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Chapter Ten

After Effects

Charlie’s father stood in the doorframe of his son’s room as he watched his son stare at a television. His son’s expression was glassy eyed as if he was dreaming while awake. After observing his son’s unusual behavior, he learned that his wife had been prescribed a drug by the church pastor to deal with his behavior.

Charlie’s father was flabbergasted that they considered this type of behavior normal. They turned his son into a zombie, of sorts, Even when Charlie came out as gay his behavior was not as shocking as this. This was his wife and pastor breaking his son and just leaving the broken pieces to sit and rot.

“Charlie, what are you doing?” His father asked as he moved over and sat next to him on Charlie's bed. His father turned and saw that the television that Charlie was staring at was not on and Charlie was staring at the blank screen.

“Watching TV.” Charlie replied slowly after a long pause. It was as if Charlie was struggling to remember the words.

“What show?” He asked and Charlie shrugged. He watched as his son continued to stare at the blank screen. His father watched him closely as he desperately looked for some sign that his son was still in there.

“This is nuts.” He muttered to himself as he finally gave up and walked out of Charlie’s room. He just shook his head having no idea what to do in this situation.

Mr. Blanchard casually stepped out of his limousine. He was being watched by the detective the Coach had hired. He watched the rich man through the zoom feature of his camera. Though there was not much to report.

He seemed to be running some mundane errands today but the detective still needed to keep a close eye on him. He had disguised himself to sneak into Mr. Blanchard’s office and made a copy of his weekly itinerary. Even on days like today that seemed mundane, he still could be going to secret meetings that were not listed.

He had learned early on about Mr. Blanchard has connections with the FBI and the Mafia. This meant he also had to be careful because there may not be the only one watching him. This required him to keep farther away than other would be lookers. The last thing he needed was the feds interfering in his investigation because they were trying to charge him with obstruction.

“Hey!” He exclaimed as his arms were grabbed suddenly by two men in long gray trench coats. They had his arms locked into theirs as they led him away. He could not tell exactly if they were feds or the mob but he guessed the latter. Since they had not shown any badges or identified themselves they could only be the mob but he still needed to be careful either way.

“What’s the meaning of this?” He protested in an attempt to keep up the cover that he was a guy sightseeing and not a private detective. Of course had they been watching him as closely as he was watching Blanchard they may already know the truth.

“Shut up!” The guy on his left shouted at him quietly. This proved that they were with the mob because feds would not act this way. He was led to a secluded spot and they began to fish around in his pockets for his wallet. He was relieved that he had thought ahead to bring his fake ID and wallet with him in case this happened.

The man to his right found it and took out the driving license and read off the fake name and address. It was supposed to be an intimidation tactic but since he knew the info was fake it did little. He did pretend to be upset just to keep up the roose.

“Fella, what’s this about?” He asked, trying to make his voice sound like he was trying to keep calm even though he was panicking.

“Listen fella,” The one on the right said harshly. “I don’t care who hired you but it ends now.” He said firmly then he proceeded to tell him his real name and address. They both grinned at the shocked look on the detective’s face.

“Yeah, we know all about you and if you know what's good for yeah, then you’ll drop the case. Understand? Detective.” The man on his left ordered. They released his arms and the one on his right tossed the fake ID at him. It hit his chest and fell as he watched them walk away.

The indifference the detective had felt towards Mr. Blanchard had changed because now it had been made personal.

People had noticed a change in Tyler and this was leading to them asking questions. Tyler had been interviewed by the police about the attack at the mall. The attack when he and Jennifer’s little brother Cody were attacked by a gang of kids dressed in Goth clothing. His former friends!

They were quickly arrested and branded as being a rogue group of Goths that attacked a deaf boy and one of their own when he tried to stop them. Other students that dressed as Goths protested and claimed that the rogue group were not true Goths because a true Goth would not behave like that.

Even though the argument was fallacious in nature many seemed to accept it at face value. Especially since none of the students knew what a No True Scotsman Fallacy is! The "No True Scotsman" fallacy originated from a hypothetical anecdote.

