Chapter 4: Mother's Wisdom

"Is he allowed back in school or not?" Karen tapped her foot angrily. "He was set up. You know that. I filed a grievance about this. Do we really want to let the state of New York know how inept the city of Green Grove is?"

The president of the board of education looked around at his fellow board members sans Gloria Crane. It was her being on the board that had Danny being expelled being problematic.

"No." He ran his hand nervously over his balding head. "I make a motion to reinstate Danny Desai as s student at Green Grove High School. Do I have any objections by the board before this is entered in to our minutes?"

"I second the motion." A smaller female spoke as her small rimmed glasses fell to the bridge of her nose.

Karen looked around at the room with her eyes daring any to object. Danny stuck his hands deep in his pockets as he sucked in his lips. His mother was definitely intimidating when she wanted to be. Having her lawyers standing behind her probably helped.

"All in favor say 'I'." The president of the board spoke. The board chorused with I's. He then added. "Call off your lawyers, Mrs. Desai. Danny may report to school Monday."

Karen gritted out a smile as she swung around from the board members. "Come on, Danny. We need to get you ready for school come Monday."

Danny smirked as he glanced at the board members. "Yes, Mother."

They walked outside. The lawyers shook hands with Karen before walking away to leave mother with her son.

Danny addressed his mother. "I can't believe you threatened to sue the board for discrimination as well as allowing child pornography to be on their school servers."

"Whatever works, Danny." Karen pushed Danny's hair behind his ear. "Besides, I still think that we should press real charges over that video being released. I tried to call Judy."

"Mother..." Danny groaned. "You didn't?"

Karen crossed her arms hugging herself. "I did but she wasn't home. Clara answered the phone and said she was out. Honestly, Danny, do you think I should sit back as your mother and allow such things to go on? That is expecting way too much of me."

Danny slid into the passenger seat of his mother's car. "I don't even know if Lacey's parents know about it. I don't want to make things worse for her."

Karen breathed out exasperated. She stared at her son. "Danny, they should know. Lacey shouldn't have to go through this alone. Teens commit suicide over things like this."

"Lacey is stronger than that." Danny buckled his seat belt.

"Is she?" Karen started the car. "Or are you assuming that? Are you even being there for her?"

"She won't let me." Danny glanced at his hands after interlocking his fingers. "I've tried."

"Danny Desai, I know I've not been the best mother. However, I know your father and I taught you better. You had sex with that girl. Are you telling me that you don't care at all about her?"

"No." Danny said defensively. "I do. A lot. I am trying to get back in with her on Lacey's terms is all. She puts up walls. It will take time to tear those walls back down."

"Fine." Karen pulled her car out of the parking lot as she spoke. "As long as you're being there for her. Now, I'm going to be honest with you. I'm going to talk to Judy about this. You may come or you may allow me to do so alone."

"I don't think..."

"Danny, this isn't up for debate. Lacey and you were filmed in a private moment. Someone should answer for this. It was illegal and is considered child pornography. I want to see Judy's view on this." Karen popped her lips together. "Ignoring this like you and Lacey are doing is not going to happen. I know you may be angry with me, but Lacey needs her parents' support on this."

"I'm not angry, Mother." Danny admitted. "I don't think it could hurt how she feels about me already. Lacey hates me."

"Please." Karen laughed as she turned down the street to her house. "You and I both know better. Don't try to con me, Danny. I may fall for your manipulations most of the time. But this time, I'm not biting. Besides, you learned part of that getting your way from me. You know if you work hard enough, Lacey will be yours again. If that is what you want?"

Danny smirked. "It is. Definitely."

Karen pulled into the driveway at her house. "I'll let Judy inform Samuel of this. I hate doing this to Judy after all she found out lately."

Danny stepped out of the car. He glanced at his mother as he furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, I thought Lacey may have told you. That weekend I was in jail, Tess was trying to take care of me. She didn't realize that Judy needed her too. Tess is close to us both.."

"Mother, could you please cut to the chase?" Danny opened the door for her leading her into the house.

"Well.." Karen plopped onto the sofa as she kicked off her high heels. "The day I retracted my confession, Samuel came out that he was gay. According to Judy, Jo found out and blurted it out to Lacey. I can't imagine the way that felt to the poor girl. It has to put major trusts issues in her life. And poor Judy finding out her husband lied to her all those years."

Danny swallowed. "This all came out the day you retracted your confession?"

"Yes. Why?" Karen stood up as she headed to pour herself a glass of wine.

"No reason." Danny half smiled. "Okay, I want to be there when you inform Judy. I want Lacey to see I support her even if she doesn't want me to."

"I'll invite Judy and Lacey over for dinner tonight." Karen took a sip of her wine. "Is that okay?"

