Broken Toys

Chapter 7

"No!" Casey shouted. He was inches from his father, staring up into that unforgiving face. He felt dizzy and sick. Rage was building deep inside his chest. "I said, I'm not leaving."

"And I said to get yourself packed. Now!" Casey's father took a half-step closer and towered over the boy.

Some part of Casey still believed this wasn't real; that he would wake up safe in Zeke's arms and they would laugh over such an absurd dream.

But it wasn't a dream at all, more of a waking nightmare. He and Zeke had stayed on the steps a long time, just holding each other. Finally it had gotten too cold and dark to remain and they'd returned to the room.

Only Billy wasn't alone; Casey's parents were there waiting for him. His father started ordering Casey around as soon as he laid eyes on him. He demanded that Casey pack. They were pulling him out of school and taking him back to Ohio. Back to everything he'd escaped from. Casey had refused and now his father was furious.

Zeke and Billy were close by, anger vibrating through them but they were mercifully silent for now, waiting to come to Casey's side if needed.

Casey's mother stood aside also, her face a neutral mask. There would be no help for Casey from her.

Casey straightened and looked directly at his father. "I'm staying here and finishing the term."

"I said," Casey's father's voice was dangerous now and it sent chills up Casey's spine. "Pack. Now." He turned and stomped over to the closet, returning with Casey's suitcase which he flung down onto the bed. "If I leave here without you, Casey, you will no longer have a home to return to. Ever. Now get moving."

Casey sat down on the edge of the bed and crossed his arms. "I'm not leaving."

"Look you little faggot," his father raged, face flushed and hands clenched into fists. "I've had enough of this. I'm not paying good money for you to play house with your queer little friends. You're coming home where I can get you straightened out."

"Dad, I..."

"Don't you call me that. No son of mine sleeps like this," he gestured wildly at the beds which were still pushed together. He looked at Casey like he was staring at something foul and disgusting. "With other boys."

"Mr. Conner..." Billy stepped forward wanting to diffuse the situation only to earn Casey's father's wrath.

"Stay out of this," Mr. Conner snapped. "You're probably the one that corrupted him." He turned towards Zeke. "And you, I don't know what you're doing here but if I ever catch you near my son again, I'm calling the cops."

Zeke stepped forward menacingly, body taut with anger. Desperately Casey moved between them, trying to distract them.

"I have a job," Casey said quickly, changing the subject before things became even uglier. "I can't leave, I have a job."

"Doing what?" his father demanded.

"Photography. Teaching the other students how to develop photographs."

"Photography," Casey's father sneered. He caught sight of the camera on Casey's desk and picked it up. "That's what started this nonsense in the first place; taking pictures when you should have been playing sports." He lifted the camera higher, his intent clear. "I should have done this a long time ago."

"No!" Casey's scream was echoed by Billy and Zeke. Casey's mother gasped. Zeke lunged, but was a fraction of a second too late. The camera hit the floor with a sickening sound.

*****

Dean Parker entered the room at a dead run. He'd been making his rounds when he heard the raised voices. Taking in the tableau, he made his decision. He had to get Casey's parents out of the room immediately. He would have to trust Billy and Zeke to take care of Casey.

"Mr. and Mrs. Conner," he said, a bit breathlessly. "I'm Dean Parker. I wasn't expecting you. It's almost curfew and no visitors are allowed on the halls after hours. Please come with me and I'll be glad to assist you in any way I can." He managed to place himself between Casey and his father, mindful of the camera on the floor.

"I'm not going anywhere other than home," snapped Mr. Conner.

"I understand how anxious you must be to settle all of this, sir. I'm sure you would like to meet with the people at child services first thing tomorrow. Do you have a hotel? I can recommend several very nice ones nearby." The dean slowly moved the parents towards the door.

Casey's father was resistant, then he turned and glared at Casey for a long minute, ignoring the dean. Abruptly he turned his back on his son. "Yes, let's get this matter cleared up. They've obviously made a mistake; I have no children."

Brushing past the dean he beckoned to his wife and quickly left the room, never slowing or looking back.

The dean saw the look of shock on Casey's face and wished he could help but right now it was more important that he get the father out of here before more damage could be done.

