Hello, Mommy

By Tina Stickles

Single mom, Cassie Larson, is in over her head with her two juvenile delinquent sons. With the love and support of her best friend, Janet, new friend, Jordan, and her faith, she holds on to Gods promises.

Chris and Steven have rejected their mothers Christian teaching. They smoke, use drugs, and spiral out of control. Steven cuts himself and blows off the people he cares about. Chris steals, fights, and accepts his new friends invitation to join a cult. When he realizes the coven he thought harmless hurts people, he tries to back out. Only, that is not an option, and his mother may pay the price. Chris and Steven have to turn to the very ones they refuse to trust Jordan, the cops, and God in hopes to find their mother before its too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512749762

Tina Stickles

Tina Stickles was born and raised in Texas, and lives in East Texas with her husband. She has three grown children and four grandchildren. She works full time as a pediatric home health nurse. She is a member of the East Texas Writer’s Guild.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

A FIST LANDED ON THE LEFT side of Chris’s face. Stars exploded in his vision, and he staggered sideways. He reached for the restroom wall for balance, finding cloth and muscle instead. A guy’s hands shoved him forward. Chris got his footing and swung. His fist made contact, and he smirked watching the big guy slam into the bathroom stall. Chris lunged in to give another blow, then several sets of hands pulled him back. An arm went around his throat, then several big football players restrained him. I’m dead. He struggled to get loose, to breathe.

Todd straightened and turned on him. Who do you think you’re calling a dumb jock? At least I’m somebody. Trash like you doesn’t belong in this school. So, if you are going to be here, at least don’t force me to hear your voice.

Chris jerked to free his hands. The other boys tightened their grips, and Todd punched him in the stomach. And another thing, punk; stay away from Amy. She’s too good for you. You go near my cousin again, I’ll kill you.

Chris gasped out, coward.

Someone by the door shouted, principal!

The boys released him, half of them running out the door at the other end of the bathroom. Oh, man, I do not need this. He glared at Todd.

What’s going on in here? Break it up. Mr. Nelson’s eyes moved around the scene then honed in on Chris. Of course, he sighed. You would be involved. He shook his head, turned, and looked at Todd. His eyes narrowed. Your nose is bleeding. You want to tell me what’s going on here?

Todd’s Adam’s apple bobbed, glancing first at Chris, then back to Mr. Nelson. Yes, sir. Chris was running his mouth out in the hall. I came in to confront him, to tell him to stay away from my cousin. He hit me. So, I hit him back.

What? Chris glared at Todd. You’re a liar!

Mr. Larson, the principal warned, I’ll let you tell your side, but don’t interrupt. And I’m warning you— watch it.

Chris drew in shaky breaths and tried to calm himself. Fine, I’ll watch it. He didn’t even give me a chance to finish. How could he actually know what I was going to say? Focus.

Chris clenched his teeth and forced words out. He’s lying. First of all, I called him a dumb jock because he was running his mouth. My social life is none of his business. Just because Amy is his cousin, doesn’t mean he owns her. Second, he came into the bathroom and punched me before I could even turn around – like a chicken. Then his chicken friends held me so he could punch me again.

Mr. Nelson turned to the other boys. Everyone get into my office. Now!

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Cassie Larson stared at the man sitting on the other side of the large oak desk. His bulking form looked out of place in the tie and sport jacket. His cropped short, blonde hair and steel gray eyes gazing at her got under her skin. How could he look so nonchalant, considering her son had been assaulted? The incident wasn’t the principal’s fault, but he didn’t seem to care – not that her son had been assaulted, or that another shred of her heart was being ripped away over having more trouble with Chris.

Mr. Nelson leaned back in his chair. Mrs. Larson, I know this is stressful for you, but you have to understand, we have a ‘no tolerance’ policy at this school.

I understand that, but I’m also hearing you say my son is the only one going to alternative school or DAEP or whatever over this. Does ‘no tolerance’ apply to the athletes here, as well?

It’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. And of course, the no tolerance policy applies to everyone. We don’t discriminate here. I got the same story from all the other boys. Chris was the only one with a conflicting story.

