The Long And Winding Road
Notes: Thanks to Blue Leah, cutiepye06655, Fearless Dreamer, The Vampire Illiana, almost-never, Alexis: Digital Survivor & xScandalouSx for the reviews. I enjoyed reading them, and the feedback is a source of encouragement.
Chapter 23 -- Father's Day
Monday morning at DCS, Principal Dan Raditch sat in his office, his door shut. He was hard at work – building a house of cards. He was just about to set one last playing card on top of the second story to serve as a roof when his phone rang. It was the direct line from his secretary's phone in the outer office. Startled, he accidentally knocked down the house he'd spent the better part of the last hour building. Annoyed, he answered his phone line.
"Ms. Gannon, I told you I did not wish to be disturbed," Raditch said gruffly.
"Sorry, but Mr. Yorke is here and would like to speak with you."
"Well tell JT that I'm very busy this morning. He'll have to tell me his latest 'How many principals does it take to screw in a light bulb' joke some other time."
"Sir, it's not JT. It's Nathaniel Yorke, JT's father."
"His father? Okay, give me a moment and then send him in."
Raditch stood and put his suit coat back on. He then noticed that the deck of cards was still scattered on his desk. He started grabbing cards and hurriedly stuffing them in a desk drawer. As he was finishing, his door opened and Nathaniel walked in. Raditch quickly shut the desk drawer and walked toward Nathaniel to shake hands.
"Mr. Yorke, do come in," Raditch greeted. "It's a pleasure to see you."
"Yes, I suppose it would be," Mr. Yorke replied.
"Please, have a seat. Can I have Ms. Gannon get you some coffee?"
"No thanks."
Raditch shut his door while Yorke noticed a playing card on the desk that hadn't been put away.
"I didn't realize a school principal would have so much free time on his hands," Yorke said, holding up the card.
"Now how did that get there?" Raditch said as he sat down at his desk, trying not to show that he was caught wasting time.
"Oh, I remember. I, uh, confiscated it from a student this morning. Yes, that's how it got there."
"It was just this morning and you had to try to remember? And just the one card?"
"Yes, well…"
"Never mind, Mr. Raditch. I'm truly not that interested in what you do here. Or don't do. I'd like to talk about my son."
"You know, Mr. Yorke, in all the years JT has been attending Degrassi, I think this is only the second time we've met."
"His mother stayed on top of things concerning the boy's academic life. With her gone and graduation little more than a semester away, I felt it my duty to check in while I'm in town."
"In town?"
"Yes, thankfully I'm only here for the day. I plan on leaving tonight after dinner. I'm due in court on Wednesday and I'll naturally want to devote tomorrow to final preparations."
"I see. How long will you be away?"
"Permanently, barring the occasional day trip such as this."
"You're not here to pull JT out of school so close to the end of the term are you?
"Of course not. He will do just fine alone and taking care of the house until I sell it late next summer."
"That arrangement is a little…unorthodox. Don't you think?"
"Is this really something you want to get into, Mr. Raditch?"
"Well…"
"I'd like to know how my son is doing in school."
"Quite well, actually."
Raditch called up JT's file on his computer and turned the computer monitor so Yorke could look.
"You'll notice he gets mostly B's. The occasional C. It appears he got an A on his Media Immersion project this month."
"So he's doing all right?"
"Mr. Yorke, to be honest, when JT first started attending here I don't think he knew what an A even looked like. But after the first year, that D average gradually turned into a C and now a B average. You should feel awfully proud of your son. He's accomplished a great deal, including this recent A."
"So you don't anticipate that he'll do something stupid once he graduates."
"I'm not sure what you mean."
"Well, my son thinks all of life's difficulties can be solved with a joke and a smile. He actually believes there's good in everybody. It's one thing to feel that way when you're a child. But he's going to be 18 years old in January. At least I think it's in January. Anyway, can we speak frankly, Mr. Raditch?"
"Certainly."
"Good grades aside, James has always struck me as the type who'd throw away his money on a handful of magic beans if someone conned him into it. He has money. I wouldn't want him to do anything stupid with it, or with his life in general."
"I think you seriously underestimate your son, Mr. Yorke. JT doesn't strike me as naïve. In fact, far from it. He's quite sharp in his own way. Besides, many of those supposedly childish qualities you say he has sound like strengths. To address your concerns, I think JT will have no trouble once he leaves Degrassi. At least, no more difficulties than any other graduate can expect."
"Now what about the people with whom he associates?"
"What about them?"
"Any bad influences? Signs of corruption?"
"None that I'm aware of. Certainly I'm not around him to the same extent as his teachers, but I've seen nothing to make me think he's keeping company with troublemakers. Now, he had a friendship with a student who graduated last Spring, a Mr. Mason, which seemed to be based on oneupsmanship in the area of insults and practical jokes, but there was no malice or harm involved. All very typical high school behavior."
"What can you tell me about a student named Emma Nelson? I know that she and my son have a romantic relationship of some sort."
