Chapter 19
In the afternoon, when I was getting ready to pick Jonas up from school, I got a call from his teacher.
The teacher sounded somewhat frantic. “Mr. Joplin, please come over right now. Jonas and Xavier got into a fight.”
My heart sank, and I hurried to the school.
In the office, I saw Jonas and Xavier seated on either side of the room. Both were injured.
Yvonne was already there, speaking with the teacher with a frown.
“What happened?” I walked in and asked.
The teacher sighed. “Well, during gym class, Xavier led a group of students to bully Jonas. Jonas snapped and got into a fight with Xavier.”
I turned to Xavier and asked, “Why did you bully your brother?”
Xavier pouted. “He’s so useless. He doesn’t even know how to play basketball. Our class lost the game because of him.”
I was about to speak when Yvonne chimed in, “Xavier, you can’t talk about your bu that. Apologize right now.”
Xavier turned his head away stubbornly, unwilling to speak.
I crouched to meet Jonas‘ eye. “Jonas, tell me what happened.”
like
Jonas wiped his tears and said while choking back on sobs, “Xavier said you divorced Mommy because I’m too stupid and useless. He said I was a burden. I… I hit him because I just couldn’t
take it anymore.”
When I heard that, it felt as though a blade was dragging across my heart.
I got 11
and stared at Yvonne coldly. “So, this is how you raise your child?”
Her face paled. “Cole, you’ve got it wrong. I never taught Xavier anything like that.”
I sneered. “Really? Then why would he say that? Yvonne, I’m warning you. Since Xavier’s staying with you, raise him well. Otherwise, I’ll take legal action.”
With that, I scooped Jonas up and turned to leave
Behind me came Yvonne’s voice. “Cole, wait-”
I left the school without turning back.
In the car, Jonas was nestled in my arms and said quietly, “Daddy, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have
hit him.”
I stroked his hair. “Jonas, you did nothing wrong Remember, no matter what happens, I’ll always love you. I’ll always be on your side.”
Back at home, I bathed Jonas and tended to his injuries. When I saw the bruises on his body, my heart was in so much pain that I could barely speak.
Jonas said abruptly, “Daddy, are we going to Grandpa and Grandma’s tonight?”
I froze, finally remembering Dad’s words. After looking at my watch, I sighed. “Yes. We should get ready to leave.”
As soon as we walked into my parents‘ house, I could smell the familiar scent of home–cooked food..
Mom came out from the kitchen. When she noticed the injuries on Jonas‘ face, she immediately cried out, “Oh god, what happened to him?”
I briefly explained the situation. Mom wrapped Jonas in a hug, looking visibly distressed. Her eyes feddened with tears.
Dad walked out of the study. When he saw them, his expression darkened. “What happened? Did Yvonne do that?”
I shook my head. “Dad, let’s not talk about it. Let’s eat.”
The atmosphere at the dining table was somewhat heavy.
Dad kept asking about the post–divorce arrangements. I kept my answers as brief as possible. I didn’t want to say too much in front of Jonas.
After dinner, Mom led Jonas away to watch TV, and Dad summoned me to the study. He gave me a solemn look. “Cole, are you really not considering reconciliation?”
Chapter 20
