The Mennonite - The next Generation 10 CGW
It was now summertime and the kids were out of school for the summer and everywhere; I sent the two youngest to the Children's center for the day and the older ones were at their jobs which they loved it was rest time for me when the doorbell rang. I answered the door and there was Tommie standing there, he asked if he could come inside and talk to me. I said; sure Tommie come in and talk about what's bothering you. Tommie sat down and said; what's wrong with me Mom and Dad can hardly look at me when I ask them what's wrong they change the subject, Mr. Clayton I want you to tell me what they won't; or when I turn 17 I'm packing my bags and leaving this place and no one will ever see me again.
Tommie would you really do that to your future, break a man's heart into a million pieces, is that fair to Erwin who loves you with all of his heart just because your parents can't bring themselves to hurt you with the ugly past that almost killed you. I'm sorry Mr. Clayton but before I can move on, I have to know what is so bad in my past that people can't even talk to me about it.
I picked up the phone and called Stephan and told him what was going on with Tommie, he said; tell him everything Clayton please we can't stand to see his heart break when finally finds out the truth, I said; ok then, would you and Ellen come over in about an hour, he said; yes they would and thanked me for helping Tommie.
Tommie what do you remember about your life before here, Just flashes of memories and what little bit that David told me about our past. Tommie I have seen your files since we do what we do here for children and I have a friend that works for the children's system, the first notes were taken on you when you were 18 months old your mom and boyfriend kept dropping off the radar until you were 9 years old when you were left for dead and your mom disappeared again with the other children. You were found and spent almost a year in the hospital before being placed with the Holden's. You had numerous surgeries to repair the damage that was inflicted on your tiny body. They had to sew your insides up because they were torn as was your rectum when the man that your mom sold you to for her drugs, forced his arm inside of you after he raped you. You were in shock and your body shutdown, remember when David said; the bed was covered in blood and you wouldn't move you went into shock, you mom and her boyfriend panicked and only thought of themselves and left you there when the escaped. Tommie began to weep as I comforted him, he asked; why would anyone do that to a child. Drugs or not, these people were sick. Yes they were sick Tommie and you will never have to suffer like that again in your life because have a great young man that loves you very much, a loving family and friends that support you.
I want you to remember this Tommie when you and Erwin consummate your relationship after you move in if you have a problem, the two of you need to have a safe word that lets the other know that you don't feel safe and to stop, if you have any questions or concerns Micah and I are just next door, David is here too along with Daniel, Jonah and Robert if you two need company. I want you and David to rebuild the bond you share as brothers when you are ready to. Now dry your eyes young man your parents should be here at any time and I want them to see how strong you really are. Yes sir answered Tommie I understand. The doorbell rang and Tommie answered it and hugged his parents as they entered the house, I don't blame you for not wanting to hurt me, I now understand why I can't open up the past, I love you.
I asked Ellen and Stephan if I could get them a cup of coffee they agreed that one would be nice, as we sat and talked about the past and what the future held.
Tommie said; when the trial of the man that hurt David starts he wanted to be there for his brother so he could look the piece of trash in his eyes so he would remember that you don't hurt children. Stephan told his son; I'll be there to support you every step of the way son. Tommie thanked him and hugged his neck.
Stephan broke the ice and asked; are you getting nervous or excited about Saturday. Both Dad, I'm also a little scared what if my body isn't ready for Erwin and we can't make love to each other, I would feel like I let him down and such a failure.
Stephan told Tommie; you have such a special young man in that Erwin, something that special is only once in a lifetime and you are so lucky to have him in yours. Ellen said; if I know my sweet son, you will be just fine when the time comes because you are a survivor.
The phone rang, it was the Children's center, and they wanted to speak to me and Micah about David he was acting out and a couple of the other parents were concerned about his actions. We went to the Center and met with the new administrator she said; that any physical displays of affection would not be allowed to take place. Micah asked; what exactly took place here Ms. Gardner, David has been seen holding a young girls hand on several occasions and today he kissed her during recess. Ms. Gardner does this other child have a name so when we talk to David we can address her by the correct name. Its Erin Allister sir and I will tell you right now this kind of behavior will not be tolerated as long as I'm in charge here. Micah and I bid her goodbye and went home.
