God's in 7th Heaven, All's Right with the World
By Cypher
Chapter Thirty-Five: Complications
Terry tucked his hands in his jeans as he walked around the elementary school. Sure, he'd seen them from the outside, but this was his first time actually in one. To him, it looked like a more compact high school, with age-appropriate posters hanging on classroom walls and cubby holes instead of lockers. While inviting, he was glad he'd been allowed to stay at home. He had a feeling coming here would've been akin to his one day experience in middle school.
Normally, he wouldn't even be in an elementary school, but Simon had to stay after school for some event, and asked him to pick up the twins. Even though Simon switched houses, he drove his brothers to and from school three times a week. It was one way he liked to keep connected with them and their lives.
He'd been told it'd be a simple park and pick up. The twins would recognize him, go over to his car, and they'd be off. Except the twins hadn't shown up. Neither David nor Sam. He didn't jump to panic immediately. After all, they were looking for Simon, not him. So he got out of his car and wadded into the sea of kids, trying to look for the two boys.
When that effort offered nothing, he decided to check out the classrooms. Maybe they had a version of detention. It was worth a look, anyways. So here he was, searching for a kindergarten classroom with the Camden twins. He got a few strange looks from the faculty, but none of them bothered him or thought he was out of place. Probably think I'm a babysitter or something. They weren't too far off.
Turning the corner, he spotted his charges just exiting a room with a teacher. He started towards them. David was the first to see him.
"Uncle Terry!"
Sam followed his brother's view and grinned, waving. "Hi, Uncle Terry!"
The teacher raised her eyebrows at him. "Uncle Terry?"
Terry offered her a hesitant smile. "Yeah, kinda. I'm dating one of their siblings, and the name sorta…stuck." He held out his hand, and she shook it. "Everything okay? I was told it'd be a simple pick up…"
"Just some extra testing for the school system, nothing major." She patted the twins' heads. "To help us get a grip on their education, developmental skills, you know, the usual stuff."
Terry didn't know, but he nodded like he did. The high school had just accepted his transcripts and medical records without fuss. He didn't like the way she kept glancing at Sam. It was subtle, but something about it worried him. He couldn't put his finger on what, though. "Alright, well, thanks. I'll get them home."
"Drive carefully."
Taking one of the twins' hands in each of his own, he led the two out towards his car, half listening to the two of them telling them about his day. They could've been normal tests, but the way the teacher kept looking at Sam specifically suggested it wasn't. So what did it mean? Maybe Simon'll know. He went through this whole process. He made a mental note to ask his boyfriend when he got home.
"Lucy?"
"Colonel! It's great to hear from you."
"Just calling in to check on how things are. Settled into your new place?"
"Yeah, we are. It's nice. Close to school, church, and home; but far enough that I'm not completely involved with the family life."
"You got lucky, finding such a nice place."
"Yeah, well, Terry's mother…"
A silence descended over the two for a few minutes.
"A little bird told me you might be expanding your family soon."
"If that little bird's mom, then I'm afraid you're just getting her hopes. I don't want children yet."
"Well, we won't wait forever for grandkids."
"I'm sure Matt and Mary will have some as well."
"With Matt in medical school? Not for a few years. And Mary…Mary is Mary."
"And you never know. Simon and Terry may decide to adopt."
A gruff cough resounded over the line. "Yes, well…again, not for a few years."
"Colonel, are you still uncomfortable with Simon's orientation?"
"This isn't something we should be talking about-"
"Colonel! He's family! And what does it matter who he loves?"
"It matters, Lucy, because it goes against tradition."
"And who says tradition is right? You need to get used to the idea of Simon and Terry together. Next time you visit Simon might be staying at Terry's house, and you have to go there to see him."
"Listen here young--excuse me? Might be staying at Terry's house?"
"Um…er-"
"Lucy Camden, you explain what you mean by that this minute."
"Well…you see, Simon thought it might be a good idea to help mom and dad adjust to him leaving for college…"
"Terry, where's your dictionary?"
"It's not in the bookcase?"
"No."
Terry frowned and stepped out of the kitchen. "That's odd." He glanced at Simon, then the bookcase, quickly skimming its shelves. "Oh! I think I used it yesterday. Check my desk."
"Right." Simon ducked past Terry and hurried down the hall. "Thanks!"
Terry watched his boyfriend for a few minutes. He hadn't brought what had happened at the elementary school up yet, mainly because Simon was busy with homework. Dinner's as good a time as any. He wasn't making anything fancy, just some spaghetti. He'd have it ready in another ten minutes or so. But how to bring it up?
