(child abuse)

Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and MCA. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.


Introduction

[Amazon Village, c. 87 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

When I agreed to record David’s early adventures, I knew sooner or later, he would tell me about his father. As Xena, Eve and I listened, the Child hissed out this account. It was the most difficult thing on both sides. As a mother myself, I could never beat a child—not that Hope would let me.

It’s ironic that when my sisters ask why he’s fallen so far, I tell them that his strength has kept from falling further. That and those around him.

I would warn you, Reader, this account is brutal at certain points.  Even Xena winced when she heard it...a sight I never thought I'd see.



Chapter 1 [Dubois house—Friday morning, two weeks following last installment]

Dave finished combing his hair and walked into the kitchen area. There he found his mother sitting at the table, finishing a cup of Irish Crème coffee (heavy on the Irish) and reading the newspaper. “Hi, Mom,” he greeted.

Sarah looked at him; her eyes half-glazed over. “Dave, how’s school?”

He frowned. Fine…as if you’d ever want to know. He had been going to the high school for just over two months. However, the brunette medium-figured woman left him to his own devices. When she wasn’t working, she slept. When she wasn’t doing the other two things, she drank like a fish.

Mom, you can’t keep doing this to yourself. He sighed. Ever since his grandfather’s death the previous year, she had blamed herself for not protecting her father.

“Maybe we can do something this weekend?” he offered.

She shook her head. “It’s your father’s weekend, Dave. You…know that.”

He winced. Damn. So much for going with the others to the craft show. He shook his head. He and his father never saw eye to eye on anything. “Do I have to?”

“Give ‘im some time. Wha’s the worst tha’ can happ’n?” she inquired, slurring her words.

He knew what could happen. Even if she and his grandmother cast a blind eye to it, his father blamed him for the Rowenshire misadventure and beat him every chance he could get. “He better not touch me.”

“Ya inst’gate it,” she retorted, getting up and heading for the bedroom.

Yeah just ignore the situation. One of these days you won’t be able to.

Your father does my will, the ghost’s voice declared.

One day, I’ll take matters into my own hands, you harpy. Then we’ll see how useful your dupe is, he countered.

An’ on that day, ye’ll be right where I want ye! She laughed while going silent.

Terrific. Torture in stereo and she’s out for the count. What did I do to deserve this? He stalked out the door, letting it close behind him.

****


[Cappuccino Express—after school]

As they did every day after school, the Cadre sat in their booth, discussing the day’s events. In particular, Mr. LeBeau’s Math test left everyone uneasy. They were all looking forward to the craft festival that weekend in Blandford.

“When do we want to go?” Steve asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

“I say we go early,” April noted. “How about it?”

“We leave around 8 from here,” Frank concurred.

Dave brooded over his mocha, wishing he could be there with the others.

“What is it, Dave?” Karen asked. “Aren’t you looking forward to this?”

“I can’t go,” Dave replied. “I have to be with my father this weekend. Wonderful court stuff.”

“Oh,” Karen realized. He wants to go with us but he’s got to do this because of a stupid judge. “When will you be back?”

“Sunday night.” Dave shrugged. “You all have fun and don’t worry about me. Hearing about it will give me something to look forward to on Monday.”

“Are you sure?” Garth inquired.

“Look. You all deserve some fun, all right?” Dave pointed out.

“And so do you, Pal,” April countered. “Can’t your grandmother get you off?”

“Not when he’s like this,” Dave said, feeling apprehensive. And according to Gram, he just lost another bid. That means he’ll be in a really stinky mood. Great. He shuddered a little.

While he tried to mask it, his friends noted this reaction. However, after their encounter with the ghost from the previous month, they decided not to press the issue.

He got up. “I need to pack. See you later.”

As they watched him go, the group had a sinking feeling. Something was about to happen to Dave. As if he needed anything else….



Chapter 2
[Ludlow Firing Range—Saturday afternoon]

Dave walked out of the locker room, still wishing he were with his friends. At the last minute, his father had called, saying that he wouldn’t be able to meet him until that night. Figures. Jerk. He imagined the others driving with Mrs. Landers toward the fair and enjoying themselves in the process. Fun. What’s that?

