Mapleville

 

Chapter 1.

The Breaking Point.

 

His face contorted in all-consuming anger. His nostrils flared, his eyes flashed and closed into slits. Then clear out of the blue; she never even saw it coming, he decked her right in the arm.

 "And you better not tell anybody about this Bitch or I'll punch you again," he said.

He ran upstairs into his room and slammed his door. Gina was shocked. She went upstairs into her bedroom. She removed her pink cardigan and saw a faint grayish purple fist-shaped bruise starting to appear. “Great another one how will I explain this one to George?” “What am I doing? Here we go again. I am trying to cover for him. But why I don't deserve this. Ricky hitting me was not my fault”. She kind of just flopped on the floor beside her bed leaning on the side of it. She brought her legs up and rested her arms on her knees. “But what if I had just said he could go to the party then this would've never happened. Stop, stop this was not my fault; I'm the parent, and he is the child. I have had it; it's now, or never this needs to stop”. She put her head in her lap and began to sob ever so quietly. A few minutes later, she composed herself. “I can sit here and feel sorry for myself or do something about it.”

She pulled out her phone from her pocket and began to dial. As she heard the first ring, she started twirling her long brown hair around her index finger on her left hand. After the second ring, she hung up due to fear and embarrassment. She was a grown woman, and she let her seventeen-year-old son walk all over her and verbally, and physically abuse her. She thought it was silly to be afraid of her seventeen-year-old son. It's not like he spent a lot of time at a gym, or had mad karate skills; in fact, the opposite was true. He was more of the couch potato kind. He was short and kind of chubby. And he probably wouldn't even know how to fight his way out of a paper sack. She couldn't do this she believed It was her fault, that she was too controlling and that she should have just let him go to the party.

She always was a people pleaser never wanting to cause a confrontation. “Wait a minute; what am I doing? I am the one with all the bruises, how long can I let this go on until he puts me in the hospital? Until he accidentally kills me?” 

She picked up her phone and pushed redial. This time she stayed on the line, and a man answered.

"Hello, Jackson Police Department Sgt. Parker Johnson speaking, how may I help you?"

“Hi, I called about my son; I'm at my wit's end he frightens me. he need help; he hit me a few times, and not  just a little hit; I mean my son  punched me gave me a pretty good size bruise on my right arm he is out of control!"

"Okay, Ma'am. what is your name?"

"My name is Gina Martinez."

"You wouldn't happen to be related to officer Martinez?"

"Yes, I would, I am his wife."

"What is your son's name?"

"Ricky, I mean Ricardo. His legal name is Ricardo, but he likes to be called Ricky. He named after his great grandfather, ya know. My grandmother wanted me to name my baby after her, but I had a boy and I not name a boy Rosa, so we name him after my grandfather Ricardo, but that name just too formal to me, so I started calling him Ricky, and it stuck. Don't call him Ricardo he hates it and he gets mad Oh my goodness here I go again I am rambling. I Ramble when I get nervous sorry, I never called the police before but I am just so fed up with the way my son treats me, you know he once pulled out a butcher knife on me. I didn't know what to do anymore.” 

"It's okay, please calm down Ma'am, please take a breath, and it will be okay. Is Ricky home right now?"

"Yes."

"Is he bothering you right now; or do you need E M S?"

 "What?"

“Do you need E M S, an ambulance?”

 "No. I don't think so. I’m okay; shook up but okay."

“Has Ricky ever been in trouble with the law before?"

Gina tapped her freshly manicured nails on the floor.

"Nope," she said.

"How old is he ?"

 "He is seventeen, Sir."

"From what you just told me, I believe he needs help. What he has done is wrong and illegal. He has committed a crime; simple assault, domestic."

"So, my son should go to Jail?"

 "Now, I did not say that precisely. Police should come, and speak with him. Set him straight, maybe scare him a little? You know most kids are scared when police want to talk to them about something they have done wrong. You know Ricky could get arrested today, and that could be what the boy needs. Sometimes kids need to learn the hard way. They need to see and experience the consequences of their actions. We will send someone out there, but it might be a while; like a couple of hours; because technically this is not an emergency and we have a lot of calls to clear. Where do you live?"

"on 35 64 squirrel Rd."

"Thanks, and you try and have a better rest of your afternoon Ma'am."

"Okay, thank you very much,” Gina said.

She hung up the phone. She went into the kitchen to get a drink. She hoped she had not made a mistake by calling the police.  Having the cops come could be a good thing; finally, Ricky will see there are consequences for his actions; he will not just get away with everything. Could he go to jail? But she won't I won't let him. George Gina's husband of fourteen years arrived home. He came into the kitchen. Gina said hi to him and kissed him.

"How was golf with Ted?"

"Good, I'm a slight bit Rusty though. Where's Ricky?"

"His room, I think he is playing video games."

"Oh, I was just wondering. Ricky sure is quite."

George settled into the family room to read his latest issue of 9 1 1 Magazine. Gina put a pizza in the oven for dinner.

"Dad Chow time!” 

Ricky screamed as he had a seat at the table. George came and sat at the table.

"There was no need for you to scream for me Ricky, Anyways it's your turn to say grace."

"Do I have to?"

Yes" said Gina."

"Fine! rub a dub, dub, go God Let's eat I'm starving!" Ricky said, really fast.

He grabbed a piece of pizza. He steams shoveled it into his mouth, nearly choking on it.

"Ricky!" Gina shouted as she glared at him.

"What woman!" Ricky shouted back with a mouthful.

 "Don't talk to your mother like that and you know what."

"Okay all right, I get the picture. In the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, bless us o Lord, and these our gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen." That was the only formal dinner prayer he knew.

"People are you happy now?" Ricky said.

Neither George nor Gina responded to Ricky. They all had a rather quiet dinner. No one said much of anything at all. Quite dinners were nothing out of the ordinary for this family. Gina always tried to make it a priority for them to have nightly dinners together. But she wondered if they all were indeed together.

Yes, they were all sitting together at one table but were they together? They were all in their separate worlds; not engaging with one another. George was still reading his Magazine. Ricky was texting on his phone. And Gina, well she was lost in her thoughts just daydreaming mostly about Ricky and how her arm was still really hurting her.

After Ricky finished eating, he ran off and went to his room. A few moments later, George looked at his watch. He got up and got ready for work. When it was time to go, George said goodbye to Ricky and his wife. He had no idea what his wife and Ricky had done. Or that he would be back before his shift was over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2.

Official police business.

 

Once  George got to work, Detective Greevy asked to speak with him.

His expression hardened. “This may be hard to hear; we got a call from your wife. Alleging Your son hit her. You know we have to take this stuff seriously. I Would like you as my backup".

   George’s cheeks turned pink.  “You want me to arrest my son?"