Fifteen minutes later he and Simon were eating, and Terry still wasn't sure how to explain what had happened. He could be blunt and just tell Simon, but since it involved family, he thought he should be more tactful. This may be one of those things you can't be tactful about.
Simon finally raised his eyebrow and tapped his bowl. "Something bothering you?"
"Huh? Oh, um…well, I'm not really familiar with grade school regulations and such but…were you ever held after school in kindergarten for some special tests?"
Simon furrowed his brow. "Not that I remember. Why? Did something happen with the twins?"
"I'm not sure." Terry set his fork and spoon down. "They were held after for some testing. I had to go in and get them."
Simon rubbed his chin, obviously thinking. "Weird. I'll ask mom about it, see if it's happened to any of the others of us."
Terry nodded. "There's something else. From the way the teacher was glancing-" The phone interrupted his sentence, and he glanced at the offending technology. He raised his eyebrows at Simon, who shrugged. Getting up, he picked up the receiver. "Moshi moshi."
"Terry, it's Eric. Can you put Simon on the line?"
Terry frowned at the serious tone in the man's voice, a tone he'd last heard when Annie's father died. This can't be good. He handed the phone to Simon, who wiped his hands on a napkin. "It's your dad."
"Dad?" Simon blinked, then put the phone to his ear. "Dad?"
"Listen, Simon, could you come over tonight? I need to discuss something with you. Something…important. It just came to my attention."
"Uh, yeah. No prob." He glanced at his dinner. "Can I finish dinner first?"
"What? Oh, of course, of course. I'm sorry. I didn't know-"
"It's okay, dad. I'll be by soon." He waited for Eric's confirmation before hanging up and putting the phone on the table. Terry had already retaken his seat and was watching Simon. "He wants to talk to me about something."
"Did you do anything wrong?"
Simon bit at his lower lip. He hadn't told Terry that his parents had said no to motorcycle lessons, but he figured his father would be angry, not…solemn. And that's how he sounded, solemn. "Not that I know of. Maybe they got a note from my teachers?"
"Two weeks into the school year?"
Simon had to agree with the incredulity in Terry's tone. "I really don't know. Maybe it's about Matt, or Mary, or Lucy…" The fact of the matter was, it could be anything, and he wouldn't know until he got there. Which meant he wouldn't have time to prepare any defenses if he and his parents got into a fight. Not how I like things to go. He dug into his dinner.
Terry ate quietly. Eric's phone call had disrupted both their trains of thought, and it was obvious their discussion of the twins had slipped from Simon's mind. I'll bring it up later. After this…whatever it is. He hoped whatever it was wasn't too bad.
"Simon."
Simon crossed his arms as his father closed the office doors. His mother wasn't here, but then, lately she wasn't really focused on him. He had a feeling she still hadn't forgiven him for moving out part time. "Is everything okay, dad?"
"You might want to have a seat, son." Eric moved over to his desk and sat down, his hands wrapping around a pen and fiddling with it. "I have some…unsettling news."
The blond waited a minute, then took a seat. "Is this about me moving back home full time? Because I don't know why you'd want me to. Terry and I have been good, sleeping in separate rooms-"
"The arrangement is fine, Simon. It's…" The reverend hesitated, as if he wasn't really sure he wanted to continue. "It's the Colonel and Ruth."
Simon sat straighter at that. He'd had a couple phone calls with them since coming out. Nothing major, in fact they'd been a bit terse. And true, he hadn't called them in over a month, but the last conversation went a little better than usual. The Colonel actually said more than two words to him. "Are they sick?" As tense as things were, he didn't want to lose another grandparent, not so soon.
"No, nothing like that. They called earlier to talk with Lucy and…" Again, his father hesitated. Simon had a feeling this discussion was about to go really far south. "Your sister sort of let it slip that you and Terry are…living together."
Simon winced. Hoo boy. That can't have gone over well. That's one of the main reasons he hadn't called them. They had caller ID, and he didn't want to call from Terry's. He also didn't want to lie to them about his situation, so he hadn't called them from home either. "What happened?"
"Please understand she didn't mean to let it happen, and I argued and talked and tried to reason with my parents so they could see our point of view. Even your point of view." Eric sighed and tossed the pen on the table, folding his hands together. "The fact is…they weren't happy with the whole 'boyfriend situation.' This just…added fuel to the fire. A big fire-"
"Dad, I know that. What's the…what happened? How bad is the damage?"
Eric closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "They've disowned you, Simon. According to the Colonel, until you get your head on straight--and I don't think he was making a pun--you aren't family to them."
