Rated: Young Children
Summary: Pre-Hope Island, a young Daniel.
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, don't make no money off 'em, don't wanna be sued.
Fifteen year old Daniel Cooper sat outside the principal's office. He had been there almost an hour before his parents showed up.
His father glowered down at him as he passed, which didn't hurt as much as the look of disappointment on his mother's face.
He knew he was in a lot of trouble but he was secretly glad, his father would at least pay attention to him a little bit now.
"Daniel placed a cherrybomb in the boys lavatory?" Bonnie asked shaking her head.
"How much does the damage cost? He's going to work it off one way or another." Cliff avowed.
"The damage was minimal Mr. Cooper. The rules are very clear though, he has to be suspended for one week."
Cliff pursed his lips and Bonnie knew that was a sure sign he was angry.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, Daniel is usually very kind and considerate, but he's been spending time with a gang...they are, in my opinion, a bad influence for him. I think if he kept away from them he wouldn't repeat this behavior."
"Believe me Mrs. Emmet, Daniel will not be having further contact with these delinquents." Cliff replied and stood.
"When can Daniel return to classes?" Bonnie asked following him to her
feet."The week after next."
"This won't happen again Mrs. Emmet." Cliff iterated.
"Thank you, I didn't expect it would." She replied walking them to the door.
Cliff walked past Daniel without a word.
"Let's go Daniel." Bonnie said touching his shoulder.
He stood, head hung so he wouldn't have to see her disappointment again.
"Did you apologize to Mrs. Emmet?"
"I'm sorry Mrs. Emmet." He said quietly.
"I'll see you again the week after next." She replied giving him a soft smile that he didn't see.
Bonnie lightly propelled him out the door and to the car, the silence on the drive home was deafening and once they reached the house he was ordered to sit on the couch.
"I am very disappointed in you Daniel. Your actions today have shown me you haven't attained a level of maturity that I thought perhaps you had. The school has suspended you for one week and our punishment is grounding until the end of the term. You will go to school, come home right after and help in the church. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now go to your room and pray for forgiveness for your actions." Cliff ordered.
Once he was out of the room, Cliff turned to Bonnie.
"I don't know what to do with him."
"Cliff, is this going to be our last move?"
"Yes. I promise."
"Maybe once we settle there Daniel will make friends, real friends."
"Irvine will be good for us Bonnie...all of us." His eyes went to the ceiling.
Bonnie hugged him and hoped he was right.
Daniel climbed up from his kneeling position and went over to his desk where he sat and looked out the window. He had put the cherrybomb in the toilet on a dare by one of the gang members he was befriended by when they first moved to Philly.
I know it was dumb and when Mr. Dorn stopped me as I came out of the bathroom... then it went off a minute later, I knew I was busted. The worst part was waiting for mom and dad to arrive.
Bonnie carried a tray to Daniel's door and knocked, she knew he didn't do things to get into trouble but because he wanted friends. They had moved a lot and it was hard for him to make friends.
"I brought you some milk and cookies." She said entering and placing the tray on the desk.
"I'm sorry mom, I know what I did was wrong." He whispered.
"I know you do. I love you honey. Come sit on the bed a minute." Bonnie hugged him.
He moved to the bed with her.
"I know all these moves have been hard on you...that's it's hard to make friends when you're not in one place very long." She cupped his face. "Honey, we're going to move again once school is out."
Daniel looked down.
"Your father says it will be the last move...he promised and you know he keeps his word."
"How big is this congregation?"
"It's a little different honey, your father is going to go on television."
"Television? How can he preach to people on t.v.?" Daniel asked confused.
"They can watch at home."
"What about his congregation?"
"He won't have an actual congregation like he does now. He'll speak to people through the camera. A lot of people can't get to church so what your father will be doing is important... and since we're going to be there permanently, you can make friends a little easier. It will be good for all of us."
"Where are we moving to?"
"Irvine, California."
"I've never heard of Irvine, where exactly is it?"
"A little north of Los Angeles. Eat your cookies and milk, I'll be back later." She kissed his cheek and stood. "Your father and I love you very much honey."
"I love you too."
She touched his cheek,smiled and left.
Daniel went to the desk and picked up a cookie as he thought about what his mom said.
A permanent move.
Real friends.</p>
Maybe dad will have more time for me there.
He smiled finishing his snack, feeling happier than he had in a very long time.
THE END