Short chapter here guys. I kind of like the whole suspense thing, sorry.

Anyway, yet again thanks to my wonderful reviewers. Do keep reading and reviewing.

And yet again, I don't own the Tracy family, just the rest of them.


Thursday 25th November 1992, 8pm

Well, my arm has finally decided to stop throbbing and although still hurts, it's not as bad as it was. I just wish I could look after myself, but I am such a wimp! There is one good thing to come out of this, Dad has just phoned me and he's coming to the school to talk to me. I bet he's found out about this. I wonder what Mr Hutton said, and I wonder what Dad's gonna say to me. Maybe he'll take me out of school? That would be so cool, could get home schooled and then get away from James Archer forever!

Suddenly Virgil stopped writing because he'd noticed his prized possession lying next to his bed because every night without fail he said goodnight to it. He had had a great idea. One that he was hopeful would work.

I've just seen my drawing done by Mom. I say goodnight to her every night through that. But, if I carried it around with me, maybe it would give me some more hope. She would be looking out for me, protecting me and James couldn't hurt me. I know that I would be OK with her around. She drew it a few days before her and Dad went on THAT skiing trip. I know cos I was watching, and trying to copy it but it was no way as good as hers. She was the best artist ever! I'll never be as good as her, even with all the tricks that she taught me.

Going to see dad now…


Well, that went well! I just couldn't tell Dad what was going on. I feel like such a liar and it's not something that I like doing but I have too. I think he believed me, think Mr Hutton did too but my brothers…well, they'll be another story completely. Anyway, what happened in the meeting with Dad, it started weirdly cos….


Earlier that evening

Virgil met Jeff in Mr Hutton's office and Jeff hugged him tightly before they sat down.

"I've asked your elder brothers to come too, Virgil. I hope you don't mind but we need to get this sorted out," started Mr Hutton.

Virgil nodded his head slowly. What else could he say? They were his brothers after all and his family.

"Hey, little bro," greeted Scott, as he and John walked in. "How you doing?"

"OK," replied Virgil, forcing a smile onto his face. It was going to be so much more difficult with them there.

"So, Virgil tell us what happened again, please?" pressed Mr Hutton.

"I fell…"

"How?" asked Jeff, turning to look at his son and putting a reassuring arm on his shoulder.

"Down the stairs."

"The stairs?" repeated Scott, "from where?"

"The dorm…just lost my footing."

"And that's it?" asked Mr Hutton.

Virgil nodded.

"Mr Hutton," started Jeff, "if you don't mind, I'd like a little time alone with my family. I want to try and get to the bottom of this."

"Of course, Mr Tracy. Take all the time you want."

After Mr Hutton left, Scott blurted out, "it's so not true, Dad. It's James Archer, he's behind all this."

"John?" asked Jeff. "What do you think?"

"Honestly…I just don't know. Virg hasn't said that, and I don't wanna jump to conclusions like Scott."

Jeff nodded and looked at Virgil, "Virgil, are you telling the truth?"

Virgil nodded but tears started falling down his face.

"Damn it, Scott! Look what you've done now. You're upsetting him," scolded John. Immediately jumping up to hug Virgil.

After a few minutes, Virgil said, "it's not Scott. I am telling the truth but my arm just hurts that's all. I can't sleep at night, and my work is bad."

This was the most Virgil had said since the meeting began, and there was a short silence.

"Don't worry about that, Virgil. As long as you're not hiding anything, that's the main thing."

Virgil nodded, "promise."

"I will tell your tutors, but they're already aware of what you did…"

"I know."

"You sure you fell?" pressed Scott.

"How many time does he have to say it, Scott?" retorted John.

"OK, OK…just making sure. Gordon's gonna keep an eye on him, Dad cos me and John can't really. Well, not anymore than we're doing!"

"OK…right, Virgil get to bed. How are you for tablets?" asked Jeff.

"OK."

"Good, Scott, John, you two can go too. I'll see you in two weeks for the Christmas vacation anyway," and he hugged the two eldest.

"Bye Virg, take care," said John, as they left.

"And you," started Jeff, turning to Virgil, "come on, I'll see you to your room and then speak to Mr Hutton. I also said I would say hi to the other two."


I've just checked my tablets and still got a full bottle, so ok for the moment. It was great to see dad but I just couldn't say the real reason and it killed me for lying. I just don't think the other two believe me…