#charmedlife

Dan: “the boys aren’t here yet, Karie Davis is bringing some more precooked meals” I couldn’t help but pout. Dan chuckled and he went outside and got more stuff. “Karie you don’t have to do this for us, but your meals are so delicious! We’ve been loving all of them!” he said closing the door

Karie: “It’s no problem at all, I love cooking so much, and I love helping out” she said as they walked into the kitchen. I followed them.

Paul: “Karie, thank you so much for babysitting my kids last night”

Karie: “oh your home!” she said smiling and putting the food she was carrying on the counter. “The kids were so good! They are such sweet boys” I smiled

Paul: “I’m really glad that they were good for you guys”

Deb: “Dan” she said walking into the kitchen “I really need to take a shower, I just fed her, can you take her?”

Dan: “Of course honey” he said walking over and taking Bethany from her.

Deb: “Oh Karie! I didn’t realize you were here, did you bring more meals?!” she said shocked

Karie: “Yes! I bought like another week in a half’s worth of dinners”

Deb: “You are such a life saver! Your pre-cooked meals have helped us so much”

Dan: “Yea, and they all have tasted incredible”

Karie: “I’m so glad it’s been helpful, like I’ve said, I love cooking, and it’s been fun for me and my family to get together and help out” she walked over and hugged her. and I smiled. We’ve always liked John and Karie Davis, we’ve known them for years, but over the past year we’ve gotten a lot closer with them, and they are amazing people, I’m so glad that they were able to take Edward in. I knew they would be such a great family for him.

Dan: “is there anyway we could pay you back?”

Karie: “noo, just let me hold Bethany while momma gets a break” she said holding her arms out, we all chuckled and Dan handed her the baby. And Deb went to go take a shower.

Paul: “Ugh.. why is it taking them so long? I want to see my babies”

Dan: “Matthew texted me and told me that Joseph is in detention, so they are waiting for him, but they will be home soon.” I frowned

Paul: “Detention? For what?”

Dan: “they don’t know” I sighed and shook my head. I’m so disappointed with how bad Joseph is doing in school.

Karie: “John sat with him for several hours last night, and he said he made a lot of progress and towards the end he was doing it by himself without much of John’s help”

Dan: “really?” she nodded

Karie: “Yes, Joseph was really proud of himself, and I guess Zac promised him ice-cream if he did his homework, so John had to run to the store to get some” I chuckled

Dan: “That definitely sounds like Joseph, he loves his ice-cream for sure”

Paul: “Let me guess, superman ice-cream?” she smiled and nodded. We heard the front door open, and the dog started barking again and my eyes went wide in excitement and Dan laughed.

Joe: “Kevinnn don’t make fun me” he said walking right past us, putting his backpack and everything on the floor. Kevin and Zac also walked in and dropped their backpacks too.

Kevin: “I wasn’t making fun of you, I was calling you grumpy!” Zac turned and he was the first to notice me and he gasped. And I also gasped because this is the first time I have seen his face since his dad beat him up. It’s pretty bad. Kevin and Joseph turned to look at me, And both of their jaws dropped.

Joe: “d-daddy?” he whispered, shocked

Kevin: “DADDDY!!!!” Kevin yelled! running over and jumping up into my arms, making me stumble back into the fridge. knocking some magnets and papers off and onto the ground.

Paul: “Kevin, you’re getting to big for this” I said as he wrapped his legs around my waist and his arms around my neck. I locked my arms underneath his bottom to support his weight. I chuckled and Dan walked over and picked up the magnets and papers and she put them back on the fridge. “Sorry” I said to him. he chuckled at me and nodded. Kevin made a whiney sound, demanding my full attention. And I gave it to him. I really have missed all of my babies a lot. And I’m just really glad that I don’t have to leave again any time soon. I walked over and I sat down with Kevin in my lap. I watched over Kevin’s shoulder as Joey lowered his head and quietly walked out of the room. he feels guilty… I can tell just by looking at him. I need to go talk to him. But my other boy needs my attention right now. Zac sat on a chair next to me and I put my arm around his shoulder and he leaned into me, and Kevin buried his face into my shoulder. And I started rubbing his back with my other hand.

