The next day at the hospital after Steve ate his lunch; Ms.
Phillips and Detective Parker showed up at Steve's room.
"Dr. Sloan, Mrs. Sloan is it all right if we come in?"
asked Ms. Phillips as she opened the door slightly.
"Yes of course," answered Mark with a smile. "We
told Steve that Detective Parker and you would be coming to talk
to him. But he seems a little nervous."
"Hi Steve," said Ms. Phillips with a smile. "You
don't have to be nervous. We're here to ask you a few questions
on how you got hurt. Is that okay?"
"No," answered Steve as he turned his head away from
them. "I don't have anything to say."
Mark and Katherine looked at Ms. Phillips and Detective Parker in
disgust. Mark finally said, "Steve won't tell us what
happened either. All he says is that he fell down."
Ms. Phillips nodded as she turned back to Steve. "Steve
please look at me," she said gently as she walked to his bed
and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Steve slowly turned his head to look at Ms. Phillips with tears
in his eyes.
"It's okay to be scared," she began gently and with a
smile. "I certainly would be if a strangers came in here and
started to ask me questions. I would think that I am in
trouble."
Steve continued to stare at Ms. Phillips and felt himself calming
down as she spoke with that gentle voice. But he still didn't say
anything.
"Let me tell you about myself that way you might not feel as
nervous talking to me as stranger but as a friend. Okay?"
asked Ms. Phillips with a smile.
"All right," answered Steve softy.
"I have two children and their names are Michael and
Kallie," began Ms. Phillips. "They are ten and eight
years old. My youngest one, Michael likes to ride his dirt bike
so I go riding with him."
"You ride dirt bikes?" asked Steve with surprise.
"Yes I do," laughed Ms. Phillips. "It's a lot of
fun. Steve do you have a dirt bike?"
"Yes, my dad bought me one," answered Steve with a
smile. "But my mom and dad don't like me to ride it very
often. They're afraid that I'll get hurt." Then he turned to
his mom and dad, "See it's not dangerous. Ms. Phillips rides
dirt bikes with her son and he is the same age as me."
"Yes I see," answered his dad laughing. "We will
talk about that later when you are able to ride. Okay?"
"Okay dad," answered Steve with a big smile on his
face. He knew that his dad would start letting him ride his dirt
bike more often.
"Ms. Phillips, I think you just started something,"
said Katherine with smile and her hands on her hips.
"I'm sorry," laughed Ms. Phillips. "Now Steve,
this is Detective Chris Parker and I will let him tell you about
himself."
"Hi Steve," said Detective Parker with a smile.
"You know that is just so happens that I like to ride dirt
bikes myself. In fact I race them at the race track."
"You do," said Steve with excitement. "When do you
race? Can I see you race?"
"I race on Saturdays," laughed Detective Parker.
"And when it is okay with your parents, I will take you to
see the dirt bike races at the track."
"Dad is it okay if I go to the races with Detective
Parker?" asked Steve excitedly. "Please?"
Everybody began laughing but Mark finally replied, "When you
are able to go to the race track, you can go."
"Did you hear that Detective Parker," Steve said very
excitedly. "My dad said I could go with you when I'm
better."
"Yes I did," laughed Detective Parker. "Until then
I will bring you some dirt bike magazines for you to look
at."
"Thank you Detective Parker," answered Steve excitedly.
"I can't wait to see them."
"Steve now you know a little about Detective Parker and
me," began Ms. Phillips. "Why don't you tell us a
little more about yourself? We know that you like to ride dirt
bikes but what else do you like to do?"
"I like to swim and ride horses at Pony Land," answered
Steve with a smile.
"Do you have a sister or brother?" asked Detective
Parker with a smile. Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips saw that
Steve was starting to trust them or at least be comfortable with
them.
"I have a little sister," answered Steve with a smile.
"Her name is Carol and she is five years old."
"How about school?" asked Ms. Phillips slowly.
"Steve do you like school?"
Steve's mood changed very quickly at the mention of school. He
looked at his parents, Ms. Phillips and Detective Parker before
he turned his head away angrily; "I don't want to talk about
school."
"Why Steve?" asked Ms. Phillips gently.
"Because I hate school," yelled Steve angrily.
"And I'm never going back. Go away! I don't want to answer
anymore of your stupid questions! Just leave me alone!" Then
he turned to his dad with tears in his eyes, "Dad make them
go away. Please make them go away. I don't want to talk to them
anymore."
Mark and Katherine started to go to their son but Ms. Phillips
put her hand out to stop them. "Please let me handle
this," she said firmly.
Mark and Katherine didn't say anything but nodded their heads in
agreement.
