The Trial of the Wilkinson family Chapter 1

Reese stared at the pile of logs in front of him, the weight of the axe feeling like a leaden burden in his hands. The burly construction workers around him laughed and made crude jokes, their voices blending into a cacophony of noise that he tried to shut out. He hated this place, hated the way they looked at him, and most of all, hated the way he felt invisible and powerless.

He swung the axe down, the sharp crack of wood splitting momentarily drowning out the laughter. His muscles ached, but he kept going, each swing a desperate attempt to channel his frustration and anger. He was tired of being seen as a failure, of being shoved into programs that did nothing but remind him of how little anyone expected from him.

Miss Thompson's voice echoed in his mind, her disappointment a constant shadow. She had once believed in him, but now, she was just another person who had given up on him. He glanced around, seeing the other boys, their faces a mix of defiance and resignation. They were all trapped in the same cycle, and it felt like there was no way out.

The sun beat down on him, sweat dripping into his eyes. He paused to wipe his forehead, his thoughts drifting to his family. Lois, his mother, had long since stopped trying to hide her frustration and anger at his failures. Hal, his father, was a mix of disappointment and resigned acceptance. And Malcolm, his brother, always so full of himself and his intelligence, never missed an opportunity to remind Reese of his shortcomings.

Reese's grip tightened on the axe. He didn't want to think about them, didn't want to feel the sting of their disapproval. He just wanted to find a way to prove them all wrong, to show that he was more than the sum of his mistakes.

As he raised the axe again, a sudden commotion broke out among the workers. Shouts and curses filled the air, and Reese turned to see what was happening. One of the boys, a lanky kid named Jake, was being shoved around by a group of the older workers. Reese's heart pounded in his chest. He knew he should stay out of it, but something inside him snapped.

The gymnasium buzzed with the chatter of students as they filed into the bleachers for the school assembly. Reese slouched in his seat, trying to make himself as invisible as possible. He had a bad feeling about today, and the sight of the superintendent, Mr. Hargrove, standing at the podium only intensified his unease. Mr. Hargrove was a giant prick who seemed to take personal delight in making Reese's life miserable. Lois, his mother, was there too, her eyes already fixed on him with a mix of frustration and disappointment.

The assembly began with the usual platitudes about school spirit and academic achievement, but Reese barely listened. His mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the past few weeks. He was jolted back to reality when Mr. Hargrove's voice took on a sharper edge.

"And now, I'd like to address a more serious matter," Mr. Hargrove said, his eyes locking onto Reese. "We have had some troubling incidents involving one of our students, and it's time we put a stop to it."

Reese's heart sank as two fat, out-of-shape cops lumbered onto the stage. Officers Jenkins and Murphy had a long, unpleasant history with him, and their presence could only mean trouble. They approached Reese with smug grins, clearly relishing the opportunity to humiliate him.

"Stand up, Reese," Jenkins barked. Reese complied, his hands trembling slightly. "We need to search your bag."

Reese handed over his backpack, feeling the weight of every eye in the gymnasium on him. Jenkins rummaged through it, pulling out a USB drive. He held it up for everyone to see before plugging it into a laptop connected to the projector.

The screen flickered to life, showing a video of Reese impeccably dressed, standing at a funeral. He was holding the hand of a young girl, no older than ten. The gym fell silent as Reese's voice filled the room.

"You are going to have to be brave, braver than you ever had to be before," Reese said softly, his voice filled with a sorrow that seemed to cut through the air. "I am sorry, Elizabeth. You are goanna have to grow real fast. I am sorry you can't just play and be happy. I am so sorry."

The video ended, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. Reese felt a lump in his throat, the memory of that day washing over him like a tidal wave. He glanced at Lois, expecting to see anger, but her face was a mask of confusion and something else he couldn't quite place.

Mr. Hargrove, however, was undeterred. "Well, it seems we have a little actor in our midst," he sneered. "Reese, care to explain this?"

