Stefan Girard was coming into school on Tuesday morning in a bad mood. He didn’t have them often and was normally a happy go lucky kinda guy. But after the epi pen fiasco at the dance on Friday and LaTonya yelling out that he was a pervert and slapping him he’d had a bunch of other students seek him out on social media and harass and even bully him. On Twitter someone had come up with the hashtag #epipenis and #epipenisboner and had gotten on his feed and in his inbox until Stefan had tried to fake being sick so he could stay home. But his coughs were too fake and he had no fever and he didn’t want to tell his parents the real reason so here he was. He sulked in silence pretending to read from his geography textbook on the same page for 20 minutes as everyone filed in. No one in his own homeroom was bothering him at least. He nodded vaguely at Daniel and Hayley as they sat down but then got distracted talking quietly and sweetly to one another. At least someone was having a good time.
Mrs. Baldwin breezed in and everyone stood for O Canada before morning announcements.
Stefan was aware LaTonya was at the table but refused to look at her at all. As the class was about to get up and go to their next class two older boys passed the door of the 7-8 room and one of them called in “Epipenis is IN DA HOUSE!”
Stefan finally cracked and took his epi pen out of his backpack and walked across the room and slammed it down in front of LaTonya, now glaring at her with so much hurt and anger it was coming at her from him in waves. He felt like she was the source of all of his pain right now and she was still sitting there looking so beautiful he could scream. And he did, right at her, in front of everyone “Do you know what an EPI PEN is?! He shouted. “It’s an auto injector device that doses me with something called epinephrine if I get exposed to peanuts or tree nuts because I have a LIFE THREATENING ALLERGY!” He picks up the epi pen and brandishes it “I keep it in my pocket because I could literally fucking die if I don’t have it on me. I’m sorry it got shifted to a weird place when we were dancing and you thought I had a boner. It was this...this thing that I need to live but you didn’t even let me explain that. You just thought I was some kinda asshole trying to push myself on you. A pervert? You called me in front of the whole fucking gym and now my whole social media is people thinking I’m some sort of sexual predator….Well let me tell you something LaTonya, I would NEVER push any girl into anything or be that guy. I liked you. I respected you. But clearly that was one sided. Which I can live with….but could you please call off the fucking dogs on my social media and those bozos in the hallway because I got the fucking message that you don’t like me already. Loud and clear.” His eyes sting with tears and they spill over as he repeats the last words “Loud and clear…” He chokes out and then he grabs his epi pen and his backpack and storms out of the classroom and right out of the school.
Mrs Baldwin was about to get after the rude boys in the hall when she was shocked to hear Stefan start yelling at LaTonya. Sweet fun Stefan. She kept trying to interject but he was going full steam ahead and then he bolted out the door when he was done and she just stared after him and finally called out “Stefan!” And tried to catch up to him with no avail.
Hayley Brown was having a complicated morning. She was hoping her mom would be out of hospital by now but she was still on the breathing machine her dad said. He had come home sometime in the night or early morning and as they got ready for school and he for work he was eerily quiet and calm. Hayely was waiting for him to just flip on them all and lose it but they managed to get out unscathed. Then she softened the moment she saw Daniel and started talking to him. Stefan was there too but he was really studying hard it seemed. LaTonya sat down and Hayley greeted her warmly, aware it would still be awkward between her and Stefan. Maybe that’s why he was reading so much. Then after the morning stuff some boys yelled something gross sounding in the door and Stefan completely lost his temper on Latonya over the epi pen incident. Hayley just stared between them wide eyed. She didn’t do social media so she had no idea. It sounded like things got bad though. As Stefan stormed out she crossed the room and squatted beside LaTonya and reached out to her “Are you ok?” He was so angry and loud it scared Hayley.
Mabel came into the homeroom almost late but she and Mason just made it. She had just sat down when she had to get right back up for O’Canada. But while she stood and sang along she gave Tomas a little smile and then her gal pals Cath, Aislin and Daphne. She drummed her fingers through morning announcements and noticed that Hayley and Daniel seemed very chummy. She smiled at them and then as the class was about to change someone yelled something about an Epipenis and Mabel was confused. And then Stefan started freaking out on LaTonya and she gasped a little and then watched the whole thing like a train wreck, unable to look away until he left and Mrs. Baldwin tried to catch him “Holllllleeeeyyyy…” She exhaled.
LaTonya had run away from the dance Friday night feeling all kinds of emotions. Tony Penhall hadn’t noticed her or gotten jealous of who she was with. Her sister said she was on her side, but she also knew Elise, who was Stefan’s sister, and so Kiesha was waffling a bit it felt like. Her brother was the President. And male. He tried to be supportive, but he’d wound up saying that sometimes guys couldn't help it, especially younger guys. At the end of the day, LaTonya knew her siblings had her back, but it was confusing. So she tried to put it all out of her mind and enjoy the holiday weekend, but the whole slap had wound up all over social media, where people promptly took sides. Latonya tried to keep out of it and refused to post anything on the computer all weekend. Once they were back in class, Stefan wouldn’t even look at her. Adding ot the drama a couple of older boys started screaming and then before she could escape to her next class, Stefan slammed his epipen in front of her and started screaming. She was so mortified, she couldn’t speak. All she could do was sit with her mouth open. Then he was gone and everyone was staring at her. She blew out a breath and tried to straighten up. She wanted to cry, but couldn’t. Not in front of her whole class. Instead she breathed in and out, trying to keep all of her dignity in one place. She turned to Hayley when she touched her hand. “I’m fine.” she announced, keeping her tears at bay and a solid face on for the class.
Daniel has so enjoyed his weekend, he hadn’t been on his computer and suspected that Ruth hadn’t been either. They had their own laptops, but the weekend was just so wonderfully distracting. Now he enjoyed his quiet conversation with Hayley, even though she seemed pretty distracted herself. But he stuck to boring subjects like the leftovers from the night before and the ongoing pet negotiations between his sister and their father. He looked carefully at Stefan. He wasn’t crying but he wasn’t happy, Daniel could tell. He gaped when boys came by with their Epipenis comment as he couldn’t believe that. He was about to ask Stefan what happened when he went off on LaTonya and then stormed out. Hayley immediately asked if LaTonya was alright and she said she was, but Daniel was a little put off by HOW she said it. All cold and … bitchy? He didn’t say anything, because now was not the time to chase after Stefan, but he was determined to talk to his friend, but it might not be until after school.
Mason knew exactly what was going on, even from his position. He hadn’t been at the school when LaTonya slapped Stefan, but he was online constantly unless his parents dragged him away from the computer to eat, which was often, or socialize, which was less often, but still too often for his liking. He was friends with Tristan Yamada and knew how an EpiPen in a front pants pocket could look all kinds of wrong. He watches Stefan go off and LaTonya respond like an ice princess explaining how she’s just fine, fuck you very much. Snorting, he grabs his bag and just leaves for his class.
Mia sees the whole thing, and nearly grins in delight, then looks at her twin. “Well, sister, here we thought school would be boring without our favorite their next classman.”
Sophia looks like she’s almost enjoying the scene like it’s live theatre and twirls her hair “Never boring it seems. Although we do need a new pet. Could we give up nut products for the angry bow legged one? He does have passion…” She watches Mason walk away after his snort “Or the devil may care adorable nerd? There’s a boy named Romeo in the next class up...is it cliche or is he charming? Zach knows him but for some reason he doesn’t bring boys around our house…..not since we made that anatomically correct effigy of his science project partner. He doesn’t understand our art projects…” She begins to gather her things to go to their next class class and then heads off.
