Chapter 4
***Trigger Warning: child sexual abuse implications, mentions of child abuse, grief and loss, past bullying, school violence discussions
Jack dropped Rapunzel off and headed over to his father's house to have a family dinner now that Flynn was visiting. It was a nice surprise to see him in town, considering he usually couldn't visit until the holidays. Luckily, he was working on a show not too far from Burgess and couldn't resist some of North's home cooking.
He parked and walked inside to the familiar scent of home cooked food that made his stomach growl. The house he grew up in hadn't changed at all, only difference being the sound of Vanellope's racing games she liked to play. But the warmth and comfort were never absent.
He made it to the kitchen to see his father busy at the stove cooking while Flynn leaned on the counter having a chat with him. Jack looked over towards the family room to see Vanellope engrossed in her racing game with headphones on.
Max, old and feeble now, barked as ferociously as he could while hobbling over to see Jack. Out of instinct, Jack kneeled to scratch behind his ears, earning a soft snort from the dog. Another thing that may have changed but one thing was still certain; the way Max and Flynn glared at one another across the room proved old rivalries didn't always die.
"Jack! Good to see you son!" his father boomed loudly, and Jack rushed over to quickly hug him, grateful to erase whatever negative and disgusting memories he might have had earlier that week. Flynn waved from the counter and Jack walked over to lean on the island across from where he stood.
"How's wedding planning?" Flynn asked him with a grin.
Jack rolled his eyes heavenward, "Exhausting."
North chuckled, "It will be here before you know it."
"About time." Flynn teased, "All I know is, the Bachelor Party better be epic."
"You know Hiccup will make sure of that." Jack chuckled.
"Unless there's a tiger in the hotel room, it wouldn't be a party." Flynn snorted.
"Stop watching movies." Jack groaned.
"Stop being a dick." Flynn grinned mischievously.
"Stop being an ass- "
"BOYS!" North warned in a stern but loving tone as the two grinned sheepishly.
"If you give me twenty bucks, I'll pretend I didn't hear you both curse." Vanellope smirked as she made her way to the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Jack before trying to sneak a cookie off the counter.
Flynn had a slight longing look in his eyes as he watched the two of them bond. Everyone understood though that he hadn't gotten a chance to really be around Vanellope when she first came to live with North, as he'd been in college. Jack however still had another year or so with her as he finished high school and that gave them time to bond and he could be the big brother he'd always wanted to be.
"So," Jack looked up at Flynn, "When do we get free Hamilton tickets?"
Flynn shook his head, "You and I both know that isn't happening. I can't even get them, and I work on Broadway."
"You should give them tickets as a wedding gift!" Vanellope pointed out.
"Not a bad idea Squirt." Flynn smiled as he walked by her and ruffled her messy hair.
"We'll take cash at this point." Jack grumbled and followed his siblings to the table where Flynn must have already set up.
"Jack, is everything alright at home?" North asked with concern as he began dishing out food.
"Oh yeah," Jack said quickly, "Work has been picking up and Rapunzel still has her job, but I know school is starting to get to her a little bit."
"It's a pretty big step." Flynn nodded but smiled warmly at him, "But I'm proud of her for going for it."
"Me too." Jack smiled; glad Rapunzel decided to spend some time with her mother tonight. He too felt a sense of comfort as he sat with his family around the table, laughing and catching up on their days. Vanellope was chatting consistently as she ate, and Flynn of course did his usual teasing towards both his siblings. He couldn't lie and admit he'd missed this, but he also would never regret finally moving in with Rapunzel, no matter how stressful it was.
"Well, I set the table, so now you clean." Flynn smirked at Jack who threw his napkin down with a grunt.
"Knew I should have come earlier!" he pouted.
Vanellope snorted, "You're both so dumb."
North chuckled and looked over at her, "Don't forget you need to finish your math."
She groaned, hoping she would have had more time to play her game, but she would never disappoint her adopted father. As much as she'd come a long way to trusting him, she still had that lingering fear in the back of her mind that if she screwed up even the tiniest amount, he'd abandon her like all the others before him.
"Jack…" she gave him an innocent look and he knew what was coming, "Do you think you could help me?"
"No problem," he grinned, "You get started so I can clean up then I'll come over and take a look."
"Deal!" she squealed happily and rushed off to find her bookbag.
"I'm glad you both want to help her with her homework." North nodded proudly at his boys, recalling that Flynn had taken the time to sit with her yesterday after school and help her with some science. Because she'd had a late start in life and due to her medical issues, she had to work extra hard to keep up. But thanks to a lot of great teachers and her after school tutoring, she was finally at the level she needed to be, but staying the course was just as tricky.
"Trust me, if she has Bunny as her math teacher, she needs all the help she can get." Jack admitted with a laugh as he collected the plates and started cleaning. As he did, he suddenly looked up to see his reflection in the window and that haunting nightmare came back full force as he froze for a few moments, thankful when he was jolted out of it by Vanellope yelling for her calculator.
He finished cleaning quickly and turned to see his father still sitting at the table with Flynn and decided to at least see if maybe there was a way to keep his bad memories at bay. His father and Flynn had always been good about it.
"Hey, uh," he stammered as he sat down, "Did I ever um…talk in my sleep living here?" he asked.
They both stared at him a moment before North nodded, "As a matter of fact, you did, especially in the beginning."