Paul: “I’ve missed you both so much”

Zac: “Even me?”

Paul: “Zac, of course even you! You had me so worried, it could have been so much worse with your dad… I’m just so happy you are okay” I said leaning over and kissing his forehead.

Kevin: “He promised his dad he would go see him again before he goes to court”

Dan/Paul: “Absolutely Not!” we both said at the same time. Zac pouted.

Zac: “Kevvinn! You weren’t supposed to tell” he whined.

Kevin: “sorry, not sorry” he mumbled. Zac reached over and pinched Kevin’s side. And Kevin pushed his hands away. I sighed and adjusted Kevin in my lap so that I could make Zac look at me.

Paul: “you are not seeing him by yourself, do you understand?”

Zac: “I think he is really sorry this time…” he said softly.

Paul: “I will take you to see him if you really want to, but you aren’t going yourself, especially after what happened last time” he nodded and I sighed and pulled him into a side hug.

Dan: “I agree with Paul Zac, it’s way way too dangerous”

Zac: “I don’t think he will hurt me again” he said biting his lip.

Paul: “I know he won’t hurt you again, because I’ll be there to make sure that he doesn’t” I said sternly. Zac nodded, Giving up.

Kevin: “Do you have to leave again?” he asked softly. He grabbed my shirt like he thought I was going to disappear or something.

Paul: “Nope, I’m all done with my business trip, I get to stay home now” I felt him relax in my arms, and Zac smiled. Zac and Kevin told me all about there week. And their friends, and Kevin’s new crush Rachel.

Kevin: “She’s not a crush” Kevin whined

Zac: “Yes she is Kevin! You have talked about her nonstop since you met her”

Paul: “Well I can’t wait to meet this girl” Kevin groaned and hid his face into my shoulder and I chuckled.

Dan: “I’m going to go see if Matthew wants to go get Demi, Nick and Frankie from school. Are you okay with Bethany Karie?”

Karie: “yes! I don’t want to put her down yet”

Zac: “I’m going to go see if Joey is okay”

Paul: “tell him that I want to see him” he nodded and he got up and walked out of the room.

Kevin: “Daaaadddy!” He whined

Paul: “What?” I said looking down at him.

Kevin: “pay attention to meee” I laughed and pulled him closer and I wrapped my arms around him and he snuggled into my chest.

Paul: “I love you Kevin”

Kevin: “I love you too daddy”

Paul: “You are going to have to share me with your brothers in a few minutes”

Kevin: “I don’t want too” he mumbled. I sighed and kissed the top of his head. And then I got up and put Kevin down on his feet. He wrapped his arms around my waist and Karie laughed.

Karie: “He isn’t letting you out of his grip anytime soon”

Paul: “I don’t think I want him too” I said smiling at her. “Let’s go into the living room, it’s more comfortable in there” I said softly. he nodded and we walked into the living room, and I sat on the couch and Kevin sat directly beside me. And I put my arm around him and

Kevin: “Daddy?” he said looking at me with his big eyes

Paul: “yes?”

Kevin: “why doesn’t mom want you to come home?”

Paul: “Um.. your mom is just stressed out, don’t worry about that okay?” he nodded and the front door opened and I looked over and Matthew walked in with Demi and Nick, and little frankie, when they saw me they gasped and Nick dropped his backpack and ran over

Nick: “DAADDDYY!!!!” he yelled, jumping into my lap. He immediately started crying

Paul: “Don’t cry!”

Nick: “do you have to l-leave again?”

Paul: “No, baby,  I’m home to stay”

Nick: “Do you promise?”

Paul: “yes, I promise”

Frankie: "Dadddy! Up! Up!" he whined, tugging on my arm. I smiled and moved Nick over a little bit and I picked Frankie up and lifted him up. Frankie smiled and wrapped his arms around my neck and he pressed his lips hard against my cheek and I chuckled. Nick’s arms are wrapped around my waist and his face is buried into my chest. And Kevin’s leaning against my side. I felt like they couldn't get close enough to me. It’s such a good feeling to be so loved by your kids. But I'm kind of sad that Joseph isn't here hugging me. I miss him.