Mina had actually pulled off her headphones when the yelling started and turned around with wide black stencilled eyes peeking out from under her hood. Then she heard the Wong twins talking and made a point of leaving quickly mouthing “The actual fuck…” as she made it through the door. Whatever Stefan had going on with his epipen and the rumours, he should be glad he didn’t try to hook up with one of the psycho sisters. LaTonya had said she was fine too quickly and Mina had eyed her on the way past like she didn’t quite buy it.
Mrs. Baldwin came back into the room looking flustered and a bit red faced. She glanced around at her remaining students as if daring the universe to throw anything else at the day and then her eyes came to rest on LaTonya and she looked kindly at her and called her over “LaTonya, come see me please. I just want to check in.”
Daphne’s sister Lucy hadn’t been sleeping well, which meant no one was in the McLeod house because Lucy was not quiet about it. She had dragged herself to school, literally and was half asleep through O’Canada wondering if humans could actually sleep standing up like horses. She had worn a sweatsuit, which was not her normal effort to look nice but just survival thinking if she dozed off in classes, at least she’d be cosy. Her hair was roughly in a ponytail but scooped in unbrushed. During the morning announcements she had completely dozed off in her chair until suddenly right at their table there was a slam and then yelling, all centered on LaTonya. It was Stefan? Daphne blinked as she came to. She had been vaguely aware of some social media shit but had tuned out as Lucy had fit after fit. Now she realized it had gone big and Stefan, from the sounds of it, had really gotten the brunt of it. She already wasn’t super thrilled with Latonya over how she had flirted with Tony but maybe Tony had dodged a bullet by going to the dance with Candra instead, as gross as they were. She sleepily and skeptically watched LaTonya tell Hayley she was fine. Maybe it didn’t feel good to get called on on her little rumour party if she was the one who started it? Daphne shook her head and then said audibly “Wow that super sucks for Stefan. I always thought he was nice.”
Tristan loved that he and Rene sat at the same table still and it just made the boring parts of the morning all the nicer. It had been a busy but blissful weekend. Their first school dance together and revealing their relationship to their friends and schoolmates. That had been a very positive experience and actually really romantic. Then they’d both been invited to one another’s giant family dinners, the Reinhardts on Sunday and the Beaulieus on Monday. Of course both their families were awesomely supportive of them and Rene had fit right in with his crazy family just like he figured he would. Now he was really glad he’d asked Rene to the wedding since it was the talk of the holiday, mostly about costumes. Tristan’s mind wandered to superhero ideas and he kept picturing Rene as the Tom Holland Spiderman. Then all of a sudden Stefan was yelling at LaTonya about his epipen and their what sounded like a hell of a misunderstanding. Tristan winced through the whole thing and felt for Stefan. He’d been there, even been made fun of by his friends and family a few times with an epi pen in his pocket which is why he started keeping it in his backpack at school. God, poor Stefan. He’d seen a post or two on social media but he wasn’t on that much with a busy weekend and he figured it would have blown over after the first day. Now he gave LaTonya a bit of a hard stare. He’s even joked about his epi pen with Rene at the dance thinking the scene was just a moment, a crappy one mind you. He nodded along with Daphne and then pulled his epi pen out of his backpack in solidarity “By the way, I have an epi pen too…..they can save lives.” He put it back in the backpack pouch.
Rene had watched the whole incident with disbelief. His weekend had been so beautiful and it was a little like life threw a bucket of cold water on them. While he didn’t know LaTonya very well, he did know that Stephen had tried to explain himself and now … he sighed and watched Tristan. The whole situation sucked for any male with an epi-pen in his pocket.
LaTonya had grabbed her bag and was just going to go to her first class and ignore everyone. But Mrs. Baldwin called her to her desk and she blew out a breath, bit her bottom lip and stood, taking her bag with her, because she was not about to stay after whatever Mrs. Baldwin had in store. “Yes.” she kept her voice as steady as she could.
Tony dawdled at his seat. He sort of remembers what happened. More, he remembers his own drama afterwards. But he also knows a cover when he sees one and he’s interested, because LaTonya might just be a damn fine actress. And so while others left, he remained, fiddling with his backpack.
Cath was just wide eyed for the whole big scene with Stefan and LaTonya at the next table over. She had just started on social media really so she was still figuring out some of the intricacies but now she planned to go look up some of her classmates profiles and follow the trail. Yikes. She saw Daphne and Mabel at the door waiting for them to go to their next class and looked at Aislin with a shocked expression as she grabbed her bag and headed out. She had seen what happened at the dance but she hadn’t known what to think then either.
Hayley had backed off when LaTonya said she was fine. She didn’t believe a word of it but this wasn't the time and place. She hovered a bit thinking she’d catch her in the hall and walk with her but then Mrs. Baldwin called her over and she didn’t want to be late for their next class if that conversation went long. She’d find a way to check in later. She scooped up her things and ran to catch up with Daniel.
Mrs. Baldwin looked concerned but kept her voice a bit quieter “LaTonya, I clearly don’t know the whole story here…..but are you alright? Do you want me to see if we can get you a time today with the counselor….or you can talk to me….or Ms. Fisher? Whatever’s happened. We’re here to help.” Her face and tone are earnest.
Aislin winced at the goings on. Drama. Every school had it, Even this one. She shook her head, grabbed her bag and hurried after Cath. She really didn’t want to know, if she was honest with herself.
Tomas blinked and did everything in his power not to stare at anyone. He took his bag and headed out, falling in step behind the Wong Twins, who seemed to be gossiping. It was unavoidable, apparently.
LaTonya smiled at Mrs Baldwin. “I’m fine. Just a misunderstanding, is all. It’s good. Really.” she stood at the desk and looked around. Most everyone was gone or going, except for Tony. God, just what she needed. “I’m going to be late for Art.” she hoped that would make Mrs. Baldwin let her go.
Mrs. Baldwin looked hesitant but of course didn’t want to make LaTonya late. She was about to dismiss her when suddenly Miss Fisher’s head poked into the room with a hopeful expression “Did he come back to homeroom?”
Mrs. Baldwin sighed at LaTonya “Of course you may go….but remember what I said.” She frowned and walked to Vera in the hallway now “No he did not.” She head jutted at LaTonya.
Ms. Fisher gave a little nod of understanding and glanced at LaTonya but didn’t engage “OK….on my radar. Thank you Judith. Got a phone call to make now.” and her heels clicked away down the hall.
From the hallway someone called Mrs. Baldwin from the other direction “Oh Mrs. Baldwin...I have a recipe question for my project…” She and the older student got into a big discussion with stange snippets.
“Well yes in Eastern Europe they do boil down the whole pig’s head but your family might be a little alarmed…..”
Tony didn’t know exactly what was happening, but he and LaTonya were alone. They’d known each other for a very long time now and he considered them friends. She was also a fan, but he hoped she was a friend first. She’d known hi since before he really started singing, just like Daphne and some other female friends. He shoves the book he was sliding out of his backpack right back into it and moves over to her. “Listen, LaTonya. I know you didn’t mean for all of this shit to go down the way it did. Just … hold your head up and it’ll all blow over.” he was giving her advice the likes of India and Kagiso had given him when they’d had hard times. He was having a rough go of things himself, but it wasn’t public. And he hoped it never would be public. He pats her n the arm and rubs it up and down in a comforting gesture. “Stay strong and stay proud.” he tells her, knowing they didn’t have much time. “I’ll catch you later.” and he heads out the door, slipping away before Mrs Baldwin can stop him. Good thing because she and some other student were talking about boiling heads … and he didn’t want to know any more than that.