" I want you to talk to them first, and see what is up. I talked it over with  Dickson , and we think it would be good for the boy if his father were to come out there."

"Do I have a choice, or is this in order?" he fidgeted with his wedding ring.  "No, you don't have a choice," Captain Dickson said; as he poked his head out of his office.

"Okay, then let's go," said George.

 They went off to George's house. George was not too pleased with having to go to his own home for Ricky. But he did agree that maybe him coming out there could make him behave better.

Back at home, Ricky came downstairs and was just about to leave out the front door. Gina grabbed him and said, "where in the world do you think you are going, young man? I told you, you were not going to  a  party tonight, especially at some kid's house I don't know."

"Get off me! Ricky jerked,  pushing her short petite body away from him.  I am going to that party tonight and will be back whenever.”

Gina stomped her bony foot. She stretched out her willowy arm and pointed  towards the staircase.   "I don't think so. You march your butt right upstairs.  You’re crazy you are not leaving this house”.  Gina stood in front of the door and folded her arms across her chest.  

No! Bitch, your not the boss of me",

"What did you just call me?

Ricky balled his fists. "Bitch bitch bitch!" He punched her right in the eye.

Gina keeled over and brought her hand to her face. She moved out of Ricky’s  way. Ricky was just about to walk out the door when he saw a cop car pulling up. He ducked back inside and ran upstairs to his room. Gina was stunned.

 “For God's sake, Ricky, how could you? How in the world am I going to hide a black eye? What will George think? What will anybody think?”  The

  doorbell rang.  Really; who the hell could that be? Gina Thought.Then she remembered about the police coming. She straighten up took a deep breadth, undid her messy ponytail and shook out her hair. The door bell rang again.

“One minute; I will be right there”, she shouted. She quickly threw her hair back into a ponytail and  answered the door. Upon doing so she  found one tall skinny man in a suit and tie  . and one chubby, pot bellied policeman standing there. Gina stepped out onto the front porch.

"Good evening Ms. I'm Detective Greevy, and this here is officer Mar, well you know this guy. ”  He turned slightly towards George.  “Jackson police; we got a call earlier, something about your son hitting you. Can you please tell us what happened?" They just stared at her. Especially, George, he was not expecting to see such a black eye.

"Did your son do that?"  Detective Greevy crossed his arms .

Gina was in such a daze from her son hitting her; she just stood there. She just realized that the cop standing there was her husband.

Gina just stood there with a blank look on her face.

"Hello! earth to Regina!" Shouted George. With a confused look on his face. "Did Ricky give you that black eye? When did this happen?".   

Gina heard the squeals and giggles of little girls. The neighbor kids,  who lived across the street were playing with a  garden hose , as their parents sat on the porch and watched.  Gina who cared far too much about what other people thought of her; worried about what the neighbors might think.  A police car parked out front and her on her front porch talking to two men, one a uniformed policeman.

 He did, in fact, he just punched me in the eye a few minutes ago. Is it that bad?  She turned to the door and stepped back in. “Y’all come on inside don't want any nosey neighbors spying on me now.  You can never know what they might think of me talking to some cops,” she said.  

George and Detective Greevy came inside the living room.  

“This whole mess started this morning,” Gina continued. "Ricky asked me if he could go to a party at some kid's house tonight. I told him no because I did not know this kid.” she yawned; covering her mouth with her hand.  “Excuse me,” she half mumbled.  George tugged at his shirt collar.  Gina continued. “I did not feel comfortable letting him go. He got mad. Her eyes filled with tears.  He punched  me right in the arm.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I was upset and didn't want anyone to find out, but I changed my mind and called y'all. Just not too long ago “Ricky was trying to leave and go to the party I think.”  Gina scratched her head.   I wanted to stop him. Tears ran down her cheeks she looked away. it all happened so fast, next thing I know; bam he punched  me in my eye.”

"Well, I want to talk to him right now! Is he upstairs?  George turned towards the stare case on the left  side of the room.  Ricardo Emanuel Martinez, you get your ass down here now! I need a word with you," he shouted.

Gina stood slightly behind George. "George, calm down it is all right I'll get him."

Detective Greevy turned slightly and crossed his arms. He was standing a bit back from George and Gina. He was just observing, but he was ready to help if anything happened.  

" George turned around and faced Gina . No, it's not all right Honey, Ricky does not have the right to place his hands on you. What Ricky did is wrong and a crime".

At first glance, Ricky would seem like an average teenager. He certainly did not look like a punk or the kind of kid that would go around beating up his mother. But of course, looks can be quite deceiving. Ricky was upstairs in his room. He started pacing back and fourth. He was furious about the cops being there. “Why the hell did she call the police? I didn't do nothing."

. He came out to see what all the commotion was about. Gina put her hand on the banister post and called up to Ricky, who was standing on the very top of the stairs.  "Come down here boy these very nice gentlemen want to talk to you,"

  Ricky’s face went blank for a split second, then he scowled and crossed his arms.  He pursed his lips.  Ricky said absolutely nothing he just flipped Gina the bird. “No! I don’t want to talk to nobody. Leave me a lone bitch and go to hell.”

George who was standing at the bottom of the staircase next to Gina could not believe what he was seeing and hearing. He just stood there for a few seconds. He sighed and  placed his hands on his hips. “Don't you talk to your mother like that, and why are you beating her up? You don't have the right to put your hands on anyone. He said.

Ricky did a double-take, couldn't believe what he just heard. “No way, that policeman sounded like Dad,  but it couldn't be, could it?”

Ricky stood on the top step and brushed his dark brown hair away from his hazel eyes to get a better look.  His face went white.

 "Are you okay, boy, it looks like you just saw a ghost," said George.

Ricky cracked his knuckles. “What the hell?”

He shifted from one foot to the other.  “Why are you here?"  

“I'm conducting official police business." Gina just stood there half in a daze.  Detective Greevy came over to Gina and lightly tapped her on the shoulder. “excuse me; ma'am can I please talk to you in the other room?"

Gina jumped slightly and turned. She  faced Detective Greevy .  “Okay, sure, that's fine we can talk in the kitchen if you like.”

“okay ma’am”   

They stood by the counter. Detective Greevy put  his back up against the counter and folded his arms across his chest. his forehead wrinkled.   

"Ricky hit you today?"

"yes  I'm quite sick of him using me as a punching bag!" Gina crossed her arms.

"Was anybody else here that could have seen him hit you."

"No, I was home alone  with him."

"Would you like to press charges, ma'am."

"Press charges? Her eyebrows rose. You mean, I have my son sent to jail.”

"Yes.” Detective Greevy crinkled his nose and his upper lip began to curl.  “if you press charges we would take your son to Jail."

"I was hoping by having you come here he would learn his lesson. No jail.”