Matthew: “where is Joey?”

Paul: “I think he is in your room with Zac… can you tell him to come here? I want to see him” he nodded and I refocused my attention back on my other boys. A few minutes later he came back into the room with Joseph.. Joey’s eyes are watery and he looks like he is going to cry. I slipped Nicky off of my lap and into Kevin lap and he pouted

Nicky: "Daddy" he whined

Paul: "Just a minute baby, I haven't got to see Joseph yet" Nicky nodded "Come here Joseph" Joey bit his lip and shook his head.. I sighed. “Come here right now buddy, I want to see you." he looked down and walked over to me and I reached up and grabbed his arm and pulled him close.. he let me pull him into my lap. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed the top of his head and he started sobbing.

Joe: "I'm s-sorry d-daddyy" he cried

Paul: "shh! It’s okay Joey, we will talk about your school stuff later, okay?" he nodded, but he didn’t stop crying. I felt his tears leak through my shirt.  Zac walked into the room and he sat on the other side of me. “I’ve missed you all so much”

Kevin: “we’ve missed you too dad, we are glad you are home”

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Edward’s POV: Later that night.

After Dinner I helped them clean up, and then I went into the living room and I sat in front of the window. Watching impatiently to see if Sam will come. I’ve been trying to text him all day, and he said he would try to be here when I got home from school, but he wasn’t here, and I haven’t heard from him since… I sighed leaned up against the wall and just waited. Looking down at the little rose thing I attempted to make today in art class. I can’t afford to get him flowers like he got me, and it’s winter, so I can’t pick flowers, so I tried to make him one. It’s ugly and dumb… but it’s the thought that counts, right?

Karie: “Edward, we are making some cookies, do you want to come join us?”

Edward: “No thank you” I said looking back out the window.

Karie: “are you okay?”

Edward: “Yes. I’m just waiting for Sam”

Karie: “sitting in front of the window isn’t going to make him come faster honey” I frowned.

Edward: “I know”

Karie: “okay, well we will be in the kitchen if you change your mind”

Edward: “okay” like an half hour later I heard an older loud car and I smiled when his car came into view and I got up off the floor. And when he knocked, I tried to play it cool as I walked over to the door and answered it.

Sam: “Hey baby” He said smiling at me. I frowned

Edward: “You’re late…” he stepped inside and closed the door and then he pulled me into a hug and his cold hands immediately found their way under my shirt. “Why do you always put your freezing cold hands under my shirt?” I whined.

Sam: “Because you are so hot, you warm me up” He kissed me and I stumbled back away from him “Edddiee” he whined, when I pulled out of the kiss.

Edward: “Are you high?” He shook his head. “Promise me” I said softly… he looked down. He can’t even keep eye contact with me…

Sam: “I just had some weed”

Edward: “and you drove?” I said crossing my arms.

Sam: “it’s not as bad as Drunk driving Eddie, I’m fine”

Edward: “Sammy! You can’t come over here high! What were you thinking?”

Sam: “I wanted to see you… what is that?” he said looking down at the paper rose in my hand.. I blushed.

Edward: “I couldn’t get you flowers… so I tried to make you one” he giggled

Sam: “it’s so cute Eddie!” he said taking it from me. I groaned and grabbed his hand and lead him through the house and into my room.

Edward: “I can’t believe you are high… you said you wouldn’t smoke anymore”

Sam: “I got laid off… I just needed some distraction”

Edward: “you lost your job?” he nodded.

Sam: “I don’t know what I’m going to do Eddie” he said pulling me into a hug

Edward: “well maybe not smoke pot is a good start, in case you get a job interview that requires a drug test or something” he sighed

Sam: “Just make out with me”

Edward: “I know that you loved your job Sammy, I’m sorry” he picked me up and threw me onto the bed. and then he climbed on top of me.

Sam: “Don’t want to talk about it” he mumbled, kissing me. I pushed him back and he looked down at me and groaned, and I rolled my eyes.

Edward: “I think you need to talk about it Sammy…” I know Sammy better than anyone, and I can tell he needs to talk.

Sam: “I think I need you to kiss me back… Please Eddie?” he said pouting. I sighed and grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer and we started making out.