"You would walk around too." Flynn nodded.
Jack stared at Flynn and to his surprise, so did North as apparently this was news to him, "When?" he asked.
Flynn narrowed his eyes and thought back, "I know I only caught it that one time and I don't think you ever did it again, but I remember I found you in the bathroom staring at the mirror or something. I tried to wake you up but just ended up putting you back to bed. It was weird."
"Why didn't you tell me that?" North asked him.
Flynn shrugged, "He was still adjusting, and I used to do stuff like that all the time, I honestly figured you knew and had worked it out after that."
"You said you found me in the bathroom?" Jack asked nervously.
"Yeah, I would have laughed but I didn't have room to, considering I'd wake up in closets all the time." Flynn chuckled.
"They say a lot of children with severe abuse will have odd sleep patterns, you were both still in survival mode even if you were safe." North said sadly, "But then one day, you both had your moment to realize you could relax and just be children; happy and free from all that pain."
They both smiled fondly remembering the day it clicked for them, light a window finally opening for them, letting in the sun and fresh air.
"Flynn you were such a good brother when Jack came to us." North reminisced, "I did have to teach you patience because you so badly wanted Jack to be your little brother, but he was still afraid and needed his space. But not once did you complain or fail to lend a helping hand where you could."
Jack smiled at his brother who nodded to him, "I admit, it never gets any easier, but you definitely made my life worth it, Dad."
"Mine too." Jack agreed.
"So, are you having a hard time at the new place, Jack?" Flynn asked in a nonjudgmental voice. To many it would seem nosy, but Jack understood his brother's question having both come from a place of learning to adjust in new places. In response he shrugged, "We're both adjusting but, I don't know, lately I've been having some…off nights." He admitted.
"Well, with a new place, a wedding to plan, and a job, it is a lot." North smiled knowingly, "But you and Rapunzel love each other very much and I'm sure you two make a wonderful team as you process it all."
"We are a good team." He smiled but it felt forced as he recalled her face looking at him after that horrible dream, memory, whatever it was. Her eyes mixed with tears, pain, fear, and disappointment. He was her fiancé; he was supposed to be honest with her. So why, why couldn't he be honest about this? Oh yes, because he'd never been, and it had gotten him this far so why worry about it.
He rubbed his eyes and sat back, "Sometimes I just wish all that bad stuff would disappear completely."
"You and me both." Flynn agreed, resting his chin in his hand as he too seemed far away in unhappy thoughts.
"Let me tell you both something." North sighed heavily, "You're both old enough now to know, but there's a big reason I started adopting."
They both stared at him, his once warm and cheery smile, bright eyes full of wonder, suddenly became dark and lost in a memory full of pain and fear. They had been told many times by North that he'd had a past in Russia, but he never went into detail before.
He sighed and looked up at them, all three now ready to know the truth behind the man they only ever knew as their father.
"When I was just a boy, my parents sold me. In Russia I was raised to be an unpaid child laborer."
He paused as if lost in a painful memory while both of them listened patiently but with a tinge of sadness.
"I spent my whole childhood working long hours, unpaid, starved, and sometimes beaten. Every day I wondered why my parents could sell their own son. I was so young, and they wanted no part of me."
He had tears pooling in his eyes but he wiped them quickly, "When I was sixteen years old, one of the factories that they forced us to work in was raided by the Russian police, but we had nothing and nowhere to go. I lived on the streets while I found work to make a little bit of money. Once I turned eighteen, I vowed I would leave the country, but earning a Visa and not having any formal education or family to support me would make it hard. I was denied many times but thankfully a kind man at the embassy told me about a way to go if I went to college. I could gain a scholarship to America, continue to learn, and eventually obtain my American Citizenship."
"How long did it take you?" Flynn asked in a shaky voice, obviously keeping his tears at bay.
"Almost seven years, and it was hard. I was very behind and the only thing I was good at was reading and writing. But because of that, I got the scholarship and came to America and never left."
He wiped his eyes finally and smiled at them, "Once I had graduated, I started teaching and it was then that I learned my journey wasn't over. I had many students I couldn't help or save who were all suffering. So, I made a decision to adopt a child in need. It took many years, many foster children, many hours of classes and trainings, but I finally got to be a father the moment I adopted you, Flynn."
Flynn wiped his eyes and smiled at his dad, "We're so lucky to have you."
"I am the lucky one." He smiled back and looked to Jack, "My children are wonderful and brave."
"How can we even hope to match you someday?" Jack laughed through his tears, "What if…what if we end up just like the people who birthed us, who hurt us and- "
"Hey, that's not going to happen, bro." Flynn said quickly, "Those people don't deserve the title of parent, no amount of baby labor can earn you that until they prove they can be parents not just birth givers."
North nodded, "Flynn is right Jack, you and Rapunzel will be amazing parents someday, because like me, you know the pain of coming from hurt but gaining love over time from those who care about you. Your child will have love the moment it is born."
Jack felt his heart sting, both from relief that maybe he would one day be as amazing a father as North, but also…
"But they say that violence, or sexual violence it's a cycle and- "
"Jack, I stopped that cycle long ago." North said patiently, "I made sure of it because you would never hurt an innocent soul. You take care of your sister and you take care of Rapunzel. I trust you; we all do. And we know you trust us as well. By gaining your trust and love, we ended that horrific violence."
