Broken Toys

Chapter 11

The trio waited silently outside the Dean's apartment. They were a bit early, but they'd run out of little nothings to do to occupy themselves.

Casey leaned on his crutches, sullen and uncommunicative. He'd returned to the dorm in silence last night and hadn't spoken more than a few words since waking this morning. He'd accepted Billy's offer of a sport coat since he didn't have one of his own. It hung loosely on his small frame and made him look younger.

Billy and Zeke had skipped the coats and compromised with dress shirts and ties. They were uncomfortable and awkward, wanting to offer comfort, but not having a clue as to what they could say that would help. It was a bad situation and words weren't going to make it any better.

The dean greeted them with a smile, making an effort to ease some of the tension by reviewing information they already knew as he escorted them to his car. He'd insisted on driving to make it easier to keep track of them.

The drive was mercifully short and the radio supplied a reason for them not to talk. The dean switched from his usual station to one that played classic rock and concentrated on his driving.

Stopping in front of the court house he let the boys out and instructed them to wait there while he parked the car. Finding a spot nearby he rejoined them a few minutes later and escorted them into the building where they met the school's attorney, Mr. Proft.

The introductions were cut short when Proft asked to speak to the dean alone. Leading him off to the side, out of earshot, he had an animated conversation with the dean. When it was over, Proft left and Dean Parker rejoined the boys.

"Looks like there has been a change of plans. The hearing has been cancelled."

The expression on the dean's face was all they needed to tell them this was not good news. Dean Parker placed a hand on Casey's arm and motioned for Billy and Zeke to step away.

From across the room, they watched as the dean leaned close to Casey and spoke to him, his hand never leaving Casey's arm. The boy lowered his head for a long time, shaking it in response to questions, but not looking up again. Finally the dean turned and motioned for Billy and Zeke to rejoin them.

"I'll bring the car around. Meet me out front."

Slowly, silently, Casey left the building, Zeke and Billy on either side, exchanging anxious glances. They both had a terrible feeling that they knew why the hearing had been cancelled.

The ride back to the school was even more solemn than the one to the courthouse. The dean stopped at the McDonald's drive-thru and bought them all breakfast, but he suspected that Casey's would go uneaten.

Dropping them off at their dorm, he got out and placed a hand on Casey's shoulder, asking the boy to come to his office at noon. Without looking up, Casey nodded. He shrugged the dean's hand off his shoulder and started the slow ascent to his room with Zeke walking silently beside him.

"Billy, a moment please."

Billy turned to face the dean, surprised by the pain on the man's face.

"What happened?" he whispered.

"Nothing I'm about to tell you goes farther than you, Mr. Tyler, Casey and myself." The dean sighed and cast a glance around to make sure they were alone. "I would never violate confidentiality, but in this instance it is critical to Casey's well-being that you completely understand the situation. Is that clear?"

Billy nodded solemnly.

"Casey's parents relinquished custody last night. Their lawyer filed the paperwork this morning. The matter has been dropped pending their fulfillment of certain requirements, the details of which you do not need to concern yourself with."

"Bastards!" Billy swore spinning away, looking for something to hit. The dean caught his shoulder and turned him back until they were eye to eye.

"Get it out of your system before you walk through that door, Mr. Tepper." He indicated the dorm. "Casey doesn't need your anger."

"I know, I know." Billy relented, trying to calm himself. "So what happens now?"

"Now we wait. I should have word later today as to whether my petition for guardianship has been approved and if they are willing to let Casey remain here. If not, we appeal. Either way, I need to get Casey some help immediately." The dean leaned close to Billy, all seriousness. "I'm going to recommend that the three of you receive counseling, as a group and individually. You can't handle this on your own."

"Counseling," Billy pulled back. "Casey, yes, but I don't..."

The dean reached out and took Billy's hand, holding up his wrist to show the scars. "All of you, Mr. Tepper." He let go of Billy's hand and walked to his car. "I'll expect Mr. Conner in my office at noon." Without another word he slid into the car and drove away.

*****

"Case?"

No response.

"Casey?"

Nothing.

Zeke looked at Billy, his expression worried. Casey hadn't said a word since returning from the courthouse. He'd removed Billy's suitcoat and hung it neatly in the closet then laid down on the bed, curled up on his side and stared straight ahead. He hadn't moved since.

Billy shrugged and motioned towards the door, making eating gestures. Zeke nodded, knowing that it was more about giving Billy something to do than about bringing food for the three of them.

Once Billy was gone, Zeke lay down beside Casey and gathered the unresisting body close. He pressed a kiss to the side of Casey's face and petted him gently. He didn't bother with false assurances, instead he tried to comfort Casey with his presence.

When Billy returned with a pizza, Zeke urged Casey to sit up. With Billy on one side and Zeke on the other, they talked quietly, handing Casey a slice of pizza and letting him decide if and when to eat.

The half-eaten slice of pizza was cold by the time Casey leaned forward and set it back in the box. Carefully wiping his hands and mouth, he tossed the napkin into the trash, leaned against Zeke's shoulder and closed his eyes. They stayed like that until it was time for Casey to meet with the dean.

*****

"Right on time, Mr. Conner. Please have a seat." The dean motioned for Zeke and Billy to wait outside then closed the door to his office.

