Hallsworth Incursion Nunus

By Cecil I Cory

Adam Tweedsdale was left as an orphan. He Aunt and Uncle adopted him and he grew up on their farm. The one thing he wanted was to join the Federation Army. When he was old enough his Aunt and Uncle convinced him that he should go to college. Unable to attend the same University as his girlfriend he decided to attend the local one. There he met others who had joined the ROTC and found out that if he qualified, he could a scholarship. He signed up and after four years graduated with a Bachelors Aeronautical Engineering. He decided that he wanted to fly and was accepted into the Federation Army Pilots school. During this time The Hallsworth Empire attacked planets in the neutral zone between the Federation. Adam and his friends were thrust into the incursion on Groenland.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716311161

Book preview

Beyond

Chapter One

The boy stood by the door to his room and listened to his mother argue with the man.

That little shit look what he did! We can’t do shit with him around.

Get out! Get the hell out of here and don’t come back! His mother screamed.

He could hear flesh on flesh then a loud scream He ran out of the room and could see his mother lying on the floor then the sound of a door slamming. He rushed to his mother and could see the red mark on the side of her face. She looked at him with anger in her eyes.

Go to your room Adam and stay there. She shouted at him.

He quickly turned crying and ran to his room. He ran over to his bed and lay down on it.

It is all my fault. I didn’t mean to touch it. I just wanted to look at it. He sobbed. If I go away then everything will be like it was. He thought.

He slid off his bed and grabbed his backpack. He looked at the books in the pack and pulled them out then set them on his table. The note that the teacher had given him fell out and landed on the floor. He picked it up and looked at it. The door to his room opened and he quickly looked towards it and hid the note behind his back. He could see his mother standing there looking at him.

I didn’t mean to…

It is all right. Get your homework done then go to bed. She said crisply.

Yes mom. He replied and opened one of the workbooks. As soon as she closed the door, he looked at the note again. I’ll go in the morning. He thought. He looked at the workbooks again then shoved the note into the workbook and closed it.

Adam pulled the rest of the workbooks out of his backpack then shoved some of his favorite clothes inside. When he finished, he walked over to his bank and opened it. He found the ten Credits that he had saved and put them into his pocket. He looked around the room and saw the workbooks on the table with the note halfway out of the one on top. He walked over to them and picked them up. He looked around for a place to hide them then shoved them under the bed.

Adam get up you are going to be late for school.

I am up, mother. He replied and grabbed the backpack.

He walked out of the room then down the short hallway to the kitchen. He set his backpack down next to his chair then sat down. When he finished his breakfast, he carried his bowl to the sink and set it on the counter. His mother looked at him as he walked back to the table to get his backpack.

You come straight home from school, do you hear me?

Yes mother. He replied. He grabbed his backpack and started for the door.

Where are you going? You forgot your lunch. She said and held out the sack to him. He took it and looked up at her. He could see her black eye and red face from where the man had hit her.

I am sorry mom.

It is all right. Now run along before you are late again.

Yes ma’am. He said and started for the door.

Adam, remember, you are to come straight home after school.

I will mom. He replied and walked out of the back door.

Adam walked down the street with the rest of the children towards their school. When he reached the corner, he looked down the street towards the school then turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Where are you going Adam? A little girl asked him.

I am running away. He replied and continued down the walkway.

She watched him as he walked up to the busy intersection. He looked both ways and when it was clear he ran across the street.

You are not supposed to cross that street without an adult. She yelled at him. She watched him until he crossed the street and he continued down the sidewalk. Then she turned and hurried towards the school.

The little girl hurried into the school then into her classroom just as the bell rang. She sat down in her seat as the teacher looked at the class.

Has anybody seen Adam this morning?

I did. The little girl said. He said he was running away.

Running away?

Yes, he went down the street until he reached Main then ran across it without any adults there to walk him across. She replied.

Alright, take out your readers and open them to page thirty-seven. Read silently. She said once they had their workbooks opened, she walked around the class making sure that they were reading.

Adam walked until he reached the park. He walked across it until he reached the swings then sat down in one of them. He pushed himself back then swung forwards as he looked all around the park. He could see an old man sitting on a bench watching him swing. Adam jumped off the swing and started walking away.

Where are you going son. The old man asked.

Adam stopped and looked at the old man.

I am running away.

Oh, where are you going to run away too? The old man asked.

I am going to join the Army.

The Army? Why the Army?

I am going to learn to fight so that I can stop him from hitting my mother.

Who is hitting your mother?

The man who comes over to the house, I hate him. Adam replied.

Why is he hitting your mother?

Because I touched one of his things and it broke. I didn’t mean to break it. It fell out of my hand when it got hot. Adam said as he walked over to the man. He sat down on the other end of the bench and wiped his eyes with his hand.

You know that the recruiter ship isn’t going to be here for weeks. How are you going to…?

I can take care of myself. I am eight years old. I have my clothes and ten Credits.

Oh, that much.

And I have some food. He held up the sack lunch and showed him.

Yes, I see that you do. Did your mother make that for you?

Yes. Adam said and looked down at the sack lunch. She makes my lunch for me every day. He looked at the man again. I had better be going." Adam said and stood up. He looked all around.

Well good luck Adam. The old man said.

Adam turned towards him and the old man was not there. He looked all around and did not see him.

How do you know my name? Adam asked looking for the old man.

The woman walked into the Adam’s room and looked around. She shook her head at the messy room. She walked in and bent down to pick up the pair of clean socks lying on the floor.