"Hey, Jack, is there something going on?" Flynn asked nervously, "You know you can tell us."
"No!" Jack shook his head a little too quickly, hating himself as he shut that door in his mind and forced the smile on his face, "No, I'm fine, I just…need to sleep better." He lied.
Flynn and North shared a look but nodded at him instead of pushing it.
"Maybe you should go see a counselor again." Flynn suggested, "I still see one and it's helped me a lot with sleeping in a scary place like New York."
Jack rubbed his face of any tears or worry and nodded, "Maybe."
"There's nothing wrong with talking to someone and getting some clarity." North nodded.
"Yeah." He nodded but wanted to get off this horrid subject, "Thank you, both of you, I uh…I needed to hear that."
They smiled at him and North placed a hand on both their shoulders, "My brave boys."
Jack got up and hugged him firmly as Flynn waited his turn.
"Jack! I finished!" Vanellope practically sang from the dining room. He froze and prayed she hadn't heard anything but North chuckled, sensing his worry and releasing him, "She wears earphones to focus on her work."
"Oh, thank God!" Flynn sighed, "I swear I never get used to having another kid around here."
Jack smiled and walked to the dining room to see Vanellope was wearing her large headphones that connected to her tablet. North had downloaded some binaural sounds and music to help with focus for longer periods of time while keeping her calm at the same time.
He sat down next to her as she took them off. She looked up at him and frowned, "What's wrong?" she asked.
He knew his face was probably red and his eyes bloodshot from crying, but he smiled and waved it off, "It's nothing, I'm okay."
"You don't look okay, Jack." She said softly, tilting her head to the side, "Were you thinking about some of that bad stuff again?"
It still surprised him how perceptive she was, how good at listening she could be. She truly was a kind and gentle soul who wanted so badly to belong.
He wouldn't lie to her, so he merely nodded, "Yeah."
She smiled understandingly and turned herself to face him, "I still cry about it too." She admitted, "But I'm happy now and so are you, right?"
"Yeah, I am." He agreed.
"Good." She smiled and turned back to her work, "So, do you think Bunny will give me at least a C on this?" she said with a hint of nervousness when he glanced over her work.
He found his mind focused on the task at hand as he helped her and felt a small weight lifted. Granted that horrid memory was still there, but his sister was right, he was happy now and he deserved to be happy too. So, he'd put it away, like he always did. He'd made it this far without it being a concern and he had much bigger fish to fry, like outsmarting the great Bunny and his evil math problems.
…..
"That's odd." Ana admitted as Rapunzel told her about Jack's recent reaction to his nightmare. She then went on to explain that since then, Jack refused to speak to her about it.
Both she and Ana were silent for a moment as Rapunzel absentmindedly rubbed Pascal behind the ears. She sank into the comfortable couch she'd spent many a night watching movies and reading books. Her mother as usual sat across from her in her favorite reading chair that made it easy for them to talk to one another. It was always this spot that both would come together and just talk about things and feel safe. As usual, after dinner, she and her mother decided to talk about Rapunzel's worries about school, work, her wedding, and now Jack.
Ana finally broke the silence, "As long as I've known Jack, he's been an open book, he never shied away from talking about what was bothering him, unless he was physically ill. Knowing him he probably just doesn't want to worry you."
"But he looked so scared." Rapunzel said as she recalled the whites of his eyes and the distant look of pure terror and shock. When he dreamed about Emma dying or his parent's abuse, he woke up sweating or upset, but never as severe as this one.
"Hard to know sometimes, but, let him clear his thoughts and I'm sure he'll tell you." Ana smiled, "You know as well as anyone what time can do to heal things."
"Yeah." Rapunzel smiled back, "You're right."
"I'd see him again but considering he'll be my future son; I have a feeling it's not ethically possible." Ana joked, "But, Elsa might still be taking on some new clients and I'm sure she'd be happy to see either you or Jack if needed."
"I was actually going to ask her about premarital." Rapunzel nodded, "Maybe I can sort of 'coax' him into going on the side." She winked.
"Now you're thinking like a future wife!" Ana laughed.
Rapunzel giggled, "I know it's silly," she then sighed, "but I'm sure if I just asked him, he'd do it so I wouldn't worry."
"Then that's your plan. Just be up front with him, you always are." Ana agreed.
Rapunzel felt loads better now. She had her confidence back with her schooling and now had a plan to help Jack. But something else crossed her mind then.
"I've been meaning to ask, how's Tip?"
Ana sighed, "She's been having a hard time but everyone in group as well as the mentors have been amazing for her. Her mother is so grateful she's doing this."
"I bet." Rapunzel nodded, "I'm sure she's worried too."
Ana agreed, she recalled having to witness Rapunzel up on the stand, opening up to so many strangers the hell she had endured while living with Gothel. She'd watched as the horrid woman lied, shattering Rapunzel's spirit. Thank goodness for Elanor's defense or Gothel would have had to face the wrath of Ana's fists once court was over.
"Mom?" Rapunzel said softly as she cut through her bad memories.
"Hmm?" she smiled.
"Do you know why someone would do this to their child? I mean, why would they want to keep them if all they want to do is hurt them? It doesn't make sense."
Ana sighed sadly, resting her head on her hand, "I really wish I knew, but I don't think anyone will ever make sense of why people do bad things to other people, especially to their own children."