Detective Greevy wondered what fantasy planet  this broad thought she was living on.  It would be great if all he had to do  was show up, and yell at people,  and they would magically change their ways. committing no more crimes. But he new that ninety-nine percent of the time it took a lot more then a stern talking to get people to change their ways.  Having three teenagers of his own he new  that teens need more then a stern talking to. They need  structure, discipline, and consequences.

" He rested his hand on his hip. I feel like just our presence here is not enough to get through to your son. But there is one thing. This program called straighten up; it is specifically for at-risk youth. Your son would get to experience jail just for a full twenty-four hours without getting a criminal record. Your son is a prime candidate for it. Is this something you would be interested in?"

"No, don't take my son. She gave him a dirty look; a look of fear swept across her face. She was in total denial.  “I should have never called. My son is not a bad person."

 Detective Greevy glanced up at the ceiling. People like her really piss him off. Does this broad really think what her son did is acceptable behavior and no further action is needed. No wonder this kid is out of control, he slapped his forehead and shook his head; he took a deep breadth raised his head and continued . That’s fine if you don’t want to press charges. Well we are going to talk with your son anyways and see what is going on. Now I won't lie to you there's  a very  good chance we will arrest him  tonight."

She fought back the tears. Oh, Really, but why? If I don't want to press  charges."

"Well for starters, because of your black eye I have probable cause to believe that the crime of domestic assault was committed. You told me yourself that your son hit you; also I noticed that you have a bruise on your arm. It looks to me like a fist made it. I highly doubt you punched yourself in the face and the arm ma'am. Please don't take me for a fool. As a sworn officer of the law, I have to uphold the law. It is illegal for your son or anybody for that matter, to hit or punch you hard enough to leave a mark".

Ricky was still standing at the top of the stairs with his hands on his hips. Head cocked to the right; wishing his dad at the bottom would go away.

"are you going to talk to me or not son cause I am not leaving here until we have a little chat," said George.  

He stood at the bottom of the stairs with his back straight, arms crossed, and feet wide.

"Yo, you on crack! What if I don't want to talk to a fucking Dick like you?"

"Then we will have problems."

"Dad, please go away! I don't want to talk to you. I have nothing to say about mom except she crazy bat shit crazy."

Ricky was hoping he could convince his dad to sweep this whole mess under the rug. He had no such luck. George could have cared less that Ricky was his son right then. He had already decided to treat him like any other kid he could encounter on a call like this.

"What you know about your mother having a black eye?"

Ricky looked down; wouldn't look George straight in the face. He shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Nothing! I didn't do it."

George instinctively put his hand on his weapon.

"So, you know nothing of why we are here tonight. It is obvious that something happened; your mother has a pretty good purple shiner on her right eye, and you are saying nothing is going on. How did she get it? She did not give it to herself. Did she?"

Still not looking up at him, Ricky said, "I don't know; she fell and hit her face."

"She is claiming you gave it to her. And you know what I believe her; this is not my first rodeo son. Come here! With his index finger he pointed at the ground by his feet.   Can you please take your hands out of your pockets?"

"Why? Ricky looked George dead in the eyes. You're not the boss of me!” He shouted

" George stared back at Ricky. “Take your hand out of your pockets. You may have weapons."

 Ricky rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure I got a glock thirty-two handgun in my pocket okay whatever," Ricky mumbled under his breath. Ricky noticed George had his hand on what seemed to be his gun; probably ready to draw if he needed to. He wouldn’t draw his gun on me I’m his son for god sake. But I did just say something about having a gun.

 A look of fear came a cross Ricky’s face.  Ricky removed his hands from his  pockets.  He put his hands up. His palms facing George. “see I have nothing”. 

George relaxed a bit and removed his hand from his taser. Ricky came down the stairs with his hands still up.  He  thought he could make a run for it and leave out the front door; he did not believe George would do anything. Ricky noticed

 Detective Greevy was  standing  in the door way of the kitchen facing the living room, He was quite tall and slender.  He was standing with  his right arm straight out leaning on the door frame. He was chewing on a toothpick. he was just watching; in case George needed help he could jump in  at moment notice.   Ricky turned towards the door, but George grabbed him by the arm and said: "where you think you're going?"

Gina stood just to the right of Detective Greevy with her back against the wall with her left foot propped up on the wall. Gina’s eyes widened.  

George was behind Ricky.  He gave him a tug, nothing. So George. grabbed both of Ricky’s wrists firmly and pulled his hands behind his back.

George steered him over to the wall by the front door and pushed his face up against it. Not roughly but firmly; he had his knee between his legs, so Ricky had nowhere to go.  He ordered Ricky to step back.

 "why are you doing this to me, Dad?” Ricky pleaded. 

George did not answer; he just ordered Ricky to step back again; pinching and pulling his hands a little bit at the same time; Not abusively, only making his point. Although he wasn't yelling, there was a no-nonsense kind of bite to his  voice. The tone of George's voice scared Ricky, and he complied. George tapped Ricky's foot with his foot and said, "spread your feet."

Ricky obeyed, he was off balance; his chest was leaning against the wall, and his feet spread; Ricky was feeling pretty helpless. He begged him to stop and let him go. Ignoring him, George told him to keep his hands behind his back.

 He let go of his left arm for a moment, and of course, Ricky tried pulling it away. George was practically expecting that; caught it almost immediately, but this time, Ricky felt something more than just his hand; he felt something cold and hard.

He finally figured out what was coming, but he was too scared and shocked to resist. Using his left-hand George brought the cuff down on his right wrist; Ricky felt a momentary sharp pain as the cuff rotated around his wrist bone and caught. George then seized Ricky's left hand with his right hand and applied the other cuff to his left wrist. By this time, Ricky was in tears; not sobbing uncontrollably, but crying.

Gina, couldn't believe what she saw . Did her husband just put handcuffs on their son and treat him like a criminal? She wanted to go over there and pull her husband off him and tell him to let her baby go; that this was all a big misunderstanding and a mistake, their son was not a criminal. But she decided that it would not be too smart to interfere with an official police officer on duty. Tears spilled onto her cheeks.  

Ricky wondered what would've happened if he had tried to fight his dad. He was pretty sure that the cuffing part would have come out the same way if he had fought back; only that his dad would have probably used force and he could have accidentally injured him. Being an avid watcher of the TV series cops; Ricky had an idea of what it can look like when you fight the police and It certainly did not look fun. He did not want to get maced, tased or worse shot.  Ricky felt his heart skip a beat as he felt George tighten the handcuffs; not too tight to cause injury, but tight enough that Ricky could not turn his wrist around in them.

George held on to Ricky’s arm.  “Do you have anything on you that will cut, stick, or poke me in any way?"

