O.N.E. Mateo

~*~…Fall Out…~*~ CH 4

February 15th, 2030

I woke up in bed at the Springer’s house the next morning. Eian gave me the low down on what happened when Mark brought me home. He said Jenny went off on Mark when he showed up with me. He explained to her that Patricia passed out and that he is on the “Authorized” list, so he brought me home. He just wanted to carry me to bed since I had an exhausting day. She cursed him out and told him no, she doesn’t know who he is or about any list. Now, one of the first things a foster home is told about is a list of people who can and can’t see the foster and who can and can’t transport them.

Mark tried to calm her down by telling her he is safe, he works for the police department, and he showed her his badge. You would think a person would calm down. Oh no, not Jenny, she went atomic. She demanded a warrant, A WARRANT. She then screamed that she was calling the real cops to report some creep impersonating a cop and getting child services to the house to report a strange man being around her foster kids. Mark, the saint that he is, calmly told her that was fine, everything has been recorded on his dash cam and pointed to his car.

She shut up. She told him he wasn’t allowed inside without a warrant still and yelled at Eian to “fetch me”. He seems really upset she tried treating him like a dog. I told him he has that in common with my sister Nikki. He laughed loudly when I told him that story.

When Jenny went inside, it gave Mark and Eian time to talk. Eian told him we need help and would explain more but can’t talk here at the house. They are meeting at lunch today. A few minutes after Jenny went inside and they had talked a little, police pulled up. Mark still had his badge in hand and had paperwork stating he could visit, pick me up, drop me off, trips or events, and even take me for weekends twice a month.

I can’t believe Jenny really called 9-1-1 but didn’t give any of the other details. It didn’t go over well for her, and she wasn’t happy at all after she learned Mark would be my transport to and from my appointments. My PTSD appointments are every Thursday, and my PT appointments are on Mondays and Thursdays. Everyone believes she was drunk last night. The three huge vodka bottles by the garbage fence were a big clue. Just what we need, a drunk Jenny and drunk coyotes.

Nothing was done except notes taken that she was intoxicated. She was on her own property. I found out Dan left early yesterday morning with the kids and hasn’t been back. It may have been what triggered her drinking. I honestly hope they don’t come back for their sake. I just know she’s been hitting him. I don’t want the kids to be next.

Between my exhaustion from yesterday’s fun and my excitement to see Mark at lunch, this day has been dragging on. I only have one or two actual high school courses each semester this year. The other four hours are spent in the computer lab or library doing online college courses. If I run into issues, the teachers help me. So far, I’ve been fine. I’m doing all my prerequisite courses this year. They’re harder than the classes I’m interested in because I’m not interested at all in them. Don’t tell Matt, but psychology is BORING! Right now, I’m finishing my final assignment for it. Afterward, I’m going to go outside, cheer, run, and be thankful it’s over.

“Aaaand submit. Done.” I try not to yell and just grin from ear to ear instead. Mrs. Miller comes over to check off my progress and collect the print-offs of my assignments and tests. After receiving an “incomplete” in Nutrition because of a “glitch,” we started printing out my work and screenshots of my recorded progress. The next time it happened, in the same class I should add, there was proof. The online school investigated and found out the “glitch” was the instructor. Figures.

Mrs. Miller gives me the go-ahead signal to leave, and I start for the track. My aching muscles remind me of yesterday’s fun. As much as I’d love to run the track and enjoy some air, I head for the pool instead. The water will help ease and cool the pain safely. Eian is here with the swim team, and I wave “hi” to them. Coach blows his whistle, and everyone stops to give him their attention.

“Garcia, front and center!” I run over as fast as my aching muscles will allow.

“Coach?”

“What’s going on, son?”

“I finished Psychology 105 early and had a rough PT session yesterday, sir. I was hoping to use the swim lesson pool to help with the pain, please.”

“You got it, kid, but the elementary is coming in fifteen for class. Lane eight is open and all yours. The hot tub is also open.” He winks at me. He knows how bad it can get for me, and no one outside of sports is supposed to use the hot tub. “Eian!”

“Coach?”

“Keep an eye on your brother. If his muscles seize up, you know what to do.”

