Chapter Ten
"JT., sit down please. Your father and I need to talk with you about
what happened at school today."
"Ok mommy."
"Mrs. Molly told us she saw you try to pull the turtles shell apart. Is
that true?"
"Yes mommy."
"Do you know that you could have hurt the turtle? The shell is what
protects them," said Marcus.
"I wouldn't think your classmates would be very happy
about that. What do you think?"
JT. looks at her dad and shrugs her shoulders.
"I think you, young lady, need to march on over to your room until
you are called for supper."
"Ok daddy."
Maddie and Marcus talk about what just happened. Neither not
sure how to fully handle this situation, as it was not something
they ever expected. They want to make JT. fully aware of what
could have happened.
"Honey, I think it's a little concerning that she had no reaction
to what we talked about," said Maddie.
"She is young, and we both know she is a bit too curious about
how everything works. Hopefully this will just be a one time
incident. Until then, all we can do is watch her more carefully."
"Ok, I'll call Mrs. Molly in the morning, and fill her in," said Maddie.
Months went by with no more issues, with JT.. Maddie and Marcus
were happy about that, and that it seems to have been a one time
incident.
JT. started to find more interest in her sister's bird, and so Kimmie
taught her how to feed Blue, and how to gently hold him.
Kimmie also reminded JT. how important it is to close the cage right,
so Blackie doesn't try to eat Blue. "Ok, I will be safe with him," said JT.
On a warm summer day, the kids were all outside playing. Marcus and
Derek were in the backyard setting up the barbecue. Becky and Amy
were in the house prepping the food. All of a sudden they hear a high
pitched shriek.
Marcus jumped the fence, running at high speed to where the kids
were playing. Maddie about ran into him, as she did not see him
round the corner before her.
Both had looks of panic on their faces. "What happened? Is anyone
hurt?" He breathes heavily, as he inspected each child for any signs
of blood.
Maddie rechecks all the kids just in case Marcus missed something.
Again, Marcus asks what happened.
Kimmie stands stock still and points to a spot in the grass, a look of
terror on her little face.
Marcus quickly walked over to where Kimmie pointed. His face went
pale as he saw the snake. "Stay away from this area," he said, as he
went to the shed for a shovel.
Back at the in-law's house, Marcus filled them in what happened. As
he saw the snake, he noticed it had cuts all over it and some of the
insides were hanging out. Amy said maybe the cuts were claw marks
from Blackie.
"I guess that's possible," he said. But in his mind, and his gut, Marcus
was having a hard time believing that..........
Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter, and catch the previous ones.
Hope you all like it so far. Feedback is welcome, especially this being
my first novel. Book is my own artwork.