Chapter 5 - Friday

Bobby

When I woke up that morning, it took me a little while to remember where I was. That turned out to be the least of my worries. Turning over, I saw Kathy lying on her side away from me, snoring softly. While I was lying there, the stuff from the night before began running through my head, making me a little queasy. I remembered talking on the phone with Kathy until my dad grabbed me and started beating me up. I could remember the ambulance ride to the hospital with Kathy and how she didn't want to leave me. To be honest, I didn't want her to leave either. I think the only bright spot of the whole thing was when I thought I heard Kathy whispering that she loved me. Of course, it might have just been wishful thinking. I mean, how many girls could love a guy that would get beat up like I did?

Not wanting to disturb her, I slid out of bed, regretting it immediately. I felt like I had been run over by a truck or something. Getting dressed, I headed downstairs. When I got there I saw Kathy's dad sitting in a chair watching TV. As soon as he saw me he asked me to sit on the couch, because he wanted to discuss something with me. Sitting down, I began worrying about what he wanted to talk about. I didn't remember him saying anything when Kathy led me upstairs to bed, but I really didn't remember much of anything after we left the hospital.

"Bobby, first off, let me start by saying that I am really sorry for what happened last night. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I thought I might stay home this morning and help you if you wanted me to," he told me.

"Thanks, I really appreciate that, but why are you apologizing? It was that asshole... I mean it was my dad's fault," I told him, blushing at what I'd said to my girlfriend's dad.

"I'm sorry that you had to go through something like that. Now, what I really wanted to talk to you about was Kathy. She loves you, son. I don't want to see her hurt. I know you're a nice boy because Kathy says you are, but even nice boys can break a girl's heart. I guess what I'm trying to say is, do you love her?" he asked.

"Yes sir, I do, but I don't think she's going to think too much of me after last night. I mean, what girl wants a guy that gets the crap beat out of him? I just wish she hadn't seen me like that," I told him, unable to look him in the eye.

"Okay, I think I understand how you feel, but answer this, if she didn't still love you, why did she insist on staying with you?" he asked. I didn't have an answer to that, but I didn't think he really expected one.

"Sir, I know it's asking a lot, but could you take me to my house so I can get some clothes? I really don't want to wear the same thing I wore yesterday."

"Yes, I think I can handle that. Would you like to wait for Kathy, and eat breakfast with us?" he asked.

"Uh... not today, I don't think. I want to change clothes and I might as well take a shower while I'm there. Could you tell her that I'll meet her at school?"

"Yes, I'll do that for you, but you're going to have to face her sooner or later. You know that, right?" he asked.

"Yes sir, I know, but I can't just yet. I think I want to be by myself for a little while, to think about things, if that's alright."

"Yes, I can see that. I'll take you to your house, but I think we need to discuss something else. Where do you want to go? Do you have any relatives nearby that you might want to stay with? I want you to know, you are more than welcome here. You are good for my daughter, and I think she may have been good for you, too. Am I right?"

"Yeah, she's really cool. I mean, oh heck, I don't know how to say it, you know?" I told him, unable to put my feelings into words.

"Well, let's get you over to your house so you can change. Would you like a ride to school? I know you're a little worried about Kathy seeing you, but I think you might want to see her before you get to school."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Uh... would you mind just dropping her off at my house and we can walk to school together?"

"That sounds like a fine idea. Let me leave a note for them so they'll know where we are," he told me, writing a quick message to Kathy and her mom. When he finished, we took off for my house so I could get cleaned up.

Kathy

As soon as I woke up, I noticed right away that Bobby was gone. Heading down the stairs, I heard my dad and Bobby talking. When Bobby said he loved me, I almost rushed out to him. It didn't take long for me to realize how big of a mistake that would be. I heard what he said about me not wanting to see him, and how he thought I wouldn't think much of him after seeing him lying on the floor at his house. When he said he wanted to wait until school before he would let me see him, I almost cried. When Daddy convinced him to walk to school with me, I did cry. I was at least going to get a chance to prove to him that I really did love him. I didn't know exactly how I was going to do that, but there was one person I knew I could ask, Mom.

