Chapter 56
Testing The
Boundaries
Part 1
It was Aunt Lizzy that came to our
rescue as I watched her pull up into the driveway. She gave me and Aaron a big hug and Don a
hard stare asking us if we were ready to go. I had told grandma not to tell
anyone regarding my special watch, that way it could never get back to my
parents; even though neither of us liked the idea, about people knowing where I
was every second of the day. It was there for my protection if my parents tried
to kidnap me again.
She agreed under those circumstances, but she also noted that it would be
nearly impossible for me to be smuggled out to find the Downing’s if the
opportunity arises. I nodded stating I had previously given my word to my
foster parents that I wouldn’t run away as long as they kept their bargain in
keeping me safe from my parents one the main reason I was allowed to come here
in the first place. It was agreed upon if they harmed me in any way that the
bargain was null and void. In some ways, I was glad that I was given a way out,
but I hated to disappoint someone I had given my trust to.
Soon as I put on my sneakers and tied the laces we were ready to go. Grandma
had gone through Aaron’s suitcase and thrown away most of his clothes.
Including his shoes that had more holes in them then Swiss Cheeses, not to
mention they were too big for him that looked like clown feet when he walked in
them; which gave me another reason to be angry with my parents. Knowing he had
been underfed and treated like a common animal.
The only good thing was the laws were changing and it was time that my parents
learned that they could no longer disregard Aaron's care and had been notified
that it would no longer be tolerated, and could result in huge 25, 000 dollar
fine and spending some time in jail if they find they disregard this law. Not
to mention they would lose custody of all their children. The very thing my
parents were afraid of was losing my sisters and the fact it gave the Downing’s
the opportunity to not only adopt me but my brother as well.
I had learned that my caseworker had visited the home that Friday within hours
of being notified what my parents had done the previous night. That he had
delivered the document signed by a family court judge in person. Stated they
would be visited weekly by the DDS and my caseworker to make sure that they
were following the letter of the law.
Personally, I didn’t have much faith that my parents would take it seriously or
the fact my caseworker was a “Ding Bat” and mostly would be replaced within three
to six months. But grandma made certain that somebody would be notified if they
dropped the ball. There were two reasons I was granted an extra day instead of
returning home Sunday afternoon. My caseworker only works Monday through Friday
and the fact it was ok for me to miss a day of school when my grades were top
notch, not to mention I was being held back for no reason other than to satisfy
my foster parents and their rules and guidelines regarding all foster kids sent
to them.
Plus he knew my grandmother doesn’t drive and the fact nobody was supposed to
know where I lived or how to get there. Even though my parents had found me;
The Rothwell’s made it clear in case someone like my friends or closes family
members would try to kidnap me. Which was more likely to happen; which was the
main reason why I was wearing my special watch, and my picture plastered at
every bus station and airport to prevent me from leaving.
Yet what they don’t realize that wouldn’t stop me if I chose to do so. I could
easily disappear in a matter of minutes before the police arrived if I had a
strong enough reason to do so, and was able to leave my brother behind. In some
ways, Aaron is my weakness and my strength.
I thought it wise to call Dad just in case the “Ding Bat” forgot to inform him
that he had granted my grandmother an extra day, but grandma thought it was
unnecessary stating that so far that so-called “Ding Bat” had gone out of his
way to give us everything we could possibly want. Including a nice check of five
hundred dollars to buy clothing and paint the town for both me and my brother;
to make up for what my parents had done. Tucking away the copy of the document
he had given the officers to hand deliver to her this morning when they were
making sure I was in good health. Personally, I think grandma was scared to
talk to my Dad knowing the monster inside him and how big he is, but this was
grandma show.
I always thought it was funny when you walked into the store like a clothing
store where it is stated no shirt, no shoes, no service. When they have
dressing rooms that allow you to try on clothes and if you’re a young boy like
me and my brother, parents simply have you remove your shirt and shoes right at
the racks so they can see if they fit instead of you wasting time in a small
crowed dressing room. You know I am right we have all seen it and know it is
quite impossible to fit two people in one stall without injuring oneself.
Grandma was no different when it came to Aaron and me and nobody said a word
about it, just went on with their business.
