Chapter 8: Principal's Office

Tara's POV

I was still shocked after getting that call from Richard's school. My baby was such a gentle sweet boy. He would never hit another kid!

"I want you to relax, miss Aniston." The man before me, the principal of the school said. "I would never call you here if I didn't care about Richard."

"I tell my kids' parents my story because I need them to know my motive for their kids. I own this school, but I decided I wanted to get closer to these children because I love kids. My wife and I have been trying for eight years now. I only hope one day, our prayers will be answered."

I was trying so hard to listen to this man's story, but I just couldn't! Richard had just moved to this school, and he was causing trouble?

I brought myself back to reality and realized the man was still talking. "I'm sorry to hear about your wife." I simply said. There was a blank stare from the man.

"Ma'am, my wife is still very much alive. Did you hear my question?" He asked.

I blinked. "I'm so sorry, I'm just a little taken aback." I quickly apologized.

"I understand. My question was, do you have any thoughts as to what might trigger Richard's actions?" He said calmly.

I was thinking but it didn't take me long to figure out my answer. I sighed, putting my hands over my face to hide my shame. "I'm sorry but, I got a divorce from Richard's father while I was pregnant. He um, he has never met his dad. I think that's why."

The principal nodded as if he had dealt with cases like that. "I understand. I was afraid that might be the cause. But it isn't something we can't fix."

"I can't." I said in defense, shaking my head at the thought of going back to Derek. "We are divorced, I can't go back to him."

"Sooner or later, Richard will have to meet his dad. Do you know why he punched that kid today?" He asked and I shook my head. "He said Richard's dad doesn't exist, that he was only imagining. Richard punched him, crying that he has a dad and it wasn't an imaginary thought."

"It was fear that made him react that way. Fear that maybe he might never meet his dad, and maybe it would be an imagination forever." The principal explained and I could only nod my head in agreement.

"We could distract him." He proposed.

"How?" I quickly asked. Any idea was welcomed. I needed to help my son! Would he be asked to get treatment? Maybe I'd have to make an appointment with a therapist??

"Get him a friend." The man said so easily that I rolled my eyes.

"Getting him a friend isn't as easy as you might think. That is all I've ever wanted. But Richard, he's uh...he's so matured that he doesn't relate with his peers. He says they're too little to understand him." I tried to explain hoping I wasn't sounding like a bad mother.

"He'll make friends soon. But for now, do you have any siblings, family? Friends? He shouldn't be just around you alone. He needs the company of others too."

I wasn't liking this idea. Why does it have to be hard to raise him alone? It shouldn't be impossible! My step brothers were all crazy, and their wives? Even crazier! The last time I had tried for us to spend Christmas together, it ended up being a disaster. No matter what I did, I would always remain the bastard of the family.

I feel so terrible right now. Ella was the only one Richard also liked, apart from me and my dad. But Ella...we had a clash a couple of months ago. And I have a huge pride. "Damn it, you're so stupid, Tara!"

"Ma'am?" The principal called. "Richard could grow more violent if we don't act quick. You should consider my advice."

I was nodding my head again. "Yes sir. I understand." I bit my lips in frustration. Why was this happening right now? This was one of the few moments when I really missed my mother.

We stepped outside as I was on my way to pick up Richard. He was asked to stay home and resume next week, after I apologized to the victim's mother, because that was what the principal believed the kid Richard punched was. Next time he shouldn't go around spewing bad words to poor kids like my baby...

The sight before me made me stand still like a statue. Then anger boiled up inside of me and I knew I was about to embarrass this particular someone today.

He had jet black hair and held on a sinister smile. The tattoo on his neck was visible from his tuxedo...who the hell wore a tux on a casual afternoon like that in a kid's school! He was seated next to Richard on the bench, saying some probably bad things to my poor son.

Green eyes like emeralds glinted as he continued to talk that made Richard laugh even more...!

Richard was laughing? That sudden realization hit me hard, and suddenly this fallen angel guy beside my son didn't seem to shock me again. Instead, my gaze fell on my baby, laughing like never before.

I'd barely seen him happy like that. He didn't look all sad and quiet like he mostly was. He looked happy! But who was this guy over with him? And what could they be talking about!

The principal caught my bewilderment and said to me. "This is an example of the type of bond he needs. He barely smiles in school but look at him laughing!"

Tiny goosebumps tickled my skin and my eyes looked all teary from the scene.

I heard the principal's voice again. "Ma'am, let me introduce you to my brother, Arlo."