© Copyright 2005 by silli_artie@hotmail.com
This work may not be reposted or redistributed without the prior
express written permission of the author.
A work of fiction, meant for adults. Read something else if you are
not an adult, or are offended by stories with sexual content. Then
again, if all you’re looking for is in-out, in-out, in-out, you
should probably read something else. I welcome constructive comments.
Enjoy.
Gwen
I didn’t want to get up when the alarm went off, yet I knew I had to. Part of me still felt numb. But I had to do it. Like mom and I talked about last night -- this was my battle. I thought about Mr. Madsen yesterday afternoon, looking the other way. And who was supposed to be there Tuesday morning? Angels? Now I was up, and ready to go -- if I don’t do it, who will?
But... All the other things... All the things I didn’t tell mom about last night... About Dana, about those girls in the locker room... So good, yet... Ms. Rhodes and Doctor Nguyen told me it wasn’t wrong, but it didn’t feel quite right either. What do I do today?
I don’t know. My stomach grumbled -- no dinner last night. At least part of me knew what to do.
Gloria
I was the first one downstairs again. At least they were quiet this morning! It looked gray - crummy - drizzly out, but I felt so good! Well, I felt pretty good. I was scared, and for about the first time, I was scared of hurting somebody. I was scared of hurting Ron. I wanted to grab him in front of everyone, hold him, and holler, “Mine!” I wanted to hold him and protect him. I wanted to throw him on his back and ride him, and then hold him some more!
Mom came downstairs first.
“What’s wrong?” I asked -- I could see it on her face; what had I done this time?
She sighed and hugged me. “Your father lost one last night.”
It’s happened before, and I knew what daddy would look like when he came downstairs. But I’d never felt it before, not like this
When daddy came downstairs, I gave him a hug. He was surprised, and explained to me that it was part of practicing medicine, and part of life.
Ron
I felt pretty good when I got up. My shoulder was a lot better; I could feel the difference. When I got downstairs, there was a note from my aunt. She expected to be in labor negotiations all day until very late. She expected things to work out, though, and if they did, she was going to fly to Dallas to meet my uncle tomorrow afternoon. Did I want to go? I could if I wanted, or I could stay here, whichever I wanted, just let her know. Easy decision -- I had a party Saturday! I had some breakfast, and got my stuff together. I left a note for her on the whiteboard.
Weird -- thought I heard something in the back yard. I decided to go out the back door and through the side gate. I made sure the front door was locked, and locked the back door on my way out.
Gloria
The three of us talked; I guess I am growing up. I’d never really thought about the difference between the kinds of people mom and dad see as doctors. I used to think tattoos and scars and shit were serious. Not as serious as heart attacks!
The weather was kind of crummy still, and it was late! Daddy offered to drive me to school, as he had to be in early.
And we drove right past Ron’s place.
“Daddy! Stop! It’s Ron!” I yelled.
Gwen
I felt like the weather, kind of crummy, but still determined. Where was Ron? At least we had a teacher today, and two from the swim team. The first bell rang, and the seniors appeared. The show they put on was disgusting.
Where was Ron? I saw the juniors, and hustled them up to the door. They were worse than my little brother! Someone in the crowd made a nasty remark, but before I could say anything, one of the swimmers yelled out, “Wait until it’s your turn, asshole...” The crowd noise changed.
I looked for Ron. The second bell rang. I sighed; too late. “Let’s undress each other,” I told the juniors. I tried to smile. We undressed and put our clothes in the boxes. The cool air hit my nipples and they crinkled up! That reminded me of yesterday...
But we had classes to go to. And I had a bad feeling in my stomach, but I still couldn’t figure out why.
“Don’t put up with anything!” I told the juniors when we were inside the door. They nodded and headed off down the hall.
I had to stop at my locker and swap books.
And I remembered -- I was supposed to turn in a paragraph in English, and I’d completely forgotten about it! I’d missed an assignment! I felt my ears burning, my stomach flopped over, and I almost cried. I never missed assignments! And all because of...
No! This was my battle. It was my problem. I’d deal with it. I felt the muscles in my jaw tighten. I almost smiled, visualizing what I looked like, like my mom. Except for the naked part. What had Ron said? Gambatte!
And going up the stairs, I heard someone scream! That idiot junior girl!
“Move!” I yelled, pushing kids out of my way.
Janice Delaney
We were either really close to a deal with the unions, or we were in very, very deep trouble. I hoped and prayed we were close. I was meeting with my team reviewing where were.