Taking a seat behind his desk, the dean busied himself with papers while Casey settled. He continued to shuffle the papers for another few minutes. He'd struggled all morning to find a way to handle this conversation with Casey and still hadn't found the words. Finally he set the papers down and leaned back in his chair, trying to project a sense of calm.

"This is a difficult situation, Casey. I won't pretend to know how you are feeling. I want you to know that you can come to me at any time, to talk about anything and I will do what I can to help you."

Casey's already tense body tightened even more and he focused his eyes on a spot somewhere over the dean's left shoulder. The dean decided to try a different approach.

"Let's concentrate on the practical for now. If there is anything else you'd like to talk about, just tell me."

A slight nod from Casey.

"I want you to understand that the decision that was made in no way reflects on you, Casey." The dean leaned forward trying to project reassurance. "There is nothing wrong with you, Casey. Remember that."

Casey's mouth tightened into a grim line.

"I've been appointed your temporary guardian. In three months there will be an evaluation and the court will decide if it is in your best interest to continue with me or to be assigned a different guardian."

Casey's hands tightened, clenching the fabric of his jeans where they lay on just above his knees. The dean suppressed a sigh. He'd vehemently protested that provision emphasizing the need for stability in Casey's life but Proft assured him that filing an appeal would take longer than the three months.

"It is very important to remember, Casey, that in three months you will have graduated and will be working here as a staff member. You will have your own apartment and meals provided."

The dean's voice softened. "You have a home, Casey. Remember that."

Casey flinched, his eyes meeting the dean's for just an instant, laying bare all of the boy's fear and insecurity.

"I'm prepared to offer you a contract of employment that guarantees everything I've just said. Would that be acceptable?"

Casey nodded.

"I'll have it ready for you to sign early next week."

A little of the tension left Casey's shoulders, leaving him looking small and tired.

"There are a few more things we need to discuss, Casey. First: you understand that you are to have no contact of any kind with your parents? You are not to attempt to contact them, nor are they to contact you. If they do try to contact you, I expect you to alert me or the police immediately. Is that clear?"

Casey nodded tightly, his body nearly vibrating with tension. His face had gone pale and he was biting his lip.

"A sum of money will be provided for your care, Casey. The total amount has not yet been determined. As your tuition has been paid and you will have employment upon graduation, I recommend that the money be placed in trust until you turn 18."

Casey shrugged. They could do whatever they wanted with it. It might as well be blood money, but he wasn't foolish enough to refuse it outright. Some small part of him liked the idea of making his parents pay.

"Lastly, I have contacted a counselor on your behalf. I am asking you to agree to see her weekly for a solo session and a joint session with Mr. Tyler and Mr. Tepper."

The dean rose and walked around the desk, trying to read Casey's reaction to his request. He stopped in front of the boy.

"This is not a punishment, Casey. I'm asking you to do this because I think it will help."

Very slowly, Casey nodded, his eyes fixed somewhere outside the window.

"Casey," the dean knelt in front of the boy and lightly touched his arm. "I know this is hard. I will do what I can to help you. And I'm going to expect you to cooperate with me. Understand?"

Casey nodded one last time, accepting the crutches the dean handed to him. The dean stood, moving back, leaning against his desk as he watched Casey start to turn away. For just a second Casey hesitated, then he turned back, trying to smile.

"Thank you, sir," Casey said quietly, then he turned and walked away.

*****

"Let's sit out here for a while," Zeke suggested as they reached the steps to their dorm. "I need some air."

Casey dropped gracelessly onto the steps, letting his crutches fall. He kicked at them with his good leg. Beside him, Zeke lit a cigarette and took a long drag, closing his eyes to savor it.

Casey held out his hand and Zeke handed over the cigarette, watching as Casey inhaled tentatively. Zeke didn't so much as crack a smile when Casey coughed and returned the cigarette.

"Bad habit, Case. Better not to start."

Casey shrugged and looked away.

"Wonder what the dean wanted to talk to Billy about?" Zeke mused.

Casey shrugged again.

"You gonna be ok?" Now Zeke's eyes were focused on Casey, studying him. Casey looked genuinely confused.

"I guess," he said at last.

Zeke reached out and brushed a stray hair away from Casey's face. "Is it ok that I stay around, Case? You won't mind having me for a roommate? If you don't want me here, I can still cancel the transfer."

Casey's hand caught Zeke's and held it tightly. He was trembling just the slightest bit. He opened his mouth but no words came out.

Zeke drew Casey close and held him, rubbing his back until Casey relaxed enough to rest his head on Zeke's shoulder. After a while, Zeke tilted his head slightly and let it rest on Casey's.

They were sitting like that when Billy bounced up.

"You awake Casey? Got some good news."

Casey opened his eyes but didn't move.

"Got that portfolio ready? There's a schedule change, we've all got interviews at State this afternoon. The dean's picking us up at 3:45."

Casey just sighed and turned his head, nestling against Zeke's neck. Billy and Zeke exchanged worried looks.

"Come on, Case," Zeke urged. "We've got a few hours, we can check the portfolio to make sure it's ready and then you can catch a nap if you want." Zeke guided Casey to his feet and Billy handed over the crutches. They made the familiar journey to their room in silence.

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