Cassie reminded herself to keep her temper in check. Mr. Nelson, all those other boys were friends of Todd’s, as well as team mates. I happen to know these guys have been bullying Chris for years.

Mr. Nelson raised his eyebrows and leaned back in his chair. Well, as you know, we can’t discuss other students with anyone other than their parents. I can only discuss your son with you. All I can tell you, is we are investigating this, and we will be handling our findings appropriately. As far as bullying, those are pretty serious accusations. It’s obvious the boys don’t get along, but we can’t go after a student for bullying on the basis of one person’s accusations. My staff and I haven’t seen anything, and as far as I know, the security cameras haven’t picked up anything of the sort.

Your cameras wouldn’t have picked up on it this time, since there aren’t cameras in the restrooms. But my son has a bruise coming up on his face, and there are red marks on his throat. That looks like evidence to me.

Well, since I didn’t see what happened, I don’t know that those bruises came from this incident. All I know is Chris has had several strikes against him. We have sent letters home to notify you of his behavioral problems. Maybe you haven’t seen the notes. The fact is, according to our policy, today was his last strike. He has two months at the alternative campus, then we will reevaluate.

Cassie stared at her hands. Nothing I say will matter to him.

He handed her a stack of papers. These are the rules for campus. You will need to drop Chris off and pick him up on time each day. You both need to sit down together and carefully read the rules tonight. There is also a dress code- plain jeans, plain, solid-colored navy or white shirt. He is suspended from school tomorrow. Over the weekend maybe your son will have a chance to reevaluate his actions. He will need to report to Mr. Davis on Monday, and you will need to accompany him inside and help him register.

Cassie sighed. She never expected to get Chris out of trouble; but had hoped something would be done to address the bullying that had happened since they moved back to town. Even if it couldn’t be considered bullying, at the very least, these boys gave Chris a hard time on a daily basis. She believed her son. They attacked him, and he had tried to defend himself. She wasn’t the type of parent to think her kid never did any wrong, but there were times when you had to believe them.

Wonderful. Cassie sighed and took the papers. She stood, turning toward the door. Thank you so much for your ‘help. Sarcasm reeked in her voice.

Mr. Nelson stood and smiled. Just call me if you have any more questions– questions concerning Chris.

Cassie attempted a smile, failed, and walked out of the office. Chris sat outside the door where they’d asked him to wait after giving his version of the events. He stood and followed his mom to the car without speaking or looking up. They got into the car and left the parking lot in silence. He stared out the window.

Cassie sensed anger rolling off him in waves. With both of them angry, it was best to wait a few minutes before talking. An explosion wouldn’t fix anything, and she was so not in the mood to argue with her teenager. She glanced at him, wishing she could read his thoughts. When he looked over at her, the anger in his eyes frightened her.

Cassie broke the silence first. Chris, I believe you, but I also know you have a habit of running your mouth. Oh, why did you have to get into another fight? She already regretted her words, knowing they had not come out as planned.

Of course you’d think it’s my fault, he growled. He glanced at her, then looked out the window again. Tears glimmered in his eyes.

No, that’s not what I said. I don’t think it’s your fault. I don’t know whose fault it is. All I know is, I thought the fighting was over after all that mess last year. You didn’t tell me you were still having problems with those guys. Maybe I could have helped.

"I don’t need my mommy running to fix all my problems. You want me to get my butt kicked?

What? No. If you need help, I’m there for you. You’re my son. I love you.

Yeah, right. He shook his head. If Todd wasn’t such a coward, bringing all his buddies, I could have taken him. He may be big, but I’m fast. He paused and muttered, He’ll get his."

Listen to yourself, Chris. Self-defense is one thing, but ‘he’ll get his’ means you’re planning another fight.

No, I’m not planning anything; I just know it’s going to happen. He hit the door panel with the backside of his fist, and shouted, Why can’t you ever take my side in anything? I’m your son!

