Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2018 08:23:50 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy    Chapter 2

I would like to thank Coach Ray for his help and guidance. Your suggestions
are so helpful. I hope you will like chapter 2. Please always make any
suggestions that you think will help make my story/stories better.Jake

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This is fiction and all the characters names are simply fabricated.

Comments are welcome and appreciated at jacoblion@tutanota.com


This is my first attempt at writing a story.

A Neglected Boy Chapter 2

   At the end of Chapter 1 . . .

"It appears that he has missed a few days of school. It has also been noted
that on several occasions he came to school with some bruising.  This
information fits with the story Kori told me about is home life". . . .

   . . . Edith Benson, the admin assistant, was kind enough to show me the
school record for Kori. I looked at his record for the past three years and
it was very obvious how a bright boy was receiving low grades. There were a
great number of absences as well as notations from previous teachers of
being distracted and inattentive in class. Kori had scored above on the
national grade tests, so even with missed days why is he not challenged in
class? Why the distraction, why inattentive, why so many days absent? The
question for me is why hasn't a teacher, vice principal, principal or
someone noticed? Are we so involved with the daily school schedule, team
meetings and personal life to neglect A Neglected Boy? I thought we as
teachers, professionals were to put the child first.

   I began to question my own thoughts. Perhaps I am becoming overly
protective of Kori a child I just met.  Am I? . . . No I am not overly
protective. If this were another child and I were to see the same situation
I would be asking the same questions.  ~But~ it is Kori and there is a
personal relationship and I am involved to some degree with this boy. I
thought to myself . . . if anyone thinks that I am not going to pursue this
situation they should think again.

   Mondays at school are just that, Mondays. Depending on weather, the
position of the moon or how much sugar, breakfast or no breakfast you never
know how first period will be. I was on my way to my classroom when Kori
passed me. I looked at Kori and received the slightest smile an
acknowledgement that he knew me. Thanks Kiddo! Ahh but he was with his
friend and just to know that he actually acknowledged my very presence was
enough. . . . Oh geez this can't be what the whole day will be. It must
have been a full moon and 25 spoons of sugar by the way these kids were
acting. One by one I got each little cherub to sit and open their reading
books. Fourth graders can be the sweetest, most loving, most charming
little people you'll ever meet . . . (like Kori) or they can be the worst
little tyrants, demons, and witches that walk the streets of North Western
Massachusetts. The bell, the bell saved by the bell. Nope, not, I got
playground duty. Oh but I get to see Kori.

   Like I said before, April can be nice or not so nice. Today is nice and
nicer yet because there is my little friend Kori with a bunch of his
friends. It is great to see him as he runs around playing tag. The boys are
laughing and having a great time. I was happy as this is the way things for
young boys should be. It was easy to see the order of the group. The taller
kid, Peter, seemed to be the leader and had the group focused on complete
activity non-stop. The loud voices, laughter and smiles never stopped. Kori
was having a great time. First bell rang to signal lineup at the door. The
line starts and so does the poking, pushing, bad mouthing, oh sometimes I
think they had been on ship for two months. I had to go get Peter and pull
him aside to ask him to use better language. In a glance I received a huge
smile from Kori. I am beginning to think Kori must have a little devil in
him.

   Once back in class everything seemed to go great. I have the class
divided in groups so the kids can work on projects. I was watching as they
were working on a geography project when I noticed one of the boys very
close to his friend. Hmm, is that what I think? Oh yes a little touching
. . . it happens. Carefully, slowly I make my way over and behind the two
boys and clear my throat and that was enough. I think back to when I was
their age, yep I did the same.  So the saying goes "boys will be boys".
Morning was about over and the class was getting ready for lunch. Picking
up all the papers and maps, feed the fish, and water the plants. The Bell
the Bell, there it goes again and I have lunch duty. This time I am happy
Kori will be there and just to see him will make me feel good. No more than
good it will make me feel great. Just to know he is with his friends and
having a good lunch and not going hungry.  I think Kori goes hungry more
often than it ever should. I think how can I fix it? There has to be a way
to help this one neglected boy.

   The kids are usually good going form classrooms to the cafeteria but
then sometimes all hell can break loose. Today is a good day everyone is in
order and it looks like they are having a favorite lunch. Choice for today,
pizza or grilled cheese, salad bar, juice, milk, or that vita-water No
sugar!. It is easy to see all the little cliques. All the girls in their
little circles, all the boys, ahh yes the boys. The boys are in groups like
jocks (yes I think at this age) the smaller ones, the science group. I see
Kori at his table but Peter and his other friends are all together and Kori
is at the end of the table alone. I walk down the left wall from the stage
so to see a little better. Kori is there eating a bag of chips. This is not
so good for a lunch for a kid who I know is very thin. Then it dawns on me,
no money. I know most of the kids so I start walking the lunch area saying
hi and giving high fives to some of the kids. I get to where Kori is
sitting and drop two dollars so he could not see. I said "Hey Kori you
dropped this" and bent over and picked the two dollars from the floor and
gave it to him. Kori go get a pizza or grilled cheese. Oh and don't forget
the milk.