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John’s POV:

John: “Where is Edward?” I said as Olivia handed me a cookie.

Olivia: “He is in his room”

John: “is he upset that Sam didn’t come over?”

Olivia: “Sam is here”

John: “No he isn’t”

Karie: “Yes he is honey”

John: “When did he get here?”

Karie: “shortly after we started making cookies.” Of course Edward and Sam immediately went to Edward’s room and closed the door when he got here. I sighed and shook my head. “What?”

John: “I told Edward earlier that if he wants Sam could come over tonight, they had to stay out here with us”

Karie: “Do you want me to go get them?”

John: “No, I’ll do it” I said putting my cookie down next to my glass of milk and I walked out of the kitchen and when I got to Edward’s room I opened the door, and they were making out, Sam was on laying on top of Edward, and Edwards and hands were under the waist band in the back of Sam’s jeans. They both jumped and Sam immediately jumped away from Edward. And Edward quickly got up. Looking at me with wide eyes. I scared the shit out of them. Good. I glared at them “Are you kidding me?” I said crossing my arms. They were both trying to catch their breaths. “Edward!! What did I tell you earlier?”

Edward: “Uhh.... we were just wrestling” he lied, glancing over at Sam.

John: “With your hands down his pants and his tongue down your throat? I’m not stupid Edward” Sam started laughing and I focused my glare on him.

Sam: “Relax, we were just making out” he said rolling his eyes.

John: “I don’t care. You are 20 years old, and he is a kid, you aren’t doing that here”

Sam: “Edward is old enough to make his own decisions”

John: “Do you really think so? Because I disagree. His decisions landed him homeless, freezing cold in front of a store, begging for blankets. Clearly he still needs guidance” Sam gasped.

Sam: “Eddie… is that true?” he said concerned.

Edward: “I wasn’t begging, I was trying to buy a blanket and they wouldn’t let me, because I had stolen from there before”

Sam: “why didn’t you come to my house?”

Edward: “because you were too far away, and I didn’t really know where I was, I was lost” Sam just stared at him, looking sad. I sighed

John: “Sam, please go find something else to do, I need to speak to Edward”

Sam: “Are you seriously going to yell at him for making out with his boyfriend?”

John: “No, I’m going to yell at him for disobeying me, and lying” I said glaring at Edward… he bit his lip.

Sam: “whatever, Edward, I’m leaving”

Edward: “Noo, please don’t leave… Can he stay?” he said looking at me with wide eyes “I’m sorry I disobeyed you... please don’t make him leave” he pleaded

John: “Why should I let him stay? You didn’t listen to me”

Edward: “b-because he got laid o-off and he needs-”

Sam: “EDWARD! SHUT UP! WHAT THE FUCK!” he yelled, glaring at Edward.

Edward: “don’t yell at me!”

Sam: “DON'T TELL EVERYONE MY BUSINESS!”

Edward: “I’m sorry”

Sam: “I’m leaving” he said grabbing his keys off of the floor and shoving past me and leaving the room, Edward tried to chase after him but I grabbed his arm and stopped him from leaving the room and he looked at me with pleading eyes and I shook my head no. and he nodded but his eyes pulled over with tears and I could see the worry in his face, and it was at this moment that I realized that the relationship they have is bigger than I thought.. Edward loves him. Like really loves him!! And I can tell, and as much as that kind of bugs me, because I feel like he is too old for Edward, I know no matter what, I’m not going to be able to keep Edward away from him. and if I try, I won’t have the father/son relationship with Edward that I really want with him.

John: “you love him” I stated, even though it’s probably obvious to him. he nodded.

Edward: “More than anything…” he said softly… and I believe him.

John: “Listen Edward” I said letting go of his arm and grabbing his hand and leading him back over to the bed, and we both sat down. “I am being supportive, I am letting him come over here pretty much whenever you ask, As long as you follow the rules… I don’t feel comfortable with you being in your room alone with him, with your door shut, and you know that”

Edward: “but Olivia-”

John: “When have you ever seen Olivia go into her room alone with Drake? He is hardly ever here, and when he is, they hang out with us”

Edward: “But you’ve never told her she couldn’t!”

