We Shine

Music

Music

I just got home. It's been a long day.

I hear my kids laughing. I also hear searing. So I'm assuming Mads is cooking and the kids are watching tv.

I head to the living room. "Hey you guys what-" and I see what their watching.

I pick up the remote and turn it off.

"Dad!"

I keep composure, "what?"

"We were watching that!"

"I don't care, do you even know what you were watching?" I'm slowly unraveling.

Joseph stars talking, in a mocking manner. "Dad it was within the age rating, there was no abusive nature, no inappropriate intimacy-"

"Upstairs now!"

The fifteen year old boy steps to me, "when you explain yourself maybe I will."

"Cel have anything to say?" I ask her.

She speaks calmly, "Regarding the program no. I have no clue what's the issue. Regarding Joseph, he is already deep in his hole from almost being suspended today, he's pushing it."

"What?" I shake my head, "none of you? You were all laughing. What was so funny?"

"Dad it's just a movie, why are you bugging out!" Xavams snaps at me.

These kids are disrespectful and I've had enough. I throw the remote against the wall.

"All of you get out of here right now! I swear-"

"Jayden..."

My eyes meet Madison's and I calm down a bit.

She takes over, "Seph go fix the shelf in the shed, Xav you can organize those video games you left all over the basement. Lee you can go clean that horrendous closet of yours and Cel, bathroom, go clean it now."

All of them walk away silently.

"Boys apologize to your father." Mads stops them as the girls leave.

Xavams apologizes and moves on.

Joseph. He just stands there.

"I have nothing to apologize for. He won't tell me what the problem is."

"Joseph you are already in a lot of trouble don't add this." Mads tries easing this.

Joseph walks away.

Then there were two.

"Are we going to stand here, or will you tell me what's gotten you so riled?" She looks at me.

I take a seat on the couch and loosen my tie.

"They were watching Music." I whisper.

Madison has a face of confusion before she speaks, "Jayden I understand where your anger is coming from. But they don't. I won't lie I've never seen the movie, when I heard the associated groups part of it and the way production said that she couldn't work with the actual autistic actor I was out. I didn't know they were watching it."

"Do you know how misleading and disrespectful it is. There are people like that out there. These groups have always caused harm more than good. You cannot cure Autism. You think neurotypical actors dancing around in costumes and having breakdowns with the unfocused eyes and all will set a good example for them?"

"Jay you can't yell at them for everything. Talk to them. Joseph's attitude was totally out of line but his questioning wasn't. We promised to have an open environment were we can talk about anything."