Once they had left, I figured I might as well grab a little breakfast while I waited for her to join me. After I got downstairs I went into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl of cereal. While I ate, I started thinking over what Bobby had said. I knew boys had a lot of pride about their masculinity, but this wasn't his fault. His dad had beaten him up. It wasn't like he had asked for it or anything. Thinking about all of that, I was startled when I happened to look up and saw my mom staring at me.

"What?" I asked, blushing bright red.

"I was just enjoying the sight of my beautiful daughter dreaming about a boy she's in love with. I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen," she told me. Blushing furiously, I started eating again, trying to think of a way to ask her what to do about Bobby. Looking up, I noticed she was staring at me again.

"Now what?" I asked.

"I'm just waiting for you to ask me what you're obviously building up to asking me," she told me, laughing as I blushed again. I was beginning to hope we only had a certain amount of blushes allowed in our lifetime, because if we did, I had to be getting close to the last one for me.

"I just want to make Bobby realize that I don't love him less, just because of last night. I mean, he thinks I'm not going to want to be his girlfriend after last night," I told her, doing my best not to cry. I must not have done a very good job of it, because the next think I knew, she was beside me with her arms wrapped around me. When she pulled me closer to her, all the pent up frustration and disappointment I was feeling seemed to come out. Once I'd cried myself out, Mom got up to get some tissues.

"There, do you feel better now?" she asked, when she came back. Nodding yes, I wiped my eyes and blew my nose. While I took the tissue to the trash, I realized then would be as good a time as any to ask for her advice.

"Mom, I heard Bobby telling Daddy that he didn't think I would want him after last night, but I love him. I want to prove that to him, but how?" I asked.

"Honey, I think the best thing I can tell you is to just be there for him. I would guess that he is feeling ashamed that you saw him like he that last night. All you can do is be there for him and continue to do what you've been doing so far," she told me.

"What are you two up to?" I heard Daddy ask as he came into the kitchen.

"When did you get here?" Mom asked.

"Just now, I heard the two of you making war plans against that poor boy. With two women making plans against one helpless male, he won't stand a chance," he told us, laughing when we both stuck our tongues out at him.

"Daddy, you heard him this morning. He didn't think I wanted anything to do with him. I think you already know that I love him. I just want him to be able to see that," I told him.

"I'm a little disappointed in you that you would eavesdrop, but I can understand why you did it. You don't have to worry, honey. He loves you and I think after all of this is settled, he'll realize you love him too. Just don't hurt him, I know he is very vulnerable and you could very easily break his heart. I think he knows you love him, but his father loved him too. His father disappointed him, so all I can tell you is to be careful." I thought about what he'd told me and realized he was right. I was going to have to be careful. After I finished my breakfast, Daddy took me to Bobby's house so we could walk to school. I was just worried about what I would find when we got there.

Bobby

When I got to the house, I took a deep breath before opening the door. What I saw made me a little queasy in the pit of my stomach. The house was a disaster. I hadn't really noticed all of the damage before we went to the hospital, but then again, I guess I wasn't in any shape to notice much of anything. Wanting to put it out of my mind, I hurried upstairs as quickly as I could to shower and get dressed.

Looking in the mirror, I figured I might as well shave too. Finishing that, I headed back downstairs and started putting stuff back where it was until I noticed the telephone lying on the floor. Seeing that, I lost all of the control I'd been fighting so hard to keep. I couldn't help thinking about how Kathy had found out about my dad beating the crap out of me over the phone. Sitting in the middle of the floor, I just started crying.

I must have been really out of it, because the next thing I remembered was Kathy on the floor beside me, hugging me close with tears in her eyes. Without thinking, I hugged her back, happy to have her close to me. Finally pulling myself together again, I noticed Kathy's dad standing by the door, watching us closely. I don't know what he was seeing, but it must have been okay because he smiled when he saw me looking at him.