"Yes." Danny nodded. "Thanks, Mom."

Across town, Lacey was trying to concentrate on her homework when her door suddenly flew open. Lacey glanced up to see Clara standing in the doorway. Her thirteen year old sister looked disheveled and angry.

"You could knock first." Lacey sat up from her lying position. "Invasion of privacy as you know is not allowed in my room."

"Really, Lace." Clara crossed her lanky arms over her chest. "Privacy seems to be the least of things on your list of priorities."

Lacey could tell the way Clara's words were hissed out that her little sister was angry. "What are you talking about?"

"My friend, Taylor Anderson, just happens to be friends with Tabby Smith. Who just happens to be cousins to someone named Eloise. This Eloise happened to be bragging about making a video go viral that featured a certain sister of mine!" Clara ranted on. "You had sex with Danny Desai! And it was filmed!"

The last part she screamed loudly. Lacey's eyes widened and her heartbeat picked up. Not only was the whole school ostracizing her but now it was going to spill over to her family life.

"Clara." Lacey's words came out in whimper. "I ...I.." She refused to cry over the situation. She had cried most of her middle school years over Danny's actions. Now it was her actions with Danny. She would not cry.

Judy had heard the outburst. Therefore, she made her way to Lacey's bedroom to see what Clara was talking about. She had to have heard wrong. Lacey didn't fool with Danny. They weren't friends no less having sex.

"What is going on here?" Judy could see both her daughters were upset. She could tell her youngest was angry and her oldest was on the verge of tears. She placed her cell phone on silent then put it on Lacey's dresser. "Tell me that Clara is mistaken, Lacey. Tell me you did not have sex with Danny Desai and it has been filmed."

Lacey fought with all her might not to cry. She managed to get he words out. "I'm sorry. But we didn't know we were being filmed. It was a private moment."

"You've ruined my life!" Clara screamed as any self-centered thirteen year old would do.

"This isn't about you, Clara." Lacey stood. "You're as bad as Jo Masterson. This is about me!"

"Enough of the screaming from you both." Judy inhaled deeply before going on. "Lacey this does effect your sister. However, this is more about you. Clara, I need to talk to Lacey in private."

"Fine." Clara started to march out. She turned to look at her mother and sister. Her lip quivered. "There were people calling you a slut, Lace. I don't want them calling you that." Tears stained Clara's cheeks. "I didn't even speak up for you even if I wanted. I didn't want to make my friends mad at me. I'm not a good sister."

Lacey walked up to Clara. She embraced her. "I understand. Trust me. Worrying about others got me in this mess. It isn't up to you to defend me. Okay? Just don't hate me."

"I don't." Clara pulled away . "But I am mad."

Lacey nodded her understanding as she watched her sister walk away. She looked at her mother sitting on her bed looking worried.

"Lacey, tell me." Judy patted the bed alerting Lacey to sit. "Let me help you."

Lacey told the whole story. She didn't break down once in tears as she held them at bay. Judy could see how much Lacey was blocking her emotions.

"So you broke up with Danny after what happened at Clara's birthday party?" Judy took her daughter's hand.

"He lied to me." Lacey swallowed as she stared at her mother. "I can't say what about but Danny lied."

"I understand you keeping this for him. However, is this more about your father's lies or Danny's lies?" Judy blinked as her own eyes couldn't hold back tears. "Please don't allow our problems mess up your life."

"Do you even want me to see Danny in that way?" Lacey drew in her bottom lip. "I know where Clara stands obviously."

"No. I don't want you seeing Danny. What mother would want all the problems that come with Danny Desai. I hate that you allowed him to be with you." Judy wiped her hand over her cheek. "However, I know you had to care very much to allow intimacy with him. Right?"

Lacey nodded. "It doesn't matter. It was a mistake. And all he cares about is how bad Jo feels. Danny is more concerned with Jo than me. She has a crush on him. Or is in love. Whatever."

Judy chuckled. "Lacey, that girl has followed after Danny like a puppy since he came back. The whole town notices that. If Danny Desai wanted her, he'd have her. I am telling you right now that I think it is mistake to be with Danny for obvious reasons. He has too much baggage that comes with who he is. I think it best if you cut all ties with him. However, I'm not stupid enough to not know how it hurts my girl to be done with someone you obviously love."

Lacey felt her lip quiver but she fought off the tears once more. "Don't worry, Mom. It's over between us. We won't hurt Jo for our selfish wants. Nor would I hurt Clara for Danny."

Judy started to say something more but noticed her cell phone vibrating. She picked it up.

Glancing at Lacey, she stated."I have a voicemail. It is from Karen Desai."