Ms. Phillips turned back to Steve, "Steve, I know you don't
want to talk about this. In fact I know you are very scared that
if you tell that it is going to happen to you again. Is that
right?"
Steve looked at Ms. Phillips for a few minutes and then turned
away. "Yes," Steve answered very softly as tears came
down his face.
Ms. Phillips saw the tears coming down his face and said,
"Steve it is okay to cry." Steve began to sob
uncontrollably on Ms. Phillips' shoulder.
Katherine started to go to Steve but Mark stopped her, "Let
Ms. Phillips handle this, she knows what she is doing."
Katherine looked at Mark uncertain. "It will be okay,"
Mark reassured her with a gentle hug.
After Steve stopped crying, Ms. Phillips handed Steve a tissue
and gave him a few more minutes to make sure he was calm and able
to continue.
"Steve, I can guarantee that it is not going to happen to
you again," said Ms. Phillips firmly. "Your parents,
Detective Parker and I are not going to let that happen.
Okay?"
"Okay," answered Steve softly.
"Steve, are you ready to answer some questions?" asked
Ms. Phillips gently.
"Yes," answered Steve very slowly.
"Why do you hate school, Steve?" asked Ms. Phillips
gently.
"Because everybody is mean to me at school," answered
Steve slowly.
"Steve can you tell me is everybody mean to you at school or
is it one or two people that are mean to you?" asked
Detective Parker gently.
Steve looked up slowly at his dad and then turned to Detective
Parker, "One person is mean to me at school but I can't tell
you who it is because he will hurt my parents or my little
sister, Carol. So please don't make me tell you. I don't want
anything to happen to my mom and dad or Carol," he cried.
"Steve look at me," said Detective Parker gently.
"I can promise you that he will not hurt your parents or
your little sister but most important he will not hurt you
anymore. Okay?"
"Okay," answered Steve slowly.
"Now can you tell me who is mean to you at school?"
asked Detective Parker again gently.
Steve again looked at his dad and then back at Detective Parker
and Ms. Phillips, "My teacher, Mr. Thomas." Then he
turned to his dad crying, "I'm sorry dad. I know he's your
friend. Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry," and he kept
on crying.
Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips looked at each other in
surprise. After they had questioned Mr. Thomas, they were
convinced that he was hiding something but did not expect that he
was the one physically abusing Steve. They thought this case was
between Steve and a couple of students fighting. Ms. Phillips and
Detective Parker did not expect teacher abuse and were in shock.
Mark hurried over to his son, "Steve look at me," he
said with tears in his eyes. Steve looked at his dad with tears
falling down his face. "Steve, I'm not mad at you and this
is not your fault. You don't have anything to be sorry about. Do
you understand me?" he asked as he held Steve in his arms.
"But dad, Mr. Thomas said I was bad and needed to be
punished just like he was. He said I was no good and always
caused trouble. He said that you and mom would be better off
without me. Mr. Thomas also said that if I told you or mom what
was happening that he would find a way to hurt both of you and
Carol and that I wouldn't be around to see it," cried Steve
uncontrollably in his dad's arms.
Katherine went over to Steve and Mark. All three began crying and
holding on to each other in comfort and for support. Ms. Phillips
and Detective Parker watched with tears coming down their faces.
After Mark finally composed himself, he said, "Steve look at
me." Steve looked at Mark with tears coming down his face.
"Mr. Thomas is not going to ever hurt you again in anyway. I
will not let him come near you, your mother or your sister. I
will protect all of you. Do you understand me?"
"But dad, what if Mr. Thomas finds out that I told you and
mom," cried Steve. "I know he will hurt me when I go
back to school. I know he will. I just know he will," he
cried over and over again hysterically.
"Steve stop and look at me," Mark said firmly. Steve
stopped and looked at his dad. "I will not let Mr. Thomas
hurt you ever again. I will make sure that Mr. Thomas ends up in
jail for hurting you and that way you will never get to see him
again. Until then you do not have to go to school. Okay?"
"Okay dad," answered Steve as his dad held him tightly.
After a few moments had passed Ms. Phillips gently asked,
"Steve are you ready to tell me how Mr. Thomas hurt
you?"
Steve stared at Ms. Phillips, He stared at his parents before
answering very slowly, "This time, he got angry at me
because I was late coming to his class and I was talking back to
him."
"What do you mean this time?" asked Detective Parker.
"Steve how many times has Mr. Thomas hurt you?"
"I don't remember," answered Steve with tears in his
eyes. "I think at least five times maybe more."
Mark and Katherine looked at each other in disbelief. "That
explained the other bruises and pinch marks on Steve's arms and
the marks on his back. How could he have not have known that
something like this was happening to his son," thought Mark
to himself.
