"This is seriously getting out of hand Abel!" snarled Father Joseph as he looked through the chat logs blowing up across the 10th grade:
-- "Daisy isn't back? I thought she and Zakhrov were an item?" --
-- "She was, but now she's gone. No one knows where she is." --
-- "Damn! Maybe we need to look at the bottom of the river!" --
-- "My mom works in ICE, she heard that somebody had an emergency deportation. Maybe it was her family?" --
-- "No way! I bet Zakhrov put them on ice!" --
-- "Yeah! That's a cover-up for sure! Daisy's probably sleeping with the fishes, and her folks had to scram!" --
Father Abel sighed wearily, "Daisy was indeed deported by ICE. I made the arrangements for their safe flight to the UK myself," he said.
"I don't like this Abel. Zakhrov is catching too much attention, and not in a good way. I have half a mind to get him out of the school," said Father Joseph.
"On what grounds? He's done nothing wrong, his grades are excellent -" began Father Abel.
"I said I wanted him gone, not expelled. Although if he slips up, I'm not passing up that chance," snapped Father Joseph.
"To protect the school's reputation?" asked Father Abel, his voice cold.
"It's two sides of the same damn coin Abel! I can't have the entire 10th grade thinking that the kid's a mobster who's twisting my arm to keep him!" shouted Father Joseph.
"No, we can't have a kid lean into the rumors of him being a mobster, while the politically connected kid who started the rumors gets a free pass," said Father Abel, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Watch it Abel! I don't have your luxury! I've got the school board breathing down my neck, to get to the bottom of this mess!" shouted Father Joseph.
"Well then, release the statement with the information that I gave you!" snapped Father Abel.
"You know that info is radioactive Abel! With no witnesses, all we have is circumstantial evidence of domestic abuse! We'll be up to our necks in libel lawsuits!" shouted Father Joseph.
"Fine, then just inform the student body that Daisy had to leave because of familial reasons. At least that will put a stop to the kids thinking she's at the bottom of the river," sighed Father Abel.
----
"Mr. Zakhrov please report to the principal's office," said Vice Principal Catherine entering the computer lab with a grim expression on her face.
It was shortly after lunch break on a bright day, a week before midterms. Aaron quietly packed away his things and left for the principal's office.
Aaron fell into step behind Catherine as she led the way towards the principal's office. Catherine seemed to be struggling to find the words to express herself.
"I want you to know that I'm not some old prude Mr. Zakhrov," she finally said.
"I never thought you were Ms. Cormac, what is this summons about?" asked Aaron.
"It appears that you have been writing some erotic material," said Catherine.
"That material is on my personal desktop at home and not written during school hours," said Aaron.
"I understand Mr. Zakhrov, and believe me. If I were principal, this would not be an issue, at least not this big of one," said Catherine as she opened the door to the principal's office.
Ivan, Annette, Father Abel, Emily and Sarah were all seated in rough wooden chairs. Father Joseph himself, sat at his walnut desk with an expression of unbridled fury.
"What in Hell's name is this you filthy degenerate!" thundered Father Joseph throwing down a stack of papers in front of Aaron.
Aaron eyed the papers with a neutral expression. Sure enough, it was an excerpt of one of the more graphic scenes from his game.
"Father Joseph, possession of pornographic material is a minor offense in the St. Ignatius rules. This reaction is unwarranted. I recommend a fine and counseling," said Father Abel firmly.
"Father Joseph, simple pornography is indeed harmless, but this vile piece of media is surely the product of a dangerous mind. I recommend that Mr. Zakhrov be expelled immediately! I cannot believe this wretch was near my precious Emily, and I'm sure he has probably done despicable things to poor Daisy Eddington!" said Sarah, her face a mask of righteous indignation.
"Senator Clarke, I can assure you that those rumors are unfounded. Ms. Eddington came to both Father Abel and myself and assured us that Aaron's behavior was gentlemanly and chivalrous," said Catherine.
"Ms. Eddington also came to me for help when her father told her that they were going to be deported to the United Kingdom. I'm the one who arranged for her smooth departure from the school. Your investigation was carried out illegally and is a clear breach of Mr. Zakhrov's right to privacy," said Father Abel glaring at Sarah.
"I have a right to protect my child! This degenerate sits no more than 7 feet away from her in class!" shouted Sarah.
"Mommy please! I don't feel safe around him!" squealed Emily, perfectly playing the traumatized girl.
"Father Joseph, please listen to reason. Aaron has done nothing wrong. And this material while graphic, hurts nobody. It is on a private repository, and is a healthy and creative outlet. The writing of this material points to an intelligent and inquisitive mind, curious about the darker aspects of human society. I repeat. Aaron - has - done - nothing - wrong!" pleaded Father Abel.
"I cannot believe you would write this!" said Annette, her voice trembling in pain and fury.
"Silence Everyone!" thundered Father Joseph. He turned to Aaron and shouted:
"St. Ignatius Academy is no safe haven for degenerate trash! This material proves that you are a danger to women and girls around you! Out of my sight! You are expelled, and you shall never defile our hallowed halls with your disgusting presence again!"
Annette stood up and slapped Aaron hard across the face. "You are no son of mine! I wish I had aborted you! How dare you write such horrible things!" she screamed.
"Annette! Please! That's enough!" said Ivan holding her back from hitting Aaron again.
"Get off me Ivan! This is also your fault for indulging him! I told you I will not tolerate toxic male behavior in my house!" raged Annette.
