Joshua's Island (James Madison Series Book 1)

by Patrick Hodges

  “How?”

  “I'll discuss it with your father as soon as he gets home tonight. He's got a late flight, but he should be back soon. Plus, I told the D.A. today that I may need to free up part of my schedule for 'family matters,' and he approved. Especially after the kick-ass job I did on this case.” She winked at me.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Not so fast, Eve,” she said. “There's a problem. Legally, I can't act as Joshua's counsel without his parents' consent.”

  “But … he hasn't told them …”

  “I know. Therein lies the problem.”

  I grimaced. “So … I have to convince him to reveal a secret to his parents that he's been keeping for almost three years.” Yeah, piece of cake.

  She nudged me with her shoulder. “You're a Devereaux, sweetie. We're very persuasive.”

  “I'll try.” After another awkward pause, I said, “And … the other thing?”

  She sighed. “I was once your age too, you know. Thirteen-year-old boys can be … unpredictable. They're all dealing with feelings they've never felt before. You two have been friends for, what, three weeks now? I'd be amazed if he didn't at least have some feelings for you.”

  “And what if he … makes a move on me?”

  She stared at me for a few moments. “You've grown into a smart, mature young woman, Eve. I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. Your father and I trust you. Just promise me you'll take it slow.” She leaned in. “Really slow.”

  “Got it,” I said. No translation necessary.

  Chapter 25

  DAY 38

  JOSHUA

  When Eve told me on the bus that her mother, a prominent lawyer, was preparing to act on our behalves, I was overjoyed. Finally, someone on our side that Rhonda and Brent can't intimidate.

  “That's awesome, Eve,” I said. “But there's something else I need to do first.”

  “What's that?” she asked.

  “I think I should speak to Principal Baird one more time.”

  “Why? You really think he'll help you this time?”

  “No, but before we get more grown-ups involved, I need to be sure he hasn't changed. I mean, it's been months since I've been in his office … maybe things will be different this time.”

  She nodded. “I hope you're right, Joshua.”

  * * *

  Even after three years, I didn't know much about Mr. Baird, despite all the one-sided conversations we'd had. I knew he was an ex-Marine, and I'd also heard from various overheard conversations that he was divorced, had two children he never saw anymore, and had been known to have a drink or two during school hours. He'd been at the school the same length of time as me, taking over after the previous principal had retired. Just my luck.

  I finished lunch quickly, and made my way to the main office. Most of the faculty ate their lunch in the teachers' lounge, but Mr. Baird usually dined in his office. He'd never really taken the time to get to know any of the faculty as far as I knew, and I knew for a fact that a lot of the teachers had a very low opinion of him. I wasn't sure if he'd even agree to see me, but after a five-minute wait, I was sitting in his office.

  “What can I do for you, young man?” he asked.

  I looked around his office, which was as neat and tidy as ever. Like a military barracks. Baird himself was tall and thin, a little older than my dad, with a severe crew-cut and a very sour expression. “I need to talk to you about Rhonda Broots and Brent Lasky.”

  “What about them?” he asked, taking a loud slurp from his coffee mug.

  “Well, sir, Brent's already assaulted me twice this year.” I didn't like using 'grown-up' words around other kids, but I figured that in this case, it made sense. As did the 'sir.'

  “And Rhonda's threatened to have me beaten up every day because I'm friends with … one of her enemies.” Better to keep Eve's name out of it, I thought.

  He looked at me over his interlocked fingers. “And what was your name again?”

  I closed my eyes briefly, trying not to let my frustration show. “Joshua Harper, sir.”

  Recognition crossed his face. I could read his expression easily. Oh, it's you. The little sissy who won't man up and fight his own battles. “You say Mr. Lasky … assaulted you?”

  “Yes, sir. Twice. He punched me in the face, he kicked me in the stomach, and he also kicked me in the …” I looked downward, hoping I wouldn't have to say something even slightly dirty in front of him.