"Steve when did Mr. Thomas start to hurt you?" asked
Ms. Phillips gently.
"About two weeks ago," answered Steve as he stared at
his parents and then looked back at Ms. Phillips.
"How did Mr. Thomas hurt you?" asked Detective Parker
gently. "And why?"
Steve remained silent.
"Steve why did Mr. Thomas hurt you and how did he hurt
you?" asked Detective Parker again gently.
"Because Mr. Thomas said I was being disruptive in
class," cried Steve as he looked over to his mom and dad.
"But I wasn't. Honest."
"We believe you, Steve," answered his mom with a smile
on her face. She got up and gave Steve a reassuring hug.
"Steve will you tell us how Mr. Thomas said you were being
disruptive in class?" asked Ms Phillips slowly.
Steve slowly began to tell Ms. Phillips, Detective Parker and his
parents, his story about how he got slapped on the face by Mr.
Thomas.
**********
Mr. Thomas had just finished going over the math problem that was
on the board, but Steve still didn't understand, so he raised his
hand to have Mr. Thomas explain it again.
Mr. Thomas saw Steve's hand go up and ignored him. Steve
continued to wave his hand.
Finally Mr. Thomas asked sternly, "What is it Mr.
Sloan?"
"I don't understand the problem," answered Steve
slowly.
"If you been paying attention you would know how to do the
problem," said Mr. Thomas very sternly. "And right now
I am too busy to go over it again."
Steve was going to ask him again but decided against it and just
ask his friend, Randy Johnson.
Steve began quietly talking to Randy and they began going over
the problem. They were so busy talking that at first they didn't
hear Mr. Thomas call Steve's name.
"Steven Sloan," yelled Mr. Thomas sternly.
Randy finally heard and tapped Steve's shoulder and pointed to
Mr. Thomas. Steve looked up at Mr. Thomas and saw that everybody
was staring at him.
"Yes sir," answered Steve very slowly and quietly.
"You will stay after class," yelled Mr. Thomas. "I
need to speak to you. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," answered Steve quietly. He knew he was in
deep trouble. After the bell rang, Steve remained at his desk
until everybody had left.
"Now Mr. Sloan, will you come here to me," yelled Mr.
Thomas sternly.
Steve slowly got up and walked to Mr. Thomas.
"Now will you tell me what was so interesting that you had
to disrupt the whole class?" demanded Mr. Thomas as he
closed the door to his room.
Steve slowly began, "Randy and I were talking about the
problem on the board. It didn't make sense to me and I was asking
Randy to explain it to me."
"If you were busy paying attention instead of talking, then
you wouldn't need Randy to explain anything to you," shouted
Mr. Thomas.
"Yes sir," answered Steve. "But…"
"But nothing," shouted Mr. Thomas. "You need to
keep your big mouth quiet," and he slapped Steve's face.
"OWOW," yelped Steve as he rubbed his face with his
hand. "You can't slap me."
"I will do it again if you keep on with your talking and
disrupting class," shouted Mr. Thomas. He grabbed Steve's
shirt and shouted, "You will miss your break tomorrow and
work on your math, that was due for today. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," answered Steve with tears in his eyes.
"But I'm going to tell my dad that you slapped me."
"You go right ahead an tell your dad," shouted Mr.
Thomas. "And I will just tell him that you haven't been
doing your work because you have been very disruptive in class
and talking back to me. I will also tell him that you have been
into a lot of trouble lately and getting into fights at school
with other students and I will say you started it. I will say
that is how you got your bruise on your face. We are very good
friends and who do you think he will believe when I tell him
that?"
"But that's not true," yelled Steve angrily. "You
would be lying. I haven't been fighting at school."
"You think your dad will believe you with that bruise on
your face," laughed Mr. Thomas. "Maybe I should tell
him. Go sit down at your desk and we will wait for him."
"Please Mr. Thomas don't talk to my dad," begged Steve.
"I'm sorry that I was talking back to you and not paying
attention in class. I won't do it again. I promise." Steve
definitely didn't want Mr. Thomas talking to his dad.
"Now that's more like it," laughed Mr. Thomas. "I
won't talk to your dad but remember what I told you about being
missing your break tomorrow."
"I remember," answered Steve slowly. "I'll be
here."
"You may go," laughed Mr. Thomas. "I'll see you
tomorrow."
Steve left the room but could hear Mr. Thomas laughing in the
background.
**********
"So that is why he came to the house," said Mark
angrily. "He wanted to know if Steve told us anything."
"What do you mean, Dr. Sloan?" asked Ms. Phillips.
"When did he come to your house?"
Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips knew but wanted to make sure
that what Mr. Thomas had told was the same as Mark's story.
