Parker

Chapter 57

Parker was finishing up his vocabulary assignment that when his father walked back into the office. He looked up and said "Hey dad."

"How is your homework coming?" It had been over thirty minutes since he had sent him to do his homework.

"Good." Parker said. "I read a section for Government, did my Math assignment, and I'm finishing up vocab." He told him. "All I have left is an activity sheet for Biology."

Rodger gave his son a somber look. "Great." Rodger said. "I'm proud of you in how  studies diligent you are when it comes to your srudies."  He almost added unlike your brother and sisters but caught himself. No need to bash your other children while praising him he told himself.

"Thanks." He said with a smile.

"Dont let me interrupt." Rodger said. "Finish up your vocab." He then sat on the couch.

"Is everything okay?" Parker asked wondering if he was in trouble. He could not think of anything he had done wrong but that did not ease his fears.

"Just finish up buddy and then we will talk."

"Okay."  Parker  returned his attention to the worksheet.  Five minutes later he wrote the word acrimony in the final blank and then announced. "Done."  He slammed his pen down feeling a sense of accomplishment.

"Great."  Rodger said. "Come sit with me."

"This must be really serious."  As a sober look crossed his face.  He walked over and then sat next to his father.  "What is going on?"  Parker asked.  "Is it Christine?"  He felt his heart began to pound in his chest.  "You talked to her mom and she wants us to break up?"  His eyes began to water at the thought.

"No."  Rodger said firmly. "No, I haven't spoken with her mom yet."  I am hoping that I will soon and be able to talk her out of this insane punishment.  I just hope that she has not added more weeks since we last spoke.

Parker then felt a wave of relief.  The idea of breaking up with her terrified him.  He was not sure if he would be go on.   But if its not about Christine what then?  He could see the look of sympathy in his father's eyes and could tell that it was something bad. Really bad.  "Some died?"

"No, no one died."  Rodger said.

"Then what?"  Parker said.  "Please tell me the suspense is killing me."

"Okay, okay."  Rodger said rubbing his back as he tried to figure out how to tell him delicately.  "There is another rumor going around your school?"

"Okay."  Parker said growing uncomfortably.  "I'm guessing it has to do with me."

"Yes."

"What are they saying?"

"That you sent pictures of your private parts  to some girl named Iris."

"What!"  Parker hollered and jump to his feet.  "I did not!"  His eyes went wild as he spoke and a maniac expression crossed his face.  "I would never do something like that dad."  Fear filled his eyes as he eyes as he said "You have to believe me dad. I would never do something like."  He began to shake as he was sure he was getting the belt again.

"I know, I know."  Rodger said softly as he jumped to his feet.  He took the boy into his embrace wrapping his arms around him as he said "I know you wouldn't do something like that and I told Dean LaMee that."

"Did he believe you."

"He didn't have to believe me because he already knew you wouldn't do something like that."  Rodger told him. "He knows what a good kid you are."