"Yes, well as long as students do their work and stay out of trouble, I don't pay attention to their relationships."
"I doubt that's true," Yorke said, again picking up the playing card. "In between naps and games of Solitaire, I'm sure you're as nosy as a suburban housewife."
"Now wait just a minute, Mr. Yorke."
Yorke put the card back on the desk.
"Relax. I already know the basics of my son's relationship with this girl. What I want from you is information about her. What kind of student is she? How much trouble does she get into? Also, how would you assess her personality?"
"It would be completely inappropriate to give you such an assessment about another student."
"Completely inappropriate?"
"Yes."
"I've done some investigating of my own, Mr. Raditch. Please don't tell me that you rule this school strictly by the book. Word among some of the faculty is that it's the teachers here who run the show, in spite of you and your feeble attempts to exert authority. It wouldn't be unfair to say that some characterize you as the school joke."
"That's highly insulting, Mr. Yorke, and I doubt any of the staff here would have told you such things."
"You'd be surprised what employees are willing to say if they can speak with anonymity. Let's look at how you run this facility. Just in the years since my son has been attending, it seems there's been a wide range of dilemmas. There have been kids stealing from both teachers and fellow students, students assaulting one another in the hallways at any given moment, drug and alcohol usage on campus, health code violations…And that's just a sampling. You name it, it's happened. And you've done little to nothing in the way of either handling the specific incidents or developing ways to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
"Meanwhile, you sit here in this office, either oblivious or disinterested in dealing with any situation that might prove somewhat complex. Then, between classes you step out into the halls and hand out detention slips to students for the horrific crime of running rather than walking to their next classes, or for littering, or for being a moment late. After you've proven your authority – at least to your own ego's content – you step back into your office and ignore the realities of your school for another hour.
"I also find it quite interesting that Degrassi has no assistant principal. I know what you're going to say. 'There's not enough money in the budget.' No doubt you're correct. In fact the school district would probably ask you to take a cut in salary to help fund such a position if they decided to create one.
"The presence of an assistant principal would not only reduce your income, but it would also reveal how little you yourself truly accomplish here. I'm sure that this assistant would not remain silent for very long. He'd no doubt be quick to drive you out so that he could take charge."
Raditch, visibly shaken, wiped his forehead.
"Oh, by the way Mr. Raditch, did I happen to mention that the district superintendent of schools is an old friend? I did some legal work for him years ago when I was just starting out. He's quite a good golfer, too, but it's been several years since we've had time to get together. I might have to give him a call soon so we can catch up."
Yorke then stopped talking and smiled at Raditch.
"Um, you said it was Emma that you wanted to learn more about?"
"That's correct, Mr. Raditch. And to think people say you don't listen."
Raditch called up Emma's computer file.
"Emma's one of our top students. Mostly A's, with a few B's. She created an environmental awareness group several years ago. And she's a frequent contributor to our newspaper, including some highly regarded editorials."
"I'm drowning in a sea of warm fuzzies," Yorke said with a combination of sarcasm and disinterest. "Tell me something I might find worthwhile."
"Well, there have been a couple of times where I've reluctantly had to suspend her."
"Oh?" Yorke responded with renewed interest.
"I had no choice. We were butting heads on certain issues and her position went against the best interests of the school. Warnings and threats to get her to put an end to her protests did no good. She stuck to her principles regardless of consequences."
"So what you're saying is that she's a juvenile delinquent who cannot be reasoned with. Someone who puts her own needs ahead of everyone else's."
"That's not what I'm saying at all. You've twisted my words."
"Have I?"
"Though I sometimes disagree with her, she's an honorable student. If forced to get into personal matters, I'd say that she and your son are good influences on one another."
"I disagree. Based on what you've shared and what I already knew, there is nothing good about her influence. Don't misunderstand. If James were merely interested in her for some casual affair, I'd be the first to pat him on the back. Casual sex with the kind of girl you'd never dream of marrying is practically a rite of passage for high school boys. But being the emotional misfit that I'm sorry to say James is, he insists on having a serious relationship with this girl, and without my guidance he won't even notice as she claws her way into this family and into our bank accounts. I'm sure she'd love all the extra money to fund her little Save the Planet campaigns, even if it means getting herself knocked up to insure a place in the Yorke family."
"Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Raditch asked, uncomfortable with this entire conversation and wishing Yorke would leave.
"Oh, I'm certain there are many interesting things you could tell me about this school which you'd rather not see become public, but I think you've told me exactly what I needed to know."
"And your reunion with the superintendent?"
"All things considered, I suppose I'll be too busy in Winnipeg to have time to catch up with him."
Raditch, understanding Yorke's meaning, was relieved.
"I'd better leave and prepare for my meeting. Thank you for your time, Mr. Raditch. After all, I know what a busy, busy man you are."
JT's father then stood up, further indicating to the principal that the unnerving conversation was coming to an end. So he got up as well and walked Yorke to the door.