"Bobby, don't worry about the mess. If it's okay with you, I'll get someone in to clean it up for you and you can stay with us for awhile. Right now, I think you two need to get to school, though," he told us. Even though I agreed with him, I admit I was a little nervous about going to school. Everyone would be able to see the bruises on me. If it weren't for Kathy, I probably wouldn't have gone, but I knew if she was there with me, it wouldn't be so bad.

Kathy

I know Bobby didn't really want to go to school that day, but thankfully he did. He was worried about what I thought of him after he got beat up, but I was only thinking about how brave he was to go to school the next day. We didn't say much on the way, but we didn't need to. It seemed like we were comfortable enough with each other to be able to just be together, no words were needed. The only bad thing was Bobby seemed to get more nervous as we got closer to school. I could see it in his eyes and in the way he kept squeezing my hand. The only thing I could do was squeeze his hand in return, trying to let him know I was there for him.

When we got to school, we undressed again and were on our way to class when Principal Anderson saw us, or I should say when he saw Bobby.

"I heard about last night. I want you both to go to my office. I need to do something and I'll be right there. Go on in to my office and sit down, I'll be back as soon as I can," he told us. Heading to his office, I could see him going into the counselor's office. Mrs. Erickson hadn't been at the school very long, but everyone liked her. I figured Principal Anderson would want Bobby to talk to her. I just couldn't figure out why he needed me to be there, too. I wasn't about to complain, though. I wanted to be with Bobby as much as I could, especially then.

We didn't get much of a chance to wonder why were there. Principal Anderson came rushing into his office, followed by Mrs. Erickson. At first, I didn't think Bobby knew what was going on, but you could see when he figured it out. He kind of slumped down in his seat.

"Bobby, I know you were beaten last night. I know it's safe to say it wasn't your fault. Before I came to this school, I dealt with battered women as well as abused children. From what I've been told, you were abused too. The reason you are both here is this time it affected you both. Yes, I know you weren't hit Kathy, but you are close to Bobby," she told us.

"Yeah, I'm his girlfriend," I told her, looking at Bobby, making sure I wasn't wrong. When he turned and smiled at me, I knew I'd said the right thing.

"I think that was obvious to anyone that has seen you two together, lately," Principal Anderson said, smiling at both of us.

"The reason we called you both into the office first was to ask if you wanted to withdraw from the program, for now. You would have to make up the day later in the year, but I would call this an extenuating circumstance," he told us.

"No! I do not want to quit this, not now. I admit I thought about it earlier today, but it's just the rest of this week. If I quit now, it's like I let my dad win. There is no way I'm going to do that," Bobby told them, looking at me. When I nodded my agreement, he seemed to relax. I was glad he'd said that. I really wanted to finish out the week, too.

"Are you sure? You have bruises all over, we don't want you to be embarrassed," Mr. Anderson said.

"Aren't you a little too late for that?" I asked, laughing. Bobby was holding his sides as he started laughing as well. It only took Principal Anderson a couple of seconds before he joined us. Finally calming down, I noticed Bobby was hurting, but he was still laughing as hard as the rest of us. I was glad to see him joining in.

Bobby

I wasn't really surprised to see Mrs. Erickson. I knew she had helped other students that had abusive parents. I just didn't know what she could do for me. When Principal Anderson said he didn't want me to be embarrassed, I almost laughed, but when Kathy said that, I did laugh. I laughed so hard I had to hold my ribs before I damaged them even more. I was starting to feel pretty comfortable until Mrs. Erickson asked me to come to her office. I had at least hoped that Kathy and I would be able to stay together. I knew we would be separated by classes, but I wanted to be around her as much as I could.

"Kathy, while Bobby goes with Mrs. Erickson, you might as well go to class," Principal Anderson said, which settled that. Then Kathy did something that kind of surprised me, she kissed me. I don't mean a light kiss or anything like that, I'm talking about one of those kisses you feel down to your toes. When we pulled apart, I was fully erect, again.