As if I haven’t anything else to do besides pick up after him. She muttered. She glanced under the bed and found his school workbooks sitting there. She pulled them out and the letter fell out of one of the workbooks onto the floor. She bent down and picked it up then looked at it. She read the note from his teacher then walked out of his room.

The woman walked into the front office of the school and the attendant walked over to the counter.

I am Misses Tweedsdale. I found this note from my son’s teacher asking me to come here and see her. She handed the person the note. The woman looked at the note then at her again.

Yes Misses Tweedsdale, just a second and I will contact her. The woman turned and pushed in the code and waited for the response. Dorothy there is a Misses Tweedsdale in the office to see you. … I will tell her. The woman turned and looked for Misses Tweedsdale. She found her looking at some of the artwork hung in the office done by the students. Misses Tweedsdale she will be right here in a few minutes.

I hope so. I am late for work as it is.

The teacher walked into the office and Misses Tweedsdale looked towards her.

Are you Adams mother? Dorothy asked.

Yes I am. What seems to be the problem with Adam?

He didn’t show up to school today. Is he, all right?

What do you mean he didn’t show up? He left home with plenty of time to get here on time. Where is he? Misses Tweedsdale asked.

I do not know. One of the students said that they saw him crossing Main.

Why would he cross Main? We live on this side of Main.

She said that he told her that he was running away. Is there a problem at home?

No there are no problems at home? Misses Tweedsdale replied and could see the teacher looking at her eye. Oh, this? I slipped and fell, and hit my head.

Maybe Mister Tweedsdale…

There is no Mister Tweedsdale that worthless piece of shit took off before Adam was born. Look I have to get to work. What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?

I just wanted for you to contact me for a parent teacher conference. Adam is actually a very smart boy. He just seems to be distracted and withdrawn. I was hoping to sit down with you and discuss what might be causing the distraction.

I haven’t the foggiest idea what is causing it. Your job is to teach him and mine is to provide for him. Now if there isn’t anything else, I have to get to work. Misses Tweedsdale replied and left the office.

She doesn’t seem to be too upset about her son running away. Dorothy said.

They all say they are running away at one time or the other. I have six of them. I wish some of them would run away some day. The woman replied as she walked off.

Adam could hear his mother yelling at the man as he approached the back door. He opened it and stepped into the house.

Where have you been? I talked to your teacher and she said that you didn’t go to school. Go to your room right this instant!

I’ll teach you to skip school. The man said and started for him.

Adam ran past him as he reached for him. He caught his backpack and Adam wiggled out of it then continued to his room. He could hear his mother yelling at the man then the sound of flesh against flesh. Adam opened his door and could see the man slapping his mother. He garbed the baseball bat and ran out of the door. He ran up to the man and hit him in the back. The man grabbed the bat from him then backhanded him across the room. His mother ran in the other direction and the man looked for Adam.

Now I will teach you to run away. The man said and started for Adam. He set the bat down on the table as Adam ran. He grabbed Adam picked him up by his shirt.

Leave me alone. You big turd. Adam said.

He slapped Adam across the face. Watch your mouth boy.

Adam started crying. His mother ran up to the man and grabbed Adam.

Leave him alone! She screamed at him.

She pulled Adam free and the man backhanded her across the room. He stared for Adam again and she grabbed the bat off the table. She ran up to him and tried to hit him with the bat. He grabbed the bat and pulled it out of her hands. He hit her with the bat in the head sending her to the floor. He hit her again and Adam ran up to him, grabbed his arm and bit down into it. The man dropped the bat and tossed him away. He looked down at the woman lying there with blood coming from the wounds on her head. Adam grabbed the bat and with all of his strength he swung the bat it hitting the man in the legs. The man fell to the floor and Adam continued to hit the man with the bat. The man tried to block the blows and too get ahold of the bat. Adam took one swing and hit the man in the side of the head. His head twisted and he fell to the floor with blood running out of his head. Adam hit him repeatedly yelling at him to leave his mother alone. When the man did not move, he dropped the bat and ran over to his mother.

Mother, I am sorry, Mother.

Get help, Adam. Go get help. His mother said.

Adam ran out of the house then to the neighbor’s house. He franticly pounded on the door until it opened.

What is the mater Adam? The man asked.

He beat my mother and she is hurt. Help me. He said and ran back towards the house.

The man ran out of the house followed him back to his house. Adam ran inside and over to where his mother lay. The man ran in and saw the two bodies lying on the floor. He rushed over to the woman and could see the large gash that the bat had made in her head. His wife ran into the house.

Helen, call emergency and tell them to get here. The man said. He pulled his shirt off and put it on the opened wound.

The woman held Adam as he screamed for his mother and cried. They watched as she was placed on the gurney and removed from the house. One of the officers stood with the man and talked to him about what he knew. The small drones flew around the rooms taking images as the medics moved the gurney out of the kitchen.

I want my mother. Adam yelled.

A medic walked over to Adam and looked at the blood on him. He tried to see if he was cut but Adam kept trying to get away from him and the woman.

Adam, Adam, listen to me. We are going to take you see your mother at the hospital. She is going to be fine. Calm down and let me look at you, okay. The medic said.

Where is my mother? Adam asked for the hundredth time.

She is in surgery. She is going to be all right. Helen replied.

Another woman walked up to the room where they were looking at Adam. She could see his battered face as she walked in. Adam looked at her expecting to see his mother.

