Redirecting Billy by JR Thompson

Author:JR Thompson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian fiction, fiction ebook, angry teens, at risk teens, inspirational christian novels, clean fiction for teens, mentoring troubled teens
Publisher: JR Thompson

14

A meeting with Tamara Andrews was certain to be about as pleasant of an experience as hugging a porcupine, but it was the only way. If Mr. Bones couldn’t reach her, Billy would continue spiraling further and further out of control.

“So, what’s the deal, Mr. Bones? I’m assuming you have a new game plan for my son?”

“I do have something in mind. I believe I know how to get his attention, but it’s going to require diligent teamwork.”

“I ain’t got no problem with that. What you want me to do?”

Mr. Bones leaned forward in his chair, “Mrs. Andrews—”

“Please call me Tamara.”

“Sorry about that…” Mr. Bones said. “Tamara, Billy is the type of young man who needs to have his will broken through harsh penalties. He likes to play one adult against another. I would love to continue working with your son outside of my normal work hours. However, it’s not going to do the boy any good if you and I cannot stay on the same page.”

Tamara pursed her lips, “I don’t see why that should be a problem.”

That was what Mr. Bones was afraid of. The woman didn’t get it. She truly didn’t understand how her poor decisions were causing her son to fail in life. How could he get her to understand without starting a war that would inevitably end with Billy’s defeat?

Mr. Bones would have to choose his words carefully. “Ma’am, you love that child; I can see that,” he began. “But sometimes love can’t be gentle; nor can it be overly protective. Billy requires firm, consistent consequences — from both of us. And he can never, under any circumstances, get the upper hand by turning us against one another.”

“So, you and I are always right, and Billy is always wrong?... Is that what you’re saying?”

The sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable. If Mr. Bones weren’t careful, the lady he was trying to form an alliance with would soon become his enemy. “Not exactly… but yeah, I guess… kind of.”

“Listen, Mr. Bones. I wasn’t born last night — If I agree to never get upset with you no matter what my son tells me, I would be giving you the liberty to abuse him any way you choose.”

Mr. Bones sighed, “This isn’t going to work, Tamara. I might as well petition the judge to have his probation revoked.”

“What?” Tamara snapped. “Why won’t it work?”

“Because you are not willing to allow anyone to reach your son.”

“So, you’re back to this thing about blaming me for all of my son’s problems?”

Mr. Bones couldn’t tell her to wear the shoe if it fit, even though the words were teetering on the tip of his tongue. Somehow he had to get her to take the blinders off. “Not entirely,” he said. “Billy is old enough to make decisions for himself. He can choose to do right, or he can choose to do wrong… However, you are making it easier for him to be disobedient. You have good intentions but shielding your son from discipline is the worst decision you can make.

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