“All set, David?” a tall African-American gentleman asked.

“I am, Mr. Dreyfus,” Dave responded, trying to keep a smile on his face for this man. After all, in the two years he had come here, the course operator had treated him well. He hefted his bow and tested the string’s tautness. At his side, two quivers of arrows leaned against the railing.

“Remember, see the target,” the operator reminded him.

“Right,” Dave agreed, stringing an arrow in the bow and sizing up the target. Although it was fifty yards away, he could see the bullseye quite clearly. He focused on it, releasing the projectile when he was ready.

The arrow struck dead center.

“Great shot!” Dreyfus complimented. “I need to look in on the others. I’ll be by. Everything okay?”

“Yeah sure. Why wouldn’t it be?” Dave asked, repeating the motion and nailing the spot right above the first shot.

“You seem moody and tense. Anything in particular?”

The teenager shook his head. “You know me. There’s always something.”

That’s what I’m afraid of. As he walked off, the operator studied the young man. There’s a burning fuse inside of him. Heaven help us when it goes off.


*****

[Three hours later]

After shooting his two quiver quota in machine gun fashion, Dave studied his handiwork. In front of him, the two targets looked as if they’d been attacked by porcupines. As always, his aim was accurate. Also like always, the more pissed he was at his father, the more accurate he was.

The shafts stuck into the targets, clustering around the respective bullseyes.

He hustled over to the targets and pulled the arrows out, replacing them in their respective quivers. Then he returned the equipment to Mr. Dreyfus, got his clothes from the locker and headed out to the parking lot. There he saw a grey stationwagon with brown panels. He’s here already? Great.

“You’re late!” his father chided. Stuart Dubois was a big man with sunburned skin, dark black hair and intense dark eyes.

Not even a hello. This is going to be some night. Dave apologized, “Sorry, Dad, I had to put everything away.”

“Don’t you sass me!” the other snapped.

“I wasn’t. I didn’t want to keep you waiting, all right? Sorry,” the teenager continued.

The older man curled his bottom lip at him angrily. “All right. Just see that you keep your trap shut!”

As I said, this is going to be some night. Terrific.


****

[Stuart’s house]

Once inside of the single story brown structure, Dave looked for his brother. “Randy?” he called.

“He’s out with his friends tonight,” his father stated with a satisfied smirk on his face.

Dave glared at his father. “You like that, don’t you? I come to visit you both and he can’t be bothered? I gave up being with my friends this weekend!”

“Don’t you look at me like that!” Stuart bellowed, backhanding him. “Besides, your brother knows what’s good for him!”

“And I don’t?” Dave asked, getting up.

“What did I say?” His father hit him in the stomach and again across the face.

“Cut it out. I didn’t do anything!” the teenager protested.

“You are thick, aren’t you? I’ll teach you!” Taking a plywood 2X4, he struck at the younger man repeatedly.

Worse than the beating, Dave heard the witch laughing at him. This is a setback, you hag! But there’ll be another day! He felt the numbness again and managed to fight it off. Even so, he felt intense pain from his ribs, arm and right leg.

His father picked him up and pancaked him against the wall. “How do you like that, Bookworm?”

“F…fry ice,” Dave retorted, getting to his knees. “Lemme alone!”

The last thing he saw was a fist and then everything went black.

Chapter 3 [Next morning]

Dave pulled himself off of the floor, feeling everything in his body aching from the beating. Seeing the open scotch bottles, he knew that his father would be drunk. Worse still, if he stayed there, he would get the tar further whipped out of him. Struggling to his feet, he grabbed his duffel bag and crept quietly out of the house. There’s no way I’m putting up with this! That stupid judge can send me to jail. I don’t care! His eyes watered, as he felt his face, knowing that he would have a matching set of bruises.

Quietly, he stole away from the house, resolving to try and get back to Amherst. The city bus to Springfield would be at the corner any minute.

Sure enough, the blue and white bus pulled up to the stop.

As he got on, the driver stared in horror. “What happened, Son?”

“I fell,” Dave retorted, not wanting to lay the whole account on the kindly driver. He put fifty cents in the cash drawer and requested, “I need to get downtown please. I have more money.”

