Author's Notes: Once again, I must apologize for being so late in updating this story. Real life has a way of messing with my writing plans. LOL Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone who takes the time to read and/or review this story and other things I have written. I really appreciate it. Here comes the usual disclaimer: LO:CI and its characters belong to Dick Wolf and company; I'm just borrowing them for a while. Any and all mistakes made are my own. Read, review and enjoy. :o)
Tuesday, September 6, 1977
Saint Joseph Hospital
Late afternoon/Early evening
"Mr. Goren, your actions were uncalled for and unnecessary," Mr. Graham said sternly. "You have no right to strike your son like that." The 2 hospital security guards that had restrained Richard Goren had taken him to a waiting room. He was sitting down on a couch. He looked up at Mr. Graham and blew a raspberry at him. "That ungrateful little bastard, unfortunately, belongs to me and the nutcase that is my ex-wife. I'll discipline him as I see fit."
Mr. Graham crossed his arms over his chest, tapping his foot as he looked at Richard. "Mr. Goren, there is absolutely no need for name calling," he said. "We at Social Services frown upon this kind of abusive discipline towards children." Richard rolled his eyes. "I don't give a damn what you and your holier than thou co-workers think about how I discipline my ungrateful kid. If Bobby were more like his brother here and did what I said, he wouldn't get what's coming to him most of the time."
Mr. Graham looked at Frank, who was standing by the door, fidgeting from one foot to the other. He gave him a crooked smile. Mr. Graham sighed, turning his attention back to Richard. "Nevertheless, Mr. Goren," he said, "I'm going to have to put this incident in my report. My supervisor will have to make a decision about this."
Richard sighed heavily as he stood up. He said, "Look, Mr. Graham, you asked me to come down here and take responsibility for Bobby." He threw up his hands. "Well, I'm here and you saw what happened. Now, you can send Bobby home with me or you can send him home with the Lewises. I really don't care. Right now, I'm going to the apartment that I'm still paying for and getting some rest because I have deliveries to make in the morning."
Frank opened the door as Richard headed towards it. He followed his father out, not saying a word. Mr. Graham stood there in the empty room for a few seconds, stunned by their behavior. He finally opened the door and walked out into the hall. "Frank, don't you want to see your mother?" he called out. Richard and Frank both stopped in their tracks. Frank looked at Mr. Graham, then at Richard, who had a blank expression on his face except for his narrowed eyes.
Frank sighed as he looked at the floor. He looked at Mr. Graham again and said, "I've got other things to do right now, Mr. Graham. I've got a catch a ride with Dad. I'll see Mom later." Mr. Graham slowly shook his head in disbelief as he watched Richard give Frank a pat on the back as they continued walking out. "Unbelievable," he muttered to himself.
Tuesday, September 6, 1977
Saint Joseph Hospital
Cafeteria, Late afternoon/Early evening
When Bobby, Doreen and Susannah walked into the quiet and almost empty cafeteria, they found Lewis sitting in the corner near the television, talking and laughing with an elderly man in a janitor's uniform. "Hi, Mr. Matthews," Susannah said when they reached Lewis. "Hi, Mrs. Lewis," he said as he stood up and extended his hand. "How are you today, ma'am?" "I'm fine, thank you," she said with a smile. "Hi ya, Bobby," Mr. Matthews said. Bobby shook his hand. "Hey, Mr. Matthews." He sat down on a table, pointed at Doreen and said, "Mr. Matthews, this is my cousin, Doreen Reed." Doreen and Mr. Matthews shook hands.
"Mr. Matthews, could I trouble you for a band-aid?" Susannah asked, pointing at Bobby's cheek. Mr. Matthews looked at closely at the injury. He clicked his tongue as he shook his head. "That's not too bad," he said more to himself than anyone. "I'll be right back." Mr. Matthews walked away, heading towards the kitchen.
Lewis turned away from the television to look up at Bobby, noticing his cheek was bleeding. "What happened?" he asked. Bobby shrugged slightly. "My dad," he said quietly, looking at the television. Lewis looked at his mother, a surprised look on his face. She shook her head and silently mouthed, "Later." Mr. Matthews came back with a first aid kit and a damp washcloth. He handed everything to Susannah. "Thanks, Mr. Matthews," she said. "You're welcome," he said. "Just leaving everything here. I'll come back to get it later." He told everyone goodbye and walked away.