John: “Yes, we have when she first started dating, and we never had to tell her again, because she just respects our wishes.”

Edward: “whatever…”

John: “It’s not unreasonable to ask you to not close the door Edward, you aren’t having sex with him under my roof” I said sternly.

Edward: “We aren’t having sex! We have never had sex, and I’m not ready…” he said awkwardly.

John: “Edward, your hands were inside of his pants! you can’t tell me that you didn’t think about it! I may not be gay, but I was a teenage boy once and I’m calling BS” His face got red and he looked away from me. “I’m not trying to embarrass you… I’m just saying that I know what all of that touching and kissing can easily lead into, and I would rather you guys not do that, Especially not under my roof”

Edward: “Okay, I’m sorry” he mumbled... clearly really really uncomfortable having to talk to me about sex. I remember when my dad gave me ‘the talk’ it was super awkward and I thought he was doing it just to torture me, but now that I have my own kids, I realize that it’s just as uncomfortable for the parent.

John: “And also, I told you that he could come over but you had to stay out with the family, and you disobeyed that and went straight to your room… and you lied to me when I caught you guys, I don’t appreciate that”

Edward: “sorry” he mumbled. Again. I sighed.

John: “Get over my lap Edward” I said patting my knee. He shook his head no. “Now!” I said sternly.

Edward: “I can’t!” he said blushing even deeper.

John: “Why not?”

Edward: “Uh…. I don’t want too” he said biting his lip.

John: “well you should have thought about that before you disobeyed me” I said grabbing his arm

Edward: “WAIT!” he said panicked.

John: “what??” I said starting to get irritated.

Edward: “I have a.. boy problem” he said, looking mortified... I looked at him confused.

John: “what do you mean?... OH!” I suddenly realized what he meant… he has a boner. “Edward!!! This is exactly what I mean! You can’t be that touchy with him, you are too young for this”

Edward: “UGH! this is soooooo embarrassing! Please stop talking about it!!!!!” he said covering his face. I sighed and stood up.

John: “Edward, it’s okay, it happens...” I feel REALLY bad for embarrassing him like this. I should have known. “Lean over the bed, instead, okay?” he slowly turned over and leaned over the bed. and I placed my hand on his lower back to hold him in place, and to offer a little bit of comfort. “ready?” I asked softly. he nodded, and I felt his body tense up. I’m not going to spank him hard, I just want to give him a little reminder, to do what I say. SMACK SMACK SMACK! He gasped, and I kept going, I landed about 20 more before I stopped, and pulled him up and into a hug.

John: “I don’t ask very much Edward, I just want you to listen to Karie and I, okay?” he nodded. He was sniffling a little, but he wasn’t full out crying. “And when he is here, that bedroom door stays open, got it?”

Edward: “y-yes sir”

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Taylor’s POV:

I’m waiting outside of my work right now for my ride home. I can’t wait until I can drive my truck again. I hate being grounded from it. I grabbed my phone and I started texting Tay.

(Text Conversation)

Taylor: “Hey! Can you come over today? -Taylor L”

Tay: “I’m in a lot of pain today :( -TaySwifty”

Taylor: “Why?? R u okay?? -Taylor L”

Tay: “Yes, I’m okay, my mom thinks I should stay in bed and rest though. -TaySwifty”

Taylor: “I miss you baby, I hope you feel better soon! -Taylor L”

Tay: “I miss you 2! I’ll lay down for a bit, then I’ll see if my mom will let me come see you :) -TaySwifty”

Taylor: “Okay! I love you! -Taylor L”

Tay: “I love you too!<3 -TaySwifty”

I smiled and I heard a hunk and I looked up and saw my truck and I jogged over and opened the passenger side door and I jumped in.

Dan: “Hi Taylor, Did you have a good day at work?” he said as I was buckling my seat belt

Taylor: “Hi Dad! It was alright, I got-“ I gasped when I finally looked at him. “OH MY GOSH! Daddy! What happened?”

Dan: “What happened to what?”

Taylor: “Your face!!!” he sighed and put the truck into drive.

Dan: “uh.. I’d rather not talk about it right now”

Taylor: “What do you mean? Dad? What happened to you?”