  He nodded. “When did this happen?”

  “A few weeks ago.”

  “And why didn't you report it then?”

  Because you wouldn't have done anything about it except give them another useless day of detention, you bastard. “I was afraid to.”

  “Mmm hmm.” He took another slurp. “Have there been any more incidents since then?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Well, Jesse, there's …”

  “It's Joshua, sir.”

  He glared at me, obviously hating to be corrected. “Joshua, there's really not much I can do for you if you don't report violence.”

  I lowered my head. “Mr. Baird, they haven't hurt me in the past few weeks because I've been able to avoid them. By running. Hiding. I've been lucky lately, but that luck could run out at any minute. Rhonda threatened to have me beaten up every day, sir. I'd just as soon that didn't happen.”

  He looked at his watch. “Well, thank you for bringing this to my attention, Joshua. I will take care of this.” He used his head to gesture at his office door. “You can leave now.”

  Unbelievable. Three damned years and he hasn't changed the script at all. Not even one word. I hope you fry, you son of a bitch. I grabbed my backpack and left his office without another word.

  By the time I reached the Island, I was cursing and muttering under my breath. Eve watched in silence as I threw my backpack on the ground and sat on the bleachers next to her with a loud thump. “Guess I don't have to ask how it went,” she said.

  I looked sideways at her, making weird gestures with my hands. “He didn't even remember my name, Eve. And you remember that response I told you he always gave me before? He gave it again. Word for word. I might as well have been talking to a freaking robot!”

  She took my hand and leaned her head on my shoulder. Almost instantly, I was calm again. How does she DO that?

  “I'm sorry,” she said.

  I squeezed her hand. “It's just so … frustrating.”

  “I know, Joshua. I know.”

  She put her other hand around my waist, holding me close. It was the tightest embrace we'd ever shared. It felt amazing, but thankfully, it ended before my brain short-circuited.

  She lifted her head, smiling at me. “Everything's going to be okay. I promise.”

  I smiled back. “That's supposed to be my line.”

  She straightened up. “I mean it. You have to start trusting people some time. You do trust me, don't you?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Then keep on trusting me. You have a problem, Joshua, a problem that's not going to go away. And if there's anyone that can help you solve this problem, it's my mom. And she wants to help.”

  I put my arm back around her. “Okay, okay, I'll talk to her. What do I need to do?”

  A guilty look crossed her face. “Well … first, you have to tell your parents. Everything.”

  “What?” I gasped.

  “For my mom to act as your advocate, she needs your parents' permission. It's a legal thing, since we're both minors.”

  My mouth went dry. “I can't just … talk to her?”

  “Not if you want her to act on your behalf. I'm not a lawyer, obviously, but that much I know.”

  I sighed. “You could have mentioned this on the bus this morning.”

  “I would have, but I still hoped your meeting with Mr. Baird would go a little better.”

  I ran a hand through my hair. “No way around it, huh?”

  She shook her head. “Afraid not.”
/>
  Eve placed her head back on my shoulder, while I just stared into space. We sat there for the rest of recess, not speaking, while we watched the other kids playing in the distance.

  * * *

  Dinner was even quieter than normal today, as it was just me and Alyson. Dad had flown out this morning for some symposium in Dallas, but would return in time for my first soccer game on Saturday. I felt a lot more comfortable talking to Mom alone anyway.

  Ever since recess, my sense of dread had steadily increased. The conversation I'd hoped never to have with my mother couldn't be put off anymore.

  When she got home from the restaurant, it was almost eleven o'clock. She did what she usually did; brew a pot of jasmine tea and unwind in the living room. I quietly sat down on the couch next to her. I don't think I'd ever felt more ashamed. “Mom?”

  “What is it, sweetie?” she asked, taking a sip.

  “I … I need to talk to you. It's important.”

  “Is it about Eve?”