   Kori smiled and gave me the thumbs up and went back in line. Two minutes
later he was back at his table but this time with his friends. I felt so
good and relieved to see him there chatting and laughing with the
boys. They finished their lunch and Kori and the boys were out to the
playground for more tag, capture the flag or baseball. Lunch was over and I
had a few minutes to go out to the playground and check on my boy (on my
boy?). I was all smiles and laughter running around playing tag and
tackling each other to the ground. At times Kori was on top and at times he
just disappeared. The fist bell rang the boys broke it up and they all had
their arms around each other. I was laughing to myself as I watched them on
the way to lineup at the door when I notice Kori give Peter a big hug. I
didn't think anything of it they just looked like best of friends.

   Back in the classroom things were just great. The kids had all settled
down and were working on a social studies project. The afternoon passed
quickly and soon it was time to pick things up for the day. As I watched I
thought how I would like to have Kori in my class but he is a grade ahead
so that is not going to happen. It was three-thirty the kids were in their
seats and the first bus bell rang. The kids that ride the bus quietly left
the room. Second bus bell and in the same way the kids quietly
departed. Now it was the walkers and as the third bell rang they exited the
classroom. The room was empty quiet and I only had a few log entries to
make. My phone rang it was Edith Benson admin assistant. I was asked to
come to the office as Kori had missed his bus and was asking to speak to
me.

   I arrived at the office to find Kori sitting on the bench looking kind
of sad. I asked Edith what happened and she told me that Kori forgot his
book-bag and even though he ran to get it the bus departed. I turned to
Kori and told him not to look so sad that it was not a problem. It's only
ten miles and if he started walking now he could be home by midnight. His
answer "Mr. Roberts that's not funny" Well Kori I guess I could give you a
ride but you know that the extra weight in my truck will use more gas are
you going to pay for it? Kori looked up at me with this huge smile, from
ear to ear smile, reached in his pocket and pulled put a quarter and give
it to me. It was the change from the money I gave him for lunch. Kori asked
if it will be enough to get him home. Cheeky little kid, but he's so damn
cute I could only smile and say ok sport for this time.

   We left the office and walked back to my classroom. When we went in Kori
had to look at everything, the fish tank was of special interest. I was
amazed that he looked at everything but never touched a single thing. Kori
was aware that I had finished my work then started asking questions
. . . Mr. Roberts what is this? What is this? Does this really work as he
pointed to an old phone from about 1920? Question after question and then I
reached in my pocket and gave him back the quarter, here Kori you keep this
you will need it if you're going to spend the night in my classroom. Kori
said "ok I get it lets go or I will be in lots of trouble" Kori and I
walked out to the office and I thanked Edith for calling me and turned in
my badge. Kori knew where my truck was and ran to it quickly. I have a Ford
350 super duty. I had to laugh because Kori had trouble getting in so I
gave him a boost up pushing on his little butt.

   Once in I helped him buckle up showed him how to adjust the window and
told him to keep his hands off the windows or he would have to clean
them. Without a word Kori reached up and put a big handprint on the side
window. With a big smile he said "I guess I have to clean the window Jake"
There it was that tone and my first name. He was smart in school a smile
here and there but nothing more. Politely Kori called me Mr. Roberts even
when we were alone in my classroom it was Mr. Roberts. Now in the truck it
was Jake. Smart boy, some kids can grow on you but this one well he seems
to have attached himself to me rather quickly. The ride home was chit chat
and nothing more until . . .  Geeeeez a huge bug came in the window and was
clinging only inches from Kori. He went spastic!

   I pulled over and slightly off the road and went round to his side and
opened the door and got the bug out. I didn't know what it was but Kori was
really frightened. He asked if he could move to the center of the seat. I
unbuckled him and moved him over and buckled him in again. Once in the
truck we were once again on the road home. Kori had a big smile on his face
and I asked him what was funny. He said he liked the bug and thought it was
his friend. I said Kori you were screaming murder when the bug came in,,,,
Kori Said "I know bit now I can sit next to you" Cheeky little kid. I told
him he could sit there as long as he was a good boy or I would put him in
the back and he could play with the horse manure. Kori laughed and said
"that's gross Jake your sick"

   We arrived at my place and Kori wanted to stay for a bit and help with
chores. That was no problem for me and he had told me his mom, Myrna, had a
part time job and was not home till around 7. I told Kori I was kind of
hungry and needed a snack before we mucked Finley's stall. Smiles all
smiles the kid had this winning smile that so many kids at the age have. It
was in the house . . . hey shoes off or you'll have to wash the floor and
the truck window!. Kori looked at me and said "slave driver aren't you?"
hmmm little tyke has quick wit.  Ok Kori what is it, bologna sandwich, ham
and cheese, or peanut butter? ~~~ OMG you want what?  Kori said "I'll have
a bologna, ham and cheese on peanut butter please" Oh was all I could come
up with. Then I made his sandwich and gave it to him. Ham and cheese and
milk is what you get. If you got a problem with that there is the door and
the store is three miles down the road. Kori laughed and told me ham and
cheese was his new favorite.

