This chapter and the next one is going to be more on Charlie/ Sue/ Seth. The one after will get back to the others.

Thanks for reading!

Jailbird:

Seth:

I sat at the jail, waiting for my step-dad to come. Why did I have to take that dare? It was stupid! I was stupid for listening.

"Seth." Charlie said as he came over. "What happened Pete?" He asked looking at the officer.

"Well… your son." He paused, "Was caught shoplifting. Seth was with two other boys." He said pointing to the other two, who where finally caught.

"What did they take?"

"Seth said they dared him into taking 3 VR headsets." Pete said sighing. " They were valued at $400 each."

Charlie took a deep breath, and looked at Seth, before back at Pete. "What happened t the headsets?" He sighed.

"Seth ran, and the boys caught up with him, and took the two they wanted. The security officer caught up with them - They decided to go through the water fountain…"

"They were damaged?" Charlie frowned, rubbing his temples.

I watched and listened to the conversation.

"Yes." He sighed, and handed Charlie the clipboard. "His court date is on Friday at 9am. Got permission to release him to you and Sue."

Charlie nodded, and sighed signing it. " Thank you Pete." He said grabbing my by the collar.

Charlie:

I cannot believe what he did! $1400 worth in VR Sets. I took him to the car and got in. I began to drive home.

"Dad…" Seth said quietly.

"Seth. What the hell was going through your mind?"

Seth looked down. " I was dared."

" You could have walked away, you are 14. That is no excuse! Who was it that dared you?"

"Mark and Roger Devrise."

I sighed in frustration. "Your mother and I told you not to hang out with them anymore. The last time you were caught in trouble with them at school. You boys were throwing water balloons at girls as they walked by.." I frowned.

Seth remained quiet.

I pulled into the driveway. " Go to your room and do not think about running away."

Seth ran up the stairs as soon as we went inside. I walked into the living room and saw Carlisle, Esme and Sam along with Theresa, Jake and Sue.

" Charlie what happened?" Sue asked looking at me.

I sighed and walked into the room. " Our son, was caught shoplifting and damaging $1400 worth of VR headsets. His court date is on Friday at 9Am."

Sue looked at me shocked. "He didn't."

I nodded, " He did darlin." I sighed and handed her the paperwork.

"Roger and Mark were involved also?" Carlisle frowned.

"Those boys!" Sue said in a huff, worries about her son. "Nothing but trouble."

" Public defender is going to help him. He is going to see him tomorrow." I said firmly. " He's not getting off this lightly."

I started going up the stairs.

I walked into Seth's room and sat down on his bed. "Seth?" I asked gently.

He rolled over in his bed. "Hi…" He said sheeply.

"You are going to court on friday at 9Am son."

He sighed softly, "What do I do?"

"Well. Tomorrow you go meet with an attorney,, it's a public defender. His name is Robert Daniels.."

"Then what?"

"You tell him what happened, and from there we see what will go on." I sighed softly. "Son, you know this hurt your mother and I. We just can't believe you would do something like this."

"Dad..I was forced into it."

"No son. Did they force you into going into that store? You had every chance to walk away - or if you were feeling pressured, call your mom or I. No, you went into the store and took those headsets then proceeded to run with them." I sighed shaking my head. "Give me your cell phone, Ipad, and laptop."

Seth got up and grabbed the things, and handed them to me.

I looked at him, and sighed softly. "You're a very smart boy Seth - You just where not using your brain today." I pulled him in for a hug, and he flinched slightly, then eventually hugged back. "Did you think i was going to swat you?"

Seth nodded. "Dad did."

" I never hit. I might send you upstairs, or give you one hell of a lecture. I grew up being beat. It wasn't a good time." I sighed softly, looking at him. "You're going to face this situation like a man right?"

Seth nodded. "I am dad."

"Do some praying, and go read that dust covered bible on your dresser." I said getting up. I turned to walk away, then paused. "I love you Seth, I love your sister also. I'm very glad you came into my life." I smiled slightly.

Seth smiled slightly. "Thanks dad."

I nodded and walked out, and put his things in the closet, and locked it.

I walked downstairs, and sat next to Sue. "He'll be okay." I said wrapping my arm around her.

"You spanked?" She asked softly. "Not to hard…. I hope."

I looked at her, "No. I'd never hit our kids." I promised.