Hi, I am Carol from Social Services. She said to Adam.

Where is my mom? Adam asked.

Carol looked at the doctor.

They said that she is in surgery. Helen replied.

You are?

I am Helen. I am their neighbor.

Can we speak outside?

Helen nodded and looked at Adam.

I am just going to be outside. Helen said.

I want to see my mother.

We will go see your mother as soon as the doctor has finished looking at you. Carol said then stepped into the hallway.

Helen followed her out. Her husband walked over to where they stood. Carol looked at him as he walked up.

This is my husband Bill. Helen said.

Did either of you see what took place?

No. We heard them yelling but they yell at each other all the time. We didn’t think anything of it until Adam started pounding on the door. Bill replied.

Was the man his father?

Not as far as we know. He showed up about six months ago. Helen said.

Do you know where his father might be?

No, she said that he ran off and left her before Adam was born. I think he might have been in the military or something like that. She never said where he was.

How is the man?

He is dead. Carol replied. Do you know who he was?

Alfred something. We didn’t speak much. He was kind of a loser. Helen replied.

A doctor walked out of a door and looked down the corridor towards them. He walked down the corridor to them.

Are you the ones who brought the boy and his mother in?

Yes.

She is asking for him.

Helen hurried into the room.

Adam your mother wants to see you.

Adam jumped down from the examination table and hurried out the door. He stopped when he saw the woman and the doctor dressed in his surgical gown.

Are you Adam? The doctor asked. Adam nodded his head. You mother wants to see you. Come with me. Now you can only stay for a few minutes she is very tired.

Adam nodded his head and followed the doctor to a room. He stepped into the room and could see all of the equipment displaying things. He ran over to his mother and started crying.

I didn’t mean it mom. He said. He looked towards the doctor then at his mother lying there.

I know Adam. She replied softly. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. She said and smiled at him. She rose one hand up and placed it on his head. Then it slid down a squeal sounded from the machines. Adam looked at the lines running across the screens as the doctor bent over her and looked at her. He motioned for Helen to take him out of the room. Helen and Carol hurried over to him and picked him up.

Mom, Mom I didn’t mean it. Adam shouted as they carried him out of the room.

Adam stood next to Carol as they placed the casket over the hole in the ground. He wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his coat. A man stood there and spoke for several minutes. Then Adam was led up to his mother’s casket and he placed a flower on the top of the casket. Then he was led back to where the others were gathered. He watched as others walked up and placed flowers on the casket. Then they would come over to him and hug him. A man and a woman walked up to him and the man squatted down in front of him.

Adam, I am your dad’s brother Tomas. How would you like to come and live with your Aunt Susan and me? Adam just looked at him and did not reply. Tomas stood up and looked at Carol. He pulled out an envelope and handed it to her. The court has awarded him to us.

Carol opened the envelope and looked at the document then she nodded her head.

Everything seems to be in order. Carol replied. She squatted down in front of Adam. Adam you are going to go with your Aunt and Uncle and live with them. She smiled at him. I will see that his things are ready for you to pick up first thing in the morning. She said as she stood up. Come on Adam.

Thank you. Tomas replied.

Tomas and Susan watched as Carol led Adam to her vehicle. Tomas looked at the casket then at the picture of Adam’s mother.

Not many people turned out for the funeral. Susan said.

Yeah.

Helen and Bill walked up to them.

We were Aggies neighbors. Helen said.

I am Tomas and this is my wife Susan.

Did we hear you say that you were Aggies husband’s brother? Susan asked.

Yes. We didn’t even know he had a son until we were contacted by the courts. Tomas replied. What happened?

Adam sat between Susan and Tomas in their old pickup. He looked out the front window as the country moved past them then down at the game he was playing.

You are going to like it out here. We have all types of animals on the farm. Susan said. She looked down at Adam and the game he was playing. Did your mother give you that?

Adam did not look at her just nodded to her.

She gave it to me for my birthday. Adam replied. Then he wiped his eyes with his hand. Where is my dad?

Your dad? He was… he was killed. He was in the Army and...

Oh. Adam replied and continued to play the game.

The pickup truck turned and started down a dirt road towards a two-story house. Adam looked out and could see the fields filled with grain and the large metal barn behind the house. Several vehicles were parked in front of the house as they pulled up. As soon as the pickup stopped, Susan opened the door then unfastened him from his seat. He climbed out then jumped down from the cab of the pickup. The front door to the house opened and several people stepped out. A boy about the same age as Adam ran out and up to Susan followed by a smaller girl. Susan picked up the little girl and looked at the others as they walked up.

Tad this is your cousin Adam. Adam this is Thaddeus and this is Lucy. Susan said.

Adam looked at the boy who was slowly walking around him. He moved to keep him in view. An older man and woman walked up to him and looked at him.

You are the spitting image of your father at that age. The older woman said.

I never knew my dad he ran off and left us before I was born. Adam said then ran away from the others.

He doesn’t know anything about Sal. His mother always told him that he ran off and left them. Tomas said.

She was nothing but a two bit…

That is enough, father. The old woman said. What did you find out?

Her boyfriend hit her with a baseball bat and killed her. The boy hit him with the bat and crushed his skull. He hasn’t said more than a few dozen words to us since we picked him up. The woman from Social Services said that he hadn’t spoken much at all since she died. He has been in foster care for the last few months.

What are the courts going to do?

They are not going to do anything to him. He is too young. They placed him in our custody. Tomas said.

What are you going to do with him? The old man asked.

