Trouble Read online

  “So you walked around to gather your thoughts?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Are there other things we need to know? You looked like you had been assaulted.”

  “That neighborhood is quite a distance from your home,” she chimed in like a Bonny and Clyde routine. ”That was some walking you did.”

  “I want to talk to my mum first before I tell you everything.”

  “That’s very reasonable,” the woman officer said.

  Her mum came in and spoke quietly to the officers while Natalie sat silently and teary eyed.

  They hugged each other and she confided that she had spoken to her dad. They were trying to work out something. She gave her the phone and she spoke to him. He said he was concerned for what she had gone through. She brightened up considerably after that.

  +++++

  Byron hovered over a hand basin and seemed to be crying and shivering at the same time. He was all alone and no one seemed to care about him. That made him feel quite depressed.

  Matt stood by him. He took off his sweater and proffered it to him. “You need this more than me,” he said gently.

  Still shivering and in his frustrated state of mind, Byron saw a very muscular sun tanned teen smiling kindly. He looked like he was concerned for him and only wanted to help. Byron resented his carefree and happy demeanor while he seemed so miserable. He looked at Matt and said viciously, “Look, are you coming on to me?”

  “No!” Matt was aghast. “You were shivering.”

  “You barely sat for a few minutes out there with me and now you’re making your move.” He was still shivering. “Next you’ll send me an invoice for your services.”

  “You’re sick! I’m not coming on to you. Why are you so bitter and why do you want to hurt me so much?” His face was red with fury. Still holding the sweater Matt grabbed Byron and held him.

  “You’re hugging me!” Byron said incredulously.”I can believe this! If I had my gun I’d shoot you instantly.” He was angry with his dad and taking it out on Matt. Great, he thought to himself. Now I have a Quentin clone trying to show me some love. Next he’ll kiss me on the cheek and say he cares for me, he though cynically.

  Matt believed him. “I’d be happy if you did that. It would take a load of my back and I wouldn’t have to deal with it.”

  Byron seemed taken aback by this unexpected response and calmed down considerably.

  “I’ve never been so insulted or hurt in my life,” Matt said with a tinge of bitterness.

  Byron realizing he had over reacted tried to make amends. “You can take your hands off me now,” he said gently. “A lot of things have been going on in my mind,” he said trying to justify his tantrum.

  Slowly he took off his vest and gave it to Matt as he took his sweater. “I know you mean well but no hugs in public. I wouldn’t be able to live down the fame,” Byron said trying to be funny.

  “Sorry. I don’t know why I hugged you. Maybe you’re really like a brother to me.”

  They found out that they were from single child families.

  “I’m not usually like this. Shivering and being vicious. I just feel so lost. Today was just a terrible day for me with dad not being home and she being assaulted by that goon of a boyfriend.”

  Byron told him the story of Russ’s attack of another student Quentin and of hitting Natalie who tried to help him.

  Matt understood the feeling of alienation very well. This teen was like a mirror image of himself. Like him, he had a father who had no time for him. It would be interesting to compare notes on how they handled their issues.

  Matt was very impressed with Natalie. He was overwhelmed with a feeling of wanting to hold her, defend her and tell her that it was love at first sight. He was also perceptive enough to realize that to reach her, he had to get past this teen wearing his sweater and feeling much better now.

  +++++

  “I see that you’ve exchanged gifts,” one of the officers said to them. ”We’ve called your parents to come and pick you guys up.”

  “We’ve not exchanged gifts,” Matt retorted. “Can’t you see that he’s not feeling well?”

  “Can’t you take a joke, man?” the Officer said.

  A man in a designer suit and bleached teeth shining like the bones of a dead animal in the Sonora desert flashed a toothy smile at him before walking aggressively to the Officer.

  Byron groaned. He had wanted his dad to come and instead he had sent Warren the lawyer armed with his false smile and smooth legal talk. Realizing that Byron was doubly disappointed, he said quickly, “Your dad couldn’t make it. He loves you. He’s on the phone.” He passed him his pricey Iphone5.

