Scott and John loved school. At least, that's what their parents thought. Having two very bright children ahead of their years, both had started school when Scott was five and a half and John was nearly five, but in the year above the one Scott should have been in, two above John's. This had been Lucy's idea. By keeping Scott back so he and John could start together, she hoped that her quiet and reserved youngster would cope better.
It didn't work.
From the beginning both boys were picked on – Scott because he had been held back a year and John because he was so much younger than everyone. It didn't help that the pair consistently came first and second in everything. The teachers didn't seem to care, one even telling a tearful John that it would build character and resilience in him. So Scott soon learnt to use his fists and feet to defend John and himself. And neither boy mentioned it to their parents.
It came to a head half-way through their second year. After 'winning' an impromptu spelling test, Scott had found himself cornered in the playground by six of the other boys. They were all at least two years older, and their larger size reflected that. Scott may have been tall for his age, but these boys were big. Scott held his own at first, but it didn't take long for him to become overwhelmed by the numbers.
John had only disappeared to use the toilet. When he turned the corner, he was horrified to see his big brother curled up on the floor being set upon by six big boys. His immediate thought was to rush in, but he was not a fighter. Looking around at the teachers present, he saw Mr. Little, the gym teacher. He liked Mr Little as he encouraged John rather than making fun of him. He ran over to him as fast as he could.
Joseph Little loved his job. He loved seeing scrawny kids come through his doors and introducing them to a sport or activity they would grow to love. Currently, his joy was the Tracy boys, two very different brothers who looked out for each other. Scott was going to make a great baseball or basketball player – he had the height and an amazing ability already to hit angles. John was going to make a great runner. He was tall like Scott but was leaner and faster on his feet already. Thinking on this while supervising the lunchtime, he was completely caught off guard when one of the subjects of his musing barrelled into him.
'Woah there, John,' he said, catching the breathless child by his arms to support him. 'What's the matter?' Gasping as he spoke, all John could manage was 'Scott – six – floor,' pointing as he did. Mr. Little understood immediately, taking off running to the end of the building and around the corner. All the teachers knew about the bullying both children had put up with. He didn't stop at the sight of the child on the floor with the others standing above him kicking and hitting him.
'YOU STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!' Little bellowed. All six, taken by surprise, jumped. They made to run off, but they had backed themselves into a corner with the gym teacher in front. John had come up behind, followed by three other teachers who had seen Little charging across the playground. 'Back up against the wall, now.' Little wasn't taking any chances. Having taught 5-10-year-old boys for 15 years, he knew how awful children could be to each other. As the group did what they had been asked, he dropped next to the still form on the floor. Scott had taken quite a beating.
Letting the other teachers take care of the six boys, Little concentrated on Scott, John kneeling beside him. Gently he touched Scott's shoulder, hoping that the boy was just still, not unconscious. He heaved out a deep sigh of relief when Scott turned slightly and looked up at him, but he was concerned at the confused look in those deep blue eyes.
'Ok, Scott, can you get up for me?' he asked. Scott didn't respond, just continuing to stare. Already his face was bruising, he had blood running from his nose and lips; and he was clutching at his stomach. 'Ok, that's ok,' the teacher reassured him. Pulling out his phone, Little called for the school nurse and told her to bring a stretcher and some blankets. By now, John was sitting next to his brother, hand on Scott's leg and silent tears rolling down his cheeks. Taking off his jacket, he placed it over John's shoulders as one of the other teachers did the same for Scott. They were both worried the normally talkative boy wasn't saying anything.
As the nurse arrived, so did the Principle. Taking charge, the students in the playground, which by now had gathered to see what was going on, were dismissed back to classes and the six boys ordered to his office. He took one look at the condition of both boys and, placing a hand on Little's shoulder, murmured that he would call their parents and an ambulance. The nurse agreed, not wanting to move Scott twice.
