Chapter 2
***Trigger Warning: Mentions of child abuse, drug use, loss and grief, and sexual abuse.
Jack pulled up with Rapunzel to their old high school. Rapunzel's adopted mother, Ana, continued work there as a therapist and art teacher. She luckily continued the after-school support group tradition, a fact for which Jack was grateful. What was different this year, however, was that Miss Ana had come up with an idea to give the current students who attended group adult mentors. Of course, the mentors were previous members who all signed up at the first chance to help the new students out.
Jack had been paired with a young freshman named Hiro Hamada. Hiro had moved into town just before high school started and was admittedly having a tough time. He was a troublemaker, too smart for his own good, and a brain that even Einstein couldn't hold a candle to. But only those in group understood why Hiro acted the way he did. Jack really enjoyed working with Hiro. He felt the kid was truly a gifted individual, with a hard past that Jack could understand. He also a fun streak that made him easy to be around.
Rapunzel was texting her mother and Jack smiled at her. She'd been paired with a junior named Moana Montunui who was born and raised in Hawaii. She had recently come to the US to spend time away from her family. She was an explorer by nature but admittedly her parents were very big worriers who did not like being so far from her. She currently stayed with a family member who had introduced her to the academy when they visited before. She was fun, creative, and apparently, a great swimmer and dancer. She was easily one of the most popular girls at school being from Hawaii.
They both walked in and crossed the hallways past their old lockers and classrooms. Jack couldn't help but reminisce their senior year together; finding small corners to make out in, eating lunch with their friends, walking down the halls with his cheerleader girlfriend. Oh, the days.
They came in to see Ana setting up for group with a young girl named Tip Tucci. She was an adorable sophomore with the prettiest brown curly hair that bounced on her head. She always wore bright colors, smiled a lot, and seemed to glow when excited. Today however, Jack could tell she'd just had a rough session with Ana as her eyes were red and she seemed down. Her mentor was MK who, like Nod, continued to help with group.
MK had finished her degree in nature preservation and worked at a national park, giving tours and educating everyone who walked the trails. Nod, on the other hand, had indeed gotten into the military working as an engineer for the various engines that kept the troops moving. He was sincerely enjoying it and according to MK, he and his uncle had finally patched things up.
Hiccup and Merida showed up right after Jack and Rapunzel did.
"Beat you." Jack teased Hiccup who chuckled. Merida looked over at Tip who was avoiding everyone and setting up chairs like her life depended on it. Merida mouthed to Jack and Rapunzel, "She okay?"
Jack shrugged and Rapunzel shook her head, unsure. Merida decided to go and break the ice a little. Jack turned as Hiro walked in, hood up and headphones in his ears. He immediately perked up when he saw Jack, his sunken eyes brightening and his frown becoming a smile that practically reached his ears. Jack gave him a fist pound and beckoned him in. Hiro noticed Tip but didn't say anything. Merida was giving her a quick hug and had her sit down.
Ana walked over to Rapunzel and opened her arms as she usually did. She took Rapunzel's face in her hands and kissed her on the forehead like a doting mother before hugging her tightly. Jack eagerly awaited his hug as a few more kids stepped inside. Hiro had decided to go sit by Tip, both not saying anything just sitting in silence as if they understood that moment a little better together.
"Rapunzel!" A beautiful voice called from the doorway. They all turned to see Moana enter. She was a stunning young woman with caramel colored skin, freckles on her cheeks and brown flowing hair that never seemed to get frizzy. Rapunzel quickly hugged her, and Jack walked over to sit by Hiro who was playing on his phone and showing Tip some of it. He managed to get a small smile from her.
Merida sat down next to the freshman she had been assigned to; Riley Anderson, a young blonde girl all the way from Wisconsin and California. Yep, Riley had moved twice in her short life. Both were equally devastating. She lived most of her childhood in Wisconsin and moved when she became a young teenager. She spent a few years adjusting in California as a teen before she was yet again forced to move all the way out to Burgess. She began to really struggle with getting into things that weren't exactly safe, such as running away and experimenting with drugs. In a nutshell, Merida could relate.