Doctor Saunders was on her phone. She held up her hand and said loudly, “What!” She waved and pointed at me. “Yes, she’s here! God, yes!”
She handed me her phone and leaned closer to me. “My husband was driving Gwen to school when they passed your house -- two police cars are there, with Ron in the back seat of one of them! Don tried to convince them Ron lived there, but... You need to talk to them.”
Indeed! I took the phone.
Idiots! Yes, I’d reported we were having difficult labor negotiations and I’d received threats. And I am Ron Hanson’s guardian! He lives there! I got names and badge numbers -- if I have to come out there, there’s going to be hell to pay! No, you idiot, he doesn’t have a driver’s license, he’s 15 years old! Yes, release him to Doctor Saunders. Now!
I spoke briefly to Ron.
“Ron, this is Aunt Janice. Are you all right, dear?”
“I think so.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, dear. Doctor Saunders will take you to school, okay?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, do you want to go to Dallas tomorrow?”
“I have something I should do here on Saturday.”
“That’s fine, dear -- I’ll check with you again in the morning. If you’re comfortable staying alone, that’s fine with me.”
“Thank you.”
“Okay, dear. I’m so sorry this happened! Do your best at school.”
“I will.”
I handed the phone back to Doctor Saunders and took a breath. Where were we?
Ron
Sitting in the back of another car, this time Gloria’s dad’s car. What a mess! I walked out of the gate only to be grabbed by a policeman! Then didn’t believe me when I told them I lived there. What would have happened if Gloria and her dad hadn’t come by? I guess he called my aunt. I was finally on my way to school. I’d missed first period and probably would miss second as well.
“Ron, are you okay?” Gloria’s dad asked me.
“Yes,” I told him, but I didn’t feel okay. I was still shaking. Where do I belong? Who am I? Gloria was in the front seat and turned to look at me. She looked worried. I didn’t know what to do. Did I want to hold her? Did I want to be back in Japan? In bed with her? Anyplace but here?
We drove the few blocks to school. Doctor Saunders said he’d walk us into the office, since both Gloria and I were late; he’d take care of that.
But when we walked into the office, who did I see there but Gwen! And did she ever look upset! Ms. Kersey was taking her to the principal’s office!
Joyce
Ed got in just about the time the first wave settled out. As much chaos as we’d had, as glad as I was to see him, I almost laughed -- almost. Ed’s mustache is like a dog’s tail; it telegraphs Ed’s mood. And this morning, half of it was drooping. His secretary told us he had an early dental appointment -- one he hadn’t been looking forward to.
As we settled into his office, he shook his head. “I would have rather been here,” he told us.
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that,” I replied.
Ellen nodded, as did Pete Tatman.
“Let’s have it,” Ed said.
I took a breath and started in. “The good news first. Disrobing by the door was uneventful, thanks to Gwen and the swim team. But before first period, at the top of the stairs, Jeremy and his buddy James assaulted Mary Kingsley, the junior girl. You could hear her scream through most of the building. Gwen ran upstairs and tackled them.” I looked to Pete.
Pete picked up the narrative. “I heard the screaming, and was about twenty feet behind Gwen. I got to the top of the stairs and got them separated. Let me tell you, that little girl can take care of herself!”
Ed nodded.
“I got upstairs and helped Gwen and Mary to my office,” Ellen added, “While Pete took the boys to Joyce’s.”
“Okay so far,” Ed said. “You’ve suspended Jeremy and James?”
I nodded. “Through the end of next week; I highly recommend expulsion. The Kingsley’s are coming down to get their daughter -- she’s in Ellen’s office with Joan, one of our angels. Gwen is in my office now. We’ll let the parents decide whether or not to press criminal charges. And there’s another problem.”
Ed frowned. “This gets better?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Who’s classroom is at the top of the stairs?”
He glanced up for a moment, then made a face. “Madsen. What did he do?”
“Joan, one of our angels, has him first period; senior civics. When she heard Mary scream, she started for the door. Mr. Madsen, in front of the entire class, yelled at her that if she touched the door he would have her expelled. Then he told the entire class, ‘That girl is transgressing against the Will of God and is being punished accordingly.”
Ed made a face, difficult since the left side of his face was probably still numb.
“After that, he proceeded to go on a tirade against The Program. When Alice ...”
Ed closed his eyes, grimacing. “Not Alice Lim, our student body president and daughter of Doctor Ken Lim, a distinguished member of our school board...”