Simon's breathing increased, and he tried to quell the nauseous feeling. Getting physically sick was not going to help matters. Okay, okay, calm down. You knew this could happen. That was his whole argument for not talking to his grandparents. And now they knew.
"I know this isn't much comfort, but the Colonel is refusing to speak to me as well, at least until I get my head out of my-" Eric caught himself from directly quoting his father. "Until I set things right and bring you home." There had been a lot of other words spoken as well, but Eric didn't think his son needed to hear them.
Simon looked down to his hands. You knew this was a possibility…but I thought…I thought I was starting to get through to them. "There's…no chance they'll change their minds?"
"Not any time soon, no. I'm sorry, son. Maybe in a few months the Colonel will calm down enough to listen to you." It was a false hope, and both of them new it. When the Colonel made up his mind, it wasn't likely to be changed.
"What about Ruth?"
"She's siding with the Colonel on this one. I'm sorry, Simon. I really didn't think…" Eric cut himself off. He did think, in fact he expected, his father to react this way. In fact, he was amazed they'd been so tolerant thus far. And now the other shoe had fallen, and there was nothing he could do about it. "Do you want to…talk about it?"
Simon shook his head, taking a deep breath. He could handle this, had to handle this. Terry convinced them once to put aside their discomfort. Maybe he can do it again. Another false hope. He figured Terry would be lucky if he got past hello in any discussion with his grandparents.
"If you wanted to stay the night, I don't think-"
Simon cut him off. "Dad." He didn't want to be around his family. He didn't want their pity or sympathy. Hell, he wasn't sure what he wanted, since he was pretty sure he didn't want Terry at the moment, either. Rather than saying anything else, he stood up. "Thanks for…letting me know. I have to…" What, Camden? Finish your homework? Get to bed? What do you have to do? Drive. He needed to drive. "I'll see you tomorrow."
He ignored the rest of the household, didn't allow himself to think until he was behind the wheel and driving. He didn't head for Terry's, or Lucy's, or anyone's. He just drove around trying to figure out what to do. What am I supposed to do? Just take this lying down? Not fight back? Or do I get on a plane, go out there, and make an appeal?
That wouldn't work. It would make the Colonel dig in his heels. If you leave them alone, there's a chance they'll be willing to listen later. Plus you have your family pushing them. Matt and Mary and dad and Lucy.
He turned a corner and found himself driving by a cemetery. Yeah, and Matt's the Colonel's favorite. If anyone can convince him to change his mind, it'll be Matt. Parking the car, he blinked as he realized where he was. "Grandpa…"
Okay, so it was creeping him out a bit, being here at night, but Grandpa was the only one of his family to just…accept him. No convincing, no fighting, just a simple acceptance that his grandson loved a boy and he wasn't going to change. "I wish you were still alive, Gramps. I could…I could really use your support right now."
Sighing, he rested his head against the window and closed his eyes. He should've known things were going too well to last. School was going fine, his life was finally taking a direction he wanted, he was happily living part time with Terry. Sure, his mother and he had new issues to work out, but those stemmed more from separation anxiety than anything else. All in all, he thought things had been going great.
So of course, something has to happen to screw it up. He wasn't normally so pessimistic, but ever since he'd been with Terry, that seemed to happen. After all, things were going great the night of the prom, too. Is this a curse I'll have as long as I'm with Terry? A phone ringing caught his attention, and his eyes landed on a cell phone lying on the passenger seat. Terry's cell phone. Must've left it in the car earlier.
He picked it up and stared at it for a minute. Should he answer it? Might as well. Never know if there's an emergency. He flipped the phone open and put it to his ear. "Terry Jordon's phone."
"Hey Simon."
Simon relaxed against the seat. "Hi, Terry."
"Everything okay? Your dad called and asked if you got here safely."
"Yeah, everything's…" He trailed off. Everything was not okay, but this wasn't a conversation he wanted to have over the phone. "It's not okay, but…I'll explain when I get there." He turned the ignition in the car. "See you in a few."
"Kay."
Simon closed the phone and pulled out of his parking spot. I just have to get through this…initial shock. Yeah, I'll be fine after that. After all, in the grand scheme of things, this wasn't so important. It wasn't like these were his parents or his brothers or sisters. It was his grandparents, grandparents who hadn't called after he was attacked, or just to say hi. Maybe…this is for the best. We haven't been on the best of terms for a while.
Even so, the pain of what happened, of his grandparents' rejection, still lingered in his chest.