Dan: “I got punched in the mouth”

Taylor: “WHAAAT!!? I miss all the cool stuff when I’m at work!” I fake whined... he glanced over at me and glared.

Dan: “I don’t think it was very cool Taylor” he said turning his blinker on and then turning onto the street in front of my work.

Taylor: “I was just kidding daddy” I said laughing.

Dan: “it was a misunderstanding, someone thought I kissed their wife”

Taylor: “what the heck!! Did you??” I said with wide eyes.

Dan: “NO, of course not!” he said sounding offended.

Taylor: “what happened? Who was it?”

Dan: “Denise kissed me, and Paul flipped out” I gasped

Taylor: “EW! OH MY GOD!” I exclaimed. “WHAT?”

Dan: “Lower your voice Taylor, I’m sitting right next to you” I blinked my eyes a few times.

Taylor: “When did she kiss you?”

Dan: “Do you remember when we had you take the boys home and put them to bed last Saturday?”

Taylor: “it happened at the funeral? Paul was here that day”

Dan: “It happened after the funeral, when I dropped her off and picked you up”

Taylor: “that is soooo awkward dad, why would she kiss you? What did she say? What did MOM say?”

Dan: “Denise just said that she was sorry, I haven’t really talked to her about it, and your moms mad, but I haven’t talked to her yet either”

Taylor: “So Paul is home?”

Dan: “Yeah, he is done with his business trip now”

Taylor: “and he beat you up?” dad sighed and nodded.

Dan: “yep”

Taylor: “are you okay?”

Dan: “yea, it wasn’t that bad”

Taylor: “It looks like it hurts.”

Dan: “I’m just glad he didn’t knock any teeth out, it could have been much worse. Have you ever been punched straight in the mouth?” I shook my head no. “try to avoid it, because it hurts”

Taylor: “I can imagine… did you try to fight back?”

Dan: “No… I know he was feeling really betrayed, and fighting back would have just made it worse… I just tried to cover my face”

Taylor: “You didn’t do a very good job at covering your face daddy, your lip’s busted open”

Dan: “I know.” He said rolling his eyes and pulling into our driveway. “They are here, so don’t tell say anything to the Jonas boys” he said looking at me “Understand?”

Taylor: “I won’t say anything daddy” he nodded and he turned the truck off, and I unbuckled my seatbelt and I moved over into the middle seat and I hugged him. “I love you daddy, I’m sorry your big brother beat you up” he chuckled and pulled me close.

Dan: “I love you too baby boy” We got out of the truck and we walked inside. It’s so hectic in here. Bethany is screaming. Drake and Uncle Matt are rough housing on the floor. And Demi’s friends are here. I immediately went to my room and changed out of this uncomfortable suit. I will never get used to having to wear a suit every day for work. I changed into some pajama pants and a T-shirt. And Drake walked in and jumped onto his bed.

Taylor: “Did uncle matt win your wrestling match?” he pouted

Drake: “He definitely won. He gave me the world's worst wedgie.” I laughed

Taylor: “I’m glad it was you and not me” I said walking over and sitting on his bed. “Did you see the fight?” he nodded

Drake: “yea, it was bad”

Taylor: “Really? My dad said that it wasn’t that bad… but he did get punched in the mouth”

Drake: “He was like choking on his own blood dude, it was bad” I gasped

Taylor: “are you serious?”

Drake: “Yes... Uncle Matthew tied to stop it, but Paul threw him over the couch and he like went all hawk smash on Dan’s face”

Taylor: “ugh stop talking about it, I don’t like that” I said frowning. “it sounds scary”

Drake: “it was scary”

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Paul’s POV:

The kids and I have been here all day long. I’m just not ready to go home yet. Right now the boys are playing video games with Demi and her friends. I walked into the living room

Paul: “Joseph” He looked over at me, and I smiled at him “we need to talk, buddy” he nodded, biting his lip and handing the video game controller he was holding to Kevin. And standing up and he slowly walked over to me. I put my arm around his shoulders and lead him into the dining room. We both walked over and sat down. “Why did you have detention today?” I asked, sitting back in my chair.

