(Karen was sitting up in bed and putting lotion on and Dan was sitting next to her watching Sports Center.)
Ka: I'm worried Dan. (She did not get a response.) DAN!
D: Humm? What?
Ka: (Angry.) How can you be watching TV at a time like this?
D: A time like what?
K: (She gave him a look that only Karen could that told him that he better turn off his program if he did not want to be sleeping on the couch for the night. He picked up the remote and turned off the power.) Chris has locked himself in his room and will not talk to us and Nathan and Kaylee are still out and we don't know where they are.
D: Kare I have tried both of their cell phones and they are not answering. They will be home eventually. I'm sure that they are fine. With Chris, well I can't say that I have not enjoyed a break from his mouth for a little while. (Smiling.)
K: DAN! I am being serious. There is a very good chance that we are going to be bringing two more children home soon and this house is a mess.
D: So what do you want me to do?
K: (Handing him the phone.) Keep trying to find them.
(Dan took the phone and again dialed Nathan's number.)
Tim: Hey Nathan you want a beer?
N: Nah, I'm not really in the mood to drink.
T: You feeling OK? I can't believe that you are turning down alcohol.
N: I can't believe that you are drinking with your parents just down the hall.
T: They don't care. Dad has bought alcohol for me before.
N: Do they want to adopt me? (Tim had no idea how serious he really was when he asked that question.)
T: (Laughing.) Sometimes I think that they like you more then they like me. I'm sure they would.
(Nathan's phone rang and he looked at caller ID and put it back in his pocket.)
T: Who is she?
N: Who?
T: The girl that you have been avoiding all night.
N: No girl. My parents.
T: Why? What did you do this time?
(Nathan definitely did not want the whole school knowing about his long lost half brother until they absolutely had to. Tim was Nathan's best friend but this kind of information would not be something that he could keep to himself. He tended to have a big mouth. He would have it blabbed to the entire school by first bell if Nathan told him. Nathan was not really sure how he was feeling about the situation anyway. He definitely was not ready to talk about it.)
T: Nathan? What's up with your parents?
N: Nothing out of the ordinary. They are just on my ass about how late I got home the other night and about my grades. (Nathan did not feel too bad about lying since none of what he said was false.)
(Tim's house phone rang and he tried to get it before it woke his parents, but it stopped ringing and then a few seconds later Tim's mom came into the living room and handed a cordless phone to Nathan.) It's your dad. (Nathan took the phone and was not happy at all. TIm's mom noticed the beer in her son's hand.)
Tim's mom: (Pointing to the bottle.) What do you think you are doing? (Looking at Nathan to see if he had a bottle too. Nathan knew what she was doing and held up his hands showing his innocence.) At least one of you has a brain. (Looking back at Tim.) Give me that. (Tim handed her the beer and by this time had turned completely red from embarassment. Nathan just shook his head and smiled knowing that Tim's mom obviously was not nearly as cool as he tired to make her out to be.)
T: Dad lets me drink his beer.
Mom: That was one time with your family. That definitely does not give you the OK to do it with your friends whenever you want to. (His mom headed into the kitchen.)
N: (Laughing.) Nice one man.
T: My dad wouldn't have cared.
N: Yeah whatever. (Remembering the phone in his hand, he thought about hanging it up but knew that his dad would be calling right back.) What?
D: Is your phone working?
N: Yeah.
D: I have been calling you for an hour.
N: Yeah.
D: It's 11:30.
N: I know.
D: In a school night.
N: I know. Are you just calling to inform me of the obvious or did you want to get to the point?
D: (Dan understood that his son was angry at the news that he recieved earlier but in the past he had always demanded a certain level of respect from his children and he had never heard his son talk to him like that before.) Watch it Nathan.
N: (Laughing sarcasstically.) Why? You gonna give me up for adoption?
D: It could be arranged smart ass. (Karen saw how upset her husband was getting and she really didn't want things to get worse between him and Nathan. She held out her hand for him to give her the phone. Dan was glad to hand it to her.)
K: Nathan?
N: What?
K: I know that you are confused and mad, why don't you come home and we can talk about it.
N: Talk about it? Funny after all these years of not talking about it you and Dad suddenly want to talk the topic to death. Well I don't want to talk about it now.