"You sure you're okay with this, Simon? You didn't sound like you were over the phone." Terry rocked on his heels and crossed his arms. Simon had kept his distance since coming home, staying by the hallway door and avoiding eye contact.
"I'm sure." He took a deep breath. "It's…hurtful, but I can't say I didn't expect this to happen at some point. Obsessing over it isn't going to help…so I'm just living with it." He reached up and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm fine, Terry. And I do need to get my homework done…"
Terry frowned. "Alright. If you're sure you're okay…but I'm here to talk if you need to."
Simon gave Terry a brief smile. "I'm fine, Terry. Really." With that, he turned and retreated to his room.
Terry rubbed the back of his neck. Simon was a family person, and to have any of them reject him…the Simon he knew would be hurt by it, hurting because of it. And we promised not to hide our feelings, not when we have each other to lean on. So why did he think Simon was hiding his hurt? Not for my benefit. Maybe it's more…he needs time to process it?
Whatever it was, he wasn't going to push Simon about it. Simon retreated both after he came out and after the attack. Yeah, he's probably just processing how he feels. Deciding that, he sat on the couch and started going through his mail. He'd bring up the thing with the twins later, when Simon seemed more open to talking. Besides, it's not like I went to elementary school. Maybe it is just normal testing. Even so, his gut was telling him it was something else.
I should ask Simon if I can pick them up again tomorrow. He wouldn't be as nervous as he was today, so he could ask if there was something wrong. Though…why would there be anything wrong with either of them? He pursed his lips. It's a good question. If there's something wrong…what could it be? He had a nagging feeling he knew, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was. Great, this is gonna bug me all night.
Lucy smiled at the waiter as he delivered the hamburgers. "So is he okay? I really didn't mean for it to slip-"
Terry waved his hand before making a grab for the ketchup. "He says he's fine. I think he's still processing everything, but overall, I think he'll end up okay. Especially if they change their minds later. After all, you guys rejected him at first. Nothing is quite as devastating as that." He tapped the bottle, trying to get the condiment onto his burger. "Damn vacuum."
Lucy simply checked over her own burger before taking a bite out of it. "And…he's not angry at me?"
"Not that I can tell." Grabbing a knife, Terry swiped some ketchup from inside the bottle and spread it on the bun. "But last night he seemed more in shock than anything."
"I really didn't mean to tell them…" She put her lunch down. "I know he doesn't need that stress, especially senior year."
Terry put the bun on his meat and set the bottle back down. "I don't think he blames you. He's been avoiding calling them for a while. You just let them know what he was going to…eventually." He nudged his fries for a minute. "He'll probably talk with you about it eventually, but right now…I don't think he's worried about blame, or anything like that."
"Still, I'm sorry." She sighed. "And I have to tell him that, not you."
"Yep." They both ate quietly for a few minutes. "So, I've got a question about kindergarten procedure."
Lucy raised her eyebrows, but waved for him to continue.
"Do they usually keep kids after class for testing?"
She thought as she chewed, then took a sip from her drink before answering. "Not that I can remember. Except maybe the special kids."
"Special kids? Like…future Mensa members?"
"No. Special, like special classes…" She mentally hit herself at Terry's blank look. Course he wouldn't really know. Home schooled, and in high school you don't hear about it as much. "Kids who are differently abled, or have a mental disability." She nibbled on a fry. "Why do you ask?"
"Cause David and Sam were kept after yesterday, and the teacher said it was for some special testing or something."
That caught her by surprise. "Well, they didn't go to preschool…maybe it was just simple testing."
"Yeah, maybe that's all it was." Terry frowned for a minute, but didn't say anything else. Instead, he went back to eating.
"What're you thinking?"
"There was just something about the teacher's glances…something off about them. It worries me."
"I'm sure it's nothing major. You know what? They probably just got into some trouble. First time being in a school after all."
Terry nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right. If there really was a problem, they'd have told Eric and Annie, right?"
"Right." Lucy smiled, and picked up the salt. "So, anything else going on in your life?"
"Not really. Might try out for a play later. I tried acting when I was younger and that…" He wrinkled his nose. "The less spoken about that, the better. But now that I'm older and have some time…it's something I've been wanting to try."
"Really?"
"How do you think mom got into her line of work? I don't think I could ever be as…enthusiastic as her, but I'm trying to find a direction for college."
"So you're going to try following in your parents' foot steps."
Terry picked up his own drink and swirled it around a minute. "Well, at least my mother's. So what about you? How goes the independent life?"