Lucy was having a great day. Firstly, Gordon had not woken her up at 5am demanding to go swimming. Then Virgil had behaved brilliantly, not kicking up any fuss when they went shopping. And to cap it all, the special gift she had ordered for Scott's birthday in two weeks had arrived. She'd unwrapped it to check it over and it was perfect for her eldest. So when the phone rang just after lunch, Lucy answered it in a fantastic frame of mind. That did not last long. Grabbing coats and telling Virgil to hurry putting his on, she rushed him and a sleepy Gordon into the car.
Jeff had had a good morning. He'd managed to close a contract that had been dogged with issues for a long time, with the other party not wishing to back down. Today, though, they had finally agreed to the conditions he had set forth. It was a huge boost for his business, and it would take him into the big league. Calling his secretary, Ann, he ordered coffee and cake for the both of them. After all, Ann had worked hard on this deal too. They had just finished when Jeff picked up the call from the school. He was out like a shot, yelling behind him for Ann to cancel the rest of his day.
Lucy and Jeff arrived simultaneously with the ambulance. This did nothing but increase both parent's anxiety. Jeff grabbed Virgil while Lucy took Gordon and set off after the teacher waiting for them, one of the paramedics jogging alongside. As they rounded the corner of the playground, they spotted two teachers with John and Scott both on the floor. The teacher that had met them had been talking while they rushed here, but neither of them had heard a word.
Joseph stood up as the paramedic and the two adults he assumed were the boys parents arrived. As he did, John looked up and launched himself at his mother, crying even harder than before. Quickly, Little explained what had happened while the paramedic looked Scott over. Asking if the child had lost consciousness at any point, both parents were horrified when the teacher said he couldn't be sure. Scott had stayed awake since he had arrived, but he didn't know while the attack had occurred. Making a thorough assessment, the paramedic introduced himself as Jim, and motioned Jeff to kneel opposite him so Scott could see him.
Still clutching onto Virgil, Jeff knelt down. He didn't want to interrupt the examination, but he put his hand on Scott's shoulder and murmured to him so that Scott knew his dad was there. He was appalled at his son's injuries that he could see. Glancing at Lucy, he saw the same expression on her face. Gordon, perhaps sensing something was wrong, was uncharacteristically quiet while John clung to his mother's legs. He had stopped crying but was still shaking. Virgil climbed out of Jeff's hold and sat by Scott's head, hand on his big brother's forehead. What concerned everyone was Scott's lack of reaction to anything.
The paramedic radioed his colleague and explained they were going to take Scott to the hospital to be on the safe side. He didn't think there had been any major injuries, but the lack of a response could mean a concussion and that needed to be ruled out, although they were sure it was down to shock. There was certainly a possibility of broken bones, but he explained that there was more likely going to be severe bruising. Lucy and John went in the ambulance while Joseph introduced himself to Jeff and offered to take him and the other two boys, an offer Jeff gratefully accepted.
Two hours later found the family and the teacher in a small private room. Having his healthcare still under NASA had enabled Jeff to have Scott rushed through, a blessing he was very grateful to still have. They were waiting for the doctor and for Jeff's parents to arrive. Scott was asleep, dressings and bandages on his head and torso, and a drip in his hand. John had slipped onto the foot of his bed, curled up and also fallen asleep. Gordon and Virgil were being entertained by the TV cartoons one of the nurses had kindly put on for them.
Mr Little had offered to stay since both their cars had been left at the school, and in all honesty, Jeff had been glad of his company. He had been able to explain in more detail what had occurred and had managed to calm Jeff down as he did so. None of the adults could believe that this had happened, Jeff confirming that they had not even been aware that there had been any bullying going on, let alone for the entire time the pair had been at school.
When the door opened Jeff shot up; and was more relieved than words could say when his parents entered. Coming over, he kissed his mother's cheek and ushered her into his chair. Ruth lent over and comfortingly patted Lucy's arm, eliciting a small smile from her daughter-in-law. Virgil walked over and held his arms up for a hug, and Ruth was happy to oblige. Grant picked up Gordon and they stood behind. Little thought what a great picture they provided, both women sitting with their respective mates standing behind them, grandparents with children in their arms.
