Class 19864

Chapter 3: Beth

Song: The Garden by Take That

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Chapter 3: Beth

I'm Beth. I'm the only adult who really understands these kids. And I do feel horrible for them. They didn't choose this life. Who would? It's a hard life. The other kids at Rockwell don't know what they really are. But they know these kids aren't normal. And that kills me. They deserve the best. They deserve, love and happiness and everything good in life. Everybody does. I think sometimes even I do too.  

I don't think love is on the cards for me, but happiness definitely should be. Now I'm going to tell you a secret. But no one else can find out. Here goes. 

I was out one morning for coffee with my best friend. His name is Christian. Christian Santiago. He's the history teacher at Rockwell. He knows something's not right with my kids but he doesn't ask me. I think he assumes it's easier for me to handle if he doesn't press the issue. He's probably right.  

Then he says the most shocking thing ever to me.  

"Hey Beth?" He asks.  

"Yes?"  

"You know your kids?"  

"Yes?" I say questioningly.  

"Do you have a guy in there with the surname Stanley?"  

I nod. "Harper." 

Christian nods. "How old is he?"  

"Twenty two. Why?"  

"No reason."  

"Chris what is it?" I ask.  

"You know my dad died a while back right?"  

I nod.  

"Well his will came back yesterday. It said everything was mine. My brother was counted out of the will. I then found out my brother moved to a unit when he was twelve when his mother died."  

By this point, my breath is choking me. It is Harper. He has family.  

"I wanted to find him. I want to meet him."  

"But you're Santiago. How's he Stanley?" I ask.  

"He took my mother's maiden name. My father left her before the baby was born and he took me." 

I nod. "So you think it's Harper?"  

Christian shakes his head. "No. He's too young."  

I nod.  

Later that day while the kids have some down time, I go to the cupboard and find Harper's file. It does say he has a brother. But his brother's name is Jared Stanley and his father's surname is Stanley. Christian must have the wrong guy.  

It would be amazing if Christian was Harper's brother though. Harper needs family. He always talks about how he wants to meet his dad one day. If he had Christian as a brother they could bond over not knowing their parents. Chris didn't know his mom and Harper didn't know his dad. He's had such a hard life. He needs a good friend. Maybe that just isn't one of us.