"Well, it's not bad, but I never knew Kevin could make such a mess in a real kitchen…"
"The teacher wants to see us? About what?" Eric frowned and set his papers on the table to turn his full attention on his wife.
Annie looked on the back of the note and shrugged. "I have no idea. The note just says she wants to see us as soon as possible. I already called and said we'd go tomorrow afternoon."
Eric really tried not to jump to conclusions. He didn't want to think his sons could do something really horrible within the first few weeks of school, but it'd happened before with both Simon and Ruthie. And here I thought the twins would keep each other out of trouble.
Of course, it could be something else. Maybe they were geniuses, and were going to be placed in accelerated classes. He doubted it, but the offer had been made to Simon when he started school. At the time neither Annie or Eric had wanted to push their child, so they declined the opportunity. Regret it now, especially if his brothers are going to be given the same chance.
"So tomorrow at three. You'll be there?"
"Huh? Yes, yes of course." He'd have to rearrange a couple of appointments, but he would make it. Especially since his wife was still acting a bit off. Ever since Simon started living at Terry's part time… "Do you want me to pick you up?"
"I'll meet you there. I can go shopping afterward and you can bring them home." She set the note down and checked on the meatloaf she was making.
"Have you asked the boys what it's about?"
She gave him the 'you asked a stupid question' look. "Of course I have. They have no idea what it's about."
"Right, of course." He glanced up the stairs, raising his eyebrows at Happy, who was lying there watching the two of them. "Have you heard from Simon?" He tried to ignore the fact that she slammed the oven door closed at her son's name.
"No. Why would I have?"
"Well, after what happened with the Colonel and Ruth…I was hoping he'd check in. I mean, his grandparents disowned him. It's a big thing."
She sniffed and went to the fridge, digging out some vegetables. "Maybe, but he's not here, so why would I hear from him?"
Eric sighed and shook his head. It's just separation anxiety talking. First Lucy, then Simon… "Well, let me know if he does call. In case he needs to talk…" He mentally kicked himself for the way that came out. "That's not what I mean-"
"I'll let you know if he calls, don't worry." She waved him off while setting a head of lettuce on the counter. "In the meantime, remember tomorrow, three."
Eric nodded and ducked out of the kitchen. He'd just screwed up, royally. Here's hoping she forgives me by night time. Otherwise, he'd be sleeping in the guest room. Again. This issue with Simon has to come to a head, soon. I'm starting to get kinks from that mattress.
"You sure it's okay?" Simon squatted and unhooked Happy's leash, rubbing the canine's head. "Your place isn't exactly dog-proofed."
Terry shook his head. "S'alright. It's Jordon-proof, and that's probably equivalent." He waited a minute. "Any particular reason you wanted to bring her?"
"I just…since I can't sleep with you, I'm kinda lonely, and she's always slept with me." Simon stood back up and picked up the bag of dog supplies he'd brought with him. "It's only to try."
"Lonely? You haven't mentioned you were lonely before." Terry looked away from Simon to watch Happy sniff around the living room. "This wouldn't happen to be because of your grandparents-"
"I said I was fine, Terry. So they reject me, big deal." Simon made his way to the kitchen. "I'm going to get her situated, then I have homework." He hoped his boyfriend didn't pick up the slight edge in his voice.
Terry crossed his arms and waited a minute, not really wanting to leave Happy alone yet. "Alright."
Even though it was just one word, Simon easily interpreted the doubt, and even a hint of hurt, in Terry's tone. It was true, though. He was over the Colonel hating him and never wanting to see him again. It didn't bother or distract him. Not one bit.
You've never felt lonely at Terry's before.
Shut up. He hated that little voice in his head. He WAS over the pain. He just didn't have room for it, and he couldn't change what had happened. I missed Happy, that's all. He's reading too much into it.
Terry's just worried. So are dad and Luce.
He turned on the faucet with a little more force than necessary and filled up Happy's water dish. They don't need to be worried! I'm over it! I'm fine! Why won't anyone believe me?!
Maybe because you're a family man, and your reaction seems off to them.
I have homework. He set the dish on the floor and ducked out of the kitchen, vaguely noting that Terry had retreated from the living room.
Mature answer.
Rather than respond, he whistled for Happy as he went to his room. His pet, immediately sensing this was her master's room, hopped onto the bed and curled up. He picked up his reading for the week and laid next to her, flipping open to a folded page. He was okay with what happened with his grandparents, he had dealt with the pain. He just wished people would stop asking if he was okay, because he was.
Are you trying to convince them, or yourself?