Ka: Fair enough Nathan. Just come home then.
N: No, I'm going to stay here tonight.
K: No, it's a school night and me and your dad will be leaving early in the morning and we will want to talk to everyone before we go.
N: Leave me a note.
K: I'm not leaving you a note. Please come home. (Dan had lost all patience and understanding . He took the phone from his wife.)
D: (Yelling.) Nathan, your mother just told you to come and she was very nice about it. I am not going to be that nice. It's late, we still have to track down you little sister and we all have to be up early. Get your ass home.
N: (Nathan held the phone away from his ear and Tim could clearly hear what Dan was saying from across the room. Nathan considered hanging up on him, but frankly the man scared the hell out of him when he was mad enough, besides he was wondering why Kaylee was not home yet.) Where is Kaylee?
D: I just told you that we are trying to track her down. She is not answering her phone either.
N: I dropped her off at Amber's.
D: (Calming down realizing that if anyone could find his only daughter it was Nathan.) I called there and she left already and she is not at that Braiden kid's house.
N: He's lucky.
D: Why don't you try her cell, maybe she will answer for you. She is obviously upset with me.
N: (Sarcasstic.) I wouldn't know why.
D: Nathan, try and find her but either way you get home within the hour.
N: Whatever. (He hung up. Nathan knew exactly where his sister would be. It would not be the first time that she went there when she was upset or sad and it was starting to really annoy him.) I have to go Tim.
T: What was that all about? Your dad was mad and I don' t think that it had anything to do with your grades.
N: You will find out soon enough. I will see you at school tomorrow. (He got up and headed out the door.)
(Nate had tried his sister's cell several times and she was not answering which just confirmed his suspisions about where she was. He got out of the car and started banging on the door. Nathan did not wait for an invitation once the door was opened. He barged right through.)
N: Where is she?
Peyton: Well hello to you too.
N: Just tell me where she is.
P: Who?
N: You know damn well "who" I'm talking about. (Nathan headed straight for the closed door of Peyton's room.)
P: Nate stop!
(Before Peyton caught up with him he had made his way through it. Kaylee jumped as the forcefulness of Nate pushing open the door caused it to hit the wall.)
Kaylee: Jesus Nathan, you scared the hell out of me.
N: Good! Get your coat you are going home.
K: (Laughing.) Last time I checked you were not my father.
N: No, but dad is the one that sent me to find you.
K: Like I am going to listen to him. Just go home and tell him that I am doing my nails.
N: Yeah cause that would go over really well. I'm not going to tell dad that.
K: Then don't. Tell him that you couldn't find me.
N: I'm not lying either.
K: Why because you have never lied before? (She looked to Peyton who was quietly watching from the door.) I bet Peyton would find that statement funny.
N: Don't go there Kaylee.
K: Why because you don't like being reminded of how you screwed up?
N: Because it is none of your damn business what went on between Peyton and me.
K: Man, until now I never realized that you are just like dad.
N: What the hell is that suppose to mean?
K: You have learned from the best that is all I have to say.
(Kaylee's phone rang and she looked at caller ID, rolled her eyes and put it back in the bag without answering it. Nate's phone rang then, but he answered it.)
N: Yeah?...She's right here...At Peyton's...No, she said that she is not coming...OK, I'll tell her. (Nathan hung up the phone and looked back at his sister.) Dad said that you can come home with me or he will be coming to get you.
K: Let him.
N: He's really pissed.
K: Good for him.
N: (Heading for the door.) Screw you Kaylee. Then stay here. I'm leaving.
P: Wait Nathan. (He stopped at the sound of his ex girlfriend's voice.) Kaylee, maybe you should go with your brother. I'm sure that your mom is freaking out right now.
K: (She sighed and then got up knowing that Peyton had a point about her mom. She really didn't care what her dad thought, but she didn't want to upset her mom more then she was already. She went and gave Peyton a hug.) Thanks for listening. (She glared at Nathan on her way by.)
(Nathan was left in the old, familiar room along with Peyton. He was searching for the right words and when he could not find them, he did what he knew how to do best. Left. That was the first time that he had been to Peyton's since they had broken up and he still clearly saw the pain in her eyes that he was the cause of.)
(Kaylee and Nate drove most of the way home in silence, but Nathan could not help but tell her how mad he was at her.)