Doreen took the washcloth from Susannah and walked over to Bobby, gently wiping the blood off of his face. "Bobby, look at me," she said. He continued looking at the TV. screen. "Robert Oliver Goren, please look at me." Bobby sighed heavily as he rolled his eyes. "Why do grownups always say your whole name?" he asked. "Because it gets your attention," Doreen said with a smile.
Bobby looked at Doreen. She looked deep into his brown eyes and saw pain, anger, sadness and fear in them. "Why did you tell Mr. Graham to tell Dad to come here?" he asked. Doreen shook her head. "I didn't tell Mr. Graham to tell Richard to come here," she replied. She sighed heavily as she took the bottle of antiseptic and a band-aid from Susannah.
"Mr. Graham asked me if I knew where Richard was," Doreen said as she applied the antiseptic, then the band-aid to Bobby's wound. "I told him what I knew. I was just as surprised as you were to see him." She handed the antiseptic and torn band-aid wrapper back to Susannah. Then she took both of his hands into her hands. "If I had known your father was going to be here, I wouldn't have said anything to Mr. Graham. I'm sorry, Bobby."
Bobby's eyes widen in surprise. "An adult apologizing to me?! That's a first," he thought to himself. He shrugged and said, "That's okay. It doesn't matter. Mr. Graham's probably going to make go with my dad anyway." "Oh, no, he's not!" Susannah said. "You're coming home with us." Bobby looked at her. "Mr. Graham looks like a tough nut to crack," he said.
Susannah smirked. "Mr. Graham hasn't been blinded by my charming and persuasive personality yet," she said. "He hasn't been blinded by my sparkling personality either," Doreen said. Bobby rolled his eyes while they exchanged looks. "Come on, guys. Let's go home," Susannah said. Bobby and Lewis both stood up. Doreen reached up and gave Bobby a hug. She stood back a little, running her fingers through his hair. "I'll check on Frances first before I talk to Mr. Graham. You don't have to stay with Richard. I love you." He gave her a small, sad smile. "Thanks, Doreen," he said. "I love you, too." She hugged Susannah and Lewis before they all walked out of the cafeteria together.
Frank was standing on the sidewalk, smoking a cigarette and waiting for Richard to pick him up when Bobby, Susannah and Lewis walked out of the hospital. He walked up to Bobby and hit him in the chest with the back of his hand. "Give me some money," he demanded. "I don't have any money, Frank." "Quit lying to me, man. Ma said you worked at that pizza joint Doreen owns this summer." He took a couple of puffs, blowing the smoke in his brother's face. "Give me some money!"
"I'm not giving you any money, Frank!" Bobby said with a raised voice. "Did you even go in to see Ma?" Frank took another puff. "I ain't got time to deal with Ma," he said. "I'm busy with other things." "Yeah, right," Bobby said sarcastically as he brushed passed his brother and walked towards Mrs. Lewis' car, with her and Lewis following behind him.
"You're selfish, Bobby," Frank called out to him. "If I had money, I'd share it with you." Bobby spun on his heel. He started to walk back towards Frank, but Lewis and Susannah restrained him, blocking his path. "If I'm so selfish, then why am I the only one dealing with Ma's problems?!" he shouted. "You're too selfish and scared to even see your own mother!" "I'm the perfect son. I don't give Ma any grief," Frank said tauntingly. "You, on the other hand, are the reason she's like this. If you'd stop being such a hard ass, she wouldn't get like this."
Lewis and Susannah held onto Bobby with all of their might as he struggled against them to get back to Frank. A scared look crossed Frank's face as he realized that his little brother was trying to come after him. He quickly threw down his cigarette and jumped into Richard's car when he pulled up. Richard laughed as he drove away.
Bobby stopped struggling. He stood there breathing hard. Susannah placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Bobby," she said softly, "nothing Frank said was true. Frances' condition is not your fault." He rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Whatever," he said as he turned around and walked off towards the car again.
Tuesday, September 6, 1977
Harpers' Apartment Building
Early evening
Rosalie Harper placed the plate of fried chicken on the table next to the pot of turnip greens. She glanced at her watch. It read 5:52 p.m. She went out of the kitchen to the closed door of Derek's bedroom. She opened the door and just stood there, looking at the neatly made up bed. "Hmmm," she said to herself as she closed the door. She walked to CeCe's room, knocking on the door before opening it. "Dinner's ready, sweetie. Come set the table." "Yes, ma'am," CeCe said as she closed her sketchbook, getting up from her small desk.
