2021-01-08 Crisis in Care Suit

 2021-01-08 Crisis in Care Suit

Natalie Sokal was taking on a big suit, probably the biggest of her career. Through the firm Samuel and Sons she represented Eugene Sinclair, an Indigenous youth in the foster care system. And the system had failed him catastrophically. Natalie poured over the legal precedences and consulted with youth advocacy groups, First Nations activists and support workers for youth in crisis and had 7 pages open on her laptop for the Government of Ontario’s Child and Family Services. Her client had been horribly abused and exploited through many years as a child and youth in care. She found out she had grounds to sue on several fronts and she pursued them all. She was working pro bono and she was driven by the cause to set things right. Gene would need a lifetime of counselling for the damage done to him. He also was facing some extensive dental work and his foster family had no dental plan as the guardian in question was self employed. She logged into a Zoom meeting with Beverly John, an Indigenous and Human Rights lawyer  and former Supreme Court Judge she was consulting with. Beverly was semi retired yet one of those die hards who would likely never retire because her important work would never be done.

“Ms. Sokal, hello. So nice to meet you face to face.” Beverly had tidy short grey hair and a round face with deep set brown black eyes. She wore a beautiful set of red and turquoise beaded earrings and a grey ribbed knit top.

Natalie smiled “Your honour. The pleasure is mine. I assume you got all my files on Eugene Sinclair’s case.”

Beverly nodded “I did. Quite a heartbreaking read…” She sighs “But he’s not the first or last. How can I best help you with this? Are you going the civil route or seeking reparations from the perpetrators in question?”

Natalie rolled her head to one side until there was a little pop. Her short black hair had grown into a bit of a bob that framed her face. She was wearing a long soft looking beige sweater over a dark brown skirt and her baby bump was prominent but not on camera. “I’d like to do both but time is of the essence.”

Beverly ponders this “Do both but in parts. Civil and then go for that family. Because they can’t be allowed to get away with it. But you’ll get a settlement faster from the province because they won’t want it in the press for too long. Get the kid his dental work at least to start. Plus he may have to testify against the family and that’s….a whole other trauma after all he’s been through.”

Natalie sighs, nodding “I was thinking the same thing. Maybe he won’t even choose to pursue it. Things are going well here for him. I know they won’t get more fosters but it’s still unnerving that they’re free to approach youth wherever they are…..it’s only reduced access, not eliminated right?”

Beverly nods gravely “You are correct Ms. Sokal. But that’s still something,” A large grey tabby cat jump in front of Beverly and peers into her screen “Cleo...pardon my office assistant. He never knocks.”

Natalie laughs “Oh that’s ok. It’s our new normal. OK…..you’ve given me direction. Thank you your honour. I’ll be in touch when I’ve got it all filed later today.”

Beverly looks up over Cleo “Best of luck and my kindest wishes to your client.” She clicks off the call.

Natalie pours over the work for hours and starts filing the suit through the proper channels. Then she texts Gene Sinclair 

I’ve begun the process of filing for your civil suit and I need some signatures from you and your legal guardian. We should schedule a meeting soon to discuss details. We will be discussing the possibility of the other suit. Do what you need to do for self care in that process. I understand how triggering that could be. We’ll file the civil first. It’s not as personal and will likely go faster.

Gene was just coming out of the school.  The week .. this year so far … had been beautiful.  Granted … It was only a week old, so there was plenty of time for disaster to strike.  He was waiting for Miranda and they had the rest of Friday to themselves.  It could be their first evening in the small apartment Bruce had behind his shop, once the shop closed.  Pull out couch, fridge and microwave.  Plus it picked up the store's wifi, so they could do homework or watch a movie if they wanted.  But his phone chimed, indicating a text message and he looked at it and froze.  It mentioned a civil suit but implied criminal.  Against Victor and Jeanne Laurent or ... against all of them …  He bit his lip and shivered, even though he wasn’t exactly cold.  He replied to Natalie.

OK I’ll tell Shea if you haven't.

And then he texted Shea.

Natalie Sokal has papers you need to sign.  As soon as possible, I guess?

And then he went back and read Natalies message again, not sure how he felt about any of this now.

Miranda just had to make a run to the bathroom before leaving with Gene. His boss was a super nice guy and knowing neither of them had tons of privacy at home had offered the little sort of apartment room in Quorra computers as a possible alone time hang out for them. They were spending the night together there tonight. Miranda had opted to just tell her Dads the truth instead of trying to say she was sleeping over at Winonas and they had been surprisingly cool. I mean after what her Dad had walked in on on Monday, maybe they were just relieved. But since Monday Gene and Miranda had been almost insanely happy together. It was a perfect week. She had packed a few extra clothes in her backpack and since a pull out bed was apparently in the mix, a set of sheets. She could hardly wait for anything and everything their little plan might bring. Miranda was happy to do anything with Gene, even homework, dishes, staring at a blank wall. So she came out of the bathroom with a smile on her face but found him looking like he was reading something intense on his phone. He didn’t look happy. She couldn’t read his expression at all. “Hey….” She said cautiously and stepped in beside him kissing his cheek “Everything alright?”

Shea Walsh had just gotten home and got Gene’s text and nodded at it. He called out to Sparrow who was on the couch appearing to be studying. “Hey can you make sure you’re around to walk Lyra home from Ruth’s when she’s ready. I gotta go to the lawyer with Gene?”

Sparrow looked up “Yeah sure Dad. I’m...I have plans with Stella but she’ll be cool to walk there and back with us. Good luck….” She looked back at her computer and typed.

Shea shot a text back:

I’ll head that way. See you soon.

Natalie was just forwarding all of her documents in a  zipped file to David Samuels in Ottawa when her phone buzzed with Gene’s reply. She sent another reply of her own :

I’m in the office tonight until 6 or so so anytime.

Gene could feel Miranda near him and tried to smile at her just as Shea’s reply came back.  He looked at it and said aloud, and a bit incredulously.  “Now?  We’re doing this NOW?”  he asked the phone but instead sighed at the phone.  “Delay in plans, Randy.”  he showed her his phone.  “I guess I have to sign some legal papers … or something …”  his voice seems calmer than usual.