N: What did you tell Peyton?
K: If your relationship with her is none of my business then my relationship with her sure the hell is none of your business.
N: It's totally different Kaylee and you know it.
K: Why do you care what I told her anyway?
N: Because I don't want it all over school.
K: Nathan, mom and dad are going to pick up a kid that they gave up for adoption 17 years ago. Him and his little brother are going to be in Tree Hill soon. You don't think that people are going find out?
N: I don't want you going to Peyton's anymore.
K: I don't care.
N: We broke up Kaylee.
K: Exactly, you and her broke up. That does not mean that her and I still can't be friends. You dated her for two years Nathan.
N: I think that you should be a little more loyal to me.
K: Loyal? You really think that I can take your side after you cheated on her with her best friend? God, does every guy cheat?
N: Did Braiden cheat on you? I will kill him.
K: Stop Nathan. I am not talking about him. I was talking about the men in my life that I am suppose to look up to. Like my brother and my father.
N: (Nathan pulled into their driveway and looked at his sister confused.) What are you talking about?
K: I am just saying, "Like father, like son".
N: What do you mean?
K: Were you there when mom and dad were talking tonight? Dad got my mom pregnant BEFORE she met your mom and got her pregnant. Doesn't it sound like dad cheated on my mom?
(Nathan had not really thought about that before and was having a hard time concentrating on it now. This was the first time that Nathan could ever remember his little sister distinguishing between their mothers in a conversation. They always referred to Karen as "their" mother. This was what had been on Nate's mind all night. Once this new kid comes into the family, Karen will be the bond between the twins and him and he would be the one that was left out. Nathan had not responded to Kaylee's statement about Dan being unfaithful by the time they reached the front door and went in the house. They came face with an angry father and a worried mother. They must have heard them pull up.)
Kaylee: Look Nate, a welcoming committee.
N: (Looking at his parents.) Maybe they need to tell us more news. Hey, maybe we have a long lost sister out there too.
Karen: (Walking up to Nathan she wrapped her arms around him and held him.) I am sorry that we kept this from you. I hope that one day you will be able to understand. (Nate hugged her back. He really did love Karen like she was his real mom. She has always been nice to him and it was hard to be mad at her. She next went to Kaylee and gave her a hug and again Kaylee hugged her back.) I am sorry sweetie. (Kaylee pulled back.)
Kaylee: That's OK mom. I know it is all "his" fault. (She glared at her dad and then took the steps to her room 2 at a time. The confussion was apparent on the adults' faces as they looked at Nathan.)
Karen: What did she mean by it is all "his" fault?
N: She figured out that dad cheated on you with my mom.
K: What? (Looking at Dan.) Why does she think that? He did not cheat on me.
N: (Yelling out of frustration.) Ya know, I don't know why she would be upset or come to her own conclusions on this, and I don't frickin' care either. You guys caused this mess, you figure it out. (Karen took a step back, surprised at how angry her son sounded.)
D: Calm down Nathan.
L: Screw you. You guys keep this secret for 17 years and then you spring it on us the night before you are going to pick up a new addition to the family and you just expect us all to sit back and be fine with it? You have to be kidding me?
D: We get that you are upset Nathan, but you still need to show us some respect we are your parents. (Emotions were running high and things were getting out of control.)
N: Respect? Where the hell do you get off talking to me about respect? If you had any respect for us you would have told us about this years ago. So dad, you can take your so called respect and shove it.
D: (Yelling back at his now irrate son.) I have had it Nathan. You can just stay home Saturday night. Maybe that will make you think twice about the way that you talk to us.
N: My concert....
D: (Interrupting.) Is off. (Holding out his hand.) Give me the tickets.
N: (Nathan glared at his father, tears threatening to fall, but his father was not backing down and Nathan saw the rage in his eyes. He took out his wallet and handed him the concert tickets.) I hate you. (He turned and ran up the steps and slammed his bedroom door hard enough to shake the house.)
(Silence took over the room. Nate had venom dripping from his words and for the first time the adults realized that this was going to be much harder then they ever thought.)
(Luke and Matt were sitting on the floor of the shelter playing cards.)
L: Go fish. (Matt picked up a card from the deck that was setting between them. He looked at it with a smile, discarded the card he was not going to use and laid the last two from his hand on the floor.)
