“She stole the cat from you?” the tall officer questioned with a puzzled look on his face.
My mom tried to stay out of the conversation, but his stocky partner asked, “Is this true, ma’am?”
My mom probably thought it was no big deal. It was a matter of a little boy and a stray cat. How much trouble could anyone get into really?”
“Well, it’s a stray cat. It doesn’t belong to anyone. Jack has been taking care of it and he thinks of it as his cat.”
“Oh, I see,” the tall officer responded. “Well, here’s the thing, we’re going to talk to Ms. Baker to see if she’ll let it go. Technically, however, its breaking and entering since the cat was in her home and Jack opened the window and took the cat out of her apartment. If she’ll drop the charges, then we can chalk this up as a big misunderstanding and move on.”
My mother gave me a sad look, and then shook her head as the officers left to speak with Molly.
“What have you gotten yourself into now?” she said in a condescending voice.
I didn’t know. I had no idea what could happen. By this time, Grandpa Bob was starting to stir.
It didn’t take long for the officers to return. Their demeanor had changed as they walked stridently through the back door. Both turned their attention toward the bony man stumbling down the steps with bloodshot eyes.
“What the hell are the police doing here?” Grandpa Bob asked in a scratchy voice, the kind you get from a long night of drinking and smoking.
“They’re here because Jack is being accused of breaking into Molly’s apartment and stealing her cat,” my mother explained.
The tall officer with dark sunglasses perched on top his head asked, "You're Sam's ex-wife aren’t you?" Then he looked at his partner, pressing his bottom teeth against his upper lip.
"That was a long time ago," my mother replied.
"Well, I am sorry to inform you that Ms. Baker would like to press charges. This is a very serious crime, Mrs. O’Malley.”
“Breaking and entering!” my grandfather slurred interrupting the officers. Then he looked at me. “Jack, when did you start breaking into places? You’re not that kind of boy!”
“Grandpa Bob, I didn’t, I just opened the window to let Tom out!”
He waved his hands in the air as he shuffled across the kitchen, finally finding the table and chairs on the other side. Plopping himself down in one of the old Windsor spindle back chairs he shook his head and cried out, “I can’t believe it! Why in the world would you do that?”
The stocky officer interrupted. “Ms. Baker had a few other things to mention as well,” he stopped to sip on his coffee, his stubby little fingers barely gripping the Styrofoam cup. “She said that Jack runs wild throughout the neighborhood doing whatever he wants. That he is not being properly supervised. She said that Grandpa Bob here is the neighborhood drunk and you parade men in and out of the apartment all hours of the day and night. After reviewing both of your criminal records as well as what we’ve observed today, I’d be inclined to believe her.”
My grandfather and mother looked at the officers, wondering where they were going with all of this. Then they heard the words they were dreading.
“Ma’am, Child Protective Services is on their way. They should be here any minute.”
When they arrived they consulted with the officers, then interviewed Ms. Baker, as well as some of the other neighbors. I was then told to start packing my bags. Grandpa Bob was stunned. He just shook his head while he sat at the kitchen table staring at an empty cup of coffee.
My mother didn’t even protest. I think she felt this was a great opportunity to get me out of her hair. The Child Protective Services Officer tried to tell her how she could go about getting me back, but I could tell she had stopped listening way before the officer finished talking.
Everyone from the neighborhood saw the officers walk me to the Child Protective Services van. From the corner of my eye, I could see Molly standing there, black book in hand, with a satisfied look on her face.
I glared at her, shooting an angry grin as she held Tom in her arms.
“You fucking bitch!” I screamed inside my head. “I will make you pay for this you stupid cunt! I will fucking destroy you!”
Molly and Tom’s figures became smaller and smaller until they eventually disappeared from sight, I lowered my head and daydreamed about the evil things I wanted to do to Molly Baker.
Brooke
Chapter ten
“When you love someone, truly love them, you lay your heart open to them. You give them a part of yourself that you give to no one else, and you let them inside a part of you that only they can hurt-you literally hand them the razor with a map of where to cut deepest and most painfully on your heart and soul. And when they do strike, it’s crippling-like having your heart carved out.”
~ Sherrilyn Kenyon
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/2/2014 at 11:35 pm:
I'm sorry, Tyler, but I can't do this anymore. It's too hard. I can't separate my feelings for you from helping you with your book.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/2/2014 at 11:37 pm:
What do you mean? I don't understand.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/2/2014 at 11:38 pm:
I have fallen in love with you.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/2/2014 at 11:40 pm:
That's ridiculous. You have fallen in love with the idea because you know it can never happen.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/2/2014 at 11:42 pm:
You’re an asshole, Tyler! I am done with you! You are a poison!