We are going to raise him and love him. Susan said with contempt then walked off.

He is my brother’s son.

Can they prove it?

What is the mater dad? Don’t you think that he could have a son? Just because he didn’t want to live on the farm doesn’t mean he didn’t have a life. Yes, Adam is his son. The DNA matches with Sal’s DNA.

I just meant that tramp he was shaking up with...

He married her dad. She was his wife and that is their son whether you like it or not.

Tad found Adam sitting on an old hay rake playing his game.

What is that? Tad asked and tried to take it away from him.

Adam snatched it back from him and held it out of his reach.

That is mine leave it alone. Adam said.

Tad grabbed the game from him and looked at it.

It is just some kid’s game. Tad said.

Give it back. Adam said and slid to the ground.

He reached for the game and Tad held it out of his reach. Adam reached for it again as Tad kept it out of his reach. Then Adam hit Tad in the stomach, grabbed the game when he bent over then backed away from Tad. Tad looked at Adam then dove for him. They started fighting and rolling around on the ground.

Tomas could hear them as he walked out of the back door. He looked towards the barn and saw them rolling on the ground next to the hay rake. He ran out to where they were fighting and pulled them apart.

What the hell is going on? Tomas yelled.

He tried to take my game. Adam said and broke free of Tomas’s hands.

I just wanted to look at it. He started it, he hit me first. Tad replied.

I don’t care who hit who first. Where is his game? Tomas asked sternly looking at Tad.

I don’t know. Tad said looking around. He could see the game lying on the ground and walked over to it. He picked it up then walked back and shoved it into Adams stomach. Here is your stupid game.

Thaddeus don’t you have some chores to do.

Yes Sir. Tad replied and walked off.

Go on into the house and get cleaned up it is time for dinner.

Adam looked at him then walked away.

Tomas watched as Adam walked up to the backdoor and opened it. He looked for Tad and saw him heading for the barn.

Tad. He said as he walked into the barn.

What? Tad replied as he grabbed the pitchfork to clean out the calve pen.

What was that all about out there?

I just wanted to see what he was playing.

Look he has gone through a lot in the last few weeks. He just lost him mom and it is going to take a while for him to adjust. He is a city boy and this is all new to him.

I know.

So, give him a break. Come on they have dinner ready.

Tad put the pitchfork against the pen and headed for the house.

Tad hurried down the steps and grabbed his lunchbox from the counter. Then he ran out the front door. Susan opened the door and yelled at him.

Get back here. You forgot to eat your breakfast and your schoolbooks. I swear that boy is going to drive me right up a wall.

Tad hurried into the house and sat down at the table. His little sister sat in her high chair and played with her breakfast. As soon as Tad finished, he grabbed his books and started for the door.

You forgot your lunch. Susan yelled.

He ran back then grabbed his lunchbox then ran out the front door.

Adam walked down the steps as Tad ran past. He stopped at the bottom step and watched as Tad ran down the driveway for the main road.

Adam breakfast is on. Susan said. Oh, there you are. Come on and eat. Then I will take you to and get you registered at your school.

I don’t want to go to school. Tad replied.

You have to go to school. Don’t you want to grow up and do great things?

No.

Well, you still have to go to school. Eat your breakfast and I will take you to the school.

Adam finished eating then placed his bowl and glass next to the sink. He turned as Susan walked in holding Lucy.

Thank you, Adam. Are you ready? Adam just looked at her. She handed him a lunchbox. Here is your lunch. Come one. She said as she walked towards the back door.

Adam looked at the metal lunchbox with the characters on the side. He grabbed his backpack and shoved it inside then followed her out the back door.

Adam sat next to the car seat looking out the window. They passed the school bus and he could see others as they climbed aboard. He looked in the windows of the bus and could see Tad sitting in one of the seats with other boys. Tad glanced out the window and saw the pickup pass. He shook his head then shoved the boy next to him.

Susan pulled up in front of the school and parked in one of the spots. A bus pulled up and the children started unloading and headed for the entrance to the school. Adam opened the door to the pickup and slid out and he looked at the forbidding two-story building. Susan walked around to his side carrying Lucy. She looked at Adam looking at the building.

I went to school here too. Susan said. So did Tom and your dad.

Adam looked at her then at the front of the school.

Come on. Let’s get you registered. Susan said and started for the door. She stopped and looked at Adam. Come on Adam.

Susan handed the woman in the office the court papers along with the medical records for Adam. She looked at them then at Adam.

Hello Adam. She said to him.

Adam just stood there.

He hasn’t said much since his mother passed away.

The woman looked at Susan then at Adam.

It says here that you are eight. That puts you in the third grade. That is Miss Wilson’s class. She is a very nice teacher.

Joule’s class? Susan asked. You will be in the same class as Tad.

We will have to get his transcripts from his other school to make sure he is qualified to be in the third grade. However, I don’t see any reason that he should not sit in her class until they arrive.

Susan looked at Adam.

Where is your lunch? Adam showed her the backpack. When you see Tad, tell him that I will pick the two of you up after school. Adam nodded and looked at her. She looked at the woman and smiled. Thank you, Misses Clifford.

He will be fine, Susan. Won’t you Adam?

Adam just looked at her. Susan hugged him and he tried to get away. She looked at him and smiled then walked out of the office.

All right Adam, let’s go see Miss Wilson. Misses Clifford said.

Adam walked up to the door to the classroom and Misses Clifford opened the door. She gently pushed Adam into the room and the class looked towards him. The young woman walked over to them.