Reese's heart pounded in his chest as he felt the weight of the eyes on him. The silence was deafening, and he knew he had to do something. He looked at Lois, her face a mix of confusion and frustration, and then back at Mr. Hargrove, who was smirking with satisfaction.

"Oh, and Mum," Reese began, his voice steady but laced with anger, "since you love invading my privacy, you should read this."

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Lois's eyes narrowed as she took it from him, unfolding it slowly. The gymnasium seemed to hold its breath as she read the document. It was a will from his friend Sasha, leaving him a $10 billion inheritance with a $1 million annual stipend until he turned 25, at which point he would inherit the full amount. Another document named Reese as the new guardian of Liz, emancipating him and stating that she would stay with an aunt until he could get his affairs in order.

"Mum, Sasha left that money because she knew this would happen," Reese said, his voice rising. "Liz's parents were drunks, and I intend to fulfill this responsibility. Fuck you."

The room erupted into chaos. Students whispered and gasped, teachers looked stunned, and Lois's face turned an alarming shade of red. Mr. Hargrove's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of incredulity.

"Reese, this is highly inappropriate," Mr. Hargrove stammered, trying to regain control of the situation. "You can't just—"

"Shut up," Reese snapped, cutting him off. "You don't know anything about me or what I've been through. You think you can humiliate me? Well, guess what? I'm done letting people like you and those corrupt cops push me around."

Lois stood there, speechless, the documents trembling in her hands. For the first time, she seemed to see Reese in a different light, not as a failure or a disappointment, but as someone who had taken on responsibilities far beyond his years.

Officer Jenkins and Murphy exchanged confused glances, clearly caught off guard by the turn of events. The students around Reese began to murmur, some of them looking at him with newfound respect.

Reese took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over him. He had finally stood up for himself, and for the first time in a long time, he felt like he had some control over his own fate.

The tension in the gymnasium thickened, the air heavy with disbelief and murmurs. Reese stood tall, his heart racing as he faced Lois, the weight of the moment pressing down on him like a physical force. He could feel the eyes of his peers on him, some filled with sympathy, others with curiosity, but all were captivated by the confrontation unfolding.

"Mum, how dare you!" Reese's voice rang out, echoing off the gym walls. "How dare you! As a mother of four children and wife to one man-child, I hoped you would show some compassion, some humility for Liz. She is also your family! Do you know what's interesting? Her parents didn't leave Liz to you, but to me! That's right, me!"

Lois's expression shifted from confusion to anger, her lips tightening as she processed his words. The room was silent, the weight of his declaration hanging in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst.

"Can you believe that? Parents actually entrusted their child to me," Reese continued, his voice rising with each word. "That's right, your hoodlum son—the one you consider your worst, your most despised—is now going to raise a kid! And you can't do a damn thing about it! I was entrusted with this, and I will do my best. I will Honor their wishes, and I am emancipated, so fuck you!"

The words hit like a thunderclap, resonating with the students around him. Some gasped, while others exchanged glances, unsure of how to react. Lois's face flushed with a mix of anger and hurt, her eyes narrowing as she struggled to find her voice.

"Reese, you don't understand what you're saying," she finally managed, her tone sharp. "You're not ready for this responsibility. You've made nothing but poor choices!"

"Maybe so," Reese shot back, his anger boiling over. "But at least I'm trying to make a choice that matters! I'm not just sitting here judging everyone while I shove my head in the sand. I'm stepping up for Liz, and you should respect that."

Mr. Hargrove's voice broke into the charged atmosphere. "This is unacceptable behaviour, Reese! You will be dealt with—"

"Go ahead, suspend me!" Reese interrupted, his voice steady. "It won't change the fact that I'm still Liz's guardian. I'll fight for her, no matter what you do to me."

Lois stood there, her expression wavering between disbelief and a flicker of something resembling pride. The realization that her son was willing to take on such a monumental task was jarring, and for a moment, she appeared to reconsider her stance.

