RICHIE'S SURPRISE - CHAPTER 12
They all sat down for dinner. Dinner was fairly quiet. Each was lost in his own thoughts. Duncan was working overtime to shield his thoughts from AJ. He didn't want her to get nervous about discussing her foster father. Richie was worried about AJ. Tess was just radiating worry.
AJ looked around the table. Everyone was definitely worried about her. She cautiously reached out to Tess with her mind. So that was it, they wanted her to tell them what her foster father did to her or was going to do to her. Now that she knew why everyone was so quiet, she stopped eating and pushed her food around on her plate.
"AJ, AJ, honey?" asked Tess.
"Ma'am?" asked AJ.
"Why aren't you eating, mon petite? Aren't you hungry?" asked Tess.
AJ shook her head. "No ma'am," she whispered.
Duncan looked at her. AJ must have read Tessa or Richie's mind and she knows what I'm going to ask her. "AJ darling, did you read Tessa or Richie's mind?" he asked gently.
AJ looked at him. She was scared to death. He had only told her to stay out of his mind, he didn't say stay out of any body else's.
"Yes sir. You didn't say to not read other people's minds." she said defensively.
"AJ," he admonished.
AJ slumped in her chair and looked down into her plate.
"AJ, you're not allowed to read anyone's mind without permission. Understand?"
AJ just nodded her head.
"AJ, we have some rules around here. One of yours is to not read other people's minds without permission. Another one is that you must answer me when I ask you a question, I want to hear your answer." Duncan said firmly.
"Yes sir." she whispered.
"AJ, darling, look up at me. I can't hear you if your talking to your plate and I'm not going to talk to the top of your head."
Richie gulped, how many times had Duncan said the same thing before swatting him or at least threatening to swat him. He kicked AJ under the table. She tore her eyes away from her plate and looked at Duncan.
"I'm sorry. But sometimes, when people's thoughts are loud, I can't help it, really I can't." she started to tear.
Duncan sighed. He knew this was going to be really hard on her, but he just had to know as much as he could. "Ok, I think we are done with dinner. AJ and Richie, you're excused. AJ, go wash your face and compose yourself and go wait on the couch. Richie, help mom with the dishes and then go wait on the couch. We are going to discuss this as a family." Duncan said getting up from the table.
Everyone went to do their appointed tasks. Finally, everyone was assembled in the living room. Tess sat next to AJ and put her arm around her.
She whispered into AJ's ear, "We are all here for you. We promise to keep you safe."
AJ just nodded her head and snuggled into Tess.
"You ready?" asked Duncan.
AJ nodded. Duncan sighed, they were really going to have to work on the verbal response thing. "AJ, we need to know as much as we can about your foster father. We need to know what he did and what you saw in his mind. We want to be able to tell social services so they will take you out of his foster care. OK?"
AJ took a deep breath, she nodded her head. "I don't know where to start."
"Well, let's start with what did he do to make you run away." asked Duncan.
AJ started to tremble. Tessa squeezed her and whispered, "I'm right here for you."
"Um, um, well I saw myself on my bed and he was in my room…."
"Go on," encouraged Duncan.
"He was trying to get in bed with me….." she started.
Duncan nodded encouragingly, "and?"
"Well, then it was really weird…." she said.
"How do you mean?" asked Duncan.
"The picture changed and he was in bed with a girl, but she wasn't me, she had blond hair and she was dressed really weird." AJ faltered.
Duncan nodded patiently, "How was she dressed…."
"Well, it was weird, she was wearing this long white nightgown and something on her head, like a white hat, like in a really old movie, like from the 1800's or something."
The alarm bells starting going off in his head. Duncan was getting suspicious. "And?"
"He was undressing her and he called her Lizette, but it was my face he was looking at." AJ shuddered as if chilled.
At the name Lizette, Duncan went rigid. It couldn't be. Where did he know that name from, this sounded so familiar. Like déjà vu. He regained his composure. "Then what?" he prompted.
