Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,4

his energy waning almost immediately. He might have been quick to temper, but he was also quick to realize his mistake and correct it on his own.

“I’m confused. Can you help me understand?”

“Whatever, man, it doesn’t matter. Y’all don’t get it.”

I’d dealt with teenagers plenty over the years. Jasper had its fair share of trouble makers and instigators. Often times, a different method was needed when handling them. Adults tended to lord their power, and that was a good way to shut down the lines of communication.

Felix needed a different approach. “I think it’s noble to want to stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves, especially against bullies. I admire that, but there are ways to go about it that don’t land you in trouble too.”

Felix rolled his eyes. “Right. Next, you’ll tell me I should tattle on those losers and not get involved directly. See, you don’t get it. Sometimes adults don’t have all the answers. You think you do, but in the end, you’re the biggest bullies of all. None of these teachers here will go to bat for us. They think pretty words and following a line will work. Well, it doesn’t. It’s all bullshit. They don’t see what happens when they turn their backs. Maybe they don’t care. We gotta fight for ourselves.”

I frowned and studied Felix’s slumped posture and scowling face. There was a whole lot he wasn’t saying. Under his tough exterior, he radiated hurt, and he was right. I didn’t know or understand.

But how could I help if he wouldn’t talk to me?

“Well, Felix, it sounds like you’re in a difficult position. You’re trying to do the right thing, but it’s not working out for you. How old are you?”

“Seventeen next week.”

“Happy birthday.”

Another eye roll. “Whatever. Who cares.”

“Can you think of another way you could have handled this situation that wouldn’t have resulted in violence or broken windows and that might have gotten better results?”

“Nope. I told you there isn’t another way.”

“And you don’t want to share the root cause of the issue?”

“Nope. Can’t. It will make things worse.”

I sighed. “Then you’re leaving me in a difficult position. I’m not sure how Ms. Kilimanjaro will decide to handle this, but I’ll wager a guess that a fight and throwing chairs at windows might earn you a suspension.”

Felix shrugged. “Won’t be the first time.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“The truth could possibly help your case.”

He remained quiet.

“What are your mom and dad going to say if you get suspended again?”

Felix’s cheek twitched and jaw tightened, but his only response was another shrug. He was done talking.

There wasn’t much more I could do. The call for intervention didn’t seem necessary. Felix had calmed considerably and presented as any other angry teenager when involved in a situation that made him upset. If there had been threats of more violence, Nadine hadn’t elaborated, and I wasn’t going to get them from Felix.

Sometimes even teachers overreacted.

“How about we take a walk to the principal’s office?”

“Fine.” He bolted for the door and did all he could to keep a handful of paces ahead of me the whole time.

My legs were as long as his, so I matched his pace. At the main office, I caught his shoulder and spun him around to face me. I gave him my most severe and sternest face possible while staring him directly in the eyes.

“I think deep down you’re a good kid, Felix. If what you’ve told me is true and you were sticking up for someone who wasn’t in a position to do so on their own, then you have the right fight in your heart.” I tapped his chest. “But you need a new approach. The road of aggression and violence will get you in trouble down the line. One year from now, you turn eighteen. Do you know what I do with adults who pick fights on my streets, can’t control their anger, and start breaking stuff?” He didn’t answer. I didn’t expect him too. “They get to cool off behind bars. I don’t want that to be you.”

Felix’s gaze turned inward. I knew he was absorbing my words. In the end, he shook his head. “Won’t matter. Adults only see what they want to see. They assume the worst of me.” He seemed like he wanted to say more, so I stayed quiet. “You know what? In the end, the truth would be worse. You think it’s bad now? This is what happens when kids like