  “Sorry I can’t make it there Byron. I miss you. I’ll be waiting for you at home. Warren will bring you over. We need to talk. I’d like to spend more time with you. I’ve also been chatting to your mum. Things are looking good.”

  Byron brightened up immediately.

  The last one to show up was Matt’s grand dad.

  +++++

  It was deep in the night and Matt couldn’t sleep.

  His granddad came into the room. “Matt you’re okay?”

  “Grand dad, is it hard to forgive?”

  He switched on the light and saw a boy struggling with deep emotional battles.

  “It takes time,” he said as he sat on the bed.

  “I’m trying so hard to forgive but it’s so difficult.”

  “On your own it may be difficult to forgive. But you need that spiritual thing inside you to help you forgive.”

  “Why does dad hate me?”

  “I don’t think he hates you. He’s just too busy with his career. I’m sure that with time, he’ll get to appreciate you.”

  “I hope so.”

  “You’ve a father in heaven who loves you 24/7. He cares for you and will never leave you nor abandon you. Never forget that Matt.”

  Matt felt much better.

  “This father works in mysterious ways. I am sure it was his plan for you to come to us. To let you know that you’re loved.”

  “Grand dad I’m so terribly sorry for what happened today. I’ll try to improve.”

  “As you process your issues you’ll let go and you’ll be free.”

  Matt knew why he had said that. He was still in pain and he still hated his dad for abandoning him. His preoccupation with driving at breakneck speed was one way of overcoming his frustrations. He also had a death wish. He however hoped that he would be able to forgive his dad and get on with his life in a normal healthy way (before he got seriously injured or killed.).

  “Granddad you’re the best,” Matt said as he drifted off to sleep.

  His grand ma had come in earlier and stood quietly for a while.

  “You too granny.”

  “And you’re the best grandson God has blessed us with. Never forget that” She came over, “And don’t tell me you’re too big to be kissed,” she said warmly as she kissed him on the cheek. “Have a good night’s rest.”

  “I’ll have a chat with your dad Matt,” his grand dad said resolutely.

  He felt tears stream down into the pillow as he went to sleep feeling very calm and at peace. Love was truly a wonderful thing and certainly conquered all woeful feelings.

  He thought of the brave attractive girl who had defended a fellow student and his heart almost missed a beat. “My life would just be awesome if I could date her.”

  Chapter 5: Natalie and Russ

  “Look I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you,” Russ said as he leaned out of his Lexus and pleaded with Natalie to get in. (He usually drove his Ford Ranger when he was feeling macho and only used the Lexus for special occasions.) He looked suitably remorseful. “Let’s work something out.”

  “It’s okay Russ,” Natalie said. “Someone’s taking me to school.”

  “Who?” Russ’s mouth fell open involuntarily. No one would ever dare to take his girlfriend.

  Apparently someon
e had.

  “He’s right behind you.”

  Through the mirror he saw a young handsome muscular teen in a sports car. He had a kindly smile.

  A dark cloud descended on his face and Natalie did not like the glint of hatred. Russ knew he had some real competition now. The new guy was well built and looked like someone who could defend himself very well. He’d arrange something with his gang later in the day and check out his weak points. These tough guys tended to break once they were confronted with switchblades and guns. The thought gave him a pleasant feeling.

  “This is not the end of this matter Nat. You’re my girl and I won’t let you go so easily.”

  “Please Russ. Take the hint. It’s over. I had been meaning to break up with you earlier. I finally came to my senses after you what you did to Quentin.”

  “Since when have you become a fag lover?” Russ asked testily.

  “I think it’s unhealthy to have views based on prejudice.”

  “I won’t pick an argument with you,” he said implying that he wouldn’t change his views. “It was Byron wasn’t it. He told you to leave me. He’s a devious scum. He’s sending you to this guy and then he’ll make his move soon.”