Joule this is Adam Tweedsdale he is new here. He is eight and I felt he should be placed in your class until we receive his transcripts.

Hello Adam. Joule said and held her hand out to him. He looked at the outstretched hand then at her then shook her hand. She looked at the class. Everyone this is Adam.

Hello Adam. The students said.

Adam just looked at them then at Joule. She led him over to an empty table and he pulled his backpack off then sat down.

I would like to speak to you for a minute. Misses Clifford said and stepped out in the hallway.

Alright class, open your math workbooks, and work on them. I will be right back. Joule said. She stood there and looked at the others as they pulled out their workbooks. She could see Adam just looking around the room as she stepped into the hallway.

Adam’s mother was killed a few weeks ago. He is living with his Aunt and Uncle.

Then he is Tad’s cousin.

Yes. His Aunt says that he hasn’t said a lot since his mother died. If you have any problems with him let me know.

He will be fine. Some laughter came from the classroom and she looked at the closed door. I had better get back in there before they tear the place apart.

She opened the door and the room became quiet as several students quickly moved back into their seats. What is going on? She asked sternly. She could see Adam sitting in his seat looking towards the back. She looked towards the back at Tad and his friends as they looked at their math workbooks. She walked over to a cabinet pulled out one of the workbooks and placed it in front of Adam. Adam looked at her then picked up his backpack, pulled his workbook out and placed it on the table. She looked at the workbook he had.

May I see that? She asked.

Adam handed the workbook to her. She opened it and found that was for a more advanced class. She could see that he had already finished over half of the book.

Is this what you were using at your other school?

Adam nodded.

Alright continue. She placed the workbook in front of Adam and he opened it to the last assignment he was working on.

The bell rang and the students closed their workbooks and looked at Miss Wilson. She was standing in front of them looking at them.

Alright, you can go to lunch.

The children stood up and some of them moved to a room in the back with cubbyholes in it they grabbed their lunches and headed for the door. Adam watched as Tad grabbed his lunchbox then hurried out with the rest of his friends.

Adam walked out of the building and could see where the rest of the classes were sitting and eating. He walked over to one of the picnic tables and sat down by himself. The girl he sat next to in class walked up and sat down next to him. She looked at him as he opened the lunchbox. He looked inside and saw the drink along with a sandwich, some cookies, and an apple. He reached for the dink and a hand reached into the lunchbox and grabbed the cookies. He looked up at the boy who had taken them.

Give those back. The girls said.

Give those back. The boys with the boy mocked her. One of the others grabbed her lunch and took off with it.

Give me back my lunch. She shouted at them. They just laughed and walked off mocking her.

Adam stood up and looked at the boys. One of them shoved the one with the lunch and pointed towards Adam.

What do you want? The older boy asked.

Adam walked up to him and reached for the lunch. The boy held it out of his reach as Adam tried to reach for it. One of the other boys stepped behind Adam and stuck his leg out behind Adam’s legs. The boy pushed Adam and fell over the boy’s leg. The other boys started to laugh and when they saw the teacher headed for them, they took off running. Adam stood up as the man walked up to him.

What is going on here? He shouted.

Stan and his friends took my lunch. The girl said.

I didn’t ask you. Well speak up boy.

Adam just looked at him then walked over to the table and started to sit down. The man grabbed him and yanked him up out of the seat.

Answer me boy. The man snapped at Adam.

Take your hands off him. Miss Wilson said as she walked up to them.

This boy was involved in a fight.

No, he wasn’t Miss Wilson. Stan and his friend’s stole my lunch and he just tried to get it back for me. He took some of Adams food too.

Miss Wilson looked at the man holding Adam.

I suggest you go find the bullies who are terrorizing them and not my students. She said to him. Eat your lunch Adam.

Adam sat down and looked at his lunch. He looked at the girl sitting next to him who was looking at the teachers. He opened his sandwich and held half out to her. She looked at him and he nodded to her as he handed the half of a sandwich to her. She took it then took a bite from it.

My name is Linda. She said.

Hi. He said and smiled at her.

The class ended and Adam grabbed his backpack and shoved his workbooks into it. He could see Tad as he hurried out the door. Adam walked out with the others and did not see Tad. He headed for the front entrance to the school and saw Tad with his friends horsing around, out front waiting for the bus. He walked over to them.

Aunt Susan says that she will pick us up.

It does speak. One of Tad’s friends said.

Tell mom that I am taking the bus. Tad said then hurried off to where the bus had pulled up.

Is he your cousin? Linda asked. Adam looked at her and nodded. Well I have to go that is my bus. I will see you tomorrow Adam. Thanks for sharing your lunch. She said and hurried over to the bus."

The bus pulled away and Adam could see the pickup as it pulled up. Adam hurried over to the pickup and climbed in.

Where is Tad? Susan asked.

He said he wanted to ride the bus with his friends.

So how was your first day?

Adam just shrugged as the pickup pulled away.

Adam sat on the front porch with his game as the Tad walked up the road. Tad walked past him into the house.

Where have you been? Susan asked.

I rode home on the bus. Tad replied.

You have chores to do. Go change your clothes. Susan said.

Ah gee. Tad complained as he ran up the stairs.

Adam. Susan yelled. Adam looked towards the front door then walked into the house. Susan looked at him still in his school clothes. Go change your clothes and help Tad with his chores. Adam just looked at her. Go on.

