Chapter 17: The Call Of Duty

Clarence spent Sunday lazing around the house listening to music and trying to convince his stepfather that buying him a pair of trainers that cost 100 U$$ was a good investment. His stepfather spent Sunday telling Clarence to leave him alone and Mrs Wendell tried hard to keep the peace. It was very much like old times.

Clarence woke up early on Monday morning. He made his own breakfast of cereal and milk before heading off to school.

As he approached the school he saw Jeff waiting. On seeing Clarence, Jeff began to walk towards him. Clarence could sense that something wasn't right.

-Hi, man. What's up?-Clarence asked,

-Have you seen the local newspaper?

-You know I don't read the papers-Clarence replied. Jeff pulled a newspaper from out a bag he had over his shoulder-Aberdale news, guy, front page, Look-

Jeff held the front page up for Clarence to see and Clarence read it out loud. 'Drug Crazed Car Thief Goes To Jail' Clarence grabbed the paper from Jeff and began to read the report.

'A nineteen year-old man appeared before Aberdale Justice Court on Monday on eight counts of taking motor vehicles without their owners permission and four charges of supplying heroin. Graham Fisher, who was known to his accurate as The Apache, was described by Judge Cole as a mindless, selfish beast who had no regard for the rule of law and therefore had to be removed from the free world for the protection of upright citizens.

The court heard how in August, Fisher and Belson Noles (17), stole a Ford Escort from Katherine Road in East Street and picked two younger boys on the Main Street. They were later spotted by a police patrol car travelling at 100 mph. the police gave chase at high speed, resulting in crash at the junction of Green Street. Belson Noles was announced dead at the scene of the crash. Ryan Sumowzki (15) and Graham Fisher both received minor injuries but Clarence Wendell (15) was so badly burnt that he was hospitalised and had to undergo plastic sugery. The court heard that Clarence Wendell and his school friend Ryan Sumowzki were unaware that the car was stolen and believed they were receiving a lift home. But Graham Fisher, who had earlier used a large amount of heroin, instead went on a high speed through the city. After the arrest of Fisher, it was discovered that both he and Noles were members of a gang known as The Raiders Posse.

Various other members of the gang have since been arrested and charged with drug and firearms offences. Sentencing Fisher to three years imprisonment for car theft, Judge Cole said that young people must learn that they cannot simply take what is not theirs without suffering the consequences of the law.

Fisher broke down in court and cried when the judge sentence him to a further three years imprisonment for the possession of, and supplying, drugs. The sentences are to run consecutively'

Clarence stopped reading and looked towards Jeff. -What's consecutive mean?

-It means that when one sentence finishes, the other starts. Really he got six years. Did you read all of it?

-No.

-Read on.

Clarence continued to read.

'The judge ordered that Fisher stay in prison for the full sentence with no chance of remission of parole. He went on to say that the sentence was a light one. Given that someone was killed and another young boy was scarred for life, he said that Fisher should count himself lucky he wasn't facing manslaughter charge'

-Wow, heavy stuff man-Clarence handed the paper back to Jeff. His eyes looked glazed as he stared into nothingness-six years to the day, supplying heroin-

-It could have been manslaughter, guy-Jeff answered-anyway, man, everyone's talking about it-

In assembly that morning, the principal gave another lecture. This time it was about the youth of today being the leaders of tomorrow.

-If the young people of our nation do not have self-control and consideration for others, we face a future of anarchy-he said-we must not live in the past but we must learn form out experiences, recognize our responsibilities and learn to say no when temptation comes our way-

Mr Lincoln stood at the side of the hall nooding like a toy dog. Clarence knew that the principal had also been reading the local papers and he had expected him to use the case as the basis of his talk but he hated the fact that everyone's eyes turned towards him. Sumo went unnoticed because he had no visible scars, but Clarence had no choice in the matter. He represented the living and the dead because he was the most visible.

It was a very bad start a day that second to drag on for ages. At lunch time, Clarence ate alone, as Sumo was busy impressing his new friends. Sophie ate with her friends and Jeff was nowhere to be seen. When it was time to go home it was much the same. Clarence felt betrayed, this was the time when he needed moral support and there was no one there. He convinced himself that it wasn't because they were no longer his friends, but because they were all just too busy. As he began to make his way home, he heard someone calling him.

-Wendell, Wendell!

Clarence turned back to see Mrs. Heavens the PE teacher running towards him. Mrs. Heavens couldn't be anything else but a PE teacher. She was over six foot and dressed in a tracksuit.

-I've been looking for you, Wendell. I want to say you something-She said looking down on Clarence.

-Me?

-Yes, you, sir. I have been asked to put a gymnastics team together for a local competition at the Aberdale Sports Centre next month, so I need to ask you two favours.

-Me?

-Yes, you, sir.

-What?-Clarence was genuinely puzzled.

-I want you to be in the team.

-Oh, yes-Clarence said excitedly-I'll do some moves…but what else do you want?-Clarence excitement changed to disbelief-What me? Why me?-

Mrs. Heavens poked Clarence shoulder with a sharp finger. -Because, you, Mr Clarence Wendell, are the best gymnast we have in the school... because you, Mr Clarence Wendell, have leadership qualities and because you, Mr Clarence Wendell, have earn it.

-Me?-Clarence was seriously happy. He produced a big smile-Me, honest, teacher?-

-Yes, yes, yes, you, sir. Honest, sir.

-It's a deal-Clarence put his hand out for the shake and Mrs. Heavens did the same. They shook hands frantically and said their goodbyes. Clarence then ran home at full speed. Happiness radiated from him.

When he arrived home, his mother was preparing a meal. He ran up to her and kissed her on both cheeks.

-Guess what, mom. I'm the chosen one. I'm the main man. I'm the captain.

-Calm down, Clarence-his mother couldn't understand a word-what have you won?-

-I haven't won anything really, not yet anyway, but I'm the captain. I'm the captain of the gymnastics team.

-Oh, well done-his mother replied-does it mean you get paid them?-

-No, mom. It's means that I'm the leader. I have to set an example, you know. I means that I'm…it means I'm the main man.

His mother put her arm around his shoulder and hugged him. -I know that it means, silly. I was just pulling your gymnastic leg. Well done, lad.

When his stepfather arrived home, Clarence ran from his room to tell him. As always, his stepfather showed a little emotion.

-That's good, buddy-he said, patting him on his head-Gymnastics, is that like ballet?-