"Well, I'm glad to see that isn't broken," Kathy said, smiling as she looked down at my dick. When she said that, I looked at Principal Anderson and Mrs. Erickson. I could tell they were trying really hard not to laugh, but they weren't very successful at it. With a sigh, I followed Mrs. Erickson to her office. Once we were there, she had me sit down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. Making myself comfortable, I waited to see what she wanted to discuss. I had a feeling it wouldn't be too easy to listen to, I was about half-right.

Kathy

I figured Principal Anderson would say something about me kissing Bobby, and I was right, but it wasn't what I figured he would say.

"Good girl, I was kind of hoping you would do that. I have a feeling you did more for his self-worth than any speeches I could have given him. Too many victims of domestic abuse feel like they bring that on themselves. You and I know better," he told me as he walked me to class. I was surprised at this, but I had to agree that it wasn't Bobby's fault.

When I got into class, I was kind of surprised there were so many people asking about Bobby and how he was doing. I had forgotten how quickly news could spread. I told them he was okay, but he would be sore for awhile. When they started asking me for details, I figured it was better if Bobby told them what happened. I didn't want to embarrass him anymore than he already was.

All during class, I couldn't help wondering what Bobby was doing. I knew he was talking to Mrs. Erickson, but I hoped it wasn't too tough on him. I knew he wouldn't want to discuss it, but I really wished he would. The only thing I really cared about was that he was okay.

Bobby

I was a little nervous in Mrs. Erickson's office, but somehow, I was kind of glad to be there, too. I knew that didn't make a lot of sense, but for some reason, I knew I could trust her.

"Okay, Bobby, first, I want to let you know that what you tell me in here, stays in here, so let's get started. The first think I'd like is for you to tell me what happened. We're in no big hurry so just take your time," she told me. As I told her what happened, I could see her eyes widening, but thankfully, she didn't say anything until I was finished. After I told her about the full night, I waited for her to say something.

"Okay, the first thing I want you to do is to tell yourself it wasn't your fault. I say that because I can see you blame yourself. I know it's only a small consolation, but you aren't the first, nor will you be the last to do that. It was not your fault. That's one thing you have to believe. I don't know how many times I've talked with a wife or a child that actually believed they were to blame. You have to know it isn't your fault. You weren't the one that poured that first drink for him. All you were doing was allowing yourself to be a teenager. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. From what I understand, you hadn't been allowed to do that before," she said, walking around to me. Looking up, I started believing her.

"Okay, you're right, I didn't pour the drink, but I knew I shouldn't have been..." I started.

"No, it doesn't matter what you should or shouldn't have been doing. Grounding you or revoking privileges are ways of dealing with misbehavior, although I personally don't think talking on the phone to a friend is misbehaving. Beatings are not punishment or discipline, they're abuse! Now, I know that your mother left you a few years ago, do you remember anything about that?" she asked. Thinking back, I started remembering a few things that I'd hidden in the back of my mind. I could remember a couple of times late at night when I would hear raised voices and even the sound slaps. As the memories came flooding back, I began crying, letting go of some of the fear and anger that I'd been holding deep inside of me. I don't know how long I cried, but somehow, there was a tissue in my hand. I didn't even remember her giving it to me. Using the tissue, I wiped my eyes as I stared at the floor. I couldn't bring myself to even look at her because of my embarrassment.

"Okay, now, changing subjects, what is Kathy to you?" she asked. What was she to me? That was easy to answer.

"I... uh... I love her," I told her.

"Okay, let me ask you this. If you and she were to get married in a few years, could you see yourself ever hitting her?" she asked.

"No! I'd never hurt her, I just told you I love her," I said, getting a little mad that she would even think I could hurt someone I care about. As I started thinking about leaving her office, I thought about what I'd just said. I knew I could never hurt Kathy. She was special to me. You just didn't hit someone you love.