Adam walked up the steps to the room he was sharing with Tad. Tad looked at him as he sat down on the bed.

What was the big idea trying to take on Stan and his gang?

He took Linda’s lunch.

Well you better watch out or he will knock your head off. Tad said and pulled on his dirty clothes.

Tad, Adam, hurry up and get those chores done. Susan yelled up the stairs.

You had better change out of your school clothes. Tad said and walked out of the room.

Adam just sat there for a few minutes then opened his backpack. He pulled the lunchbox out along with his workbooks. He set them on the bed and looked at Tad’s things all around the room.

Adam walked down the stairs with his lunchbox and set it on the counter. Susan walked into the kitchen and looked at him.

Go find Tad and he will show you what needs to be done.

Adam just looked at her then nodded. He walked out the back door and did not see anybody. He could see one man sitting on a tractor off in the distance then Tad walked out of the Barn pushing a wheelbarrow filled with straw. He walked over to where Tad was dumping the wheelbarrow on a larger pile of straw.

It is about time. Tad said as he headed back into the barn.

Tomas pulled up to the barn on the tractor. He climbed down and walked into the barn. He could see Adam tossing hay down in one of the stalls and Tad sitting on the fence watching him.

Why aren’t you helping him? Tomas asked.

I have been. Tad said.

It looks to me that he is doing all of the work and you are just sitting there. Did you feed the chickens and get their cage cleaned out?

Not yet.

Then I suggest you get down off that fence and get to work.

Yes pa. Tad replied and dropped to the ground. He grabbed a rake and started for the chicken coop.

Tomas looked at the calving stall and nodded his head.

Good job Adam. He said and walked off.

Adam tossed the last of hay into the stall and walked over to a bale of hay. He pulled his game out of his pocket and started playing it. Tad walked into the barn and stopped.

Come on and give me a hand. Tad said.

Adam just sat there looking at his game. Tad shook his head and walked out of the barn.

Adam sat at the table with his school workbooks doing the assignments. He could hear Tomas and Susan talking in the front room.

I don’t know what I am going to do with that boy. He is getting lazier and lazier every day. I caught him today sitting on the fence watching Adam doing his chores.

I had Adam tell him that I was going to pick him up after school and he decided that he would rather ride home on the bus with his friends. You know that I had made that appointment for him to see the doctor. By the time he got home, it was too late. We had missed the appointment. I called and set up another one for tomorrow.

Tad, get down here. Tomas yelled.

What is it dad?

Don’t, what is it dad, to me. Get down here.

Tad walked down the stairs and into the front room.

Didn’t Adam tell you that your mother was going to pick you up after school? You knew you had a doctor appointment.

I forgot. Tad replied.

You forgot. I don’t want to see you pawning your work off on Adam again do you hear me.

I didn’t. I cleaned out the calving pen and he helped me put fresh straw in the pen.

You were just sitting on the fence when I saw you.

I was just.

You were shirking your chores again is what you were doing. Go up to your room and stay there.

Yes sir. Tad replied and headed out of the room. He looked towards the kitchen and could see Adam sitting at the table doing his homework.

Adam walked up to the room and over to his bed. He looked at Tad sitting at the table trying to do his workbook.

I just don’t understand this. Tad said and tossed the pencil down. Why do I have to learn fractions anyway?

Adam pulled out his game and started playing it. He pushed a button and some beeping sounds came from it as he played.

Will you turn that off? Tad said to him.

Adam just looked at him and continued to play the game.

Tomas heard the crash from upstairs and looked up towards the ceiling. Then he heard the voice of the boys fighting. He ran up the stairs and into Tad’s room. Both of the boys were rolling on the floor. He grabbed Adam then Tad and pulled them apart.

What the hell is going on here? He shouted.

He was making noise with that stupid game of his and I was trying to do my homework.

Where is it? Tomas said and held out his hand. Adam just glared at him. Give me the game. Tomas snapped at him.

Adam picked up his game and handed it to him. Tomas looked at the game and put it in his pocket.

That is mine. Adam said.

Not anymore. If I hear one peep out of the two of you, I will beat the living tar out of both of you. Finish your homework and go to bed. Is your homework finished? He asked and looked at Adam. Adam nodded his head yes.

He hasn’t done any of it. He has been sitting at the kitchen table playing that game.

I was not. Adam yelled at him.

Let me see your books. Tomas said.

Adam pulled his backpack out from under the bed then the workbooks out of it. He handed the workbooks to him.

Tomas looked at the workbooks and could see that they were almost complete. He looked at Adam then at the workbook that Tad was working on.

Where are your new workbooks?

Those are the ones my mother bought me for my school.

Tomas looked at the books again then handed them back to Adam.

I don’t want to hear another peep out of either of you. Tomas said and walked out.

Tad looked at Adam.

Turd. Adam said to him.

Fart face. Tomas replied.

Bugger face. Adam said.

The two continued calling each other names, then they started laughing. Tomas opened the door and both of them looked at him.

I told you I did not want to hear anything from the two of you.

We were just talking. Tad said.

Finish your homework and get to bed, the both of you.

Yes sir. Both of them replied.

Tomas looked at the two of them then closed the door.

I am never going to get this done. Tad said. I just don’t understand it.

Adam stood up and walked over to where Tad was looking at the workbook.

That is seven sixteenths. Adam said.

How did you get that from that?

You have to find a common denominator. Then multiply the tops by the difference. Then you can add the tops together and reduce the fraction.

That is easy for you. I don’t understand it.