Reese felt a surge of defiance as he faced the superintendent, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. The murmurs of disbelief from the crowd faded into a dull roar in his ears as he continued, fuelled by a newfound sense of purpose.

"And Superintendent," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering, "I was going to handle this privately. I planned to tell the headmaster in his office, but since you love public spectacles so much, I'm withdrawing from full-time school and enrolling in that homeschool program. I know it exists. You have to have it in case a teen gets pregnant or if you have 17-year-olds getting married. Don't lie to me, sir. I'm not stupid."

The gymnasium erupted into whispers, students exchanging glances, their expressions a mixture of shock and admiration. Reese could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, pushing him to stand tall in the face of authority.

"Obviously, I can't raise a kid if I'm still in school myself," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "So, I will withdraw from those two other stupid programs—the construction program and that ridiculous program for kids with disabilities. That means I'll only be coming to school for two half days, three hours a day each week."

Mr. Hargrove's face turned a shade of crimson, his composure cracking as he struggled to regain control of the situation. "Reese, you can't just decide to—"

"Watch me," Reese interrupted, his voice rising above the chaos. "You've made it clear that I don't belong here, and I'm done letting you dictate my life. I'm taking control of my future, and if that means stepping away from this place, then so be it."

Lois stood frozen, her hands gripping the documents tightly as she processed her son's words. There was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, a realization that maybe, just maybe, Reese was capable of more than she had ever given him credit for.

The officers exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from amusement to concern. They had seen many troubled youths, but Reese's determination was something they hadn't expected.

"Reese, this isn't the way to handle things," one of the officers finally spoke, attempting to sound authoritative. "You're making a mistake."

"No," Reese replied firmly, "I'm making a choice. A choice to prioritize Liz and to take on the responsibility that was given to me. I won't let anyone take that away from me."

The gym was silent, the weight of his declaration settling over the crowd. Reese felt a sense of liberation wash over him, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. He was finally taking a stand.

Reese stepped forward, his heart racing with the weight of his words. The gymnasium felt like a pressure cooker, the air thick with anticipation as he faced Mr. Hargrove. "And sir, I am emancipated, so Lois has no control over this decision," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "I'm officially telling you now, sir, and I'm not asking for permission—I'm telling you."

With a swift motion, he pulled out the wills, holding them high for everyone to see. "You see these? Legal documents proving my words speak true!" The crowd shifted, a mix of disbelief and intrigue washing over them as they took in the sight of the papers.

"I am withdrawing from those ridiculous programs," Reese continued, his voice rising with passion. "And I will pursue this path. You claim this assembly was about integrity and responsibility, sir. What better example than right in front of you?" His gaze bore into Mr. Hargrove, challenging him to respond.

The superintendent's face flushed, caught off guard by Reese's audacity. "Reese, you don't understand the implications of your actions—"

"Say it!" Reese interrupted, his voice cutting through the tension. "Say it, sir! You have no choice in this matter. I'm out of those two stupid programs!"

Lois's expression shifted from shock to anger, her eyes narrowing as she processed the implications of Reese's words. "Reese, you can't just throw your life away like this!" she snapped, her voice laced with resentment. "You think you can just walk away from your responsibilities here? You're making a huge mistake!"

"I'm not making a mistake, Mum," Reese shot back, his voice steady. "I'm finally taking control of my life. You may not see it, but I'm doing what's best for Liz. I won't let you or anyone else dictate my future any longer."

The crowd murmured, some students nodding in agreement while others looked on with wide eyes, captivated by the confrontation. Mr. Hargrove's jaw clenched, and he struggled to regain his authority.

"Reese, this is highly unorthodox," he replied, his voice faltering slightly. "You can't just—"

"Watch me," Reese said, his resolve unshaken. "I'm done waiting for someone to give me permission to live my life. I'm taking this step, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

Lois's anger boiled over, her frustration evident as she stepped closer to Reese, her voice low and fierce. "You think this is a game? You're just a kid, and you have no idea what you're getting into!"