LaTonia was about to storm off to Art class when Tony Penhall, of all people stopped her and
Gave her advice. And then touched her. She stood blinking as he left the room. The advice was sound enough to her ears, but it was a lot more than that. She had gotten in trouble for a public round of bullshit. She ignored that she was trying to get the attention of the ery guy that had just touched her arm. Her hand goes to her upper arm and she rubs at it. She could still feel the warmth of his touch and it drove all of her worries out of her head. Tony was right. It would all blow over. Stefan would get over it and she now knew to ask any boy with a bulge in his pants if he was allergic to peanuts. With a slight laugh, she could feel her spirits lift and a small smile come to her face. Everything would be alright. Stefan probably hate dhim, but she had only gone out with him to make Tony jealous and make him notice her. And notice her he had. She headed off to class walking on clouds.
Stefan had gone home where he stayed for the day. At some point his dad came home, his parents having gotten a call from the school that he walked out. And finally, tearfully he told him everything and showed him all the social media stuff. His father was both compassionate and furious that people had been so cruel to his son. He called the school back and told them Stefan would be staying home with his permission. Then he made Stefan a grilled cheese sandwich and they binge watched Brooklyn 99 on Netflix because it was a show that made Stefan laugh. His mom closed the Dive shop early and then when Elise came home Stefan was surrounded by the love and support of his family. He started to feel a little better but it was still a tough day. Eventually Elise went over to Nolan’s and seeing he was ok, his parents went grocery shopping. Stefan was along in the house trying not to look at anything on social media.
Daniel spent the day worrying about his friend. During the school day, he overheard snippets of gossip regarding Friday night’s party and decided he should check out some of it himself, which he did on his phone between classes and at lunch. He was do disturbed by what he read that he didn’t eat much at all. Afternoon classes had him looking for not just Stefan as Hayley had also vanished from the school. In a more humorous mindset, he might have joked about alien invasions or the mysteries of Alexandra island, but he just couldn’t make himself go to any of those places. Finally the school day ended and he decided to go home first and finish his research. After a few hours, he took in a deep breath and decided to see if Stefan was at home. He took the long way, coming around the front of his house, climbed the stairs and rang the doorbell.
Stefan was flipping through channels when the doorbell rang and he casually stood up to see who it was. He looked out the peephole and saw Daniel standing on the front step and opened the door “Hey Man…” He rubbed the back of his neck self consciously. The last Daniel had seen him he was screaming his face off at LaTonya. He stepped back awkwardly “Do you wanna come in?”
Daniel saw how uncomfortable Stefan looked and could not imagine what his friend was thinking. “Yea …” he stepped in, slipped out of his shoes and jacked and walked in further. “I didn’t know what had happened. Thanksgiving and all but …” he sighs and shrugs helplessly. “I finally saw what all happened. Man, I am so sorry. I know it wasn’t your fault.” he sighs again, a bit helplessly.
Stefan sighed and shrugged “It was…..it was shitty and weird timing. I figure maybe some of the kids in our class at least believe me now. Or they think I’m just an asshole for how I yelled at LaTonya.” He sighs again “I was pretty awful to her…...it just all came out in the heat of anger.” He steps further in and gestures to the couch and then sits on one end of it himself.
Daniel sits on the couch. “Well, you had reason to be angry. I mean … it’s one thing what happened at the dance, but that whole Twitter shit …” he shrugs. “It doesn’t look like LaTonya roasted you … but she didn’t say anything. I don’t know if that makes it better or worse. Maybe she could have stopped it.” he rubs his chin. “I’d say sue, but I’m in a family full of lawyers and it might not help. You can’t take anything back once its on the Internet.”
Stefan shakes his head “I don’t wanna sue anyone. I just want people to lay off….and I sure as hell don’t want to go through school here with every girl thinking I’m some kind of rapist or rapist to be. That’s the part that kills me Daniel. I know who I am...and I’d never do anything like that...and I’d never even do the thing LaTonya thought I did on purpose. Ugh it’s just fucking stupid.”
Daniel blows out a breath. “We’re young. We’ll forget?” he scoffs. “But it’ll fade as soon as something else happens. I think everyone knows you're not that kind of guy. The only thinking I can suggest is .. stay away from her. Ignore her. She’s acting like nothing happened, so you may as well too.” he shrugs. “Maybe not forever, but … I guess forever can work too.” he bites his lip. “I know you liked her, but …” he hesitates.
Stefan nods weakly and rolls his eyes “I won’t forget...but I hope everyone else does. I know you’re right.” He laughs sardonicalally “Oh fuck man...I doubt LaTonya will ever want to sepak to me ever again so staying away is a non issue.” He sighs “I do still like her...I’m trying to shake that part off. I yelled at her at the top of my lungs and couldn’t help but look at her eyes, her lips, her hair, her beautiful high cheekbones…...I know I’m an idiot. And believe me I’ll get over it. I don’t know why she even agreed to go out with me in the first place.”
Daniel shrugs. “You guys will talk again.” he assures him. “Maybe not THIS year but ….” he chuckles. He looks sympathetic. “Well, she’s pretty enough, but . I don’t know. She seems .. I don’t know ..” he knows Stefan’s crush may not be completely done. “Sort of … superficial? I mean she was staring at Tony like all the time and all of a sudden … “ he blows out a breath. “Then again, Hayley was always staring at Tony, too so .. I don’t know.”
Stefan bobs his head side to side as he takes in Daniel’s reassurances and then he goes still when Daniel calls LaTonya superficial. But he does nod about Tony “All the girls stare at that guy...I mean except the ones who were hung up on the gay guy….Rene’s nice...don’t get me wrong. And Tristan too. But Tony...well he’s a star right? Smooth talking good looking musician. I saw her looking...both of them. Although I kinda thought Hayley stopped the moment you sat down at ehr table…..maybe I’m just being your wing man.” He rolls his head on his neck “We were beside them…...Tony and that blonde chic in the pink dress. LaTonya and I and she pulled em closer. Am I that blinded by her? Do you think it was a show for Mr. Hip Hop and not her wanting to get close to me?”
Daniel notices how Stefan sort of freezes up when he says something a little negative about LaTonya. “Well, it looks to me like not all the girls are giving up on the gay guy.” he chuckles. “Maybe they think he’s bi .. I don’t know.” he sighs about Tony and grins a little about Hayley. “I do like to think she didn’t say yes to me because Tony turned her down. Hayley, I mean. I do like her.” he blows out a breath as Stefan continues. “I … well … it …” he sighs deeply. “I think it was.” he holds up his hand. “And it’s nothing against you, but I think maybe when you asked her out she agreed and tried to use you to make Tony jealous.”
Stefan had chuckled back and shrugged “Well who knows right? Gay, bi, straight...maybe none of it’s written in stone. Although I’ve liked girls since daycare according to my parents...kept hugging them all. Now I know to ask permission.” He smirks. “Hayley’s totally into you. Don’t worry about her.” Then he sinks into himself about LaTonya making Tony jealous “No I know you’re not taking a shot at me...I also know how girls look or don’t look at me….so part of me knew it was too good to be true. Now I know why at least.” His face hardens “Well fuck her then. I don’t feel half as bad for telling her off. I hope Hayley doesn’t hate me for it though. I know those two are close.”
