I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Am I really the only one who sees this smug, confused, know-it-all kid for the spoilt manipulator he is? I was appalled beyond belief that this kid was somehow succeeding in convincing all these eggheads that he's justified in hitting his momma. I couldn't bear it anymore and so had to drag Drake outside to talk some sense into him.
'I really am ashamed of you right now Drake. What happened to teaching these young lads some old school manners?'
'But he has...'
'Shhh shh. I don't wanna hear it. How can you be so gullible as to be outsmarted by a kid who's barely stopped pooping his pants. I've had it with your quasi innocent I'm-so-naive-i-wanna-give-everyone-a-chance act. It isn't cute anymore. Stand your ground for once for Christ's sake and stop being such a soft kiss ass. Christ Drake!
'You're overreacting. Michelle. This kid hasn't always been this way.'
'I don't give a rat shit how he was. He's a mom beater now. A MOM BEATER! Do you understand the ramifications of that?'
'Yeah, I guess you've got a point sweety. Ok we'll go in and and conclude the meeting for today. We don't seem to be making any headway right now. Why dont we arrange for another meeting at a later date and hopefully he'd have sobered up a bit by then? Sounds good right? Believe me, there's really not much to it. It's just youthful exuberance...'
'Youthful exuberance! I know you didn't just explain away a son hitting his mom as youthful exuberance. Do you know what it's like to have your child hit you'?
'Honestly, neither of us do.'
'Oh. Now it's like that right? Yeah, go on ahead and remind me that I'm childless Drake. Why not just call me barren while you're at it!' I exploded.
'God no Michelle. You know I'd never even think of it. We're childless Michelle. We. Not just you. I know it's been hard on you, but you know I'll love you with or without kids. Let's not do this. Not here and not now babe. We'll go in and conclude the meeting and take it one day at a time ok?'
'I don't believe you' I scowled and stormed back into the Davidsons' residence, leaving him behind to catch-up.
I couldn't get over the arrogant pompousity of Sean. I couldn't help but twist and squirm that night in our bed each time I recalled how impassively he sprawled on that armchair as everything that was said to make him feel remorse washed over his back as he maintained such cocky and unabashed defiance. I was also disgusted that his mom seemed to take it all so matter-of-factly. You'd expect a bit of a backbone.
And Drake, once again turned out to be very lacking in the willpower department. I already knew this was how he'd handle the matter. I'm positive we've heard the last of Drake on this issue. He's just swept it under the rug like he always does.
Not this time though. I won't sit back and let Drake's laissez-faire attitude allow that young man continue on this dangerous path to God knows where. He's just 24 for God's sake, who knows what he'll become by 30 or 35 if someone doesn't take drastic actions to quell this demon that's found a nest in his young mind. I said a brief prayer to God asking for strength and for the millionth time tried to sleep amidst Drake's snores.
The next time I saw the Davidsons was at church on Sunday. Like I thought, Drake had drowned in the sea of pastoral duties that were required to run the only church around this ghetto we'd been assigned to and never brought up the Davidsons again.
Cara, Sean's mom has never been a social butterfly by any stretch of the imagination. She always seemed to fade into the background, always so demure, bland and cowed. One of those women who desperately needed a self-esteem do-over. Even I barely noticed her before I saw her burst lip last Sunday. But now she seemed to be making a conscious effort at avoiding me.
I could count on one hand how many times I'd seen Sean in church since he got back from the military. His baby sister Katie was at her mom's side(as she always seemed to be.)
Poor woman! She must be completely stupefied by her lot in life. Left alone to fend for two kids, only to be repaid by one of them hitting her. I think she really needs a confidence boost.
Just as they were about to disappear out of sight, I all but ran up to them wearing my most friendly smile.
'Hey there Cara!'
'Hey Mrs Murray!' Cara replied, trying to pretend she hadn't seen me earlier.
'Oh please. Michelle is just fine. Hi Katie.'
'Hello Mrs...' she began
'It's Michelle ok?'
'Ok Michelle.' She replied, a tad bit too eagerly.
'How's Sean?' I asked no one in particular.
Katie let out a stifled giggle and looked at her mother. I looked to Cara for a cue and her face was still the blank canvas I'd always known it as.
'He's ok.' was her stoic reply.
'I thought I'd apologize for the wishy washy way Drake handled the matter the other day. You deserve more courtesy for your plight.'
'I really can't ask for more than you already gave. You must have a truckload of concerns weighing on your mind. Besides, it wasn't that big of a deal and I really didn't expect a reaction to it when I told you about it last sunday. I shouldn't have run my mouth.'
'Don't be silly' I chided her and again, Katie giggled.
'Did he at least apologize?' I asked
Cara looked at me like I was crazy and that answered my question.
'Sean has become a changed man ever since he returned from active service. He used to be so upbeat, so charming, so fun-loving. But hard as I try to rediscover that sweet, gentle boy, I keep coming face to face with this cold and detached soul who I can't recognize. He's a very special kid, the smartest of my kids and highly gifted. I just feel like he might've outgrown us. Maybe he might listen to you. You're so smart, so empathetic and knowledgeable. Maybe you might be able to relate to him from a standpoint that he'll appreciate. If it wouldn't be a bother, please join us for dinner tonight. It might help if you came alone so he doesn't feel threatened. It doesn't have to seem too formal, just a casual visit. You can just say you came to see me and I'll try to get Sean involved. I'd really appreciate it if you made it. I don't know what else to do.' Cara said and began to sob lightly.
My head was whirling from all I'd heard. I was also so amazed to hear Cara speak so lengthily. I didn't know what to say, so I looked to Katie, for a consensus and she had puppy dog eyes. Poor kid. She must be petrified of what her own brother had become.
'Ok! I'll be there I replied'
'Yay!' Katie howled while Cara gave the warmest smile I'd ever seen her wear as she squeezed my arm fondly.
'Thanks alot Michelle. I couldn't ever repay you for this,' were Cara's words.
'Thanks Michelle.' Katie hooted as she hugged me goodbye. I waved them goodbye as they got into their car and drove away.
I was overjoyed. I hadn't felt such grace and joy in a long time.