"Say, I'd like you to do me one last favor," Yorke said once he was at the door.
"What is it, Mr. Yorke?"
"My son didn't know I was stopping here to visit you. I want to keep it that way. So when you're out in the hallways later today – you know, dodging gunfire between students as you go to confront an honors student littering in the corner who's in apparent need of a lecture – don't say anything to James if he happens to walk past."
"I suppose there's no reason for JT to know that we spoke."
"Thank you. It would only disturb him. Half the time I think he has enough trouble simply distinguishing left from right. He would never understand that I'm only looking out for him as best I can. Good day, Mr. Raditch."
Yorke then left the principal's office, leaving behind a very flustered Raditch.
Moments later, the bell rang and students swarmed the halls to go to their next classes. During that time, Emma found JT at his locker retrieving a necessary textbook. She walked up behind JT, wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.
"Hey you," Emma greeted. "How was English?"
"Terrible, I was awake the whole time," JT replied, turning around to face her and give her a brief kiss. "It was so much easier back in Grade 7. You make bad grades and the teacher doesn't mind when you fall asleep because it's better than listening to you give stupid answers. But once you start showing potential, you have to stay awake the entire time."
"How do you cope with all the pressure?" Emma asked, rolling her eyes.
"I'll let you know after the drugs wear off," JT kidded.
"Not funny, JT."
"Then why are you smiling?"
"Bad habit. I'm working on it. Ready for tonight?"
"One thing at a time, Emma. Let's just get through our math class this next hour."
"It's going to be okay."
"I know. Well, as okay as math ever is."
"I mean tonight. Remember, he doesn't bother me. If he says something stupid…"
"When…" JT corrected.
"Okay, WHEN he says something stupid, we're not going to put up with it."
"When you say it, it sounds like everything really will be okay."
"It will be," she assured. "Just remember, we're a team. Everything will be fine."
"You're right, Emma. After all, what's that saying? Divided we stand, united we fall?"
Emma laughed.
"JT, you are such a dork sometimes."
"Only sometimes? I must be slipping."
"So, you talked to your dad on the phone yesterday, right?"
"Yeah, he called last night not too long after I got back from your place."
"Did you tell him where to go?"
"I thought that was something YOU'VE been wanting to tell him," JT joked.
"I mean…"
"I know what you meant, Emma. Yes, I told him where Ryan's is. He'll be there at 8:00. That was a good idea you had, that we should eat there tonight."
"Well, I didn't really think you'd want to do anything too fancy. And Ryan's makes for a good comfort zone."
"True."
"Did the rest of the conversation go well."
"Short and sweet. Well, short anyway. Nothing too insulting or condescending."
"He was probably holding back," Emma suggested. "Keeping the snide in reserve until today."
"My dad also mentioned that he was sending some movers over to the house during the day today to take out the rest of his personal things."
"You mean he's not even going over there himself?"
"He said it wasn't necessary. There were just some odds and ends left in their bedroom that he needed. Other than that, there was nothing left in the house that he wanted to take."
"So all the living room and kitchen stuff stays put?"
"Yeah. And me too, of course. But since he never wanted me to begin with, that's no surprise."
"Hey, look at it this way," Emma responded, determined to keep JT's mood upbeat, remembering that he'd done the same for her on many past occasions when she felt down. "You wouldn't have fit too well in a packing crate."
JT laughed, which pleased Emma.
"It's going to be a great day," Emma told him.
"You're right."
"As long as you're ready for that big math test in a few minutes."
"Test? We have a test? How did I forget? I'm not ready."
"Gotcha," Emma replied, smiling. "I just wanted to keep you on your toes."
"Remind me to get you back later," JT told her.
"You need me to remind you? Maybe you ARE slipping."
JT grumbled, but then smiled and grabbed her hand and they hurried on to their math class.
Meanwhile, outside in front of the building, Nathaniel Yorke stood near the street talking on his cell phone.
"Good work on the school background information. Your findings were right about Raditch. Weak as water. I didn't even have to remember the name of the superintendent. He actually bought my lie about knowing the guy, so he offered up information without hesitation so I wouldn't try to get him fired. Apparently even maintaining a backbone is too much work for Degrassi's principal. It's no surprise there were people on staff willing to talk about what goes on here.
"Yes, I found out what I needed concerning the Nelson girl. She seems to have a history of trouble around here thanks to her overbearing and opinionated personality. I'm still disappointed you came up with so little in your background check on her. Not even a parking ticket. But you did find out that one interesting bit of trivia, so between that and her reputation here, I think I'll have enough to convince her that it's best that she step aside. And if not, I have contingency plans. I'll have this entire situation dealt with before dessert. Then I can leave this neighborhood behind for good. Yes, it's going to be a great day. Oh, looks like my cab is here so I'll let you go. Time for me to get some real work done today. Besides, I think the longer I'm at this school the more my IQ drops."