#debukefarmhold

"You rigged this before you started against yourself" She says

"I'll do it for as long as you live at home."

"What?" A blink

"You move home. I'll go to school here."

"Adam, your father and I are separated" She says

For the first time in the conversation, that stubborn look.

"This isn't a prank I'm playing on your father. Or vice versa" She says

"He and I both agreed."

He folds his arms.

She folds hers

Another deep breath. "I've been going to school on line. I'll go in person. I'll go in Missouri or New Jersey. You can pick. I don't want to go here. I'll play ball if you want, or not. You pick. If you want me to go here, I want you to move home. You pick."

He speaks evenly and keeps his voice level and calm.

"No" She says

"No,we are not playing this any longer." She says and taps her son in the chest "This is not about what you WANT. It is about what you neeed. you will not blackmail, you will not bribe. "

"I'm -trying- to find something we can both live with."

" You are creating false choice and patting yourself on the back for it when the choice IS NOT YOURS. I am sorry your father and I not 'doing it right' by your standards. I am sorry if our choices do not always please you. But at this stage, I have had it with your bullying. Others here might not love you? Well boo hoo. Adam. My own son doesn't even LIKE me and he sure as hell doesn't respect me. Oh he love me, but like, respect no. You know what I do? I love him back and try to give him what he needs, not what he wants. "

"I'm not trying to bully you, mom, and I -do- love you but I have more choices than going -here-!"

"You may not be trying but it sure comes naturally" She takes a breath. "Adam. Again. They are not your choices to make. You have a fae life, but in matters of mortal education..."

a knock on the door of the building they've used

"I -DON'T- have a Fae life." (emphasis) as the knock comes.

"yes, most mortal boys have in imaginary girlfriend with a tail, live in a castle, and learn sword fighting magic" She rolls her eyes

Then she says "Come in, my son and I were just glaring at each other."

Chief Clem comes in "Well, hate to intrude on that"

Adam is, in fact, trying hard NOT to glare. He looks away, another deep breath. He looks back, bows. "Chief."

"No no need for bowing to me, Adam. We do it different here." She shows a hand gesture over heart "That if you like, but truth I'm not big on that formality. I actually was seeking Adam out."

"He's all yours," His mother says

And she tries to keep the exaperation out of her voicee

Clem looks back and forth "Okay" A nod

"Well, uhm. Adam." Clem says "It was your first dday with us. So I wanted to check with you like I try to with all the students on if you had any problems.. or ideas on how we could improve?" A sigh "Mind you, this doesn't always work. Apparently most of the childlings said what we need to be a proper school is an ice cream tree"

"Thank you for asking, Chief. Forgive me, but being here is not my choice. I'm here under protest. I have nothing to suggest."

"Under.. protest?" She says "Sounds like you have a lot to suggest then"

"What's wrong, Adam" Clem says "Why don't you want to be here? Maybe we can make a few adjustments for you"

"As I was just saying to my mother, I would rather go to school in Jefferson City or Bergen County."

"Why? " Clem says

"Personal reasons."

"Oh, " Clem says "In that case- No."

Adam has straightened his spine, standing tall, chin up.

"I respect you may have personal problems, but Your mama says you need to be here. Your Mentors asked me to take you in. And I'm the Chief. Now If you don't want to share what the problems you have are- I'm not going to torture you for the details, but it does mean I can't help make this place better for you you so you take it as is. "

She goes on "I got two sidhe who feel cold shoulders. I got a satyr boy who keeps trying to sneak out the school house. I got a redcap whose mad because we won't let him bite a cow while the cow's alive. Lots of folks don't want to be here. Hurts my feelings struth, but I talked to the parents, the freeholders, the Chieftains, and yes even baron types to do this during these hard times. And all I can say is it's a good thing misery loves company because I think a lot of you have something to bond over now"

Brenda blinks

But..keeps quiet for now.

"Yes, Chief."

"Now, I realize you said you felt matters were personal, but I AM worried you may not being treated kindly by your peers. And that is not fair to you. Me? I'm hoping that you, Minerva, Brogan, Nadeen, Dunn and Karolynia can help show the DeBukes your age that not all sidhe or sidhe kinian are bad. It took me a while to learn that."

"Yes, Chief."

"Now what can I do to make this place more tolerable for you?" Clem says

"If something comes to mind I will let you know, Chief."

"Mrs Thomas, if you don't mind stepping out for a moment?" Clem says

"I suppose" She steps out a dubious look , but she does

Once it is just them, "Okay," Clem says "Adam. Sometimes, I tell someone what's what, and they nod, maybe smile, and then as soon as I turn my back, do their own thing. Is this one of those situations?"

"No, Chief."