"The same day Steve came home with the bruise on his
face," answered Mark angrily. "Frank said that he had
heard Steve got injured and was very concerned about him. He said
that Steve was very special to him. I should have suspected
something when Steve was so scared and frightened to talk to him
and he begged to go back to his room." He turned to Steve,
"I'm so sorry son that I made you stand there and let him
look at your face." He grabbed Steve and held him tightly.
"I'm so sorry."
Detective Parker waited a few more minutes before he slowly
asked, "Steve, you said that Mr. Thomas has hurt you at
least five times. Can you tell me where else he has hurt you and
why?"
"Mr. Thomas pinched and bruised my arms and shoulders,"
answered Steve slowly.
"Is that why you didn't want to wear short sleeve
shirts?" asked Mark gently. "You didn't want your mom
and I to see your bruises and the pinched marks."
"Yes," Steve said very softly. "I have been
already in trouble with both of you and I didn't want you to
think that I was fighting again at school, especially after the
bruise on my face."
"Steve what else did Mr. Thomas do to you?" asked Ms.
Phillips gently.
"Mr. Thomas pinched my ears and pulled my hair. He also hit
me with a ruler on my back and the back of my head but never
again on my face because Mr. Thomas said that he did not want
anymore bruises to show."
"Steve, you said that Mr. Thomas slapped you because you
were being disruptive in class. Is that right?"
"Yes," answered Steve slowly.
"Steve what were some other reasons why Mr. Thomas hit,
pinched or slapped you?" asked Detective Parker slowly.
"Mr. Thomas hit me for a lot of reasons," answered
Steve as he looked over at his parents. "One reason was
because I called Mr. Thomas a liar in front of my mom and dad. He
said I made him look bad and he didn't like it."
"Steve why did you call Mr. Thomas a liar?" asked
Detective Parker with surprise.
"Because Mr. Thomas said I didn't turn in my homework last
week for three days and got me into more trouble with my mom and
dad," answered Steve firmly. "But I did do my homework.
Mr. Thomas just tore them up when I turned them in. He said that
they were all wrong and wanted me to do them all over again. Mr.
Thomas is a big fat liar and I hate him," he said very
angrily.
Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips looked at each other for a few
moments and decided to themselves that another visit to Mr.
Thomas, Jarrad Willis and Greg Dalton were in order.
Mark and Katherine looked at each other for a few moments before
Mark finally said, "Steve, your mom and I are sorry that we
didn't believe you and that we grounded you. How about we go
somewhere-special just mom, you and me and you get to decide
where we go. Okay?"
"You mean anywhere?" asked Steve smiling mischievously.
"Yes," answered his dad very slowly. "Where do you
want to go?"
"To Disneyland," answered Steve with a big smile on his
face.
Mark looked at Steve with a surprise look; "I don't know
Steve. That's a little to far."
"Oh I don't know Dr. Sloan," laughed Ms. Phillips.
"You did tell Steve anywhere and now it seems that you are
trying to back out of it. Doesn't it Detective Parker?"
"Yes it does," laughed Detective Parker. "It's a
shame if you can't keep a deal."
"Please dad?" begged Steve. "You did say anywhere
I wanted to go."
Mark looked at Katherine, "Why are you not helping me? I am
being ganged up on."
"You got yourself into this mess," Katherine answered
laughing. "And you can get yourself out."
"Thanks a lot," laughed Mark. "Okay Steve,
Disneyland it is."
"Yahoo," yelled Steve very excitedly. "Thanks dad,
mom. Then he turned to Ms. Phillips and Detective Parker.
"Thank you too for getting my dad and mom to take me to
Disneyland."
"You're welcome," answered Ms. Phillips and Detective
Parker together. After a few more moments of celebrating, Ms.
Phillips began again, "Steve you said that you were late to
class and you were talking back to Mr. Thomas and that is why he
hurt you. Is that right?"
"Yes," answered Steve very slowly.
"Can you tell us how Mr. Thomas hurt you?" asked Ms.
Phillips gently.
Steve remained silent but began to move around very restless. He
turned his head away from Ms. Phillips, Detective Parker and his
parents. "I don't want to talk about this anymore," he
finally yelled out angrily. "It won't help because nobody
will believe me anyway. And Mr. Thomas will just come back and
hurt me again. Just leave me alone."
"Steve look at me," said Detective Parker firmly. Steve
turned his head toward Detective Parker. "Your parents
believe you. Ms. Phillips and I believe you. I also know this is
very hard on you but we need to know what happened so we can help
you and stop Mr. Thomas from doing this to someone else. How did
Mr. Thomas hurt you?"