“One in the same,” I confirmed cheerily. “Alice politely asked Mr. Madsen to return to the class materials. Mr. Madsen stepped up the volume and told Alice that she and others like her would burn forever in the fires of Hell unless they accepted Jesus Christ as their savior.”
Ed nodded. “And?”
“Alice walked out of the class.”
Ed nodded again. I’m amazed at his ability to keep a calm appearance. “Understandable.” He looked up into the air momentarily. “Second period is Student Government. Let’s see -- Alice and most of her cabinet are in Madsen’s class, right?”
I nodded with a forced smile.
“Well, I expect to hear from Alice this morning then,” Ed remarked.
“I think that’s quite likely,” I agreed. “Hear from,” was likely quite an understatement!
Ed looked at us. “Okay, we’ve suspended the two boys, the girl’s parents are on their way in, Mr. Madsen has gone overboard, and my student government is probably fomenting revolution at this very moment. Have I missed anything? What do you need me to do?”
Pete laughed, and Ellen joined in. I managed to keep it to a smile.
“That’s about it. What about Gwen?”
Ed sighed. “How’s Mary doing? Was she injured?”
Ellen shook her head. “Not physically traumatized. She’s bruised from Jeremy pinching her earlier in the week, but from what I understand they had her up against a wall and were touching her -- inappropriately, and with repeated screaming demands by her to stop. Joan was doing a good job getting her calmed down.”
“And how about Joan?” Ed asked.
Ellen shook her head again. “My opinion -- she’s focusing on Mary to the exclusion of the other events, but she’s clearly very upset.”
Ed looked to me. “And Gwen?”
“District policy...” I said.
He shrugged. “Let’s be thankful for flexibility in applying policy. I’m for giving her a medal.”
I glanced at my colleagues. “Not going to get any disagreement from us.”
He sighed. “Why don’t you go get her -- we can at least get her headed back to class.”
“Will do,” I said, and turned to leave his office.
I paused as I grasped the doorknob, taking a breath and steeling myself for the unknown awaiting me... What a morning!
And there waiting in the office were Gloria Saunders and her father, and Ron! None of them looked too happy, and Ron was still dressed!
“I’ll be with you in a few minutes,” I told them as I went to my office. I knocked lightly on the door before opening it.
Gwen sat there, fuming. Her hands were clenched so tight...
“Gwen...” I sighed and made sure I was smiling. “Gwen, relax, please. Mr. Barnes would like to speak with you.”
I led her back to Ed’s office, watching as frantic glances were exchanged among Ron, Gwen, and Gloria.
Gwen stood before Ed, her hands clenched at her sides.
Ed stood and held out a hand to her. “Miss Doherty, I want to thank you for coming to Mary Kingsley’s assistance this morning, and apologize for not doing a better job protecting her, and all the others in The Program. We will do better. I promise.”
Gwen took his hand and shook it somewhat perfunctorily. She opened her mouth to speak, but after taking a breath, closed it again. Such fury! Her hands clenched again; I was amazed at the control she had!
“Thank you,” she managed to say.
Ed looked at us.
“Gwen, you’re free to go. You don’t have to go to second period if you don’t want to,” I told her.
She looked to me and nodded -- such pent up fury! And she turned to Pete and Ellen, and with a smile, told them, “Thank you for coming to our aid.”
Then she turned and gave Ed one of the most poisonous, withering glares I’ve ever seen, and stormed out of the office!
Ed sat down with a wide-eyed sigh. “Can’t win some times,” he muttered.
We didn’t have time to unwind -- a knock on the door and Ed’s secretary stuck her head in. “The Kingsley girl’s parents are here.”
Ed stood and glanced around at us. “I’ll meet with them in Ellen’s office -- that’s where their daughter is, right?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
Ed grabbed his coat. “I’ll call if I need backup,” he told us.
Sitting there with Pete and Ellen after Ed left the office... I looked to Ellen. “I’ve never seen such pent-up fury! What can we do for her?”
Ellen shook her head. “Watch her carefully, be there -- not sure.”
“I’ll make myself available to her at lunch, or whenever she wants,” I told my colleagues.
Pete offered, “At least she has phys ed coming up -- she’ll get a chance to swim off some of the energy.”
My turn to close my eyes and cringe. “She has to run the gauntlet to get there.” My meeting with Peggy and her friends had been canceled by other events.
Pete said, “I’ll warn Natalie.”