Miranda watched Gene react to his phone and stayed quiet, waiting to see why. Then he said there was a delay and showed her the messages. She blinked at the information and then looked at him with love “That’s big…” He sounded calm but she had to ask “Are you ok? I’m fine with a delay.” She slid her arm around him a little “What do you need right now Gene? I can come with you….meet you later. Just let me know.” She was making it clear she was fully there for him in any way that helped. Her tone was gentle.

Shea pulled up in front of the law office and got out of his van, hiking up his jeans a bit and then walking in the door, pausing a bit as he peered in. Maybe he should wait for Gene. Maybe he should have offered him a ride….He ponders this.

Natalie sat typing, just working until she had to stop and meet.

Gene started walking along 3rd street.  “Yea … I … didn’t think she really meant it.”  he sighed.  “I … I guess I’m OK .. she said civil, but … I’ll probably have to give testimony…”  he licks his lips.  “Um .. could you … um … maybe we can meet … later?  I mean … maybe you know .. dinner or something with Dante and Gen?”  his mind was on any future testimony.  But they could eat with Dante and Gen.  They had said this weekend.  “I’ll be OK …”  he promised.

Miranda walked with Gene and held his hand if he’d let her. He seemed to be all over the place and she could tell he was kind of spinning. She stopped them and nodded at him and then just wrapped her arms around him and hugged him for as long as he’d let her. “I know you need to go do this. And I can tell it’s really tough for you. I love you, Gene. I’m here for you.” She squeezed him a bit “We can see Dante and Gen if that works. Anything...seriously.” She lets him go a bit so he can step away but if he lets her she’ll step in and kiss him sweetly on the lips first.

Gene hugged her back.  Everything in his life was suddenly going so well … now he … he didn’t really know what he’d have to do.  “I love you, too Randy.  I’ll text you and let you know what’s going on.”  he kissed her sweetly, and then with more passion and need.  Then he left her in front of the firehouse and just sprinted to the law office, wanting to get it out of the way.  He burst in the door without looking around.  “Gene Sinclair to see Natalie Sokal.”  he announced, panting a bit.

Kira Delmonaco looked up when the young man came in.  “One moment.”  she replied succinctly, getting on her phone and letting Natalie know Gene was here now.

Shea was just checking his phone and ready to text Gene when he literally zoomed past him before he could even call his name. He stood there with his mouth open and his hand in the air and then just followed, patting Gene on the back as he walked up behind him “Speedy Gonzales. Ariba.” He joked, trying to make light of what he was sure was a stressful appointment coming up. He smiled at Kira and nodded “Hi there Kira.”

Natalie told Kira to send them in and then grabbed the file with the documents she needed them to sign and set it on the desk, ready to get down to it.

Miranda had returned Gene’s passion as he kissed her back. She watched him run off and all her love went with him. This was big scary stuff, well not as big and scary as what he’d already lived through but probably dragging that all out in the process. She ached for him and then she walked home to wait to hear from him. Miranda paused as she walked and texted Dante and Gen in a group. She had been sitting with Gene, Dante, Gen. Nolan and Elise at their lunch table at least half the time this week. She also sometimes sat with Winona. Finally today they worked it out so Winona, and shockingly Tyler ended up at the table end beside the table end with that group so Miranda could bridge between her friends and her boyfriend and his friends, who were very much becoming her good friends too. Sparrow sometimes sat with them too but she also sometimes went off with Stella seeking a  bit more quiet. But during this week she’d exchanged info with Dante and Gen. So now she texted:

Gene got called in for a legal appointment that’s possibly a bit emotionally loaded. OK not a bit, it just is. He wants to have dinner with you guys after. I think he needs you two as well as me. Are you free?

Dante and Gen were at his place on the couch in the garage just cuddling and relaxing when the texts came in. Dante looked at Gen after he read it “I’m pretty sure you’re going to say yes to this too?” He knew how much Gen cared about Gene now and it made him even gladder he ended up here before Dante got out and home.

We’re in. Just tell us when and where.

Gene jumped when Shea patted him on the back.  When he realized he laughed, nervously.  “Ha ha .. sorry … Just …”  he sighs and follows them into Natalie’s office.  He looked at the lawyer for a while but did not speak.  Telling himself that he didn’t have to be nervous did not help.

Natalie looks kindly at Gene “I realize so many parts of this….suck.” She admits. And if he knows anything about her, and it’s all online, he’ll know she actually does have a clue how much. “We talked about pursuing the civil suit. Which is pretty hands off for you. You’d have to give testimony but it could be a written statement or a recorded video, whatever you’re comfortable with. I will not put you on a stand if I can do anything in my power to keep you off it.” She assures him. “Those are the documents we’re signing TODAY. To release the information in the statements I took from you early on. It’s just waivers right now for that.” She pulls them out and sets them in front of Gene “Take your time and read and then by the marked x’s/ Shea’s lines have two x’s.” She will let them have time to read and sign before moving onto the tougher conversation.

Shea nods along with Natalie and watches Gene. this is his process and he’s just here to support and sign when it’s his turn.

Gene nods.  “Yea … it does.”  he had researched Natalie online as soon as he could because the woman was fascinating to him.  “Alright …”  he scans his copy, which is a lot of legalese.  “OK so … that's it?”  he knew it wasn’t.  He simply wasn’t that lucky.

Natalie had passed over some pens, nice pens because at Samuels and Sons there were no bad pens. She sighed at Gene’s question “You need to make a decision on the criminal suit. No one’s going to push you either way Gene. If you choose to pursue pressing charges against the Laurent family you may have to take a more active role in the trial process. And that ……..that won’t be easy. Especially if they plead not guilty. Now David Samuels is working with our investigative team right now in Ottawa to seek out other victims, as it was a ring…...quite organized sadly.” She pauses like there’s more “We’re also trying to work with Danielle Leblanc’s family….to charge Brock Laurent with her rape.” She stops to let that just settle into the air after she’s said it. She knows she’s laying on a lot.

Shea had signed when it was his time and then closed his eyes and then opened them looking sadly at Gene. the poor kid had gone through hell and back and it wasn’t over. He gently puts a hand on Gene’s shoulder if he’ll accept the comfort of it and nods at Natalie. She was thorough.