He ignored the snide comment and started reading. He wasn't enjoying the assignment, but it kept his mind occupied. It wasn't occupied for long, though as the phone rang before he even got through a page. He sighed at the interruption, especially if it was his parents calling to check in if he was okay. Hearing it ring again, and realizing that Terry wasn't going to grab it, he sat up and grabbed the receiver. "Hello?"
"Simon, hi. It's your dad."
"I know, dad. I recognize your voice."
"You do? Right, of course…um, I was wondering if you noticed anything unusual when you picked up your brothers."
Simon blinked, not expecting his father to ask that. "Unusual?"
"Well, their teacher wants to meet with us tomorrow, and since you picked them up, I thought you might have noticed if they were in trouble or doing something they shouldn't…something to give us a heads up of what's going on."
Simon's forehead wrinkled as he tried to think if anything had seemed out of place when he'd picked them up. No, nothing unusual that I saw. But then, he hadn't been the one to pick up the twins one day. "I didn't, but Terry said they were held after the day he went to get them. For testing of some sort."
"Testing? Testing for what?"
"He didn't know." Thinking back, he could recall Terry wanting to say more about it, but the whole ordeal with his grandparents threw them off that track. Maybe it's time we finished that discussion. "Sorry, dad. But I'm sure it's nothing really terrible. I mean, otherwise you would've gotten a call, right?"
"Yeah, right. Thanks son. I'll see you next week, okay?"
"Okay. Bye, dad." A dial tone informed him that his father probably hadn't heard him. Apparently no one in his family really knew how to say goodbye. Hanging up, he got off the bed, waving at Happy to stay as she raised her head, and left the room. He knocked on his boyfriend's door, but getting no response, he opened it.
Terry was laying on the bed listening to his discman and reading one of his Japanese comics--manga, he vaguely recalled Jordon calling them. Obviously he was listening to something loud, since it wasn't until Simon sat down on the bed that he noticed he wasn't alone. He pulled off the earphones immediately. "Simon?"
"Dad just called." He waited for Terry to put the book down and stop the CD. "He wanted to know if I knew why the twins' teacher would want to see them. I remember you mentioned something about testing…"
Terry nodded. "Yeah, they were held over for testing. Standard, the teacher had said, but…"
Simon knew it. There was something more. "But…?"
Terry shrugged. "It was probably nothing, but there was something about the way she was looking at Sam. It just felt…off. Like something was wrong." He waited a minute. "I could be way off. I mean, what do I know about education systems? But my feelings don't normally steer me wrong."
"True." Simon looked out the window, trying to deduce for himself what could be wrong. Sam's a bit smaller than David, but other than that… Of course he knew he wasn't an unbiased party, and couldn't really look at the twins as a teacher could. "Do you think it's anything we need to worry about?"
"We?" Terry raised his eyebrows.
"Well, you know…" Simon struggled for a minute. "You're like family. And if something's wrong we would welcome your help. Want it, even."
"Like family, huh?" Terry glanced to his bedspread a minute. "So you're shutting them out, too?"
It took Simon a minute for his mind to switch tracks and realize where the discussion was now going. His eyes darkened slightly and he sat up. "I told you, I'm-"
"Fine, yeah. I know." Terry crossed his arms. "So why are you so tense when anyone brings up the subject?"
"Because maybe I'm tired of hearing about it! Geeze, Terry! It's not a big deal! So they disowned me! After Thanksgiving, I wasn't really expecting them to welcome me with open arms! They didn't even call when I was attacked!" He abruptly stood up. "And if they want this then fine! I'm not going to waste my time and energy trying to win them over when it can't happen!"
Terry stood up on the other side of the bed, dropping his earphones on the mattress. "Then why are you snapping at me?! At Lucy? Damn it, Simon! We're just worried!"
"Well don't be! I'm FINE!"
"You're shutting me out!"
"You're reading too much into it!"
"You can't even have someone mention their names without getting defensive!"
"And maybe you don't know the whole story! Maybe I actually wanted this! Maybe I never wanted to hear from them again because I knew they hated you and me and this is an answer to my prayers!"
"Then why do you look like you're about to break down crying?!"
Simon snarled before turning on his heels and storming to his room. He knew he was near tears, and he didn't want Terry to see. Didn't want to be forced to see that this actually was affecting him. He didn't need this. He didn't! He stood in his room and looked around, fists clenched at his sides. He just stood there, letting the tears slide down his face and breathing raggedly as he tried to get himself under control.
Happy was still on the bed, head up and looking at him, confused by his actions. When she looked past him, he knew Terry was here. He wanted to lash out again, but knew his voice would betray him and reveal how upset he actually was.