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/2/2014 at 11:45 pm:
Brooke we are both married. There is nothing I can do about that right now.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/2/2014 at 11:48 pm:
I can't do this anymore!
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/9/2014 at 9:40 am:
WTF, did you really unfriend me on Facebook! I have done nothing but been a good friend to you. And you do this and call me a poison! I thought you were my friend.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/9/2014 at 9:48 am:
I am. You hurt me, Tyler! You hurt me bad. I have shared things with you that I have not shared with anyone. You know me better than anyone.
It's hard for me to be this close to you. I love you, Tyler. The thought of not being with you is too painful. And every time I see one of your Facebook posts it brings back the painful feelings.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/9/2014 at 9:50 am:
Brooklyn, you are my best friend. I need your help to finish my book. You are the only one who can help me. You know my story inside and out.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/9/2014 at 9:58 am:
I have an appointment with a therapist to try and work through my feelings for you. I want to see what she has to say about this.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/16/2014 at 9:12 pm:
I've made some changes to the last chapter and I need your input bad :-)
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:14 pm:
Why aren’t you answering my messages!
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:16 pm:
My therapist has instructed me to distance myself from you. She said that I have a tendency to let people use me. I'm sorry.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:18 pm:
Brooke, this is crazy! This therapist doesn’t know me. I'm not using you!
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:20 pm:
All you ever want to talk about is the book. My life with Jack is falling apart and all you care about it your stupid book. You never ask about me or how I'm doing.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:23 pm:
I'm so sorry :-( you're right. I'm just so wrapped up in this story. It's my way of validating my existence. To m
atter.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:24 pm:
You do matter, Tyler!
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:26 pm:
If I died tomorrow I don't think anyone would really ever know I existed.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:28 pm:
What are you talking about! Your girls will remember you and I will remember you!
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:30 pm:
I know, but I'm talking about a greater purpose. I want the world to remember me when I gone.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:33 pm:
That's a shallow way to think, Tyler. It’s more important to be loved deeply by those who are closest to you than to be remembered by people who don't even know you. Focus on making a lasting impression on your daughters.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:35 pm:
I know :-) You're right, but I want both. I want to leave something behind that people will remember me by. Something that keeps my memory alive.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:36 pm:
I don't need that, but I guess I understand.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:39 pm:
That's why I need your help, Brooke. I need you to help me. I can't do it without you. Please help me.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/19/2014 at 9:42 pm:
I will help you, but I just need some time to work through my feelings. I have to disconnect my feelings for you from the book. I need to make it impersonal.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/19/2014 at 9:44 pm:
Okay deal! I'm so happy that you will be helping me finish the book :-)
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:09 pm:
I looked at the new version of your ending and I'm not sure I buy it. It needs more development. It feels rushed.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:11 pm:
What didn't you like specifically? I need details so I know what to rework.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:13 pm:
Let me re-read it tonight while my boys are at baseball practice.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:14 pm:
By the way how are you doing?
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:15 pm:
I'm alright, I met an old friend from high school for a drink. I think he's got a thing for me lol
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:16 pm:
What! Brooklyn, you’re playing with fire.
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:18 pm:
I know, but he's so nice to me. He genuinely wants to know how I'm doing. He makes me feel happy.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:19 pm:
Have you messed around with him?
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:20 pm:
We kissed.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:21 pm:
WTF! What about Jack!
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:23 pm:
Jack and I are over. I'm going to file for divorce. I'm going to ask him to move out of the house this weekend.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:24 pm:
Are you sure you want to do this? What about your boys?
Facebook Message from Brooklyn Page Napier 8/26/2014 at 10:26 pm:
I'm tired of being lonely! I think it’s more important for my boys to see a real loving relationship. What they see now is poison.
Facebook Message from Tyler Ward 8/26/2014 at 10:27 pm:
True, but be careful. Don't do anything stupid
Chapter eleven
“Betrayal is the only truth that sticks.”
~Arthur Miller
Jack Napier - Day 22
It was evening by the time my day had finally settled. First, I was processed at the Child Protective Services office, then two off-duty police officers transported me to an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town.
The local kids knew this place as “The Legacy Farm.” Smack dab in the center of the property sat a big two-story house covered in lap siding. There was a huge wraparound porch with white spindles. There was a porch swing hanging from the ceiling.
The officers escorted me up a set of wooden steps to the front door. From the arched window I could see a group of kids playing inside.
When we knocked, a young woman with remarkable eyes answered the door. They were a shade of green I had never seen before.
“Ma’am, we were instructed to bring Jack here to stay with you. Tina from Child Protective Services should have called to inform you of our arrival,” the officer explained.