Daniel laughs. “They probably loved you then. But yes .. permission.” he grins when someone else confirms Hayley likes him. “Wait … how do girls look at you?” he hadn’t noticed. Then he smirks. “No. DON’T fuck her. Or screw her or any other words for it.” he shrugs and sighs. “That’s the test, isn’t it?” he says. “They’re both natives and we are not. But I hope Hayley doesn’t ask me to take sides. Maybe I can make a rule in our relationship that we don’t talk about LaTonya and that part of the dance. And maybe even you, to be fair and you’re like my best friend on this island.”
Stefan snorts “Yeah they loved me when I was 3 and an adorable chubby cherub. Now I’m just the weird bodied dude. My Dad’s the same. There’s a reason I don’t wear shorts in gym, man…..girls kinda look at me like this.” He gives Daniel a side eyed don’t you dare sit closer stare. Then had laughs “No fucking….don’t worry. God I can’t even slow dance with someone without it blowing up in my face. If this is a test I may have already flunked it….with LaTonya...not with you. Hopefully not with Hayley. I was already thinking you two would be naming one of your kids Stefan” He teases and then listens to the rest and looks both touched and a little cheeky “Relationship huh? Using the big R word. Good for you two.” He gives Daniel a little shove “Back atcha man...back atcha.”
Daniel chuckles. “Awww Adorable chubby cherub.” he teases. He huffs. “They think your body type is contagious? And your dad managed to get a girl … AND keep her.” he sighs. “Well never mind LaTonya. She clearly isn’t as mature as we are. I haven’t talked to Haley yet, but I’ll definitely plead your case if I have to. It’ll be fine.” he blushes a bit. “Maybe .. we’re a long way from making babies. I mean I kissed her on the cheek and invited her to Thanksgiving since it felt like after that fire she might be abl to stand being away from home. So, we haven’t had our first real grown up kiss and she’s already met my family. Well all the family here on the island.”
Stefan laughs at the teasing and then nods “Dad’s been married twice. The second one took. My way older sister...our science teacher Cherie. She’s a half sister. Like a bunch of your bros.” He exhales “Thanks man. And hey slow is good. There’s no rush. On the smooching or those babies. Just remember it’s Stefan with an f.” He winks “How was your Thanksgiving? I was in a shit mood through mine. Only Elise and her boyfriend knew why. She and Nolan were actually really cool. My parents invited him and his mom. I’m just glad we had a turkey this year. My uncle’s a trapper. Never knew what we were walking into at that house. Could be wild turkey...could be muskrat.” He shrugs and laughs.
Daniel looks amazed. “Only twice? My dad just got rid of number five a couple of months ago.” He nods. “I’m not in a hurry … and yes … with an f.” he smiles a littlest the mention of Thanksgiving. “Well. it started with a video conference with all of my brothers and cousins and shit. I am uncle to adults, you know.” he snorts. “I invited Hayley, but she wasn’t sure if she could come. After the fire and all. You know. But she made it. My father cooked .. everyone cooked .. and we got teased because my dad and all of us really never learned to cook or clean.” he blinks. “Muskrat? You … oh … man …. That sounds … um … interesting?”
Stefan gives Daniel a one eyebrow up inquisitive look “Wouldn’t number 5 have been your mom?” He’s heard hints that Daniel has a perhaps different relationship with his mother than he has with his own. Stefan adores his mom, both his parents. Especially today after they were so present and understanding. “Uncle Danny....does anyone call you that? That would be kinda trippy being an uncle to people older than you.” Stefan grins “You fancy pants Samuels are just making friends with your mops and toilets? I’m not that great at cleaning but we all have to. Apparently I suck at laundry. But yeah I’m sure Hayley has chores...not to make assumptions but she doesn’t have a lot and you can see it. Sometimes people with less have more to give though if that makes sense. Like they know what it’s like to have nothing.” Stefan looks thoughtful “Muskrat is ok...little gamey. Not as bad as bear mind you. One time he cooked a beaver. But then because of all the jokes from the older relatives my parents made him explain oral sex to Elise and I and that was the end of that. We were pretty young but my sister asked a lot of questions and Uncle Phil was super embarrassed. I think my Dad was really enjoying watching him fumble through it.” He laughs “I’m glad no one was really hurt in that fire. And they still have a home right? I mean she was at school looking ok.”
Daniel shrugs. “Number 5 was my mom, but she married my father for money and had me and Ruth, I guess thinking it would get her more. She played around behind my father’s back. The divorce was quick.” he sighs. “And she hasn’t contacted me or Ruth since, not that we miss her.” then he laughs. “No one calls me Danny. Or even Dan. I’ve just always been Daniel. And yea, although I’m not so close to my nephews. Holiday video conferences. Most of them are still in Toronto.” He laughs a bit. “Yea.” he rolls his eyes. “We had maids and nannies and drivers and shit. But now we get to be like everyone else. And I suck at laundry too … I’m getting better now I know I’mnot supposed to put so much detergent in the machine. Fortunately Dad put the washer and dryer in the garage.” he pauses to think about Hayley “Yea .. The dress she wore I think was her best, but I also think it was pretty old. It looked worn to me. I don’t care if she has money, and I’m pretty sure she likes me regardless of my money. So … yea .. more to give on both of us in a way.” He listens to the story of the beaver with wide eyes. “So … now you know?” he offers. “I learned a lot through my brothers … and their porn. I don’t even know if Dad knows they watch it, but I do and I guess I learned the general idea of the … um .. act. I could do it and it's … well … whatever.” he blushes a little and then recovers. “Yea. I guess her mother is in for observation and all and she went home Monday and was in school today. I don’t know where she went after that, but she was there this morning. I guess I missed her after school, but I was sort of determined to see how you were doing.”
Stefan makes a sour face “I get why you live with your Dad….geez. I’m sorry.” He chuckles about the maids and nannies and drivers but then gives Daniel a nod “Good. Better to be real. And clearly you and Hayley like each other for the right reasons.” He laughs hard when Daniel says so now you know and explains about his brothers and their porn. “Dude I got the definition not an instruction manual on how to. I mean like I said that beaver dinner was when we were kids….like Elise was 9 and I was 7. And her questions were along the lines of why would anyone want to….at the time I kind of agreed. It doesn’t seem so gross to me now. You clearly got way better porn that I’ve seen. Some guys at my old school shared video links...a few magazines from like the fuckin 1990s I found when we were packing up our old house. Actually one of them was from 1985…..so vintage nudey picks. You know that singer Madonna? Well she’s old as fuck now but when she was younger she was in Playboy with hairy armpits and bush. That one was kinda different and interesting so I kept it.” He admits with a blush. “The rest I’ve seen is kinda all the same.” He looks a little concerned about Hayley “Maybe she went home because her mom got out of the clinic? I am happy you stopped by. I’ve never seen Hayley with a phone. How do you…..how do you get a hold of her outside of school?”
Daniel shrugs. “It’s no big deal. I just thought parents always had separate bedrooms.” he rolls his eyes and smiles until Stefan gets to the definition versus the instruction manuel. “Yea .. well .. I have access to my brother’s porn subscriptions. They say you should do it because it makes girls more receptive to sex. I guess they don’t work like guys do. They can cum a lot sometimes.” he arches a brow about Madonna. “I mean she’s what? 80 now? I know she’s old but … she was hot back in the day. Maybe I’ll see if I can get a copy of that … for the articles, of course.” he sighs about Hayley. “I hope so. She doesn’t have a phone and she sort of freaked when I offered to let her use mine. And … I don’t. I have to wait until I see her to talk to her. Like I know what building she lives in but not exactly which apartment. She wouldnt let me walk her all the way to her door.”