“Don’t worry about it,” the driver noted, tearing off the transfer slip and handing it to him. “You sure you don’t want to go to Baystate and get checked out?” the driver inquired as they started off.

“Then he’ll know,” the teenager pointed out.

“Where are your parents? Surely, they’ll do something?”

Dave snarled, smacking the side of the seat with his fist in frustration. “Oh yeah! My stupid father did this to me already! I just want to go home, all right?”

“You should talk to the police, Kid,” the driver pointed out.

“Been there. Done that. They won’t do anything anyway,” Dave countered grimly.

“Where’s home?” the driver asked, trying to get information on his passenger.

“Amherst. I…live with…my…Mom,” Dave replied, trying to catch his breath. “What is this spinning and those colors?” He collapsed to the floor of the bus.

“Kid? KID!” the driver exclaimed, panicking. He got on the radio. “Dispatch, this is 829, over?”

“Go ahead, 829,” the dispatcher replied.

“Dispatch, I have a teenager about 15 on my bus. He needs medical attention. Need instruction. Over.”

“829, where are you?”

“Crossing over Ludlow Bridge and just entering Springfield now,” the driver informed him.

“Stand by.” A minute later, the dispatcher continued, “An ambulance will meet you at the corner of Parker and Boston Road. Proceed directly there. Out.”

“Hang on, Kid,” the driver declared, going as fast as the speed limit allowed toward the spot. You may not want it, Kid, but you’re going to the hospital.




Chapter 4 [Amherst—the next morning]

Karen held up the quilt she had bought, admiring the intricate design and stitching. So many nice things. They had quite the outing, admiring the crafts.

“Karen, you’re going to be late for school!” Jeannie called.

“Be right there, Mom!” the teenager agreed, folding the quilt back up and placing it on her bed. She looked at the quaint patchwork teddy bear sitting on her desk. Dave, even if you couldn’t go, you’ll have something from the fair. She tromped down the stairs. “Thanks for the reminder, Mom!”

“No problem,” her mother chuckled, handing her a lunch bag. “Have a great day.”

“Thanks. You too,” Karen expressed, kissing her mother on the cheek. She rode her bike quickly over to APRHS. “Five minutes to spare!” She walked into home room, putting the day in order for herself. Art, History and Math all have tests. Terrific.


****


[Journalism class—two hours later]

Mrs. Colavitto watched as the students took their seats. Not seeing Dave there, she asked, “Does anyone know where Dave is?”

“He hasn’t been here all day,” Garth informed her. “Last we knew; he was with his father.”

“What’s the big deal?” Adrienne inquired. “They’re probably having an extended visit.”

“Not if Dave can help it,” April retorted. “They’re like oil and water according to him. May I try his grandmother, Mrs. C?”

“Good idea,” the teacher agreed. After April left, she started into her lesson on entertainment news. “While not central to a newspaper, one must keep up on community happenings. Accordingly, we….”

At that point, April ran back into the room with an anxious look on her face.

“What happened?” Karen asked, fearing the worst.

“Dave’s missing,” April reported.

They all looked at each other anxiously, wondering what had happened to their friend.


****

[Janet’s house—after school]

With their teacher’s intervention, the group used their last block study to get over to Janet’s house.

Despite her concern, Janet made sure that the students had their cocoa. “Nobody knows where he is. Too bad, he didn’t have his school ID.”

“He didn’t? Terrific,” Garth declared. This will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Karen shook her head, silently worrying to herself.

“Has anyone checked with the cops?” Frank suggested.

“They’re looking into it in Ludlow, Chicopee and Springfield,” Janet concurred. “They’re going to call me when they find something.” As if on cue, the phone rang. “Hello?”

“Mrs. Dubois, this is Detective Lowell of the Springfield Police. I think we have something,” the detective replied.

“And?” she asked, seeing the students looking expectantly at her.

“A young man of about fifteen asked me to call you. He fits the description,” he explained.

“He isn’t in jail, is he?” she worried.

“No. He’s at Baystate Medical Center. According to the driver, the young man boarded his bus and collapsed almost immediately. We’ve been trying to reach his mother but have received no response. He’s requested that his father not be allowed to come near him,” he reported.