Steve slowly began to tell Detective Parker, Ms. Phillips and his
parents how Mr. Thomas broke his leg.
**********
"Steve was hiding in the bathroom waiting for the last
moment to get to class before being late. He really dreaded going
to Mr. Thomas' class because Mr. Thomas always found some reason
to hit, pinch or bruise him. He finally got up slowly and walked
towards his classroom. Steve entered right before the late tardy
rang.
"Nice of you to join us, Mr. Sloan," said Mr. Thomas
very sternly. "I hope we didn't inconvenience your schedule
by starting on time."
"I'm not late," answered Steve defiantly. "I
entered the room before the bell rang."
"You're late," replied Mr. Thomas angrily. "And
now you will owe me this morning's break for this morning for
talking back to me. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir," answered Steve quietly. "I'm sorry for
talking back to you."
"Go to your seat," said Mr. Thomas sternly and he began
to teach.
Steve slowly walked to his seat. He knew that he was in deep
trouble again with Mr. Thomas.
After several hours Mr. Thomas called for the morning break.
"Mr. Sloan, you will come with me," he said very
sternly.
"Yes sir," answered Steve very slowly. He got up and
followed Mr. Thomas out the door.
Mr. Thomas walked quickly to the football field where nobody was
around. He stopped near the benches and turned to Steve.
"Now it seems that you have a smart mouth along with being
tardy," yelled Mr. Thomas angrily. "Well we are going
to take care of that." He picked up a good heavy stick and
swung it around several times.
Steve gulped when he saw Mr. Thomas pick up the stick. "What
are you going to do with that?" he stammered out.
"I'm going to teach you some manners," shouted Mr.
Thomas angrily. "Something your father should have taught
you a long time ago. Now it seems that I have to teach you some
respect." He swung the stick hitting Steve in front of his
right leg causing him to fall on the benches behind him.
Steve heard a crack and cried out in pain, "My leg! I think
you broke my leg," as he held his leg.
Mr. Thomas stared at Steve in shock for a few minutes. He
couldn't believe that he had actually hit Steve that hard.
"Get up," yelled Mr. Thomas. "I know you are not
that hurt. When Steve didn't move he yelled again, "Get up
or I will hit you again."
Steve very slowly and painfully got up. Tears were coming down
his face.
"Now if you tell anyone about this I will hurt your parents
and your little sister," yelled Mr. Thomas angrily. "I
will also come after you that way your parents don't have to put
up with you anymore. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir," cried Steve in pain. "I won't tell
anybody. I promise."
Mr. Thomas grabbed Steve's shirt and shouted, "Make sure you
don't because if I find out you did you will be sorry. Also by
the time you get to class I want those tears stopped. Now get
moving."
Steve finally turned to his mom and dad after he had finished.
His mom and dad had tears coming down their faces, "I'm
sorry I didn't tell you but I didn't want Mr. Thomas to hurt you
or Carol. I'm sorry," and he continued to cry.
"It's all right Steve," said his dad gently and as he
held him tight in his arms. "You don't have anything to be
sorry about. You did the right thing in telling us now, that way
we can stop Mr. Thomas from hurting you or anybody else
again."
After a few more minutes Ms. Phillips slowly began again,
"Steve do you have many friends at school?"
"Yeah, I have one good friend," answered Steve a little
calmer. "His name is Randy Johnson."
"Is this the same Randy Johnson that you asked to help you
with the math problem?" asked Detective Parker slowly.
"Yes," answered Steve slowly.
"Steve do you get along with all your classmates in your
class or just Randy?" asked Ms. Phillips slowly.
Steve stared at Ms. Phillips and Detective Parker for a few
minutes. He didn't know where this was going and he didn't like
it. Finally Steve slowly answered, "Randy is my best friend
but I do have other friends that are in my class."
"May I ask who are they?" asked Detective Parker
slowly.
"Yeah," answered Steve slowly. "Their names are
Mike Jenkins and Todd Clark."
"Do you have two classmates in your class with the names of
Jarrad Willis and Greg Dalton?" asked Detective Parker
slowly.
"Yeah," answered Steve with surprise. "How did you
know?"
"Ms. Phillips and I talked to them yesterday in Mr. Murphy's
office," answered Detective Parker slowly. "Are they,
your friends too, Steve?"
"Sometimes we play together," answered Steve. "But
mostly they play by themselves. They're mean and like to pick on
kids. Everybody else is scared of them."
"Do they pick on you and are they mean to you, Steve?"
asked Ms. Phillips quietly.
"Sometimes," answered Steve slowly. "But they
mostly play with me now especially after our fight at
school."
"What fight," asked Ms. Phillips as she looked over to
Detective Parker.