Gene closed his eyes as Natalie laid it all out for him.  Finally he opened them, looked at Shea and then at Natalie.  “Yea … that makes sense that I wasn’t the only one.”  He bit his lip and swallows hard.  “Shit … you may as well go for all the damn families, but I get how it’d be easier to go after the Laurent’s.”  he can feel Shea’s hand on his shoulder and it is strangely comforting.  “I mean …”  but Natalie isn’t finished.  She goes on to say they’re going after Brock Laurent for Dani’s rape.  He stares at Natalie for a minute.  “I don't know her parent’s.”  he tells Natalie.  “I mean one of the things Dani was … well … she never wanted me to meet her parents.”  he shrugs and sighs deeply.  “And not just because I was an escort .. that’s what she called it.  But she said she wanted to get them used to the idea that an Indiginous person might be interested in their daughter.”  he drops his head into one hand.  “That’s why she was raped … but … I don’t know if her parents know that.  I mean Brock is white…”

Natalie listens actively to Gene “I’d love to nail every single one of those families Gene. We may have to do it one at a time in terms of how the courts usually work. But that might be 5 sessions a week in therapy for you to go through it all. Do you really want to take that on?” She pauses to let her point hang and then says “But let’s focus on the Laurents. And Brock Laurent among them. Now you obviously can’t charge him for Dani’s rape….but...David has made contact with her sister, Yvette Leblanc. Yvette is 19 and it sounds like Danielle confided in her more than the parents. She knew about you and she encouraged communication with their parents. She also knew what happened with Brock and David has been filling in the gaps. Yvette wants the Crown to press charges against Brock and she’s advocating for Dani, and for you. So we’re not really in that ring directly but they might ask for your testimony…..and again I honestly have some mental health concerns for your sake in all of this. I don’t want to put you through any more trauma.”

Shea doesn’t move the hand and rubs the shoulder a bit as Gene’s head drops. He looks hopeful about the sister as an advocate. “I like the sound of this Yvette Leblanc.”

Gene scoffs when Natalie talks about nailing every family that abused him.  "Yea ...  I was being sarcastic ... believe me ... I was being sarcastic.  But you're going after Ottawa, right?  They just heard I was a fighter when I was little.  Troublemaker.  Then when I was older it was stealing or something.  Isn't there supposed to be an investigation or something?  I never got one.  Just got busted with a stepmother by her husband and next thing I know .. new home, just as bad if not worse foster parents."  he sighs deeply and nods.  The Laurents.  When he finds out there is a sister he looks surprised.  "I didn't know she had a sister..."  He hears that this sister ... Yvette ... wants the Crown to press charges.  Shea's massage is doing wonders.  "Yea ....  I ..."  he sighs.  "Dr SIngh has been suggesting this might happen and that maybe the answer is for me to ..."  he blows out a breath.  "For me to go into the details ...  I guess of how it started with me and Jeanne Laurent ... and how she told her husband I could make them money ... more money than they were getting for fostering me."  he sighs.  "Would I have to talk about my clients?"  he asks.  "And .. should I write or would video be better?"  he swallows.  And then he bites his lip again.  "You know ... if you had asked me a few weeks ago, I'd probably be all over it ... but now it feels ... too dangerous..."  he is thinking of Miranda ... and Dani ... of the women he cares about being targeted.  Natalie would know about Miranda because of the family network.

Natalie can hear Gene blurting it all out in fits and spurts and the emotion he’s conveying. She takes an intentional deep breath as if encouraging him to do the same “We don’t have to decide all this today. Like I said, no one’s pushing you. It’s your choice on the criminal suit. We’ll pursue the civil suit. That would be going after Ottawa yes. You should be aware of the case David is working on with Yvette. And you have time to decide on everything else.” She takes another slow breath in and out “I’m hearing the word dangerous. Do you want to talk about that? Are you afraid this will put you in immediate danger?” And because of what he’s just said about Dani and him being the reason she adds on “Or anyone you care about? Because you should be aware that ...well first of all we’re pretty isolated here and it’s easy to monitor the ferry if the local police force needs to be made aware of anything. And with Covid restrictions and all the contact tracing protocols it’s almost impossible to board a ferry without giving them your name. Does that make sense? I do think the likelihood of anyone making a  trip here at this point is not likely.” Natalie shrugs “With travel restrictions. This pandemic is oddly working in your favour about those kinds of concerns.” And because the Samuels firm is what it is she can then say “And we’re already aware of the location and daily movements of Brock Laurent. That’s all I can say about that.”

Shea just keeps rubbing Gene’s shoulder for a minute more and then rests his hand again, just there and present. But he’s fascinated by the far reaching capacities of this law firm.

Gene does take a deep breath.  He realizes he is getting a little ahead of himself.  "Yea ... I mean ... Dani is the one who told me it was wrong ...and I figured out that its' BEEN wrong since I was 12."  he blinks when she suggests that he might be in danger.  That clearly hadn't crossed his mind.  "Yea ...  it's safe here."  he sounds as if he's trying to convince himself.  Then she mentions that Samuels and SOns knows exactly where Brock is.  "Where?"  he asks immediately and then shakes his head.  "No .. never mind.  I don't want to know.  That's over."  he sighs.  "I'm not worried about me.  Maybe because I'm stupid or because I'm not thinking.  I just don't ... I don't want Miranda paying for any of my past sins."  he was raised with French Catholics and some of it may have rubbed off.

Natalie keeps her face neutral but she hears Gen’s concerns and he’s so hard on himself in so many ways and still so deep in his pain it hurts her to hear “Gene, it was wrong and none of it was your fault. You didn’t sin. You were an unfortunate target of someone else’s very wrong choices too many times over. It’s not right and it’s not fair, at all. And you’re not stupid. You’re struggling with this and I don’t know how anyone wouldn’t be. It’s more than any one person should ever have to face.” She looks at Shea “But you’re not doing it alone anymore. You have the Walsh family and you have Miranda. No one’s coming for her and it probably helps that she’s tall and strong. I’m not saying she’s invincible, no one is. But she’s strong, both physically and I can tell emotionally. And she put you in the family chat...which means we’re all here for you. You have a community here Gene and you’re safe and supported. So is Miranda. You too will be safe. And a lot of this will be virtual now. We’re not flying to Ottawa anymore right? Much of this can happen in the courthouse right here in town using technology. You won’t be sitting anywhere near Brock Laurent. And no, I cannot reveal where he is. But I can tell you, from what I know his life is very restricted and mundane. He hasn’t been to prison yet….but I think there’s a good chance. You on the other hand have a full life and a free life….here with people who care deeply for you. Lean on that. It’s ok.”

