Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 08:49:06 -0600
From: Michael king <thewriter1@live.ca>
Subject: Lives changed Chapter 3A

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I want to take this time also to thank everyone that has sent me a note. A
special thanks to Larry in California, Ricky in Louisiana and to a great
writer and friend, Miguel Sanchez.


CHAPTER FOUR

WASHINGTON:

	It was raining when Malcolm and the police officer landed at the
Ronald Reagan airport, after that it was into a car and off to the
Washington Hyatt hotel. When he was booked in to his room, the officer told
Malcolm not to leave, that a car would be there first thing in the morning
to take him to the hearings.

	Smiling Malcolm just nodded, there was no way he was going to stay
in his room, he wanted to see something of Washington. Malcolm didn't know
how long he would have, so when the cop left he grabbed his jacket and key
card and slipped out. Walking around he saw a few museums and did some
shopping, he stopped and picked up a chain for himself and then seeing
another he bought that also.

	He was just getting into the elevator again when a couple black
suited men joined him. "Mr. Daniels I thought you were told not to leave
your room." One spoke.

"Yeah so what, I had to get out and do something's, so I left." Malcolm
said a slight smile on his face as he stared at the man.

"Well you won't be leaving again. We are here to make sure of that." The
man spoke again.

"No. I will do what I want. I am not in jail, so leave me alone." Malcolm
snapped this time.

"We can't do that."

"Fine then, let me pack my bag and you can take me back to the
airport. I'll just go home."

"We can't do that either, you have to be at your hearing in the morning and
you will be there."

"Who says?"

"We do."

"Then good luck."

"What do you mean?"

"Just that."

"Just so you know kid, we will be watching."

"Good just do it outside my room."

"Now see here young man we have been told to watch you and that means being
in your room so we will be in there."

" No you won't because you're not invited in, so you would be breaking and
entering."

"Fine we'll sit outside your door."

	Back in his room Malcolm smiled, he quickly grabbed the phone and
call the Washington Post, telling them that a fourteen year old was being
confine to a hotel room by the police because they wanted him to show up at
a senate hearing the next morning. He went on to tell the reporter that the
boy had no idea why he was to be at the hearing, just that the police had
picked him up at his home in Florida and flew he to Washington.

	Hanging up Malcolm went and got into a hot shower a huge smile on
his face as he pictured the faces of the police and the senate the next
morning when the newspaper came out. Ordering a steak dinner and a pitcher
of juice, Malcolm sat and watched TV he was eating dinner when the news
came on. "Good evening I am Eric Stobbel reporting for the Channel two news
groups. Our top story tonight is the senate hearings and what their plans
are about the growing student strikes that are happening across our
nation. In Speaking with a few members of the senate committee we have
learned that they have planned on three days of hearings. However some
members think that the students should just give up and go back to class.

	Still on the student strike and the hearings we have learned that
this morning Malcolm Daniels, who lives in Florida was today picked up by
the police and flown to Washington. We have learned that he is to appear
before the committee this week. We also learned that Mr. Daniels, who is
only fourteen, has no idea why the senate wants him here to speak with
them. The police have him confined to his hotel room and refuse to let him
out to go anywhere.

	It will be interesting tomorrow when Mr. Daniels finally gets a
chance to come out, we are hoping for a chance to interview him before he
has to testify. This is Eric Stobbel for Channel two."

	After watching that; Malcolm shut the TV off and started
laughing. He then called his dad and told him that he was okay, that he
should watch the news especially out of Washington. The night flew by and
the next morning Malcolm dressed in jeans and shirt walked out the door and
down to the elevator. "Where are you going boy?" one of the men asked in a
tired voice.

"Why I am going to have breakfast, you got a problem with that?" Malcolm
answered.

" No, but don't go anywhere else." The man replied

"Bite me."

	The door closed before the two could even get to it. That gave
Malcolm a good chuckle. He was still laughing when he walked out the front
of the hotel looking for a place to eat. Stopping at the door man he was
soon pointed to a place just down the block. "Have a good day Mr. Daniels."
he spoke.

"I plan on sir and you too, oh there will be a couple guys coming out soon,
tell them where you sent me." Malcolm laughed.

"Will do."

	The restaurant wasn't too crowded and finding a seat was easy,
Malcolm knew he would need a place for three, but he decided to get a seat
where no one could join him. The waitress came over and after taking his
order walked away. The two men walked in just after that and seeing Malcolm
walked over. "Are you trying to be funny?" The man asked with anger.