M: I won Luke. I beat you! (Luke was distracted because he was looking over at the counselors' station. There were two people that seemed to be in their mid-twenties inside talking. Luke noticed immediately that neither one was the counselor from the night before.) Lucas? (Luke did not hear his little brother as he continued to worry how the night was going to end. Would these two adults let him and Matty sleep on the couch like Michael did?) LUKE!?
L: (Finally coming out of his daze.) What?
M: I won. (Going over and sitting next to his idol.) What's wrong Lucas?
L: Nothing. Do you want to play again?
M: Can we watch TV instead?
L: (Luke looked over at the TV and then to the couch that was occupied by three teenagers.) Matt, someone is already watching it.
M: But I want to watch cartoons and they are not sharing.
L: I know buddy, but you need to take a shower anyway. We will watch some TV tomorrow OK?
M: Do I have to take a shower?
L: Yes. You promised me this morning that you would.
M: Can Ido it tomorrow?
L: No tonight. Now.
M: (Folding his arms in front of his chest.) But I am hungry.
L: That is because you would not eat your dinner.
M: (Starting to get tears in his eyes.) I don't like this place Lucas. When can we leave?
L: (Leaning back against the wall.) I don't know. Soon I hope. (Luke closed his eyes. He was tired. The events of the last 24 hours had taken a lot out of him. HE had not slept most of the night before and then all day he spent trying to keep Matt entertained. Things had been pretty quiet all day since most of the other kids staying there had been in school. Because Luke's and Matt's status was still up in the air they just had to sit at the shelter and wait. The waiting was actually the worst. Matt was bored and was constantly asking questions that Luke just did not have the answers to. His five year-old brother was tired and crabby and Luke was being understanding but he was also losing his patience. He loved Matt and was use to taking care of his every need but it was a lot of work and Luke looked forward to school everyday, if for no other reason, a break from parenthood. Luke was running on about an hours worth of sleep and he was caring for an energetic 5 year old and could not keep his mind from thinking about how badly things could turn out for them. As mush as he needed a few quiet moments away from his little brother, he was scared to death to think that he would be taken from him forever.)
M: Lucas?
L: What?
M: Why are you crying?
L: (He reached up and wiped the tears that escaped from his eyes.) What? I'm not Matt. I am just really tired and my eyes are watering.
M: (Looking up at his big brother.) I am scared too Lucas.
L: (Smiling. The kid may only have been five but he was smart.) You don't have to be. I will take care of you.
M: I know. I love you Lucas.
L: I love you too buddy. You ready for your shower? You are starting to stink. (Lucas started tickling his little dark haired brother.)
M: (Giggling loudly and now rolling on the floor trying to push Luke's strong arms away.) Please don't Lucas.
Kid: Hey shut up! We are strying to hear TV.
M: (Immediately hearing this Matt sat up and his eyes got big. He climbed onto Luke's lap and whispered in his ear.) He is mad Luke.
L: (Holding his brother close Luke glarred at the teen that was giving him the same angry look right back. Luke was controlling himself only for the sake of Matt. The other kids in the commons room were looking back and forth between Lucas and the kid holding the remote control to the TV. Tension was apparent to everyone including the two counselors that had now emerged from the office.)
Counselor #1: Is there a problem boys? (The stare down continued.)
Couselor #2: (Raising his voice.) GUYS! (Everyone's attention was now averted to the adults that were standing between the angry teens. They wanted to be prepared if this escalated to a physical confrontation.) What seems to be the problem?
Kid: That little brat will not be quiet. (Pointing to Matt.)
L: (Jumped to his feet with Matt tightly holding him around the waist.) Don't call him that.
Counselor #1: (Walking up to Lucas.) Back up a little kid. I know that this is your first day, but fighting is not tolerated.
L: I am not going to fight him.
Kid: Good choice. For your sake.
Counselor #2: Lay off Brad.
Brad (Kid): Me? Tell them to shut up. Isn't it time for him to go to bed anyway? (Pointing to the little boy that had his head buried.)
Counselor #1: Maybe we should all think about going to bed early tonight. Everyone has one hour until lights out. (A collective groan went through the room.)
Brad: That's the little kids' bedtime Jason.