“What’s he doing there?” the fearful grandmother demanded.

“He’s badly hurt, Ma ‘am. A cracked rib. A broken arm. His face is bruised. We think his father did this,” the detective retorted.

Stuart, you said you wouldn’t touch him. And I believed you. Her eyes watered. “Can you let the staff know that I’ll be right there? Thank you for calling, Detective Lowell. I appreciate it.”

“I wish it were better news, Mrs. Dubois, but at least we know where your grandson is. I’ll let the hospital staff know that you’re coming,” he concluded, hanging up.

She put the receiver back on its hook and wrung her hands. When will this stop?

“Where is he?” Karen demanded.

“Kids, he’s in the hospital down in Springfield. I need to get down there,” Janet informed them.

The teenagers brought their mugs to the kitchen, washing them out and putting them away.

“Can one of us go with you?” Steve wondered.

Janet shook her head. “Not yet. I want to see how badly he’s hurt first. But, Kids, I appreciate your concern and he will too.”

“That’s what friends are for. Can we check with you tonight or tomorrow?” April asked.

“Absolutely,” Janet agreed, as they walked out of the house. “Karen, I’ll let your parents know after I leave.”

“Thanks,” Karen expressed.

Janet rushed to her car, gunned the motor and sped away. As with his classmates, she worried about what she would find when she got there.



****

[Baystate Medical Center—An hour later]

Dave counted the ceiling tiles in his room yet again. He didn’t know what depressed him more—taking another beating, his father’s ‘opportune’ disappearing act, or that he had missed a day with his friends. “Terrific,” he muttered, looking at his left arm in the sling. “Now I have a matched set.”

Why do ye resist? Pain, that’s all it’ll get ye.

Shut the Hell up, Bitch! He felt a brief burning sensation. After what I got on Saturday, you’ll have to do better than that.

Fortunately, the doctor, an elderly Hispanic man, walked into the room and studied the chart at Dave’s bedside. “How are we doing, Dave?”

“All right,” the teenager retorted sarcastically. Just par for the course as far as he’s concerned.

Remember what he’s been through. The doctor dismissed the tone. “I do have some good news. You have a visitor.”

“Visitor? Not my father!” Dave insisted.

“No. Your grandmother. We reached her at the number you gave us,” the older man reported with a smile.

Dave flushed with embarrassment. “Dr. Martinez, sorry. I shouldn’t have unloaded like that.”

“That’s okay. You’ve been through quite a lot,” Dr. Martinez assured him, walking out into the hall. “Come in, Mrs. Dubois.”

Janet hustled into the room only to feel her heart sink when she saw Dave. My word!

“Hi, Gram, look—I got the five star hotel with the best doctors. Right, Dr. Martinez?” Dave greeted, putting on a brave face for her benefit. “They’ve been taking great care of me.”

“I’m sure. Thank you, Doctor,” she expressed.

“My pleasure. I’ll leave you two alone for a while,” he agreed, walking out and shutting the door behind him.

“What did you do?” Janet wondered.

Dave glared at her. “Nothing! Randy can’t be bothered to be there when I come. He’s with his friends and I had to give up a day with my friends! Dad took his part and whaled the hell out of me like always.”

“You shouldn’t instigate him,” she admonished.

“Why do you always side with him?” he inquired in frustration. “WHY? All I wanted to know was why my brother can’t be bothered to visit with me. Is that a reason for this?”

“No. You know the war was hard on him,” she rationalized.

“And so are the beatings not to mention the ghost he stuck me with! She’s here, you know!” he hissed.

She frowned, finding herself between her son and grandson yet again. What happened over in Korea that made Stuart like this? She took a deep breath, deciding to change the subject rather than get any deeper. “Your friends came looking for you.”

“They did?” he asked.

“Yes, they did. Dave, they’re really concerned about you. I told them that you might want to see them. How about it?”

He shrugged. “Sure.” They’ll love this. “If they don’t mind seeing me like this.”

“Dave, they saw one of your fits, remember? Trust me; they can take this,” she retorted, carefully choosing her words. “You need anything?”

“A hug maybe?” he requested.