"Jarrad and Greg were picking on Randy because they said he
took their ball away from them," replied Steve. "Jarrad
got mad when Randy wouldn't give him back the ball and he pushed
Randy down and made him cry. I yelled at Jarrad to leave Randy
alone and that we had the ball first. Greg got mad and pushed me
down. So I jumped up and pushed him back making him fall. He
began to cry and Jarrad got mad at me. He tried to hit me with
his fist but he missed and I hit him in the stomach and made him
cry. I kept hitting him until the playground teacher saw me and
pulled me off of Jarrad. When she found out what happened and
marched us all to the office. Boy did I get into trouble for
that," he said as he looked over to his mom and dad.
"When did that happen?" asked Detective Parker slowly.
"Last week," answered Steve quietly.
"Did that happen before or after Mr. Thomas tore up your
homework?" asked Ms. Phillips.
"Before," answered Steve. "Because that was one of
the reasons my mom and dad didn't believe me that I did do my
homework."
"Steve has Jarrad and Greg ever really hurt you?" asked
Detective Parker slowly.
"No," answered Steve slowly. "They just pushed me
but they never really hurt me. I can beat them both up."
"I bet you can," answered Detective Parker with a
smile. "Well Steve that is it for now but do you have any
questions for Ms. Phillips or myself before we go?"
"What is going to happen to Mr. Thomas for hurting me?"
asked Steve slowly.
"Well if we find enough evidence saying that Mr. Thomas was
hurting you, he will go to jail," answered Detective Parker.
"Good that way he can't hurt my parents or my sister or me
anymore," answered Steve with a smile.
"Steve, Mr. Thomas won't hurt anyone anymore," said
Detective Parker firmly. "Ms. Phillips and I promise you
that. Then Detective Parker turned to Mark and Katherine.
"Dr. Sloan, Mrs. Sloan thank you and we will talk to you
again as soon as we find out something with the
investigation."
"Thank you, Ms. Phillips, Detective Parker," said Mark
as he shook their hands. "My wife and I really appreciate
all you have already done to help Steve."
"It's our pleasure," answered Detective Parker with a
smile. "By the way Steve, I will bring the dirt bike
magazines to you tomorrow."
Thank you, Detective Parker," said Steve excitedly. "I
can't wait to see them."
"You're welcome," said Detective Parker laughing as Ms.
Phillips and he left the room.
**********
After Mark had finished telling Amanda and Jesse about how Steve
was physically abused by Frank Thomas, he began to get agitated
again. He got up and began to pace back and forth. "Where
can he be?" he asked again desperately.
"Let me call the station to see if Steve has been there or
if Steve has called in," suggested Jesse.
"That's a good idea," answered Amanda. "I'll call
some of Steve's hangouts to see if he has been there," as
she walked over to Mark and put her hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry Mark, Steve will be fine. He won't do something
foolish."
"I hope you're right Amanda," answered Mark slowly.
"But instead of calling Steve's hangouts, let's go to them
and see if we can find Steve for ourselves. I can't just sit here
at wait. I have to do something."
"Okay Mark," said Amanda gently. "What did you
find out, Jesse?" she asked when Jesse hung up the phone.
"Steve called in and said that he would not be in
today," answered Jesse slowly. "He told them that he
was sick and was staying home."
"Well let's go look for him," said Mark as he walked
out the door. Amanda and Jesse quickly followed behind.
**********
After driving around angrily all day Steve finally went back to
the beach house. He went to his bedroom to lay down and try to
forget Mr. Frank Thomas. Soon after he had fallen asleep the
nightmares began again. Steve began to dream of his first day
back at school after being home a week from the hospital.
"Dad, you promised me that I didn't have to go to school
until Mr. Thomas was in jail for hurting me," cried Steve
when his dad and his mom had told him what Ms. Jackson had said
about he returning to school to make the adjustment easier.
"Steve, I know what I said," replied his dad gently.
"But believe me, Mr. Thomas is not there to hurt you
anymore. He will pay for what he did to you but until then you do
have to go to school."
"Dad please don't make me go to school," cried Steve.
"I'm still sick. My stomach hurts and I feel like I'm going
to throw up."
"Steve, you're going to be okay," said Mark trying
really hard to reassure Steve.
"No I'm not fine," cried Steve. "Everybody at
school knows what happened and they will make fun of me or try to
hurt me. Please don't make me go to school."
"Steve look at me," said his mom gently. Steve looked
at his mom with tears coming down his face. "Nobody is going
to make fun of you or try to hurt you. Didn't your class and the
school send you cards to get well soon and to hurry up and come
back because they miss you? Now that doesn't sound like they are
going to hurt you or make fun of you. Does it?"