Hiccup on the other hand had just welcomed his freshman into the room, Sherman Peabody. Sherman was a small, lanky kid with lots of freckles, red hair, and glasses that could cover his entire face. He was a natural bookworm, just like Hiccup and he loved history and stories to the point he could impress the smartest of history professors. He and Hiro were neck in neck with IQ's. Hiro would have been number one in his class, but Sherman beat him to it, as Hiro chose not to bother with work. Hiro struggled with thinking homework was below him and boring. Lately however, his grades were picking up and he had Sherman sweating a bit with the fear of losing his title as class valedictorian by the time they were seniors.
"Jack." Hiro said softly, "Check this out, I found a summer program for robotics."
Jack looked down to see Hiro had pulled up a website on his phone of a summer camp that dealt with robotics. Jack was impressed that Hiro was considering it as he always seemed like he didn't care about school or learning for that matter.
"That's awesome! Good find, man." Jack praised excitedly. Hiro seemed happy with that and nodded, "I want to see if Aunt Cass will let me go if I can get my grades up."
"How are they doing?" Jack asked as a few more people came in to sit down, group would start soon.
Hiro shrugged, "I mean, I'm all caught up in math and science, totes easy." he grinned sheepishly, "But, I'm kind of struggling in language arts, it's just...so dumb."
"You don't have my dad yet, huh?" Jack smiled understandingly.
"No, I wish, I think I'd have a shot at least." He mumbled.
"Keep at it, you'll pick them up no problem." Jack encouraged, giving him a nudge.
"Okay everyone!" Ana called in her chipper voice, "We're going to get started now!"
Everyone finally took a seat and began to settle down.
Ana looked fondly around the room, "So happy to see everyone here today. Mentors, thank you for coming."
It was then that Jack noticed a young boy who was swallowed in his oversized green hoodie. His eyes seemed to dart around a little nervously and Jack had to wonder if the kid was legitimately terrified.
"Everyone, I'm delighted to introduce a brand-new member today, Arlo Apoto. He just moved here last week, and I know we are the best ones to really help him settle in. Arlo, I know it's hard being in a group like this where everything is new, so we'll go around and introduce ourselves and whenever you're ready you can tell us more about yourself, is that okay?"
Arlo nodded quickly.
"Okay!" Miss Ana clapped, "We will say your name, why you are here and... oh...let's do favorite animal."
"I'll go!" Vanellope said excitedly across the room. Jack grinned and winked at her. She waved excitedly to him and began, "I'm Vanellope and my brother is Jack," she grinned as she looked at him, "My future sister is Rapunzel," She grinned even more at that and a few of the girls giggled, "I'm here because, my parents gave me up when I was a baby. I was born with seizures and have had a lot of surgeries and foster homes. I'm also diagnosed with ADHD, but it's totally not noticeable so I don't even know why they would think I have it." she giggled. Jack rolled his eyes as she continued, "But, I was adopted a while back and finally have a home. My next surgery is, it's actually coming up soon I found out and..." Jack hadn't ever seen his sister look slightly nervous and he couldn't help but lean forward, "Well, this could be it." she smiled hopefully, "They told me that if this one goes well, I should have less seizures, or, none at all."
"That's wonderful news!" Ana said proudly.
Vanellope nodded, "Just...not looking forward to it honestly. Oh! And I like snails. They're like super slimy, gross, and so slow, I have to respect that."
Jack wanted to snort but instead nodded proudly at her. He'd have to talk to his father about her surgery coming up, she must have finally been approved.
"Guess it's my turn." Nod laughed, "I'm Nod, I'm Vanellope's mentor. She and I have this amazing connection with fast things, so yeah. But I was in group ages ago for getting into some trouble after my parents died. Much better now. And I like sparrows, their neat, fast and kind of cool." he added.