  “Byron has nothing to do with this. Russ, deep down you’re a nice guy. Take some counseling or something like that. You can’t go on in life bullying and hating people who aren’t like you.”

  “Swell, now you’ve become my therapist.”

  “I’m only trying to help,” Natalie shrugged. “Maybe if you have an internal make over I might reconsider. As of right now, I can’t stand the guy who lives inside you.”

  “That won’t happen. This is the way I’ve always been.”

  “Russ you’ve changed so much from the sweet guy I first knew.”

  “Please don’t break my heart with this sentimental bull.”

  “Fine, then we’re finished. I still have to make a report.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Don’t push me,” Natalie said firmly.

  Russ wanted to hurt her. “I see that you’ve hoity toady tastes. I can see that this hunk is a driller.”

  “He’s not a miner Russ. He’s a kind, sincere, considerate guy whose dropping me in school. What’s wrong with that?”

  “We’re going to deal with him later and you’ll be surprised at how they chicken out.”

  “Russ don’t test him.”

  “This isn’t over yet, Nat,” Russ said. “I thought you’d give me the benefit of the doubt to try and work something out. Apparently you’re rushing to jump on the next wagon.”

  “I’m not rushing. Matt is dropping me in school. And we’ve been through this Russ. I’m sorry. I can’t stand your bullying anymore.”

  She had befriended Russ while they were still freshmen. He had started off being nice and polite but his attitude had changed for the worse after his parents’ bitter divorce. He became impatient, sullen, angry and a bully. She wished Russ would go for counseling. She was worried for him especially as it seemed he was on drugs.

  Chapter 6: Natalie and Matt

  Natalie and Matt came into the school parking lot just as Byron was being driven in. His whole body language was one of wariness as he alighted from the Toyota LandCruiser SUV. He avoided making eye contact with anyone and seemed embarrassed at being driven to school. From the corner of his eyes, he saw them come into the parking lot. ‘He’s a fast mover,’ was his first impression. ‘But we’ll see about that!’

  After returning from the Precinct Station, he’d had a long discussion with his dad. He was having tentative discussions with his mum and they would look at the possibility of getting back together, if only on a trial basis. More importantly, Byron was going to take driving lessons. His dad had agreed to buy him a motor bike and maybe a car later if he was on good behavior.

  “He hates that SUV,” Natalie said as he watched Byron move hurriedly to school. “Thinks it’s a huge spread of carbon footprints. But the real reason I think is that he hates the special treatment. Makes him feel like the First Kid.”

  “Then why does he tolerate it?”

  “His dad works as a big shot corporate exec in the movie business and insists on it. He’s dad’s hardly ever there for him.”

  “How do you know so much about him?”

  “We talk a lot. You get to know everyone’s ins and outs after a while.” He did not tell Matt that Byron was deeply rattled by his parents’ divorce. One day they were a happy family and the next they were very rich and the money seemed to drive them apart. Byron had cried in her presence and had been deeply embarrassed. She had told him that it was okay for boys to cry. Her cousin Ryan cried from time to time and their family thought it was the most natural thing in the world.

  Byron had made her promise not to let anyone know about it.

  Thanks for the ride,” Natalie said as she got out.

  ‘Will I see you later?” Matt asked expectantly.

  “I need time to think about it,” she said apologetically. “I don’t want to get into more trouble.”

  “I’m not like Russ,” he tried hard not to show his irritation.

  Natalie couldn’t help thinking that in many ways Matt was like Byron. There was the fixation to speak honestly and be upfront about feelings. Like Byron, Matt seemed like a sincere and caring individual.

  Matt was sweating and feeling embarrassed. “I’ve never done this before and I realize it’s kind of crazy for me to say this especially as we’ve just met.”

  “I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

  “By saying ‘No’? Well at least hear me out.”

  “So many things have happened lately and I just need to think things through.”

  “That’s just fine with me. I want you to let me drive you to school for about two weeks. No other dating. Just driving and talking. If we get along after that we become friends. If I don’t measure up, I’ll never hassle you again.”