Cassie took a deep breath. Now she was the one fighting tears. When she spoke, her voice raised, despite her efforts to keep her cool. I take your side, probably more than I should. We’ve been having progressively more problems in school the past couple of years. I’m not saying that everything that happens is your fault; but the things you keep doing certainly don’t help. You won’t do your homework, you insist on hanging out with people who get in trouble, you are mouthy- it goes on and on. Can you just tell me why? Are you on drugs?

No, I’m not on drugs. Chris gritted his teeth, clenching and releasing his fist several times. This conversation was going downhill really fast.

She turned onto Hickory Street, and realized she might as well have driven home blind folded. She didn’t remember the trip, except for the conversation gone badly. She slowed at their driveway.

Their two bedroom craftsman style home was beige with white trim. The paint wasn’t brand new, but was in good shape. She had purchased shrubs on clearance at the season end last year and planted them across the front. Although it was like pulling teeth slowly with a pair of pliers, she persuaded the boys to mow the grass on a regular basis. It wasn’t an upscale neighborhood, but she didn’t think it was too bad, considering her income.

She pulled into the driveway, and before she put the car into park, Chris hopped out and slammed the door. It irked her when he slammed the car door. He wasn’t making the payments. She started to tell him about it, but he walked into the house and slammed that door behind him.

She shut the car door and leaned against it with closed eyes trying to calm herself. Father, I need your guidance here. I don’t know what to do, and I need your help. Chris needs your help. Please, show me what to do, and help me to control my temper.

She stayed a few minutes, hoping to calm down a bit more before going inside to let Chris know that he would be grounded for his actions today. It was as much the temper fit as what happened at school. When would he learn he could accomplish so much more if he would just be respectful and keep his cool?

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Chris slammed his bedroom door behind him and fell across his bed. He stared at the ceiling and tried to get a hold on his emotions. He was angry. His so-called mother didn’t understand anything.

What’s wrong with you, bro? Steven asked.

Chris looked across the room at his younger brother. He stretched out prone on the bed. ICP played, and Mom hated this band. She hated everything they listened to, but this one got under her skin the worst. He didn’t care. It was his room and his life; he would do what he wanted.

I got jumped at school today. Now, I have to go to DAEP while the cowards that ganged up on me get off scott free.

What? Who was it? Steven jumped up, putting his shoes on.

Down, little dude. You aint goin’ after no one.

Why? Man, you know I got your back.

I know you do, but I want you to stay out of it. You got any smoke?

Yeah, man. This is some good stuff. This will get your mind off things for a while.

Steven sat and leaned against the headboard. After mom goes to bed, we’ll go out back.

Yeah. Well, I’m gonna take a nap right now. I got a headache.

Chris pulled his pillow over his head and tried to relax.

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The next morning, Cassie started the coffee, then knocked on the boys’ door and opened it. They looked so sweet when they slept. Oh well, I have to wake them up. At least she had to wake Steven up, Chris was suspended. She walked over to Steven’s bed and gently shook him.

Hey, babe. It’s time to get up.

He moaned and rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head.

Let’s go, you have to get ready for school. Cassie walked out of the room, and went to get ready for the day.

After her shower, she brushed her teeth and put on a house coat. Cassie glanced in the boy’s room. Steven had not budged. She really could not afford to be late for work if he missed the bus again. She pulled the pillow off his head and the covers off his body.

It’s time to get up. You do not need to miss the bus. Let’s go, now.

She ignored the whining and grumbling, and went to her room to dress for work. When she returned, her son sat on the couch frowning.

Good morning, glory.

Whatever, he mumbled. He leaned against the back of the couch. Cassie looked him over. He wore all black. The shirt appeared to have been wadded up in the bottom of the closet.

You are going to put on some clean clothes, right?

These are clean.

Not again. No, that shirt is wrinkled too badly to wear anywhere, much less school, and I am pretty sure you wore those jeans yesterday. Go change so you can eat breakfast, and brush your teeth before the school bus gets here.

I’m not hungry.

Cassie sighed and walked out of the room. Do as I said, she called from down the hall. She did not have time for this. This boy had already made her late for work once this week.