Jason (Counselor #1): I figured since you are acting like them, you can be treated like them.
Brad: The new kid started it.
(Luke stood there not believing how him tickling his little brother had gotten this out of control. He was not normally a confrontational person. He preferred to keep to himself as much as possible, but growing up with his dad, he had learned that he needed to be ready to defend himself when needed. Luke's father would get mad at the drop of a hat and it was in Luke's nature to stand up for his little brother. This time was no different.)
Jason: We are finishing it. We good here? (Looking at Lucas.)
L: Yeah.
Jason: Brad?
B: Screw this! I didn't do anything. I am not going to bed that early.
Jason: You are right Brad. I think that now would be a better time for you.
Brad: No way!
Counselor #2: To your room now Brad or no TV priveleges for the week. (The teen was going to say something and then just stormed past the two adults. Everyone of the other kids seemed to be glarring at Lucas until they jumped a little at the sound of the slamming door.)
Jason: The rest of you have one hour unless someone else has something to say. (No one said anything and the adults returned to the office, relieved that they stopped a fight from starting.)
(Luke pulled Matt off his leg and lifted the shaking 5 year-old into his arms.)
Another kid: (Looking at Luke.) You better watch your step newbie.
L: (He rolled his eyes and walked away. He went and sat on a chair in a small waiting room across the hall.) Matty are you okay?
M: (Lifting his head from his 17 year-old brother's shoulder.) I got you in trouble Lucas. I am sorry.
L: You didn't get me in trouble. That guy was a jerk.
M: But those people were mad at you.
L: You mean the counselors?
M: Yeah.
L: They weren't mad at me. They just didn't want any trouble. (Luke was lying. It was clear that the counselors blamed him just as much as the other kid for the disruption of the peaceful evening. Their minds were made up. They looked at him as a trouble-maker.)
M: I'm still hungry.
L: Well when you get your shower done and get ready for bed, I will check to see if there is something you can eat. Okay?
M: (He agreed and hopped off his lap.) Lets go.
L: We have to go to my room and get you your pajamas to change into. (They got up and started down the hall. They walked through the door to Luke's small room. There were two beds in it but he did not have a room mate. Michael had explained to him that him and Matt would have the "guest" rooms as they were called there until they heard exactly how long they would be staying. Just like the school issue, everything was on hold until they found out their fate. Michael said if they were staying there for an extended period they would get them permanent rooms with room mates. Luke was happy not to have to share with anyone, but little comfort was given because the rule was still that Matt was too young to sleep in the same hall as Lucas. He too had his own room, but not near his brother. Luke reached down and grabbed his bags from under his bed. He took out the clothes and they headed for the bathroom. but one of the counselors had stopped them.)
Jason: You can't take him in there.
L: (Turning around.) Why?
Jason: None of the older boys are aloud in the bathroom at the same time as the younger ones.
L: He is my brother. (Luke had noticed from early on that it seemed like him and Matt were the only siblings at the shelter.)
Jason: I am aware of that but it still does not matter.
L: Michael let me get him ready for bed last night.
Jason: It was your first night. But you guys have now had some time to adjust and I think that it is better if you start following the same rules that everyone else has to. (Matt had now grabbed onto Luke's hand and was hanging on for what seemed like dear life. Luke did not know what he was going to do. The counselor definitely was annoyed at him for what took place earlier. He didn't want to argue but he knew that Matt was not going to go willingly. And to Luke and Matt this guy was still a stranger just like everyone else they had met. How could Lucas trust him with his brother alone in the bathroom?)
M: I want my brother to go with me.
Jason: He can't Matt. It is against the rules.
M: Then I'm not going to take a shower!
Jason: But you really need to. Tell you what. We will go in there, go fast and be done and then maybe we can find you a bedtime snack. (Jason realized he had hit the nail on the head when he saw the child's eyes light up.) Are you hungry?
M: (Looking back down.) Can Luke have a snack too?
Jason: I'm sure that we can get him something too.
