Karen walked into her kitchen to find Nathan on the phone at the table and Chris watching the little television that was on the counter in the corner. She walked over and shut if off.
Chris: Hey! I was watching that mom.
Ka: You were suppose to be telling Nathan to set the table.
C: I did and he punched me.
K: (Sighing.) Go find your sister and tell her diiner will be in ten minutes. Take your time, I need to talk to your brother.
C: About his grades?
K: Do you think that is any of your business?
C: Are you going to make him quit his favorite sport too?
K: Chris, don't worry about it. And I did not make you quit track. (Pausing and then looking him in the eyes.) YET! But it could be arranged if you don't get your butt out of here.
C: OK, OK, I'm going. (He started for the stairs and then yelled on the way up.) Make sure you yell at him for hitting me too.
(Karen shook her head and then walked over to the table and put the report card in front of the dark-haired teen still chatting away on the phone as if she was not there. Nathan opened the paper and then looked at his mom standing across from him.)
N: (Talking into the phone.) I gotta go...OK...Bye...(He hung up the phone.)
Ka: You want to talk about those grades?
N: Not really.
K: OK. That makes my job easy. You're grounded. Set the table. (Karen walked over to the counter and started unpacking the food that she had brought home and it wasn't long before Nathan was sitting on the bar stool at the counter, report card in hand.)
N: OK, we can talk.
K: Some how I thought that you might feel that way. What's going on at school?
N: Nothing.
K: So why have you dropped in every one of your classes?
N: I don't know. I really do try.
K: Reeaaly? How much homework have you done tonight? (She walked over and picked up his bookbag that was still sitting unopened by the backdoor.) I would say by the looks of things not much.
N: I don't have any homework tonight.
K: Nathan, sweetie, you are failing 2 classes. You can't afford not studying every night. I know that you can do better and you know it too.
N: I seriously hate school. It takes everything I have to sit there all day and then they expect me to come home every night and do homework.
K: What do you hate about it exactly?
N: The list would be shorter if I told you what I liked about it.
K: (Smiling.) I think you would like it at least a little better if you didn't have such a hard time with the work.
N: Ya think? (He was a little more sarcasstic then he meant to be.) It's easier said then done.
K: I want to help make it easier.
N: How?
K: I talked to your guidance counselor. (She handed him a piece of paper and watched him read it.)
N: (Looking confused.) Haley James? Who is this?
K: Your new tutor.
N: My new what?
K: There is a tutoring center at the high school and Mr. Winters thought it would be a good idea for you. Haley is in your grade and she is the best tutor the school has.
N: So you think I am stupid?
K: No Nathan. That is not the reason that I think that you need to do this.
N: What other reason then?
K: She might have some tips to make taking tests and studying easier.
N: Is she hot?
K: I will ignore that. You are doing this to get your grades up, not for a date.
N: And if I don't want to do it?
K: I won't make you.
N: That's it?
K: Yeah. But then of course we need to come up with another way to get those grades up.
N: Like?
K: Well, just off the top of my head, I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of a serious grounding. I am not talking about you just being unable to leave the house for the weekend either. I am talking about you restricted to your room for a very long time. You have to do better Nate. If you really don't think that you need the help, then that is fine but one way or another I need to see a change. I talked to all of your teachers and they all said the same thing. You hand in all the assignments on time, but you are getting low scores on them and the tests. That can only mean one of 2 things. Either you are not taking your time on the work or you are not understanding the material. If it the latter, then the tutoring will help and if it is the fact that you are not taking the time that is needed, you being stuck in your room will take care of that. So which will it be Nathan?
N: Some choices.
K: Sorry. At least I am giving you a choice.
N: (Nate was playing with the corner of the paper that was laying on the counter. This was a new experience for him. His mom never punished him. Well not JUST him. If him and one of the twins were in trouble then she would not hesitate to yell or send them to their rooms. But if it was just him, like when he came home drunk and late the other night, she would send his dad to do the dirty work. This had always been the way it was even before his mom died. He assummed it had something to do with that fact that when his mom was alive she felt that disciplining another woman's child was not her place and that feeling just carried through. Nathan was not one to complain about it, he was sixteen and this just meant that there was that possiblity that he would get by with more and it didn't bother him much because he knew that Karen really did love him. He wondered why things had changed though.) If I agree to the tutoring, that's it? You won't ground me?