Aaron needed more clothes then I did considering I had a huge stash of clothes
at Grandma’s house and another stash of clothes at my foster home, but it
didn’t stop her from buying me a whole complete wardrobe an extra pair of
sneakers and dress shoes. After a fine dinner at a nice restaurant in Orem
called the Golden Apple which was quite popular back then, but sad to say they
are no longer in business today and now it’s a super saver store.
One step up from Desert Industries known to folks around here “DI” which is
considered a secondhand store where they take clothes that people no longer
want for various reasons. Unlike a thrift store where they give out cash money
for clothes that are in fairly good condition “DI” takes the ones that nobody
wants off your hands for free regardless how bad they are like the rags my
brother normally wears thanks to my parents.
It was nearly 8:30 when we got back
because the movie got out later than we had planned, even though Aunt Lizzy did
her best and brake the speed limit we still were late thinking we were going to
be in big trouble because of it, just to find out that officers weren’t even
there when we arrived. Grandma paced waiting for the phone to ring to tell her
we were in deep trouble, but it never did ring and it was way past our bedtime.
Even the following morning there was still no sign of them. Grandma had me
check in with the Rothwell’s just to be on the safe side.
Dad was cool about it only asked if we had a good time. Said to make sure I
take good notes in sacrament meeting and would see me Sunday afternoon. I knew
right then the “Ding Bat” had forgotten to inform Dad. When I brought it up
that “Ding Bat” said Dad growled the “Ding Bat’s” name then said he wanted to speak
to my grandmother.
I handed her the phone as I watched grandma’s hands shake saying. “Yes sir, I
understand, and I will make sure that doesn’t happen, you have my word on
that,” hung up the phone. She sat down on the bed to control her shaking. Stating
she really hated that man. But said I had to be back at by no later then 5 o’clock Monday in pristine condition; if she
had to delivery me herself; folding up the address tacking it on the wall.
Aaron and I spent the entire weekend together which was the best Thanksgiving I
had ever spent during those three years, but I also had a hard time saying
goodbye even though we would see each other for Christmas. As usual “Ding Bat”
called and said he was tied up. Saying he had heavy caseload returning other kids
back to their foster homes. Grandma kept her word having me home by five o’clock even though she had Aunt Lizzy drive us so grandma wouldn’t be recognized. Grandma couldn’t believe how
isolated I was seeing the large field were one horse grazed in all that
property. Yet nothing ever goes according to plan when concerns the Rothwell’s.
Dad and Mom wanted to meet this famous grandmother of mine that they have read
and heard so much about. I could feel the words grounded the second they laid
eyes on her. When Dad came out to greet us; there was nothing I could do but
grin and bear it. Dad shook hands and paused trying to refresh his memory. When
he eyes narrowed I knew I was in trouble; I would be lucky if I lived the next
few seconds.
Dad was surprisingly kind invited us into the living room, Mom gasp seeing her
and Dad whispered in her ear. Mom simply said. “So you are not just a nurse,
but his grandmother as well,” Dad suggested we sit so grandma I could explain
ourselves. Can you say the word grounded for a lifetime? Dad waited for her to
answer as the room became silent.
Almost 15 minutes passed before grandma found her words. She explained that an
old friend of heir’s at the hospital notified her that her grandson had been
severally injured by “skateboard accident” and was quite ill. She then said she
immediately dropped everything and came to the hospital found that Doctor and
the nurses were understaffed considering I would need full-time care. Saying it
was a win, win situation, she got be with me when I needed her and the doctor
and the nurses were free to help other patents. Stating she served during the
war as a nurse and worked for a doctor in Springville part-time until he
retired and she was too busy raising children to take on other work. Saying she
had some pull with Doctor in charge with my care.
Grandma was aces when it comes to little white lies that sounded a lot like
truth. Dad suggested she continue. She gave the best whopper of a fishtail with
elements of truth. Dad and Mom bought it hotline and sinker. Mom calling
everyone in so they could all meet her, Dad let them all draw their own
conclusions when they all gasped seeing her face. Dad saying he was going to
have a nice long talk with a certain Doctor to verify the story and give him a
piece of his mind. Grandma said not to be too hard on him considering she did
twist his arm and called in a favor or two.
I knew someone was going to die and I didn’t want to be in that person's shoes.