"Nope," said Ricky as he giggled a little.

"This is no joke, Ricky. I don't know why you're laughing. if I get stuck with anything, I will not be too happy, and neither will you."

"I swear I have nothing."

 George placed his had into Ricky’s hoodie pocket.  “Oh, gosh yuck disgusting;  he got a little green around the gills . why you have a rotten sandwich in your hoodie pocket.  he scrunched up his face in disgust. “It smells like I don't even know; It just stinks man."

   "Oh, that was my lunch from three days ago; I think it is or was tuna fish. I forgot that was in there."

"First a rotten sandwich. Now a banana peel; come on, you one strange kid indeed. Well, I will have to say this is the first time I've ever pulled a rotten sandwich and a banana peel from someone's pockets, George said with a chuckle.”

  

After George was done searching Ricky Detective Greevy came up to George and tapped him on the shoulder. George new exactly what that meant; he wanted to talk.  

"Ricky,  please have a seat on the couch. Me and  Detective Greevy need to talk."

George and Detective Greevy stepped a few feet away from where Ricky was sitting not wanting him to hear their conversation.

  A feeling of dread crept up from the pit of Ricky’s stomach. His legs started shaking uncontrollably, and his heart started beating a mile a minute; the thought of going to jail terrified him to death. But of course, he would never admit it.

George placed his hands on his hips. “What’s up?”

"Gina did not want to press charges, that’s whats up. Detective Greevy loosened his tie and pulled at his shirt collar. “Get this” he slapped his hand on his thigh and slightly chuckled  “she thinks if we just give Ricky a stern talking to. He will magically behave, maybe even become a saint.” He chuckled again.

His expression dulled.  "She decided she doesn't even want our help anymore. She is sorry she even called .His forehead wrinkled and his eyebrows arched inward. “Now no offense to your wife but people like her drive me mad”.   He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

George shifted his weight from one foot to the other. And crossed his arms  

“No one was home during the assault  Detective Greevy continued.  So no witness. But due to her visible injuries, we could arrest Ricky for assault; domestic, and let the courts take care of it. Or he could be placed in the straighten up program, but parental permission is needed, and your wife  does not want Ricky to be taken. I'm asking you this as a parent, not as a policeman."

"George looked up at the ceiling; his eyes welled up.  “I would Just arrest him." If she doesn't want our help, what can we do? Besides from what I've seen here tonight Ricky needs a serious dose of reality; I truly believe he thinks everything is a joke, but let's see who's laughing when he has to go before judge and answer to assault charges."

" Okay, but are you certain; cause as you know once   charges are filed   you can't un-file them."

"George looked Detective Greevy right in the eyes. Absolutely; this is for his good."

"Okay, then if you want to arrest then arrest him, I will support your decision one hundred percent."

George turned to Ricky. "let's go, Ricky;  You're under arrest for assault on your mother.

Detective Greevy turned to George. “looks like you got this all under control do you really need me to stay?

“No not really. why?”

Detective Greevy pushed up his suit jacket sleeve and looked at his watch. “Well I kind of promised my wife Penelope I would  try my best to be home early tonight, her parents are visiting from Georgia.”   

“Okay you go I will be fine.

“ Detective Greevy smiled. “Thanks so much George, I  owe you one” he said as  he patted George on the back and left.

 George grabbed Ricky's arm and pulled him to his feet. He looked at Ricky with a smug smile. “your seventeen now right? “

Huh? come on Dad ; you now how old I am. Remember we just celebrated my Birthday last Saturday. We went to the Olive Garden.”  

“Do you know what that means?

what?  That I had a birthday?  so what!  what does that have to do  with anything?

            George face palmed. Not your birthday!. You being seventeen.

Huh? Ricky looked up.

“You really don’t?”  George shook his head.  He looked up and continued.  That means in the eyes of the law son your old enough to go to Jail.

  “ I know, juvie. So?

George face palmed again. What did I just say? Did I say juvie?

 Ricky tilted his head to the side and paused. “Jail?  

George started at him briefly. “Bingo!”

Ricky’s face glistened with sweat. Terror flashed in his eyes. “Jail, jail real big boy jail”. Ricky never imagined that. He figured he would go to juvie. Why he was not old enough to go to real jail?  The color drained from his face. “Jail.” his chest rose  and fell with rapid breaths. You mean jail jail grown up jail.

George Snorted trying to hold back laughter. He cleared his throat. “Winner winner chicken dinner. Yup your going to Jackson County.”

“But, But I’m not old enough to go there? I’m still a kid ?

“A kid?”  George let out a big deep belly laugh.  But I thought you were grown and could do what ever you wanted.”

Ricky scowled.

 “No buts about it.  According to the state of Mississippi. you are  old enough. you are going to jail.  you will be booked in to the Jackson county Detention Center. And like it or not you will be an inmate.”     

Ricky's whole body went numb. His knees buckled a little.

“ George pulled Ricky forward. “Come on stop messing around.”

“I've got to be dreaming; Wake up, man I've got to wake up to end this nightmare.”  Ricky suddenly  screamed “Ouch!" George looked at him strangely. "What is your problem, kid?"

  Ricky look up at George."I wanted to see if I was dreaming or awake, so I pinched myself on my hand. I'm definitely awake. Man, that hurt".

"what are we going to do with you, Ricky, of course, your awake. Waite did you think you were in a dream. Nope, this is real life.”

 Ricky  saw his mother standing in the doorway.

He scowled "Why are you doing this to me; you bitch.  I never did anything to your stupid ass,"

Gina who was chewing on her cuticle looked up but not directly at Ricky.  “I never wanted this; this is all just you know a mistake,"

 " Rick rolled his eyes. “A mistake? You called the police,” his mouth snapped shut. He clenched his jaw and a muscle twitched . 

 Gina stood there nibbling on her bottom lip.  She frowned, her eyes  were wet. Tears began to spill on to her checks. She wiped them away with her hand. “I…….I” she stuttered I…. never wanted you to get arrested.

Ricky pressed his lips together. “Then why did you call the cops, and tel them I hit you. You know I am going to jail, jail. not youth detention, but real jail because I am seventeen, and apparently  at seventeen you go to jail not youth detention.”     

“I didn't want you to go to jail”. Gina Looked at George and gave him a dirty look. “But I have no control of this situation. Her upper lip curled. why did you hit me in the first place.”

By this time George was fed up with Ricky, Gina, and the whole dam situation. He just wanted to make the arrest and move on. He figured he better get Ricky out of there before he started world war three with Gina.

 . "Come on”, He jerked Ricky foreword. lets go. Not even one word to your mother. George stopped and looked at Gina. He pressed his finger onto Gina’s lips .  Don't even say one word to me. I don't want to hear it,” He continued on his way.  