K: Not if you actually put in a sincere effort. You do that and we will suspend any punishment until mid-terms come out. But Nathan I need to see improvement.
N: So when am I suppose to meet this Haley girl?
K: Before first period tomorrow in the tutoring center.
N: Where is that? (Karen sighed and shook her head. Nathan smiled.) Just kidding.
K: (Smiling.) I am glad that you are going to give this a try.
N: Why didn't dad do conferences this time?
K: He thought I was missing out on all the fun.
N: He hates going. Me and Chris have ruined it for him.
K: Yeah, it definitely wasn't one of the best experiences that I have had, but I expect it to be much different the next time. For you and Chris.
K: Speaking of your brother. Why did you punch him?
N: Because I was on the phone and he was bugging me.
K: He was telling you to set the table like I had asked him to do.
N: (Getting up and taking the plates out of the cupboard.) Oh.
K: Can you stop with the physical abuse?
N: OK. I'll stick to verbal. (He laughed when he saw her try to hide her amusement.)
K: What am I going to do with you?
N: You love me and you know it.
K: Set the table. (Karen was very pleased and surprised by how well the talk had been with her step-son. She was expecting more resistance to the tutoring suggestion. She was hoping that he was doing it because he really wanted the help with his work, but she feared that it was mostly likely the fact that he knew if he didn't she would follow through with the grounding she had threatened. Either way she was just happy that he would be getting help. Now she just hoped that it worked.)
(Luke was sitting next to Matt at a beat up card table in the corner of the large room. He looked around and took in his surroundings. The group homed looked like it had once been a one level school. Right now they were sitting in what use to be the cafeteria.)
L: Come on Matty, you need to eat something. (He pushed the plate closer to the six year-old.)
M: (Making a face.) But I dont' like it Lucas. It's gross.
L: You haven't even tried it.
M: (Pointing to it.) But it has thingys in it.
L: They are vegetables and they are good for you. Eat.
M: (The dark-haired child pushed the plate away and sat back in his chair.) I don't want it Lucas.
L: You have not had anything to eat since breakfast. At least drink your milk.
M: No. (The little boy started to get tears in his eyes.) I don't like it here. When can we leave?
L: I don't know Matt. We will have to wait and see.
M: (Now he was crying.) Will they let me sleep with you again tonight? I was really scared last night.
L: (Pushing his chair back, Luke pulled his brother onto his lap and into a tight hug. He did everything he could to hold back his own tears.) You don't have to be scared Matty. I won't let anything happen to you I promise. (The little boy was sobbing now. Lucas just held him tighter as a tear rolled down his own cheek. He was scared. The social worker had brought them to the shelter the night before and even though she was really nice, she only told him that when she found anything out she would be back to talk to them. He had no real idea whether that meant a day or a year. She might have actually told him, but most of the events that followed the fire were pretty blurry. Except for the counselor on staff the night before he had not talked to anyone except his little brother. He could not believe that 24 hours before he thought the biggest thing that he had to worry about was the parent/teacher conference at Matt's school. Now things had drastically changed. He not only had to worry about how to keep his brother safe for the night, he had to figure out how to stay with him for good. A place like the group home that they were sitting in right then was what motivated Lucas to keep his life with his alcoholic parents a secret. He knew that if anyone ever found out how bad things had gotten in his house sometimes, there was little doubt that him and his brother would have been taken from their parents in a heart beat. Since it was never a sure bet that Lucas and Matt would stay together in a situation like that, he was determined to make it appear to the outside world that his life was perfect. He had thought that he had it all under control until the fire took his entire life away in a few short hours. The first night at the shelter was not good. )
The Night Before
(Lucas had his sleeping brother drapped over his shoulder as they entered the brick building. Lucas was grateful that the child had finally fallen asleep, he had been asking so many questions that he just did not have the answers for. The social worker carried their backpacks, the only possessions that they had left. She had shown Luke where to sit and then she left them for almost a half hour.)