“Yes sir.” he turns to me, “Hey man, you good today?

“Nah, everything is tense. My back started twitching in the lab.” No use hiding anything. The last time I did, I almost drowned because my muscles seized. Lesson learned. Eian is helping me loosen my muscles slowly and safely when we hear little voices excited to swim.

“HERMANO!” We hear a familiar voice yell excitedly. The next thing I know, there’s a huge splash next to us.

“Jani, wait for me! Hey Hermano!” Julie calls out with a cute little wave before splashing in near to us too. The little arms of my sisters wrap around me. I almost forgot double trouble were in the same swim class. Gloria is terrified of water and enrolled all her students in the public-school swim classes.

“Girls, leave the swim team alone!” Mrs. Chávez chastises them.

“He’s not part of the swim team officially, Mrs. Chávez. He’s doing physical therapy.” Coach explains. I wonder if I can join later. I love the water.

“Still, they shouldn’t just run off like that.”

“We’re sorry, Mrs. Chávez.” Jani and Julie say in unison and try to use their puppy dog eyes on her.

“He’s our brother, and we miss him, that’s all,” Julie says, trying not to cry. With her, I’m normally not sure if she’s really going to cry or not. She can turn the waterworks on easily and uses it against us guys. Eian and I get out of the pool with them. It’s real. She really is upset. I hug my crying sister while Eian whispers to their teacher. Julie joins the hug. I know we just saw each other yesterday, and I’ll see them this weekend, but I miss my brothers and sisters.

“Attention, attention classes.” All students look to Mrs. Chávez and Coach. “Today we have a treat. The high school swim team will be assisting with our lessons. Coach.” She steps aside.

“That’s right. Anyone can be good at anything. To be great, though, you have to be able to teach. So today, each of my team will be teaching three of Mrs. Chávez’s students.”

“As soon as everyone is here.” Mrs. Chávez interrupts quietly. We’ve moved up near Coach, Mrs. Chávez, and Eian. I’m hoping Eian gets my sisters and me. They can swim like they were born dolphins. Having Eian as our lead would mean more family time. He knows we can swim.

“She’s almost 11 years old, very shy, and fragile. She can’t be in a regular gym but is terrified of water.” We overhear Mrs. Chávez tells the coach.

“That’s fine. Our best is Eian. If the girls are anything like their brother, it’s like they were born in the sea. Eian, kids, come here really quick.”

“Yes sir.” We all reply and walk over quickly. Eian seems distracted and is trying to focus.

“Eian, I want you to watch these three, but I need you to pay special attention to a young lady. She’s…” Coach seems to be lost for words.

“She’s fragile and afraid of water. Please don’t make fun of her. She gets enough of that from others. These two,” pointing to my sisters, “are probably her only friends.” An excited squeal erupts from my sisters.

“Dang, I just got my hearing back.” I am smacked by two little hands and laugh at them. “But I love you, mi princesas!”

“We love you too butt-head.”

Coach and Mrs. Chávez go around and break everyone in groups by skill level. I hear a growl and look around for Mark out of habit. I see him holding the hand of a little white angel. She’s a slight little pixie-like girl with white hair and pink eyes.

“She’s albino, cool!” she smiles at our group. I didn’t know I said that out loud. Mark, Coach, and Mrs. Chávez are looking between Eian and the girl. Something dawns on Coach, and he grips Eian’s shoulder.

“Mine.” Eian looks angry.

“She’s a child son. Let Mark bring her over.” Coach tells him. Eian takes a breath and calms down. Mark and the girl come closer. Her eyes keep darting around, scared every once in a while. She looks up at Mark, smiles, and gives her hand a little squeeze. It seems to calm her down. She’s tiny and has a lot of the same features as Mirian.

“Don’t freak out about how shy she is. She…”

“Hi!” The girl cuts Julie off as she greets us. She’s Candice-level perky. My sisters and Mrs. Chávez look shocked. Eian has a huge, dopey looking smile on his face.

“Hi, I’m Eian.”

“Angelise.”

“Oh hey!” I say, “You’re Mirian’s sister! I thought you looked familiar.” Eian seems even happier if that’s possible.