Ricky suddenly  jerked back trying to get away from George; who was holding his arm pretty tightly. “ com on Ricky; knock it off.”  George took Ricky's cuffed hands and pulled them straight up into the air; causing Ricky to have to bend way over at the waist; only being able to look at the ground. This position was very uncomfortable and awkward for Ricky. George steered Ricky straight up against the wall and placed his hand on his back.  He leaned foreword, and whispered into Ricky’s ear.”Who is the boss of you now?” he snickered, then smirked.  “I guess I am “.    Ricky kicked the wall; he did not want to go to jail.

"Chill out! Relax!  because once you get to jail, this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.

 all Ricky heard was blah ,blah blah.  He could not have possibly cared less about what George had to say.  He was very upset, and  angry about everything that had happened to him.

"Get off me; let me go, I don’t want to go to jail.

"George took a deep breadth; to calm himself. Ricky was really  starting to make his blood boil. “I don't give a rats ass  if you don't want to go to jail. your going tonight!,“

Suddenly Ricky started kicking towards George. George grabbed his leg. " Don’t you dare kick me young man. He let go of Ricky’s leg and it fell  to the ground.  “Lets go”. he yank Ricky forward.  Ricky shuffled his Feet hardly moving at all . George Gave Ricky a dirty Look. “Come“on walk!”  He started dragging him.“lets go I don’t have all day Boy,” George shouted.

Gina turned; she went limp and crumpled onto the floor. She  started sobbing. This is not what I wanted she screamed.her hands squeezed into fits. She punched the floor.   

George Brought Ricky to his police car out front. He had had him sit in the back.  Ricky lost his mind, he went nuts. He took in a deep breath then blue out his cheeks. Ricky was furious  his face reddened.  George was just about to get in the car when he heard a thump, and then a crash that  sounded like braking glass. He looked back. A vane popped out in his neck. George’s  face twisted and contorted in anger. “oh shit!” his back side side window was shattered.  I’ve  fixen’ to have that crack in my  back side window fixed for some time now. George shook his head. Why did I put if off for so long?  Ricky had managed to kick  out the window in a fit of rage. Fear and panic swept threw his veins. George came racing over. He shook his head in disgust. “what did you do? What is wrong with you?"

Ricky growled and snarled. His face flushed. “Nothing!” he shouted. 

 "You need to take a chill pill boy. You know; by you doing all of this nonsense and being a freaken’ idiot ,you now have more charges; for vandalizing a police car. You need to wipe that smirk off your face boy. George’s  face turned as red as a tomato.  He was madder then an old wet hen. He bounced on the balls of his feet and shook out  his hands dangling at his sides; trying hard to calm  before he continued.   “before I come in there and knock that smirk off your face  clear to Timbuktu.”  

Ricky’s face went blank ." he leaned foreword and  hocked a loogie right  in his dad's face. George jerked back. He wiped his face with his hand.

“Disgusting” uttered George.

Ricky chuckled.

George crossed his arms and tapped his foot Really? he shouted.

The next thing Ricky knew was he was on the ground face first. Ricky grunted as he felt his dad put his knee on his back.

"Now Ricky, I don't know what your gal darn problem is. Why you think everything is a freaking joke; you need to learn you can't just do whatever you want, there are consequences for your actions; well you are going to find that out the hard way."

" Ricky moaned.  Shut up dad I don't want to hear your goddam lecture. Ricky was getting sick of lying on the ground with his father's knee in his back; he'd only been lying there for a few minutes, but to him, it felt like hours. ‘

“Can I up  Get now? Ricky pleaded.

George’s face glistened with sweat. "No, you just stay on the ground and chill out,"

"  Ricky felt defeated. Dad can you please at least remove your god damn knee off my back? He asked.

"Nope, you just lay there and be quiet. I have another unit coming to transport you to jail, cause I can't use my car cause you decided you wanted to be a little shit and brake out the window.

Ricky was over come with anger. "Why are you doing this to me? You're an ass; that's why you did this to me, he shouted.

"You did this to yourself, Ricky, you dictated everything that wen”—

"Oh please, take your god damn speeches and shove them where the sun don't shine, I don't care,"

George was over come with a flood of emotions.  He never thought his son would act this way. He felt he raised him better than that. He was now confident he made the right decision to arrest Ricky.  not just have him sent  to the straighten up program.

Ricky was finally quite . He hadn’t made a peep for at least  five minutes . George  figured he must have chilled out. ."hay Ricky; are you going to follow my instructions? He asked removing his knee from Ricky’s back.”

Ricky did not want to fight anymore he was mentally and emotionally exhausted. "Yeah, sure, he” replied.

"Yes or no? Are you going to listen to me?  George grabbed a lock of Ricky’s hair and yanked his head back slightly.

" Ricky twitched in startlement. “Yes, I'll do whatever you want,”  he said in a soft gentle tone.

"Okay, but remember kid if you go back on your word, then I go back on mine, and we'll be right back where we started."

 George let go of Ricky’s hair. Ricky lowered his head to the ground.

George told Ricky to roll over onto his side, and he helped him sit up on his butt. He had Ricky scoot back and lean up against his patrol car, and kick his legs out in front of him and cross his ankles. Ricky complied with no problems. Ricky was so glad he was not lying on the ground with his father's knee in his back anymore.

Another car arrived on scene to transport Ricky, the officer got out of the car. Ricky gave him a once over. This cop was quite scrawny looking. He had a shaven head; probably in an attempt to look more tough. Ricky  was surprised at how young this officer looked. Ricky smiled, he was sure this cop would be a pushover so he had nothing to worry about.

  The officer went  and talked to George briefly, and then came over where Ricky was sitting.

He crouched down. He smiled. "You must be Ricky”,

Ricky looked up with a scowl. "Yeah, what's it to you!"

"I'm Officer Pancake." Ricky busted out laughing. Officer Pancke’s mouth set in a hard. line .Ricky shivered as Officer Pancake’s eyes seemed to penetrate  right into his soul. “My last name really is Pancake”. He continued.  officer Ronald pancake. So get over it and move on Kid, I'm here to transport you to jail.” He Stood. “I heard you were not doing everything that was asked of you. And that you like spitten’, gross!   well, you're going to do everything I ask, right?"  no spitten’?” Ricky chuckled and gave a lopsided grin "Yes, officer pancake," .
Officer pancake gave Ricky a dirty look . He crossed his arms over he chest. "Okay first off you can cut the sarcastic crap; we all know my last name is pancake get over it son. Now I came here to do a job, and I can do that job the easy way or the hard way. “Now,” he rubbed the stubble on his chin. I believe I'm a nice guy, so here's what I'll do, I'll let you pick; easy way or the hard way."

Awe transformed Ricky face. He froze.  He was not expecting this scrawny, baby-faced cop with the name pancake to present himself this way.

