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“You can’t be like this. You’re my son!” McKenna continued, his tone laced with a mix of command and desperation. In his worldview, there was no room for this truth from his son. “I won’t allow it. We’ll fix this. We’ll get you help.”
Evie nodded at me—Neil must be on the school grounds—and I knew I just had to hold McKenna back for a little longer. His fist flew, catching me on the temple, rocking me back, but I shoved him away.
“Stop!” I yelled.
But McKenna was beyond listening. He turned his glare towards me, his anger finding a new target, spittle flying. “You’re the reason my son is like this!”
I wasn’t scared. If anything, I felt a surge of protectiveness toward Ainsley and Clarke. It was one thing to face discrimination myself, but seeing it directed at these kids was something else entirely.
“Sir, step away.” Thank fuck. Neil was here and between us, easing his way in front of McKenna, guiding him back to the wall, looking from Evie to me, and to the kids behind. “Does someone want to explain what is going on here?”
“Dad hurt me.” Ainsley’s voice, though strained, was firm.
“That’s a damned lie!” McKenna lunged for me again, only this time, he caught Neil square on the chin, and Neil was there, spinning McKenna to face the wall and pulling out handcuffs.
“You’re not my son if you choose this… lifestyle!” McKenna yelled over his shoulder, his words dripping with poison.
Neil was reading him his rights for assaulting an officer, then he grabbed McKenna by the shirt and marched him out of the room. “My office,” he ordered everyone.
Ainsley was solid, Clarke right at his side, and the bravery he’d shown in standing up to his dad was amazing, but I couldn’t help but worry about the fallout from this confrontation.
As the door swung shut behind McKenna, leaving dead silence in its wake, the principal turned to us with compassion in every inch of her. Ainsley and Clarke were shaken, still near the door, their hands clasped tightly together.
“Wewillneed to take this to the sheriff’s office, boys. You too, Mr. Sheridan.”
Would this be the last straw? Was Ainsley going to go home? Would McKenna end up sending his son to some kind of conversion camp? Would he put Ainsley’s life in danger? I slumped back into my wheelchair, all my energy gone, the agony in my knee too much to ignore, and I wiped blood from my face, then gripped the arms, my knuckles white.
The principal leaned forward, her gaze first settling on Ainsley and Clarke. “Before we go, I want you both to know that you have my full support,” she began, her voice steady and sincere. She shot me a glance full of calm. “It takes a great deal of courage to speak your truth, especially in the face of such… vehement opposition. Please know that this school is a place where you should always feel safe and accepted, no matter who you love. Now, Clarke, please call your parents, and Ainsley?—”
“No. I don’t have anyone here.”
I spoke up then. “Your aunt, the one out of state, do you have her number?”
Ainsley nodded. “I’ll call her.” He pulled his cell from his backpack, but then, stared at the screen.”
“I’ll do it,” Clarke murmured, pressing buttons, then talking in low tones to whoever answered.
“Mr. Sheridan?” Evie asked, tearing my attention from Clarke and Ainsley. “Chris? Are you okay?” I nodded. “We’ll need a medic to check you out, but I hope you’ll be able to accompany Ainsley and Clarke to the sheriff’s office. I want it on record that I’m thankful you were here.”
“Okay.” I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. The principal’s support was reassuring, but I knew the road ahead would be challenging if this was going to be an open battle.
I really wanted to be there for everyone, to make things right, but also…
… I needed a hug.
Only, I couldn’t take this to Noah—that wasn’t fair—he didn’t deserve the mess that was me getting riled up and ranting at the world.
When we were done with the sheriff, answering questions, it was already six, and dark, and I was done with the evening. I wanted to head over to Noah, but my heart hurt; although, I smiled when I saw Noah had sent me a quick message about Ainsley.
Chris: It’s all reported. Ainsley is safe. Tell Fox he did well.
Noah: Thank you for letting me know. I will tell him. Are you coming here?
I wanted to, so badly, but I couldn’t. I was too raw, and the pain was too much.
Chris:Bad day, early night.
Noah: Do you want to talk?
