Snared(41)

“I’ll get it for you,” I promised. “But can you do something for me?”

His large dark eyes stared at me for a moment before he nodded. “I know why you reacted the way you did, Robbie. I was the same way as a kid. But then people get afraid of you and think you aren’t lovable. And that’s not at all the truth. You seem like a cool kid.”

His lip wobbled. “I was bad.”

I shrugged. “We’re all bad sometimes. But let’s go in there and apologize and help them clean up. Then I’ll get your picture back for you.”

I stood and held out my hand. Robbie took it and stood up, staring up at me. “What’s your name?”

“Beau.”

“You’re cool, Beau. Most grown ups talk to me like I’m a moron, some little kid who doesn’t know any better. This is my sixth time in foster care. I’m not dumb. I know I’m not getting out of here. No one wants a messed-up nine-year-old kid. I’m a lifer.”

“Robbie, I understand exactly what you mean. You’re wise beyond your years because you’ve had to be. But you’re still a kid. Things can always turn out for you. Watch and see.”

I led him back inside the home. April watched as we walked past her and into the big living room. Robbie walked to the counselor and took the broom from him, helping to sweep the broken glass from the area. He pointed at the child across the room who had taken his picture, and I nodded.

Robbie didn’t say another word, the room silent as they watched him.

“How did you do that?” April whispered next to me. I noticed Bex and Natalie watching me. Tears poured down Natalie’s face, but I didn’t understand why.



“I’ll meet you guys at the bus in a little bit,” I said.

Natalie turned, shocked. “We need to leave in no less than two hours so we aren’t pressed for time.”

I nodded. “Got it.” I knew they were all watching me as I stepped back inside the home and shut the door. I saw Trent first. “Where’s April?”

He indicated the living room. “Trying to talk to Robbie I think. Hey, man. What you did before was awesome. Not a single one of us have been able to get through to him.”

I shrugged. “I know what it’s like.” I moved into the room. I saw April sitting next to Robbie, who was clutching the picture to his chest again. She was talking quietly to him. When she saw me she stood, that heart stopping smile on her face.

“I thought you guys left?”

I shoved my hands in my pockets. “They did.”

A look of understanding crossed her face. “They left.”

I nodded. “I thought maybe you could take me back to the bus after we get lunch.” I glanced over at Robbie. “You get your picture back, buddy?”

He nodded, but didn’t say anything or move to show me the picture. I got it. It wasn’t necessary for him to open up any further to me unless he wanted to.

“I’ll see you later, okay, Robbie?” April said. He didn’t answer, but I didn’t expect him to.

I leaned down to the small child. “She’s pretty, huh. I think so, too. She’s as nice as she is pretty, too. Be nice to her, okay?” As I turned to walk away, I saw a small smile on his face.

“Hey.” I slid into April’s car. “Do me a favor.”

She still seemed shocked that I’d come back, or that I’d gotten Robbie to talk, or any and all of the above. “Anything.”

“Give Robbie my phone number and let him call me if he needs to talk to someone.”

“I don’t have it.”

Of course. That would require me to be a normal human being that had friends. “Hand me your phone.” She did and pulled out of the parking lot, eyeing me every few seconds.

“I’m confused.” April’s fingers worked on the steering wheel.

I waited, knowing she’d elaborate.

“You were amazing back there, Beau.”

“And that confuses you?” Of course, it would. I was nothing but a fuck up on a good day. Worthless. Taking up space on this earth.

“Maybe confused isn’t the right word. I saw a whole other side of you in there today. Beau, you don’t give yourself enough credit for the remarkable man you are.”

I had nothing to say to that because there wasn’t anything “remarkable” about me. So I’d talked to a little boy who reminded me of myself. That made me a human being, not something fantastic.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she said. “That you didn’t do anything great. But I beg to differ, Beau. You going to that group home was difficult. It was uncomfortable and brought out all your insecurities. But when Robbie flipped out, you knew exactly how to handle him. He hadn’t spoken a word, Beau. You got through to him.”