AJ started to cry.
"Then what?" asked Duncan gently.
"Then he started to do those things to her…." she cried.
"What things?" prodded Duncan.
AJ was really crying now.
"Enough," said Tessa hugging AJ close to her.
"Tessa, I need to know." said Duncan firmly. "AJ, what did he do?"
"Those things they told us in the sex education class that you shouldn't let boys do to you." she cried haltingly.
"That's it Duncan." Tessa said firmly. "She's had enough." Tessa was cradling AJ in her arms trying to quiet the crying.
"AJ, I just have to know. Did he ever do that to you?" asked Duncan quietly.
AJ shook her head "no".
"AJ," Duncan asked softly, "what did he do to you?"
"I just woke up in bed a couple of times and he was rubbing me and he touched, well he touched, um he touched me." AJ sobbed, "It was so creepy. I hate him."
Duncan just nodded his head. "He touched your private areas?" asked Duncan.
AJ just nodded.
"Duncan MacLeod, that is enough." demanded Tessa. With that she picked up AJ and took her to her and Duncan's room and slammed the door.
Duncan sighed.
'Dad?" Richie started.
Duncan looked up, "Yes, son?"
"Why'd you get all funny when AJ mentioned the clothes and the name he called that girl?"
Duncan sighed, "I'm not sure Richie. I was trying to remember where I've heard the name Lizette before."
"Dad?" Richie started again.
Duncan raised his head and met Richie's eyes. "Yes?"
"Dad, she was really scared. I don't want her to be scared any more." Richie whispered.
Duncan pulled Richie into a hug. He kissed the top of Richie's head. "Don't worry. I promise I'll take care of her."
Richie slumped into his dad's chest. "I want to kill him. I can't believe he touched her, what a pervert." he mumbled into Duncan's chest.
Duncan drew back a little. He took Richie's chin in his hand. "Richard Ryan MacLeod, you will not go after this man. I'll take care of it."
"But….."
"No buts, young man. If you even think about it, your butt and my hand are going to have a very long talk. Do I make myself clear?"
Richie looked away. There was no way he could make that promise. "Dad, I….."
"Richard, your word?" asked Duncan testily.
Richie looked away and Duncan grabbed his chin once more. "Your word, son?" Duncan asked.
Richie finally gave in, "My word, Dad."
Duncan relaxed. Duncan looked at the clock. It was already 8:30. "Son, it's been a very long day, why don't you go to bed."
"Jeez Dad, it's only 8:30, nobody goes to bed at 8:30," Richie griped.
"Ok, then, just go on to your room, you can play on the computer or read or whatever, but lights out by 10:00. I'm sure Tess wants to go to early Mass, tomorrow." Duncan said wearily.
"Really Dad, early Mass, why can't we go to 11:00 Mass. No one gets up at the ass crack of dawn on Sunday." Richie sulked.
Duncan laughed as he pulled Richie to his feet, "Off with you lad. I'll see what I can do." He gave Richie a hug and kissed the top of his head. As Richie turned to go toward his room, he felt a stinging swat to his rear.
"OW! Dad!" Richie turned around surprised rubbing his butt.
"I don't want to hear the words 'ass crack of dawn' out of your mouth again and your mother never better hear them." grinned Duncan.
"Aww…. Dad."
"Off with you laddie." said Duncan. Duncan sighed. He really loved that kid. He headed toward his and Tess's bedroom with trepidation. He wasn't sure if Tessa would even let him in the room. She was royally pissed. He tentatively knocked on the door. "Tess, darling." he said as he peaked in. She was in their king size bed with AJ slumped against her, she was sound asleep.
"Duncan…" Tess started.
"Tessa, I'm sorry luv, I needed to know." said Duncan.
"I know." she sighed. "Duncan what's wrong, I saw your face change when AJ was describing the "weird" stuff.'
"I'm not sure. It's almost as if I saw the scene in my head, but I'm not sure. I can't remember the whole picture."