She was one of our swim coaches. “That will help,” I agreed.
Ellen spoke up. “I overheard Donna canceling your meeting with Peggy and her curvy clique -- she shook a finger at them and told them to leave those kids alone!”
I had to smile; I could see her doing it, wagging that bony finger at them. “And she got the message across in a few seconds; I would have taken ten minutes.” I stood up. “The Saunders and Ron Hansen are out there. I wonder what they’ve brought to the party!”
Pete and Ellen stood as well.
Gloria
Talking to Gwen after she came out of the principal’s office -- “What happened?” Ron hugged her; she looked frightened, and mad!
My dad moved us to a bench out of the way; Gwen, Ron, and I sat down.
Gwen’s hands were shaking! Ron held one, and I held the other -- they were cold, too!
She told us about being worried when Ron didn’t show up, and didn’t show up, and didn’t show up, and getting the juniors undressed and into the building, then hearing the screams, finding Jeremy and the other kid all over Mary, getting them away from her, having coach Tatman and Ellen rescue them. The two boys were suspended. She took a breath and sighed. Ron hugged her.
I saw some adults come into the office. One of the staff talked to them and showed them into another office. One of the Angels came out. She started walking over to us but a short oriental chick stopped her and they left the office together. Then the principal came out of his cave and went to the office with the adults.
One of the assistant principals, Ms. Kelsey came over to us. My dad intercepted her and they moved to a different corner to talk.
“Guess she’s getting the story,” I muttered.
Gwen sighed again. She didn’t look as pissed off; she looked more worn out. “So where were you this morning?” she demanded from Ron.
He shook his head. “Sitting in the back of a police car.”
Gwen looked astonished as Ron told his story. He thought he heard something in the back yard, so he looked through the yard and left the house through the side gate. Cops grabbed him, thinking he was a burglar or something. They wouldn’t believe him when he said he lived there. Then dad and I showed up and got things straightened out. Now Gwen held Ron.
We sat and talked for a while. I said he should at least get a damn cell phone and have his aunt and uncle’s phone numbers in it!
Ms. Kelsey came over with dad. She had an empty box with her -- for Ron’s clothes. Second period would be over in a few minutes, so we could take off for third period. Dad gave Ron one of his business cards and put our home number on the back; he told Ron to call if he needed anything. Ron thanked him, then started getting undressed. I gave daddy a hug.
The bell rang, and the three of us headed off to the next class.
Bev
I’d heard about a ruckus at the top of the stairs at the start of school, but hadn’t gotten any solid information. The second period kids heard that a girl in The Program had done the screaming, and another girl in The Program kicked the butts of the two boys who were causing the problem.
So I wasn’t too surprised third period to see Ron and Gwen walk in, both looking somewhat shell shocked. Gwen also looked quite wound up.
Then Ellen appeared and asked me to step outside so she could fill me in.
Oh my!
Ron
Ms. Foster is pretty good; we talked about what had happened, with Mary the junior girl, and Gwen. Gwen already told Gloria and me that the two guys were suspended. The class got quiet when Ms. Foster told us they were most likely going to be expelled, and it would be up to Mary and the police if they’d face criminal charges.
We spent a lot of time dealing with ways of dealing with strong feelings. That was something I needed, but it was only half of the solution. If and when I worked through all that stuff, would I know any better who I was?
Gwen and I stayed a little after class. Gwen was still scared and upset, especially about P.E. coming up fifth period. I thought I understood what she was talking about. We agreed to meet at my locker and go in together; I’d protect her, and she’d protect me.
Gwen
I was still nervous and upset, but felt better holding Ron’s hand walking to P.E. Gloria was with us too, and said she’d come in if we wanted.
We went in the other door to the girl’s locker room, took off our shoes and socks, and went to the pool. Ron had his cute little swim goggles.
Coach Natalie was talking to Coach Levy when we got to the pool. They came over and asked us both how we were doing. Okay, I guess. Coach Levy split a bunch of us off with Coach Natalie and Ron to practice swimming. She had Ron teaching us! That was fun!
And she turned Ron and me loose early so we could shower and get dried off before the rest of the mob hit. She even came in and hung around, not really watching us, but we knew she was there.
And that made me feel better than a lot of things that had happened. I guess they really do care.
Next: Thursday Afternoon
Rev 2005/11/23
Naked in School: About Ron
© Copyright 2005 by silli_artie@hotmail.com
http://www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/artie/www