Reese held his ground, feeling the weight of his decision settle over him like a shield. "I may be a kid, but I'm not just any kid. I'm Liz's guardian now, and I will make this work. You can't take that away from me."

Reese took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him like a cloak of determination. "And sir, I think we are done here," he declared, turning to the officers with a newfound confidence. "I am now a homeowner, a billionaire, and a guardian for a kid. I'm an emancipated adult, so I'm not the hoodlum delinquent you thought I was."

The murmurs in the gymnasium intensified, students exchanging incredulous glances as Reese continued. "I have resources, and I will use them to fight back. I now have something to fight for, and I will dead before I allow you to harm her." His voice grew stronger, fuelled by the conviction that coursed through him. "You have nothing to pin on me for today. You've embarrassed yourself and your precinct."

He turned back to Mr. Hargrove, who stood speechless, the colour drained from his face. "Sir, keep a tight leash on your goons," Reese warned, his tone sharp. "I have the means and the will to fight back."

Lois's face twisted in anger, her frustration boiling over. "Reese, you're being reckless! You don't understand the consequences of your actions!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the gym.

But Reese didn't waver. He felt empowered, the weight of his family's expectations lifting as he embraced his new identity. "I know exactly what I'm doing, Mum," he replied, his voice steady. "I'm finally taking control of my life."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away from the stage, leaving behind the chaos of the assembly. The gymnasium buzzed with energy, students whispering and pointing, their eyes wide with a mix of admiration and disbelief.

As he stepped out into the hallway, Reese felt a rush of exhilaration. He had finally stood up for himself, for Liz, and for the life he wanted to build. The world outside felt different, brighter, as if he had just stepped into a new reality where he was no longer defined by his past.

Reese paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but for the first time, he felt ready to face them head-on. He was no longer just a kid; he was a guardian, a protector, and he would do whatever it took to ensure Liz's safety and happiness.

As Reese stepped out of the gymnasium, the adrenaline still coursing through him, he found himself face-to-face with Lois. Her expression was a mixture of anger and desperation, and he could see the frustration boiling beneath the surface.

"Reese, you need to listen to me!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp. "You're making a huge mistake, and you don't understand the consequences of your actions!"

"Piss off, Mum," Reese shot back, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm done listening to you. I'm doing what I think is right."

Lois's eyes widened in disbelief, and for a moment, she looked as if she might argue further. But before she could respond, Mr. Hargrove emerged from the gym, his face flushed with indignation. He caught sight of Reese and his expression hardened.

"Reese, we need to talk," he said, his voice low and controlled. "Now."

Reese didn't back down. Instead, he walked past Lois and headed toward the superintendent's office, his heart racing with a mix of determination and defiance. He waited for Mr. Hargrove to catch up, his mind racing with the implications of what he was about to say.

Once inside the office, Reese turned to face Mr. Hargrove. "Sir, we have much to discuss," he began, his voice steady. "You may have admitted to withdrawing me from those programs back there in front of a thousand people, but you never put it in writing. So, sir, it's time to put your money where your mouth is and do what I requested—the right thing."

Mr. Hargrove's brow furrowed, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Reese, you don't understand the complexities of this situation—"

"No, sir," Reese interrupted, his voice rising. "You're lucky I don't sue your ass for that stunt you pulled back there. I will be talking to the school board about what you did. You violated my Fourth Amendment rights."

The superintendent's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "You think you can just walk in here and make demands? You're still a student here, and I have the authority to—"

"Not anymore," Reese asserted, his confidence unwavering. "I'm emancipated, and I'm taking charge of my life. I won't let you intimidate me or anyone else. You have a responsibility to uphold the law, and I expect you to do so."

Mr. Hargrove opened his mouth to respond, but Reese pressed on. "I want documentation of my withdrawal from those programs and acknowledgment of my status as Liz's guardian. It's time for you to do the right thing, sir."