L: (Matt looked up at his older brother. Luke had to admit that the counselor knew what he was doing. He got to Matt through his stomach. Even though Luke felt like the counselors were being unfair by blaming him for what happened earlier, he had to admit that Jason seemed to know how to deal with his brother and seemed kind. At this point Luke did not have much of a choice but to give the guy a chance.) Go ahead Matt. I will wait right here. (Jason held out his hand and Matt took it and disappeared behind the door, pajamas in hand. Luke was half way expecting him to come flying back out to him like he did the night before at bedtime but the door remained closed. Lucas had mixed feelings about that. On one hand he felt a little jealous about someone else taking over the care of his brother, but on the other hand it gave him a few minutes of peace.)
(A short while later Matt came running out the door and jumped into Luke's waiting arms, wet hair and all. He leaned in and whispered in Luke's ear.)
M: Jason said he is going to give me two juice boxes and two bags of crackers so I can share with you.
L: Really? (Luke was smiling at how proud Matt was that he was able to get Luke a snack too. Luke did not want to ruin it by telling him that while he was in the shower all the other kids had gotten the same snack. )
Jason: (Holding the snacks out to the 5 year-old.) Hey Matt why don't you take this snack and go sit at the table. I need to talk to your brother for a sec.
Matt: (Looking at his brother for his approval.) Okay?
L: (Smiling.) Don't eat my crackers.
M: (Giggling.) I won't. (He ran over to the chair and climbed up.)
Jason: Luke, I know that you and Matt slept on the couch last night.
L: Yeah? Matt was having a really hard time so Michael set us up there. He said that it was against the rules to let either of us sleep in the other's room.
Jason: He was right. But it is also against the rules to let you guys sleep on the couch.
L: You guys have a rule for everything don't you? (Lucas had a feeling he knew where this conversation was heading.)
Jason: That is the only way that we can make things work around here Lucas. We have a lot of kids staying here and if it wasn't for the rules it would be chaos. We bend the rules sometimes, but what we usually find out is that it does more harm then good.
L: What do you mean?
Jason: Matt told me that he was sleeping with you again tonight.
L: He is still scared.
Jason: I know Lucas but you guys could be here a while and we can not have you guys sleeping on the couch. I know that you are protective of your little brother and that was most likely the root of the problem with Brad earlier. I need to know that there will not be any more problems tonight.
L: When?
Jason: When you have to let Matt go to his own room.
L: You mean when you force him?
Jason: It will be easier if he knows that you are not fighting it. It will take some getting use to but he did make a huge step tonight by letting me take him in the bathroom. I know that it is going to be hard...
L: (Cutting him off.) You know? Why because both your parents were killed in a fire 24 hours ago? Or maybe it is because you know what it is like for you and your little brother to be brought to a run down building that smells like an old nursing home and just told to wait and eventually someone might tell you what is gonna happen next. (Luke's voice was now raised and the tears were threatening. He was tired. Really tired and really scared. Scared mostly because no matter what he said he knew that he was going to have to let Matt go for the night. Maybe eventually forever. He was also angry. Angry at the counselor for thinking that he even remotely had any idea what they were going through and that he was so obsessed with the rules that he didn't care the effect that it would have on his 5 year-old brother. He was also angry at himself for getting upset at the counselor and possibly making the situation worse. But, he was mostly angry at his parents for leaving them. Their life had not been grea, but at least it was better then it was at that moment.)
Jason: Lucas, you getting upset will only make it harder on Matt.
L: Don't talk to me about my brother like you know him.
Jason: Okay. But Matt can not sleep with you. Do you want me to talk to him?
L: NO! I'll do it. (He left the counselor and headed for Matt to break the news.)
(Matt had his snack in front of him and finished the crackers off in record time. He was definitely not kidding when he said he was hungry.)
M: Lucas, did you know that these are cheese crackers?
L: Are they?
M: Yeah. I don't think that you will like them very much.
L: You don't?
M: No.
L: Humm. (He picked up his bag of crackers that still remained unopened.) Then what do you think that I should do with these? I really don't want to waste them and I am really not that hungry.
M: (Sitting up further on his knees and leaning across the table.) Maybe you could give them to someone the really likes cheese crackers.
L: Do you know of anyone? I mean someone that REALLY, REALLY likes them?
M: I REALLY, REALLY like them Lucas. They are my favorite remember?
L: Hey Matty, do you want my crackers?
M: (Smiling.) Are you sure that you don't want them?
L: Yes, I heard that they weren't very good.
M: Well then I will take them.
