Growing Season (MxM) Complete

Ch. 13 Explorations

CH 13

Shortly after the final bell, Pete arrived at Gareth's classroom door as the last of the students filed out. He was a shorter gentleman with a bit of pudginess around the middle obviously tacked on with age. His polo shirt was tucked into the generous elasticated waistband of his khaki pants, and a thin band of white hair wound it's way around the back of Pete's head. Once the kids left, Pete pulled the door closed behind himself, allowing for some degree of privacy for such a sensitive topic.

The two exchanged brief pleasantries and a handshake, then got down to business; Gareth and Pete sat at a group work table at the back of the room, rather than at Gareth's cluttered desk which was strewn with social studies projects. Placing it on the table, Pete reached into his worn briefcase and pulled out a file containing a bunch of paperwork. It seemed almost cruel that the students' cheery art projects were staring down at them while the two men met to discuss such damning and horrible assertions.

"I have to go through all of this with you because of the severity of the allegations levelled against you. Rest assured that this is just an investigation, there are currently no charges, and I must remain impartial throughout. That being said, I know people at my office were quite aghast when a report of this nature was made against you. But we need to investigate all reports, regardless of where they come from, to protect the children, especially since you're a teacher," Pete explained.

"I totally understand this is your job, and I know that you're only trying to protect kids. Heck, that's my job, too." Gareth gave the man a small smile even though he felt like he might throw up. Perhaps whatever lunch he'd managed to choke down earlier was too much. It was in Gareth's nature to be personable, but it was so hard right now. He wished Abby could have stayed for moral support, but if anything got beyond the basic investigation his teaching union would provide representation and help.

For the next hour, Gareth answered all manner of questions, about his relationship with his children, about Leeann, about work, about his current housing situation, and about Phillip. It was necessary, but also very invasive. Pete took a lot of notes, his pen scraping along the page, then asked further questions to clarify certain points. He was especially interested in Gareth's photos from Leeann's physical attacks, and the way she ignored Mother's Day and Gabe's birthday.

"You can ask Linda, the secretary. Leeann called here the other week and was verbally abusive over the phone. I'm pretty sure she was drunk, too."

"Honestly, this whole thing sounds like a malicious report by a vindictive ex, but I still have to talk to the children and Phillip, and document the living conditions. There needs to be a full report so this can all be filed and cleared up. I will call Linda tomorrow to discuss Leeann's phone call and any other contact she might have had with your school of employment." Pete stood and closed his folder, shutting it safely back inside his briefcase. "Now, can I follow you to your place of residence?"

.............................................

Gareth quickly messaged Phillip that they were on their way, and he was home fifteen minutes later, Pete's minivan parked at the curb.

"Okay, I have to talk to the children each individually. I'll start with the youngest first. Francine, is it?"

"Franny, then Gabe, then Daisy." He took a deep breath and tried to put on a brave face for his family. Although Gareth was nervous, he was happy to be home where he knew he had support. And really, he got the impression from Pete that this whole thing was a waste of everyone's time.

"Great." The two men entered the house where Phillip and the kids were somewhat impatiently waiting on the sofa, the tv playing a cartoon in the background. All were looking more than a little uneasy, Daisy's novel was even left discarded on the table.