Ford McFadden was happy that biology was third period. He had at least two classes before he had to face Jacobs. Climbing down from the school bus his heart had begun to pound and he suddenly realized that he should have taken Hannah up on her offer to stay home. What was worse, both Adam and Hannah would be gone this afternoon when he returned home. Whatever happened today, Brian and Crane would be his only comfort. Much as he depended and relied on his older brothers, he had come to rely on Hannah, too. There was something about having a woman in the house; he couldn't explain it even to himself, but it made a tremendous difference.
He had suffered through math and social studies with only a few comments from his classmates.
"I thought you were dead, man!"
"We thought you got shipped to military school!"
"Everyone was saying you got expelled!"
He had said nothing in response, learning long ago that idiots would be idiots regardless of what you did. Responding to them never made them stop or anything better, so he simply ignored them. He supposed that was one of the major upsides to following Evan in school. He had seen his older brother dragged into more than one stupid fight because he couldn't let something go.
He hesitated outside the biology classroom, wishing the day were over and he were already safe at home, telling his brothers what happened. He stepped anxiously into the room and all talking stopped as every eye in the room turned on him.
Thanks, guys! He thought bitterly.
Jacobs had his back to the class and was writing on the board, but hearing the sudden silence turned around.
"Mr. McFadden." He said coldly setting down the chalk. "I imagine you have something to say to me."
"Yes, sir." His voice cracked on sir, and he could hear snickers behind him as he stepped closer to the large counter at the front of the room. "I, uh, wanted to apologize for being so disrespectful the other day. It was rude and not acceptable behavior. I hope that you can forgive me and that you will allow me to attend your class." Crane had helped him with his apology. They had decided that while extreme humility might embarrass him in front of his friends, Jacobs would probably eat it up. Apparently, they were right.
"Well, thank you for being wise enough to apologize, Ford. All students are welcome to take biology. The district determined that long ago. Of course, I have to give you zeros for yesterday, as you had an unexcused absence, but you may attend class."
Relieved that the worst was over, Ford turned to take his seat. Unlike many of the other teachers in the high school, Jacobs was a stickler for his seating chart. Jacobs had turned to go back to writing on the board, but hesitated as he watched Ford take his seat.
"Oh, Mr. McFadden that is the wrong seat."
"Did you change the seating chart yesterday? I'm sorry, sir." Ford looked around; everyone else seemed to be in the same seats.
"Just a minor change." Jacob's voice was coldly bitter and Ford had a sudden feeling that the worst was not over. He swallowed hard trying to keep his voice even and calm.
"Where do I sit?"
"You sit between Marisol and Annabeth." Mr. Jacobs pointed a long finger to a desk in the center of all the girls. He could hear a low rumbling of voices around him. "Do you have any issues with that?" Jacobs studied him with one raised eyebrow, a hand on his hip.
Ford was torn. One part of him saw Jacobs for what he was; a foolish, bitter, petty man whose own unhappiness and hatred spilled out over onto all of those around him, but the other half of him burned with rage at the injustice and humiliation.
"No, sir." His reply was quiet.
"I thought not. You seem to have an affinity for that section of the class. You may as well reside where your loyalties lie. I hope you have no questions, as you know I've no patience for the silliness of that section of the class."
Ford said nothing but sat in the desk he was directed to and began to dig in his backpack for his notebook and book. He felt such a tidal wave of rage. He could only manage what Adam and Brian would say about this. And he tried not to picture Hannah's reaction - she was already furious with Jacobs. He glanced around him. Everyone was starring. Some of his classmates looked at him with pity, others with ridicule. He glanced over at Marisol beside him who shrugged her shoulders.
"You can have my notes from yesterday." She said softly, handing him a neatly covered page.
"Thanks.' He said.
"Everyone's talking about you." Connie said from behind him. "We all think you are really brave."
The bell rang before he could reply, but he glanced briefly at the pretty blond girl behind him. Connie offered a small smile. He glanced at the other girls in class who all seemed to be smiling at him. In the far corner, Lizbeth gave him a wink.
Jacobs' punishment didn't seem too terrible after all.
***7***
Hannah walked through the downtown streets of Sonora holding onto her husband's hand. She couldn't believe that they had actually made their escape. It felt so strange not to be surrounded by chores and brothers. Six months into life as a McFadden and she'd nearly forgotten what it was like to be alone with Adam.
"Ice cream?" He asked as they passed a nearby shop.
"Like you have to ask." She grinned at him. She was a sucker for ice cream. "'Course it might spoil my dinner."
"Oh, our reservations hours from now! I thought we could go to the movies or just look around."
"How late?" She asked him, surprised.
"7:30."
"But you hate to drive late at night." It was one of the first things she had learned about him, long before she'd known the reason why. Adam didn't like anyone on the road at night.
"We aren't going back tonight." He said with a broad grin.
"What?"
"Brian called Marlene and Mike, and their nephew has a cabin just outside of town. It is ours."
