Page 97 of Waiting for Redemption

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We’re a few weeks away from school being out for fall break and I’ve been thinking a lot about what that will look like for our new little family. Hendrixusedto go to Betty’s during holiday breaks, summer, and after school while Ruby worked full time, but I’ve had a few ideas on how that might possibly change. How Iwantthat to change. I want both of us to be able to spend more time with Hendrix—for Ruby to not have to work so much and me to be able to take him with me to volunteer instead of dropping him off at the sitter's house for the day. If hecanbe with us, I don’t see any reason for himnotto be. I want ustogether, as much as possible.

Like many other parents today, I decided to ditch the car rider line and walk up to get him myself. Boy, am I glad I did too because it seems a certain little rotten apple is picking on him right outside the school. Hendrix’s back is to me, and little Tommy shithead looks so much like his father that it’s unmistakably him. I stop briefly to listen to what’s being said, still far enough away that they haven’t noticed me yet.

“You probably just play with Barbie dolls and watchgirlshows because you don’t have a dad to do all the boy stuff with.” My jaw ticks when I hear the words come out of his mouth, seeing the way Hendrix just stands there and takes it makes me proud and sad all at the same time.

“Well, say something youweirdo.” Just about that time a man walks up beside Tommy and rests his hand on his shoulder.

“Leave him alone son, he can’t help that he doesn't have a dad.”

No wonder this kid is such an asshole, it seems his father never stopped being one.

I stalk over towards them just about the time I hear Hendrix speak up.

“I do too have a dad, and he’s gonna put your dad in a trashcan, asshole!” Hendrix yells.

Oops.

“Hey, you watch your mouth you little–” I tap Jimmy on the shoulder, interrupting him before he can finish his sentence. He turns to face me with a confused expression—until he realizes who’s standing behind him.

“I’d choose your next words tomy kidvery carefully,” I warn.

“Your kid?” he scoffs.

“Yes,mine.You got a problem with that?”

“I have a problem with what he just said to Tommy.” He looks over at Hendrix who has a proud smirk on his face as he watches us. Jimmy covers his son's ears before looking back at me. “He called my son an asshole.” I can tell by his tone that he expects me to be shocked. Little does he know I’m taking Hendrix for ice cream after this for saying it and standing up for himself.

“Well, Jimmy, your kidisan asshole. Just like his father.” I clap his shoulder, winking at Hendrix before continuing. “And what do we do to assholes who bully us, Hendrix?”

“We throw them in the trash,” he says with a devilish tone.

“You’re not serious. We’re grown men now, you’re not gonna–” I move so quickly he never sees it coming. In one swift movement, he’s over my shoulder as I march around to the back of the school by the dumpsters, with Hendrix and the rotten apple on my heels. I toss him in and dust off my hands, making Hendrix beam with pride.

“Teach your kid some manners, Halloway. Maybe you’ll finally learn some yourself while you’re at it.” I start walking back to the front of the school with Hendrix bopping along right beside me when Jimmy gets the nerve to speak up.

“Because you’resucha great example for your kid?” he mouths off, making me backtrack over to him. I shove my index finger in his face, making him rear back a little to keep me from poking him in the damn forehead.

“I’m teaching my kid to stand up for himself. We don’t back down to bullies who are just cowards taking their anger out on people. I’m showing him how to stand up for himselfandothers when necessary. I’m setting agreatexample for him, and you’re sure as hell not going to be the one to change my mind about that.” I back away with my chest heaving, getting out every word I wish I had said to him all those years ago.

“Let’s go Hendrix.” He grabs my hand as we make our way back to my truck, my mind reeling as I contemplate whether or not I handled that right. Maybe it was a little overkill. Am I really teaching him to stand up for himself, or am I just teaching him to out-bully the bully.

“Hey, Dad…” I freeze in the middle of the parking lot, hearing him call me that directly for the first time making my heart damn near explode. I look down as his big brown eyes that match his mama’s look up at me in wonder.

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Do you think I can really protect people like you do?” I pull him over to the side of my truck, making sure we’re out of the way of traffic, before bending down to his level.

“I do. Hendrix, you’re the sweetest kid I know, and that isn’t something that makes you weak. You’re stronger for it. Because you care about other people. You have a quality not everyone else does. You are going to grow up to be strong and brave and I have full confidence that you’ll protect the people you care about.”

“Can I throw people into trash cans?” He leans in, raising his eyebrows at me. I can’t help but laugh at the takeaways he always comes up with.

“For now, you just keep being kind and tell a grown-up when someone needs help. If you see or hear anyone in trouble, the best way you can protect them right now is to tell an adult. You understand me?”

“Yes sir.” He shakes his head, making his hair fall down over his eyes.

“I think it’s about time for a haircut, little man.” I rustle his hair, as he nods his head.

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