Chapter 35-1
665 Words
Chapter Thirty-Five
His father was Rodney Friessen. He was established, hard-headed and respected. To reach out and call him was, for Brad, admitting he’d been wrong. But, he was—wrong, that is. In the end, he'd swallowed his pride and sought the help he and Trevor needed. It had been a bitter pill to swallow. His Mom had picked up the extension after listening on the sidelines for half an hour. To his daddy’s credit he never once said, “I told you so” or “you should have listened to me.” Instead, he listened, without judgment, and then offered his help and some solid advice for a viable plan to resolve this situation; which meant removing Trevor from this acidic environment. Telling his parents Trevor had autism had been heart wrenching. His mother cried but his father remained silent. Then they both said they would be on the next plane back to Seattle.
Two days later Brad picked up his parents from the floatplane he’d chartered from Seattle. They’d not seen Trevor since he was a baby, so he was unprepared for their welcome.
“Brad, where’s my grandson.” His mom, Becky, was short, gray-haired, plump and flowing with life. She hugged him and then bent down to Trevor who stood hiding behind Brad’s leg. She took his hand and talked to him. She pulled a wrapped present from her handbag, which he grabbed. His “eeks” and squeaks were quiet for the first time, as he unwrapped two hot wheels cars and an Elmo talking book.
“Cool gifts, Mom.” Trevor seemed to think so too, as he sat on the grass and played with the first car he unwrapped.
His father was a tall man with short-cropped gray hair and deeply etched lines on his face. He hovered behind his wife, hesitant, the awkwardness still there. It wasn’t until Brad extended his hand that his father reached out and pulled him into his arms instead. Their conversation was stilted at first, until his daddy pulled him aside to let him know they were prepared to stay as long as it took.
The plan was for Trevor to return with his grandparents, to Baja. He would stay with them until Brad resolved this battle with Crystal.
On the drive back to the ranch, his Mom told him of a lady she hired who had experience with autistic children. From the minute Becky got off the telephone with Brad, she’d researched autism, the therapy Brad told her about and how they could best help Trevor. She was glued to Trevor the entire ride back and insisted on walking the ranch before taking Trevor in.
When Crystal saw his parents arrive, she stumbled on the porch.
Becky cooked dinner. The conversation around the table flowed from the cattle to the dairy contract, and then to Trevor. His father was masterful, charming, when he wanted to be, and ruthless. But it was his Becky who suggested Trevor come and visit. Crystal was hesitant, but his father cornered her with his charisma, leaving her no room to maneuver. Right after dinner, Rodney produced a letter of consent. Brad signed it first, and then passed it to Crystal. He noted her reluctance as she glanced at the phone. But Becky soothed her ruffled feathers and had her sign before she could find an excuse and change her mind.
Brad’s parents left in the morning with the signed consent for customs and their grandson, Trevor.
“You call me as soon as you get things squared. Your Mom’s right on top of what needs to be done for Trevor. So you focus on what you need to do.”
“Thanks again, Daddy. And I’m sorry; I should have listened.”
“It’s done, but you call me if you need help.”
To have that support was like a return to the fold. For the first time, he felt his father had his back.
The fight with Crystal escalated the moment he returned home.
“You railroaded me, you and your parents. I never should have signed that letter.”
Brad smiled as he walked out the door.
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