Stefan cringes “Separate bedrooms? My parents are like all over each other. I’m not sure that’s normal either but hey they’re happy.” He wiggles his brows at Daniel “You have all the world’s naughty at your login pleasure and you want a copy of the hairy Madonna? I could photocopy her for you…..or you could take a pick with your phone because imagine us getting busted with that in the school library at the machine?” He chortles and holds up a finger and then dashes upstairs, coming back with the magazine “Center of course...I dunno I just like that she’s kinda natural looking. No spray tans….just her.” He sits back down “That phone thing is such a bummer. She wouldn’t let you walk her up? That’s kinda weird. Hopefully she’s not embarrassed of you…...I mean her dad’s that janitor guy right? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her mom…….her older brother is a bit of a tool...Maddox…...always fighting and getting into it…..he and that Justin guy. Just an impression I get.”
Daniel snorts. “I’ve never seen that with my Dad. Maybe once I get married she’ll want to be all over me. Stefan talks about the porn and then brings down the magazine. Daniel looks at it. “See … the women on porn look nothing like this. I mean … Why do women shave … everything? We don’t.” he looks at the centrefold and takes a picture with his camera and then looks a while before clearing his throat and closing it, then giving it back. “Thanks…” he blows out a breath, because the subject is back on Hayley. “I hope not too. I’ll have to ask if it keeps up She met all the family I have, including Levi and his boyfriend who ARE all over each other, but it's sweet cause Levi is so happy now. But I haven’t met anyone in her family. I’d try and make a good impression and let her parents know my intentions are honorable.”
Stefan can’t help but looks amused at Daniel’s reaction to the magazine. “I dunno about the shaving thing. Not every woman does but it seems to be common. I’m gonna put this back so I don’t lose it if I’m busted…..be right back..” And he’s up the stairs and down again and back on the couch “Hey do you want a pop or something? Because apparently it takes me half an hour to remember my manners. We might have some cheesy puff thingies around too.” He casually nods about Levi “Your brother’s gay….that’s cool. Can’t remember if you told me that. Who’s the boyfriend? I mean small town and all right?” He thinks about the family thing and Hayley “Well the Brown family all kinda look a little alike….I’ve seen her with her little sister. She looks like a tiny Hayley so it’s obvious. And then the tool brother….brown curly hair….does she have more than just the one brother and sister? I mean Elise and I don’t look super alike. She’s like some sort of weird skinny midget...like our Kookum. Kookum is Michif for Grandmother.”
Daniel shrugs. “Immanuel said its because of the porn industry, but also if they don’t shave you get hair in your mouth or something. He’s 18, so I guess he would know. He’s one of my many brothers.” he grins. “Maybe a pop. SOme kind of Un-Cola, if you have it. Now that Dad hasn’t killed us all with a big meal, he’s more adventurous in the kitchen. SO I better save room for dinner.” he chuckles. “I guess it’s OK to say. Dr Rogers. Jasper.” he grins. “Kookum .. cool I know another language now.” then he thinks about hos the Brown’s look. “Yea they do, but you look kinda like Elise, except Elise is so tiny … and that boyfriend of hers is like huge.” he blinks, then blinks again. He buries his face in his hands. “My eyes! My eyes! Curse my active teenage imagination!”
Stefan frowns a little skeptically “Alright…..so should we be shaving for girls if we want that kinda action? I dunno it just seems a little weird and exploitive. No offense to your brother of course.” He heads to the kitchen still calling back “Un- cola…..so like Fanta orange? Grape? Cream soda?” Then he convulses and pointes dangerously at Daniel “Dude...that’s MY SISTER…..do NOT! “ He throws up his hands in the doorway to the kitchen “I do not want to think about what they do over at his place…..they’re just studying…” He covers his eyes dramatically “Talking about sushi…..chastely discussing the WEATHER…...ugh!”
Aniel considers that. “I don't know but it makes sense. If she shaves, I will or better because I’m lazy, she doesn’t have to shave. Simple.” he nods and calls. “Creme soda please.” and he winces. “I couldn't help it.” He makes excuse. “Maybe she is saving herself for marriage or something? No talking about FISH!” he smirks. “And the weather . um … it’s getting cooler. October ya know…”
Stefan comes back with a cream soda can for Daniel and a grape for himself. He passes Daniel his drink and sits down cracking his can open and rolling his eyes “I highly doubt that….the saving thing. I overheard her talking to our mom about going to the doctor to get on the pill. So I assume that means they’re doing it. None of my business but glad she’s prepared I guess. Probably that lady doctor not the Dr. Rogers your brother is dating.” He snorts again “OK topic of my sister’s sex life is now off limits. Give us a new topic...anything else. Paint drying…..the last movie you saw….whatever.”
Daniel opens his creme soda and drinks while Stefan talks. Then he opens it as if to speak again, then smirks. “Fair enough. And I am assuming your sex life is as exciting as mine is, speaking of drying paint. And … actually it’s been a while since the last time I saw a movie, but I’ve been meaning to go down to the Alexandra Theatre. It’s so small .. not like those big ass multiplexes. I asked how many screens they had and the guy selling tickets said ONE.”
Stefan nods, laughing “Just me and hairy Madonna.” He grins about the theatre “Small town. But maybe let’s wait a week or two to catch a movie. Elise and Nolan didn’t seem to like this weekend’s double feature. The two of them and her friend Gen got kicked out of the theatre. They musta been bored as hell to let that happen. I hear it’s all older stuff here...I mean with Covid there’s not much new. Maybe they’ll do like a star wars marathon or something at least”
Daniel grins. “OK, we’ll wait.” he looks slightly lost. “I … only know the first three…” he admits and holds his creme soda like a shield. “Don’t kill me!”
Stefan chuckles “First three as in old school first three...original trilogy? That’s actually pretty acceptable in my book. It ebbs and flows good and bad after them. I’m bittersweet about Episodes 1 through 3. But I liked The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. They fucked with too much in The Rise of Skywalked. Rogue One was useless…..as stand alone story that could have stayed in the lore. Solo was cool. I loved some of the TV shows...the Mandolorian, The Clones Wars, Rebels…..so yeah I can catch you up.” He smirks “Unless you don’t care, which I can respect. Not everyone’s a Star Wars fan. What do you like Daniel?”
Daniel listens to Stefan go on about Star Wars and then says not everyone’s a Star Wars fan. “I don’t have to be. I have you.” he teases. He considers what he likes. “I … don’t really know. I don’t read anything in my age range.” he laughs. “Mostly old shit .. like Tom Sawyer and shit that is considered horribly racist now. But the new fangled stuff.” he sighs. “It makes me feel like if I want to do humanity a favor I’ll slice my dick off.” he shrugs. “Old soul? Or idiot. Take your pick.”
Stefan sniffs and then grins, closed mouthed with a mouthful of Fanta grape. Then he listens and reflects on what Daniel is saying before he chokes “Keep your dick. Jesus….Old dickless soul? OK s you like old books. Some old books are racist. But if you read that shit and say “Oh hey that’s racist….I mean it’s complicated right? Do we throw it all out the window when some parts are great and some things are awful? The world is fucked man….fucked. I could probably give you some stuff to read that’s new and not inspiring of self mutilation. Have you ever read any Kenneth Oppel? He’s kind of an old soul himself. My favourite by him is called the Boundless. It’s a mystery on a train….but it’s also sort of the history of the Canadian railroad…..in a round about way. It’s a cool book.”