"What!" Her eyes grew wide. "I didn't pack anything!"
"You don't need anything." He said leaning close and kissing her. "But I packed some things just in case. Actually, I packed a lot of things. We are going home Sunday."
"Sunday!" She was shocked. "But . . . what about the boys! I didn't cook anything up and Guthrie has a science test Monday! What about Ford?"
"Brian's gonna manage things. We're gonna meet with the principal on Monday. Relax, everything is under control and you and me, are gonna have ourselves a honeymoon at long last." He wrapped his arm around her, squeezing her waist.
"But . . .but . . .what if . . . and I . . . I didn't even really say goodbye to any of them."
"That's okay, honey. They knew I wasn't gonna tell you." He smiled at her.
"They knew about it!"
"Yep. It was kind of their idea."
She glanced around, clearly flustered and surprised. "Are you sure? I mean that they'll be alright? I hate leaving them like this! I would've . . . I could have . . ." She sighed. "It isn't that I'm not happy to have you all to myself, but Adam, I'm pretty worried about Ford."
He watched her as she fluttered and fussed over them; his brothers. He thought of all those days and nights he'd spent alone, worrying and wondering if the burden of his brothers would cost him everything. He felt so stupid for hiding things from her in the beginning. Of course, he hardly knew her then. He didn't really know how good and loving she was - didn't understand how much she could give. He couldn't ever express how good it felt; how much it meant to him. He didn't respond to her worries, but rather, put a hand on her shoulder and leaning low kissed her cheek. "I love you, Hannah." He said, his voice surprisingly husky. "We'll call later when he gets home. I'm worried, too." He stood facing her on the sidewalk as people passed by all around them. He brushed a gentle hand across her cheek. "You'll feel better about it after you talk to him, honey. But let's just enjoy the day, huh? You and me, and a town where nobody's staring at you wondering how you are gonna treat the poor orphan man." He grinned at her.
"I . . . I . . ." She shook her head. "I'm just so surprised!" She reached out taking his hand again, and squeezing his fingers. "I'm happy, Adam. I can't imagine anything better than four days with you. I just . . . it was unexpected and with everything going on with Ford, I sort of forgot about our anniversary and besides, I never knew the seven of you could keep a secret!"
"Neither did I. I guess it is a testament to how they feel about you."
"I don't . . . I'm still learning my way." She said blushing.
"Uh, uh. You found your way. You fit in really nice." He sensed her embarrassment and shifted the conversation away from his brother's love for her.. "You want that ice cream or not?"
"I do." She said and laughed realizing what she said. He laughed too.
"I like it when you say that." He glanced at his watch. "You said that same thing right about now - just six months ago."
"I did." She leaned against him, holding tightly to his hand and followed him into the ice cream shop stunned at the turn of events, and wondering at being embraced by seven brothers. She only wished she'd been able to pack.
"I can only imagine what you packed for me." She said looking up at him. He said nothing but grinned broadly. "You didn't pack a nightgown, did you?"
"Not a single one." He answered with a wink.
***7***
"So you sit with all the girls." Brian said. The family was gathered around the long kitchen table eating the stew Hannah had left for them.
"Yep. I know it is supposed to be a punishment and I should be really mad, but it was kind of nice."
"You've got all the luck." Daniel said. "I spent my entire year of biology sitting next to Morton Godsey!"
"Well, I just hope I pass biology. He's pretty pissed at me." Ford sighed.
"Watch the language." Brian said.
"Hannah's not here." Evan pointed out. "I swear, I think I'd like to give Jacobs a piece of my mind! I heard stories about him, but I didn't think they could be true."
"What stories?" Crane asked.
"Oh, just that he was a jerk - never calling on girls and treating 'em like they were stupid. He also gets super ticked off if you correct him on anything. Andy Weaver pointed out that he had added incorrectly and the guy gave him a week of detention!"
"Nobody said anything?" Crane asked, surprised.
"Well, it was Andy. I mean, who would believe that he hadn't done something wrong?" Evan said laughing.
"Good point." Brian rose to add more stew to his bowl. "What do you think? You think he's just gonna mess with you to prove he's boss and then he'll let it go?"
"I don't know. I am just happy that today is over, and that it's the weekend." Ford said leaning on the table. "It was a pretty sucky week."
"You sit completely surrounded by girls who happen to think you are a hero." Daniel said. "I won't feel sorry for you."
"When's Adam coming back?" Guthrie asked.
"Sunday. I told you that." Brian said. "What's a matter? Homesick for dear old Dad?"
"Mom's more likely." Evan said laughing.
"I was just asking. Geez." Guthrie said.
"Don't worry, Guth. Crane will tuck you and give you a kiss night night." Evan continued.
"You know, Evan," Guthrie said heatedly. "Sometimes you are a real jackass." He grabbed at the roll in front of him and chucked it at his brother's head.