CeCe walked into the kitchen while Rosalie headed into the living area. She picked up the telephone receiver and dialed a number.
"Hello," a female voice on the other end said.
"Hi, Mabel. It's Rosalie. How are you?"
"Hey, Rosalie! I'm great. How are you, honey?"
"I'm doing good, thanks," Rosalie said with a smile. "I'm sorry to interrupt you all during dinner, but could you put Derek on the phone, please?"
"You're fine, honey. Albert hasn't come down to the table yet. Hold on a minute." Mabel Stewart held the receiver away from her mouth and said, "Derek, your mama's on the phone. She wants to talk to you."
Rosalie heard her son's voice in the background as he came to the phone. "Hey, Mama," he said.
"Well, I'm certainly glad you have some place to sleep on the weekends and school nights since you can't seem to make it home to your own bed," Rosalie said icily.
"Huh?"
"Don't 'huh' me, Derek Harper. You are in some serious trouble, boy."
"What'd I do, Mama? I ain't done nothing!"
"You ain't done nothing?! You ain't done nothing!? Boy, I know I didn't give you permission to have dinner with the Stewarts instead of with me and your sister. And I damn sure know I didn't give you permission to NOT sleep in your own bed last night."
Derek sighed heavily and said, "Aw, dang, Mama. I can't believe you stressing out about this stuff."
"Derek, don't you dare take that tone of voice with me!" Rosalie said. "You better listen to me because I'm not going to repeat myself. It's almost 6:00. You have until 8:00 to get your butt home. Do I make myself clear?"
"Aw, man! You tripping, Ma! Me and Ronnie are gonna study after dinner. I'll be home by 9:30."
"No! You've got until 8:00 to get home! Not one minute later. Because if I have to come over there to get you, I will embarrass you in front of your girlfriend and her family. Goodbye, Derek!"
Rosalie slammed the receiver down. She stood there, breathing heavily. "I swear to God that boy is going to make me kill him," she muttered to herself. "Um, Mama?" CeCe said softly. "I'm done setting the table." Rosalie took a deep cleansing breath and let it go before she turned around and followed her daughter into the kitchen. They sat down at the table, bowing their heads. Rosalie said a prayer to bless the food, then they both began to put food on their plates.
"You have any homework?" Rosalie asked. "Yeah. Miss Wells gave us 10 words to use in a story or poem that we have to turn in on Friday," CeCe replied. "You finished with it?" CeCe nodded her head. Rosalie noticed that CeCe was fidgeting with an index card that laying on the table. "What's that?" she asked.
"You know the bookstore that's near where Aunt Viv and Uncle Charlie live?" CeCe asked. Rosalie nodded and said, "Yeah, I do. Mr. Liu owns it. Why?" CeCe handed the index card to her. "When me and Aunt Viv went to the store yesterday, Mr. Liu was there, putting this on the bulletin board," she said. Rosalie read what was written on the card aloud. "Help Wanted. Someone needed to work Monday through Saturday. Flexible hours. Call or come by Liu's New and Used Bookstore." She looked at CeCe. "Is this going to interfere with school?"
CeCe shook her head. "Mr. Liu said I could work from 3 to 5 after school and from 9 to 2 on Saturdays. He's paying 3 dollars an hour and I'll get paid every week on Saturday," she said quickly. "I thought you wanted to take dance lessons from Mrs. Hamilton. She said she could take you only on Saturday," Rosalie said.
CeCe started talking quickly again. "Mr. Liu said I could work my schedule around my dance lessons. With the money I'll be making, I could pay Mrs. Hamilton myself and buy my own sketchbooks and save up some money to buy Derek a nice graduation gift." She looked at Rosalie, pleading with her brown eyes. "Can I take the job, Mama? Please?" Rosalie chuckled. "As long as it doesn't interfere with your schoolwork, you can take it," she replied.
"Thank you, Mama," CeCe said with a squeal. She jumped up and gave Rosalie a quick hug. "I'm going to call Mr. Liu right now." She ran into the living room. Rosalie sat there laughing as she listened to her child talk excitedly on the phone.