“We’re working on getting you home as soon as your sister is old enough. I already have a job, a house, and everything is being set up. Your sister starts work for the same company soon. I… I just need to know what you like and how you want your room done. Anything you want.” We all look at Eian like he’s grown horns or something. He’s always quiet, especially around new people, and when he does talk, it’s serious. He always seems stern. Here he is, talking a lot and smiling. Mark clears his throat, breaking the weirdness.

“So, I came a little early. Mind if I hang out and observe for a while?”

“Please, be our guest. Will you be having lunch with us too? The kids and I are eating here before heading back.” Mrs. Chávez offers.

“Yeah. Ms. Thomas, and I think the new guidance counselor will be joining us too.” Mark tells her.

“Can my sister come… Please?” Angelise’s voice is suddenly tiny and timid.

“No need to be shy around them. They’re family.” Jani hugs her.

“Don’t worry, Angel, she’s coming. Our foster brother Derek, over there,” Eian points out, “and his sister Shauna will be joining us too. You don’t have to be afraid of anyone or anything anymore.” Eian tells her gently. His words seem to make her feel comfortable, and a huge smile appears.

“Thank You!” She says excitedly. No wonder she’s friends with my sisters.

“I think it’s time you kids get in the water now. Go. Have fun.”

“Yes, Coach.” Eian and I say. Angelise suddenly looks petrified.

“Hey, Princesa Angelise. It’s okay. You’re safe with Eian.” She looks up at him as he sticks out his hand.

“We’ll take it slow. I promise you’re safe.” She smiles and takes his hand. She jumps, looks at their hands, and then back at him. He smiles at her.

“It’s okay.” He winks at her, and she nods her head.

“Okay.”

We’re all finally in the water. We don’t want to splash or scare Angelise, so my sisters and I move around the groups to help with lessons. It’s a lot more fun than trying to ease my muscles alone. The slow movements are helping a lot, and the kids are learning quickly. Lunchtime rolls around, and Coach calls us all in to hit the showers.

“That was great work today everyone, I’m proud of you. Mrs. Chávez and I have come to an agreement.”

“That’s right. You’ve all done so well together. Coach and I have agreed to combine Friday classes.” Almost everyone cheered. One of the few people in this world that I can’t stand is Eian’s on-again, off-again girlfriend. She’s been here half the class trying to get his attention and even tried leaning over the pool edge to flash him. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch. It’s been awesome to witness. After the girls leave with Mrs. Chávez to shower and change, Eian approaches her.

“Ally let’s make a few things clear. One, you’re not welcome here. Your slutty ways are not going to distract anyone here and frankly, it’s gross. Two, you should be in YOUR class. If you put half the effort into your classes as you do flirting and dating every guy in school, you might actually pull your grades up from D’s. And third, we’re done. D. O. N. E. Done. Do you understand me? I don’t like you. I don’t want you around. Go. Away.” I’ve never heard Eian say anything negative towards anyone and I think this is the most he’s talked in public.

People are cheering for him, and we head to the lockers. She’s still standing there speechless, for once, spitting and sputtering like an old vehicle on its last leg. Eian is EPIC! Everyone showers, changes, and heads off to lunch. We meet up with our group and Tía Emily surprises us with homemade empanadas, stir-fried rice, and strawberry-spinach salad. My family is Awesome!

“Not all of us know the reason for this meeting. I’m going to make that clear now. Some of you know about the Springer house. There have been a lot of incidents and reports that are being overlooked because of the lack of evidence and because they are one of the few accepting teens at this time. The system won’t shut them down until more foster homes for teens are made available and hard evidence against them is obtained.” Those who know about the situation just nod their heads while those who aren’t aware of it before are looking around surprised.

“I’ve applied to be a foster parent and to adopt.” Tía Emily tells the group. “I was already warned that I might be denied for both because of being single. The approval process is long and I’m not sure if I do get approved if I’ll get approved in time. I have an idea and…”

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late. Did I miss anything?” Mr. Lovell, our new guidance counselor, asks.

“No Tommy. You already know everything.”