Social Worker: (Approaching.) I talked to the counselor on staff and we found these for you guys. (She handed him a stack of clothes.) They should fit and they should get you through for a little while until we figure out what is going to happen next. (She laid the back packs on the floor next to Luke's chair and the zippers were opened and the teen looked at her and she saw the question in his eyes.) They had to check to make sure that there was nothing dangerous in them. It is for everyone's safety. (She handed him a small baggie that had some money in it.) This was what was in one of your bags. You need to keep it on you.) She sat on the chair across from him and she saw the fear in his clear blue eyes. This is the thing she hated the most, leaving the kids in a place like this all alone. She was surprised that she had not taken any home with her yet.) Lucas the counselor on duty right now is Michael, he's really great, but the policy here is that the kids 10 and under sleep in the rooms on one side of the hall and the kids over that are on the other end. Matt has to sleep in a different room then you. Again it is for everyone's safety. (She saw Lucas instinctively squeeze his younger brother at the mention of being seperated. The teen had said very little since they had left his destroyed house.) Do you have any questions for me before I leave? (Luke shook his head no and then looked down. The counselor approached them.)
Michael: Hi Lucas, I am Michael. Why don't I show you guys the bathroom and you can get changed and I can get you settled.
Social Worker: I'm going to go then. I will see you soon Lucas, OK? (He just shook his head again. She quietly whispered to the counselor.) Take care of them for me please. (Michael shook his head and she left.)
Michael: OK. The bathroom is this way. (Lucas got up and had still not let go of the still sleeping child. He followed Michael to the bathroom and went in. He gently shook Matt until he started to stir and then stood him up in front of him as he took off his clothes and started to put on the other clothes. The flannel pants were so long, they had to be rolled up twice and the t-shirt was so big that it went to the boy's knees. Matt rubbed his eyes and looked around.)
Matt: Where are we Lucas?
L: A place for us to stay until we figure out where we go next. Listen Matt I need to tell you something. We can be together all day here, but at night they have rules where you have to sleep with the other little kids. You will get your own bed just like at home.
Matt: (His eyes grew really big.) What if I get scared?
L: There is nothing to be scared of kiddo. I will just be down the hall and if you need me they can come and get me. I will get up early and will come and get you OK?
M: But Lucas I don't want you to leave me. Can't I sleep with you just for tonight?
L: (Lucas wanted so badly to say yes, but knew that he had to follow the rules of the place. He was scared that if he started trouble on his first night that things would just get worse for him and Matt. He had to do everything right so that they never had a reason to send him somewhere else. Somewhere different from where his little brother was. He helplessly looked at the 6 year-old that was now crying for about the tenth time in the last few hours. He was so tired.) No buddy. I really need you to be big and brave OK? (Trying to wipe at the never-ending stream of tears.) It is really important that you follow the rules here OK? (Matt slowly shook his head yes. Luke shoved all of the clothes into their bags. He had not changed and didn't intend to for at least the night. He had always packed an extra set of clothes for both of them in his gym bag. He always worried that one night they would come home from school and their parents would be having a terrible fight again and they would need to stay somewhere else. He had never needed to use them, but was now very glad that he had been so prepared. They could wear those the next day and hopefully they would know more about what was going to happen to them.) OK, you ready?
Matt: Yes.
L: Remember, I will come and get you first thing in the morning.
Matt: OK.
(They walked into the hall where Michael was waiting.)
Michael: (Holding out his hand to Matt and then looking at Lucas.) It might be easier if you waited here. Matt, why don't we go find you a bed. (Matt looked at his older brother and Luke was encouraging him to take the stranger's hand. He did and they started down the long, dark hallway. Matt never stopped looking back at Lucas and Luke raised his hand and waved as he tried to smile. He could hear Matt start to cry again.)
L: It's OK Matt. (With every step that Matt got farther away from him, it ripped Lucas apart. He had to fight every urge to go after him. Matt however could not fight it and he broke away from Michael's grasp and ran back and wrapped his arms around him big brother's legs.)
M: (Sobbing.) I am scared Lucas. I can't be brave. Please don't make me go.
L: (Lucas looked at the ceiling trying to fight the tears back but couldn't. He pried Matt's little arms from around him and bent down to face him. His voice shook as he spoke.) Matty, you will be OK.
