#12 :: A Change Of Heart.

24.

VANESSA

"I knew something wasn't right! These people are giving Kyree a hard time! They purposely started the fight knowing he was out in six! Now he's doing the full sentence!" I said bursting through my managers door.

"Vanessa..."

"No! I'm pissed! I worked too hard with these kids for some bullshit system to undo all the work we do for them!"

"I get you're angry. But Kyree also needs to have some control..."

"He's fifteen! He thinks no one cares. He thinks there's no point. He thinks this is what people expect from him so that's what he gives them! Charlie..."

"Okay okay, I'm owed a favour or two, I'll look about getting him moved."

"And his sentence?"

"That I can't promise. If he behaves maybe."

I sigh. I just feel like these kids can't catch a break.

"Look, I'll see what I can do. I really will. But in the meantime I got a new case for you."

"I can't be dealing with new cases when..."

"Vanessa... yes you can and yes you will. This one needs you. Or else, just like Kyree he will be in jail. Just look at the case please. I left it on your desk. Then when you decide to take it; because you will. They are waiting for you in the lounge area." Charlie said.

I laughed.

"How you know Ima take the case?"

"Because I know you. These type always seem to mean something to you. It ain't far off like Kyree. So I know."

"Hmph. No more cases Charlie. I have a load of boys that need me. So this one is the last one until I get them all on the straight and narrow. You hear me?"

"Loud and clear boss!" Charlie said.

I laughed and left his office. Once at my desk I read through the case file.

Young boy, thirteen. Fallen into the wrong crowd. Mum ill, can't take care of him. Has two younger sisters; twins. Mum gives them all her time and attention that she can. Grandma lives with them. Micah has been staying with his uncle which can be his permanent home as his uncle can support him financially as well as being a good role model and someone who Micah has always looked up to especially with his father being absent...

By the time I had finished reading the case I was drawn. Charlie knows me and knows these are the kind of kids that I love to help. They just need to know people care. I got up and headed to the lounge area to meet Micah and his uncle. As I entered they had their backs to me so they never knew I was there.

"Man let's just go! We don't need to be here uncle B."

"Yes we do Micah. I can't and won't do this on my own. You know I got you but you also know I work hard and I work late. You ain't finna run riot when I'm not around. Plus, you need a caseworker by your side in court or they ain't gonna care about what you got going on. You just gon be another black dude they can't wait to lock up so they can add you to their statistics!"