L: (Luke opened the bag and then pushed them towards the waiting little boy. He watched as Matt started in on the second bag of crackers.) Hey Matt? (Matt looked at Luke acknowledging that he had heard him talk but wasn't going to stop eating to verbally answer him.) You did good when you went with Jason for your shower. (Again he did not say anything. He just smiled and shook his head "yes".) Since you were able to take a shower on your own, do you think that you will be able to sleep on your own?
Counselor #2: (In the hall.) Hey everyone 15 minutes to lights out.
L: (Luke could immediately see the change in his little brother. He was tensing up and his smile was gone. Matt took a drink of his juice and then sat back in his chair.) Are you full?
M: Yeah.
L: What do you think about sleeping on your own?
M: If I try it and get scared can we sleep on the couch like we did last night?
L: Why would you get scared?
M: Because some of the people here are mean.
L: What people?
M: Those ones that told me to "shut up".
L: Matty, they won't be sleeping in the same hall as you. They will be in the older kids hall with me. (Luke realized immediately that he said the wrong thing. The panic was apparent in Matt's eyes.)
M: You will be far away?
L: Not that far Matty. (Luke pointed.) I will be down there. (He pointed in the opposite direction.) And you will be down there.
M: (Getting off his chair and climbing into Luke's lap.) But what happens if those mean kids try to hurt you and I'm not there?
L: You don't have to worry about me. I'll be okay. Everyone will be sleeping anyway.
M: How about we sleep on the couch one more night and then maybe I will try to sleep by myself.
L: (Luke took a deep breath knowing that this was going to be difficult.) We can't sleep on the couch again. It is against the rules and they only let us do it last night because it was our first night. This time we have to sleep in a bed.
M: Well then can I sleep in your bed?
L: Remember what dad always said about you sleeping with me?
M: He called me a "big baby".
L: And you are not a baby right?
M: (Looking at his hands that were resting in his lap.) No. But Luke when I really got scared you let me sneak in your bed and then I would just sneak back before dad woke up. Can we do that tonight?
L: (Luke closed his eyes wishing that he could find the magic words to convince Matt to cooperate. He shook his head "no".) You are not going to get scared because there is nothing to be afraid of.
M: But I might have to go to the bathroom.
L: Then you just find the counselor and tell him.
M: But who is going to get me a drink if I get thristy?
L: (Pushing his juice box over towards Matt.) You can bring that with you to your room in case you need it in the middle of the night.
M: I might get hungry. (Luke did the same with the crackers that were left that he had with juice.)
L: Put them in your pocket and you can eat them later if you get hungry.
M: What if I hear noises.
L: (The frustration was starting to get to him. Not because of Matt but because he did not see why it was that big of deal if they slept together one more night and because he was use to taking care of Matt and now he felt like he did not have any control. Luke tried another approach and raised his voice and tried to sound a little firmer.) Matt I need you not to be a baby. You are five and you can sleep by yourself.
M: But...
L: No Matt, you have to sleep in your own bed. That's it. (He did not like being like that with Matt but he had to try to get him to voluntarily go to his bed or there was going to be a big scene. Matt got very still on Luke's lap and even though he had his back to his older brother, Luke could tell by his breathing that he was crying. It took a lot for Luke not to grab onto him and never let go. He knew that he had to do this to make their stay at the shelter easier in case they were there for a while.) It will be okay Matt. I promise.
Jason: (Coming in and looking at the two upset brothers in front of him.) Hey Matt it's almost lights out. Should I get you settled in your bed for the night? (Matt was still looking down and did not make a move to get off Luke's lap.) Lucas?
L: (He shook Matt a little.) Time for bed bud.
M: (Crying and lookng back over his shoulder at Lucas.) Can you tuck me in?
Jason: (Luke looked at the counselor with hopeful eyes thinking that maybe if he could just stay in the room with him until he fell asleep it would be easier.) He can't Matt. He is not allowed in the little kids' hall. (He looked at Lucas.) It will be easier this way.
L: (Glaring and now starting to get upset because he was seeing how scared Matt was.) Yeah.
Jason: Say goodnight Matt. (He was crying harder now and still did not move.)