Casey's mother moved silently to follow her husband, then stopped. She knelt down and picked up the camera. Very carefully she placed it back on Casey's desk. She looked at Casey, then looked away, her mask slipping for just a second, revealing pain and sorrow.

For a long time, the only sound was the echo of receding footsteps.

*****

"How is he?" Billy whispered, standing close to Zeke, his eyes on Casey's rigid form. The boy was sitting ramrod straight at his desk. The camera lay untouched in front of him. It was almost dawn and Casey had been sitting there for hours, not responding to anything.

Zeke gestured for Billy to follow him out of the room. Moving a little ways down the hall they stopped, speaking in urgent whispers so as not to be overheard.

"He's not... you don't think he'll try to hurt himself again?" Zeke's eyes were full of fear and he was unable to keep his hands still. He brushed his fingertips against the scars on Billy's wrists.

"I don't know, Zeke. We're just going to have to watch him for a few days."

"Yeah, yeah, okay." He frowned at Billy. The shorter boy looked terrible - hollow-eyed and exhausted. "Look, why don't you try to get some sleep? I'll look after Case."

"Okay," Billy conceded, knowing he was too exhausted to stay awake much longer. The initial shock had worn off and now he felt heavy and slow. "Two hours, no more. If I'm still out, you wake me. You need rest too, Zeke."

Zeke nodded his agreement and returned to the room while Billy went to get ready for bed.

"Casey?" Zeke entered the room, not surprised to see that Casey hadn't moved. Zeke spoke softly, moving to kneel at Casey's side. Carefully he touched the boy's arm. "Case, your skin is like ice." He rose and walked to the bed. Taking one of the blankets, he returned to Casey's side.

"Up you go, Case. This will warm you up." He lifted the unresponsive boy to his feet, bracing him so there would be no weight on his injured leg. Once the blanket was wrapped tightly around Casey, Zeke picked him up and carried him to the bed. Sitting down on the edge, Zeke cradled Casey against his chest.

Billy returned and Zeke could hear him moving around behind him, changing into his pajamas. He walked around the bed to them and leaned down, brushing a kiss lightly against Casey's face.

"Night Casey, get some rest." Billy gave Zeke an encouraging smile and returned to his side of the bed, climbing in and settling down. Within minutes he was snoring softly.

Starlight shone into the room illuminating Casey's pale face. Zeke held him close, gently rocking him, using the motion to soothe Casey as well as keep himself awake. At long last those blue eyes slid closed and Casey slept.

*****

"Think it can be fixed?" Zeke whispered. He had placed the still-sleeping Casey on the bed and walked over to the desk where Billy was examining Casey's camera.

"I don't know. Sounds like something is broken, maybe the lens, but I don't want to do anything that might make it worse." He looked up into Zeke's dark, troubled eyes. "How did he sleep?"

"Not good. Kept waking up."

"Did you get any sleep?" Billy asked, knowing the answer already. Zeke had been awake long after Billy's time to keep watch on Casey.

"Some," Zeke looked like he could sleep for a week. Billy wondered if he looked as bad, then decided that whether or not he looked exhausted, he certainly felt it.

"So what do we do now?" Billy asked after a long, tired silence.

"I don't know," Zeke replied, sounding and looking lost. He turned, watching Casey for long minutes before turning back to meet Billy's searching eyes. "I just don't know," he confessed.

Billy placed a hand on Zeke's shoulder. "Take care of him, Zeke. I'm going to talk to the dean."

Zeke watched Billy leave the room, closing the door softly behind him. Wearily Zeke walked over to the bed and climbed in, wrapping himself around Casey's slender body.

The younger boy cried out and shifted but Zeke held on gently but firmly until Casey settled again. Zeke placed a kiss on top of his head. Tears stung his eyes and Zeke was too exhausted to stop them.

*****

"Come in, Mr. Tepper. I was expecting you." Billy entered the dean's office and took the seat he was offered. "How is Casey this morning?"

"I don't know, sir. After his parents left he just sat there, staring at his camera. Zeke finally got him to sleep but he was restless and kept waking up."

"Billy," the dean drew a hand over his face. He'd managed to catch about an hour of sleep and he was facing a very difficult day. "I'm going to have to depend on you and Mr. Tyler to keep an eye on Casey. I expect you to inform me of any concerns that you have about him." He handed Billy a piece of paper with several numbers on it.