"It's selfish." Rapunzel spat, "It's cruel and it's wrong. It took me so long to recover and realize that I didn't deserve to be hurt, there was no excuse, and she had no right to take me from love."
"You're absolutely right." Ana smiled proudly, "You didn't deserve it, and she didn't deserve to have such an amazing daughter after what she did."
"You deserved to be a mom." Rapunzel nodded at her happily, "And, I sometimes can't believe how lucky I am. And I get to share my wedding day with you, like every daughter deserves."
Ana beamed at her, "I'm so proud of you and I'm the lucky one here." She tried holding back her tears, "I never thought I'd ever connect with such a beautiful, talented, and strong young woman. Adopting you was the best decision I ever made."
"Do you think you'd ever adopt again?" Rapunzel asked.
Ana sighed, "I don't know to be honest, but who knows what the future holds, right?"
Rapunzel agreed. She and Jack planned to adopt someday. They obviously wanted their own children but at some point, they wanted to be in a place where they could take in a child who needed a loving home just like they'd needed.
They heard a door open and Pascal yipped as he ran to greet the visitor.
"Ana? Rapunzel?"
"In here Jack!" Ana called.
He came in and bent down to pet Pascal before giving Ana a quick hug.
"Did you have a good time at North's?" Ana asked him as he went to give Rapunzel a kiss and sit next to her.
"Of course, had to help Vanellope with her homework and bother Flynn a bit."
Ana giggled at that.
"We were just having some much-needed bonding time ourselves." Rapunzel said with a smile at her mother.
"Well, since you're both here," Ana said then with a grin, "I did want to catch you up to speed regarding group this week."
They sat up a little excitedly.
"As you know, Arlo is going to get a mentor, but it's someone you may not expect." She said with a hint of nervousness.
"Before I tell you who it is let me just explain why I made my decision." She added as they both tensed up, "He reached out to me last year after finally recovering from his past anger issues. He admitted that he wanted to start helping others and learn patience. So…Arlo's mentor is Dagur Berserker."
"Wait!" Jack gasped as Rapunzel put a hand to her mouth in horror, "The jerk who attacked Rapunzel and beat the crap out of me? The guy who bullied Hiccup?! Are you serious?!"
Ana held up her hand, "Hiccup and Merida know, as do some of the other mentors."
"You can't honestly believe that monster would be a good fit for Arlo?" Jack nearly roared, "The guy was a basket case."
"Was." Ana reiterated, "And he is a good match for Arlo."
"Mom…" Rapunzel breathed, "Arlo has serious anxiety, someone like Dagur could really be dangerous to him."
Ana sighed, "Will you both let me explain?"
Both grew silent but still had the same panic-stricken faces muddled with anger and confusion.
"Dagur was a good student at one point, a bit of a bully but nonetheless, smart and active in school. He'd lost his mother as a child, but his behaviors got worse in high school when he'd lost his father as well. After he'd been expelled from Berk Academy, he began mandatory anger management. He's currently a practicing Buddhist and teaches self-defense, meditation and yoga to those who need it."
"Dagur the Deranged?" Jack scoffed, "Okay, this I need to see."
"Mom, you're sure this is a good idea?" Rapunzel asked hesitantly.
"Of course, I trust him completely." Ana nodded firmly, "He's been in contact with Berk Academy and even taught students self-defense."
"Those poor kids." Jack sighed, rolling his eyes, "I still can't picture it."
"Well, even if you still have some doubts, I wouldn't worry as we have two guest speakers coming in as well; police officers."
"What a week this is going to be." Jack laughed.
"Who are the speakers?" Rapunzel asked.
"Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde." Ana said.
"I remember Officer Hopps!" Rapunzel grinned, "Didn't she come to a holiday party one year?"
Ana nodded, "After the recent news of school shootings they wanted to come and talk about safety and healing from violence."
"So, in case Dagur gets deranged again, we at least have two officers there to save the day." Jack said, barking with laughter at this point, "Oh man, I really hope you're ready Ana."
"Oh I am. And I expect nothing but good manners from you, future son." She said pointedly to which he calmed down and nodded respectfully, "Yes ma'am."
She grinned and rubbed her hands together excitedly, "Yes, this is going to be an interesting week indeed."
Both Jack and Rapunzel were not sure if they liked her grin or not.
….
Arlo shook nervously in his oversized teal hoodie as he took in the tall, burly man standing before him. He had short red hair, wild looking eyes, and scars on his face. His smile, though friendly, could also be considered menacing.
"Hey there!" the man he'd been introduced to as Dagur said in a booming voice laced with excitement, "You must be Arlo? Did I say that right?" he asked in a quieter voice.
"Uh…yeah." Arlo gulped.
"Good to meet you mentee!" Dagur shouted once again, causing Arlo to jump.
"Whoa! Take it easy there, little guy. Don't worry, Ana told me you tend to get a little jumpy."
"Sorry…I know that-that it's rude." Arlo stuttered.
"Nah, it's not rude, some people are just a little shyer than others at first. But rest assured, when I'm through with you, you're going to be raising that head higher than Mount Everest."
When he was through with him?! Just what was this guy even thinking about doing to him?
Dagur put a gentle hand on his back to lead him to the chairs in the small empty space. Considering they had group that day he'd wanted a chance to get to know Arlo a little more and help the guy unwind around him.