Daniel chuckles. “Complicated is right. Do we take a character from the 1830’s and make them talk like they do today, or how they talked back then. And we’re men … that’s never a good thing.” he laughs slightly and considers. “Never heard of him, but it sounds good. I’ll give it a try.” he agrees. “The last book I read was the Diary of Anne Frank and that didn't end too good … but exactly as I expected it would.”
Stefan shrugs “I dunno man. And we can be good men right? We don’t have to be the stereotypes of the bad ones.” He nods about the book recommendation and then makes a face about the Diary of Anne Frank “Yeah I haven’t read that….but i know of it. Of course it ended ….well it was the holocaust and she was Jewish. I don’t have any words of comfort there…..not a one.”
Daniel nods. “Or go in the exact opposite way on so called good men.” he shrugs about his not having read the book. “Well, don’t participate in any genocides and I’ll be happy.” he laughs. He toasts Stefan with his pop. “And you’re half indiginous, right? You sort of get it.”
Stefan looks curious now “What do you mean about the opposite way thing?” He nods and laughs “Yeah genocide is not among my usual hobbies.” He toasts back “Metis. Yeah I do. Similar and different but I hear you.”
Daniel shrugs. “I feels like people go all the way one way or another. All the way racist or all the way sexist and it’s just confusing. I spy on my Dad too much.” he laughs. “But yea … I mean no one rounded up your ancestors, which is a good thing, but even today you can get discriminated against for being Indiginous. The world is a fucked up place.”
Stefan nods along “You spy on your dad like with his legal cases?” He looks thoughtful “The genocide of the Jewish people in Europe was by far the most awful extreme intentional mission to wipe a culture….race, religion out...in history. I can’t compare apples to oranges….not even gonna try. They didn’t get put to death in gas chambers but some Metis kids got taken and put in residential schools. So that legacy…..some died there, some killed themselves later in various ways. Some unhealed people hurt other people in their path. And yeah short answer...the world is a fucked up place. And there are still anti semites spouting off bullshit too.”
Daniel shrugs. “Sometimes. Him and my brother Levi when they’d brainstorm on cases. For example defending a battered woman against killing her husband or something. They’ll weigh pros and cons like how badly she was abused and if it might not be enough what else can they cay … it’s a messed up business, the law.” he sighs. “But they also take Indiginous kids out of their homes and put them in foster care … with white families, of course. So the kid might lose his whole identity. It’s like another genoscide.” he huffs. “And yea, my father’s defended protestors fighting for Indiginous rights.”
Stefan nods a little wide eyed “Yeah heavy stuff in law for sure.”He nods about the reference to the child welfare system and Indigenous kids “It’s all same shit different pile right, colonizing, shoving people onto the shittiest land based on making them agree to a document that’s not written in a language they can read….then take their kids and abuse the hell of of them in the name of conversion and education...oh and then those kids and their kids are two fucked up to parent? Well we better take their kids away and strip more culture.” He exhales roughly through his nostrils and then nods “Good we need people defending the allies and the protectors of the land and water. So...Daniel you got a family full of lawyers. Is that what you wanna do too? I suspect my parents would love it if one of us Girard kids took over their Dive shop one day. I like diving but I dunno if it’s my passion forever. Elise maybe. She’s way better at it. I’m not sure what I want to do yet.”
Daniel nods. “Yea and it has to change, somehow.” He shrugs. “Part of me wants to get into law. But there are so many lawyers in my family. Maybe I could defend the weak some other way. Cop or even a social worker. Of my eight brothers 4 are already lawyers and I think my others will too. Ruth might be a good lawyer, but there aren't many women in the firm.” he grins. “I may be able to skip law school .. I’m real far down in the line of succession.” he jokes.
Stefan tilts his head “Well you gotta do you...not what they want. That does kinda sound like some pressure though. Line of succession? Like royals but lawyers?” He laughs.
Daniel laughs. “Pretty much. Samuels have been lawyers since our family lived in Italy. Nope, we didn’t come from Jerusalem. Fathers, sons .. we came to America at around the turn of the century. Chicago. Then Toronto and now Vancouver and, of course, Alexandra. I think I can NOT go to law school if I can get into another branch of law enforcement or justice. But at the same time, I want to help. Maybe it’s a genetic thing. But I’m most interested in the plight of the indiginous and those who fight for the rights of the indiginous .. need lawyers. Catch 22 maybe?” he jokes.
Stefan listens with interest “Italy? So you’re Italian and Jewish? I definitely support more Indigenous allies in any way……” He’s about to keep talking when Daniel’s phone starts ringing and he pauses in case Daniel needs to get it.
It’s an unfamiliar number on the call display but the name that goes with it is G&S Carpenter.
Daniel is listening to Stefan when his phone rings. He holds up a finger, but Stefan already stopped talking. He looks at his phone and the caller ID says G&S Carpenter. Arching his brows, he wonders if he should answer. Of course he’d been warned not to open the door for strangers, but never anything about answering calls from people he doesn’t know. However his father often worked with dangerous people and got threatening phone calls, but because of his work, he never knew who would call from what number. If it was from an old client, or even an active client threatening him to intimidate his father, he could just tell his father. He considered all of this while staring at the name and he thought too long, as the call went to voicemail, making his decision for him. He blows out a breath and looks at Stefan. “Sometimes my Dad’s clients get mad and call us … well never me, but Immanuel and Mordechi have gotten people calling them and telling them to tell my dad to back off or else. But … not so nice words.”
Stefan looks mildly alarmed by Daniel and his brothers getting threatened because of their father’s work “Holy shit man....how do they get your numbers? I’m so glad my folks run a dive shop and sharks don’t have phones.” He snickers.
A minute or two later a text comes into Daniel’s phone but from another number, an unknown number:
Daniel it’s Hayley. This is my cousin Winona’s phone. She’s helping me because I have never sent a text before. We’re at their house. I tried to call on the landline but no luck so I will just leave you this as a message. My mom died. There’s more but I should probably tell you properly. It’s bad. But you can call me at this number when you get this. 604-569-2987. My Uncle Gary and Aunt Shannon Carpenter.
Daniel sighs. “If you know how, you can get anyone’s number. Privacy isn’t really a thing.” he laughs about the sharks. “But at least sharks can’t come on land, either. Unless they’re the sharks from Sharknado. Have you ever seen those movies. Dumbest. Movies. Ever. But that’s what makes them so fun … they know its stupid.” Then his phone chimes again and he looks at it and blinks, turning pale. “God … Hayley.” he reads the message to Stefan and then immediately calls the number back.
Stefan makes a face about the privacy thing but then snaps and points “Sharknado! Yes!” Daniel reacts intensely to a text and then reads it and Stefan’s jaw drops. He closed his mouth and nodded as Daniel called.
Hayley answers but her voice is shaky “Hello? “ She had been watching the phone hopefully. In the background a kind female voice says “Hayley honey... you can take the cordless to one of the bedrooms if you like.” And behind that the sound of quiet conversation around her and in the distance someone with a male voice is intermittently talking and sobbing. “Ok...” Hayley answers “Hang on Daniel I’m just moving...” Voices and directions of them change as she walks and then a door quietly closes and Hayley lets out a small sob “I don’t really know where to start...”She sniffs. “My mom was found by the Olin...” she chokes out “In the dumpster.....by the police. They think my dad killed her. But they haven’t caught him....” Hayley’s sobbing becomes a bit muffled now like she’s trying to cry into something.