"No I am trying to have breakfast, now please go find your own table and
leave me alone." Malcolm said

"I should smack you kid, but I can't so when your finished here I am going
to place you in cuffs and drag your butt to that hearing." The man snapped.

"I don't think so."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I have other plans for today, as a kid I don't have to stand
before a bunch of people and talk. Also I want to visit the museums here. I
mean may as well make use of this free trip."

"It isn't free it is costing the Federal government a lot of money."

"No it is costing the tax payers you mean. So beat it, tell the committee
that I have decided that I won't becoming there."

	With breakfast over and the bill paid Malcolm left his two guards
walking behind him. Checking his watch he made his way over to the Senate
buildings there he could see reporter of all kinds standing there. He was
just walking up the steps when he saw a man walking towards him. "Are you
Malcolm Daniels?" The stranger asked.

" Yes who are you?" Malcolm asked, as he stopped and glared at the man.

"I am Mr. Larry Baxter Jr. I was contacted by a Mr. Stillman and asked to
be your lawyer here." Mr. Baxter stated as he shook Malcolm's hand

"Oh kewl, you know what this is about?" Malcolm asked.

"Don't you, I mean they called you to be here?"

" I have an idea, but who knows."

"Mr. Daniels, Mr. Daniels it is true that you were not allowed to leave
your hotel room last night and that the police were sitting outside your
door?" A reporter asked

"Yes it is." Malcolm answered

"Do you know why they feel you should be guarded like that?" The reporter
asked.

"Well I have an idea, but who knows, maybe they think I am a threat to
there way of thinking."

"Mr. Daniels what do you think of the student strike that has hit the
nation."

"I think that is a question the committee might be asking so why not come
in and hear what I have to say."

"We have been told that it is a closed hearing, how can you invite us in
then?"

"I had no idea it was closed, however since I have invited you in I think
there is the freedom of the press, and I want you there."

	Malcolm could see the slow anger building in the two men that were
shadowing him. His lawyer was trying to pull him away. "Mr. Daniels I wish
you luck in there."

"Why thanks, but like I said come on in."

	Going in Malcolm and his lawyer headed for the front table as the
seat and bench behind him filled up. Looking up he could see that there
were nine seats all were empty at the moment. His lawyer was talking to him
explaining things and how they worked.

	Ten minutes later the nine seats were full the people sitting there
looking down at the table where Malcolm sat. "This hearing is in
session. It is a closed hearing so all reporters are asked to leave." the
chairman spoke up.

"No, they are here at my request." Malcolm spoke up.

"Young man you were informed that this was a closed hearing so they have to
leave."

"Really who informed me of that, not the cop that picked me up in Florida,
nor the two that sat outside my room last night?"

"I see, well your informed now."

"To bad, they stay."

"Mr. Daniels, that could be called contempt."

"Really I thought it was speaking my mind."

"Mr. Daniels where is your suit?" A second member asked.

"I think it is at home." Malcolm answered a huge smile on his face.

"What's it doing there?"

" Should be hanging in my closet."

"You think this is a joke?" The chairman spoke again.

"I don't know what to think, I am just a kid." Malcolm retorted.

"An impertinent one at that." The chairman stated.

"What ever, what do you want with me anyways?"

"Well since you have asked, we want to know why you started the student
strike."

"Who said I started it?"

"We ask the questions. Now answer the question."

"I did."

"Do you know how far your strike has gone?"

"Well since it isn't my strike I don't know."

"Young man do you think one voice can make a difference?"

"I don't know maybe it can if some one hears it."

"Do you know what started this strike?"

"Don't you?"

"Mr. Daniels, I do not like questions being answered by questions."

"Then maybe you should do your homework, sir if I was your teacher I would
give you a failing grade."

"Mr. Daniels, again the question is do you know what started this strike?"
the Chairman asked."

"Of course I know what started it."

"Would you care to fill us in?"

"Are you sure you really want to know, I mean your all old people, Like my
papa told me, when he was a kid, he was always told that kids should be
seen not heard. I would have to say you all think the same way."

"Mr. Daniels, We are looking for answers not ridicule."

"Really you could have fooled me."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well since you asked, tell me just how many kids are out of school?"

"Mr. Daniels this strike goes all across the U.S. And it has to stop."

"Really why?"

"Because education is important."

"It is? I thought lies and deceit were important?"

"Mr. Daniels how can we stop this strike?" The ninth member asked."

"Easy. Change the way the school system deals with bullying and lying
teachers."