"Hmmm." said Tessa stroking AJ's hair. "Duncan, can she sleep with us tonight?"
Duncan smiled, "Sure, Tessa. We need to go get some furniture for Richie's new room tomorrow. After church. By the way, your son wants to go to Mass at 11:00."
"My son?" asked Tessa laughing.
"Yes, when he's a pain in the ass, he's your son." Duncan replied.
Tessa just laughed.
Tess woke up early as usual and checked on her family. AJ was sound asleep on her side of the bed. Duncan was softly snoring on his back. She went to check on Richie. He was sprawled out on top of the bed in a Tshirt and boxers. He would have been mortified if he'd known she'd seen him in his boxers. She laughed to herself as she closed his door and headed down to her studio. She figured she'd work for a little while until it was time to make breakfast and get them up for church.
Tess was quietly humming as she worked. Before she knew it, she heard Duncan calling her name. "Tess, Tess, it's 9:00, do you want me to get the kids up for Mass?"
Tess looked up surprised, she'd been working for over 2 hours and just seemed like a few minutes. "Duncan, let me jump in the shower and then let's get them up. I'll make breakfast before we head to 11:00 Mass requested by your son." she smirked.
Duncan came up behind her and snuggled into her neck. "I love you Tessa." he nuzzled.
She turned toward him to give him a passionate kiss. "Today, we get the kids furniture and our bedroom will be ours tonight." she said softly into his chest. They went arm and arm upstairs. Tess turned toward Duncan, "Will you get Richie up, I'll get AJ." she said as she turned on the shower.
While the shower water was heating up, Tess went into her room. She sat down on the side of the bed and petted AJ. She rubbed her arm and her back. "Come on mon petite, wake up for me." Tess cooed. Slowly, but surely, AJ came awake. She was momentarily frightened as she wasn't quite sure where she was.
Tess noticed her fright. "AJ, baby, it's Tess, you're here at Richie's with me and Duncan, remember?"
AJ breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh, yeah, I remember."
Tessa smiled. "Come on, I'm going to take a shower. You can lay here until I'm done and then you need to take a shower and get dressed for Mass."
AJ looked confused. She had never been to church before. None of her foster families were very religious. She looked down.
Tessa frowned, "What's the matter, baby?"
"Um, I've, well. I, I've never been to church before." she said twirling her hair. Tessa noticed that she twirled her hair when she was really nervous.
"Oh," said Tessa surprised. "Well, it's a contemporary Catholic church with a praise and worship band, the priest is young and you can sit with me and I'll tell you what to do, ok?"
AJ looked relieved, "Ok. Um Tessa, should I wear a dress?"
"Well you don't have to, but I prefer if you wore a dress to church. It's just a sign of respect to look nice when you enter God's house. We bought some really cute dresses yesterday, why don't you look through the bags while I'm in the shower."
AJ nodded her head as she slid off the bed. She went through the bags and found the velvet green dress with the white collar and cuffs. She also found the black patent flats. She figured this was the perfect church outfit. She showed her choices to Tess, who heartily approved. Tess took off for the kitchen to make breakfast, while AJ showered and changed.
Meanwhile, Duncan was doing his best to rouse Richie. Duncan sat on the edge of Richie's bed and rubbed his back. "Come on Son, time to get moving."
Richie refused to budge. He barely opened one eye. "Go 'way." he managed.
"Come on son, it's 9:00, you got your wish, we're going to 11:00 Mass. I let you sleep as late as you could. You need to get up and shower and dress."
"Don't wanna go, not going.." Richie said into his pillow.
"Son, it's not negotiable, we all go to church as a family, get up." said Duncan. He was getting irritated. He went through this most Sunday's with Richie.
"No!" said Richie petulantly.
That was Duncan's last straw, he popped Richie on the behind, hard.
"OW! Dad." he whined.
"Richard, get out of that bed and if you tell me 'No' one more time, you're going to have an awful hard time sitting through Mass."
"Daaaaaaaaaaadddddddddd." Richie whined again.