L: (Lucas stood the child up and turned him around to face him.) Matty do you trust me? (He shook his head "yes" as Lucas put the left over crackers in the pocket of his pajamas that were way too big.) Then you need to believe me when I tell you that you will be okay. (Matt just looked helplessly into Luke's clear blue eyes. Lucas gave him a tight hug and then turned him around to face the waiting counselor and gave him a gentle push.) I will see you in the morning. (Matt resisted and stood his ground.) Matt you need to go now. (Lucas was trying his hardest to hold back the tears.) Matty go with Jason. (Jason took a step towards the two boys and drew immediate panic from Matt. He turned around and wrapped his arms around the neck of his still seated brother.)
M: (Screaming.) PLEASE LUCAS I'M SCARED! PLEASE I WANT TO SLEEP WITH YOU!
L: (He gave him another squeeze.) You can't Matty. (He attempted to pull him away, but the five year-old was surprisingly strong in his distraught state.) Matt please let go.
M: NO LUCAS! PLEASE! (His head was buried in Luke's neck and shoulder.) I'M SCARED! I LOVE YOU! PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO! (The counselor was now standing over them and was trying to pry the child's hands apart. Matt was hysterical and tightened his grip. He was actually digging his nails into the back of Luke's neck. With Jason and Luke working together they were able to break his hold and Jason was now holding Matt with the child's back against his stomach. Matt was kicking and swinging his arms. He got Jason a few times in the side of the head.)
Jason: (The counselor remained calm.) You need to stop. You are going to hurt yourself.
M: PUT ME DOWN! LUCAS! LUCAS! PLEASE LUCAS!
L: (He sat in the chair helplessly watching the scene in front of him. He had never let anyone lay a hand on Matt his whole life and there he sat letting it happen. Tears were now falling from his eyes and it took everything that he had not to grab the child and run out the nearest exit. But Luke knew that at least at the shelter they had clothes, food and a bed, all of which Lucas could not guarantee if they were on the streets. Luke had to keep telling himself that no matter how hard it was right then, it would be a lot harder if they got seperated because he did not cooperate. Luke watched as Jason maneuvered his brother out of the room and turn out of sight. Matt's screams just got more frantic.)
M: LUUUCAAAS! PLEEEASSSE STOP HIM!
(Luke sat there for a while listening to his little brother. He wished that he would just calm down or wear out and just go to sleep. Each time that he heard his brother scream Lucas cried. Whenever there was a moment of silence Lucas would breath a sigh of relief until he heard him start up again realizing that the peace was just so that he could catch his breath. Luke saw the lights flicker in the hallway and one of the counselors yelled.)
Counselor #2: Lights out in two. Everyone to their rooms.
(Luke sighed and then rubbed the back of his neck because he felt it sting a little. When he brought his hand back around to look at it he saw blood. Matty had been grabbing onto him so tight that when the counselor pulled him away he had scratched him. A fresh set of tears started as Luke heard Matt scream again. He did not know how much more he could take. Lucas and Matt had been through some rough times together and he had never seen Matt this upset. He really felt like he was letting him down. He got angry again at his parents, the counselors and again at himself for not being able to do something, but this time he was angry at God for making them suffer more then they already had in their short lives. Luke finally got up and headed for the door and as he turned to go to his room he ran into Brad, the kid that he was in the stare down with earlier.)
Brad. Watch where you are walking newbie. (The kid paused when he looked at Luke's face seeing that he was obviously crying.) What are you fucking crying about?
(That was all it took to push the blond teen over the edge. Luke grabbed the red headed kid by the shirt and pushed him so hard it sent him flying against the wall. In three seconds flat there were two counselors that came running and had Lucas pinned against the wall and was restraining Brad because he was ready to return the shove.)
Counselor: Both of you stop now! (Both the teens continued to struggle.) I SAID STOP! (Still nothing.) Stop now or I call the police and you two can spend the night in juvenile detention. (Both the boys got themselves under control. Once they had calmed down enough the counselors released them.) Brad, I thought that you were suppose to be in your room?
Brad: I was. Excuse me for having to pee.
Counselor: Then go to the bathroom and get back to your room.
Brad: It was his fault. (Pointing to Luke.)
Counselor: GO! Michael will deal with you guys in the morning. (Brad left and he turned to look at Luke.) You need to go to bed. (Not wanting to cause anymore problems, he turned and went to his room still hearing Matt screaming down the hall.)