"Teachers don't lie."

"Really, and politicians are perfect?"

"Mr. Daniels how can we make changes?"

"Stop the bullying, stop the suspension of those that stand up for what
they think is right."

"Young man, are you telling this government what we have to do."

"You know Mr. you really ask stupid questions, why don't you listen, or is
it just cause I am a kid, I have nothing to say. Well I tell you what, I
have lots to say. First of Mr. you are a complete idiot, you think you know
everything well you don't, so sit back and get educated.

	For the past three months the students at the school I attended
have stage a strike, it first started because the principle ignored what
some students had to say in regards to a fight. A fight I might say that
was being pushed by three grade tens against an eighth grader. This eighth
grader warned the bullies three times before they decided to take a
swing. Then when the boy had his back to them they tried again, the boy put
them in the hospital. The principle expelled the eighth grader for fighting
then he was charge with aggravated assault. Now on the stand the English
teacher decided that the boy didn't conform to school policies, had stood
up to her in class, and quite a few times told her she was wrong. She
didn't like that. The principal lied in court while he was on the stand.

	Now that wasn't the worse, when friends of this boy went to an
emergency school board meeting, they told the board what happened. The
school board also ignored what the kids had to say. The judge ordered the
school board to change there policies, but they refused. The leader of the
strike, when he asked the principal if the eighth grader was allowed back
in school after being found not guilty, was told no and that they all had
to go back to school. The students stood up for what they felt was
right. Today you say that the strike is all across the U.S. I ask myself
why, the answer is simple, since one voice can't be heard maybe ten to
twenty million will be.

	You sit there looking at me with contempt, thinking I don't know
what I am saying, but the news reports tell you different, you also sit in
nice cozy, well paid jobs, your kids go to some fancy schools, while other
kids strive to make good grades and better themselves, well Mr. if anyone
is trash it is you, not those kids out there wanting a better life."

"Mr. Daniels, I am insulted."

"Why all I did was speak the truth."

"Mr. Daniels." The chairman spoke up. "I see that you are very adamant in
that changes are done to the system."

"I am, however the leader just doesn't want the system changed, he is also
asking for the English teacher and Principal to resign. All the students
know he was in the wrong, they know the teacher stands with him."

"But the system works well just as it is." the second member spoke.

"Then, I guess that you will find that a lot of students are finding jobs
that don't pay your outrageous wages. You sit here and say the system
works, so be it. I stand here and tell you that the armed forces are
bullies, doing what ever they want. Are you going to send your son or
daughter to a school, where their lunch money is stolen, or their clothes
torn? Do you want them to come home with a black eye, or worse? By you
saying the system works you are saying yes to all that. Now I have had my
say, you do what you have to, either change it or resign and let some one
sit there and do it for you."

 	Having finished Malcolm stood and started walking out of the
room. "Mr. Daniels we are not finished with you, the second member
said. Stopping Malcolm smiled. "Sir that is where you are wrong, I am
finished here, I am finished listening. You think your better than anyone,
sir I hope that you never have kids." with that Malcolm left the room the
reporters scrambling to find phones and places to send in their stories

	When Malcolm made it back to the hotel it was two and he was
hungry, so instead of going in he walked over to the restaurant he was at
for breakfast. Sitting at a table he was looking at the menu when the
waitress came over. What can I get you this afternoon young man?" The
waitress asked.

"Can I get a glass of chocolate milk and a super burger and hold the fries
please?"

"Sure. " The waitress smiled as she walked away.

"Thank you."

With lunch done he headed back to the hotel. He was tired and mad at
himself, he let the committee get to him and he shouldn't have.  He had
just gotten back in his room when the phone chirped. "Yes?"

"Mr. Daniels there's a couple gentlemen here to see you." The desk clerk
informed Malcolm

"Tell them to come back tomorrow, I am tired and going to sleep for a
while." Malcolm answered.

"Very good sir, I will let them know."

	Malcolm slept till eight the next morning. He hadn't realized how
tired he was. Getting up and showering he dressed in jeans and t-shirt and
headed back down to the restaurant where he was having
breakfast. "Mr. Daniels?" A tall man asked as he stood in front of
Malcolm's table.

"Yeah who's asking?" Malcolm answered.

"I am." The man said with a tone of authority

"Doesn't tell me dick all, who's asking?"

"I am, kid now stand up and let's go?"

"I am not going anywhere, I am going to eat my breakfast, then I am going
out to the museums, after that I am going to go to the airport, board a
plane and go home."

