Path to Redemption

Untitled Part 3

on't be weird," Daniel hissed as the two boys walked down the hallway of school. Daniel was only a few years older than his little brother, but he couldn't be more different than 7 year old Liam.

"I don't do anything," Liam whined, clutching his books tightly against his chest.

"You must. My friends really hate you," Daniel said as his friend Billy approached.

"Danny boy," Billy slapped his friends arm. "Hanging out with the terrorist brother?"

"I'm not terrible," Liam cried, too young to understand the word.

"I didn't say terrible. But you are. Your father is a bad man. And you must be worse if your parents didn't want you."

Liam's lower lip quivered and he was on the verge of tears.

"Liam, go get your gym clothes. I'll drop my books off and meet you in the locker room," Daniel said, hoping Billy would just give up.

Instead, Billy wandered into the locker room, following him. "My dad says Daniel's mom felt sorry and adopted you because no one else could love you."

"She's my mom too."

"No. She doesn't look like you. She's pretty. She looks like Daniel." Billy sneered. "You're ugly like your real family."

Liam couldn't hide the tears. When he went to wipe his eyes, Billy noticed the drawing.

"Flowers? That's stupid."

"They're orchids. My mom loves them."

"Drawing them won't make her love you."

"She already loves me!" He shouted defensively. Billy ripped the drawing, glaring at the boy.

"Not anymore," he laughed. As he walked past, he grabbed Liam's arm and swung him into the locker. Liam curled into a ball on the floor and cried. Daniel arrived moments later, rushing to his brothers side.

"Come on, Liam. Let's get Mom," Daniel pleaded, picking up the torn drawing.

"No, Daniel," Liam stood, limping slightly. "We can't tell her."

"She'll call the doctor. She'll make sure Billy stops--"

"She'll be so upset. She doesn't want me to be different," Liam cried softly. "I've already let her down. Don't tell her. Promise me?"

"I promise." Daniel knotted his hands nervously.

Back at Grayson Manor, Victoria stormed into Conrad's office. "I got a call from the school. You refused to let our son put his artwork in the school gallery?"

"Yes, I suggested they also change his classes."

"He is talented and he enjoys drawing," Victoria snapped, tiny lines appearing on her forehead the way they did when she was determined. "Do you even give a damn about what is best for him?" She demanded, purposely lifting the framed drawing that Conrad had framed since Liam was a toddler.

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"Explain yourself." She crossed her arms.

"Victoria, Liam is a wonderful boy. He's got a kind heart. He's sensitive. He enjoys art and fashion and..."

"And?"

"Victoria.." they both knew where he was headed. The thought had crossed both of their minds and neither had the courage to bring it up.

"We don't know..."

"He's gay. Our child is gay. We both know it. He's different and special and wonderful. But in the outside world, there are people who will shut him out. Grayson Global will one day be run by our children. There will always be a job for him. Always be an income. And power. He's young enough to forget about art and focus on what is more important. Isn't that what you did?"

Victoria glanced down, knowing he was right. She left the gallery when she married Conrad. Because artists don't have such equal opportunities. Before she could reply, the boys stormed into the house.

"How was--?" She was cut off by both boys rushing up the stairs. In a hurry, Liam had dropped the drawing, which was poorly taped back together. Her eyes filled with tears. "He ripped it up," she whispered, gently placing it on his desk.

Upstairs, Charlotte was wearing an oversized nursing costume and covering Liam's arms with bandages as he held her doll.

"He hurt you again?" Charlotte asked sadly.

"No, I'm okay," Liam lied.

"No you aren't. You are hurt."

"Who is hurt?" Victoria demanded, entering the room. Her eyes moved to Liam's arm and she knelt down, removing the bandages as Daniel and Conrad entered the room. "Who did this?" She demanded.

Liam looked at Daniel and then Charlotte. Charlotte looked down and Daniel bit his lip. When the kids kept glancing at each other she felt her face flush with rage. "To your rooms. Each of you!"