On the way home Micah called Beth to come by the house and bring Galen with you. We walked in the house, Micah hollered for David to come into the living room and said; you might as well come out here also Robert so he doesn't have to repeat it to you. Both boys sat on the settee, Micah said wait for Beth to get here. Beth and Galen arrived and were told to have a seat by Micah, David we had to go to the Center for a meeting with Ms. Gardner today about you. Can you tell us what happened today that would make her call us? Daddy; that one she is a mean one and she has no place being around kids. Robert popped off before he realized and said; she's a cold fish, so cold in fact you could freeze ice on her butt. Micah said; that will be enough from the peanut gallery young man, I had to keep myself from laughing. Micah asked; David what happened on the playground today? Daddy me and my girlfriend were holding hands when the banshee came out screeching at us to stop holding hands so I did, but she hit the roof when I kissed Erin and told us that were filthy vile beast and were consumed by evil.
David; did she do this to you and the little girl in front of the other kids. Yes sir she did and that little girls name is Erin Allister and she's my girlfriend when we turn 18 we are going to get married and have 6 kids. Micah's mouth dropped open and he was speechless. David concluded his speech; with if anyone has a problem with that so be it, because I love my red headed girlfriend.
I said; David that is wonderful but Ms. Gardner won't allow you to hold each other's hand or kiss. David puffed up and said; well she can just suck a rotten egg and I know where there's a whole nest full with her name on them, first she gets rid of my sister now she won't let me hold hands with my future wife a man can only stand so much before he forced to take action.
Micah stood up and roared she got rid of whom? Beth; why haven't you said something to me before now. Daddy it's okay now I can spend more time with Seth at the house. Micah asked; Beth why isn't he at the center with the other children. Because Ms. Gardner won't allow him or me to be at the center, she said; it's not fair to the other children because he's slow and will make them dumb, she said; she knew what was best because she has a degree in child development. Galen was turning red in the face and about ready to explode, from his facial expressions this was the first time he was hearing this also.
Micah quietly picked up his phone and made a conference call to the other elders and called a meeting to take place in 45 minutes and told one elder to call Ms. Gardner and have her attend the meeting. Micah stood up and walked out the front door closing it so hard he pulled it through the frame without saying a word to anyone.
I quietly said; do not anyone say a word to him, he is hurt and angry just let him cool down for a while, David popped off and said; what do you figure about two weeks before he cools down. Robert said; if you're lucky two weeks. David, Robert carry you smart selves to your room until I call you for supper do you young men hear me. Yes poppa we will wait until called. Daniel came in upset and asked if Daddy was ok, he will be son just let him cool down for a while, if he doesn't destroy the place first. What do you mean destroy the place? He reached down and turned over his truck with his bare hands, I hollered for Galen to get Izaiah and a few others that I might need some help and ran outside to be with my husband. When I arrived at his overturned truck Micah was sitting on the ground still so mad he was shaking, I sat down beside him and took his hand in mine and said; my dear sweet caring man I love you and admire your resolve to your family, making sure none of them ever have to suffer but you need to gather yourself and go to the meeting and let the other elders handle this matter we shall speak for David and Beth will speak for herself with the support of her husband and son. Your family and friends will be there to show their support for you.
The meeting was a long one with parent after parent voicing their concern for the children and the way the Children's Center was being run by Ms. Gardner. She was upset with the people and said; she was educated and she was best to say how the center would be run for cost effectiveness. The elder in charge cut her off and said; I've heard enough, we make sure every child is taken care of here in the Giving Community and none are looked down upon. Ms. Your contract is null and void effective as of now. I sue you people she said; I doubt that lady said the elder you had better read your contract 2/3 vote voids your contract and we have 100% vote.
Elizabeth would please stand up and face the Elders, Beth stood before them young lady you have proved yourself to the test of time and in adversity and this Council wishes to apologize to you. If you would take the job of Center Director we would be grateful and furthermore it is yours for as long as you wish to serve as The Director and you will have an assistant of your choosing to help you. Are these conditions agreeable to you young lady? Beth said; yes Elders I accept and thank you for your wise choice.
We left the meeting and walked to the house when we came close enough to see Micah's overturned truck He took out his keys and tossed them to Daniel and said; son you might want to turn your truck over and carry it to the repair shop and see what it will cost to have it repaired and have them send me the bill.
First the door now a new truck my temper is getting expensive isn't it honey, I think a small vacation is in order for us, Daniel and Jonah can watch the boys for a few days. I said; I think a few days in Cancun would be perfect. Micah said; let's go pack our bags and we can catch a bus or a flight tomorrow.
The doorbell rang and Daniel opened the door. The officer at the door said; Daniel at 4:35 pm on this date the Tropic Air plane carrying your folks went down and all were lost.
The End