Mom told Kerry to set two extra plates for grandma and Aunt Lizzy after Dad
insisted they stay for dinner and family home evening. You don’t say no to Dad
unless you had a death wish.
Dad was back to business when he asked if she wouldn’t mind filling in some
details regarding what happened in regards to what my parents did. Grandma laid
it all out. Dad just sat there trying to determine if either of us was lying.
But he had the reports that I hadn’t been harmed, just terrorized; that they
had no choice but to tranquilize both me and Aaron, “but the truth is in the
pudding,” another one of grandma sayings.
Even though he had proof and he could see I hadn’t been marked nor had a bruise
on my arms or my face. He needed to know to set his mind at ease. Grandma
shrugged it off when he said that he would like to see first hand if I hadn’t
been harmed by her or anyone else. Grandma said a deal is a deal. Dad nodded
and said that my brother Shane could give her a grand tour while he checks for
himself. But grandma refused and
declined the offer saying she was my grandmother and she had much right to make
sure that everything was on the up and up. Nobody says no to grandma unless you
want tongue lashing.
If you ever wanted to know what a side of beef feels like, I can tell you its
not very pleasant. Even though both parties have seen me in the raw enough
times to memorize every mark and scratch down to the smallest detail, it still
felt uncomfortable. I closed my eyes as Dad and Mom walked around me prodding
me with their eyes and hands, while grandma sat there on my bed watching this
so call side of beef being interrogated. I never felt so humiliated, well
except the time Dad did it the first time and quite roughly as if I was prison
inmate smuggling drugs or weapons. When Mom and Dad were satisfied I was allowed
to dress and sent on my way to help in the kitchen why Dad and Mom had a more
private conversation regarding most likely what I had told her in complete
confidence.
Personally, I doubted my grandmother would ever divulge what I had told her
regarding the “skateboard accident” or anything else for that matter. But the
longer they were in there the more I sweated and thought for sure she was about
to die and I would be next. Yet when the door opened they were all laughing
stating that I had a cute butt and well-defined features and began to wonder
what it is that so special about my butt, that made it so cute. I would be
lying if I said I had never looked at in the mirror when nobody was looking, I
didn’t see anything cute about it.
I had noticed that the new kid Kelly wasn’t present even when dinner was served
and everyone had taken their seats. When grandma asked regarding the other boy
considering she had been told they had three foster boys. The room became
silent. Dad simply implied that Kelly wasn’t feeling well and had a bad case of
stomach flu. Grandma played it cool and didn’t ask any more about it. Instead
told stories about me and something’s I did that I wasn’t even aware she even
knew. She and Aunty M had a lot in common when you thought a secret was safe,
instead, they knew all about it.
Aunt Lizzy added a few more things regarding how bored I get when it comes to
school and tend to take the easy way out when came to homework. I could have
liked to choke the life out of her. Stating that I love coasting through easy
classes instead saying I would like something more of a challenge. Mom smiled
stating that she and Dad had noticed that too and asked what she suggested.
Grandma said harder books to read and more of them, and I needed something to make
her grandson a less of a target when it comes facing my father.
Dad smiled which gave me the creeps. I knew sports were going to be involved
and both grandma and he saw eye to on that subject. Dad said he was thinking
about signing me up for wrestling and maybe boxing or karate; to make a man out
of me and instead of spending all my time in the kitchen baking cookies.
Grandma suggested horse riding and roping cattle like I had done with the
Downing’s. Considering I still lived in a farming community where there were
plenty of places that are looking for boys to help out and earn a little income
on the side.
Dad drummed his fingers on the table stating he could make a couple of calls
and see what’s available, but I could do a lot more here tending to the horse
out back and had considered getting a second one to breed with the one he has.
The matter was settled and my chores just had been increased, Shane suggested
that he would like the opportunity as well so he could save money for his own
car and help pay for his mission. Dad agreed stating that it was an excellent
idea; most likely because I needed a babysitter.
Grandma wasn’t through when she asked about my scouting and how much she was
hoping that I would earn my Eagle before that window closes. Dad said he and
brother Nile's were working on it,
but they were still trying to determine what badges I had already earned.