"Knock it off, Guthrie!" Evan rose up out of his chair to grab Guthrie, but Daniel reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Sit down, Evan." Brian said angrily. He was opening his mouth to launch into a lecture, but fortunately the phone rang interrupting him.
"Got it!" Guthrie, Evan, Ford and Daniel all raced to reach the phone first, Evan dove for the phone, but smaller and lighter, Guthrie grabbed the receiver.
"Hello." He said into the phone. "Hey, Adam." He stepped over Evan and Ford who were locked in a death-battle wrestling match on the floor beside him. "No, just the usual. No, Evan's just trying to kill Ford."
"Give me the phone, Guthrie." Brian said stepping over Evan and Ford. He turned to them. "Knock it off!" They quit fighting and looked up at their older brother.
"Hey, is that Adam? Let me talk to him." Ford asked.
"In a minute. You guys go clean that kitchen." He pointed and they reluctantly went back into the kitchen.
"Sounds like everythings under control." Adam said laughing.
"What? Oh, that!" Brian said. "Just a little McFadden wrestling school."
'"Great. Tell 'em that Hannah will kill 'em if they break anything."
"I already did. So, how's the honeymoon? Having any fun?" Brian asked teasingly.
"Wouldn't you like to know!"
"Actually, not really." Brian said.
"So, what about Jacobs? What happened?" Adam asked and then said, "I'm asking right now, honey. Just a sec."
"Mama's a little anxious?" Brian asked.
"Just a bit." Adam said. "What happened?"
"He apologized and Jacobs let him back into class, but made him sit with all the girls in the back of the room."
"That's his idea of punishment? Jacobs is old!"
"It was pretty embarrassing, which I suppose was the point. The kids taking it pretty well. I mean, he is the only man surrounded by girls, so it isn't like it is a great hardship."
"He around? Hannah's gonna go Mama Bear on me, if she doesn't talk to him."
"I'll get him." Brian said laughing. "Hey, Ford! Hannah wants to talk to you!"
Eagerly, Ford reached for the phone. "Hello?"
"Ford! I'm so relieved to hear your voice. Are you okay? Tell me about it." Ford could hear the worried edge to her voice.
"It was fine, really. I said I was sorry, and then he told me to sit with all the girls. It was kind of embarrassing, but it isn't that bad."
"What a jerk! Seriously! What did he say about it Ford?"
"He said that since my loyalties were with the girls, then I should sit there. And then he pointed out that he didn't have time for questions from that section of the class."
"I swear! Don't worry about it Ford! Adam, Brian and I are going to talk to the principal on Monday! I am starting to really regret keeping calm when I met with him. He's the biggest jerk! What about the rest of the class? What did they say?"
"Some of the guys laughed and made fun of me." Ford shrugged.
"And the girls?" He could just hear the hint of teasing in her tone.
"Well, they think I'm the Messiah come down from heaven to save them all.' Ford said laughing. "So, you know, it's pretty awesome."
"Knight in shining armor, Ford McFadden."
"That's me." He laughed. "I'm okay, Hannah. Don't worry about me. You and Adam have a good time."
"I'm so relieved, I can't tell you. I was worried. He's such a jerk and I kept picturing him a dragon who eats you alive!"
"That's how it felt!" He laughed. "Listen, gonna have a cow, if I don't give him the phone. Thanks, Hannah, for checking up on me. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome, hon. I'm glad you are okay. And don't worry, he's day is coming. Hey, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Guthrie's got a science test Monday and usually I study with him, can you make sure he studies? I'm afraid he'll just blow it off, if I'm not there to help him."
"Yeah, no problem, Hannah. I can do that. You guys have a good time. Don't worry about us here." He handed the phone to Guthrie, who'd been pulling on his arm for the last five minutes.
He sunk down into the couch watching his youngest brother talking animatedly into the phone. Six months? Was it just six months ago that Adam had come home holding onto Hannah's hand? He remembered standing on the porch looking down at her. She was wearing a white dress and looked so confused that he'd felt sorry for her. He couldn't believe that Adam had married her. They'd all been shocked. He glanced back at Guthrie who was still talking to her on the phone.
"Yeah, I will. No. Thanks Hannah." He heard his little brother say. "I will. Good night." He could tell from the flush on pink on Guthrie's cheeks that Hannah had said something sweet; something loving to him. He felt eyes on him, and realized that Crane was staring at him.
"What?" He asked his older brother.
"I was wondering what you were thinking about." Crane said gently. "You got the most serious look on your face."
"Oh, I don't know. I guess I was thinking about how nervous I was when Hannah first came here. You remember that?"
"I do. I was pretty nervous myself." Crane admitted.
"That was pretty stupid." Ford said. "If I'd of known . . ."
"We'd have cleaned the house top to bottom, and jumped off that porch and dragged her inside!" Crane interrupted.
"Yeah." Ford agreed. "It's funny how much things can change."
Crane was just about to answer when Brian interrupted them. "Ford? You got chores! Come on now!"
"And how much they stay the same!" Crane said and laughing, they went out to their chores.