M: (Screaming.) NO LUCAS, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME! (The little boy put a death grip around his brother's neck and no matter what Luke tried he would not let go. Lucas had to calm him down before he woke everyone else up and the counselor got mad.)
Michael: (Holding a arm full of blankets and pillows.) If you guys don't tell anyone, you can sleep on the couch in the lounge. Will that make you feel better Matt?
Matt: (Still not letting go of Lucas.) Yes.
Michael: OK. Follow me. (Lucas wiped his eyes and forced Matt to loosen his grip enough so he could stand up with him and he walked behind Michael. He put the bedding down on the torn couch.) It's old, but it is pretty comfortable. (He started to walk away.)
L: Thanks Michael.
Michael: (Lightly squeezing the blonde teens shoulder.) I know it looks bad right now Lucas, but it is going to work out. I have a good feeling about you two. (He left.)
(Lucas spread the blanket out on the couch and then laid down and let his little brother crawl in next to him and he covered them both up.)
L: I love you Matty. (There was no response and when Lucas looked down the 6 year-old was already asleep. Lucas cried until he drifted off.)
(Karen and Dan were trying to force down the food on their plates. They had lost their appetites at the thought of the conversation that was now just moments away. They knew that there was no way that it was going to be easy. All the kid did not even seem to notice that they had not said anything since the start of dinner.)
Kaylee: Hey mom I have to go to Emily's later to work on a science lab. Is that OK? (She did not get an answer and everyone stopped to look at Karen.) Mom?
Karen: Yeah?
Kaylee: Earth to mom!
Karen: Sorry. Did you say something?
Kaylee: Yeah, I need to go to Emily's to work on homework, can I get a ride there?
Karen: I don't know Kaylee I have a lot...
Nathan: ...I can take her. I am going to go over to Tim's for a while.
Chris: What!? You didn't get grounded for your report card? (He looked at his mom.)
Karen: (She saw Chris and Dan both looking at her surprised. She had not filled Dan in yet on the tutoring plan.) Chris you did not get grounded either so I am not sure what you are complaining about.
Chris: I saw his report card on the counter and his grades really sucked.
Nathan: You little creep, why don't you mind your own business.
Karen: Nathan is right Chris, we talked about this earlier, your brother's grades have nothing to do with you. (Talking more to Dan then anyone trying to clear up the look of confusion on his face.) Nathan and I have worked out another plan. He's not grounded and neither are you Chris, so if your homework is finished you can go out too.
Nathan: I'm sure he would if he had any friends to go out with.
Chris: Funny. You are an...
Dan: (Interrupting.) Maybe you both need to stay home. I am so tired of the fighting between you guys. You are brothers, act like it.
Chris: When hell freezes over.
Dan: You just bought yourself the night at home.
Chris: WHAT!? WHY?
Dan: Because you don't know when to shut your mouth. (Seeing Chris ready to make another comment, he pointed at him.) One word and you won't leave for the rest of the week. (Chris quickly stuck a fork of food in his mouth before he got himself in more trouble. (Dan looked at Nathan waiting for him to give him a reason to make him stay home too. Nathan, went for another bite of food and avoided his Father's glare. Dan then looked at Karen.)
Karen: (Karen could tell without words that the look her husband was giving her was him asking her if she was sure that she really wanted to add 2 more boys to this nut house. She answered him with her next statement.) Kids, me and you dad need to talk to you. (All the eyes were now on her.) We have to make a quick trip out of town tomorrow.
D: (Seeing the smile that was creeping on to Nathan's face.) Not going to miss us?
N: (Trying to sound innocent.) What?
Karen: (Smiling.) Uncle Keith will be staying here with you.
N: Why? We don't need a babysitter. We will be fine on our own.
D: Do I look stupid? (Dan saw Chris smile and open his mouth, so he interrupted him.) You sure you really want to verbalize what you are thinking?
C: (Laughing.) Shutting my mouth.
Karen: We are not leaving three teenagers alone overnight. I love my house too much for that.
Kaylee: (She could tell that something big was going on.) Where you guys going? You never go anywhere.
Dan: Nebraska.
N: Why there?