Grandma said that she had my sash that had all my badges sewn to it and would
be happy to have it sent over by the end of the week. She would send my uniform
but I had already outgrown it. Mom said she had planned to get me a new one,
but been so busy and I hadn’t been able to wear a shirt since the middle of
October that it fell through the cracks.
When dinner was done Mom had me and Shane take care of the dishes while Dad
gave her the grand tour of the house including the basement. To satisfy her
that everything was on the up and up. Stating he is hoping to get me over the
fear of basements sometime in the near future.
Grandma told him not to push it stating my father really did a number on
both me and my brother in the church basement. Dad agreed to say at first he
didn’t believe parents are capable of such cruelty. But after watching several
episodes and meeting my parent's first hand. He is now a firm believer.
I had noted that grandma has a fear of stairs since she hurt her hip falling
down the front porch, and the fear became worse over the years to the point she
would never leave the house. I watched grandma look down and say a quick prayer
and gripped the rail tightly. I think she did it for me and for her self. To
make sure that I was telling the truth, that dark secret was lurking down
there. But I also knew if Dad was willing to show her the basement, that once
more the evidence was well hidden to the naked eye. Shane and I watched and I
noticed he held his breath until they both came back up; commenting on the
workmanship of Arthur’s and Shawn’s room. In some ways, I was relieved and at
the same time, I was disappointed.
I heard Dad tell her that new boy Kelly is more of a challenge that he had
expected me to be, but found the complete opposite, telling her that I am well
mannered and seldom get into trouble and I do everything I am told to do and
seldom needed to be disciplined. Grandma stating it was mostly due to good
foster parents like the Fry’s, Steeds and the Downing’s. Dad didn’t correct her
just said that he hoped he would be on that list.
Grandma said, “the proof is all ways in the pudding.” Lying stating she has
heard nothing but good things so far, suggesting that she hoped it remained
that way. Dad didn’t say yes or no, nor did he promises that things would; I
knew enough about the Rothwell’s that Dad wasn’t about to give his word on
something he didn’t plan on keeping. Grandma just looked at me long enough if
to say be very careful which stated I had every right to be afraid.
Kerry was in the living room showing off her skills playing the piano. When
everyone came into the living room for family home evening except for Kelly I
knew he wasn’t in his room because grandma had been in there and the door was
wide open. I wouldn’t think that he would be outside considering it was too
cold to be out there at night. Dad sent Shane to get him not even having the
flu would exempt you from missing family home evening. The first thing I
noticed was the rings around his ankles and wrist they had been rubbed raw, and
like me, he was wearing the ankle monitor. Grandma quickly darted her eyes when
he looked up at her; again warning me to be very careful.
Instead, she committed that it had been some time since heard such beautiful
music and remarked that was when I had my first piano recital so I could earn
my music merit badge and was hoping that I would pursue it. Mom and Dad nearly
gasped said that neither I nor my file said anything about me learning to play
any instrument. Grandma sat next to me and hugged my shoulders stating that I
had a gift in music and great voice having competed in sing competitions at
Payson Junior High. Mom stating that once again I surprise them and suggested
that I give an example; I tried to decline said it had been some time since I
had even played.
Dad wasn’t to be denied. Told me he didn’t care how rough it was or how long
ago it had been. So I picked out an easy hymn and did my best even though I was
a little slow and stumbled my way through it. Dad and Mom clapped told me to do
another. Grandma and Aunt Lizzy were quite proud of stating with some practice I
could be quite good. I could feel my face redden with embarrassment and the
goosebumps that shivered through my body. Quickly taking my seat noticing
everyone was proud of me except Shawn, Kelly, and Arthur who showed nothing but
hate. That said I was going to pay for trying to be goodie two shoes.
I was surprised they didn’t make me sing, but Mom stated she thought she could
tell, but me being so shy she didn’t push it, but that was going to change
first thing Sunday morning. Dad agreed to suggest that Kerry could tutor me. I
could just see my days and wondering where in the world I was going to find the
time to do all these things. I was busy as it was with chores, scouts,
basketball, and the swim team. Let’s not forget school and all that homework.
There are only 24 hours in a day and 8 of those hours you spend sleeping, well
trying to sleep. Now Mom and Dad want to add more. All thanks to grandma and
Aunt Lizzy reveling my secrets.