Daniel listens to Haley and looks at Stefan with wide horrified eyes. “Oh, God Hayley.” the volume is normal, so Stefan may not be able to hear. “I’m so sorry. Are you safe? Do you need me to come over?” he doesn’t even know where she is, but he feels compelled to ask.
Stefan stays quiet but looks worried. He can’t hear Hayley but this was definitely not good.
Hayley inhales hard “Thank you... but stay home. Are you at home? The police took us all from school. My brothers and sister and I. They didn’t tell us why but Daniel...” Her voice cracks “He’s violent. And he knows you’re connected to me. Please stay in until he’s locked up. I know it sounds crazy...it is crazy. My whole life is crazy.” She exhales “I’m sorry. I just wanted to tell you where I was and give you a phone number... I didn’t want to drag you into it. I never imagined he’d kill her. He said it sometimes...but I thought it was just a threat.”
Daniel listens on, horrified. “No .. I’m over Stefan’s house.” he considers. “I’ll go home if you want me to, but … he wouldn’t … I mean he just thinks I’m a classmate. Or do you mean he knows we’re dating? He doesn’t like me?” he finds that odd, since he’s never met her father. “I’ll be alright, Hayley. I have this number now and … are you not going to be in school until they catch your Dad?” he sighs. “It’s going to be …” he realizes things won’t be alright, so he settles on. “It’ll work itself out Haley. I’m here for you if you need me.” he promises her.
Hayley hears Daniel and her stomach drops. He didn’t understand. “Please stay at Stefan’s. Don’t go home.” She sounds desperate “I don’t know how to explain. My father is a violent bigot. I lied about who I was going to the dance with. Not because I’m ashamed of you...because I was ashamed of him and I didn’t ever want you to have to talk to him. So I said was going with Mason Stanley. The most boring white as far as I can tell not religiously culturally anything guy I could think of...just to shut him up. But he checked up on me. He saw Mason leave early and he saw us walking with Levi. Levi came to our apartment once as a lawyer. I don’t know all the details. It was about my brother and a girl. He didn’t see me but I knew his name when I heard it. And my dad remembers him so he looked up your family and he...” Now she breaks off and there’s a pause before she quietly admits “He punished me for lying. I didn’t hurt my back falling on the stairs.” She pauses again and sniffs “I didn’t want you to know and stop liking me for how messed up my family is. But then my mom and my brother stood up to him and I kinda talked back...but then all of a sudden there was fire. And some of the rest you know. But I don’t want him to see you walking home if he’s out there somewhere. I told him I was going to your house on thanksgiving and that I didn’t care if he didn’t like it. But if he really did kill her...”She starts to cry again “Daniel just please stay at Stefan’s house. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you. I know this is insane. But please believe me.”
Daniel listens, his eyes moving to Stefan and staring at him. “Alright Kayley. I’ll ask if I can stay here for awhile, okay?” he promises her. He sighs as she explains about her father. “Oh, Kayley. I get it and I know you’re not ashamed of me .. of us. I just wish you’d said something to my father, or even to Jasper. Well, water under the bridge.” he blows out a breath. “I’ll stay here for a while, but Hayley. I want you to know I don’t think any less of you and I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself, even if it was against your own father. I’ll stay here and be safe for you. Just .. let me know when I can go home, okay? I think the Gerads might not want another son, OK?” he's hoping she might laugh or at least relax a bit.
Stefan gestures around the house and points to himself and then Daniel as if to sign my house is your house. He looks increasingly worried by what he’s hearing.
Hayley lets out a teary sigh “Thank you...” She just pauses, overwhelmed. And then from the other room a voice can be audibly heard “THEY GOT HIM!” Hayley was about to almost laugh at Daniel’s little joke but then at the words and the realization she just breaks down again. The door bursts open and someone else comes in crying “Hayley... he’s been arrested....” “Thank you Aunt Shannon.” She chokes out “I’ll be right there... Daniel you don’t have to move in with Stefan. He’s.... it’s...” She can’t get through the sentence. It’s all too much.
Daniel hears the words in the background and then Hayley seems to be crying. He smiles a little bit. “I heard. I’m glad the cops got him, Hayley. Do you need to be with your family now? You have my number and I have yours. I can call later tonight, just to check in if you want.” he’s prepared to end the call, and he looks a bit more relieved.
Hayley sniffs into the receiver “Yeah... thanks Daniel. I suspect you were really just hoping for a nice girl to go to dances with and take for ice cream. So same offer. Now’s your chance to run. I do have to go...but I would totally understand.” She gives a tiny pause for his answer but then it’s just overwhelming again and she quickly says “Bye.”
Stefan is looking curious, worried and confused about all of it but he waits and finishes his drink.
Daniel smiles, even though only Stefan can see it. “I don’t have a nice girl. I have a FANTASTIC girl, Hayley. So I’m not running anyplace. Take care. Bye.” and he clicks off the call and looks at Stefan. “Holy fuck ....” he says before explaining everything Hayley told him about the murder of her mother, being taken out fo school and her father’s arrest. Then he downs the rest of his creme soda like a strong drink.
Stefan’s eyes go wider and wider “What the fuck…….are you serious……..oh my fucking god Daniel…” He exclaims during the telling of it. Eventually he exhales and crushes his soda can “I don't even know what to say. God poor Hayley….and the younger ones. I always thought Madox was a dick but maybe it’s because his dad was beating the crap out of him….I mean fuck that’ll do it. Not that Hayley went that way. She’s super sweet despite it. Wow….that’s a lot.”
Daniel leans back on the couch. “Yea … that’s .. I’ve never heard anything like it, but Hayley wouldn’t lie about that.” he blows out a breath and looks at his knees. “She took a beating because of me, Stefan … because she was out with a Jew.” he tightens his jaw, trying not to be angry about it.
Stefan swallows quietly and looks truly distrubed by that idea “Fuck man….and then he killed the wife? I’m glad the cops got him. I understand why Hayley wanted you to stick around. My folks would have let you crash here as long as you needed so consider that an anytime. But still….well sort of worked out as well as it could considering. She’s never come into school with like a black eye or anything.” He ponders it and shakes his head “I mean you know how I feel about racism….but I don’t get how people can hurt their own kids...or wives...husbands I guess too happens but you hear about more women.”
Daniel nods. “I’m glad they got him, too. I hope he never gets out.” he nods. “My mother was really not a nice woman. I know she was playing around behind my father’s back. But she also wanted him around? I don’t really get it, but I guess when Covid came along she got really bad about telling him to come home and stay home. Anyway … the worse my father did was call security when my mom was in the hall screaming and yelling about how at least her boyfriend got a vasectomy when she told him to. Well, and divorced her. But he’s defended … all kinds of people, but I like to think when a man kills his wife he doesn't try as hard.”
Stefan looks sympathetic and disheartened “Holy shit your parents man...I feel like I’ve had such a sheltered life. Not that I want any of that...or the fucking shit show the Brown kids are facing. But honestly my folks...I mean they barely even argue. We have a bit of a family thing about the thermostat but it’s frivolous. I swear my mom and sister are always cold….I don’t know how the fuck they dive but they do. Maybe they’re actually amphibious. I can’t believe your mom yelled all that where you could hear it to. My Uncle Phil’s had a bunch of wives….but he swears by his promise to keep the kids out of the line of fire when it goes south. I gotta respect it. Can your dad refuse a client if he just can’t stomach what they did?”