"Yes, I can see just what you're thinking. You're beginning to wonder why your father would hit you or your mom. And, Yes I kind of figured he hit your mother too. Now, I want you to look at me. I don't think you would hit Kathy either, but have you ever heard the saying about breaking the chain? What that means is, just because your father abused you, it doesn't mean that you should abuse your child. I really don't think you would ever hit someone like that, but I would like to see you in here once a week. I can clear it with Principal Anderson, but I need you to agree," she told me.

"Okay, but what will I need to do? I mean, I thought we had already talked about all we needed to," I told her.

"Well, my thinking is you have a lot of issues you have to deal with, the first being the loss of the two people you loved the most, or at least two of the three people you love most," she said, smiling at me. Blushing, I nodded, realizing she was right.

"Okay, I'll do it," I told her, actually feeling better than I had in a long time.

"That's great. I'll talk to Principal Anderson after you leave. Now, I think you should get to class. I just want you to remember a couple of things; you have nothing to be ashamed of. It wasn't your fault, and you have people you can talk to. You can talk to me, Principal Anderson, and I know Kathy will be there for you," she told me. Realizing she was right, I headed to class, looking forward to seeing Kathy, again.

Kathy

Spanish class was even worse than my English class was. I couldn't concentrate at all. I wanted to know if Bobby was okay. I knew it must be really hard on him. I'd only heard a little of it on the phone and that was really bad. I couldn't even imagine what it had been like even before then. I didn't think I'd ever understand how a parent could even think about hurting their kids. Thinking about that, I realized that I'd been really lucky. There were a few times that I would get in trouble, but my parents would just spank me or ground me. They'd never punched or kicked me. I could remember how I thought they were being unfair at the time, but I didn't realize just how lucky I was.

"Miss Hanson, would you care to translate that last passage," Mrs. Martinez asked.

"Um... I'm sorry Mrs. Martinez, I wasn't listening," I told her.

"I could see that. I think you should go visit with Principal Anderson," she told me. Embarrassed, I grabbed my books and headed toward the door, Mrs. Martinez following me.

"Ah, don't worry about this. I'm sending you to Principal Anderson because I know you're worried about Bobby. Of course, if you tell anyone that, you will be translating passages on the blackboard for the rest of the year. Now, go ahead. Remember, we're all here for you. Abuse doesn't affect just those that are abused," she told me, giving me a quick hug before telling me to hurry along.

I got a little nervous when I entered the outer part of the office. I know Mrs. Martinez told me I was to just talk to Principal Anderson, but I'd always been one of those kids that never got into trouble. It seemed like I had been in the office more times that week than all the times combined before that. Unable to look any of the secretaries in the eye, I just looked down at the floor.

I didn't have to wait long before Principal Anderson asked me to come into his office. Closing the door behind me, I waited to see what he had to say. It didn't take him long to get to the point.

"Miss Hanson, I know this has been very hard on you today. I spoke to your parents before I called you in here and they filled me in on the other details of last night. I wanted to let you know how sorry I am that you heard any of that last night, but more importantly, how proud I am that a student from this school had the presence of mind to realize the authorities needed to be called. That was good thinking on your part. They also told me that Bobby is staying with you now. I'm glad you were able to help him out," he said.

"Yes, sir, my parents said he could stay there as long as he needed to."

"Good, now I know you're worried about him, but you need to try to keep your mind on your classes," he told me, smiling a little at me. Even though I was worried, I couldn't help it when the giggle escaped from my lips. Looking at his watch, he told me to go to my next class.

I didn't know if he'd planned it, but as I stepped out of the office, I saw Bobby walking toward my Spanish classroom. Rushing to him, I threw my arms around him and kissed him again. I heard a few giggles around us, but I didn't care. Walking hand in hand, we went to Anatomy class, enjoying the feeling of being together.

Bobby

When Kathy threw herself at me, it felt like the most natural thing in the world as I held her in my arms. As soon as we got to our next class, Mrs. Wright smiled at me. I was kind of surprised, but not nearly as surprised when everyone else started telling me how glad they were to see me. Embarrassed, I hurried to my seat, trying to keep myself from breaking down and crying like a baby. Geez, it was getting kind of embarrassing for me. I'm supposed to be a guy and all I seemed to want to do that day was cry.