Arlo was stiff as a board when he finally sat, staring at the intimidating man now less tall as he sat eye level and at a safe distance from the student.
"So, I guess this is the part where we talk about ourselves a little, huh?" Dagur chuckled, "How about I go first, then if you're up for it, I'd love to hear about you."
Arlo nodded nervously.
Dagur took a breath as his smile grew softer, his eyes suddenly taking on an understanding gaze, "Well, I got partnered with you because you and I have something in common."
"What is it?" Arlo asked curiously.
Dagur's frowned briefly before stating in a somber voice, "Seems we both lost our dad's pretty young."
"You're dad…?"
Dagur nodded, "Yeah, my old man was a pretty decent guy. He tried to raise me right. But one night, he just never came home."
"Can I…what happened-I mean-!" Arlo gasped at himself.
Dagur smiled understandingly and nodded, "It's okay, I've come a long way from that time." He paused for a moment, the horrifying memory of what had happened beginning to settle in his mind like a bad dream.
"He went out on a quick errand one night, he got struck down by a drunk driver. But he fell into the ravine down this nasty hill. He was missing for two weeks until they finally found his body. After that, I went bonkers."
"What did you do?" Arlo asked, feeling less and less anxious and more devastated for the man in front of him.
Dagur rubbed the back of his neck, "Let's just say I didn't know how to grieve in a way that was right for me. I was angry, out for revenge and all that power got to my head. I was a real bully."
Arlo stared at him. He'd been the victim of bullying before, a lot, his own papa had tried to get him to be brave and stand up for himself, but he never could. He was just too afraid.
"I hurt a lot of people who could have been good friends and great supports if I hadn't had been a jerk." Dagur admitted, "I drank, did drugs, got arrested a few times, until I was enrolled in an anger management course. That counselor made a lot of sense. I suddenly realized that all that anger was not me. And by burying the anger I felt at losing my dad, I was losing myself. So, I got therapy, quit using any drugs and alcohol, took on a healthy diet and exercise regimen and now I'm an active Buddhist who teaches yoga, meditation, and anger management. I also help teach self-defense classes too."
"So, you aren't the person you used to be." Arlo commented.
"That's right. In actuality, a lot of people are different than they were in high school. I'll admit, I still have days when I can lash out at others, but I feel more in control of myself than I used to. And, I'm happy."
"Do you think…I can be happy too?"
Dagur put a hand on Arlo's shoulder and squeezed carefully, this poor kid was just bones under that massive hoodie he wore, "I know you can. And something tells me, your dad wants you to be happy too."
Arlo felt tears coming to his eyes, "He…he wanted me to be brave but…I'm not!" he admitted, feeling ashamed.
"Hey, being brave isn't like being happy, and being brave is sometimes as simple as admitting to the thing we don't like about ourselves." Dagur said in a quiet voice, a voice that knew this kind of pain and cared about the person who he spoke to.
"I don't like being scared all the time." Arlo said, "What do I do?"
"Okay, now that one is above my pay grade, little guy." Dagur chuckled, "But between the two of us, I think we'll be able to solve it. What do you say?"
Arlo finally gave him the sweetest of smiles and Dagur felt his heart melt. He had to keep from adopting this kid on the spot. His job, his role, was to help this kid feel better about himself and he was going to learn how to be patient. He was going to make his dad proud.
…..
"I didn't do it!" Hiro yelped when he saw the two officers waiting in the group session room.
A few of the others laughed at him but he genuinely looked nervous. Luckily, Jack was there to put a hand on his shoulder, "Relax troublemaker, they're just here as guest speakers."
Hiro let out a sigh of relief and chuckled as he went to help the others set up. He counted the chairs and realized that it would be a pretty full day and possibly more people to come.
MK and Nod were there and already sitting next to Tip and Vanellope. Rapunzel waited for Moana while Hiro sat next to Jack. Hiccup was talking to Sherman while Merida was fawning over some pictures Riley had brought after a hockey game.
Ana quickly spoke to the officers who were about to get seated when a booming voice echoed in the room, "Wilde!"
"Dude!"
Both the officer and the burly red head gave a brief hug and laughed.
"Didn't know you were coming, or I'd have brought a coffee."
"Next time." Officer Wilde winked.
"Okay everyone!" Ana said as she walked over with Arlo, "Let's find our seats and get started!"
Everyone found their spots and eyes were either fixated on the burly red headed man next to Arlo or one of the officers sitting on either side of Ana.
Ana smiled as if everything was completely normal, "Today, I am excited to introduce a new mentor to the group, this is Arlo's mentor, Dagur."
Dagur raised his hand and produced a chipper, "Hello!" to the room before she continued, "And these two are officer Hopps and Wilde from the Burgess Police Department."
Both officers nodded and waved.
Ana grew somber just then, "As many of you have heard on the news, another school shooting occurred just last week. There's been a lot of unrest about it and the officers wanted to come to our group to help lead a discussion and provide resources that can help us be proactive as a school."
The students seemed to grow tense and it was pretty obvious why. This wasn't an easy topic, not for anyone, and not all of them favored how adults, especially police, handled most issues. It would certainly be interesting to get multiple takes on the issue.
The students and mentors went around the room, explaining their names and reasons for being in the group and adding their favorite game. Everyone perked up when it became time for the officers and Dagur to introduce themselves.