Tuesday, September 6, 1977
Home of Bill and Susannah Lewis
Basement, Dinner time
Bobby sighed heavily as he started feeling guilty about his feelings towards Frances. His thoughts drifted back to what Richard and Frank had said to him. The more he thought about it, the madder he got. The madder he got, the more he felt like he had to hit someone or something. Bobby jumped up and stalked over to the large punching bag that was hanging up in the corner. He balled up his hands into fists, hitting the bag as hard as he could. The smacking sound of Bobby's fists making contact with the bag and his heavy breathing echoed throughout the room.
Bill Lewis walked down the steps first, followed by Susannah. She was carrying a large bowl of spaghetti and meatballs in her hands. They both stood there, watching a very hurt and angry teenage boy take out his frustrations on a punching bag. Susannah looked up at her husband. "Stay here," he said quietly as walked towards Bobby. She nodded, placing the bowl on the table.
"Hey, Bobby," Bill said. Bobby paused long enough to look at him out of the corner of his eye. He continued hitting the punching bag. "We missed you at dinner." Bobby just grunted. "We're glad you're here with us. The house has been a little too quiet without both you and Lewis making some noise." More grunting from Bobby. Bill looked at Susannah. "Tell him," she mouthed.
Bill nodded his head. He pushed his glasses up on his nose, then stepped behind the punching bag, grabbing it to hold it steady. Bobby suddenly stopped, fists held up and breathing heavy. Bill peeked from behind the bag and smiled. "Susie and I want you to know that if we have to go to court to become your legal guardians, we will," he said. Bobby frowned slightly as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He turned and looked at Susannah, who was nodding and smiling.
Bill came from behind the bag. He patted Bobby's arm, then walked to stand next to Susannah. She pointed at the food on the table and said, "Your dinner's getting cold. There's some Cokes in the fridge." Bobby let out a sigh as lowered his fists and his body visibly relaxed. A little smile crossed his lips. "Thank you," he said. "You're welcome," Bill said. "Now, come on and eat." He opened his mouth to call for Lewis, but he was already coming down the stairs, eating spaghetti.
"Did you tell him yet?" Lewis asked between bites as he sat down in a chair. "Yes, Jedidiah, we told him," Susannah said. "Mom! Don't call me that!" he said to his parents' retreating backs. Bobby laughed as he pulled 4 Cokes out of the fridge. He handed 2 of them to Lewis. He sat down on the couch and began eating. They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, then Bobby said, "Your parents are pretty cool." Lewis nodded. "I know. I make them that way." Bobby reached behind him and grabbed a pillow. He threw it at his best friend, saying playfully, "Shut up, Jedidiah."
Tuesday, September 6, 1977
Harpers' Apartment Building
At exactly 7:59 p.m. Derek Harper walked into his apartment, slamming the door behind him, causing some pictures on the wall to shake. He was mad because he had been ordered to come home before he was ready. Derek marched straight to CeCe's room and threw the door open, staring at her. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, flipping through her sketchbook. She looked up at her brother, frowning slightly. "What's wrong with you?" she asked, laying the book aside.
Derek didn't say anything. He just walked into the room and grabbed CeCe by both arms. He pulled her off the bed and started shaking her like a rag doll. "Why'd you go and tell Mama that I didn't come home last night?!" he hissed. CeCe struggled to get out of his grip. "Let go of me, Derek! I didn't tell her anything!" He tightened his hold on her arms and shook her again. "Yes, you did, CeCe. Quit lying!"
"I didn't tell Mama anything!" CeCe said, a defiant look in her eye. "Mama ain't stupid! She can figure things out, you know. Now, let go of me before I kick you!" Derek gripped CeCe's arms so tight that his fingernails broke through her skin, causing her to bleed. She kicked him hard in the shin. "Ouch!" he said. He threw her down on the bed, her head bumping into the wall. "It's on now," he said, raising his fist.
"Derek Isaiah Harper! Stop!" Rosalie yelled from the doorway. She had been downstairs sitting on the stoop with some neighbors. She came upstairs when she heard the door slam. Derek turned around. "CeCe kicked me!" he said as his mother stepped into the room. CeCe sat up, rubbing her head. "You started it," she said quietly.
Rosalie walked up to Derek, pointing at the door. "You go to your room. I will deal with you shortly." she said through clenched teeth. "Mama!" Derek said in protest. She stepped closer to him, her teeth still clenched. "Go now, boy!" He walked off in huff, slamming the door to his bedroom when he got there.