Shea pats at Gene’s shoulder again and nods with Natalie’s words “It really is Gene. We are all behind you.”

Gene nods, although he still isn't completely convinced.  But he smiles at the mention of the Walsh family and Miranda.  "The whole community thing is new for me.  I'm sorry."  he knows he'll get used to it but he feels he'll never get used to it.  He feels Shea's hand on him and nods.  "Restricted and mundane ...."  he considers the words.  "Well I did castrate him ...  or whatever.  I'm not sure exactly what I did to him, but I hope I cut his fucking cock off."  he winces.  "I'm sorry ma'am."  he chastises himself for saying such vulgarities around an older woman.

Natalie looks sympathetically at Gene. She had been a colder person when she came to Alexandra, hardened by her life and not trusting. Her scope of experiences were really a drop in the bucket compared to this kid who had been abused and exploited for so many years. But Marcus and the island had made her trust in the world again, and the baby she was growing helped too. “It takes time Gene.” Then she laughs a bit “I hope you cut his fucking cock off too Gene. No apology necessary. If you guys have both signed, that’s all we need to do here today. We’ll get a testimony another day in whatever form you choose. All options are valid. Think about the rest. And reach out to people, the people you care about. You have support. It’s important.” She looks ready to bring the meeting to a close.

Shea was serious until Gene said something potentially vulgar and then apologized. Then he fought a smile until Natalie shocked him a bit by parroting it back. He had signed. He let his hand drop from Gene and looked at him to see where he was at.

Gene is startled into a laugh by Natalie's reply to his hopes for Brock.  He nods and sighs.  "I have to keep reminding myself of that.  So yea ..."  he looks at Shea.  "Support."  he looks at Shea.  "No matter what I choose ... I really don't know how I'll react.  I'm sorry in advance if I turn into some ... I don't know .. blubbering little girl or hysterical monster."  he means it half jokingly and starts to stand.  “Thanks Nata .. Mrs .. Ms Sokal?”  he has never been sure exactly how to address her.  But he is ready to go, in any event.

Natalie smiles “You can call me Natalie. We have no secrets now in that family chat.” She teases. She does look a little worried for him in what he might have to endure to do all this. Sometimes the only way out is through. “Cheers Gene. Shea. Thank you both for coming in.”

Shea smiles kindly at Gene “Feel your feelings. It’s all good in our house. We’re big on that. The good, the bad and the ugly are welcome at our table.” And this is just how the Walsh family is. He nods at the door “Thanks Natalie. We’ll see you soon.”

Gene lifts a hand in farewell and listens to Shea.  He nods and heads for the door with him, but doesnt say anything until he gets to Shea's truck.  “I’m going to try not to be a mess.”  he tells his foster father.  “But I mostly am, so no promises.”  he clears his throat.  “Your house … your family .. is the best I’ve ever lived in, Shea.  I didn’t know I could be … accepted?”  he looks at the sidewalk.  “I just want to thank you.  You guys are part of that positive stuff Dr SIngh says I should always keep in sight.”

Shea has the keys in the ignition but as Gene starts talking he pauses to listen and looks touched. “Sometimes you need to let yourself be a mess. Let it out so you can heal things. Believe me. And it’s ok with me, and with the girls.” Then he looks a little misty eyed and says firmly “Our house…..our family. We accept you. You’re part of it Gene….and thank you for the love and goodness you bring to it too. I know it’s a hard time kiddo. I know it hurts. We’re here for you.” He puts a hand on Gene’s shoulder again but reaches out like he’s trying to hug him. He’s just not sure whether it’s going to be comforting or overwhelming yet.

Gene nods and allows the hug.  He sniffs into Shea’s shoulder and then roughly clears his throat.  He was used to canning his emotions and he knew he would have to stop that.  It just wasn’t easy.  “Thanks…”  his voice is gruff.  “I don’t know I’m bringing anything to the table but scandal but …  I’ll try and make you proud.”  he pats his back and straightens.

Shea hugs Gene like one of his own kids and realizes that he probably wasn’t used to this after all the crap. He pats his back and lets go when Gene does “It’s ok…...there’s no scandal. What those people did to you is beyond a scandal. What you did was survive. I’m already proud Gene. Just work on healing ok?” He finally does start the engine “Am I driving you home? Do you have plans? It’s Friday…” Since Gene had a girlfriend as of this week it dawns on him he might have social plans, if he was even up for being social.

Gene looks surprised that Shea could be proud of him.  “I’ll try, Shea.”  He considers the question.  “Um …. Maybe?  I was going to get with Randy … and then I got your message and it might be dinner with Randy, Dante and Gen.”  he explains, pulling out his phone.  He sends the text to the group of Dante, Gen and Miranda.

Out of the law office.  What now?

Miranda was just killing time in her room listening to music and honestly mostly worrying about Gene. She smiles a bit at his text coming in and replies back:

I’m at home but ready to go anywhere.

She looks at her little packed backpack from before and ponders whether it should still come with her. She didn’t want to assume but she also didn’t want to rule it out if Gene was still wanting a way to spend the night together at the end of it. She downsizes and repacks just the essentials in a slightly bigger purse than she normally carries. She’s still in the same clothes she wore at school, a daily plain purple sweater and black jeans today.

Dante and Gen ended up doing what often happened when they were alone with time to kill but they were in between sessions and snuggled in his bed when his phone buzzed on the night table. He kissed her and rolled over to grab it “Gene…” He also replied:

We can be ready to go shortly. Where do you feel like going Gene?

He looked lovingly at Gen as he waited for replies. She may add hers if her phone is in reach.