"Tick-tock," said officer Pancake as he looked at his watch; times up, I'll choose, and I choose the hard way," he said when Ricky did not respond.

Officer Pancake looked at George. "Hey officer Martinez I need some assistance over here. Ricky looked up at Officer Pancake wide eyed.

"Wait! I choose, and I choose easy, I will follow every order you give me."

Ricky was not about to find out what he meant by the hard way; especially if he was going to need the assistance of another cop — two people against one; never a good thing.

" Officer pancake grinned. ”So, you finally decided to choose, and you pick easy, why thank you; you want to make my job easier tonight. Never mind officer Martinez; I've got this all under control"

George smiled. He flashed Officer pancake the okay sign. Then a thumbs up.

"Okay Ricky, I'm going to help you stand up; bring your legs up to your chest and push up as I pull," said Officer Pancake.  

He pulled Ricky up; this made Ricky happy for he was tired of sitting on the ground. He had Ricky sit in the back of his squad car and buckled him in. Ricky was very tired and felt very broken. Ricky had never been in trouble with the law before.  The fact he was going to big boy Jail really messed with his head and freaked the shit out of him.   not knowing what to expect was making him worry; so much he was starting to get a stomach ache; he tried not to think about it, but that was a lot easier said than done

.

 

CHAPTER

5

             The days went by slowly, but finally, it was Monday the day of Ricky's court hearing to determine if he could go home or if he would have to stay in youth detention.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.

Lets Talk.

 

George understood why Gina had to do what she did, upset about her attitude when the detective and himself came out;. He stopped for a red light. He begin rubbing his temples. Abruptly; George herd  Beeeeep! George Jumped.   The light had turned green. “Geesh, man  what the heck is your rush. I’m going, I”m going.”   George could not figure out why Gina  would call the police and then decide that she wants nothing done. “does she really think that the police are just there to discipline people's children?” The fact that he had to arrest his son is not something George enjoyed or will soon likely forget.

George pulled in the driveway. it was late, but he decided to talk with his wife.  George walked into the house.  "Regina, we need to talk," he shouted.

Gina was lying on the couch reading a book. She jumped and sat straight up; her book falling to the ground. “What are you yelling for”. she  yawned.  " Talk About what?"

"About Ricky, that's what, Said George.

"What's there to talk about, Gina rubbed her eyes. “he hit me I called the police, to come to speak to him and possibly frighten him and get him to change his attitude. She crossed her arms.   I never wanted him arrested at all. But it was too late I guess.  she unfolded her arms and placed her hands in her lap. and you arrested him anyway, and that is that my baby boy is sitting in jail tonight. I thought we had this all settled.” 

" George sat down in his favorite oversized, ultra plush lazy boy chair.  just wish you would have talked to me about all this before calling the police."

“You would have just brushed it off as nothing. I did not know what else to do. I did not want you; she emphasize the word you; to come out here. Don't you know Ricky has been acting out for quite some time, but then you would not know that you're never home, because if you were, you would understand that Ricky hits me all the time!"

"If Ricky hits you all the time then why would you be against him being arrested? Maybe by sitting in jail Ricky will learn that is where people who beat up other people, carry drugs, spit on people and damage property go and it ain't a place he wants to be."

"Wait a minute," said Gina with a confused look on her face. "Back this buss up a minute, drugs? Spitting on people? Damaging property? What? What are you talking about?"

"Oh, yeah you weren't there. A lot happened with Ricky when I  left. First off when I  put him in my car he got angry I guess, and he kicked out my backside car window. So, I went to talk to him, and he spits right in my face. apparently at the jail;  they found  a baggie of marijuana in one of his shoes  “Really, Not my child, not Ricky drugs?   you need to be home more George. Gina crossed her legs. You would know how to handle his sassy attitude. As for me, I try, but I am just too reserved, and I am a pushover, and he knows it. He knows he can intimidate me more. You would not be intimidated by his crap; like I saw this evening, you put him in his place. but you are never home you are always working."

“Well, I have to work late. Also, I don't see what all the fuss is about. You called the police and reported that your son had hit you, that is assault. We come and find out, yes indeed the crime of assault was committed and by whom and decide to make an arrest.  George laid back in his chair and put his hand behind  his head.  He yawned.   what did you want us to do? Anyways  I think I  made the right decision.

"  Gena looked over at George. “I don't know.” She shrugged.  yell at him and tell him to be have or else.

George leaned forward and  smacked his forehead  with his hand .  "Jeez, Gina, he  gave her a dirty look. he crossed his arms  you really  think it is the police's job to discipline your child. Ah, we have way better and  more Important things to do.

“Well,  she scowled at George. I did not want my son arrested. My poor little boy is sitting in jail tonight”, her eyes filled with tears. She quickly stood up.  it’s late. I ‘m tired. good night.  she she proceeded to go up stairs. George got up and  followed.  He was about to come int the  bedroom but Gina was standing in the doorway blocking him   “what do you think your doing?” She said.

“I am going to bed this is my bedroom too”.

 Gina rubbed her temples she crossed her arms It’s  it’s all your fault she said as she slammed the bedroom door and locked it.

"Regina, come on really? I wish I would not have had to arrest my son. But I did, and it is what it is".

"Don't call me that you know I don't like being called Regina.".

 The door opened, and a pillow and blanket went flying out the room hitting George right in the kisser; as the door slammed shut and locked.

"Come on let's just go to bed. I did not intend to make you mad honey."

"Just leave me alone please. I am going to bed you can go to bed somewhere else. Like your chair,  the couch where ever. good bye and good night. 

George scooped up the pillow and blanket and muddled down the stairs to the living room and slept in his chair. The next morning when he woke his back was as stiff as an ironing board. After he dragged himself up  and stretched; he found Gina sitting at the kitchen table drinking some coffee. She looked at him.

"Good morning I would have woke you, but you were sleeping so soundly I did not want to bother you. I am sorry about last night. I am just stressed out about Ricky, I never imagined Ricky getting arrested.

"No, Honey I am the one who should be sorry. I came home yelling at you. It is just that I feel at a loss with Ricky I don't know where I missed all this acting out crap.”

George grabbed a coffee mug from the counter and poured  himself  some coffee; hot strong and black just the way he liked it.

“When did he go from a cute innocent little boy to a teenage delinquent?” he had a seat at the kitchen table; across from Gina.  He reached  across the table, placing  his  hand gently on top of Gina’s hand beside her coffee cup.” all I know is we need to stay united for Ricky's sake,” he said as he gently patted her hand.

 "So now what do we do?" Asked Gina.