This is where someone claimed "No Scotsman puts sugar on his porridge," and when presented with a counterexample of a Scotsman doing so, they simply responded, "Well, no true Scotsman puts sugar on his porridge," essentially redefining the group to exclude the counterexample.

Tyler’s appearance changed back to his old self once he was released from the hospital. The other Goth cliques invited him to join them but it seemed like an attempt to save face in front of others. He declined politely and saw the looks of relief on their faces.

Scott, Summer, Dylan, and Eddy were facing serious charges. The evidence of them on the mall cameras and the testimony of the janitor and Tyler, made it simple for the prosecution to prove his case.

Their lawyer tried a plea deal but the prosecution would not accept since one of the victims was deaf. The judge was not lenient in their sentencing because the attack is considered a hate crime. However because they are juveniles , he could only sentence them to the maximum penalty that a minor can receive. Eddy, the youngest of the group, was the only one that broke down crying upon hearing the verdict.

Since Kyle and Tyler were no longer friends, and everyone considered Tyler to be a snitch since he told the authorities about his former friends. He was now more alone than ever. Even though both Kyle and himself were currently friendless, they still ignored each other. Tyler did hear about how the girls were using Kyle as a front to fool their families.

It was mostly girls that were dating boys that had bad reputations, so they used Kyle as a cover because he seemed like a nice guy. Their families would think they were out with good upstanding boys while they were sleeping with the opposite.

This allowed Kyle to keep up his secret because he seemed straight on the surface and no one suspected him of being gay since he was dating girls, supposedly. The rumor that his abduction and supposed rape turned him gay had died quickly.

Tyler felt he was getting the worst of it because even the bullies that picked on him were giving him the cold shoulder. Everyone accused him of snitching no matter what the truth was. He never snitched except with the Goths that beat both him and Cody up. He felt this was something he could not keep quiet about. They had gone too far in picking on Cody because he was deaf. Especially since he had done nothing to them.

Tyler walked down the street on his way home with his gaze looking at the sidewalk. He was watching for ice that might cause him to slip because of how cold it felt. He was wishing he had dressed warmer today.

He heard a car coming from behind and he turned his gaze to see Chris driving in his car with his girl;friend, Jennifer, next to him and Kyle sat in the back. He paused for a moment but all three seemed to ignore him as they drove past. He shook his head as he turned to look at the sidewalk again and he continued.

Mr. Masters sat by himself in the local library as he read a book about drug addiction. Unknown to him, a few rows away, Chris and Jordan were trying to study.

“So I guess things are going well. She and Kyle have been dating for a while now. It’s been what, two weeks?” Jordan asked. Chris put down his book to focus on his best friend’s question.

“I hate to say it, but I think Kyle’s become a playa. He’s had all kinds of girls calling for him. Dad’s been impressed but mom is ticked off.” Chris paused as Jordan chuckled to himself softly. “She’s afraid he’s gonna knock someone up.” This made Jordan laugh out loud until someone shushed him. Jordan whispered an apology to the person.

“Come on, it’s Kyle. I doubt he even knows how. What I really want to know is: has he stopped calling himself gay yet?” Jordan asked.

“Not officially. He hasn’t been talking about it to me. I did give him some condoms just in case he got lucky but with him being so shy, well who knows.”

“So you think he’s been getting his dick wet?” Jordan asked incredulously.

“I dunno, but if he is, I hope it’s with a girl not a guy.” Chris replied.

“That’s harsh dude.”

“It’s the truth.” Chris responded.

Kyle stood next to Jordan’s sister outside of a fast food restaurant. She paced around impatiently as Kyle just stood there with a Kindle being held under his arm.

“There he is!” She said as he moved her coat aside so that she could dig into the pockets of her jeans. She then gave some money to Kyle.

“Thanks sweetie.” She said as she ran towards her boyfriend as he sat on his motorcycle waiting for her to climb on.

“Anytime.” Kyle replied but no one heard him as she was now too far away and the revving of the motorcycle drowned his voice out. They drove off with the tires squealing. Kyle entered the fast food restaurant and ordered a meal while he sat reading his Kindle.

