I'll Be Home For Christmas

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"I'm concerned about Kevin, he hasn't been improving since the last time we talked."

Once again Kevin found himself in some trouble and ended up in the principle's office. A kid from school, who still has his mom and dad had the audacity to tell him, "give over it." Threw Kevin in a state of anger and hatred. How could someone find it in themselves to speak about a broken family that way, let alone a kid.

"My sincere apologies Mrs. Crowe, I'll make sure to have my husband give him a talk."

"Isn't that what you said last time we were in this position? I think Kevin needs some serious counseling. I understand with his situation losing his parents and younger brother must be so hard, but that's no excuse for breaking someone's nose every other week.. Unfortunately some action's still requires its consequences. Kevin will be suspended for five days and will immediately start counseling when he gets back." The pen that seemed to be plastered on her bottom lip got removed as she wrote some notes.

"I understand," is all the young caretaker could think to say. Shes's been in this situation so many times with Kevin, including Joe. If it wasn't Kevin getting into fights, it was Joe either being the target of a fight or being labeled having "mental issues" by teachers and students.

The ring of the final bell brought excitement into the ears of students. It was like a death sentence for Kevin, who knew he was going to get it once they got home.

"Kevin, go get Joe, I'll be waiting out front." As the young woman sat in her car, she started to wonder where she went wrong.

As she got lost in her thoughts, the boys were in view and soon enough piled inside the car. Kevin sat up front as Joe quietly took his place in the back.

"So Joe, how was school today?" As she pulled out of the parking lot, his only answer was a shrug of his shoulders.

"I see..the same response as usual. So Kevin?"

"I don't want to talk about it," his snarky response didn't surprise Amy, in fact it was suspected.

"You'll be seeing a consular after your suspension, so if you aren't going to talk me, you'll be answering to her."

"I ain't talking to no one. This is all bullshit!"

"Hey! Watch your mouth Kevin!" The woman snapped just as she pulled into the driveway. "We have a lot to discuss with your father."

"HE'S NOT MY FATHER!" Joe jumped out of the car as he watched his older brother storm into the house. He really missed having his cheerful older brother, not this full of anger stranger who he known all his life.

************
"Well Nicholas it was such a pleasure meeting with you." Nick stood up from his seat to shake the young woman's hand. She pulled back her strawberry blonde hair and fixed the strap of her purse onto her shoulder.

As he watched her leave, he wondered if he'll ever see her again. He's met so many families over the years, yet the reasoning for not being able to call them his family remains unknown.

So he walked out of the meeting room with no high expectations. As he walked down the hall to his room, a familiar voice feathered from behind.

"Nicky how'd it go? Think you've finally found a family willing to handle you?" A teen who goes by the name Violet joked as she made her way to her younger friend.

"I honestly don't think about it anymore. I've been in this place for two years since they sent me off."

"Aw hey, don't be so hard on yourself. There's a family out there, just waiting for the last piece to complete their lives. Then they'll find you, who will turn their original family portrait, into a masterpiece." Nick loves the way Violet speaks to him. Just because he's eight, doesn't take away the fact; He's much wiser then his years.

"Thanks Violet, I really appreciated that." The two formed into a hug, then walked down the hall, side by side. A poster caught the teens eye.

"A Christmas Carol 3rd Anniversary...Oh look there's Nick playing the lead..again..for the third time," as she stretched out the last of her sentence, Nick rubbed the top of his head.

"What? I didn't even audition this year. It must be another Nick."

"Are you kidding me?" She pointed at the name beneath the title. " "Nick" is bigger then the title itself and I don't know any other Nick who has a voice like yours. So it must be you."

"But that's unfair to the other kids  who auditioned."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Nick shrugged his shoulders.

"Tell Amber that I don't want the part." Violet let out a laugh,

"Yeah good luck on that one. It's probably already published all around New York. She knew you wouldn't want the role pier to not auditioning. Looks like she's using you as her bait to reel in ticket sells."

"You're probably right..So um I'm just going to go to bed," Nick said turning and walking away.

"Wait! Don't you want dinner?" Violet called out.

"I'm not hungry," Nick answered  back closing the door to his room to shut everyone out.

**************
So you can keep me
Inside the pockets
Of your ripped jeans
.......
Just wait for me to come home.

Love Joe
Song:
"Photograph" by, Ed Sheeran