  “No. Well, it kinda is, but not really. It's … a lot more serious than that.”

  She frowned. “What is it, then?”

  I looked directly at her for the first time. It'll be okay, Joshua. “Mom, I've been … keeping things from you. And Dad.”

  “What kind of things?” she asked, putting her cup down.

  I took a deep breath. “You remember that problem I had with bullies back in the fifth grade?”

  She nodded. “Yes, you said some bigger kids were calling you names. But you never really talked about it again, so your father and I assumed the problem had been solved. Is it starting up again?”

  I shook my head. “No, Mom. It never stopped. Those same kids have been … picking on me ever since.”

  She straightened up, a mixture of concern and anger on her face. “What are you saying? That was three years ago! Are you telling me it's still going on?”

  I nodded. “And it's gotten worse. It's not just name-calling anymore. They … hurt me. All the time.”

  She stood up and paced back and forth across the room. After a few moments, she turned to face me. “Why would you not tell your father and me about this?”

  “There's more,” I said sadly. “There's this girl named Rhonda … she's the most popular girl in school. She's also the one that tells the bullies what to do.”

  “A girl? Why would she do that?”

  “Because she's a monster. Everyone in school either admires her or is afraid of her. She spread dozens of rumors about me. They were all lies, but everyone believed them. Nobody talks to me anymore. I'm … an outcast.”

  She sat back down next to me. “Oh, sweetie … that's just terrible. But again, why would you keep that from us?”

  “I don't know,” I said, my emotions starting to swell. “I thought everything would be okay at first. I thought I could handle it. But the worse things got, the worse I felt about myself. I was … ashamed. To talk about it. And Dad's always busy and you're always at work. And not only that, the principal … well, he won't help me. And believe me, I've asked.”

  She shook her head. “Joshua … just stop right there. This doesn't make any sense.” She took my hand. “Maybe you'd better start over. From the beginning.”

  For the next half-hour, I told my mom everything about what I'd gone through since fifth grade. I also told her about my relationship with Eve and her mother's offer of help.

  Mom swigged the last few drops of her third cup of tea. “Joshua, I'm … I'm quite disappointed. I'm really hurt that you thought you couldn't come to me with this a long time ago. We could have done something to help. Maybe you wouldn't have had to go through all this, if only you'd trusted us.”

  Great. Now I not only feel guilty, but stupid as hell. I covered my face with my hands. “I know. I'm so sorry, Mom.”

  “Those boys frightened you into submission. Into silence. And the principal's actions … well, they're disgraceful. I can understand why you felt like the situation was hopeless.” Her face softened. “My poor baby. You've been carrying this horrible burden around all this time, and I never had a clue.”

  She ran her hand through my hair. “You've grown into a fine young man, and I've missed so much of that. I should've been here.”

  “Mom,” I said, “you love your job. I would never ask you to stop doing it.”

  “I do love my job, sweetie. But I love you and Aly more.”

  I exhaled. “What are you going to do?”

  “I'm not sure,” she said, smiling. “But I'm so glad you have this girl as a friend. And now, it would seem that you have her mother on your side as well. She sounds like the kind of woman that can get things done.”

  “Um … apparently I need your permission before she can talk to me. It's a legal thing.”

  “When do you think you'll be meeting with her?”

  “Not sure. Eve sounded pretty urgent, so it'll probably be soon.”

  “Then I'll write something up for you tonight. You can give it to her when you do talk to her.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said, giving her a hug.

  She winked at me. “So … when do I get to meet this miracle girl?”

  I smiled back at her. “I'll let you know.”

  Chapter 26

  DAY 38

  EVE

  I sat on the porch swing, lazily rocking. My eyes were closed, and I was imagining Joshua sitting next to me. If there had ever been a point when he had been nervous having me hold his hand or put my head on his shoulder, he'd long since gotten over it. It was probably my imagination, but I actually felt warmer when he had his arm around me. Or maybe my body is telling me something …

  When my mom came home, I told her about Joshua's latest failed attempt to get Mr. Baird on his side. She nodded. “I think it's time I had a little talk with your principal myself.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said.