Officer Hopps, a very petite silver haired young woman smiled confidently, "I'm Officer Judy Hopps, I've been working as a police officer for a little over seven years now. As you can see, I'm tiny but mighty. I've been friends with Ana for a little while now and love what she's doing here. I really hope all the adults in this room can help you kids better understand what's going on and how to heal from it. And…my favorite game is hopscotch. A classic but an all-time favorite!"
"Okay grandma!" Wilde snorted and she reached over to tap him on the arm in annoyance. He merely chuckled and cleared his throat, "I'm Officer Nick Wilde and I've been partners with Hopps for two years now, but friends with her for longer. Because of her I found my place in this world doing something I'm proud of. It's not always easy, but being able to come and talk to all you kids is definitely meaningful and I hope we can help in any way."
He then turned to Dagur who waved again and smiled excitedly, "Name's Dagur and I'm this guy's mentor." He motioned to Arlo who grinned up at him with a newfound fondness, "Like him, I lost my dad pretty young and it messed me up. I wasn't a good person." He frowned suddenly and seemed to find the floor a little more interesting as he continued, "I hurt a lot of people out of anger for something that wasn't their fault or mine. It took a long time to realize that and now that I have, it's been an incredible journey for me." He looked up with a smile, "I'm ready to start helping others now, like Arlo, heal from the pain and be a good person. I hope this group continues to help me grow as much as he does."
It grew quiet then and Ana sighed, "Welcome again everyone. I know this isn't an easy topic to bring up but please remember this is a safe space. If it becomes too much, you are allowed to excuse yourself but I ask you take your mentor with you to my office if needed. And please remember to be respectful, even if we don't always agree on the same thing, the goal today is healing."
She paused as everyone shifted in their seats, an aura of gloom seemed to emit from everyone, including the adults as she continued, "I'd like to start with the students first as this impacts them as much, if not more, than it does us. Would anyone like to start the sharing?"
"Yeah." Moana said quickly and cleared her throat, "This whole thing pisses me off."
They all waited as she shifted and took a breath to continue, "I'm mad because people make this a political issue and not a matter of life and death. Kids are dying, families are dying, people are being torn apart, friendships destroyed. And I hate it because I'm just one kid, I can't even do anything about it, you know!"
"Yeah." Riley cut in, "I mean, I know talking about it is good and all that but it's not going to change who is in charge and who can really fix this. It sucks because I'm just a dumb kid to all the adults and I don't know any better and maybe I don't but I'd like to think I'm smart enough to know my life matters and I shouldn't have to be scared to go to school every day."
"And another thing." Tip said, "As a young woman of color, this really sucks. Everyone wants to talk about race, gender, and age, and mental health or sexual orientation. Yet the people who are hurting other people are using those as an excuse to hurt others. They use politics and status to hurt kids just because they can. Just admit that you're an asshole and leave us out of it, you know?!"
Arlo took a shaky breath then, "I know how to use a gun…I don't like it," he added quickly, "We used it for critters or protection. I want to just be honest and say, I'm glad we have it, but also because we know how to use it. And I know I'd never want to use it to hurt anyone."
"But that's the thing," Tip pointed out, "You and your family are responsible gun owners. You don't use it as a weapon to hurt people, but out of necessity and protection, right?"
Arlo nodded.
"So, by teaching the smart way to use a gun and seeing it as something that is only for protection or as a resource for living, then I'd say that's absolutely fine." Tip nodded to him, "Plus, you're in therapy and getting support for your issues so no need for you to hurt anyone, right?"
Arlo nodded fervently at that, "I would never want to hurt anyone. I lost my dad and having a gun doesn't mean I want to shoot people. But I hate that when someone asks me about it, they think I'm going to start bringing it in and hurting people."
"That's what happens." Sherman sighed, "People will find any stigma they can and use it against people. For instance, mental illness is the problem or because it's a guy being bullied, or video games like Slaughter Race, or just plain guns. They're not looking at the individual but a perception of things surrounding that person."
"Damn Sherman, that's deep." Hiro admitted, "But not off the mark, either." He shrugged, "The building my brother died in, it was a bomb placed there by an angry professor. Granted he hadn't wanted to kill anyone, but he did because he was selfish and cowardly. He was a smart older guy too, no issues, no money concerns, just a bitter old man who had a grudge for some reason or another. I stopped trying to ask myself why he did it, why my brother's life was nothing to him. Because it won't change…" he wiped his face, "Nothing is bringing Tadashi back and no one cares except me but when I'm gone, so will he. All they'll remember is some ass hole who burned a building down and killed someone. They won't see my brother, just that monster."
They were all quiet for a moment. Jack rubbed Hiro's back supportively.
Officer Wilde sighed and leaned forward, his hands on his knees, "You kids all are completely right." He admitted, "Not one of you said anything that wasn't truth, truth in your eyes and in your heart. Hell, truth in facts." He nodded to Sherman.
"It kind of sucks when I see these kids standing up for what's right while the adults around them squabble like idiots." Hiccup said, "Adults who are supposed to protect you kids, raise you up, make you better, and instead, they tear you down, ignore your cries for help, watch as you're slaughtered, and then make false promises and throw it in your face like garbage."
"Kids aren't given a voice, truly." Merida agreed, "They say you do, that you can say what's on your mind, but there's no law stating that anyone under eighteen years old can make a final decision and leave it at that. They can hear you, but they don't have to listen."