D: (Taking a deep breath.) I need you guys to let us tell you a story and hear us out and then if you have any questions you can ask then.
Chris: You guys are not sick are you?
Karen: No sweetie, nothing like that. (Karen decided it was time to spit it out.) OK. You know we always told you that me and your dad met in college right?
Chris: Yeah, yeah. We have heard. Boy meets girl. Boy knocks up girl. Boy marries girl. (All the kids laughed.)
D: (Glaring at his youngest, smart-mouthed kid.) Don't forget, "boy knocks son off chair".)
C: Shuttin' up again.
D: Remember when I said, "Let us tell the story, they you could comment" ? (All the kids got their giggling under control and settled down waiting for their parents to continue.) You guys didn't exactly get the full version of the story. We actually dated in high school.
Karen: Since sophomore year. (She saw all the kids look at each other confused as to why they would not have told them this from the beginning.)
Nathan: (Looking at his dad.) So when did you meet my mom?
Dan: That part is the same Nathan. I met her in college.
Ch: Boy meets girl...
Dan: (Losing patience with his youngest son very quickly and realizing first hand what his teachers must be going through.) I am going to get a roll of duct tape and use it on your mouth if you say another word Chris.
Karen: (Worried that Chris was really going to get it if he did not shut up.) Come sit by me please. (She pointed to the empty chair next to her, farthest away from his father.)
Ch: I am not two.
Karen: Then quit acting like it. Sit still and be quiet. (Chris realized that neither of his parents were in the joking mood and it was time to get serious.)
Kaylee: Then why have you always said that you met in college?
Karen: Because the summer of our senior year I got pregnant. (There was silence in the room as all the teens just looked back and forth between their parents, shock written all over their faces. Karen and Dan did not say anything, giving the kids time to take in the information so far. Finally Chris broke the silence.)
C: Mom, did you have an abortion?
Karen: WHAT!? No Chris. Never.
Chris: Well then where is the...
Da: (Interrupting.) Adoption. We put the baby up for adoption. (Again not a sound was made. Nathan still had the same look of shock, but Kaylee and Chris almost looked angry, but still they never said anything.)
N: Why are you telling us all this after so long?
Karen: The other day we got a phone call. There was a fire.
C: (Looking at Dan.) The old friends you told me about? The ones that died?
D: No Chris, they were not friends.
N: So you lied again? (Now the anger was starting to show for Nathan too.)
D: There was a fire Nate and two people did die, but they weren't friends.
Kaylee: I am so lost.
Karen: The two people that were killed were the two people that adopted our baby seventeen years ago. (Silence.)
C: Was it a boy or girl?
Karen: A boy. Lucas Daniel.
Kaylee: Did he die too?
Da: No. Him and his little brother survived. They were not home at the time.
N: The little brother yours too?
Dan: No Nathan. He's six and he was the biological son of the 2 people that were killed.
C: So what does this all mean?
Karen: They have no one left. They lost their clothes, house and parents. They are in a group home in Nebraska.
Kaylee: So you are going there tomorrow to see Lucas?
Ka: Yes.
Kaylee: And then what?
N: (Everything coming together for him.) You are bringing him here?
Dan: Both of them if everything goes the way that it is suppose to.
(Suddenly Kaylee got up and grabbed her bag and walked out the back door. Nathan was not sure how he felt about what was going on. He needed more time to think about what he was just told. He got up too.)
N: I am going to see if she needs a ride. (Karen and Dan both shook their heads and watched as the door slammed behind him.)
Karen: Chris...
Chris: (Angry.) I am going to my room. (He took off up the stairs and slammed his door as well.)
(Karen got up to follow him but was stopped by Dan's voice.)
Da: Let him go for a little while Karen. We threw a lot at them. They need some time.
Ka: Time is something we don't have Dan.
Da: Well what did you think they were going to do Kare. They are going to be hurt, angry, confused for a while. This is not something that is just going to get better overnight either and if you think it is you need to get back to reality.
Karen: But I don't think that I have ever seen Chris that mad.
Da: Well if you think that HE is angry, how do you think Lucas is going to feel? We gave him away Karen.
(Karen went over to her husband and sat on his lap as he held her close.)