"Listen kid, if you don't come with us I am going to bust your ass."

"Mr. Are you so dumb that you have to ask your partner what one plus one
it. Take a look around you. I have done nothing against the law. Since you
refuse to tell me who you are, that makes me think your out to cause me a
hard time."

	The speaker started to reach for Malcolm when he felt his hand
pinned to the table. "I told you I am going to have my breakfast, not back
off."

"Let him be Stan, he's right." The second man finally spoke

	Letting him up Malcolm made room for his breakfast. Then he smiled
and started eating. The two men standing there watching. "Miss, may I have
another glass of juice please."

"Listen kid hurry up and finish, I have things to do."

"Then go do them. I told you I am not going with you."

	Paying his bill Malcolm walked out of the restaurant and back to
his hotel there he packed his bag and called down to the front desk and
asked for a cab and to have his bill ready. Closing up he left and soon was
on his way to the airport. Four hours later he was sitting at home
relaxing. "Malcolm come and eat." Papa called out

"Coming papa." Malcolm hollered as he ran down the stairs.

"Well how did it go?" Papa called out

"Okay I guess, I don't think most liked being told they were wrong. But oh
well now we have to see what happens." Malcolm said with a laugh.

"True."

"Hey Dad how was your day?" Malcolm asked

"It was good, when did you get home?" Richard answered

"About one maybe two I didn't look at the clock." Malcolm said as he
started eating.

"Have you called Patrick since you got in?" Richard asked.

"No. I figured I would do that later."

"Before I forget there are a couple cheques here from your publisher."

"Cool, can you put them with the rest and maybe put some in my account."

"I can do that tomorrow for you."

"Thanks." Malcolm was going to say more when the phone rang. Instead he
watched has his dad got up and answered it. "Yes he is here can I tell him
who is calling?" Richard asked. "I see, okay just a minute."

"Malcolm it is for you, it is a secret service agent."

"Now what do they want?" Malcolm snarled as he took the phone

"I don't know, here you talk to him."

"Hello?"

"Mr. Daniels, I am surprised you are at home, not many can lose two agents
of mine." The Agents spoke.

"I never met them so guess they weren't all that good."

"Oh, you met them in fact one has a few cracked fingers."

"Oh you mean those jerks this morning."

"Yes those two."

"Oh well maybe they should have said who they were."

"Are you saying they didn't identify themselves?"

"No, in fact the one that has broken fingers was rude and threaten to bust
my ass. Then he reached for me and well you know what happened. Now what
did they want with me?"

"Well they were suppose to bring you to sixteen hundred Pennsylvania
Avenue. When we heard that they got beaten by a fourteen year old, the
office had a chuckle and so did the boss. Now I was wondering if you could
possibly come back and meet with us and our boss."

"No, I can't, I have commitments here."

"I see, so you're saying no, to meeting with the President."

"I think that is what I am saying."

"I will convey that to the President, I will be in contact with you again
soon."

"I hope not like I said I have commitments here that need doing."

"I understand."

"Good, now have a good night, my dinner is getting colder."

	Hanging up Malcolm sat back down, his dad and papa looking at him
strangely "What was that all about?" Richard asked.

"Oh just that the president wanted to meet with me." Malcolm calmly
answered.

"And you said no? Son even I don't have to guts to tell him that."

"Well I've been told I'm a rebel."

"That you are. That you are." Papa laughed.

	Thinking about it Malcolm started laughing also, here he was the
only person he knew of who said no to the president. "I really can't see
what you two think is so funny." Richard spoke.

"Lighten up Richard, your son just told the president of the U.S. No, think
about it and you will see what is so funny."

"Darn the news I wanna watch it, can I finish dinner in there please?"

"Sure go ahead I'll join you after I fill my cup." Dad said.

	Malcolm had just got comfortable when he dad came in the TV had
just started to news and Malcolm was watching closely. "Good evening this
is channel two news from Washington D.C. I am Eric Stobbel, our top story
today is the senate hearings on the School system and there policies. The
hearing started this morning with quite a shock to the members. Fourteen
year old Malcolm Daniels walked into the hearings wearing jeans and
t-shirt. When asked where his suit was he said it was at home hanging in
his closet, which brought a titter from the crowd that was there.

	Fourteen Year old Malcolm Daniels is making a name for himself as
he defies not only the School board in Florida, but also with his blatant
speaking before the hearing. At one point it is said he called one member
and idiot. He is said to have given a failing grade to another for not
doing his homework.