Here let me show you. Adam said. I finished this workbook last year.

Adam walked out of the school building and started for the lunch area. Linda hurried to a table and sat down. She had just started to open her lunch sack when Stan and his bunch walked up and grabbed her lunch.

Give me back my lunch. She yelled at them.

Stan laughed and started to walk away. Adam blocked him and his friend’s way. He reached for the lunch sack and Stan held it up out of his reach. Adam swung his lunch box up and caught Stan in the groin. Stan dropped the lunch and doubled over. Two of Stan’s friends tried to grab Adam when Tad and his friends walked up to them.

Let him go. Tad said.

What are you going to do about it? Stan said as he stood up. He shoved Tad into Adam knocking both of them down.

Here comes Cranston. One of the boys said and Stan and his friends took off running.

What is going on here? Fighting again, I see. Cranston said. He grabbed Adam then Tad and led them away.

Linda ran over to where Stan had dropped her lunch and picked it up along with Adam’s lunchbox. She looked around for Miss Wilson and did not see her.

Tad and Adam sat in the principal’s office waiting. Susan walked in and looked at the two of them sitting there.

What is this I hear about you two fighting?

We weren’t fighting mom. Some other boys started it.

Missis Tweedsdale, will you step into my office. Principal Cranston said.

We will discuss this with your father when we get home. She said to the two of them sternly.

She walked into the Principal’s office.

Sit down Misses Tweedsdale. I have received Adam’s transcripts. It seems even though his is taking advanced classes he has been tardy or skipped school on numerous occasions. He was in several fights and suspended once for two weeks for fighting. I am afraid that I cannot allow these types of behavior in this school. He has already been involved in two fights and he has only been here a few days.

He is having a hard time adjusting. His father was in the Army and was killed before he was born. His mother tried to raise him on her own. She was murdered only a few weeks ago and he saw it happen. He is still trying to cope with it.

Alright I will let it slide this time. However, if he is involved in another incident then I will be forced to expel him and you will have to find another school who will take disciplinary cases.

We will see about that. Good day Mister Cranston. She said and walked out of his office. Let’s go boys. She said to Tad and Adam.

Chapter Two

Ted looked at his mother as they rode in the pickup from the doctor’s office.

Honest mom we weren’t fighting. Principle Cranston has it in for Adam.

Who were you fighting with then?

We weren’t fighting. Some bullies took one of the girl’s lunches. He has been doing it since school started.

He took Linda’s lunch yesterday and he took my cookies too. Adam said. All I did was to try to get Linda’s lunch back. Adam said.

I came over to help and…

Did you hit him?

No, honest I didn’t hit anybody. Tad replied.

I hit him with my lunchbox and made him drop Linda’s lunch. Adam said.

Some of his friends grabbed Adam. I came over and they pushed me into him. The Principle Cranston showed up and they ran off. He grabbed us and said that we were fighting. We weren’t fighting, mom, honest.

Where are your lunchboxes?

I don’t know. Adam replied.

Where are your books?

Principle Cranston kept us in his office until you came. Tad said. Honest mom I didn’t do anything. You are not going to tell dad, are you?

The pickup pulled down the drive way and they could see another vehicle parked by the house. Susan pulled around back and stopped. The doors to the pickup opened and the two boys slid out.

The two of you will go change your clothes and do your chores. Now move.

Yes mom. Tad said.

Yes Aunt Susan. Adam replied and followed Tad into the house. They stopped when they reached the stairs leading up to the second floor and looked at Miss Wilson sitting in the front room.

Go on and change out of your school clothes. Susan said sternly. She looked into the front room and saw Joule standing there. Joule what are you doing here?

I brought Tad’s and Adams things over along with their homework assignments. They left their lunchboxes on the playgrounds. She replied and pointed to the lunchboxes and Adams backpack. I take it that Cranston contacted you.

Yes. He says that if Adam is in another fight, he is going to expel him.

Adam has not been in any fights. There are some older children, who are picking on the younger ones. They have been stealing their lunches. They tried to take one of my student’s lunches yesterday and again today. The young lady said that Adam tried to stop them from taking her lunch again. From what she said, Adam hit the boy with his lunch box where it would do the most to stop him. She pointed to her waist. He let go of Linda’s lunch and some of his friends grabbed Adam. When Tad saw this, he came over and tried to help Adam.

Cranston said he was involved in a fight yesterday too.

No there was no fight. The same boys took their lunches yesterday and Adam tried to stop them. When they saw Cranston, they took off after shoving Adam to the ground. Cranston grabbed Adam and he was going to take him to his office. I saw what had happened and stopped him. I told him that Adam had nothing to do with what happened and that he should do something about the bullies that his son runs around with. Adam and Tad are both good kids.

Cranston hasn’t changed much since we were in school there.

He has gotten meaner since he became principle. I cannot say anything against him to the school board. I am still on probation until the end of this semester. If I had my tenure, believe me I would go to the board and let them know what is going on. Right now, it would be his word, again mine. He has most of the facility terrified of him. I have to be going.

Thanks, Joule, for bringing their things over. Don’t be a stranger.

I won’t be. Joule said and walked out.

Susan walked out with her and watched her get into her vehicle then drive down the driveway. She walked back inside and could see Adam and Tad standing at the top of the steps.

Why haven’t you changed? You have chores to do. She snapped at them.

The two boys ran back to their room.

Adam finished carrying the fresh straw to the chicken coop as Tad finished raking the other up.