  Kirsten and Sophie came into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. “No snacks, girls, it's too close to dinnertime,” Mom said.

  Sophie made a pouty face. “How about just a glass of milk?”

  “Half a glass each,” Mom said. Kirsten took out the milk carton while Sophie retrieved two clean glasses from the dish-rack. After pouring out two servings, they both sat down at the kitchen table, listening.

  Mom tied an apron around her waist, starting her preparations for dinner. She continued, “But before I speak to your principal, Eve, I think I need to meet your new best friend. Could you invite him over tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow? Here?” I asked.

  “Yeah, is that a problem?”

  “I told him what you told me … that he needed his parents' permission to talk to you. He seemed willing to tell them, but I don't know for sure that he will.”

  “This can't wait, Eve.”

  I sighed. “I'll get him here. Somehow. Promise.”

  “Yay!” said Sophie, clapping. Kirsten grinned mischievously.

  “And besides,” Mom said, smiling. “It's time I met this boy anyway. Especially if you're sweet on him.” I blushed.

  And then I realized: it was true. Every day, I was getting to know him a little better. Every day, I was telling my family more and more about him. Every day, I was holding him a little closer, a little tighter. Every day, I was falling … a little bit … more … in …

  Oh, my God …

  Chapter 27

  DAY 39

  JOSHUA

  I told Eve on the bus that I'd kept my promise to her. My mother had typed out a letter giving Eve's mom permission to act as my legal advocate, and Eve had surprised me by inviting me to her home that very afternoon. I accepted the invitation, hoping this meeting wasn't just a pretense for her mother to interrogate me as a potential boyfriend for Eve. That could get messy.

  Later that afternoon, I got off at Eve's bus stop, which was just under a mile past my own. We stopped for a few minutes to wait for Eve's sisters' bus. They attended a different school, one that taught the younger kids i
n our district.

  After a short wait, another bus rolled up, depositing about half a dozen small children onto the street. Two little girls immediately rushed forward and flung their arms around Eve, who returned their hugs with full force.

  Eight-year-old Kirsten had long wavy brown hair, dimply cheeks and an infectious smile. Her sister Sophie, who was seven, seemed slightly more reserved but no less friendly, sporting short blondish hair set in a ponytail and cute little pink librarian-type eyeglasses that matched her “Hello Kitty” T-shirt and backpack. After hugging their big sister, they both turned to face me.

  “Is this him?” Kirsten asked.

  “It is,” Eve answered, grinning.

  Putting on my friendliest smile, I began, “Hi, I'm …” I didn't get any further because both of them ran forward, threw their arms around my waist and gave me the biggest bear-hug they could.

  I was more than a little surprised, and when I looked at Eve, I could see she was barely suppressing a giggle. “Sorry, should have warned you, we're a family of huggers,” she said.

  “Yeah,” I replied, gently patting the tops of the girls' heads, “I got that.” A family of huggers? That explains a lot.

  After a bit, they released me, and I went down on one knee so I could look them in the eyes. “It's nice to meet you,” I said. “Eve's told me so much about you.”

  Sophie grinned mischievously and turned to Eve. “He's cuter than you said he was.”

  My eyes widened, and I must have turned red as a beet.

  “Sophie!” Eve said, alarmed. “Sorry, Joshua, she's a hopeless flirt.” Sophie giggled.

  I just smiled, reveling in the attention. “It's okay. I like them already.”

  Kirsten and Sophie held both my hands all the way to their house, practically dragging me the last fifty yards. We went to the kitchen, where Eve brought out a large plate and then dumped the contents of a nearby cookie jar onto it. She offered me one, took one for herself, and handed the plate to Sophie. “Here you go, guys. Now go do your homework.”