   Snack / second lunch finished we went to the barn took Finley out to the
lunging ring and let him go. Wow he leaped jumped and turned himself in
circles so fast our heads were spinning. Kori fell on the ground in
laughter and said "Jake I never saw anything like that is Finley ok? I
laughed and said he is full of it again isn't he? But that is what those
young little studs will do. Kori looked at me and asked "Jake why do you
call him a stud? What makes him a stud?" hmmm here we go . . . Well he's
kinda like you a bit I guess, young and full of it. Kori said "Oh so I'm a
stud too, right?" Oh Kori someday maybe right now you're just a stud
muffin. Laughter again but this time I got tackled and then we started
there was the tackle the trying to get me to the ground the jumping on my
back and saying giddy up. I was amazed at just how I felt and I am not sure
I could explain it.  For some strange feeling I felt younger, more like a
kid but one that was in some way being attached to this boy. There was this
bond that was growing for both of us and I liked it. I know it was strange
but it was Kori and I had this feeling of like . . . I don't know.

   Chores were done and it was about 4:30 and the next thing Kori said was
"Jake you think I could use your bathroom and maybe a little more snack?"
Kori you sure you want more to eat? And if you're going to use my bathroom
please make sure your aim is good.  Well that brought him to his knees with
laughter as he said "Jake don't make me laugh I'll pee my pants." On the
way back to the house I ended up with this cute boy having a piggyback ride
all the way to the door. Once inside he made a mad dash for the bathroom as
I yelled SHOES . . . so down the hall he went one shoe off at a time and
left in the middle of the hall. I started to make a peanut butter sandwich
and more milk as I could hear the sound of him peeing as he didn't shut the
door. Kori returned with this big smile, Ok Kori what now? Kori answered
"Jake my aim is pretty good, nothing on the floor, so when I need to go
again do I have to ask or can I just go?"  Gee Kori I don't know I will
have to check for myself and make sure you didn't splash all over the seat
and floor, oh, and by the way did you lift the seat when you went? That was
another fit of laughter from him as he told me "Nope I didn't lift the seat
I sat on it" quick wit. The little bugger has such humor for a kid that
young.

   It was now 5:15 and I know the time was coming to end with Kori for
today. Just as I was about say I think it's time to get you ready to go up
the road before it gets so late. Raven Woods Road can be really creepy
after dark. For a boy the age of Kori there are lots of things hiding in
the woods. There is owls, coyotes, wind through the trees, and so many
other things that just terrify, frighten, and scare the living daylights
out of a kid like Kori. But . . .  before I could say anything Kori asked
to watch just a little TV.  I can't say no, so on goes the TV and he's
watching some cartoon thing that is nothing like when I was a kid.

   The time had come and I really did not want Kori in trouble with his
mother. So finally I said Kori it's time to go. The sad look was killing me
but I wanted to have Kori visit as often as he could and I was so afraid
that if he got in trouble either he would be hit or not allowed to visit me
anymore. In some way I found myself wanting to be near him more, more
often, more time, more days. Not just in school and the occasional visit,
no I wanted to be near this kid a lot.  I was again questioning myself as
to why, why this kid, why Kori was affecting me in this way in the little
amount of time. It has only been a few days from meeting for the first time
as he watched me work Finley in the ring.

Kori we need to go now. I will give you a ride up to your house. OMG Kori
was so happy. "Jake can I ride in the back of the truck with the manure?"
ahh and there is that amazing killer smile again. Ok Kori boy you can ride
with the manure, of course there is no manure, in the back of the truck but
it was fun and we both laughed and carried on about how manure would put
hair on his chest. Oh that was another story as Kori doesn't want any hair
on his chest. I think the word he used is "Gross" . We went to the truck
and as before the truck is a Ford 350 super duty and so high he needs a
boost. So with a little help pushing on his butt up he went and turned with
a smile and "said thanks for the push Jake." It was only about half a mile
to his driveway. I stopped and helped Kori down from the back of the truck
and told him the rest of the way he had to go alone. He was fine with that
but told me he had a secret he wanted to tell me and asked me to bend down
so he could whisper in my ear. I bent down and without any notice Kori
kissed me on the cheek then hugged me and told me I was nice to be with me
and he wished we could spend lots of time together.

Chapter 3 soon. Hint ... I will have to meet with Kori and his mother.

Please let me know if you have any comments and if you like it. This is my
first story and I hope that many readers will enjoy it. You can e-mail me
at jacoblion@tutanota.com