Duncan swatted him one more time. "Richard, if you aren't on your feet in 3, you're going to be over my knee." Duncan growled.
Richie knew he had pushed as far as he could. "I'm getting up, I'm getting up." he grumbled.
"Keep it up, son. Keep it up. You're going to get a whipping before the day is out." growled Duncan.
Richie straightened up, "Sorry Dad." he mumbled.
Ugh! Teenagers! Thought Duncan. "Just go get in the shower. Tess is making breakfast."
Richie nodded his head. As he walked to the shower.
Duncan headed for his own shower. He walked into the bedroom to find Tess blow drying AJ's hair. "My goodness, lass, you look beautiful." he said to AJ.
AJ smiled shyly. "Thanks, Papi!"
"Papi?" asked Duncan.
"Yes, it's Spanish for Daddy. My friend Maria calls her daddy that." Suddenly she got nervous. "um, it's ok that I call you that, right, I mean…."
Duncan smiled. "Oh, it's very alright. I am proud to be your Papi. What are you going to call Tess?" Duncan asked.
AJ stood nervously and turned toward Tess, "Is Mama, ok, I mean I just don't want to use Mommy and Daddy, it reminds me too much of HIM."
Duncan looked at Tess, he didn't think he had ever seen her look so happy. "Well girls, if you don't mind, I need to shower and change."
The girls took their cue and went to finish preparing breakfast. As Tess and AJ entered the kitchen, they met Richie.
"Morning, mon petite."
"Morning, mom," Richie mumbled.
Tess knew something was up. "Richie, what's wrong?" she asked tilting is chin toward her. He was taller than her, but she was effective at getting his attention.
"I have to apologize to Dad." he mumbled.
"Did you have words?" she asked surprised.
"Not really, but I gave him attitude and he threatened to well, you know…" Richie started to say, but got embarrassed as he realized that AJ was standing there.
Tess immediately understood. "Ah, I see, well why don't you go in the bedroom and tell him." Tess gave Richie a hug and whispered, "It'll be fine, honey, I don't think Dad is mad at you."
AJ looked at Richie curiously, she had seen a Duncan spanking Richie in Richie's head. She was suddenly fearful. "Mama, does Papi spank Richie?"
Tessa turned toward AJ shocked. "AJ, did you read Richie's mind?"
Oops! Thought AJ, big mistake and a big No No. AJ hung her head, "Yes ma'am."
Tessa sighed, she grabbed AJ's chin and brought it up to face her, 'What did Papi tell you about listening in?"
"Not to." whispered AJ.
"Well then don't do it or you will end up getting a spanking yourself." Tess admonished.
AJ gulped.
"AJ, honey, it's spanking not a beating. Duncan will never hurt you or Richie, but he may put some heat in your seat from time to time, but he will never hurt you. Do you understand?"
AJ just nodded her head.
Richie headed into Duncan and Tess's room to apologize. Duncan was still in the shower. Duncan saw Richie come in through the glass. He turned off the water and wrapped himself in a towel.
"Dad?" asked Richie.
"Yes?" asked Duncan taking another towel to dry his hair.
"Umm, Dad. I'm sorry for the attitude this morning." Richie said.
Duncan put a hand to Richie's face. He stroked his cheek. "It's alright son, all is forgiven. Go on and get breakfast and let me finish dressing."
Richie nodded relieved. He hated when Duncan was disappointed or mad at him. He made his way back to the kitchen and sat down to eat. They were half-way through their meal, when Duncan appeared. He sat down and grabbed some toast and coffee.
"Come on," said Duncan, "We better go or we'll be late."
The family arrived at church. The service had progressed to the Priest's sermon. Duncan sat back and thought of Darius. His mind was wandering when he suddenly realized why AJ's story was so familiar. He had told Darius a story about a miserable man named Francois Sonnier. Oh my God, was this immortal Frank Sommerville? This was getting more and more complicated. He needed to talk to Darius and Conner.