The tension in the room crackled as Mr. Hargrove weighed his options. Reese could see the gears turning in his mind, and for the first time, he felt a sense of control over his own fate.

Mr. Hargrove's expression shifted as he weighed his options. "Fine," he said begrudgingly. "Come back in two days when the paperwork is ready to be signed."

Reese nodded, feeling a sense of victory wash over him. He turned to leave, but the tension in the room was palpable, and he could feel Lois's anger radiating behind him.

"Reese!" she called after him, her voice sharp with frustration. "You can't just walk away from this! You need to think about the consequences of your actions!"

But Reese didn't respond. He ignored her, focusing instead on the path ahead. He had made his decision, and he was determined to follow through, no matter the cost.

Once outside, he took a deep breath, the weight of the assembly lifting slightly off his shoulders. He headed to Sasha's grand manor, a sprawling 30-bedroom estate that felt surreal to him. The inheritance was overwhelming, but it was also a new beginning.

As he walked through the front door, he marvelled at the opulence of the place. The high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and elegant furnishings felt like a world away from the chaos of his previous life. He made his way through the manor, exploring the rooms, each one more impressive than the last.

After a short while, he picked up Liz from his aunt's house. Her eyes widened as she took in the grandeur of the manor. Reese could see a mix of excitement and apprehension on her face.

"Hey, Liz," he said, kneeling down to her level and pulling out the papers he had prepared. "I want to show you something."

He handed her the documents, watching as she read through them. Her brow furrowed in confusion, but then her eyes lit up with understanding. "You're really my guardian now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, I am," Reese replied, a smile breaking through his earlier tension. "And this is your new home."

They walked through the manor together, Reese pointing out various rooms. "But I need you to be very careful," he instructed gently. "Don't touch anything without asking me first, okay? I need to handle some paperwork, and I want to make sure everything is just right."

Liz nodded; her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. "Okay," she said, her voice steadying. "I can do that."

Reese felt a sense of responsibility wash over him, realizing that this was not just a house; it was a place where he would build a new life for both of them. "Are you okay with living here?" he asked, his heart pounding slightly.

Liz looked around, her expression softening. "Yeah, I think so. It's really nice."

Reese smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Good. We're going to make this work, Liz. I promise."

Reese took a moment to gather his thoughts, looking around the expansive manor. He felt a mix of pride and responsibility as he locked most of the doors, ensuring that Liz wouldn't accidentally wander into any areas that might be dangerous. "We don't need most of these rooms," he explained, kneeling down to meet her gaze. "And Liz, you're too young to just be left to roam. Sasha left me a lot of things that could hurt you. I won't tell you what they are because I remember how curious I was at your age, but please try not to explore too far."

Liz looked up at him, her eyes wide with understanding. "Okay, I promise," she replied softly. "I won't go anywhere I'm not supposed to."

Reese felt a surge of affection for her. "Sasha would have loved to meet you, you know. But she also would have wanted you to be safe." He took a deep breath, knowing they had to face the next step in this journey together. "Now, I'm going to have to go down to the school and sign some papers, but I can't leave you here on your own. So let's go."

They made their way to the school, the atmosphere tense as they entered the superintendent's office. Reese felt a knot in his stomach as he prepared for the confrontation ahead. When they stepped inside, Mr. Hargrove looked up, his expression shifting from surprise to irritation as he took in the sight of Liz beside Reese.

"Reese," Mr. Hargrove began, his tone condescending. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon. And who is this?"

Reese stepped forward, his voice firm. "Sir, you will leave her alone. You will talk to me and only me, sir." He felt a protective instinct surge within him, knowing that he had to shield Liz from the scrutiny and judgment of the adults around them.

Mr. Hargrove raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Reese's assertiveness. "This is a school, Reese. I have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of all students, including Liz."

"Liz is under my guardianship now," Reese shot back, his voice unwavering. "You have no right to address her without my permission. I'm here to handle the paperwork regarding my withdrawal from those programs and to finalize my role as her guardian."