"You know where my apartment is here on campus. These are my home number and cell phone. I expect you to come by or call anytime, no matter what time of day or night. And Mr. Tepper, those numbers are not to be shared with other students, understand?"

"Yes, sir." Billy put the paper in his pocket. "What about Casey's parents?"

"Last night's visit was a surprise, I assure you, Mr. Tepper. I assume that Mr. Conner thought he could arrive unannounced and take Casey back to Ohio before anyone was the wiser. Fortunately you were able to delay them until I arrived. I filed a complaint with the officer handling the case and an order has been issued requiring that the Conners be supervised at all times when they are on campus." The dean sighed and admitted, "That doesn't mean they can't show up and try to take Casey anyway. We still need to be careful."

"I don't think they'll try to take Casey, sir. Mr. Conner said some pretty ugly things to Casey last night."

"I know, Billy. He repeated a lot of it to me when we left the room. He was very angry. It was fortunate that he didn't put up more resistance when I asked them to leave."

The dean leaned forward, expression grim. "I don't need to tell you that this is a very delicate situation, Mr. Tepper. Not just because of the abuse and neglect charges leveled against the Conners, but because the reputation of the school is at stake. Mr. Conner has made some very serious threats."

"Will Casey's parents stay for the hearing, sir?"

"Yes, at least I think they will. I don't expect it will be very pleasant for Casey."

"Sir," Billy said carefully, not willing to reveal more than necessary to the dean. "Are you aware of Casey's... history?"

The dean studied Billy, considering his answer. "Perhaps you should tell me whatever it is that concerns you about Casey, Mr.

Tepper. I would not want to miss any critical information."

Billy held out his arms, revealing the scars on his wrists. "Casey has scars just like these, sir. Less than 6 months old. I think..." Billy cleared his throat and forced out the words. "It could happen again."

"Yes, Mr. Tepper," the dean nodded reassuringly. "The court is aware of that and it will be taken into consideration as well as his medical records and the events last night. We will do our best, Billy. The school's attorney is working on Casey's behalf. It's not just Casey's well-being, but the school's as well. We will settle this as quickly as possible for everyone's sake."

"Do you think the court will remove Casey from his parents?"

"Doubtful. The purpose of the hearing is to review the medical findings from Casey's hospital stay last week. There were old breaks and nerve damage that could not be accounted for in Casey's medical history. In cases like this, the hospital is required to report suspected child abuse. It is up to the court to determine if the parents inflicted the damage or were aware of it but neglected to stop it, or if they deliberately withheld medical treatment."

The dean leaned back and sighed. "Given Casey's age, I expect that the court will allow them to maintain custody. They might order counseling for the family and perhaps require a series of home visits until Casey is 18."

Closing his eyes, the dean took another deep breath, then focused his eyes on Billy. "It is also possible that Casey's parents will voluntarily relinquish custody."

"What happens to Casey if they do that?" Billy fought back the terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. Surely they wouldn't do that.

"He becomes a ward of the state. The parents will be obligated to provide some level of financial support but they will no longer have contact with him."

"Would Casey have to leave school?"

"No, the tuition has already been paid through the end of the academic year. After that he will have graduated. He's already accepted a job here which includes room and board. I'm sure the court will consider that and allow him to complete the semester here."

"Won't he need a legal guardian until he's 18?"

"I offered to serve as his guardian for the next year but it will be up to the court."

"Dean..."

"Billy, we will do what we can for Casey, but much of it will be up to you and Mr. Tyler. It's a lot of responsibility. I'm depending on you to make good decisions and to let me know if you need help. I've got to consider the best interests of the school as well as his. I might not be able to provide as much support for Casey as he needs."

"You can rely on us, sir. Zeke and I will take good care of him." Billy rose, turning to leave. "I should if see if Zeke needs anything."

"One more thing," The dean stopped him. "I hope that you can come to some understanding with Mr. Tyler. You need to work together, for Casey's sake."

"Yes, sir."

"And Mr. Tepper... The custodian will be delivering another bed to your room today. I'll leave it to you to arrange the furniture but you might want to consider that other students will have occasion to visit your room."

"Yes, sir. Thank you." Billy managed a faint smile before he left the room.

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