"You're all listening." Vanellope pointed out, "I mean, I know it's not much but, at least there are some adults who care about us."
"Of course, we do, kid." Nod ruffled her hair, "we were kids once too, dumb ones, but still."
"All the why's, what ifs, when's, how's," Judy added, "No one can answer. All we can do is what we can do as we are in this moment. If you are good with words, write letters to the senate. If you are loud and proud, you march in safe protests, if you are good at listening, just do that for a friend who needs it."
"Officer Hopps is right." Ana said, "We may not be able to change things, but one person can make a difference to someone right now and using what you have, you can be that person."
"And above all, don't ever take on a problem by yourself." Wilde added, "If something smells like danger, you get help, don't ever let anyone talk you into handling a dangerous situation on your own. Doesn't matter who they are to you."
"Miss Ana?" Sherman asked.
She smiled at him.
"Maybe we should do something at the school. Like maybe we can write letters to congress or maybe you can teach us to become peer mentors when people are upset. I mean, we can't be the only ones having a hard time at school, right?"
"Now you're talking, kid." Wilde smiled.
Ana leaned forward, "I think if you and a few others were to get together and make a very good case for the school, Mr. Black and Mr. Manny might just make it a reality."
"I want to help!" Moana said excitedly.
"Me too!" Riley smiled.
"Count me in." Tip nodded.
Ana laughed and clapped her hands, "I know this was a heavy topic, but I like where this is going, and I feel this is a good place to close and check in. Let's close with something fun."
A few of the kids raised their hands, "Can we play Never Have I Ever!" Riley asked.
"I was thinking knots!" Moana laughed.
"Aw, Telephone you guys!" Tip teased.
"You know what, I think the officers would love playing knots!" Ana teased.
The officers glanced at each other nervously, but Ana was already putting people into groups.
Jack ended up paired with Hiro, Sherman and Hiccup. Rapunzel and Moana were with Tip and MK. Nod and Vanellope were with Wilde and Hopps and Arlo ended up with Dagur, Merida and Riley.
They all reached across and grabbed arms with others in the group and had to attempt to get out of the knot without letting go. It was incredibly hard to do with adults but also very fun.
Jack and Hiccup were just as bad as Hiro and Sherman trying to outsmart one another. One pair used logic while the other used obnoxious tactics to throw everyone off.
Across the room, Moana and Tip were going about it with encouragement to their mentors who were giggling nonstop.
Hopps kept yelling at Wilde for tripping her up and Vanellope couldn't stop her fits of laughter. Merida seemed fine with Dagur but anyone could see a hint of animosity between the two. But at the end of the day, both Arlo and Riely were having fun; Arlo was laughing while Riely assisted him in problem solving. .
Because both Hiro and Jack hated losing and Hiccup and Sherman were way too smart their team won much to the laughter and fury of the other teams.
Jack and Hiro celebrated the only way they knew how, with yelling non stop and high fiving with the other two who were now out of breath but looking pleased about winning.
Ana laughed and rolled her eyes, "Alright, class dismissed! See you all next week!"
"Hey, hold it a second my man!" Jack chuckled and got down to put a hand on Hiro's shoulder, "You did great today, and no doubt is your brother proud of you."
Hiro nodded and surprised Jack when he gave him a quick hug, "Thank you Jack." He whispered before breaking away and going to find his backpack.
Jack turned to see Dagur was also kneeling in front of his mentee, hand on his shoulder and talking animatedly. Whatever he was saying, it lifted Arlo's spirits considerably who nodded and then was released to head home.
Dagur must have caught Jack staring as he came over then. Jack was reminded of all the times this guy had punched him or his friends, had harassed Rapunzel, or taunted people, so he couldn't keep from tensing nervously.
"Guess I'm the last person you wanted to see here, huh Overland." Dagur shrugged.
"More like last person expected to see here." Jack smiled nervously.
Dagur snorted, "Hey, I'd like to take the other mentors out, my treat, just want to clear some air."
Jack looked over and motioned for Nod and Hiccup to come over.
Dagur offered the same to the other two who agreed to gather everyone else and meet at a nearby pub.
"We're getting drinks with Dagur." Merida snorted on their way out, "Never thought I'd live to see this day."
The drive over was easy, getting in was easy, but when it came down to finally addressing the elephant in the room, there was an air of thickness surrounding their booth and it seemed like the hardest thing they all had to do in that moment.
Dagur finally sighed, staring into his mug of beer, "Listen, I already knew coming in that you'd not forgotten who I was in high school. I don't expect you to. All I know is, I was shitty, and I owe each one of you an apology."
He looked over at Hiccup and Merida, "Hiccup, I never treated you right, even when my dad was alive, I wasn't nice to you. I'm not proud of who I was, and I don't expect forgiveness. But I hope you know that I am sorry, for everything. And Merida, same to you, I said a lot of things your way that make me hate myself. I'm sorry."
"Dagur, wow…" Hiccup breathed, "To be honest, it's really amazing. And, a part of me is mad that I hadn't reached out to you to be a better friend. I feel like I gave up on you. I hope you can forgive me for that."
"Nothing to forgive brother." Dagur smiled, reaching out a hand and shaking Hiccup's. Merida smiled and sighed, "Dagur, you're still a little shit in my eyes, but I can't lie, that was ballsy."
