Dirty Visual

Jared woke bright and early from the sound of his alarm clock. He groaned and rolled over in bed. Looking out the window across from his bed he saw it was actually bright outside. Had he already missed school? He sluggishly climbed out of bed and padded to his dads’ room. Zack was still in bed. Yeah he was really going to be late for school.

Jared let out a groan and walked to Zack’s bedside. He shook the adult awake; Zack shot up a second later. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Jared didn’t respond he just merely pointed to the clock on the nightstand. Zack obviously understood and threw his blanket back. Jared stepped to the side so the older man could climb out of the bed.

“You’re not going to school today” Jared nodded and looked down to hide a smile. “But you need to take a shower and get dressed. We have a couple of things to do today. I have to go back to work tomorrow so we need to visit Matt’s mom today and see if she can watch you. Would you like that?”

Jared nodded and silently made his way out of the room. He took a shower, got dressed, had breakfast and went outside with the dogs while Zack watched out of the kitchen window as he did the dishes. The only time he seamed happy was when he was around that darn dog. Zack couldn’t help but wonder why.

When they left Jared called the dogs inside and locked the back door. Zack led him out front and into Brian’s truck. “Okay so I thought maybe we could go watch a movie or something today?”

“Mhm,” was the only response. He reached over and put Bentley’s pacifier back into his mouth when he started to cry.

They dropped the baby off at Matt’s mom’s house.

“We are stopping by the school for a bit.” Zack watched in his rearview mirror, Jared tensed up at the word school. What the fuck has been going on? Why has Jared been so quiet and upset lately, even before Brian’s accident?

They pulled up to the school and Zack signed in, filling out Jared’s absent note. He led the little boy into the principal’s office and they waited for the man to arrive. He had been visiting their other school site but the office lady had put in the call and sent them into the room.

“I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name? Talon Emery and you are?” A tall man no older than thirty stepped into the office ten minutes later.

“Zack Baker.” They shook hands and sat down simultaneously.

“Mr. Baker I see in Jared’s records that you are one of his legal guardians?” Talon asked curiously.

“Yes, I adopted him not too long ago.” Zack smiled and looked over at Jared. He was looking anywhere but at the principal and wringing his hands.

“I hear that you are looking to get Jared into home school.” The little boy’s head snapped up. Only have to go to school a day a week, being away from that awful Mr. Kale, and when he has to see him Zack will be there. How much better could it get?

“Yes I am. His father got into an accident recently and is in the hospital. He has no memory of the past six years and Jared really seems to be having a hard time with it.” Zack spoke honestly; Jared’s mood dampened at the mention of his dad.

“I see. I think this can be arranged. We have an on site home school teacher named Pamela Banks. She is a really nice older woman and luckily she has a couple of spots open. Jared will meet with her once a week, and as long as he follows the contract to get his work done I don’t see a problem with it at all.” Talon spoke looking sadly over at the little boy. “Jared would you mind going out to recess to play so I can speak to Zack?”

Jared nodded, stood and walked out of the room. “I have noticed how withdrawn he has become. He won’t play with the other children and he doesn’t talk.” Talon spoke looking directly at Zack.

“He had been acting odd lately. It started around the time a dog was purposely injured and put into our yard. We don’t know who did it but Jared saw the poor pup and since then he’s been withdrawn. Then with Brian’s accident he won’t talk at all and when he does he either doesn’t remember it because he’s half way asleep or too quiet for me to hear. I think he may need some counseling.” Zack let out a sigh and shook his head slightly. “I hate seeing him like this.”

“Zack what is your relationship like with Jared?” Zack’s eyes met Talons. Not another man who will say his relationship with Jared is unnatural.

“He is my boyfriend’s son; Brian and I moved in together but even before that he called me dad. I’m close with my boy but not like some assume.” Zack stated.

“Assume?”

“Stewart Kale threatened to take me to court for having an inappropriate relationship with Jared. Just because he falls asleep in mine and Brian’s bed when he has nightmares; I spend one on one time with him doing father son things in the park like the baseball games and taking him to movies.” Zack really didn’t want to defend himself again. “When I got in an accident months ago I stayed with them and got close to Jared; I practically moved in with them, I took care of him just like Brian did. I cooked dinners after I got better; I put him to bed and read to him, I washed his hair when he showered because the soap burns his eyes. I took care of him and I hate that my relationship with him is questioned because I would never even think of doing anything like that. Just the thought that people think that I could be that way makes me sick.”

“Mr. Baker I do not question your relationship with Jared. I just want to make sure that he is in a secure loving environment. Especially while having these types of problems at home, like an injured parent.” Talon knew exactly what type of man Stewart Kale was and he wouldn’t trust his judgment if her were the last man on earth. Sadly they were lacking an option of teachers when they hired him.

“He has a good home, three dogs he loves dearly, a little brother, and two amazing uncles that would travel the world for him if they had to. We all love him and show him support but he won’t crack.”

Talon placed the home school papers in front of Zack. “I need you to fill these out today and I will schedule an appointment with Pamela. Is tomorrow okay for you?”

“Can it be after three? I have to go back to work tomorrow.” Zack hoped his job wouldn’t interfere with the boys schooling.

“Yes, Pamela stays at school until six with the secretary. Will five be okay for you?” Talon stood, Zack did the same knowing their meeting would come to and end soon.

“That’s perfect; thank you.” Zack shook hands with the tall man one final time. He walked out of the room being followed by Talon.

“Let me know if things need to be arranged for Jared like meeting with the school counselor.” Talon suggested giving Zack more options.

“Can that be arranged around my schedule by any chance?” Zack pushed the office door open, stepping out into the warm air he smiled; finding Jared immediately sitting on the dome made of bars.

“Let me talk to Lewis, our counselor and see if he would be willing to make an exception given the circumstances? Your file says that Jared lives just a few houses down?” Zack nodded. “He may be willing to make a house call if Jared is at home during school hours?”

“Yeah one of my friend’s moms comes and watches the kids while Brian and I work.” Zack smiled sadly once more.

“That’s great I will give him a call as well. I am here until six pm on school days so I’ll let you know tomorrow.”

“Thank you again for being so compliant.” Zack was so damn grateful for that. Jared looked over and saw Zack. He made his way over to his dad and wrapped his arms around him. “You okay?”

Jared nodded into Zack’s side, trying to avoid the gaze of one Stewart Kale.

“Bye Jared.” Talon waved at the little boy who returned the gesture. “Zack.”

Zack nodded to the principal, slowly making his way to the truck. “Are you ready to go see a movie?” Jared nodded.

Talon watched as Zack buckled the boy in and talked to him with a smile, the little boy just nodded and acted depressed. Yeah, he really had to call Lewis, right now.

Notes