Joe: “Momma didn’t tell you?” I shook my head.

Paul: “your mother knows?” he nodded

Joe: “she h-had to come to school” he said looking down.

Paul: “why? What happened?”

Joe: “My teacher thought I cheated on my test”

Paul: “did you?”

Joe: “No”

Paul: “Joseph, look at me” I said sternly. He looked up and his eyes met mine... “Do not lie to me son, you know it will be much much worse if you lie” his lip started trembling and his tears pooled over...

Joe: “I d-don’t know what to s-say”

Paul: “Just tell me the truth”

Joe: “b-but y-you” he looked down again.

Paul: “Joseph”

Joe: “I’m sc-scared daddy”

Paul: “I promise you Joey, that if you tell me the truth, it won’t be as bad as it will be if you lie to me”

Joe: “but what if you don’t believe me? Mommy didn’t..” he mumbled.. that took me by surprise.

Paul: “if you can look me in the eye, and promise me that you didn’t cheat on that test, I will believe you” he looked at me and he took a deep breath.

Joe: “Daddy... I didn’t cheat” he said softly, his eyes searching mine for any sign of disbelieve. We just stared at each other for a few moments.

Paul: “Do you promise?”

Joe: “I promise” I nodded

Paul: “okay, I believe you”

Joe: “you do?”

Paul: “a promise is a promise Joey, you wouldn’t make a promise that is already broken, would you?”

Joe: “No Sir, Daddy, I wouldn’t”

Paul: “okay, so tell me what happened buddy”

Joe: “Yesterday Mr. Davis showed me how to think of the problems differently, he drew pictures, and made it finally make sense in a way that I never understood before.”

Paul: “really?” he nodded

Joe: “I’m just dumb daddy, I can’t do it without thinking about the pictures”

Paul: “Joseph Adam Jonas! Do not call yourself dumb! Do you want a spanking?”

Joe: “No” he said pouting.

Paul: “You are NOT dumb.”

Joe: “But I’m failing everything”

Paul: “we will figure all of that out later, tell me what happened today at school” he nodded

Joe: “We had a test, and I started picturing what Mr. Davis taught me in my head, so I finished faster, because once it finally made sense it wasn’t as hard. So I finished my test and I gave it to my teacher, and he didn’t even check any of my answers, he just failed me right away, and sent me to the office for cheating. he said that my grades are so bad, that it makes no sense for me to be able to finish that test so early, and so I must be cheating. he is the one who thinks I’m dumb daddy” I frowned

Paul: “he really didn’t even check your work?” he shook his head.

Joe: “no... he doesn’t like me, because I’m not smart like all the other people in my class.. and since I’m already failing in that class, I’m expected to finish all the work, but I’m not going to get any credit. And I have to sit through detention for the rest of the week… I shouldn’t have even tried… he wouldn’t have thought I cheated. And mommy wouldn’t be so mad” I shook my head

Paul: “Don’t think like that Joey, it’s not your fault, and I will be going to your school tomorrow to clear up this mess”

Joe: “they aren’t going to believe me daddy.” He said looking down. I reached over and picked him up off of his chair and I put him in my lap.

Paul: “I believe you though, and that’s all that matters, I will make it right, I promise”

Joe: “But mommy was mad and she said you were going to be very disappointed in me... are you disappointed in me, daddy?” I sighed

Paul: “I’m not disappointed in you for that test… but I am disappointed in you for letting your grades and stuff get this bad, even if you have something that makes learning a little harder, that isn’t an excuse to give up and let it get that bad, you should have came and talked to us way before now”

Joe: “I’m sorry daddy” I wrapped my arms around him and kissed the top of his head. “Am I getting a spanking?” he whispered. I chuckled

Paul: “Do you think you deserve one?” he pouted and nodded his head.

Joe: “yes” he said hiding his face into my shirt.

Paul: “well I’m not going to give you one. But you really need to step it up and do everything you can to get your grades back up” he nodded

Joe: “I will try harder, I’m so sorry that let it get this bad”

Paul: “Mr. Davis offered to tutor you after school to help you catch up, what do you think about that?” he looked up at me

Joe: “Really?” I nodded “I want his help”

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