"I'm MK." she smiled warmly at everyone, "And I am Tip's mentor. I came to group after my mom lost her battle with cancer years ago. It was a very hard time for me, and I will never forget how loved and supported I felt here with everyone. I'm so glad this is still going on. And, I like hummingbirds, so pretty and small. My mom liked them too."
Tip squirmed in her seat and waved, "Hey, I'm Tip." she paused for a moment, "I'm sorry, it's just not been a good day for me." MK rubbed her shoulders encouragingly, "I'm here because when I was younger my dad divorced my mom and got remarried to the most atrocious person. Anyways he lied about my mom abusing me and they got custody of me. I was taken from my mom and forced to never see her. Meanwhile they were, well...what they did just wasn't cool. My mom fought really hard for me and she got me back after I finally went to the hospital with three broken bones and what not." She paused again, "I just heard from my mom's attorney today that my dad and stepmom are wanting to see me again, like have visits and crap, and apparently…there is not much I can do about it." She rubbed a tear roughly from her cheek, "It just sucks. Like, how does that even happen you know?" She looked down and it fell deathly quiet in the room, she finally took a breath, "Sorry, just...I can't..."
"It's okay." Ana said softly, "We're all here for you, Tip. All of us."
Hiro and Sherman nodded; Moana looked like she was ready to cry. Rapunzel had a tear falling down her face and Jack knew she understood what Tip was feeling.
Tip nodded and looked over at Hiro, "Go ahead." she smiled sadly.
He smiled at her, "I'm Hiro. I'm a freshman. Apparently, I'm a nuisance." He shrugged, "But, as you guys know, my brother, Tadashi," he took a breath, "there was a fire at his college, and he was in the building. They never even found his remains." he bit his lip, "That happened a year ago today." He looked down sadly, "I miss him. He was the only thing that kept me going after my parents died when I was little. He believed in me and... just like that. Gone."
He grew silent and shook his head, "I'm done."
Jack nodded and looked up, "I'm Jack, Hiro's mentor. Like him, I lost a sibling, my baby sister, years ago to my parent's abuse. I was tossed around a lot, troublemaker, you know. But I was adopted and now I have an excellent job, an amazing fiancé, and a great life. And I'm going to say I like penguins. What's not to like, right?"
Rapunzel smiled fondly at him and then looked at the group, "I'm Rapunzel, I'm the fiancé and Moana's mentor." she giggled, "I'm here because I lost my parents when I was very young and was in a very abusive home for a long time. It wasn't until I came here that I got out and met my friends who saved my life. I also met my future mother, Ana, as well." she shifted, "Since this group, my life has been amazing, and I can't imagine where I would be without the people in this room." She smiled around at them and then laughed, "And I love chameleons."
"I'm Moana and I'm here from Hawaii. I needed to get away from my parents, too many expectations and all that. And leaving them meant that I had to leave my grandmother. She was truly my rock, she always believed in me. But sadly, she passed away a couple months ago and I never got to go and see her. We just couldn't get tickets in time and my parents didn't tell me until it was too late. They wanted me to come back and stay but I know she wanted me here, she knew I was happy." she nodded, "So, here I am. And, I love pigs and chickens!" she giggled.
"I'm Hiccup." Hiccup waved, "I'm Sherman's mentor. I started group a long time ago. My mom died when I was just a kid and I never really got along with my dad. He's remarried now, but I just really had a tough time living up to his standards and before I knew it, I was in an accident and lost my leg. I'm loads better now; I'm making prosthetic parts for people who need it and it's amazing. And as for my favorite animal, I like dragons. And yes, they do exist, just accept it."