Gene reads Miranda's reply and remembers well their plans for the night.  "Um Shea ...  Bruce sort of ... is letting me use this sort of a back room in his shop ... so .. um ... I might ... not be home tonight?"  he doesn't know what the reaction to that will be.  "He said I can use it whenever .. as long as I don't get anybody pregnant."  he looks at his phone again and sees that Dante has replies.  Gen doesn't reply and he isn't surprised.  Dante and Gen were really like one person sometimes.

Shea just chuckles “Did you tell him her dad walked in on you? Bruce is too nice. And I agree….don’t knock her up. You guys look like you could be long term. Save that fun for later. You wanna go to the shop then? Should we swing by the Rogers house?” She seems pretty easy going about all of it. He had Sparrow on Lyra duty and after he dropped off Gene he’d be back on with her at home and make some supper.

Gene groans.  "Yea I told him.  That's when he offered.  He said he remembered being 16 once."  he grins a little.  "Babies later for us.  Much later, I think."  he nods slowly.  "And maybe by ... um ..  I think Dante's?  To pick up him and Gen?"  he replies to the others.

Lets go to the store.  There's popcorn and a mini fridge so .. it'll be private and shit.  Shea is coming for Randy then you and Gen OK?  Randy don’t forget your bag.

Miranda reads the text and starts down the stairs from her room immediately, slinging on her jacket and just pulling on her high top sneakers undone. She texts back:

I’m about to be on my front steps. See you in a sec. (heart emoji) (kiss emoji) I’m still packed (wink emoji)

Miranda smiles at his last instructions. Whatever he was facing and whatever the night was she wanted to be beside him for all of it. She grabbed a sleeping bag from the storage cupboard as she still stood beside it too.

Dante realizes this pickup is pretty soon and scrambles as he laughs with Gen to get their clothes back on. But he texts :

Dude, um give us 5 ok? But we’ll be ready….

He dashes to the bathroom to do the fastest tidy up in the west leaving the door open for Gen to come right in as she needs to.

Shea nods casually and then laughs a bit about Bruce “No problem….ok I’m heading to Miranda’s.” It’s a short drive and he’s there within minutes. He actually jumps out “Hey let me move some equipment….hello Miranda. Don’t worry there’s a few more seats, just covered in tools right now…”

Miranda smiles at Shea “Thanks for the ride. Weird to drive here..” She will pop open the passenger door and lean in to give Gene a long hug as Shea moves things “Hey…” She says softly in his ear. “I love you.”

Gen blinks seeing the reply and is right behind Dante, cleaning up and getting dressed while giggling.

Gene reads Miranda's reply and laughs at Dante's.  "Miranda's first, please?"  he asks of Shea.  That was his plan and he is glad he's on the same page with his foster father.  But soon they are at Miranda's and he is about to get out when Shea does.  He hugs Miranda and murmurs.  "I'm .. OK .. mostly."  he tells her, wanting to reassure her but also not wanting to lie.  "I love you."  he replies and pulls her bag onto his lap as Shea searches for the seats in the back.

Miranda nods into Gene when he says he’s ok mostly and kisses his cheek as he pulls back and takes her things. “OK….well you have me for the whole night so ...I’m here.” She kisses his cheek and then Shea starts talking in the back.

“Seatbelts even! Oh ho….you guys can sit together if you like…..this one in the middle sits two.” She could tell the hugs Gene really needed were his lady’s and he was thankful for the timing of them becoming a couple this week. He steps out and back to the front.

Miranda is ready to sit beside Gene if he’s moving to the back with her. She climbs into the double seat and fiddles with the seat belt to get it clipped in.

Gene unbuckles from the front and climbs in the back, clipping onto his seatbelt.  “Oh this van has everything, Shea.”  he teases.  But he is very good at pretending to be in a good mood.  “Is there room for Dante and Gen.  They’re Siamese twins most of the time.  Joined at the hip.”  he does up his seatbelt and takes Miranda’s hand, kissing her lips quickly.

Miranda smiles and weaves her fingers with Gene’s and returns the kiss. He’s being cheerful and she’s not sure how to take it. This is new territory for them. They had been at odds for so long. Him upset with her comforting him felt so much better than watching him angry and being at odds. It hurt to think about how disconnected they were before sometimes and made her twice as determined to give him extra love now.

Shea pulls away and turns “Oh yeah, there’s a bench behind you guys too...I cleared it. Feel like a bus driver today.” He jokes but he’s clearly not minding. “Next stop…..the Alvin house.” And within a minute he’s pulling into the driveway and putting the van in park.

Dante is outside with Gen now and they walk from the porch to the van and he opens the sliding door for her to go in first “Hey there…..thanks Shea.” The bench for them is fairly obvious from the view of the door so he lets Gen climb in and then he does. “Gene...Miranda…” He gives Gene a shoulder squeeze as he passes to let him know he’s there for him “Brothers…” He says quietly to Gene in Mohawk.

Shea leans his head back “Sorry about the crap on the floor back there Dante. Hi Gen.”

Miranda smiles at them both as they climb in “Hello you two.” She sees Dante offering support and a word to Gene but she doesn’t understand it, just the sentiment of kindness in his voice.

Gen climbs in the van and smiles at both Gene and Miranda.  “Hello Mr Walsh.” she calls towards him.  She didn’t know him well, but remembered he was the electrician who wired the garage bedroom when her father had initially had it built, back when it looked like her parents might separate.  “Hey you guys.”

Gene keeps holding hands with Miranda and returns Dante’s greeting.  He liked the support.  “OK … now onto the clubhouse.”  he teased looking at Shea with a grin.  He wanted to talk to his friends and he didn’t want to worry Shea.  And he expected that might not be something he can avoid.

Shea drives on, glad Gene is surrounded by such love from his friends and his girl. When he says clubhouse Shea snorts “You kids ever heard of Scooby Doo?” He’s not sure any of them would have unless their parents showed them, although there’s been a few remakes over the years. And within minutes he’s pulling to a stop by the Sterling building. Carpenters is still open and Jake is reaching into the display window switching some things out. He bumps a little container and a bunch of packages tumble to the bottom of the display and he doesn’t even notice it happen and then steps away like his task is finished.

