Wow! No wonder he has such twisted ideas!
[Jayson]I knew it was important to keep Mama Evelyn's secret, even before I knew I should call her "Mama." That came later when she returned."Remember to keep my secret," Evelyn kissed my cheek giving me a special fairy stamp as I left the classroom. It shimmered in the light like real magic. I wanted to see her again. I wanted to take her home with me. But I had to say goodbye.When I got home, I tried to keep her secret, but I was excited about my day so I Told my mom we had a special substitute. "Her name was Ev..." I stopped myself, but then my mom kept asking questions. Annoying questions. "Who? Do I know her? Did she give you that stamp? What did she look like"The questions came so fast that I know I said too much. She didn't learn her real name, but the damage was already done. The next day, Miss Daphne was back and I knew why. I did it. It was all my fault. I told my mom too much and I was certain that was why my special friend was lost. That night, at dinner was so ma
[Addison] I’m so sorry Jayson. I failed you as a parent. “You don’t need Mr. Jersey, or Mr. D, or any of them,” I hold out my hand, the one that isn’t cuffed to the bed, and plead with my little boy. I remember how sweet he was, just one year old, when Michael brought him home. How can such a sweet, innocent child turn into someone who would give his own mother to criminals. And I am his mother in every way. I may not have carried him in my body, but I have carried him in my heart for these last five years. I shouldn’t have ever left him behind. “Come on JayJay,” I call out, “I’m sorry your dad left you here alone. How about this, I can take you to my new place. It’s big enough, we can get you a room of your own. And your dad can pick you up there when he’s back from his trip. “NO!” he shouts, angered at the idea of us leaving here. “This is our home! You are going to stay right here with me.” He reaches into his shirt and pulls out a very tiny key on a small chain. Jayson d
[Addison]Finally unclenching my fist, I fiddle with the lock of the handcuff, using the key that I had fought so hard to claim from my willful, naughty son. Livy's in trouble. I can hear her screaming. His attack, which must have felt like it came out of nowhere, probably put her into one of her rages. Her autism makes it hard for her to transition from one task to the next, and any interruption can lead to at least a snappy reply or a grump or two.And that's with a warning. I doubt Jayson said, "Hey Livy, I'm going to hit you with a bat!" Not only that, but Livy was also reading about one of her favorite things. I can't even imagine the level of anger and upset she must be feeling right now, the emotional pain in addition to the physical pain of being battered by a larger kid. Somebody taught Jayson how to fight. Not just kid playground stuff, but real dirty adult fighting. Even with Livy's strength and intensity during one of her attacks, she doesn't stand a chance against my ve
[Addison]Livy walks around me, holding out her hand to the strange man greeting him like an old friend. The man bends down and greets her, apologizing for his tardiness.“Sorry, Young Miss,” the man bows over her little hand. “Mr. Grant sent us to assist just in case you needed help, but it looks like we were a little too late.” He frowns, looking at my son, who is still lying flat on the road. He is moaning and making a fuss, so I can tell he’s not too badly injured, despite the blood which seems to be everywhere. “Who are you?” I demand as I remain kneeled next to Jayson. “And how did you know we’d need help?” “My name is Mr. Carpenter, and I am the Head of Security at Grant Group,” he helps me stand, his warm calloused hand keeping me steady. “As for why we are here, Mr. Grant has all of his employees and members of his household tracked for emergencies such as this one.” He nods towards Livy. “He’d never put his most precious people at risk.” I take another look at my son and
[Addison] I’m too tired in both body and spirit to deal with all of this nonsense. Now that Michael and Evelyn have arrived back home, Evelyn is screaming, Michael is demanding to know the truth, and I…well I just want to go home. Because this house isn’t my home anymore. While the Grant estate isn’t my home either, it is at least a safe place to rest. I’m making my own home now, one piece at a time. Evelyn’s hands are on her hips, her eyes burning with self-righteous fury as if I had somehow wronged her. Before I had realized the truth about how little Michael cares about me, I might have wasted my time and energy trying to explain myself. But what’s the point of any of that? He’s going to believe what he wants. Besides, I’m done trying with him. I just want him to let go. “Do you want to get the police involved,” I sigh wearily looking back at the car where Livy is, thankfully resting under the watchful eye of one of them. “Because then I’d have to be honest about everything.