“Of course,” she answered. “Tina called about an hour ago.”
The beautiful woman smiled at me, welcoming me into her home. She told me how happy she was to have me there.
The officers set my belongings down by the front door, said their goodbyes, and left. The mysterious eyes that captivated me earlier were now fixated on mine.
“My name is Elise. Would you like some cookies and milk?”
I nodded enthusiastically. I had only eaten lunch at the CPS office and it wasn’t much.
Elise guided me through the quintessential farmhouse. There was a living room on my left that showcased a crystal chandelier. On the right, the room opened to a den with mahogany paneled walls surrounding a limestone fireplace. In the formal dining room located towards the back of the house there was a cherry grove pedestal table with matching pierced back chairs. Everything was immaculate.
In the kitchen Elise offered me a seat at the breakfast bar. She set a tall glass of cold milk and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies in front of me.
I dipped the cookies in the milk before I ate them. The chocolate melted in my mouth. It was impossible to eat then slowly. When I finished Elise asked if I wanted more. I quickly nodded yes.
I heard the front door creak open followed by a heavy set of footsteps. I saw the faint image of a man with two young kids by his side. When they became visible the man smiled at me, which was calming to a kid who was afraid of strange men. He introduced himself as Andrew and instructed his two boys, Alex and Travis, to do the same. Andrew was a petite man with soft features. When he spoke is voice floated like a feather, the total opposite of Elise's voice. It was clear from the start that Elise was in charge.
“I know there has to be a lot going on in your mind right now, but try not to worry too much. We are going to take good care of you while you are here,” he assured me.
After filling my belly with cookies and milk, Elise took me to a private room upstairs. Passing Travis’s room, I saw racecar posters on the walls. In the corner of his room was a bed shaped like a racecar. When I would daydream about having my own room, this was exactly what I imagined. It was perfect!
Elise directed me past the hall bath to the guest room where I was going to sleep. On the top of my bed sat a pair of brand new pajamas. Elise instructed me to put them on.
“I will come back to tuck you in later,” she said, looking at me with a big smile.
Stepping over to the twin bed, I picked up the pajamas. I looked around the room as I sat on the bed and planted my face into the palms of my hands. It was the first time I had gotten a chance to be alone, to really think about what happened. Suddenly, I was overcome with fear. Nothing was familiar to me. The thought of never seeing Brooke again invaded my mind. Anxiety paralyzed my thoughts. I was struggling to breathe. I could feel my heart pounding in my temples.
Lying down, I closed my eyes and took slow, shallow breaths. Eventually, I fell asleep.
When Elise came back to tuck me in, she sat beside me and gently rubbed my back. She spoke in the most soothing voice.
“Everyth
ing's going to be okay. You're safe. We love you, Jack.”
She then kissed my forehead and said goodnight…
I woke in the morning to the smell of heaven. Feeling like I could already taste the bacon, eggs, and sausage, I raised onto my elbows. I breathed in all the wonderful scents wafting through the old farmhouse. My stomach was growling.
I popped out of bed and saw a handwritten note sitting neatly on a stack of clothes that Elise left for me.
Jack,
These are for you. Jump in the shower, get dressed, and join us for breakfast.
Love,
Elise
In a flash I was finished with my shower, dressed, and followed the heavenly smells to the kitchen. Walking into the room I was welcomed to breakfast by the whole family. It felt like I was in one of those cheesy 1980s sitcoms, only this was real.
Elise brought me a hot plate of food filled with juicy sausage, sizzling bacon, and scrambled eggs. My fork was ready before the food hit the table. Elise poured me a cold glass of milk and set it next to the half-eaten food. I couldn’t believe these people could be so nice to someone they just met. At my mother’s house I was the only one out of bed in the morning. I had to pinch myself to make sure this wasn't a dream. I wolfed down my food. I am sure they had never seen anyone eat like it was their last meal on Earth.
Elise giggled, then asked if I wanted more.
Remembering what Grandma had taught me I said, “Yes, ma’am.”
She laughed, turned, and began filling my plate again. Eventually, my stomach was so full I had to unbutton my pants. After drinking the rest of my milk, I sat back in my chair and grunted in satisfaction.
“Wow, that was great,” I murmured.
Alex, who was 11 just like me, asked I liked Star Wars.
"Yes!" I replied wondering to myself if there was any kid on the planet who didn’t love Star Wars.
“Cool! Let’s go check out my Star Wars collection!" he shouted.
Noticing Alex getting up from the table, Mr. Howard looked at us from behind his newspaper. Its crackling sound filled the room. Alex froze in place, realizing t he had not asked to be excused.
“Can we, Dad?" he asked.
Breaking Brooklyn Page 7