Charlie tossed and turned on his bed as he was drenched in sweat. He was only wearing a pair of white briefs and what remained from the A ribbed undershirt that he tore apart in an attempt to get out of it. He was overheating and he could not get out of it fast enough despite everything being soaked with his sweat.

His father blocked the door of the bedroom in case Charlie tried to escape while he was in the process of detoxing. He had been able to stop Charlie from taking the medication his wife and pastor put him on. He was grateful that his wife was so wrapped up in her shows that she had no clue what was going on.

Amazingly the people on her Christian shows were shouting out in Jesus’ name. This helped hide the shouts Charlie made as the withdrawal tormented him. Even though his father had read about it, experiencing his son going through it was far worse that he could have imagined.

“Please,” Charlie begged, his voice sounding hoarse from all the shouting he had previously done. The current pattern he was in was that he would beg for the meds and when his father told him ‘no’ then he would scream again.

“No.” His father once again replied firmly. He felt like his belly was full of water and his resolve was weakening the longer he watched. He never imagined that the torment would be like this.

“I hate you!” Charlie screamed but his father sighed then made soft calming noises to try and sooth his son.

“I know, I know,” He replied, trying to not let the hurt he felt at what Charlie told him. Even though he knew it was not the real Charlie talking it still hurt no matter how many times he heard it.

Abruptly Charlie turned over on his side and his father stood ready for what was to come. Charlie opened his mouth and he threw up all over the floor. His father rushed forward because Charlie looked as if he were about to fall off the bed as he lost consciousness again.

He could feel Charlie burning up as he laid him back on the bed. Charlie’s sweat soaked into his clothes now. The smell still bothered him even though he thought he’d be used to it by now. He took a mop and bucket he had ready that stood in a corner as he cleaned up the vomit.

Charlie turned onto his side and the back portion of his underpants were stained by fecal matter, as well as the bed sheets. His bowels had let go again and once the floor was clear he put on a clean pair of underpants and tossed the soiled one into a trash bag. He had considered washing all the soiled items but after seeing the mess he thought it better to just throw them away.

He checked on his son to make sure he was alright then he stepped out of the room and took a deep breath of fresh air. He emptied the mop bucket into the toilet and filled it with fresh water and cleaner. He was sure he would need it again later.

He debated if he had time to take a shower because of his son’s sweat and filth that contaminated his clothes. They did not really bother him too much and he was sure he had smelled worse when he went through Basic Training, but the fact that it was someone else’s and not his own really bothered him.

He just had a deep fear that if he left Charlie for too long then something would happen and he'd never forgive himself.

“Later,” He told himself as he returned back inside Charlie’s room.

Mr Preston was walking down the street in order to clear his head. He had learned taking long walks was relaxing and gave him a chance to clear his thoughts to get new perspectives on the problems that he was struggling with.

He had been pondering what to do about Charlie and how he could convince his parents to stop giving him the drug they put him on. He still remembered what it was like when he had been placed on that drug and how he had become an alcoholic because the withdrawal from it was too painful. He was afraid the same thing would happen to Charlie.

His thoughts quickly changed as saw a woman struggling to carry multiple grocery bags. He quickly went over to her to help her if she would let him.

“Excuse me ma’am, may I be of some help to you?” Mr. P asked. She struggled to focus as weariness filled her eyes. She eyed him suspiciously wondering what he was up to since most folks were not this nice.

“I can manage, I have a long walk ahead of me but thank you anyways. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She said as she stumbled trying to lift the bags.

“It's no bother,” He said as he reached for a couple of her bags. She sighed and gave in and let him take them. She was too tired to worry about being robbed at this point, though she did not trust his nicety. “I have no place to be. I was taking a walk to clear my mind and a distraction may help.”

“Well… if it’s no bother.” She replied.

“No bother at all.” Mr. Preston said. He held himself back a step in order to let her lead the way. They had started out in silence but the idea bothered her so she tried making polite conversation.

“So my car breaks down and I can’t afford to take an Uber and pay for the repairs.” She explained.

“Do you know what’s wrong with it?” He asked .