"Bobby, would you like to request relief?" Mrs. Wright asked me. Shaking my head no, I realized she was just giving me a chance to get myself together before she started class. Smiling at her, I tried to let her know how much I appreciated her being so nice to me.

"Okay class, this is the last day of the week, I was going to call Bobby and Kathy to the front of the room to give us their thoughts on the week, but I think we can pass on that." Even though it was kind of embarrassing to be seen with all of the bruises on me, I decided not to be treated any differently than any other day.

"Mrs. Wright, if that was what you had planned, I can do that," I told her.

"Are you sure?" she asked. Realizing I hadn't asked Kathy if it was okay with her, I looked over at her. When she nodded in agreement, I stood up and walked to the front of the class, with Kathy right behind me.

"Okay, Since Mr. Ellis and Miss Hanson have agreed to it, I'd like to ask the first question. Miss Hanson, how has your week been? Was it better or worse than you expected?"

"I think it was actually better than I expected. I've always been the one they called a geek. Sure, I knew a lot about books, but I didn't really know that much about friends and," she paused for a second, looking at me, "and boy-girl relationships. I had seen a lot of couples in the halls, but I didn't really know what they were feeling. I know The Program wasn't about finding someone to fall in love with, but I found someone. When Principal Anderson told me I was going to be paired with Bobby, I figured 'oh great, I get paired with a jock.' I found out what they meant about judging a book by its cover. I couldn't have found a nicer guy, but I probably wouldn't have ever really noticed him if it hadn't been for The Program," she said, smiling at me.

"Okay, you're right, that wasn't what The Program was for. You learned a few valuable lessons, it seems. When The Program was devised, it was created to help our children become more comfortable in their own bodies. Bobby, what did you learn this week?" Mrs. Wright asked.

"Well the first thing I learned is I have a lot more friends than I thought. In a way, I was like Kathy. I would never have thought about asking her out if it hadn't been for The Program, but when we both had to go through this, I found I could actually depend on someone besides myself. I... uh... I found it out even more after last night," I told her, looking down as I finished.

"Yes, I heard about that and that was something else I wanted to commend you on. Class, Bobby was given the chance to opt out of the program today, but he chose instead to continue his participation. I know this word gets used for all sorts of things, but what Bobby displayed today was courage. If this had happened at the beginning of the week, I think it's safe to say he'd have used that chance to get out of it, am I right?" she asked, looking at me. When I nodded, she continued, "I agree, you do find out who your friends are, and I know it's helped you break through that shell you'd been hiding behind. We all have our shells, whether it's shyness or even brashness. I think we can call this week a success," she told us, smiling at Kathy and me.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I think I was hiding in my books so I wouldn't have to talk to people. Now I found I can have both. I'm still going to work hard to get the best grades I can, but I can also have friends, and... um... a boyfriend," Kathy said, smiling at me.

"Um... Yes, that's true. As I said, The Program wasn't designed to help you get a boyfriend or a girlfriend, but I can see how and why it happened. Okay, you both said you were virgins. Is that still true?" she asked us. When we both told her we were, she smiled and I think she said something about that not being true for much longer, but I didn't get a chance to really think about it when she continued, "Okay, how uncomfortable has The Program made each of you. I know you've had several people touching you during the week."

"Well, until this week, I hadn't been touched much, not even by myself. I found out it could feel pretty good, although, a couple of times it was a little painful. There were even a few times when it felt really good. I wouldn't want to have to do it again, but I won't ever regret this week either," Kathy said, smiling at me.

"I... um... well, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I found out that when someone you care about touches you, it can be pretty nice. It's like you said, I'm a virgin, and I couldn't tell you what sex is like or anything like that, but I think if it's with someone you really like a lot, it can be pretty cool," I told her, smiling at Kathy.