Merida snorted at that as Sherman got started, "I'm Sherman and I'm a Freshman. I don't really remember much but I know that my dad told me he found me one day in an alleyway and wasn't sure where my real parents were. He at first wanted to take me to Children Services but told me he didn't have the heart to give me up, so he took me in and adopted me. He's a genius and we both really love history and science and math. He home schooled me for a long time. About a year ago, he made some people where he works mad and they, like Tip's dad, lied about him and I was almost taken away. I remember a lot about court and hearing all this stuff about me and my dad just, I don't know, maybe I shut it all out. But I decided to come to school so dad could find a new job and it's been hard, you know. I don't feel like I belong sometimes."
Hiccup patted his shoulder comfortingly and Sherman perked up, "But, anyways, I really like Amphibians. I can tell you everything there is to know about them, but Hiccup has been helping me reign in the 'smart stuff'." He laughed.
Merida grinned at him, "I'm Merida and I'll just start by saying that I love horses, I have one of my own in fact. I joined the group a long time ago because, well, let's just say I made a lot of mistakes and got into a bad crowd. But I got better, made new friends and rekindled old ones," she winked at Hiccup, "And now I'm living with the love of my life and working as a congresswoman to help rid the streets of drugs."
Riley shifted a little and took a breath, "I'm Riley, Freshman too, and I just moved from California at the start of school. My dad keeps getting new jobs and we move around a lot. It's been hard for me and I'll just come out and admit that I have not exactly made the best choices. But thanks to this group I'm meeting a lot of people who make me better, happier. And as for my favorite animal, I like elephants."
Ana nodded and then looked over at Arlo who was starting to turn the color of his sweater.
"I'm…Arlo and…I just moved here." He took a breath, "I uh…I'm sorry I'm just…"
"Take your time, Arlo." Ana said calmly.
"My dad he…he was killed in a really bad storm…he was driving and yelling at me for something and…there wasn't anything I could do…" He started crying and held his face in his hands, "It's my fault, I should have just done what he asked but I was too scared and…"
"Arlo, something like that you can't control, man." Hiro piped in, "I tried to stop my brother from going into that building but he didn't listen."
"What was he yelling at you about? I mean if that's okay." Vanellope asked.
Arlo wiped his eyes, "I was supposed to take out the compost. He owned a restaurant and we got a lot of critters. It was dark and storming and I didn't do it and a critter got in and made a huge mess." He shook his head, "I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, whatever that all means."
"For those who don't know," Ana educated, "GAD, as counselors call it sometimes, just means that you deal with a lot of physical and emotional anxiety daily, sometimes it doesn't take much to trigger it, it just happens. And as for Panic Disorder, that just means that when you get anxious or something triggers you, you have what we all know as a panic attack. It is nothing to be ashamed of and with good support and guidance, many can recover fully from this."
"That makes sense, my parents said I was born scared." Arlo shrugged, "My brother and sister are so brave and I'm just…"
"Everyone is scared of something; some people are just more scared of things than others." Riley piped in, "I'm terrified of clowns."
"I'm scared of fires now, like loud explosions and stuff." Hiro admitted.
"Spiders and the dark." Tip nodded; she had a haunted look on her face as she said it.
"I'm scared of dark tight spaces and belts." Rapunzel admitted.
"When I hear tires squealing, I flinch and freeze up." Hiccup nodded.
"See Arlo, each of us has something we fear, and bravery doesn't always mean you have to face your fears and deal with it, bravery comes when we are ready for it." Ana nodded.
"Thank you, this isn't as bad as I thought it would be." Arlo smiled, wiping his face on his sleeve again.
"So…what animal do you like?" Vanellope asked sweetly.
"I actually really like dinosaurs." Arlo shrugged, "I know they don't exist anymore, but I always liked them."
"Thank you, Arlo, for being willing to share that with us." Ana said, "All of us in this room can relate to having to tell our story and how scary it is the first time."
"I told everyone there was nothing wrong with me." Riley snorted, "Merida totally called me out."
"Sharing is healing for a lot of us." MK added, "It was so hard for me to even mention my mom without just crying so much. Now I feel like she's still with me, now more than ever."
