Hate Mail by Monique Polak

Author:Monique Polak
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV039150, JUV039120, JUV013000
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2014-08-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

I’m not the kind of kid who listens in on other people’s phone conversations.

What happens is I’m in the kitchen, about to call Tyrone, when I pick up the portable and hear Mom and Aunt Anna talking.

I could say “Oops” and hang up, but, well, I don’t.

They are discussing the letter. Aunt Anna doesn’t use the word letter though. She uses the words hate mail.

“The police say it’s a hate crime, but that there isn’t much they can do about it. That’s why I’m going public. You can’t keep telling me not to, Julie. I’ve had it with pretending everything’s okay. There are horrible people out there, people who hate kids like my son. I want to expose that hatred.” Aunt Anna is sobbing.

“Oh, Anna,” Mom says and I can practically see her wringing her hands, “I know how hard this is for you. But you need to think about Todd—about what’s best for him. He’s a shy child. If you go to the media, there will be interviews.”

I’m picturing it in my head, Todd’s face in the newspaper and on TV, his voice on the radio. It would be a total disaster! And what if people see Aunt Anna and they figure out she’s mom’s sister and I’m Todd’s cousin? Then what?

“They won’t want to talk to only you, Anna,” Mom continues. “They’ll want to talk to Todd. And what if he finds out about what’s in the letter? Frankly, I don’t think he could handle it.” Mom pauses. “Even a normal child would find it difficult.”

Yikes, I think to myself, that’s the worst possible thing to say to Aunt Anna.

“A normal child? My god, Julie! I can’t believe you just said that! How many times have I told you children with autism are not abnormal?” I’m surprised at how quickly Aunt Anna switches from sad to angry.

“I’m so sorry, Anna. Of course, I know you’re right. The word just slipped out, I think because I’m so ups—”

Aunt Anna won’t let her finish. “I know you try to be a good sister and a good aunt, but sometimes I think you don’t understand what my life is like! Between looking after Todd and worrying about Fred!”

“I’m trying to understand, Anna, honestly I am. I know how tough things are. I’m trying to be supportive. Why do you think I encouraged you to move back here? But maybe with so much pressure…you’re not thinking clearly.”

Aunt Anna makes a noise that sounds like a growl. “For your information, I am thinking perfectly clearly. And let me tell you something else: just because you’re my big sister doesn’t mean you’re always right. You always try to smooth things over, but you know what, Julie? Sometimes it’s better to stand up. Even if it’s hard!”

When Aunt Anna says that, I remember what happened at detention. I tried standing up for Todd, and Aunt Anna is right, it was hard.

Mom won’t back down. “This isn’t about you, Anna. It’s about Todd and what’s best for him.

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