"I shall leave Mr. and Mrs. Zakhrov," said Aaron, nursing the side of his face that Annette had slapped.
"Aaron! Please! Let's calm down and discuss this at home!" said Ivan, but Aaron shook his head.
"I refuse to bring any more damage to your reputation, or your marriage. I shall leave and fend for myself," said Aaron, his eyes like ice and his tone brooking no argument. He turned to Sarah and Emily.
"I accept full responsibility for this incident. I ask that my former parents be left alone," he said his eyes boring into Sarah's
Seeing the devastation on Ivan's face and Father Abel's dismay. Sarah suppressed a smile of cruel satisfaction.
She gave Aaron a curt nod, but Aaron shook his head. "I want your assurances in writing and notarized Senator," he said.
"You are in no position to dictate terms to me, you vile little boy," snarled Sarah.
Aaron just nodded.
"Mr. and Mrs. Zakhrov, may I see you in my office please? And Ms. Cormac, can you keep Aaron in your office for a while?" asked Father Abel, shaking with suppressed rage, he ushered Ivan and Annette out of the office.
Catherine nodded curtly and ushered Aaron out of the principal's office.
----
Father Abel steered Ivan and Annette into his office and slammed the door shut.
"I am appalled at your behavior and cowardice! That boy didn't need a slap in the face! He needed a hug and assurance that you love him!" shouted Father Abel.
"How dare you! He's turned into a degenerate!" yelled Annette.
"One more word out of you, and I'll show you what a true degenerate does!" thundered Father Abel.
He looked at Ivan and Annette in cold fury.
"Have either of you heard of the term BDSM? It is a form of relationship where one party is dominant and another is submissive. It is not a mainstream phenomenon, but it does have a large base of practitioners who engage in such activities in a safe and consensual manner. Aaron's game, is a fictional depiction of such a relationship. I suppose some of this is my fault. I warned Aaron not to discuss his urges with you, presuming that you wouldn't understand. And now, it has come to this!" he said bitterly.
"You knew about this?!" asked Ivan incredulously.
"Would it have changed today's outcome? My pleas were not just for Father Joseph, but also for you! I told you. Aaron did nothing wrong! If you were more supportive, you could have threatened legal action! You heard what Sarah Clarke said! She used her connections to hack Aaron's GitHub account!" shot back Father Abel.
Ivan hung his head, wracked with guilt and shame.
Father Abel sighed wearily. "Ivan, what are your feelings. Annette has made hers perfectly clear." he asked
"I feel sick to my stomach, Father Abel! I hate myself for not trying to stand up for Aaron!" sobbed Ivan.
Annette folded her arms and refused to meet Father Abel's eyes.
"The two of you need to reach an agreement. Either you both want Aaron back, or he goes to neither of you. I refuse to let Aaron return to a house where he is not wanted or accepted," said Father Abel sternly.
"I want my sweet baby boy back. Not that filthy degenerate who wrote such harmful things!" said Annette.
"Annette, Aaron still is your sweet baby boy. He just needs help!" pleaded Ivan.
Annette viciously slapped Ivan.
"Don't you dare tell me you condone his actions Ivan Zakhrov! I warned you that I have no patience for toxic men! Now you either choose us or choose that degenerate!" she screamed.
"Ivan, forget what Annette has said for a moment. Can you accept Aaron for what he is? Can you give him love and support, and let him explore safe ways to express himself?" asked Father Abel as Ivan collapsed into renewed sobs.
"Why is he like this? He should have known better after the horrible things Daisy's father went through!" cried Ivan.
"A disposition for sadism can occur in anyone. What matters is how you deal with it. By making this game Aaron created a safe outlet for him to express his desires. That is not something to be ashamed of," said Father Abel.
Annette sprang to her feet.
"I cannot bear this anymore! Ivan, I'm pregnant, and I'm leaving. Either come with me or go to hell!" she screeched, turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.
Ivan stared at the door for a few seconds before turning to Father Abel.
"I hope Aaron forgives me for this, but I cannot abandon my wife and new child," he said emotionlessly, completely broken by the ordeal. With almost robotic movements he left after Annette.
Father Abel sighed wearily. With a heavy heart, he left for Catherine's office.
A worried Catherine Cormac opened her door to Father Abel. "He's just been sitting there. I don't know what to do," she whispered.
Father Abel looked remorsefully at Aaron who sat in a chair looking at a spot on the wall.
"My parents left didn't they?" said Aaron.
"Yes," sighed Father Abel.
Aaron nodded. "Looks like Annette will finally have the daughter she always wanted. I saw the sonogram before I left this morning," he said quietly.
Father Abel gently took Aaron in his arms and embraced him.
Aaron's emotionless mask finally broke, and he cried, loudly and profusely into Father Abel's black cassock.
"I'm quite sure your father will come around even if your mom won't," said Father Abel after Aaron had stopped crying, but Aaron shook his head.
"I've accepted the fact that they will not be able to accept me as I am. I wish to fend for myself. Father Abel, can your friend Mr. Esposito emancipate me?" asked Aaron.
Both Father Abel and Catherine looked at him with a hint of worry.
It looked like some of Aaron's humanity had just died.
His demeanor had become colder, almost machine-like and there was an icy determination in his eyes.
However, Father Abel nodded.
"Hold down the fort here Cathy, I'll take Aaron and pay a visit to Esposito." he told Catherine and left with Aaron following close behind him.