Miranda steps out of the van just as Jake makes a mess he doesn’t even realize and rolls her eyes “I’m not on shift….I’m not on shift…” She laughs “I’ll deal with it Sunday if Gary or Winona don’t. God Jake...Thanks Shea for giving us a ride in your mystery machine.” She has seen the reboots and finds the clubhouse Scooby Doo idea amusing. She takes her bag and the sleeping bag she grabbed before leaving the house.

Dante steps out too and laughs “Thanks Shea. Not a Scooby Doo fan...it’s all Chipmunks and Spiderverse in the Alvin house...but I’ll take your guys word for it.”

Gen sees the catastrophe and laughs a little at Miranda’s response to it.  “Oui, thank you for the ride.  I don’t think of you as Fred.  Come on guys, let’s find the ghost.”  she was only a little aware of Scooby and Shaggy and that bunch.

Gene knows nothing about Scooby Doo but is amused by Jake in the window.  He takes Miranda’s hand and chants the mantra with her.  “Not on shift.  Not on shift.”  he looks at Shea.  “Thanks Shea.  Appreciated.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”  He has keys to the shop now and lets them in and through to the small back room.  “Home away from home.” he quips as he turns on the light and looks around.

Quorra Computers was one of two business spaces that had once been back to back. The travel agency behind it had closed during the fog. There was no need for it and the owner retired. So Bruce had then rented the whole slice, even though he only used a portion of it. He had once even lived in the little studio apartment style room before the fog himself, having made a deal with the travel agent then. It had originally been their back room like the computer shop workshop had one behind the sales floor space. So the apartment room had two doors into it, one from the side where it connected with Quorra’s work tables repair area and one leading out to the old travel agency. Like many old buildings it had some oddly placed higher up windows because the inner room, the apartment space, which was really a little den, didn’t have a window to the outside of the building. So it had a high up window on the travel agency side that got daylight from the window to the outside over there. Inside the room itself was the old brown pull out couch, a beanbag chair that got squashed between the couch and the wall when it was to be pulled out, a small bar fridge with a microwave sitting on top and a little desk in one corner with a hutch they sometimes used as a place to eat lunches. The walls were adorned with some old posters. Bruce Davis loved Tron. Quorra Computers was named after a character in Tron Legacy so there were a few posters from the Tron movies and a poster from The Matrix. There was also a smattering of boxes of old computer parts spilling over from the workroom and an empty wooden crate. But it was clean and welcoming in it’s own way. Down the hall adjacent to the travel agency was a bathroom, much like the one in Carpenter’s facing the other way. But this one also had a small single stall stand up shower added on from when Bruce had lived there.

Miranda looked around in the room curiously. She’d never been past the sales counter in Quorra Computers. This was Gene’s world and she was part of it now. She set down her things beside one end of the couch and then because she was nosy opened the far door to the now abandoned business and peeked in. There were still travel posters and a model passenger plane hanging from the ceiling as well as an old desk shoved into the window area now with random boxes and papers “Guess travel agencies are all going to be like this in 2020…” She comments and then comes back in and looks at Gene with love. She wanted to ask but she didn’t want to push him to talk until he initiated.

Dante wanders around a bit too and bats at the little plane “Yeah…” He walks back through and notes the bathroom “Hey you have a shower...sweet.” Then he drops down into the beanbag chair and wiggles a bit “Comfy…” He also looks at Gene and then Gen and Miranda. “So…” He turns back to Gene, less timid to ask questions as he knew him better “What did Natalie want to talk to you about?”

Gen looks around a bit.  She is becoming fascinated by how people repurpose space.  Her bedroom, Dante's bedroom and this place.  Then they are all back in the main space and when Dante flops down, she moves close to him, seating herself in his lap, if she can.  "Oui ... what happened?  I know you are not in trouble, but ... what more is there?"

Gene knows this space.  He even has an old steamer trunk in the storage space he figures would work for keeping clothes and trinkets.  It’s a big old fashioned trunk one could almost live out of with a bar for hanging clothes and several cubbies.  So he stands while the others look around.  When Miranda comes in and looks at him with so much lve he can nearly feel it, he takes her hand and leads her to the couch, since Dante has claimed the bean bag.  He sits and is glad Dante just out and out asked.  “Well, Natalie and .. David Samuels … he works in the Samuels and Sons office on the other coast.  They’re working on a civil suit right now.”  he scoffs a little.  “Suing the Crown … can you believe it?” he takes Miranda’s hand.  “So I signed the whole release of information and stuff.  But .. later … she talked about maybe .. criminal charges … which means … I might have to testify.  They’re even tracking Brock Laurent … the guy who raped Dani.”  he pauses and sighs deeply.  “But … mostly she wanted to warn me about having to tell … all.” his grip tightens a bit on Miranda’s hand.

Dante pulls Gen comfortably into his lap and slides his arms around her nodding at her question. Then Gene starts to talk and he listens intensely. “Go Natalie. Sue their fucking settler pants off...the mother fuckers.” Then he hears about the criminal suit and he watches Gene with some concern. “Yeah that part won’t be fun. So maybe means it’s still in the works? Do you get to decide?” He sighs for his buddy.

Miranda gets led to the couch and sits with Gene , her knee bent and her foot folded under but that knee leaning against his thigh. “I can believe it and good for them for doing it...finally.” She caresses his hand as he takes hers again and then when he talks about the guy who raped Dani and the having to testify and tell everything she squeezes Gene’s hand back and slides her free hand on top of the ones that are held together too. She glances at Dante and back to Gene wondering about his question too and Gene’s ability to choose or get pulled in by forces beyond his control.

Gen listens, safe in Dante's arms.  She nods along with Dante about both the lawsuit and the possibility of criminal charges.  "If you do have to tell ... you know we're here for you, right?"

Gene holds onto Miranda and nods at both Dante and Gen.  "Yea.  I'm actually all for the civil suit."  he pauses.  “The rest …”  he looks around at them.  “Dr SIngh wants me to go through it … and it’s probably therapeutic … but it’s going to be … rough.”  he blows out a breath.  “I mean … I don't know but I guess the charge would be .. rape?  Child molestation?  Child rape?  But …  I didn’t know it was wrong?  That whole ‘you can’t rape the willing’ thing?”  he sighs and leans back on the couch.  “I’m honestly … scared you guys.”  he admits.