"It's the hate, isn't it." Simon didn't move. "You've been worried that they secretly hate you, and now they've confirmed it." He heard Terry step closer. "With your parents you were worried, but deep down you knew they loved you, and would at least make the effort. This time it feels more…permanent."
"If you're so smart," he bit off, "then how do I work through this?" His next words were spoken more softly. "How do I accept the fact that they hate me even though I still…love them?"
Terry put a hand on Simon's arm. "I wish I could tell you. But I'm the wrong man to ask."
Simon looked over his shoulder. "You? You're the expert in this relationship."
Terry pulled away and sat on the bed, glancing at Simon before staring at the floor. " Not at this." He sighed. "You know my father and I…" He waved one hand, not wanting to reiterate a story Simon had heard before. "Well, I dealt with that by not speaking to him, ignoring him…pretty much hating him. And you know how that turned out."
Simon dropped next to him on the bed, jostling Happy from her resting position. "Yeah…" He didn't want to end up like that, not resolving anything before his grandparents died. "That's sort of what I feel like right now. But we're a family that works things out. And I can't let this sit and fester and turn into what you-" he stopped and looked to his boyfriend. "No offence."
Terry let out a bark of a laugh. "None taken."
Simon glanced at Terry once more before returning his gaze to his hands. Neither of them said anything for a while, and eventually Simon wondered if that was it, if there was nothing more to be said. Which means we're back to square one. He reached over and stroked Happy absently.
Terry was the one to break the silence by clearing his throat. "Well, you have homework and I have a manga to finish…" He stood up and stuck his hands in his pockets. "If…you do wanna talk. I'll be in my room."
"Okay." Simon watched Terry take a few steps towards the door. "Terry?" He offered his boyfriend a small smile. "It…did help to vent like that. So…thank you."
Terry returned the smile. "Welcome. I'll see you at dinner." With that, Terry left.
Simon stared after him, then looked to Happy. "So what do I do now?" She turned onto her side and gave him a hopeful look. He rolled his eyes and started rubbing her stomach. "Besides make you happy." He looked at his homework, then to the phone. He couldn't call his grandparents, at least not until they cooled down about the situation. I'm not going to let this go unresolved. We will work it out one day. It was a promise he intended to keep, no matter what.
Eric took one quick look in the corner to make sure the twins were settled, playing with toys, before taking a seat next to his wife in front of the teacher. He'd tried to go through every possible scenario that might explain the necessity for the testing and this meeting, but every scenario seemed off, wrong.
"Mr. And Mrs. Camden, thank you for making the time to see me."
"Of course."
Eric nodded with his wife, making a mental note that this instructor was obviously new, since he didn't recognize her; and since he'd had five kids pass through the system, he knew just about every teacher there was at the school. "Since there was no note home, can we assume this isn't because they're in some sort of trouble?"
The teacher's hesitated a moment. "Not…really. Trouble is a relative term."
"Is it because the boys are excelling at their studies?"
Eric had a feeling Annie's hope was misplaced, and the teacher confirmed it a moment later with the shake of her head. "Then why exactly have we been called in?"
"Well, not being in preschool, both Sam and David failed to take some standard testing, to see if they qualified for accelerated learning or if they had some…problems." She flipped through a folder. "Has your doctor told you his concerns about their development?"
"Yes," Annie sat forward on her chair, "but I haven't seen anything to confirm their worries."
Eric glanced at her, but didn't voice his objection. Maybe he was just seeing things, but during the time Annie was gone he'd sensed something off with the boys. He wasn't sure what, and since no one else really sensed it, he let it go. And maybe I shouldn't have. "Why do you ask?"
She glanced at first Annie, then him. "Normally we wouldn't have administered the test, but I noticed a few behavioral oddities between the boys, and comparing their work I had to wonder…"
"Wonder what?" He put his hand on Annie's arm to restrain whatever she was going to say. She tended to take criticism of her children personally. In this case, though, she was still extra sensitive because of everything going on with Simon.
"On the mental capabilities of them." Her shoulders seemed to relax a little at admitting that. "According to all tests, David's fine. That's pretty much what I expected. His work is comparatively normal with a child his age, as are his social skills. Sam, on the other hand…" She glanced past them to check on the boys.
Eric felt Annie tense beneath his hand. This could get ugly real fast. He really hoped it wouldn't. Besides, it might not be that bad. And whatever it is, we'll get through it together. "What's wrong with Sam?"