  “I’ll see you later.”

  He smiled.

  She had given him an opening.

  Matt had girlfriends in middle school and as a freshman but they never lasted. He had so many personal issues and couldn’t handle the dynamics of having girlfriends. He had difficulty being loved and loving someone in return. Natalie touched him in a profound way. With her, he knew he could be himself. They were like birds plucked from the same feather. They could relate to each other on an emotional level. He just hoped that she would reciprocate his affections.

  Chapter 7: Confrontation

  A group of students were milling round Russ and his friends. He was holding on to the collar of Quentin’s shirt.

  “I don’t like your face. It doesn’t look straight.”

  Quentin looked downcast. He could have spoken up for himself and defended himself but he wanted the students to show their support by coming to his aid. He wanted them to speak out rather than just being silent onlookers frightened to commit themselves. Was there not even one student who could stand her / his ground?

  “Let him go Russ,” Byron said coldly.

  Quentin felt a positive tingling sensation when he heard his voice. Byron intrigued him because he looked so delicate and would never be able to beat Russ if they had a fight. But there was inner strength inside him that seemed to be built on strong values. He had always wanted to get to know Byron better but found that he was always uneasy with him. Quentin just wanted to know him because he admired him and wanted some of that inner moral strength to rub off on him. Unfortunately things sometimes got misconstrued. Although Byron was at great pains never to show it, he was uneasy because he thought Quentin wanted something more.

  Russ looked at him with contempt. He was much taller and muscular than Byron and could knock him out cold if he wanted to.

  “You shouldn’t be bullying. He hasn’t done anything to deserve this?”

  “Are you going to defend his kind?” Russ asked waving his hand contemptuously at Quentin. “His parents aren�
�t straight.”

  “I don’t care one way or the other if someone is vertical or horizontal. It makes no difference. I just care about people not being bullied. What’s uncool about that?”

  “A rebel with a cause,” Russ spat out the words.

  “We’ve got to have some values. We can’t just go on in life hassling people.”

  “So you’re going to fight for him?”

  “You’re too big for me. But yes I’m going to defend him even if I get hurt in the process because I think your phobia is wrong.” Byron’s face clouded.

  Russ’s was rattled by this line of reasoned arguments. He knew he could beat Byron to pulp but he wanted to do so with students’ support. At that moment there was a murmur of support for Byron from the crowd that was gradually growing bigger.

  Abruptly he waved Quentin away and looked directly at Byron. “We haven’t finished this yet,” he said darkly. “I know how your devious mind works.”

  “She’s like a sis to me and it pained me to see the way you treated her. I’ve nothing personal against you. I just hate to see girls being beaten up. Get help.”

  “You need to be taught a lesson. It’s going to come in your Iphone,” Russ whispered cryptically.

  Byron was about to say that these kinds of hacking could backfire but kept quiet. It would be good for Russ to learn his lesson in a practical way. He couldn’t tolerate Russ and was surprised that students let him do whatever he wanted without showing their dislike or contempt.

  Russ and his gang had spray painted a school wall. Byron had used fluorescent paint to write, “Russ you’re a bully. Stop all this and grow up. Get help.”

  He knew that Byron had written over his graffiti and was waiting for the right time to pay him back. He was frantically working on trying to hack Byron’s facebook password. He was planning on writing some very embarrassing ‘admissions’ under Byron’s file. These hacked posts would put out to the world that Byron was rabidly gay. These thoughts gave him a very pleasant feeling.

  He had a strong feeling that Byron had advised Natalie to get rid of him. He thought that Byron was infatuated with her and was always looking for an opening to create a barrier between them. They could have worked out their differences but with Byron pulling the strings, he sensed that he had steered her in Matt’s way. He would later maneuver his way to her. Byron was a brash gamer, he thought as he swore under his breath. The pleasant feelings evaporated quickly, replaced by bitterness and anger.