“Except for the part about them possibly denying you Em. Yes, I heard it. Just marry me already and they can’t give you any more issues.” He says with his head on her shoulder, “Pleeease Emmy.”

“Tía Emily. You, uh, dating Mr. Lovell already?” Mr. Thomas Lovell looks like a puppy trying to beg her to marry him. He just arrived Monday. “So, did you two spend the rest of yesterday together? I noticed you left after the Rock Gym.” I ask smiling slyly at them. Snickers are going around as Aunt Emily blushes head to toe and Mr. Lovell beams at her. They look like Mark and Gloria when they started dating. “Uh-huh. So do I call you Tío Lovell, Tommy, or what?”

“I like Tío Tommy.” He winks at me, “Help me convince her on a wedding date, will ya?”

“You got it, Tío Tommy.” Oh yeah, she’s red!

“Okay, let’s stop embarrassing them and get back on the subject.” Mark saves her while trying to stop laughing. “Okay, so: trying to get adoption and foster approval but, getting handed the run-around. We need evidence of neglect and abuse. Eian has some goodies to help with that.” He winks at him, “Patricia is on maternity leave until August 14th and none of us know this new caseworker, Gary? Jerry? He’s a transfer from Huston, grew up around here, and has a sealed file.”

“Mateo, Mirian, Shauna, Derek, and I will be recording and uploading this at least every twelve hours to this account.” Eian passes around some cards with information to the adults. “After Mateo is medically released, we can get him into sports and other extracurricular activities to get him out of the house. We’re doing the same for all the other fosters. I don’t know what we’ll do for Denise and James. Those are their biological kids.” He clarified for the others.

“We might not have to worry about that.” I speak up, “Dan left shortly after 8 AM yesterday with the kids and hasn’t been back. We’ll know Monday, but I’m hoping they don’t come back.”

“Why Mateo?” Mr. Lovell asks.

“I think she’s been beating him… I hear him screaming, begging her to stop. Then he leaves for four days, a week, sometimes more. If he leaves without the kids, I’m afraid she might hit them next.” Silence. You can hear a pin drop.

“We need evidence,” Mark says gruffly. He’s frustrated and trying to hold it together. “I got called into my C.O.’s office this morning and was warned.” He wrings his hands together frustrated, knuckles white. “I’m allowed to visit others at the school and be Mateo’s transportation for appointments until Patricia gets back. Group activities with the Gomez family for the month and this weekend that have been approved are okay.

After that, this new caseworker is saying we aren’t a biological family so, we aren’t allowed visits. The only reasons for being allowed transport and this month’s family activities are because I’m a cop, the outings were approved in advance, and his transport is a medical necessity. After Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, our Sunday dinners, weekends, and family time have been…”

“No. Don’t say it.” I choke out in a whisper.

“He, he can’t DO THAT!” Jani screams.

“He’s OUR brother, he can’t…” Julie breaks down crying. We’ve all lost our appetites.

“I’m sorry kids. I don’t know why this is happening. Six months,” Mark squeezes my hand and pulls the girls into a hug, “we’ll get through this. Patricia gets back and it’ll be better.”

“My last physical therapy is in the middle of May… I’m not sure if she’ll try to stop my other appointments with Matt.” I look around. “Three months, no school, no family…”

“Yo man, we got you. We can get you on the team maybe.” Derek. He’s a good guy.

“Thanks, but I need to be on the team before the last trimester to do summer activities. PT is over a month before school ends, so I won’t be medically cleared.”

“Oh yeah. Think they’d count you as being our unofficial member after all this time?” he asks hopefully.

“No…They won’t…but I have an idea.” Coach says slowly while he’s thinking. He has an idea and I’m scared. The good scared. “Mateo, the team needs a towel boy. Now, I know it isn’t ideal. When you’re better though, you can train as a team member. It’s not much, but it’ll get you out every Saturday. Meets will be a full day out. Family can come to them.”

“I’m in! Mark, what about Gemma?” I’m getting a little less worried but need to know she’s safe.