"Both his mental and social development are retarded." She held up her hands as Annie opened her mouth. "Not to say that he is. I apologize. That probably wasn't the best word to use."
"No, it wasn't," Eric agreed. "Do you know why this has happened? Or how?"
"There's no real way to tell for certain. Have any of your other children displayed odd or unique behaviors that aren't really associated with children?"
"No," Annie said in an unusually soft voice. "We've raised perfectly healthy, normal children."
Eric frowned a minute. "Actually, Simon's a bit of an idiot savant when it comes to finances. And Ruthie…" Ruthie was special, that was for sure. He just didn't know of a technical term to explain it. "Ruthie's gifted."
"Then you've been lucky." The teacher folded her hands on the desk. "You'd need a specialist, but considering how late Mrs. Camden had the twins, and his verbal and social skills, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a mild case of Autism."
"Autism…" Eric echoed, not quite sure how to take the news. This wasn't something that could just go away, or something that could be cured. It was an affliction that would affect Sam all his life. "You're sure?"
"Again, you probably should have an expert examine him to get a final diagnosis. They'd also be able to give you pointers about how to live with a mentally handicapped child, and any special needs he might have. Which brings me to the other part of this meeting." She sat back, obviously waiting for the two of them to catch up in the conversation.
Eric glanced to his wife, who was staring at her sons, Sam in particular. Neither of them was expecting this, but the news seemed to really hit her hard. Because her age might've factored into this development. He had a feeling it would take her a while to adjust to this. After a minute he turned his attention back to the teacher. "And that would be?"
"I'd like Sam to spend about an hour every day with a Special Ed teacher. They'll be able to give him more individual attention. If this is just a mild case, they may even be able to keep his education level almost equal to David's." She sat up a little straighter. "There are plenty of students with learning and mental difficulties that, by high school, are able to engage in most of the same classes as their peers."
"So you want to start him on that path now?"
She nodded. "To be honest, he's struggling, and a distraction to the other students."
He rubbed his eyes a moment, then nodded. "Alright, if you think it's best." He turned to his wife. "Unless you object, dear." She appeared to still be watching Sam play, and obviously hadn't heard him. "Annie?"
Her head snapped around towards him, surprised. "What?"
"Do you have any objections with having Sam spend some time with a Special Ed teacher?"
"Will it help him?" She went back to looking at her sons.
He sighed through his nose and began rubbing her shoulder."Yes, yes it will."
"Okay."
Eric looked to the teacher again. "Do you have a doctor you recommend? Who can help to properly diagnose him?"
"I'm afraid not. But I'm sure the department head of Special-"
Eric cut her off with a wave of his hand. I'm sure Doctor Gibson or the boys' pediatrician know someone. After all, they worked in the medical fields. "I'm sure we can find someone. Thank you."
"Alright." She stood up and held out her hand. "Thank you for coming. I know this was difficult to hear." Her gaze flitted briefly to Annie.
He stood and they shook hands briefly. "Thank you for taking the time to tell us in person." He felt Annie get up beside him, but instead of saying anything, she moved away. A quick look found her kneeling by the boys and quietly telling them to get ready to go. Shock. She must be in shock. He shouldn't be surprised. This was right up there with Simon coming out to them.
"And Mr. Camden? I know you have family in the area. Family support is something that could help him as well."
"Don't worry. He'll get plenty of it." Eric made sure he had everything he'd come in with and followed Annie as she led the twins out. We'll get through this. After Simon coming out, even a hurdle as big as this didn't seem as daunting. And Sam will have something Simon didn't at first: a loving family to help him through this.
It was a mistake he'd made once, and one he vowed never to make again.
Author's Prattle: Wow…this one took a looooong time to get out. But I do have a very good reason. Between moving and school and midterms and projects and submitting novel manuscripts and YaoiCon….okay, okay, so it's just excuses, but I'm finally back on top! As you can see from the updates, I've finished a lot of one-shots (mostly in SG-1), and there's even more I haven't gotten ready for posting…yet.
Also, I'm afraid it's gonna be a while before the other chapters come out. I have a couple chapters to do before the big Valentine's Day special I have prepared. Since I want to post that on Valentine's Day, I need to finish the ones before by January. It'll take time…but with luck I'll get the new chapters out sooner than before.
Disclaimers. I don't own 7th Heaven, it belongs to Brenda Hampton and the WB network. I'm just borrowing their characters/settings and mixing them with my own.
So, that's it. I'll be posting a lot of my short things for a while (after I get past finals), but I will post more, don't worry! As always, feedback is appreciated, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!