Always Otters

Chapter 1. A Ridiculous Situation

Benjamin Jay Roberts looks at his new classmate. There is something very familiar about this guy (Tony Pickard) but what? Why does his name sound so familiar ? Hmm...nothing in particular comes to mind, should it?

Well, Benjamin doesn't care. He's not putting any energy into accepting this new place . He's definately not making any attachments that would make it home. And , he's not taking time to meet any of the other students who share space in the odd group home.

Ben is so hurt. Actually, it's beyond betrayed. How is it that his parent's don't know the son they raised? Ben is a truthful person. He thought that his parents got that obvious
detail; Especially, since he lives his entire life under the same roof as they do.

Of course Benjamin is innocent. Yet, They make a deal with the owner of the car; They pay $5,000.00 outright as compensation for the alleged joy ride Ben takes. Yes, lies are spread that Ben is the one sighted speeding down a country road in Perry County, Pa, just before the stolen car is totaled.

The thing about a small town is there is no need to call 911. Yeah, Carla calls Debbie. And Debbie calls her husband Tom. He then calls his brother Brad. And, then a call is made to the neighbor of the car owner.

And, that neighbor walks up and tells the first hand recounts to the owner of the stolen, now totaled car.

The supposed witness makes it clear he doesn't want involved, or to be named. His part is to established facts without validation. It's all the owner needs to call The Roberts (Ben's parents) wondering if they will make it right. If they do...maybe the law doesn't have to get involved.

Everything claimed is accepted as wow what a shame facts.
Just because the witness came forward onomysly, and make theses claims doesn't make it a fact. Yet, why isn't the alleged witness questioned? Why can't the adults see this is a set up. Maybe, the person pointing the finger is the driver who belongs in the hot seat?

Someone, got Ben good. But, who? Everyone loves Ben. He gets good grades in school. He volunteers. And, overall this behavior is out of character for Ben. Ben, is only fifteen and can't wait to get his license. Obviously, Ben would not drive illegally knowing he is just days away before he's able to acquire a license. This whole situation is ridiculous... And, to make matters worse his parents lay down the law; There is a change in plans...no license until he reaches eighteen.

Actually, a week before the incident this flyer came in the mail advertising ,this stupid- group home for wayward kids. The program is called Scared straight. Ben doesn't know why it's dubbed that name. His parents tease him ,flyer in hand, that he better watch it or he may just end up there. Its all in fun. At that time Mr. & Mrs. Roberts are not in the future, of a changed mind, that comes one week later.

So, this time with flyer in hand it's a little more serious as ...Mrs. Robert's pleads with the owner.
"Please let us help Ben see the error of his way...he's a good kid."

"Yes, this is not typically something Ben does" says his father.

" it's either drinking or drugs", says the car owner.

" Please don't take away his future...would you consider letting us put him in a group home designed with non traditional methods that saves young ones who are going wayward...we got the flyer last week...the program is called: Scared Straight ; This will help our Ben without giving him a record. ": Says Mrs. Robertson.

"Look I'm not interested in making trouble if you compensate me and do as you say with your boy...we are square.".. says the wronged car owner.

And, so Reluctantly, the owner agrees if Ben gets help , and if compensation is dished out they won't get the law involved.

But, Ben protests! Stand up for your son! Take this before a jury! It will be thrown out of court. You cannot convict a person without evidence. Whatever came of this well known truth: " innocent until proven guilty " Does it not apply to a teenager with well intended, but misguided parents?

Yes, bring on the law ! For, there is an Innocent person standing here. Whoever is claiming to witness something that isn't true needs to be questioned. Clearly, they are lying! So, what is the name of the witness? And, why is he or she lying?And, why is Ben being set up?

Yes, Ben's parents can only see the consequences of a guilty verdict. And so to save their son they are willing to try anything. Too bad they don't know the man that they are trusting with their only son. Too bad they look to a flyer, rather than their sons pleading eyes just begging for their trust.

Yes, too bad they choose to hear the allegations against their son as fact. But, they fail to look deep inside with their heart, and use common sense. For, all the evidence they needed is remembering the kid they raised. When something sounds so fishy...it's time to go fish. Yeah too bad for Ben all the adults accept guilt without true facts. He probably would have fared better in the courts.

Man this stinks. Benjamin is in the tenth grade and pulled out to attend this bizzare place . He misses his friends. And, wonders what they must think of him. Little does he know, it won't be long until they join him in this ridiculous situation. It's a matter of it being in the same story just different characters.

Ben sits on the uncomfortable chair. He's waiting to meet the mastermind behind this monkey scared straight concept. That odd kid Tony keeps staring with a goofy look out his eye. The room is dark, and depressing. Yeah...this whole thing is a ridiculous situation!