Another half hour passed before the doctor finally made it into the room to see them. She smiled and introduced herself as Alice. She went on to detail Scott's injuries: fractured cheekbone, collarbone and wrist; some very bruised ribs and stomach; and general scrapes and bruising all over. Jeff was becoming more and more incensed as each injury was reeled off. His son was just shy of eight, what kind of school were his children at? And did he really want Virgil, due to start there this year coming, attending for the last year that Scott and John would be there? He could see the same anger, and fear, reflected in Lucy's face.
John had woken when the doctor entered, and now stood in front of his mom, leaning into her side. Silent tears fell as he heard how injured his brother was. This was all his fault. He'd tried hard to fit in and had, for a short while, deliberately 'played dumb', but the teachers had seen right through that and so had the other students. Neither Scott nor himself had spoken to his parents about the bullying. They had come to an agreement when the vice principle, after the first time the bullying had resulted in a fight, had told them it would build character. Scott never said anything, but John knew it hurt his brother to lie to their parents when they asked why he had scuffed hands and bruises.
If John hadn't had needed to go to the toilet, he would have been there to help Scott. It didn't matter that he couldn't fight, he'd learnt a lot just by having two younger brothers and by watching his big brother. But now, now John was scared. This was not a normal fight, those boys had meant to hurt Scott, they hadn't waited for John to be there. And he couldn't stop seeing his brother's confused, almost vacant blue eyes staring up. If John was braver, he would have waded in and fought to get them off his brother.
Lucy listened as the doctor said that they would keep Scott in overnight for observation, looping her arm around John and hugging him to herself. She was worried for Scott, but at least he was being looked after. Feeling the wetness of tears on her arm, she squeezed John a little, knowing he wouldn't want it drawn to anyone else's attention. John acted like he was a teenager already, but she was worried that this episode would cause her quiet boy to withdraw into himself. Their children already had a great capacity to blame themselves when one of the others got hurt, goodness knows what blame was running through John's head.
Joseph felt like an intruder, but he had seen the shocked look on both parents and realised that they had no idea of the bullying issue at the school. He sighed, this was not going to be pleasant, but at the same time he wondered if Jeff Tracy would be the one to change the fortunes of the once-brilliant school. It was time he took a stand; in fact, it was overdue. Once the doctor had left, Little cleared his throat and nodded to Jeff when he looked up, gesturing outside. Jeff nodded and followed him outside the room.
Ruth looked at her husband and Lucy. Maybe it was time to take the other children home, it was now past dinnertime and both Gordon and Virgil were visibly flagging. Laying a hand on Lucy's arm, she said, 'Lucy, dear, why don't we take Gordon and Virgil home. They need their food and rest. We can come back tomorrow.' Lucy nodded gratefully, still half-hugging John. Ruth bent down to see John clearly. 'Do you want to come too, John?' she asked. John shook his head, but his Mom gently moved him until she could see him. 'You might as well go, John. Scott won't wake up until tomorrow and you need your rest.' John just shook his head, but Lucy was firm. Hanging around the hospital wouldn't help him. 'Please, John, for Scott and for me? Get some rest.' Sighing, he took the proffered hand held out by his grandfather and the five left. Lucy moved closer to her eldest, brushing stray hair off his face and gently holding his hand. Judging from the broken skin and bruises, Scott had not gone quietly.
The quiet entourage had passed Jeff deep in conversation with Mr Little, with his dad giving an encouraging smile as his grandmother explained where they were going. Then, they were all in the car and heading home – his home, not his grandparents. John had never been at home without Scott and it felt wrong. His younger brothers were unnaturally quiet, and in a flash of memory John knew Scott would expect him to step up and be the Big Brother. Swallowing, he hooked an arm around Virgil and grabbed Gordon's hand. Looking at his Grandma, he said 'shall I put a film on for us while you are busy, Grandma?' Ruth nodded approvingly.