“She’s still coming to Thursday Therapy, and they will continue including activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and the things that just might wind up being a group therapy session. Those could easily last all day. One of Matt’s coworkers took her on as a client. Matt and his wife have to stay out of it.” He says mischievously. “It turns out, they just might be related, and if so…”

“She’ll be safe with family.” I sigh out relieved. I wish we all had that luck and could be safe, but I’m glad at least one of us will be.

“Does, does that still mean Thursdays are family time?” Jani asks.

“Yeah sweetie, as long as the social worker doesn’t find out.”

“Can I pretend to be upset and need Matt’s help?” Julie asks. “Jani might actually need someone with the way she screams at night sometimes, but I’ll pretend.”

“No, you can’t pretend. Jani, have you told anyone what’s going on?”

“No.” she says quietly hanging her head and trying to hide her face.

“Hermana, look at me Princesa. Are you having bad memories and dreams?”

“Ye..yes.” she says tearing up.

“I’m sorry.” I hug her tight, “I’m so sorry. We should have seen it before. How about we call Matt and his coworker? We need to work through this mija. Together.”

“Mm K.” she sniffles.

“I have another idea.” Mrs. Chávez speaks up. “That’s Thursdays and Saturdays you’re out of the house during the summer. On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays I need swim coaches all summer. I have five right now. After seeing your work with the kids today, would you like a summer job as a coach? And… if any of your foster siblings want to try out, I’ll consider them first for the position.”

“Are you serious?” I ask stunned.

“Yes. I have nearly a hundred kids signed up and need around twenty more coaches.”

“Yes, absolutely! I’m in. Thank you!” I suddenly hug her. This is the best news, and our family is full of huggers if you’re a friend. Mrs. Chávez hugs me back instantly and radiates love. My sisters are now giggling and smiling. Angelise has her head c****d to the side and keeps looking at me strangely. After I sit down, she walks over and puts her hand on my shoulder.

“I’m happy this summer won’t be as bad…” She suddenly freezes and her eyes look crystal blue.

“Angelise? Angelise, are you okay?” I grab her arm in case she falls. Tears are falling from her eyes. “Is she having a seizure?”

“This happens sometimes. She just needs to lie down.” Mrs. Chávez explains.

“I got her.” Eian cradles her in his arms and rocks her. “Come back, Angel. It’s okay.” He whispers. She takes a deep breath, and her eyes go back to pink. Looking around, she realizes what happened and buries her face in Eian’s hoodie.

“Sorry.” She mumbles from her hiding place.

“You’re okay Princesa, we were just worried about you.” She peeks out of hiding and walks over to me.

“It’s you we should worry over.” She picks up my locket and traces the design, her eyes look blue again. “Find the Rose Moon Pack House and Research Facility. They know your family. They will save you in your darkest hour… when your mind is lost. This is their emblem.” Her eyes go back to pink, and she almost passes out. Eian catches her before she hits the floor.

I look at my Mamá’s locket. It’s stainless steel, waterproof (don’t ask how I know, it’s embarrassing), has a howling wolf head in the center, a crescent moon with rose vines wrapped around it, and there are Celtic knots around the edges. I can’t help repeating the words on the inside cover:

“In your darkest hour,

Give in to the growl.

Wolves lead the way,

To a brighter day.”

“What was that Mateo?” I have several pairs of eyes watching me. It looks like their eyes are flashing.

“Um, it’s what the inside of Mamá’s locket says. I’m… I’m sorry, but I think I’m feeling weird.” Mark looks at Eian, Mrs. Chávez, and Mr. Lovell and they nod to him.

“Okay nephew. How about you rest in my office. You’ve done a lot of PT and had a lot of emotional blows. You’re exhausted. Nothing else is on your schedule for the day. So just kick back awhile, okay?”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

“Girls, you know where my office is?”

“Yes, Uncle.” They respond snickering, worried about me, but not missing an opportunity.

“Ha-ha-ha, love you kids. Okay, take him there. Here’s the key and if you’re sleepy too, lay down and we’ll come to get you when it’s time to leave.”

“Okay.” My sisters chime together.

As we drift off to sleep, I can’t help but wonder about all the changes in my life and the weird way everyone reacted to my locket.

Does it really hold the key to my family?