“Hell if I know. I was driving along and the engine died. And no! I did not run out of gas.” She replied jokingly.

“Well… That's the extent of my expertise.” He said as he smiled and she smiled back. He watched the sidewalk as they continued walking to try and hide his bashfulness. They continued on in silence and this gave him the opportunity to admire her.

She was a Caucasian like him and she was pretty even for a middle aged woman. Her hair was auburn and it flowed down to her shoulders. Her attire was professional dress and made him think of someone that worked in an office. Her coat hid most of it but from what little he saw he guessed office attire. He figured she must be a secretary.

“So my son…” She was saying and he suddenly realized that he had not been listening.

“Wait, sorry, you have a son?” How old is he? You see I’m a history teacher and he may have been in one of my classes.” Mr. Preston interupted.

“Fourteen.” he replied skeptically as she eyed him.

“Amazing. That’s around the age I teach. Freshman history.” Mr. Preston said. He had a look of surprise as she looked at him as if trying to remember the faces of her son’s teachers. Of course she suddenly realized that she did not know his new teachers since he was now in High School. The last school she knew everyone by heart.

“History? That’s his best subject. If we ever need a tutor then I know who to call.” She remarked.

“Absolutely! It would be a pleasure. Oh, I never introduced myself. I’m Donald Preston.” He foolishly held out his hand then realized too late that it was not polite.

“Rebecka…” She said and hesitated before she took his hand and shook it. The sight of him blushing filled his face with a boyish charm. Her own smile made him suddenly forget about his student and the medication he was on. All the fears and worry he had vanished as his mind focussed on her smile.

Rebecka was also feeling calmer now that she realized that Mr. Preston was just being a nice guy though she wondered if he had ulterior motives. She knew stories of guys that seemed nice but then things would turn bad once they got what they wanted. Donald Preston did not seem like that but she has been wrong before.

“Feeling better?” Charlie’s father asked as they stood outside the front door of their home. Charlie was finally over the withdrawal but he looked tired despite all the sleep he had. The sheets had been striped off the bed and tossed in the trash and the floor and anything else that had been hit by his vomit had been thoroughly cleaned. It smelled like a hospital but it was a lot better than what it was.

His father’s leave ended before they could put new sheets on the bed and Charlie had been grumpy that he had not been able to experience any real time with his dad. Now they were waiting for a cab to take him to the airport as he was dressed in his fatigues.

“This is nothing, I’ve had worse.” Charlie remarked as he was acting like his old self again. His father hugged him then knelt to look him in the eyes.

“I’ve made a decision. When I get released from the military, I’m divorcing your mother and plan to move away with you. Far away from here and all the hate that her and her ilk have. You are my world and I can’t stand the hate any longer.” Charlie hugged him and the sound of the cab blowing its horn as it pulled up forced them to separate.

After his father left, he entered the house and leaned his head against the wall. He always hated these goodbyes and wished he knew when his father was finally gonna be released from the military.

“Charlie…” He heard his mother calling him. Her voice seemed hollow and strained. He walked into the living room and saw her staring at the large screen television she watched. The screen was off as she stared at it.

“My meds.” She said without looking at him. He went to fetch her dose and handed them to her and a glass of water. She quickly took the medication then returned to staring at the blank screen. Charlie smiled at the irony because now she would know what it was like to be on those… things.

Chris quickly stepped out of his room to answer the phone. He greeted Jordan warmly as he realized his best friend was calling. He assumed that the call was for him.

“Where’s Kyle?!” Jordan shouted and Chris flinched at his best friend’s anger towards his little brother. What had Kyle done to piss him off so?

“I dunno, out on one of his dates, why?” Chris replied. This made Cris wonder if something had happened. Had Kyle and his best friend’s sister been in an accident? Or had a fight?

“It’s my sister. We just found out that… she is pregnant!!!” Jordan yelled. It took a few moments for What Jordan had just said to register to him. The very thought seemed ludicrous that Kyle could do that. As the thought suddenly struck him he suddenly felt as if he was falling off a cliff.

To Be Continued…