Our Little Family (COMPLETED)

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Connor and Oakley arrived at the track. The scene still fascinated the young boy but he didn't physically show any signs of change. They sat in the same spot as last time.

The sound of the Karts filled the air. Connor looked down hoping to see Oakley smiling. Nothing.

"Hey kiddo, isn't this cool"?

Oakley looked up and nodded with no expression on his face. Oakley cuddled into Connor's side when a family sat next to him. If this was couple days ago, he would've said hi, smiled or waved.

Connor lifted Oakley up onto his lap. His calmed the boy down enough to stop his wimpering. The race started and no words were exchanged between the Uncle and Nephew until break time.

"Want a snack"? Connor asked

No words, just a simple nod. Connor lifted the boy into his arms and carried him to the concession stand.

"What would you like"? Connor asked the boy

Oakley just frowned and got teary eyed. Connor didn't want to make the kid feel uncomfortable with him.

"Hey, hey... don't cry. How about I take you to the menu and you point to what you want".

This relaxed him. He pointed to a simple hotdog. After they got the food, the races had started again. Nothing was said for the rest of the race.

The ride home was filled with nothing but the radio. Connor felt anger, not towards Oakley but towards the horrible person who broke into the school.

Not only did he want to hurt poor innocent kids but he took away there spirits and hurt them mentally. Now Oakley is scarred permanently.

CONNORS POV
I pulled into the driveway and carried Oakley to the front door. After a knock, Zoe awnsered. She looked like she was hoping for some good news.

"Hi, baby boy"! Zoe smiled

Nothing. Just a frown and a wimper. I gave the reaching child to his mother. I hung my head low with sorrow.

"Connor, can we talk"? Zoe asked me

I nodded. She welcomed me in and she took Oakley to get him dressed and put him to bed.

When she returned to me, she had tears in her eyes. I felt tears starting in my eyes too. I sighed as Zoe sat down next to me at the kitchen table.

"So? Anything"? Zoe asked frantically

I wanted to tell her everything was better and that her boy was back to his happy self but... obviously I can't lie.

"No, I'm sorry, Zo". I choked out

Saddness immediately washed over Zoe's features. She hung her head low before sniffling. I wish there was some way I could change things. I hated to see my baby sister cry. Maybe that's because I know I was the reason she cried so much in high school.

"It's okay... Evan says it will just take time...".

I nodded, agreeing with her.

"He is now back to communicating by pointing and other non verbal signs. Just... no words".

Zoe nodded showing she understood. I looked at the clock and knew I had to get going. I had work tomorrow morning. I said goodbye to Zoe and left.

ZOE'S POV
After Connor left, I found myself crying again. I knew I just had to be patient and hope for the best. I got ready for bed. Evan had moved to our bedroom about an hour ago. I wanted to stay up to wait for Connor and Oakley to get back.

I layed down next to my sleeping husband. Although I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about Oakley and how different everything is now.

MORNING----
3RD PERSON POV
Oakley woke up but instead of running to his parents room, he remained in his bed with his back facing the door.

He didn't feel like getting up. He was afraid that something would happen if he did. His innocence is now broken. He no longer believes everyone is a potential new friend. He believes everyone has the same intentions as the man from school.

He didn't feel like talking anymore. He was still feeling that he had to be perfectly silent just like in the classroom. Silence is the key to surviving and Oakley is willing to be silent for the rest of his life if that meant he would be safe.

Suddenly the door opened to reveal Evan there. He was all dressed for work.

"Hey Oatie, ready to get up"?

No reaction. No words.

"Oatie? Come on, bud". Evan tried to say

Again... nothing

Evan sighed and pulled back the blankets. Oakley whined before yanking the blankets back over him. This surprised Evan.

"Hey now, let's get up and ready for the day".

Oakley scowled at Evan with nothing short of annoyance. Evan reached down to pick him up but the boy was not having it. He grabbed the headboard and held on for dear life.

"Oakley, let's go". Evan said a little more sternly

The boy shook his head no before sticking his tongue out at Evan. Evan felt anger burn in his chest.

"Oakley Hansen, you're getting out of bed now"! Evan said angrily

Oakley shook his head harder before hiding under the covers again. Evan sighed behind his teeth.

"ZOE"! Evan called

This made Oakley stick his head out in fear. He looked up at his Dad with pleading eyes but, Evan crossed his arms and didn't say anything. Zoe walked into the room holding her plate in her hands.

"What's wrong"? She questioned

"Oakley isn't listening very well this morning". Evan said giving the boy a look

Normally Oakley would've caved by now. However he was standing his ground. Zoe frowned looking deep into the boys expression.

"Sweetie, you have to get up". Zoe tried to say

Oakley shook his head before covering it back with the blanket. Evan looked down at his watch and gasped.

"I've got to go. If you need anything don't hesitate to call me". Evan told Zoe

"Okay, thanks babe. I'll keep you updated".

"If Mommy has to call me because of some bad behavior... you're in big trouble when I get home". Evan said sternly

Evan's never been the stern parent. He was always the Dad who would sneak a candy even after Zoe would say no more. He would say "I won't tell Mom if you don't". It was never over something big, just the simple things.

However, this meant that Oakley wasn't used to seeing Evan so angry, especially not at him.

"I'm not going to fight with you, young man. I want you to get up so Mommy can get you dressed". Zoe said sternly

There was no movement from under the blankets. Just a whimper. Finally the boy pulled the blankets back and reached up to Zoe. She picked him up and placed him on her hip. Oakley clung to her out of sudden fear of.... something.

After getting him dressed in a SpongeBob T-shirt and shorts, Oakley was left to go play. He didn't though. He sat in the living room not doing anything.

"Buddy, why don't you turn on the TV to cartoons"? Zoe asked

The boy didn't even notice she was talking. This was the final straw for Zoe, she needs to find someone to help give her, her baby boy back.