What do you think Miss Wilson told mom.

I don’t know.

Dad is going to be mad at us when he finds out.

We weren’t fighting. Adam said.

I know. Give me a hand getting this into the wheelbarrow.

Tomas walked in the back door and smelled the dinner that was cooking.

Well did Tad make Adam do all of his chores again.

No, the two of them did them together.

What did Joule want?

Tad and Adam had left their workbooks and lunchboxes at school. She brought them along with their homework assignments.

Tomas looked over at the counter and could see the two lunchboxes sitting there.

Why?

There was an incident at school and they were sent to the Cranston’s office for fighting. Now Tom they didn’t have anything …

Tomas walked out of the kitchen and over to the base of the stairs.

Boys, get down here right now. Tomas yelled upstairs.

Adam and Tad walked out and looked down at him.

Get down here the both of you.

They both walked down the steps.

I warned you both about fighting.

We weren’t fighting, dad.

Don’t lie to me boy.

Tomas, they were not fighting with each other. Susan said from the kitchen door.

Then who were you fighting with?

There are some older kids in school who tried to take our lunches. Tad said.

He tried to take mine yesterday and he took Linda’s yesterday and today.

Who is Linda?

She is one of the new girls in class. Tad replied.

They took her lunch today and I stopped them then when they wouldn’t give it back. I hit one of them with my lunchbox. Adam said.

Tad could see the concerned look on his dad’s face.

He didn’t hurt him, dad. He only hit him down here with his lunchbox and made him drop the lunch. Then his friends grabbed Adam. I only came over to make them let him go. They ran off as soon a principle Cranston showed up. He accused us of fighting. We weren’t fighting dad, honest.

Go get cleaned up for dinner. Susan said.

Yes mom. Tad said and walked back upstairs.

Cranston has Adams transcripts. He says that Adam had been in some fights at his last school and was even expelled for two weeks for fighting.

From the environment he was brought up in, I can see why. Maybe it was a mistake letting him come here. Who knows what type of people he has been around? Tomas said.

Adam stood at the top of the stairs and listened to the two of them talk. When Tad came out of the bathroom, they both ran down the steps.

Let me see them. Susan said. They showed her their hands.

Do you call those clean? Now get up there and wash those filthy hands. Tomas said.

The two boys ran back up the steps. He looked at Susan who was looking at him.

Those could stand to be washed too. She said and pointed to his hands.

The next morning Adam got up and pulled his backpack out from under the bed. He pulled out the workbooks and shoved them under the bed then put his clothes into the backpack. He checked his pocket and found his ten Credits in the pocket of his pants. He looked around the dimly lit room for his game then remembered that his uncle Tomas had taken it from him. He looked towards Tad who was asleep then walked out of the room. He crept down the hallway to his Aunt and Uncle’s room and carefully opened the door. He looked into the room and could see them both asleep next to each other. He looked around and found his game on the dresser. He walked over as quietly as he could and picked up the game. The game made some digging sounds and he could hear one of them moving. He crouched down and tried to see if they were awake. Tomas rolled over and hit his pillow a couple of times then laid down on it. Adam quickly walked out of the bedroom leaving the door opened and hurried down stairs. He saw his lunch box on the counter and picked it up. He could feel that his lunch was still in it from the day before. He opened it and looked at the sandwich the drink and apple along with three cookies. He closed the lunchbox up then headed for the backdoor leaving the game on the counter.

Susan rapped on the door to Tad and Adam’s room.

Get up or you will miss the bus. She said then opened the door. She could see Tad sound asleep and that Adam’s bed was empty. Tad, get up or you will be late for the bus. She said.

Alright. Tad replied and sat up in bed.

Susan walked down the steps to the first floor then into the kitchen. She pushed the button on the coffee maker and started taking down the bowls for the boy’s breakfast. Tomas walked down the steps then into the kitchen. He walked over to the coffee maker and looked at it as it dripped out.

It will be done in a minute. She said as she put Lucy in her highchair and fastened a bib around her. She opened the container of food and started to feed her. When she finished, she grabbed a cloth then wiped Lucy’s face and hands with it. She walked over to the stairs and yelled up at them again for the boys to hurry up. When she walked back into the kitchen, she saw the game sitting on the counter. How did this get down here? She asked and looked at Tomas.

I don’t know. I put it on the dresser. Tomas said as he drank his coffee.

Adam’s lunchbox is gone. She said looking for it.

It is too early to catch the bus to school. Tomas said. He walked to the base of the stairs. Tad. Tad!

Yes dad. Tad replied still in his nightclothes.

Where is Adam?

I don’t know he is not up here.

Tomas walked back into the kitchen then outside. Susan followed him out the door and could see him looking around in the early morning light.

What is the matter? Susan asked.

I don’t know. Tomas said then hurried into the house and up the stairs. He opened the door to Tad’s room and could see Tad as he pulled his underwear on. He walked in and looked around the room.

What are you looking for, dad?

Where is Adam’s backpack?

It is right over there. Tad said and pointed to an empty chair.

Tomas looked at the chair then saw the workbooks under the bed. He walked over, pulled them out from under the bed, and tossed them on the bed. He hurried down the steps as he pulled his Cellcom from his pocket and pushed the number for the police.

Adam walked along a path he found at the back of the fields. He saw an old man sitting next to the brook on a log.

Where are you going Adam? The old man asked and Adam stopped. He looked at the man and he looked familiar. Are you running away again? The old man asked and continued to look at the stream.

Yes.