Daniel shrugs. “I don’t know what she was thinking. My whole life was strange. I knew on TV parents slept in the same bed, but my Dad didn’t. Eventually my older brother told me that it’s happened to our Dad before. Their mother, who was my dads wife before my mother, also made him sleep in a seperate bedroom. And my Dad doesn’t really argue, except in court. They push him and push him and he calls HIS lawyers and gets a divorce.” then he nods. “Of course a defense attorney can pick and choose their cases unless they work for the Crown. And I’ve overheard my dad say he can’t defend this client or that client. But some he takes. And some he loses. But they’re good lawyers in my family, so they win more .. and thats why the firm is so good.”
Stefan muses “So it goes south for your dad but he keeps getting married, maybe hoping to break the curse? Man…..maybe getting called EpiPenis isn’t the worst of the worst right? Especially after all the stuff with Hayley you just told me.” Stefan nods “Yeah if you’re like a public defender you have to argue for all the scumbags. Like Nolan’s brother Brett had one of those. God this was before you were here I think. My sister’s boyfriend is a nice guy but his brother was a really bad dude. So you know Rene and Cath’s older sister….Gen? Short for Genevieve. She hangs out with my sister like all the time. This Brett guy threw a party and during that he tried to rape Gen. But it had something to do with him getting back at her boyfriend or some shit. I don’t really know that part. But Gen’s boyfriend….this guy Dante...he beat the hell out of Brett and now he’s in jail. He had your brother Levi though...as a lawyer and Brett had the public legal aid or whatever. They’re both in jail now but I don’t feel like that dante guy should be. Mina...the little goth girl with the pink hair and the headphones? She’s Dante’s foster sister.”
Daniel listens and can’t help but retort. “You COULD probably sue over it, but a judge might ask for proof your penis cannot be confused with an EpiPen … don’t ask me how you can prove that in any way that wouldn’t scar you for life, but it could happen.” then he gets serious as he is told about what happened to Gen. “I don’t know much about it, because of confidentiality, but Levi was Gen’s brother’s lawyer. I only know that because I’ve met them when they've thanks Levi … again .. for helping out Sasha and Dante. And Levi isn’t shy about being sorry he couldn’t do more, but Dante? Thats his name right? He’s Latino … and Latin Indiginous? ANyway he isn’t quote end quote white or Caucasion or whatever so .. he could get Sasha off real easy and hed to pull some legal maneuvering to get Dante as light a sentence as he got.” he nods. “Oh I did not know that.” then he laughs. “I like the law so … I sort of pay more attention than I should. I think all of us boys did.”
Stefan actually turns a bit pink in the cheeks as he laughs “Fuck no. I’m not whipping it out for a measured comparison. Jesus…” He shakes off the embarrassment and the laughter as he shifts back to the Dante/Gen/Sasha/Brett story and snaps his fingers “Yeah Sasha too...the older brother. I keep forgetting him because he didn’t get shipped off to juvie. Slap on the wrist. Dante’s oh fuck what did Elise say…..ah El Salvador maybe? I probably have it wrong...Mexico? So yeah he could be some kinda Latin American Indigenous for sure. Got hand tattoos on his fingers that say FUCK LIFE. He’s a bit hard core looking but I’m not going to judge that...well good to pay attention. You must be a hell of an eavesdropper Daniel.” He smirks.
Daniel laughs at first. “Yea .. so always be careful what you do with it, because you don't want to have to show it in court. Great advice from my oldest brothers.” he sighs when Stefan admits he forgot about Sasha. “Sasha is pretty and white and blonde. I can’t remember what he got, but it was the least of Levi’s worries I think, because he is STILL working on Dante’s case.” and then he sort of stops. “I … well .. um … I DO keep my ear to a carefully selected door or two.” he admits. “I’m really interested in the investigative side … the hows and whys of the law. Just because you and I go and beat someone up doesn’t mean we’re both guilty or will be treated the same .. there so many ins and outs.” he bites his lip. I kinda get why my brothers all went into law … maybe we’re all wired that way.”
Now Stefan gets a little smirk “So what’s the most shocking thing you’ve ever heard behind those selected doors? Do you ever get busted? I mean you already have that porn subscription…” He teases “So what’s a little eavesdropping right?” He sighs a bit “Yeah that’s too true. The law applies differently and that’s fuckin lame.”
Daniel laughs. “Well … I know the juiciest stuff was what I heard in Italian, which I don’t speak well, but I am learning. Everyone in the family learns Italian .. on top of Yiddish and Hebrew. Because it’s ALMOST expected that all of us will become lawyers. But in ENGLISH … “ he bites his lip. “It was when my father was talking to some kind of expert on the Catholic church because some priest had assaulted someone during some kind of protest about indiginous rights. It was the middle of the night so I imagine it was overseas, because I have that kind of imagination that my father was talking to Rome herself.” he chuckles. “He was asking about warrior priests and shit. It was bizarre, but I never found out if he got the priest exonerated or not.”
Stefan looks intrigued “Italian huh? It’s like the Mafia language right? I mean they could be talking about ripe tomatoes but the intonations….you feel like someone’s gonna…” And now he does his best Godfather impression “Sleep with the fishes!” He snorts “My Dad makes that joke about dives but we’re not Italian.” Then he listens intently “So like some kinda shitty priest and your dad like reported him to the Vatican? Does he have a direct line to the Pope? I thought only Catholics got those.”
Daniel laughs. “Yea … my family is TOTALLY full of Mafia lawyers.” he actually expects it’s true but his tone of voice and intonation make it sound sarcastic. He shakes his head about the priest. “No … this is a priest who assaulted a Canadian police officer!” he sounds excited. “And my dad was asking if ALL priests took that vow of um …. What is it .. pacifism or whatever. Maybe some priests can kick your ass and not be in trouble with God?” he shrugs, but it’s fascinated him for a long time.
Stefan looks happier about the actual truth “Ok...that’s better than the priests and nuns who beat and raped the Indigenous kids in residential schools...talk about truth and reconciliation. That is interesting. The church versus the fuzz? I don’t know what to think…...but keep your ear to that door Don Samuels…..yeah you lose the mafia with the last name Dude….not like Don Corleone….”
Daniel nods and then laughs. “I will and .. yea … I think that’s why we call ourselves Jewish and not Italian. I mean the DNA comes back absolutely positively Jewish, and with no Italian sounding last name. Yea .. we lose a lot of street cred. It’s the yarmulkes.” he snorts and then glances at the microwave and jumps. “Fuck! I’m gonna be late for dinner and I don’t have the excuse of someone after me anymore.” he stands. “Listen. Lets text some more tonight, after I get my homework and chores done.” he actually feels closer to Stefan now and likes that feeling.
Stefan laugh heartily and then claps Daneil on the shoulder “You go catch up and get fed. We eat late here. I’m really glad you came by. It cheered me up...but I know you’ve got to be there for Hayley too and her deal is so fucked up. So if you need to unload after all that kinda stuff text or call. I’m around...anytime.” Stefan is grateful for Daniel, unexpected but bro kinda pal he didn’t even know he needed. “Watch out for the cement shoes eh? See ya tomorrow.”
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