[Addison]I thought we were in love. I thought we were a family. It’s funny the way things can change in a snap. My world changed the day of my son‘s sixth birthday.It’s not everyday that your only child turns six, so I wanted to make the day extra special for my son. I work overtime every day, securing business for our family law firm, but I left early, squeezing as much as in to the early morning hours, so I could take the rest of the day off to make his favorite meal from scratch and bake his very special birthday treats. He is my miracle child and deserves the very best.Donning a fancy outfit I selected for this occasion, I floated out of the house on a cloud of happiness. He is going to be so surprised! I can’t wait to see the look of joy on his smiling face. “Mrs. Stone,” the crossing guard., Mrs. Jenkins greets me as I approach my son’s school. “What’s the occasion? This wouldn’t be for a special little gentlemen’s special day?”Her eyes sparkle as she gazes up at the bal
[Addison] It is hard to keep my smile from cracking as Michael approaches, but somehow I manage to keep my expression sunny as I make my way over to my family. “Addy,” Michael said, out of breath, placing a hand on my shoulder and frowning as he looked up at the decorations. “Why are you here? I thought you had a case to work on.”“I promised Jayson we’d have a special day,” I replied with a grin, glancing down at my son, who was clinging to Evelyn’s hand, avoiding my gaze. “So I shifted things around. I mentioned it last week…”“It’s fine,” Michael interrupted, his voice casual. “I just wasn’t expecting you. I was in the neighborhood when I learned Evelyn was interviewing nearby.” He smiled at her, his tone overly friendly for two people who clearly had a past.“Mommy, why are you ruining my birthday?” Jayson’s voice cracked with anger as he looked up at me. “Mama Evelyn was going to take us for ice cream! And a barbecue! And get me presents…”I blinked, shocked. “Mama Evelyn?” I r
[Addison]What was happening three months ago when I didn’t notice my husband sneaking off with our son to have adventures with his “old friend?”My heart sinks like a stone as I remember. I was in Brooklyn taking care of my sick grandmother, arranging for her nursing care. I was gone for three days. Every night, I called home to say good night, no matter how tired I was. Never once did he mention Evelyn. If I hadn’t shown up today when I did, would he have ever let me know she is back?I send a text with a quick snapshot of the photo strip. I type the word “explain.”Sitting there, staring at the screen, waiting for a response, my head tips back and I lean against Jayson’s bed. My body feels heavy so heavy that I close my eyes.When I open them again, the room is dark, the phone vibrating against my chest waking me. I must have fallen asleep because the clock now reads 8 pm. “Michael!” I open my phone hurriedly only to discover a text from an unknown number. Tapping the screen, I o
[Addison] I’m too tired in both body and spirit to deal with all of this nonsense. Now that Michael and Evelyn have arrived back home, Evelyn is screaming, Michael is demanding to know the truth, and I…well I just want to go home. Because this house isn’t my home anymore. While the Grant estate isn’t my home either, it is at least a safe place to rest. I’m making my own home now, one piece at a time. Evelyn’s hands are on her hips, her eyes burning with self-righteous fury as if I had somehow wronged her. Before I had realized the truth about how little Michael cares about me, I might have wasted my time and energy trying to explain myself. But what’s the point of any of that? He’s going to believe what he wants. Besides, I’m done trying with him. I just want him to let go. “Do you want to get the police involved,” I sigh wearily looking back at the car where Livy is, thankfully resting under the watchful eye of one of them. “Because then I’d have to be honest about everything.
[Addison]Livy walks around me, holding out her hand to the strange man greeting him like an old friend. The man bends down and greets her, apologizing for his tardiness.“Sorry, Young Miss,” the man bows over her little hand. “Mr. Grant sent us to assist just in case you needed help, but it looks like we were a little too late.” He frowns, looking at my son, who is still lying flat on the road. He is moaning and making a fuss, so I can tell he’s not too badly injured, despite the blood which seems to be everywhere. “Who are you?” I demand as I remain kneeled next to Jayson. “And how did you know we’d need help?” “My name is Mr. Carpenter, and I am the Head of Security at Grant Group,” he helps me stand, his warm calloused hand keeping me steady. “As for why we are here, Mr. Grant has all of his employees and members of his household tracked for emergencies such as this one.” He nods towards Livy. “He’d never put his most precious people at risk.” I take another look at my son and
[Addison]Finally unclenching my fist, I fiddle with the lock of the handcuff, using the key that I had fought so hard to claim from my willful, naughty son. Livy's in trouble. I can hear her screaming. His attack, which must have felt like it came out of nowhere, probably put her into one of her rages. Her autism makes it hard for her to transition from one task to the next, and any interruption can lead to at least a snappy reply or a grump or two.And that's with a warning. I doubt Jayson said, "Hey Livy, I'm going to hit you with a bat!" Not only that, but Livy was also reading about one of her favorite things. I can't even imagine the level of anger and upset she must be feeling right now, the emotional pain in addition to the physical pain of being battered by a larger kid. Somebody taught Jayson how to fight. Not just kid playground stuff, but real dirty adult fighting. Even with Livy's strength and intensity during one of her attacks, she doesn't stand a chance against my ve