"Yes they are," cried Steve. They are just waiting for
me to come back. I don't want to go to school."
Katherine looked at Mark, "What do you want to do?" she
asked with a big sigh.
"Ms. Jackson is right," said Mark gently. "It's
going to be hard for Steve at first but once he goes and sees
that everything is okay and there is nobody that is going to hurt
him, he will be fine. Besides she will meet us at the school to
help reassure Steve that everything will be okay."
"No dad, I'm not going to school," cried Steve. He took
off with his crutches towards the stairs.
Mark walked quickly to catch Steve and caught him as he was going
up the stairs. Steve struggled with his dad but Mark held him
tight.
"Now Steve that is enough," said Mark firmly.
Steve stopped struggling with his dad and looked at him with
tears coming down his face. "I don't want to go to
school," cried Steve uncontrollably on his dad's chest.
"Please don't make me go."
"Shsh son, it will be all right," said Mark gently as
he held Steve tightly. "Your mom and I will go with you to
make sure you will be okay."
Steve continued to cry as his dad led him to the car and put him
in. Katherine got in the passenger side with tears in her eyes.
It was very hard for her to see Steve so upset.
Mark got in and looked at Katherine. He put his arms around her
shoulders, "Steve is going to be fine," he said trying
to reassure his wife and himself.
Steve continued to cry all the way to the school. Mark turned to
Katherine, "Are you coming in?"
"Yes," answered Katherine as she wiped here tears from
her eyes. "We need to do this together."
Mark and Katherine got out of the car. Mark opened Steve's door;
"Come on out Steve."
"No dad, I'm not going," Steve cried.
Mark reached for Steve and slowly pulled him out of the car.
"Let's go," he said handing Steve, his crutches.
Steve didn't move.
"Steve, I will carry you if I have to," said Mark
calmly. "It's your choice."
Steve slowly began to limp with his crutches towards the school.
Mark tried to put his hand under Steve's shoulder to help him
walk towards the school but Steve pulled away angrily.
"Leave me alone. I hate you, dad. I'm never going to speak
to you again," cried Steve angrily.
Mark stopped and stared at Steve. Tears began to fill his eyes.
"Mark, Steve is hurt and angry," said Katherine gently.
"He doesn't know what he is saying. Give him some time and
he will see that we both did the right thing in making him go to
school."
"You're right honey," said Mark slowly. "I just
hate to see him so upset."
"Me too," answered Katherine as she gave Mark a quick
hug.
They walked Steve to the office, when Mr. Murphy saw them come
in.
"Hi Steve," Mr. Murphy said with excitement. "It's
nice to see you doing better." He reached out to give Steve
a hug but Steve pulled away from Mr. Murphy.
"Leave me alone," cried Steve angrily. "I hate you
and I hate this school."
"Steve," said his dad with surprise. "Mr. Murphy
was only trying to welcome you back. Now please apologize to
him."
"No," cried Steve angrily. "It's all his fault
that I got hurt. I don't want to be here. I want to go
home."
Mr. Murphy was both shocked and hurt by what Steve had said.
"Steve, I'm sorry that Mr. Thomas hurt you but if I would
have known, I would have stopped him. Please believe me,"
said Mr. Murphy quickly.
Steve didn't say anything but continued to glare at Mr. Murphy in
anger.
Mark finally said, "I'm sorry Mr. Murphy. Maybe bringing
Steve back to school was a mistake. We're taking him home,"
and they turned to leave.
Ms. Jackson, the school counselor, came out of her office after
hearing all the commotion.
"I'm sorry Dr. Sloan, Mrs. Sloan that I wasn't here to meet
you but I was delayed in my office by an important call. Now
before you all leave may I please talk to Steve and then if he
still wants to go home, you can take him home," she asked
quietly.
"Certainly," answered Mark slowly.
"Steve, it's okay to be angry and hurt," began Ms.
Jackson gently and calmly. "I also know that you are very
scared and very nervous. Am I right?"
Steve slowly nodded his head yes.
"And now you are scared that Mr. Murphy or someone else is
going to hurt you like Mr. Thomas did and so you don't feel safe
or that you can trust anybody. Is that right?"
Steve again nodded his head yes but still didn't say anything.
"How about you tell me who can you trust or feel safe with
in this school?" asked Ms. Jackson with the same gentle and
calm voice.
"You," answered Steve very softly.
"How about I go with you to class and I will stay with you
as long as you need me?" she asked calmly.
"All day?" asked Steve slowly.
"All day," answered Ms. Jackson with a smile.
"Okay," answered Steve as he let go of one of his
crutches and reached out for her hand. Ms. Jackson took his hand
gently and with the other took the crutch that Steve let go.