This cheered both boys up. 4-and-a-half-year-old Virgil and 3-year-old Gordon then spent the next five minutes arguing as only very young children can, about which film to watch. As they argued, John picked Finding Nemo out, knowing full well that Virgil would lose. Virgil was such a good-natured boy, and soon gave in to his fish of a brother. John allowed a small smile to grace his face. That had been Scott's nickname for Gordon. Fish, Fish-face or Fish-feet – all Gordon was interested in was anything to do with water. They sat and watched the movie while dinner was cooked.
John didn't eat much dinner, he pushed his food around, hoping that his Grandmother wouldn't make him eat it. Ruth noticed, but John had had quite a shock, so she wasn't surprised. Allowing them to sit up for an hour longer while she cleared up and Grant read to them, she shooed them off to bed later than usual for Gordon and Virgil, but earlier for John. He didn't complain, he didn't want company. He didn't deserve it. He had seen Scott on the floor and had done nothing.
Grant put the other two to bed while Ruth concentrated on John. She could see already that he was blaming himself, but John wasn't listening to a word she was saying to him. Ruth only hoped a good night's sleep would let John feel better. Leaving the curtains slightly open so that John could see the stars, she gently kissed his forehead and left him to sleep. John barely acknowledged the kiss, he continued staring out the window. He let the sounds of the house surge around him as Gordon had his bath, Virgil softly played his keyboard and his grandparents talked. Eventually he drifted off.
John woke suddenly, gasping for breath. He'd been dreaming, at least he thought he had been – he couldn't remember anything. Sitting upright, chest heaving, he made to cross the room to get in with Scott, only to freeze as he remembered his big brother wasn't there. A couple of stray tears leaked from the corner of one eye as he idly thought that he hadn't cried this much since…well, ever. He could hear his grandparents snoring, they were much louder than his parents, so John assumed his mom and dad were still at the hospital.
That's where I should be.
I caused this. I should be with Scott.
The two thoughts chased themselves around his head. Steeling his resolve, he got up and dressed quietly, putting on his old pair of sneakers as he knew they wouldn't make a sound. Grabbing his coat from the kitchen, he wriggled out the dog door, pausing to wonder why they had one when they didn't have a dog, but thankful that they did – both front and back doors were heavy and would have made a noise. There was a little niggle of doubt that told him his grandparents would be upset, but he ignored that. Scott's need, his need, was greater. Besides, John honestly believed his grandmother knew everything, so she'd be able to work this out.
Walking to the end of the path, he grabbed his bike from the small shed his dad had erected for them, and set off, helmet on and light blazing (as much as a tiny bike light can). He knew that it was a long ride, and that he would be both exhausted and in trouble by the end of it.
For once, Ruth and Grant's miraculous powers of Grandparenthood deserted them. They slept right through John leaving until the phone rang at around three in the morning. Ruth grumbled as she shuffled downstairs to answer, a small part of her worried that something had gone wrong with Scott, but as she had a medical background, there had not been anything wrong with the child that would have worried her unduly. Yawning while the video call connected, she was even less amused to see her wide-awake son grinning broadly.
'What is it, Jeff, that required you to wake me up at this God-forsaken hour?' she grumbled. Jeff let out a bark of a laugh, which told Ruth that he was not in Scott's room. 'Good morning, Mom. Everything alright at home?' he enquired. Ruth rolled her eyes. 'Obviously that answer should be no, or you would not be calling now with that ridiculous grin!' There was a nagging suspicion of what had occurred, but she really hoped she was wrong.
She was not wrong.
Jeff strode into Scott's room and turned the phone so Ruth could see Scott and – yep – and John curled up with each other, asleep on Scott's bed. She sighed. 'When did he get there?' she whispered. Jeff smiled. 'About 10 minutes ago. Gave us quite a fright. I'm still not sure how he managed to get past the receptionist and all the nurses to get here, and his bike must be somewhere around.'
Ruth chuckled. 'I think, Jeff, you have a couple of Houdini's there. Maybe we should get rid of the dog doors – or get a dog. That will stop them wondering off in the middle of the night!' Ruth and Jeff sighed simultaneously. 'What are we going to do with these two, Mom?' Jeff asked. 'Never mind them,' Ruth said, 'maybe we need to be worrying about the next two!'