"Tip, are you okay?" Ana asked.
Jack turned to see Tip had tears just streaming down her face and she seemed lost in her own world.
She jumped and looked up, "Sorry, I sort of traveled." She admitted, wiping her face with her hand. MK put a hand on her shoulder.
"Would you be open to sharing today?" Ana asked, "I know we talked a lot earlier, but I know a few people in this room give some wonderful support." She added.
Tip nodded and blew a breath, "I was just, you know when you hear or see something and it just…takes you back to that moment, I just had that when we talked about fears and stuff."
"I'm sorry!" Arlo cut in, "I didn't mean to do that to you."
"Oh, no, it's okay!" Tip shook her head, "We do that here, we talk about what we need to so we can heal, and no one here really knows some of this stuff."
"What she means is that, no one in here is ever to be sorry for speaking." Ana explained and then nodded for Tip to continue.
"Anyways…I was…and…I hope I don't trigger anyone or scare anybody, but…there was this…place my stepmom invented just for me when she thought I was being, how we say, extra bad."
Jack dared a glance at Rapunzel who seemed to be unable to take her eyes off Tip.
"She had my dad dig this hole in the basement, like super deep. There was a board from an old cellar door that they used to keep it covered. It was seriously like something out of Silence of the Lambs."
Everyone barely breathed.
"She'd throw me down in the pit, leave me there for a while and then have my dad come get me out just to whoop me." She shivered and rubbed her arms, "There were spiders down there, it was dark and cold. And now these people want to visit me? Like it never happened!" she cried and shook her head in anger, "Fucking…no!" she banged a fist on her chair and sobbed, "I'm sorry, I never talk about that ever. I'm just, I don't know what I'll do if I see them."
Rapunzel got up and went to her and crouched before her, taking her hands in hers, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Do you understand me?" she told her in a soft voice, "You have a voice and they cannot and will not ignore that."
"She's right." Merida said, "I can make some calls Tip, I know some people who work in Children Services, we can argue against it, but we need you to tell us why. If I can find someone for you to tell this to, and help you and your mother, would you be willing to let me help?"
"You can…you can do that?" Tip said in astonishment, "Like, I can just say no and…"
"Yes, they have advocates now who can help be that voice." Merida explained, "Times are different and there are people who can help you, but sadly, a lot of times people don't realize or know that."
"The first step is always to speak, never stay silent." Rapunzel explained, "I know I was afraid to speak and by staying silent it only hurt more and more."
"I know that," Tip sniffled, "I just…didn't know what to think when we got that call today, you know."
"We're here for you, Tip. You can talk to us any time." Moana chimed in.
"Tip, thank you for sharing. All of you, thank you for your stories and your support in this room." Ana said, "I think now is an appropriate time to begin with some closing so we can all leave in a good space."
Rapunzel came back to her seat and Jack held her hand and squeezed it tight.
"Arlo, since it's your first time, one of our favorite closing activities is to each of us say one thing we appreciate or admire about the person next to us. Today, let's do counterclockwise."
"Can I start?" Hiro raised his hand, "I really think Tip is one of the strongest people in here. It takes guts to talk about that stuff and I know that you have a smile on your face every day but I think we can all relate that the smile is just sort of, well it's what we do to deal with our stuff. It's awesome you just let your guard down like that."
"Thank you, Hiro." Tip smiled warmly, "Um…MK is so amazing and we both love to talk about our mom's. She just makes sure I feel loved a little extra."
"You are loved." MK smiled, "I appreciate Nod for always being there for me and taking that time out of his busy schedule just for me. We seem to always have a lot of fun."
"Thanks' babe." Nod grinned, "And, I really love that Vanellope speaks her mind. Not a lot of kiddos can do that."
"I really like that even though you're new to the group Arlo," Vanellope began, "You just fit right in with us. If anyone gives you a hard time you come find me."