Dante rubs Gen’s back, so glad he’s got this wonderful woman who is on the same page about supporting Gene. He chimes in on what she says “Day or night Gene. We ‘re all here.” He listens to Gene’s words and can hear him still blaming himself. It’s so internalized he’s not sure how Gene will ever dig his way out of that hole and it’s hard to hear him talk that way. “You were a kid, they were adults. Just because you didn’t know it was wrong doesn’t mean there’s consent. In fact it’s even more fucking heinous to groom someone who doesn’t have the capacity to know that yet and make them think it’s normal. You weren’t willing, you were abused Gene. They are in the wrong. I understand being scared.” Gene hadn’t used the word rape before when he talked about this so clearly he had shifted during his time going to see Dr. Singh. It was good in a way but also awful.

Miranda listens with absolute compassion and as the words coming from Gene get more horrible and intense she switches the hand in his so she can move the hand on the arm closest to him to run her fingers through his hair. As he leans back she sort of leans with him “Dante and Gen are right.” When he says he’s scared she leans her upper body into his and presses the side of her face into his shoulder “I know. We’re here Gene. We love you.” She knows his friends do too so she includes them with the word we.

Gen agrees with Dante a hundred percent, of course.  Dante and Gene had been friends longer, but she had come to adore him, even before his chance placement at a home in Alexandra.  Dante speaks very eloquently about what happened that she can't help but smile.  Most on the street would think that he would speak with bad grammar, but he doesn't.  At least not to his family and real friends.

Gene has a lifetime of blaming himself, or being blamed and coming to believe that he is in the wrong.  It won't go away immediately, it's so ingrained in him.  He scoffs a little at Dante.  "Well with you and Gen I know to give you a few minutes, but ... yea ...  I know you are.  And I really appreciate it.'' He closes his eyes a little when Miranda runs her fingers through his hair and then opens them.  "I know they're right .. and you're right ... and I love all of you, too."  he sighs and looks at the ceiling.  "I ...  i understand now ... that I was a kid.  That I was manipulated ...  and ... yea ... raped .. but it's ... not easy to grasp."  he sighs.  "Dr Sing is talking about ... when we do this ... he wants to do it like Sunday afternoon ... early ... and he said he would write me a note if I felt I needed to take that Monday off of school."  he blows out a long breath.  "It could really be that bad ... couldn't it?"  he sounds both believing and disbelieving.

Dante can't help but smirk a bit about the few minutes comment "Yeah well.." He gives Gen a squeeze and then he thinks seriously about Gene's question. He's had years of therapy with Dr. Singh now as well as the child psyche at school sometimes. Gene is fresher to it with more or at least very different trauma. Dante sighs "The Sunday thing....might be a good plan. When you start to open all that up....it could get real raw. You certainly wouldn't be up for school. My stuff is nothing like your stuff but when Singh digs deep it can feel like you're sitting on the battlefield after the battle, with the ghosts of it echoing around. He'll probably suggest this to you and Shea but he did the Sunday thing with me a few times and then Lydia took those Mondays off. She wasn't in my face or right beside me the whole day but she was there in the house and checked in enough that if I needed to talk...and it helped. He's self employed, maybe he could...."

Miranda just sort of hugs Gene's side now and listens, her heart breaking for what he's gone through and still might have to face. "It might be. Do you have to start that right away or related to the legal stuff? If Shea can't be home with you I'll ask if I can take a day off school if you want or hell I'll skip. Monday's my all science day. Easy to catch up on and this is important....you're important to me Gene. You don't have to be alone with any of this....unless you want space sometimes and then for sure...I'll respect that too."

Dante snorts "Hell we could all skip. We get a certain number of absences a year without issue right? Everyone check your transcripts......nobody catch a cold." He jokes and looks at Gen and Miranda after Gene.

Gen grins a little.  Gene was right ... like today .. sometimes they needed a few minutes.  She nods about the Sunday sessions.  It could be overwhelmingly stressful.  She smiles as Miranda volunteers to skip school for him, followed by Dante.  "I am with you.  We have your back, Gene.  All of us."

Gene listens to Dante.  "Yea ... we've .. hell we've only touched on my first foster family ... the first time she ..."  he sighs deeply and stares at the ceiling.  "If that's any indication then ... yea ... sometimes I might be raw meat for more than a day.  Shea ..."  he nods.  "Shea would probably stick around the house...  and I'm .. I mean it's great but I don't want to be a burden and I know he doesn't see it that way AND I know it's all part of that abuse.  So many fucking layers."  all three of them volunteer to skip school.  "NO ..."  is his immediate thought and then he swallows.  They are showing him more love than he's ever known and it's catching up with him.  "Yea ...."  he hears his voice crack.  "If that could be a thing.  I mean I might not talk about it but ... distracting myself with stupid movies with you guys beats doing it alone."  he closes his eyes and a tear escapes.  "I know I don't have to do this ..but  have to do this ... does that make sense?"

Dante again squeezes Gen a bit at her solidarity and then as Gene gets emotional he can't help but feel his own eyes sting with tears for his friend, his brother and he looks at Gene, watches him struggle and nods, his pain and love for him obvious.

Miranda's arms go all the way around Gene as she sees and hears him getting emotional. She can't not hold him right now "You are not a burden...to anyone." That part of his pain she really got on a personal level but she knew it was from so many more places for Gene. She kisses his face beside the tear, not trying to take it from him, wanting him to know it's ok. In fact she just flat out gives her permission in case he's going to keep fighting it "It's ok to cry. It's ok to feel this......" She says softly. "It's ok to let us help you Gene."

Gen watches Gene, but also Dante.  She sees Miranda show him support and part of her wants a group hug.  She sighs softly and finds herself looking at Miranda.  "It's so much easier for us girls."  it's the truth, but also a bit of a tease.  After Brett ... after Dante went away ... no one batted an eye when she collapsed into tears.  Crying was such a wonderful release she'd come to learn.  But for the boys, it wasn't always easy.  "Miranda's right ... not only is it okay ... i's healthy.  That road to healing, Gene."  she speaks softly, aided by her French accent.