	Mr. Daniels, as we have learned was expelled for defending himself
against three boys in his school, the students there thought the school was
wrong and walked out, it seems now that schools all across this country
stand behind Mr. Daniels as he pushes for changes in the school boards
policies.

	What started out as one school is now all schools, we didn't have a
chance to speak with Mr. Daniels after he left the hearings, but from what
we have learned since, is that he flew home and is supposedly relaxing."

"Damn it son, did you know it was that big?" Richard asked.

" Not till the hearing." Malcolm replied.

"Well looks like a hornets nest now. What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know, I am a victim of the school system, I didn't start this
strike."

"I know son, but something is going to have to change now or it is all
lost."

"I think after this the changes will come."

"I hope so son, but you realize that from now on anything you do will be
front page,"

"I know that is why I need to stay away from this."

"You won't be able to now." Papa spoke up.

"Then what do we do march on Washington, or the governor's mansion?"

"What you need to do is get more parents involved. Then maybe everyone will
stand up and notice that you all mean business."

"Who's going to listen to me?"

"Seems like the news people are listening, so get out there and speak not
just to the news but to the people, use the news to your advantage."

"Use the weapons you have at hand, I get it, mind, words and publicity."

"That's it."

"Thanks papa, now I know what I have to do."

	Calling Patrick he asked him to meet at Mike's Place in the
morning, along with his brothers and sisters. Then he showered and went to
bed. Sitting at his table the next morning Malcolm had just gotten a glass
of juice when Patrick and the others showed up. "Dude did you really give
that guy a failing grade." Patrick asked as he sat laughing.

" You saw the news I take it." Malcolm giggled.

"Yeah, man I almost pissed myself when I heard that. Dad didn't think it
was funny, that is till he heard you called one guy an idiot. That was it
we all broke out laughing."

"Well they pissed me off, but you want to really freak out, the secret
service phoned me last night saying the president wanted to meet me, I told
the guy that I couldn't do it."

"Oh man, you are nuts."

"Now look we got to end this strike and do it fast, so here is what I am
thinking." For an hour Malcolm explained what he was thinking the others
throwing in ideas to help. The outcome was that they needed to reach the
parents. Malcolm was still talking when he felt Zeke slip under his arm,
and watched as Aaron moved over and sat on Patrick's lap. "Morning turkeys,
are you two hungry?"

"Uh huh." Zeke nodded.

"Good because Maggie should be bringing out breakfast soon."

"Good am glad your here, I missed you yesterday." Zeke whispered.

"I'm glad I am here also, I missed my turkeys also."

"Umm, can we still live with you?" Zeke asked.

"You bet, how would you like to come home with me later, today I have to
get a lot of people working with us."

"Okay."

"Aaron are you okay?" Malcolm asked, seeing Aaron's face was a bit pale.

"Uh huh, I is hungry that all." Aaron answered.

"Right, let me go get Maggie to bring out some extra plates. You want to
come with me Aaron?"

"Uh huh."

	In the kitchen, Maggie was busy helping Mike get the meals
ready. With Aaron at his side, Malcolm stuck his head in the door. Maggie,
can I get two more plates."

 	At the table Patrick looked over at Zeke. "You know your brother is
sick don't you?" Patrick asked.

"Yeah, but nothing I can do." Zeke mumbled.

"There is so, tell Malcolm. He can get him help."

"But then Aaron gets taken away?"

"No, Malcolm won't let that happen. Trust him Zeke."

"Okay."

	With Zeke and Aaron back at Malcolm's, the place was in a bit of a
turmoil, papa had Aaron sitting in a bath as Zeke showered. Malcolm's dad
was busy looking for clothes for the two. Malcolm had called a doctor and
he was going to be coming over to see the two. After getting everything
done Malcolm told the two to stay here as he had to go help his friends get
things working. Zeke was shown where the computer was. Then he left.

	In town Patrick and the others were busy writing flyers when he
showed up. Looking them over he smiled. "Now we have to find a place that
can print them then we have to get them out, I was thinking also of a web
sight, maybe I can get some one to donate something to help."

"Okay, if you can find that then go for it, I will talk to a copy company
and see if they can help."

"Okay, what else, can I do help?"

"You can see about getting CNN to come out and help?"

"That would take a miracle." Patrick's older brother spoke up.

"No it won't, my dad said I was going to be watched closely now. So
anything I do will be front page."

"Wow, not what you wanted is it?" Patrick asked.

"Not really."


Email me if you wish me to continue. thewriter1@live.ca