Arlo seemed to just glow with that statement and color began to come back to his face, "I feel like…a lot better now. Thanks everyone and, thank you Miss Ana for inviting me and letting me do this."
"You are most welcome, Arlo, we are so glad to have you." Ana smiled, "And I just love that Riley is beginning to show us how kind and creative she really is. Thank you for giving this a chance, Riley."
"It wasn't so hard." Riley shrugged with a laugh, "I really love that Merida is strong and that even today she is willing to help someone. She knows all these great people and can use them to help kids like us."
Merida beamed "I am so grateful that Hiccup has found a great mentee in Sherman. You are so smart and brilliant. You are going to shine."
Sherman's spirits lifted considerably at that, "I really like that Hiccup wants to help people too, people who are different. We talk a lot about our dad's and he's just easy to go to and I feel like I'm wanted, you know."
Hiccup nodded, "Anytime, man." He looked up and turned to Moana, "I admire that Moana came all the way to this itty-bitty town and is willing to be a part of this school and group. You do a lot here, I know, and Berk Academy is lucky to have you."
"Thank you!" Moana smiled brightly, "I'm so lucky to be here. And I just love how Rapunzel and I really click. She's sweet and fun and creative and I never have a problem just calling her if I need anything."
Rapunzel turned to Jack and he prayed he would keep it together.
"I love that from day one, I can't think of a time when you weren't this amazing presence in my life, Jack. I love you so much, you make my world so fun and bright."
Jack squeezed her hand and nodded, he leaned down to kiss her forehead and then turned to Hiro, "I don't know how to follow Hiro's amazing lead." He chuckled, "Hiro, you are smart and talented. You have a gift and I know you are going to find that thing that just makes you want to do everything in your power to keep it going. Don't stop searching, alright."
Hiro nodded.
Ana smiled around the room, "Thank you everyone, I will see you all very soon."
Jack and Rapunzel stood up and per ritual, they went around the room to talk with the mentors and mentees, checking in and giving hugs and support. Rapunzel and Merida gave Tip their numbers to call while Jack hugged Vanellope who was talking to Arlo.
Soon kids were leaving one by one as parents arrived or mentors left to give them a ride home.
Ana cleaned up and Jack looked around the room, remembering his first time coming to group. He was an original member as it started when he was just a freshman. Now it was still going and helping so many kids, good kids.
He looked over to see Rapunzel hugging Ana and Merida. Hiccup came over to him and nodded. He and Jack understood how significant it was to stand there, years later, survivors and with two of the most beautiful souls to be by their sides.
"So, when you finally going to pop the question?" Jack asked Hiccup out of earshot of Merida.
"I don't know, wouldn't want to steal your thunder." Hiccup laughed.
"Keep me posted, it better be good." Jack chuckled.
"Oh, trust me, I got this." Hiccup laughed, "Want to get dinner sometime? Meet up at the pub?"
"That sounds great, I'll get you my schedule this week. I could use a few."
"Boss still giving you a hard time?" Hiccup asked with concern.
Jack rubbed his eyes, "I don't know. If it weren't for my clients…"
"You know there are other tattoo shops." Hiccup explained, "You aren't obligated to stay there."
"I know, just, I want to save money for me and Punzie and get a house, maybe my own business. Plus, with her being back at school I can't up and leave right now."
"I get it, if you need anything- "
"I know, thanks man." Jack smiled at him.
Hiccup patted Jack's shoulder and nodded then looked over at Merida, "Guess it's time to hit the hay."
"Sounds like a plan." Jack chuckled, "See you this week?"
"This week." Hiccup nodded and waved as he walked towards the door.
Authors Note:
Phew, sorry if that was heavy. I took a lot of inspiration from movies like Big Hero 6, Moana, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, The Good Dinosaur, Inside Out, and Home. However, some of the scenarios described are obviously not from movies but from actual client stories I have heard in my time as a therapist. Please if you are in danger or someone you love is in danger, reach out for help and talk to someone!