Twenty minutes later, the bus stopped in front of the house. Steven jogged out to it wearing the same clothes he’d had on. He had black bands on both wrists, and his hair fell over his eyes. He swept it to one side as he boarded the bus.

Getting into her car, Cassie prayed for strength, then backed out of the driveway. It’s going to be a good day. This day just has to get better.

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Cassie’s boss scowled at her the first half of the day. Apparently she had not forgiven Cassie for leaving early for the meeting at the school the day before. She was late one day, too. By the afternoon the boss lightened up, but Cassie could still feel tension in the air. This was not good. She really could not afford to lose this job.

Her salary as a receptionist in a small insurance office was modest, but it paid the bills. She liked that her job allowed her weekends and holidays off work to be with her family. These days, though, the boys always wanted to be somewhere else for the weekends. That was normal. She remembered being a teenager. She had not wanted to sit around with her parents all weekend, either.

Cassie could not wait to get home, yet she almost didn’t want to go home. Could it be both ways? All she knew was the drama at home made her tired. She hoped there would be none tonight. She pulled into her driveway and parked the car. Taking a deep breath, she went inside.

Cassie paused a few steps into the living room. Hello, she called. From their bedroom door she took in a huge mess. What had Chris done all day? Dirty dishes cluttered his bedside table, papers and notebooks spread out on his bed. The laundry spread over the floor belonged to both boys, but she did not remember it being quite so bad that morning. She sighed and went to the back door.

She found the boys wrestling in the back yard. Chris flipped Steven over and onto his back. He hit the ground laughing. Cassie smiled when both boys’ laughter filled the air. Chris held out his hand and helped Steven stand. Once on his feet, Steven wrapped his arms around Chris’s torso and lifted him onto his shoulder. His grin stretched across his face like he was proud he could lift his big brother. They looked so at ease and happy. Those were not the bitter faces they reserved for her. She stood and watched, unwilling to disturb them, and felt joy at her two sons acting like normal, happy boys. Deep inside, she missed the days when she was able to elicit those carefree smiles.

CHAPTER 2

S UNDAY MORNING, THE BATTLE WITH the boys for giving her a hard time continued. They often made her late, and sometimes she didn’t get out the door with them at all. By the time she made it to church she was so stressed her heart was not into worship.

Multiple attempts to get them up felt like raising the dead, and the resurrection accompanied by moans, groans, and complaining. Once all three sat in the car, she wished she could claim a victory, but instead, they were all miserable. Once again, she wondered why she bothered. It’s not like they actually got anything out of the service. They sat in church looking bored or angry the entire time. Cassie sighed and pulled into the parking space. Lord, help me make this about you. They parked and the boys stepped out of the car slouched, and moped into the building.

Cassie, I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it. Janet pulled her in for a quick hug. Girl, you’re running late… and you look stressed. Is everything okay?

Always glad to see her best friend, Cassie looked up into Janet’s eyes. The warmth there immediately embraced her. The woman had a kind personality and a natural beauty. Cassie might envy her friend if she didn’t love her so much. Janet’s smooth, mocha skin and long, black, wavy hair added to her beauty. Her features didn’t compare to her inner beauty. She shined as a tower of strength, love, and purity.

Cassie forced a smile. With slumped shoulders, her boys headed down the hall toward their Sunday school class. Yeah, just the same old stuff. I’ll feel better in a few minutes.

Good. Let’s get into class and get you a doughnut and some coffee. That should help you feel a little better. Janet winked and took hold of Cassie’s hand.

Her voice felt like a soothing balm for Cassie’s nerves. No matter what sort of day she had, Janet always made it better. Her best friend since junior high, with a few years of separation for college and family situations, Cassie felt blessed to be back together. Janet served as maid of honor at Cassie’s wedding. She had been at the hospital when Chris was born, and arrived soon after Steven’s birth. When Cassie’s marriage hit the rocks, she leaned on Janet. At the time, more miles had separated than she cared for, but Janet was there by phone, email, and most of all, prayer. When Michael had died in a horrible accident, Janet had dropped everything and driven hours to attend to Cassie and help with the boys.

She was