The superintendent's expression hardened, but Reese could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Very well," Mr. Hargrove replied, his tone clipped. "Let's get this done, then."

As they settled into the office, Reese felt a sense of empowerment wash over him. He was no longer just a kid; he was taking charge of his life and Liz's future, and he would do whatever it took to protect her.

Reese took a deep breath, steadying himself as he faced Mr. Hargrove in the office. "Well, sir, I am here to sign the paperwork getting me out of those stupid programs," he began, his voice calm but firm. "I won't say what I really want to say about them, as I don't want to swear in front of Liz. So, let's just say you're lucky this is all I am requesting."

Mr. Hargrove's expression remained stoic, but Reese could sense the tension in the air. "Fine," the superintendent replied, his tone clipped. "Let's get this over with."

"I know about the homeschool program," Reese continued, his determination unwavering. "I will be going to school two days a week for three hours, and it's designed to be very flexible with children. If Liz has an accident or needs me, I can quickly leave school and attend to her. The other three days of the week, I'll be home."

He paused, scanning Mr. Hargrove's face for any sign of understanding or support. "So, is there anything else I should be aware of about the program, sir? I'm serious about making this work."

Mr. Hargrove shuffled through some papers on his desk, avoiding Reese's gaze. "You'll need to keep up with your assignments and ensure that you're meeting the curriculum requirements," he replied, his voice lacking enthusiasm. "But yes, the program is designed to accommodate situations like yours."

Reese nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Good. I want to make sure I'm doing everything right for Liz's sake."

Liz, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "Will I be able to see you while you're at school?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern.

Reese turned to her, offering a reassuring smile. "Of course, Liz. If you need me, I'll be there. This is all about making sure you're safe and taken care of."

Mr. Hargrove cleared his throat, interrupting their moment. "Let's focus on getting the paperwork signed," he said, his tone impatient. "I have other matters to attend to."

Reese felt a flicker of annoyance but pushed it aside. "Right. Let's get this done."

As he signed the documents, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a long and challenging journey. But with Liz by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came next.

As Reese finished signing the paperwork, a sense of finality washed over him. He glanced up at Mr. Hargrove, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm sure you weren't thinking this would be the result of the assembly," he said, a hint of triumph in his voice. "You probably thought I would be carted off and charged with some bogus charges, or that you would foil some master prank and finally be rid of me."

Mr. Hargrove's expression darkened, irritation flashing across his face. "That's not—"

"Sir," Reese interrupted, his tone firm. "I would like an apology. An apology for being so utterly wrong and for violating numerous rights of mine—the right to privacy, for one. You should have notified my parents, and you should apologize for leading a false witch hunt and looking like an ass in front of a thousand people."

The room fell silent, tension thickening the air as Liz watched the exchange with wide eyes. Mr. Hargrove's jaw tightened, and for a moment, it seemed like he might dismiss Reese's request. But then, the weight of the situation pressed down on him, and he cleared his throat.

"Reese, I—" he began, but Reese could see the struggle in his eyes.

"I'm serious, sir," Reese pressed, his voice unwavering. "You need to acknowledge what you did. I'm not just some kid you can push around. I deserve respect, and so does Liz."

Mr. Hargrove's gaze shifted to Liz, who was watching him intently. He seemed to hesitate, the reality of the situation settling in. Finally, he let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine. I apologize for how things were handled during the assembly. It was not my intention to embarrass you or violate your rights."

Reese's smirk widened, feeling a sense of victory in the small concession. "Thank you, sir. That's all I wanted."

Mr. Hargrove's expression soured again, but he nodded curtly. "Now, if you're finished here, I have other matters to attend to."

"Of course," Reese replied, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "Just remember, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be watching to ensure that Liz and I are treated fairly from now on."

As they turned to leave, Liz looked up at Reese, her eyes shining with admiration. "You were really brave back there," she said softly.

Reese smiled down at her, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Thanks, Liz. We're in this together now, and I'll always have your back."