She smiled and embraced him. “Of course.”

For the next few hours, they sat and talked.



Chapter 5 [Next day]
[Before school]

Karen slammed her locker door shut. As promised, Janet had called her parents with a report. As he relayed the news to her, she knew he was holding back. This has got to be bad. What did he do? She saw the others rush over.

“Did you hear anything?” Garth wondered.

“His father worked him over apparently. Guys, I know this is short notice, but Daddy will drive us there if you want to visit him.”

The others didn’t hesitate, nodding their agreement. “We just need to call our parents.”

“He’s taking care of that,” Karen told them. “Meet back here at 2:20.” With that, they all took off for their respective home rooms.


****

[3:25 PM]

Dave tried to forget his situation, engrossing himself in a copy of A Tale of Two Cities. However, as with everything else, it was of little use.

A knock came from the door.

“Yes?”

The bus driver stuck his head in. “Mind if I come in?”

“Please,” Dave approved. When the slender, balding man had done so, he expressed, “Thank you for helping me.”

“You needed it. Are you feeling better?” the driver asked.

“A little. The people here are really nice. I hope I didn’t cost you any fares,” the teenager replied, showing some concern.

“Don’t worry about that. You’re fine,” the visitor assured him. “What were you doing in Ludlow?”

“Visiting my father—hopefully for the last time,” Dave retorted.

“You took a big chance. You could have collapsed in the street,” the visitor indicated.

“And he might have killed me with how he’d been drinking,” the patient responded. “The risk is finding a good person. I did.”

“Again, it’s my pleasure. Sorry I can’t stay longer but I need to get back before my dinner hour’s up,” the driver informed him.

Dave motioned to the tray beside him. “I appreciate it, Sir. Take the apple, please. I don’t want you going hungry for me.”

“You’re welcome, David. Get well soon,” the driver told him, leaving the room.

“Yeah right. Not in this lifetime,” Dave groused. Still, the mini-visit had lifted his spirits. What a nice guy. Hearing another knock at the door, he asked, “Yes?”

“Up for more friends, David?” Ricardo Alvarez inquired. He stood his ground, keeping his facial expression neutral and his shock internalized. What did you do, Stuart?

“Dr. Alvarez, what are you doing here?” the patient wondered.

“Class field trip,” the superintendent replied, trying a little humor. “Can we come in?”

“Sure,” Dave concurred. Seeing his friends walk into the room, he asked, “What do you think of my hotel room here? Not bad, huh?”

The teenagers tried hard not to stare at his appearance. But they couldn’t help it.

“That bad?” Dave asked, keeping his mask on.

“Why?” April wondered, looking him over.

“I ran into a cement mixer. I hear it won but it’ll be in the shop for a while,” the patient joked.

“Come on, Dave. This isn’t funny,” Frank chastised.

The patient frowned. “No it isn’t. You ought to try it from my angle. And you want to know what really stinks? The fact that my dear brother couldn’t be bothered to change his plans yet I had to leave you all behind.”

“You were there in spirit, I’m sure,” Karen assured him. “Besides, we got something for you.” She handed him the patchwork bear. “He’ll keep you company.”

His eyes watered. “Thanks, everyone. I’ll pay you for it….”

“It’s a gift,” Ricardo asserted. “Don’t you worry about that, Dave. You just get well. Comprende?”

“Si, comprendo,” Dave relented. “Thanks for thinking of me, Gang. I mean that.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Garth explained. “Besides you need someone to keep you out of trouble.”

“Why not us?” Steve asked.

“You got that right,” Karen affirmed.

“And you don’t mind? I mean, I almost told you all to stay put until these bruises went away,” Dave admitted.

“Dave, you’re our friend. Come on!” April admonished, hugging him.

“Thanks…I….” He felt his eyes watering. “Sorry…I can’t help it.”

“That’s okay,” Ricardo told him. “No need to hide anything here. Besides, I’ll let the teachers know how you’re doing.”

“Can I get my homework?” he requested. “It’ll make me feel better knowing that I’m going right along with you all.”

“That can be arranged,” his friends concurred. They approached the bed and talked with him for a long while about things, making him feel so much better.