Well because of his age.  He is under eighteen he will not get bail.  He will have wait to see a judge. we will have to see what a judge says. But Ricky was charged with Criminal mischief class B because the damage to the police cruiser was more than fifty dollars. Domestic assault for hitting you. Assault on police for spitting at me, and probably simple possession for the weed.  He could get one-year , and or a ten- thousand dollar fine.  there is no other criminal history I think the likely hood of that is very slim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 4.

Court.

             The days went by slowly, but finally, it was  the day of Ricky's court hearing to determine if he could go home or if he would have to stay in Jail.

Ricky wanted to go home and put this whole nightmare behind him. He  entered into the courtroom with a forced smile upon his face; trying to hide the fact that he was absolutely  terrified. He had never been inside a real courtroom. The closest  he ever came to seeing a courtroom was on T.V.

He was dressed in his orange Jailhouse issued uniform, shackles,  belly -chain ,handcuffs and cheap orange sandals  that he barely was able to keep on his feet. The room was tinier than he expected after  watching  numerous movies and courtroom dramas.

It seemed to be a little more then two sets of wooden benches on either side of a walkway with each terminating at some kind of fence. Beyond those fences were two worn tables each with a pair of wooden chairs. Ricky proceeded beyond the fence  to one of the worn tables and had a seat next to his court  appointed lawyer.   

Looking down on everyone  was a raised podium with a lower one to its right.   The room was unoccupied other then him and his lawyer. This was the first time Ricky was meeting him. He glanced over at him. He had auburn short  curly hair  He was wearing khaki trousers, suspenders and a button down white shirt with  a star wars tie. He sounded much older on the phone.   Ricky saw his parents come in the courtroom.   They had a seat on the second row of benches behind him on the other side of  the fence.  

Then a older, slightly gray haired  Gentleman; wearing a three piece  suit came in.  He  came through the fence and sat at the other worn table  to the left of were Ricky and his lawyer sat.      

A man in a law enforcement uniform of some kind came in from a side doorway.  He stood in  front of   the raised podium  and said, “ Court is now in session.  All Rise, the honorable  Judge, Samuel  Anderson, presiding.

Everyone stood and  the judge came in from the side-door and had a seat  behind the raised podium.

 Ricky gave the judge a once over. He thought  he was a dinosaur. He was an older gentleman, but not quite a dinosaur, but he did look quite a bit older then his age.  He were coke bottle black framed glasses.  He was very short,  bony,  with snow white hair and  do to a medical condition he walked with limp in his right leg.   

 “You may be seated,” he said, and Everyone sat.

 Now  Judge Anderson was known for being tough but fair;

“Let the record sate that this is  a preceding to determine if Ricardo  should  stay here in  detention, or get sent to an outside rehabilitation facility or get sent home on probation”.   

    “Okay you may proceed Mr. McCoy , said Judge Anderson.”

Mr. McCoy got up and stood by the Lower podium to the right of the judge .

"I would like to call the mother to the stand. Please come and have a seat up here Mrs. Martinez."  

Gina got up and came forward and had a seat. 

"Do you think Ricky has an anger problem."

"No not really, he sometimes gets angry when he can't get his way," said Gina.

 "Would you like to have Ricky come home with you?"

"I'm not quite sure.  She started fidgeting with her wedding ring. She looked up.   Part of me does, but then again I am afraid sometimes in my own house of my own son which is not right. But I think deep down Ricky is a good kid, I believe.  I am just an overprotective mother. I need to give him more space then he will not need to get upset with me".

"Is this the first-time Ricky has hit you, asked Mr. McCoy?"

 Gina wiped her eyes; she was getting teary-eyed thinking about Ricky.

Gina did not want to answer. She began to pick at a hang nail  Of course, she knew she could not lie under oath. But if she told the truth, it would make Ricky look bad something she did not want  what to do. She was in denial, she could not come to believe her son would physically abuse her; she did not want her son to go to jail but, she knew she had to answer something.

" she raised her head ,Yes, in the face,"

  Ricky has hit you other places? Mr. McCoy scratched temple. But just not in the face?"

"well technically yes but nothing as bad as this that I felt the need to call the police.” 

"No further questions your honor."  Mr. McCoy returned back to his

seat.

"I have some questions for you, Mrs. Martinez," said Mr. Ruck, Ricky's court-appointed lawyer as he stood up

"How is Ricky doing in school?"

"He is doing fine, no reports of misbehaving at school and last quarter he was on the honor roll."

"Has he ever been in any legal trouble before."

"No."

" Mr. Ruck wiped his finger under his nose.   There have never been any police reports filed on your son. And the police have never been out to your house before for any reason correct. 

“correct"

"So, overall Ricky is a good kid and not a threat to you or anybody else, and he just got angry and made a poor decision."

"Yes”, Gina was tugging her earlobe.  “This whole thing was just a misunderstanding,” 

"That is all I have your honor,”said Mr. Ruck as he sat down.

"I would like to call Mr. Martinez. McCoy stood up abruptly.  or should I say, Officer Martinez”,   

       George got up, lumbering down the little walkway.  He had a seat at the little podium.  Mr. McCoy came  out from behind the table. He started pacing back and forth with long strides.  "Would you like Ricky to return home with you?" He asked.

" George folded his hands and rested them in his lap jut under his belly. “No, I want Ricky removed from the home; I just don't feel my wife would be safe at home alone with him there. I work a lot; I work third shift, and she is home alone with him a lot."

 Ricky  eyes filled with tears as he heard that. He started fidgeting with the handcuffs on his wrist.  

"Now I see that you were the arresting officer. Now let's pretend for a second  you did not know Ricky at all , what did you think of Ricky's behavior that night you were called out to his home?"

"Terrible just terrible. A line etched between Georges brows.  Ricky was disagreeable, violent, stubborn, messy, mean, selfish and impulsive."

"Violent? Did he hit you or any officers with you?"

"No, his eyebrows rose. but he did kick out the window of the police car. And he decided to spit in my face".

"Have you ever witnessed Ricky Hitting your wife before?"

"No, but now that I think of it in the last couple of months my wife has had a lot of bruises, but she kept telling me they were nothing that she tripped or something.”Tears shimmered in his eyes.” but now I don't know maybe Ricky did  gave them to her."

"Thank you, Mr. Martinez. That is all the questions I have for you."  

   George stepped down and returned to his seat. 

"I have some questions for Ricky. Ricky looked up surprise   Would you please have a seat up here", said Judge Anderson.

Ricky came forward; he moved carefully because of the the shackles he wore on his feet.  He sortof shuffle and scoffed his feet; not wanting to take too big of strides and fall.  his shoulders  were slouched do to the handcuffs and belly chain  that kept his hands no higher then his navel.   He fidgeted with the handcuffs on his wrists. Gina Glanced at Ricky from head to toe. Only now did she now noticed he was shackled and handcuffed. She couldn't believe it; never in a million years did she picture this for her son. This was not how she envisioned his future.