"Bye Steve. Have a good day," said his mom as she tried
to kiss him on the cheek but Steve quickly backed up and shouted.
"No mom. Don't kiss me. I hate dad and you for making me
come to this stupid school." Steve then turned to Ms.
Jackson. "I want to go." He tried to limp away holding
on to one crutch and the other hand still holding on to Ms.
Jackson.
But Ms. Jackson didn't move. She was surprised at Steve's
outburst of anger towards his parents.
Katherine and Mark were shocked. Mark finally said, "Steve,
your mom and I love you very much and I'm sorry that you had to
come to school, but Mr. Thomas is not here to hurt you anymore.
Mr. Murphy, Ms. Jackson and everyone in this school will protect
you if Mr. Thomas tries to show up. I promise." Mark walked
up to his son, "Steve, we love you," and his dad tried
to hug him.
But Steve quickly backed up and shouted, "Get away from me
dad. I hate you and I don't believe you anymore. You promised me
that I would never have to come back to this stupid school again.
You lied to me and I will never forgive you." This time
Steve let go of Ms. Jackson's hand and began to limp away with
one crutch towards his classroom.
Mark and Katherine stood looking at Steve limp away with tears
coming down their faces.
Ms. Jackson finally spoke, "Mr. Murphy."
"Yes," Mr. Murphy said slowly as he also looked at
Steve limp away.
Ms. Jackson gently touched his shoulder and pointed to Mark and
Katherine. "Maybe you can take them to my office while I go
after Steve and try to talk to him. I will bring him there
shortly."
"Yes of course," answered Mr. Murphy. He turned to Mark
and Katherine. "Why don't we go into Ms. Jackson's office
while she tries to talk to Steve and brings him here?"
Mark and Katherine slowly nodded yes and followed Mr. Murphy to
Ms. Jackson's office.
Ms. Jackson quickly caught up with Steve. "Steve please stop
and talk to me," she said gently."
"I don't have anything to say," Steve answered angrily.
"My mom and dad lied to me and I will never forgive
them," as he wiped a few tears from his face. "I hate
them."
Ms. Jackson walked in front of Steve and knelt in front of him.
"I know you really don't hate your parents. You are just
angry at them for making you come to school. But Steve that was
my doing. I convinced your parents that it was best for you to
come back so that it would be easier for you to adjust. Now I
know that I made a mistake. I should have also talked to you on
how you felt about it. I should have taken your feelings into
consideration and I'm sorry that I didn't. Will you please
forgive me?"
Steve stared at Ms. Jackson for a few minutes before he slowly
answered, "Yeah."
"Thank you," answered Ms. Jackson with a smile.
"Now may I ask a favor of you?"
"What?" asked Steve slowly.
"Will you go with me to my office so your parents, you, Mr.
Murphy and myself can talk about what just happened and what we
are going to do next?"
"Okay," answered Steve as he reached for Ms. Jackson's
hand.
Ms. Jackson took his hand with a smile.
Mark and Katherine were sitting in Ms. Jackson's office
comforting each other while Mr. Murphy waited outside the office
when Ms. Jackson and Steve arrived.
"Mr. Murphy will you join Steve, his parents and myself for
a meeting. I think we all need to discuss what happened and what
is going to happen next."
"I would be happy to," answered Mr. Murphy with a
smile.
All three walked into Ms. Jackson's office. Mark and Katherine
quickly stood up when they all walked in.
Steve slowly limped to his mom and dad. "I'm sorry for
saying that I hate you both," he said with tears in his
eyes. "I didn't mean it. I was just angry at both of you
because you didn't ask me how I felt about going back to school.
But Ms. Jackson explained that it was her idea and not yours that
I come back to school." He reached out to his parents and
gave them a hug.
"We're sorry too son," said his dad as he held Steve
tightly. "We should have asked you too."
"I agree with you, Dr. Sloan, we should all share
responsibility on asking Steve how he felt about coming back to
school. To avoid other problems like this I suggested a meeting
with all of us including Steve on what happens next. Do you
agree?" asked Ms. Jackson.
"Most certainly," answered Katherine as she sat Steve
in her lap and hugged him tightly and finally gave him a kiss on
the cheek.
They had worked it out where Steve would continue to come to
school and would be allowed to come see Ms. Jackson for
counseling.
But Steve remembered that didn't last long because Frank Thomas
was never charged with physically abusing him. Frank was going to
be allowed to come back to teach school. Steve remembered when
Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips came to the house to tell his
parents and him about not being enough evidence to charge Frank
and that he would be allowed to teach again and nothing they
could do to stop him.
Go
To Part Three