"You okay, CeCe?" Rosalie asked as CeCe stood up. She nodded her head. Rosalie looked at CeCe's arms. "Let's go in the bathroom and get these cleaned up," she said. CeCe didn't say anything as she followed her mother. She sat down on the toilet lid and watched Rosalie clean and bandage her wounds.
"I'll change these for you before I leave for work in the morning," Rosalie said. CeCe silently nodded, casting her eyes downward. "Talk to me, Cecelia Rose. Tell your mama what's going on in there." CeCe shrugged slightly. "I should have stayed in North Carolina," she said softly. "I'm invading Derek's kingdom. I'm not welcome here."
Rosalie sighed heavily. She wrapped her arms around CeCe, squeezing softly. "Well, His Highness is in for a rude awakening. He seems to forget that I'm the Queen and rule over everything." She kissed CeCe's forehead when she looked up at her. "This is your home, too. You're always welcome here. You get ready for bed while I go talk to your brother."
Rosalie took a deep breath before she opened the door to Derek's bedroom. He was laying on the bed, talking on the phone. "Get off the phone!" she said. "I'll call you back in a few. Bye," Derek said into the receiver before he hung up. Rosalie walked over to Derek, unplugged the phone and snatched it out of his hands. He jumped up and said, "Ma, that's my phone!"
Rosalie slammed the phone down on his desk. "Sit down, Derek," she said sternly. He cringed slightly at the tone of her voice. He sat down as fast as he could. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but I'm going to nip this thing in the bud now." He opened his mouth to say something, but Rosalie pointed her index finger at him. "Keep your mouth shut, Derek. Just because you're going to turn 18 in April doesn't mean I can't bend you over my knee and give you a good whipping with a belt."
"You know you don't EVER put your hands on a female, especially your sister. You also know that you are suppose to be here at home during the school week. I knew you wasn't here last night because your bed was still made up from when I did it on Saturday!" Rosalie shook her index finger at Derek. "Whatever your girlfriend and your friends are telling you to do, I strongly suggest you stop and think about the consequences of your actions before you do anything. You have such a bright future ahead of you. A chance to go to college on a scholarship playing your favorite sport while getting an education."
Derek opened his mouth again, but Rosalie gave him a hard look. "You are grounded for a month for not coming home last night and for putting your hands on your sister. You are to be home by 6:00 every night. For the nights I'm working, I will call here and you'd better answer the phone by the 3rd ring. You're not allowed to have any company unless I'm home." Derek's shoulders slumped. "Can I at least have my phone back?" he asked. Rosalie made a face. "No!" she said.
"Shit!" Derek muttered under his breath as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Watch your mouth, boy," Rosalie said. She pointed at the door. "Go apologize to your sister." Derek scoffed. "I'm not apologizing to her! She kicked me!" "That's because YOU put your hands on her first!" "So, you not gonna punish her?! That's unfair, Mama!" Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest, shifting her weight to one side. "What had CeCe done to you to make you put your hands on her?!"
Derek scowled as he looked at the ground, his arms still folded. "Nothing," he mumbled. Rosalie cupped her hand behind her ear. "What'd you say? I couldn't hear you," she said sarcastically. "Nothing. CeCe didn't do anything," he said louder. "That's what I thought you said." Derek blew out a breath. He got up and walked out of the door, Rosalie walking behind him. He knocked on CeCe's door. "Come in," she said.
CeCe was standing up, dressed in her gray t-shirt nightgown and looking out of the window when Derek and Rosalie came into her room. She didn't turn around. Derek sighed. "I'm sorry, CeCe," he said solemnly. She turned around to face him. "It's okay," she said. CeCe looked down at her hands, squeezing each finger. Rosalie patted Derek on the back. "Thank you," she whispered. He looked at Rosalie, then at CeCe. He kissed Rosalie on the cheek, wished them goodnight and walked off to his room.
Rosalie walked further into the room as CeCe crawled into her bed, snuggling underneath the sheet. She turned her face towards the window, looking up at the sky. She didn't want her mother to see the tears falling from her eyes. Rosalie leaned down and kissed her temple. "Good night, Pumpkin. I love you." CeCe looked at her. "Love you, too, Ma." A sad smile crossed Rosalie's face when she saw the tears. She softly stroked CeCe's cheek. "Try to get some sleep, little one. Tomorrow will be a better and brighter day."