[Addison] I’m so sorry Jayson. I failed you as a parent. “You don’t need Mr. Jersey, or Mr. D, or any of them,” I hold out my hand, the one that isn’t cuffed to the bed, and plead with my little boy. I remember how sweet he was, just one year old, when Michael brought him home. How can such a sweet, innocent child turn into someone who would give his own mother to criminals. And I am his mother in every way. I may not have carried him in my body, but I have carried him in my heart for these last five years. I shouldn’t have ever left him behind. “Come on JayJay,” I call out, “I’m sorry your dad left you here alone. How about this, I can take you to my new place. It’s big enough, we can get you a room of your own. And your dad can pick you up there when he’s back from his trip. “NO!” he shouts, angered at the idea of us leaving here. “This is our home! You are going to stay right here with me.” He reaches into his shirt and pulls out a very tiny key on a small chain. Jayson d
[Jayson]I knew it was important to keep Mama Evelyn's secret, even before I knew I should call her "Mama." That came later when she returned."Remember to keep my secret," Evelyn kissed my cheek giving me a special fairy stamp as I left the classroom. It shimmered in the light like real magic. I wanted to see her again. I wanted to take her home with me. But I had to say goodbye.When I got home, I tried to keep her secret, but I was excited about my day so I Told my mom we had a special substitute. "Her name was Ev..." I stopped myself, but then my mom kept asking questions. Annoying questions. "Who? Do I know her? Did she give you that stamp? What did she look like"The questions came so fast that I know I said too much. She didn't learn her real name, but the damage was already done. The next day, Miss Daphne was back and I knew why. I did it. It was all my fault. I told my mom too much and I was certain that was why my special friend was lost. That night, at dinner was so ma
[Jayson] Mr. D is my friend. I know he is because Mama Evelyn said I could trust him. He has an office in the shiniest building I’ve ever seen. Everything shines from the rooftop to the doors and the edges of the windows. Even Mr. D. shines with his perfect smile. All of his friends are tough, like superheroes. They fight against injustice and have shiny guns and all of them have secret identities and secret names that they made me swear never to tell. They also know how to chop someone in half with their bare hands, just like Sensei Kai from Big Battle Monster Force. One year for Halloween, Mr. D even dressed as Sensi Kai and showed me how a "real man" takes care of business. "Someday, Ace, you'll be a fighter like me," Mr. D told me. "You might not know this, but you're special. Extra special. I don't teach just anyone." Maybe, I'm meant to learn from him, just like the Monster Force learns from Mr. D. I once asked if I'd have my Monster Force and he grinned. "Of course, Ace.
[Addison] Who is this child and what has he done with my sweet little angel? I thought I knew Jayson, that I understood him. I raised him for the last five years, from the time Michael found him in that dumpster at the age of one. But my little boy would never do something like this, something so malicious and calculating. “Jayson,” tugging at the cuff, I test it to see if it will let me go, like many toy cuffs will. But they don’t. I’m stuck tight. “Let Mama go, Jayson. This isn’t funny.” My son ignores me, pulling his tablet down from where I stored it, and opening it up. Pressing a button with Evelyn’s smiling face labeled “Mama,” he waits patiently for her to pick up the phone. She doesn’t reply, but I watch as he leaves her a video message. “Look Mama,” not Mama Evelyn, “I trapped her for you, just like you wanted. Let Daddy know, okay.” He flips the camera around to show them that I’m securely attached to the headboard of his bed. “Michael Stone, when I get free I’m
[Addison]Jayson’s words can’t be true. Michael wouldn’t have left with Evelyn on a trip without saying anything. Would he?What kind of father just leaves their child alone like that? Looking down at Jayson’s red face, his cheeks dripping with tears, all the anger leaves my body. My little boy is lashing out because he’s hurting–hurting because I left him, and now, his father and Evelyn have left him too. He didn’t ask for any of this. None of this is his fault. He’s stuck in the middle of this sick game that his father and Evelyn are playing, one that ends in heartbreak for all of us.“Oh Jayson,” I bend down, opening my arms. “I’m so sorry. I’ll stay here with you until we can get someone else to watch you.”“Why can’t you just watch me,” he looks up with his big blue eyes, red and teary from crying. “You’re my mom. Can’t you just stay here with me?”“This isn’t my home anymore,” I try to explain to him. “I can’t stay here with you anymore. Your father has Evelyn now. You wanted
[Addison]It’s weird being back home. I bought this house with my own money and yet it doesn’t feel like home anymore. As we step into the living room which two months ago I had managed to escape on a broken ankle, Jayson rushes off laughing as Livy and I stand in the doorway. “Hello,” I call out, hoping Evelyn is around. “Anyone home.” There is no response. The only sound is Jayson’s tablet turning on in the other room, his headphones' volume up loud enough that I can hear which episode of his favorite ninja cartoon is playing. “Jayson!” I call out, “You haven’t earned tablet time. Turn that off and come downstairs.” Livy looks hesitantly at the sofa, her face twisted in confusion as she looks at dirty dishes left piled on a cushion. I don't blame her for her confusion. She's probably never seen a place this messy in her life. Her uncle's cleaning staff keeps everything shined and polished. "Do you need help, Auntie," she blinks up at me with her large hazel eyes. Picking up th