Gene can hear the girls .. these women who have had their own struggles.  He can feel the tears and he clears his throat.  Give me a second ..."  he pleads and another tear does escape.  He turns his head into Miranda's shoulder and, with her arms around him and all of their love, he is able to cry.  If there is something strange about it, it is that it is near silent, even though his shoulders quake.  That is another 'thing' from his life of not bringing attention to himself.  Now he struggles a little to close the gates now that they are open.

Miranda gives Gen a little nod as she holds onto Gene tightly feeling his shaking but his crying is quiet. She knows his ecstasy when they make love is quiet too and she wonders if it's nature or nurture based on all the trauma. She doesn't say anything since there are probably no words of comfort but she strokes his hair and holds on.

Dante half smiles at Gen and then he kisses her and sniffs "I know it's healthy..." He stands up with Gen lifted with him if he can and walks over to Gene's other side "Dude we got you..." And he will lean down half resting on the arm of the couch and also hug Gene, staying clear of where Miranda's hands are stroking Gene's hair. Gen was right. And without planning to, he finds a quiet sob suddenly escapes him. He's more audible than Gene. "You're probably the reason I survived prison....let us help you survive this..."

Gen gets in on the hug.  She hugs Gene but she also hugs Dante as he begins to break down a little bit.  But this was a place where they could to this, these strong men who would not want to cry where someone might see or hear them.

Gene feels this group hug as well as Dante's words.  "Bro ..."  he sniffs trying to get it out of his system.  He begins to inhale and exhale slowly, working to get himself under control.  "Just ... bro ..."  it was nothing against the ladies ... but he and Dante were close ... maybe closer than either of them could really acknowledge.

Miranda can feel Gene breathing and seeming like he's calming but she'll hang on until he initiates the let go. She can't help but shed some tears too. She loves Gene so much and she's also touched by his friendship with Dante, the depth of it, she can feel it on some level. She repositions herself a bit to make sure Dante has some prime Gene hugging space, and she also puts an arm on Gen's arm as she's in the mix. These boys, their boys were precious and she felt a kinship with Gen about it.

Dante kind of chuckles at the bro just bro but he gets it and pats Gene on the arm as he hugs, feeling Gen hug him. Miranda seems to be giving him more room which means she's not all about hogging Gene and that makes him happy. "Bro..." He says back. He turns his head and kisses Gen and then can't resist a joke "Don't worry I won't kiss you Gene." He chuckles but then sniffs.

Gen relishes this four way hug.  They are all bonding .. she can feel it.  She laughs when Dante says he won’t kiss Gene and she can’t help but giggle.  “But that’s so hot…”

Gene is calming and his friends are helping.  Dante makes a joke about not hugging him.  “I get it.  Still too skinny … and Gen would kill us both.”  but then Gen says it’s hot and he pulls back looking not only at Gen but at Miranda.  “Why do women always think that?  I don’t get it.”  but he laughs, much of the tension broken.  He sighs.  “How are we so close, man?”  he wonders.  “Prince George is so far away.  So .. not here.”  he wonders.

Miranda can’t help but be amused by Gen saying it’s hot. And Gene’s reaction “Take it as a compliment that she thinks you’re both good looking. But don’t worry, I’m not sharing. Even with Dante.” She gives Gene a little kiss and then begins to let go a bit “How come Bruce doesn’t just live back here? It’s pretty set up except for a kitchen.”

Dante just laughs “Well you’re looking less skinny Gene but Gen has what I want in all the right places.” Dante actually knows a bit about Bruce “He used to I think....I dunno Gene did he tell you all that?” He also eases off and into a little hug he gives Gen now separate from the group.

Gen giggles a bit.  “You’d have to work on your pecs, Gene.”  she teases him.  She also looks curious about Bruce, so for now she sort of drops the question of how Gene and Dante are so close without Alexandra involvement.

Gene considers.  “A little.  I think it has to do with a woman, somehow.  He just told me he had a place I could come with Randy for privacy …”  he chuckles.  “And not to get her pregnant.  And right now I have to agree.  I’m not ready to be a father … lover .. sure.”  He hugs her.  “We can just practice a few more years, maybe?”

Miranda looks at Gen and then at Gene “I quite love his pecs...and everything else.” She clears her throat quickly. It’s clear the thought of Gene’s body affects her. Then Gene says the pregnancy thing and she smiles “Well practice makes perfect right? I do want babies someday... and with you. But I want lots of time to enjoy this part of our lives first.” She has very clearly thought about it and she shrugs after “Sorry if that got too personal...”

Dante nods “Yeah Bruce lived with a woman and she died in the quake. He got hurt trying to reach her...lost a leg. Got a prosthetic one.” Then he looks amused by the baby conversation and laughs “Too personal? With us?” He takes Gen’s hand and kisses it “Don’t worry we’re having all the babies. We can be open about it.”

Gen laughs.  “Yes .. practice makes perfect.”  She reminds them all.  “And I don’t think that’s too personal.”  she caresses Dante’s face when he kisses her hand.  “Maybe not ALL of them, but I think we both want a large family.  It’s not for everyone, but I think it is for us.”

Gene chuckles.  Miranda loves his pecs and that makes him quite happy.  He is still too thin, he expects, but he is eating real food and still enamoured with it, so he’ll gain weight.  “I want to have babies with you, too.”  he tells her.  “But I am being selfish right now.  I just want you.”  he nods about Bruce  “Yes … I knew about the leg.  And he got a bit quieter than usual when I talked to him about the quake, so … that makes sense now.”  he grins at Dante and Gen, quite able to picture them as one of the larger families in Alexandra.  “Well … we’ve cried together … and laughed together … let’s watch a movie?”  He has a laptop already there in the room, complete with an external drive Bruce gave him with all kinds of movies on it.  “We can make popcorn, watch a movie, order food in even, and then, as much as I love you two.”  he nods to Dante and Gen.  “I want some alone time with my woman.”  he reaches for Miranda’s hand and kisses it.  “So I can love her special.”  for all his abuse … at least one good thing could come from it.