  "Why did you hit your mother?" Asked Judge Anderson.

"Because she made me mad, she told me I could not go to a party at  this kids  house. She never lets me do anything, and she is so mean," replied Ricky.

"Mean? Does she beat you, verbally abuse you or make you go hungry? Does she harm you in any way shape or form?"

"No sir she does not."

"Then tell me; how she is mean?"

"Because she does not let me do what I want to do and always wants to know what I am doing, I feel I am a pretty good kid, and I try to stay out of trouble.

“Wait, how old are you again?” 

"seventeen."

"Right, you are only seventeen years old. You live at home with your mother and father, correct. Judge Anderson crossed his arms.

“Correct.:

 Do you  have a job

 Judge Anderson rubbed his chin.

 “no” replied Ricky

“I didn’t think so.”

I bet you don’t have to pay rent. do you?

Ricky smiled nope.

I bet your parents pay for your food.

Yup, said Ricky with a smug smile.  

 Ricky, I want you to  think about where you would be without your parents.   

you don't make the rules you are not grown yet  When you are grown.  Have a job, pay for rent  and food,  and can financially take care of your self. then you can do whatever you want. until then you mind your parents."

"why won't people just leave me be.  I don't steal, or mess with  people," Ricky screamed.

Ricky looked at Gina. She was crying “ Please don't cry I am very sorry for hitting you, and I did not mean to harm you. Ricky started crying crocodile tears. Please, can I come home I promise  will not hurt you I love you."

 “   Ricky stop with the tears. How many times have I heard that before. If  you're sorry then why do you do  the same thing again and again? Sorry is just an over-abused word. When will you learn that just saying I ‘m sorry can't and will not fix all of you actions,” Replied Gina,

Ricky began getting agitated, and he began to yell “don't you love me if you did  you would not have called the cops on me bitch. Remember you are not the boss of me, I am the boss of myself and don't give a dam what anyone thinks I do whatever I please."

"Sit down this instant young man!" Said, Judge Anderson.

" Ricky face turned red.  No! You're not the boss of me either. I can do what I want."

"  the judge was out raged by  Ricky’s behavior. We will see about that. Ricky if you can't or won't behave in my courtroom, then we will continue this proceeding without you. Bailiff, please remove the defendant; and keep your eye on him. Mr. Ruck, your client, is no longer needed for any more testimony. You can stay if you wish, but Ricky is no longer welcome to attend this hearing. However, he will be needed to be present when I make my final ruling.  Now, Mr. and Mrs. Martinez, shall we proceed. would you be willing to take full care and custody of Ricky if I were to release him "

"As for me," said George "I am sad to say this, but no I don't want him to return home. I think he will learn nothing if we bring him home. I feel that my wife would be in danger. Obviously, he has anger issues, and my wife can't seem to handle him. She is home alone a lot with him. I work a lot. So no as much as this hurts us, we are not willing to take full care and custody of Ricky. I really hope Ricky can get some help for his anger get into some program or something."

"What! Gina looked at George, she gave him a very dirty look.   You never talked to me!"

"You be quiet!" Said, George. "It's just I believe this is the last straw for Ricky. If we don't intervene soon, we will lose him for sure." Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Martinez, for your thoughts. The court will take into consideration your feelings on this matte . Okay, Bernard, you can let Ricky back in I am ready to rule. Ricky, are you going to behave now?"

"Yes, Your Honor”, I will behave, Ricky said as he had a seat.

"Now after talking with your parents and after some serious deliberation”, 

 Judge Anderson took a deep breath, he continued, “I just don’t know what to do with you Ricky .  you had  a clean criminal record. until now But you seem to have this cocky attitude about you that you can do no wrong  and no one can tell you no. That the world revolves around you; Ricky Martinez, well let me tell you something kid the world revolves around the sun not you”.

Judge Anderson picked up his  water glass setting beside him and took a drink. He looked up at the ceiling and paused their  deep in thought. after about a second or two he put the glass down and continued.

“I would love to throw the book at you kid and lock you up and throw away the key. But I believe that would do you no dam good. You are still young, and I believe you have some good in you, way deep down, and you just need to find it.  You're never going to find it sitting here in kiddie Jail,  plus we do not have the resources for the individual attention that I think you need.  I believe you have it in you to change given the right environment. I have decided not to release you into your parent's custody. Ricky, who at this point was emotionally numb; did not give a crap about what Judge Anderson had to say or thought about him. But  when he heard not being released into your parent’s custody he went berserk. He was certain he was going home. “What!” he shouted.

“Excuse me?” Said Judge Anderson.

“I’m not going home.”

“Would you please let me finish, now where was I ,after you so rudely interrupted  oh ya like I said I have decided not to release you into your parent's custody. Instead, I feel like If I release you back into the same environment you will not change so  I am placing you into the care of Andy and Ashley Richmond. They take in court-ordered teens and provide the much-needed attention and discipline in a caring, secure structured environment at their detention home in Mapleville Iowa. Would the defendant please rise for my official sentencing." Ricky and his attorney stood.

"Ricardo Emanuel Martinez I hereby am placing you into the temporary custody of Mr. And Mrs. Richmond. You will stay there until  they fell you are ready to return home and be reunited with your family.   You will get transported by the transportation  of corrections to Mapleville Iowa Good luck to you Ricky. Case adjourned." The court officer came and took custody of Ricky. Ricky was distraught. "This is bullshit! I have to go live with these people in Mapleville Iowa," wherein the fuck is that? He Shouted.

"Watch your language young man! You are still in my courtroom! I can still change my mind. I can always change my ruling if you like”, Did you know  that assault in the second degree has a maximum sentence of five  years? Would you like  to go to prison     From what I have heard prison is not a very nice place at all, Living with the Richmond's is probably not as bad as prison. Just get him out of my sight, we are done here”,  judge Anderson.  said.

"Ricky started crying  I never did anything to you Mom. Dad, how could you do this to me? Don't you guys love me anymore? If you do how can you let them send me away like this. It's alright if you don't love me because the truth is I don't care if you love me or not", shouted Ricky.  

"Come on Kid it's time to go," the court officer said as he began dragging Ricky out of the courtroom. 

Mapleville Chapter 1

Chapter 1. The Breaking Point. His face contorted in all-consuming anger. His nostrils flared, his eyes flashed and closed into slits. Then clear out...

Mapleville chapter 2 part 1

Chapter 2. Official police business. Once George got to work, Detective Greevy asked to speak with him. His expression hardened. “This may be hard to...

Mapleville Chapter 2 part 2

Ricky wondered what would've happened if he had tried to fight his dad. He was pretty sure that the cuffing part would have come out the same way if...