing them makes me feel worthwhile. A lot of trouble. But it's their choice. I'll be better, and they will not be better if I'm forcing things, if I'm trying to still attend. I know what Greg feels, Lorette. I lost friends, but I intend to have new, real ones, this time. I know that I'll have. I also know that Greg will eventually get out. I just hope it will happen quickly. But that won't happen if he don't stop to look back. To boycott the team will not help but to make things worse.
- So we let them win ? »
Lorette seemed unable to speak. His friend to his right had said it for her. Fred's response was instant.
« They won't win. In fact they have already lost, somehow. This vote will follow them all their lives during. If there are some among them who hoped for a public career, it is already over. And the others will have, one day or the other, to justify what they have done to some of their friends, their families. But Greg won't either if he stays on this path, just like me I'll win nothing to go back to my old relationships. My victory over them, will be my new friends. Greg's victory, it will be his new future. And nothing else. »
Fred sat down again, he had nothing to say anymore. Lorette remained silent. The boy saw and felt all eyes stay on him, affecting to not pay attention. Lorette stood up, her head low, but the voice still strong.
« If other people have something to say again, this is the moment. Otherwise, we will put the proposal to the vote. »
Lorette looked at the public, but Fred felt her gaze fixed on him. He was trying to keep a certain capacity, smiling slightly. But he had his heart on someone else's boot. He did not know how felt the girl inside of her, but he now understood the words of his mother when the sense of betrayal that he might feel to the girl. Fred was sorry for her. And indeed, it was better to put things to the point as quickly as possible to avoid more unnecessary suffering.
--
The ear of the Black Panther stood by hearing the two short knockings on the door. The sound was light, almost shy. The adult rose, certain that no one else in the house was able to hear the sound. He put the glass of milk he had in hand and opened the door. Outside, surprised by the quick opening of the door, the teenager jumped somewhat. He did not knew him, but his deep instinct dictated for a hostile posture toward him. His severe eyes watched the young boy who was trying to show a minimum of respect.
« Uh... Hello... Lorette is ready, Sir ? »
The adult felt his protective instincts take over even more. He had with him a teenager. Fifteen years. Sixteen, maybe. An undefined mixture of canidae but a well structured body. He came to his 15 year old daughter, so he was an enemy by nature.
"She prepares, she should not take too long. »
Lorette's father wanted to close the door in the face of the boy, make him understand that he was not welcome and should never come back here. He merely replied in a voice severe and intimidating. After a few seconds of thought, his primary instinct gave way to a more policed behavior, putting himself aside to give the guest permission to enter. The boy entered, saying to himself that he should not be surprised if he were targeted by a loaded rifle.
Once in the living room, the boy turned and held out a hand of friendship to the adult.
« I'm Fred, by the way. Fred Kaplan. »
The father looked at the boy, of it quickly to adopt a more appropriate posture socially speaking, but also taking into account his first hostility. Adult shook the offered hand, putting more force than required to mark his father's domination. Fred was careful to return the compliment. If there is one thing that he did not want to be compared, it was to a drip.
« Thomas. My daughter had to already talk to you about me ?
- Just a little, Mr. You work at the pharmacy, I think, right ? »
Lorette's father was a man of great stature, but very thin, almost dry. Lorette had undoubtedly inherited his size and morphology. Fred was to behave in a friendly manner, the adult returned some form of hostility. Fred understood the reason, but he did not know whether or not he should disabuse him and explain to him why his daughter was safe with him.
Thomas tried to calm down a little. His daughter had just mentioned it like this, by the way. It was almost more person looks like. Just the man responsible in part of her existence, an individual who had sweated blood and guts to feed his daughter to dress her, treat her when needed, love and protect her, educate her, sacrificing everything for her.
And he was only just mentioned. After being a God to her eyes, then his loving father, he was important to the level of utilities.
The wonders of teenagers. Thomas did his best to keep his resentment. After all, the boy was not responsible.
Besides looking good, Thomas said he could make her a minimum confidence. He was well dressed, he was polite, he did not seem to come from a sketchy neighborhood and seemed not to have bad habits.
« I just work here. I wanted to be a graduate pharmacist but I hadn't enough money to make it to the end. You know my daughter for a long time ? »
Fred shook his head. Recent fears were lifted by seeing that he was still alive and that the father of his guest seemed no more interested to rip off his guts.
« No, we met in high school last month. She took from me to the last spot I was hoping in the judo team.
You had not a chance, just remember this.
I understood it, Yes. She seems to get what she wants !
I know. It would be damaging if she was good for nothing but she excels in all or almost.
I quickly realized.
And what will you do today ? »
Fred felt a hint of hostility in the last question. He had no time to answer than Lorette appeared at the top of the stairs. Hearing the sound of no the girl, Thomas turned his head and could not but admire the young appearance with charm. Fred had also turned his head and he was also enchanted by the vision.
Down the steps one after the other with speed and grace, Lorette quickly joined the show. She was wearing a short skirt of green cotton, arriving at mid-thigh, held by a bright yellow belt red buckle. Her chest was hidden by a Jersey of a same green tint. The fabric was unable to conceal her young affirmed chest, the navel bare. Thomas took back control of his brain and looked at his daughter with disapproval.
« Are you sure you want to wear this today ? »
Fred understood that in father's language, this meant
« You're going to immediately go back to your room and put a heavy frock dress instead ! »
Lorette shook her head, smiling at her father, him saying a suave and voluntary voice while picking up a large bag of yellow vinyl of the coat rack.
« It's too hot, Daddy. And then we'll spend a moment outdoors. And Mom was okay. »
Thomas looked at his daughter of a look suspicious, almost certainly the last part of the sentence was a lie. Fred, him, quickly understood that it was important to remain neutral and to be forgotten a little.
« Right, Lorette. You're prone to sunburn, remember !
- It's okay, Daddy! I have my Sun milk and I have already applied a layer, I risk nothing, you know. »
Thomas felt, in his usual, he would lose the fight with his daughter. It was better to admit his defeat quickly and return to his occupations. It was much easier inside that Thomas had trust in his daughter. She had strength, character, and she knew what she wanted. And what she didn't.
« What will you do then ? »
Fred was prepared to answer but Lorette did instead. Another lesson about the girl: if she could take the top spot because of a moment of delay or hesitation, she took things in hand.
« We will take the bus and see the railroad's museum on the outskirts. Then we'll go for a drink and we'll go to the movies if we have time.
- The Museum ? »
Thomas looked at Fred, nonplussed. This certainly isn't a place he would have chosen for a date with a girl. Fred could not but smile benoitement.
« I'll be home at 10. Eleven at worst. I have my cell too, I' ll call you or mom is something changes ! »
Thomas nodded, reassured.
« Have a good day then ! »
Lorette turned to the door and opened it. Fred could only follow. He greeted one last time the father before following the girl.
He felt he would have a good day, even if he is not completely undid this feeling of being a calf in the face of a cowboy getting ready to mark its property.