Dagur snorted, "Same spicy Merida."
She rolled her eyes but nodded, "You were amazing with Arlo tonight, you've already proven yourself to me."
"Okay, Nod and MK." He looked over but Nod already had a hand up, "Dude, let's be real, we were shits growing up. I don't need an apology, but I know she won't let it go." He motioned to MK who rolled her eyes.
"Fair enough, MK, I know I kind of left you alone mostly because I could respect at that time for some reason that you'd lost your mom and I wasn't about to hurt you like that. But I know you worried about Nod a lot and I'm glad you've been with him all this time to support him. I'm sorry to you both."
Nod shook his hand and MK smiled, "Wow, I can't believe I just heard all of that come from your mouth!" she giggled.
"I know." He sighed, "Power of Buddhism, my friends, and now you two lovebirds." He smiled at them.
Jack narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but Rapunzel as always looked ready to forgive and smiled warmly.
"I know I hurt you really bad that night, hell even before that." Dagur said to Jack, "And Rapunzel I don't even know what possessed me to hurt you the way I did, but there's no excuse and it shouldn't have happened. I went overboard and I look at it as the kick in the crotch I needed to start my therapy and anger management. I'm happy for you both and I'm very sorry for everything I ever did to you both."
Jack finally snorted and smiled, shaking his head, "Hey, I forgave you after you apologized to Hiccup and my fiancé. But seriously, it's good to see the real Dagur." He shook his hand and Rapunzel also took his hand and smiled warmly at him.
"It is nice, I have to say, a lot less voices if you know what I mean." He chuckled and pointed to his head, "After hearing all your stories tonight I just couldn't believe I added to all that hurt."
"None of us are exempt from our own pain either." Hiccup pointed out, "A lot of healing comes from being able to work through our own issues. It's nice to have you on board Dagur."
He nodded, "These kids are pretty amazing. I'm real excited to see how they grow."
"Speaking of," MK said suddenly, "Tip's birthday is coming up and we wanted to throw in a little something for her, bring her a cake and something nice."
"Oh, she'd love that." Rapunzel agreed, "She needs it so much right now."
"Yeah, my mom agreed to help her family in case things go south." Merida said.
"Let us know what we can do to help." Nod chipped in, "Anything at all."
"Just lots of support." Merida smiled, "Trust me that goes a long way."
They all agreed whole heartedly with that. And with apologies and forgiveness finally out in the open, all of them were ready to begin anew and continue their goal of helping their young charges. Tonight was important for so many reasons; it gave their kids a voice and a platform, it gave them strength and support, and it proved to them just how incredible they were at their age. If kids could do it, then adults could most definitely pave the way with the right mindset. Each of them at the table knew better than anyone how change happened gradually and with it came strength, but they still had a ways to go; kids just had to remind them of that sometimes.
….
Rapunzel was finishing a chapter for class while he focused on an art piece that he was editing on his tablet. Both were relaxing in bed but immersed in what they were doing. Rapunzel finally closed her book and tossed it on the nightstand. He glanced over and smiled at her. She curled closer to him and smiled back.
"What do you think?" he asked, showing her the colorful dreamcatcher he was creating.
She smiled and pointed, "I think you should add a bit of sunset orange just there and maybe add some stars to the dark blues and purples."
He did that and smiled proudly when it was done.
"Perfect." She nodded as he logged off his tablet and turn off the lights.
He brought her to him and kissed her, deepening it slowly and hoping his hands running along her hips gave her the signal. Unfortunately, she wasn't taking the bait as she pushed against him lightly and sighed, "Can I ask you something?" she said softly.
He ignored his protesting boner and propped his head in his hand, staring down at her in the dimly lit room.
She bit her lip for a moment, obviously trying to find the right words. He was itching to do the biting for her but knew he had to wait.
"I was thinking that maybe we can see Elsa together." She finally stated.
He furrowed his brows, "Your old counselor?"
"Yeah, you know for premarital and…maybe we can just, you know, check in on our own…"
His sex drive completely toned down. He knowingly sighed and gave her a sad smile, "Rapunzel, I'm sorry about the other night." He said softly as he brushed some hair behind her ear, "I think just…" he thought about lying, about the truth, about what he should say, in the end, he settled for a half truth, "I think between everything that's going on it's starting to pile up in my head is all. I don't want you to worry about me."
"You know I'm going to anyways, right?" she giggled, "At least let's go see her together first, we can go from there."
He found her hand and intertwined their fingers, bringing it to his lips, "No harm in that." He agreed.
"I love you." She smiled.
"I know." He chuckled as he pulled her back in for a kiss before she could retaliate.
She giggled as he deepened the kiss and was pleased when she finally gave him further access to his primary goal. After that, he was content in forgetting all his worries and doubts and simply getting lost in her.
A/N:
Yep, all that just happened!
If you can believe it, all of those kids and adults discussion about this issue were based on actual teens in my youth group, my counseling sessions, and even fellow counselors or teachers who would speak about this with me. There are many more but it is a very heavy topic and I wanted to keep it as best to the characters personalities as I could and not go overboard.
Biggest thing I hope anyone takes away from this chapter is this; Whether it be a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a counselor, an officer, a relative, please be a safe space for them to voice their emotions and opinions on what is happening in the world. Encourage creativity, problem solving, change and be that support as they grow.