A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,11

feel the pressure of his emotions building in his chest; he needed to go outside and get some air. He grabbed his phone and earbuds and shoved them into his sweatshirt pocket. He spun around to leave when his door opened suddenly. His father stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

"Sit down, Jake." His father said firmly, face stern, eyes angry.

Seeing that his father was in no mood for debate, Jake quelled the sudden rebellious impulse that rose up. He went to his bed and sat down, emotions seething.

His father moved to the dresser across the room and leaned back against it, arms crossed across his chest. "I want you to tell me what happened, but I have a question first. When did you think it became acceptable to be disrespectful to your mother?"

"What?" Jake asked, suddenly confused. This was not the question he was expecting.

"You're a smart boy; you heard me. On what planet are you on that you thought I would ever allow you to be disrespectful to your mother?" His father replied, staring straight at Jake, face seemingly frozen in a look of anger and disapproval.

Jake, daunted by his father's mood, bit back his initial sharp reply, sure that the wrong answer or even the tone of his voice would just make this day get even worse. He slowly blew out his breath, willing himself to be calm and tried to speak softly and evenly.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'm just so angry about what happened. I know I shouldn't have snapped at Mom, but she was treating me like a baby." Jake stated as quietly as possible, watching his father's reaction. His anger made him risk a bit more. "She has to learn that I'm not a child anymore. I don't need her to protect me."

His father stared at him silently for a few moments, then gave a short snort, his lips twitching slightly, and spoke. "Good luck with that." He moved over to the bed and sat down next to Jake. He put his arm around his son's shoulders. "Listen, Jake. I know that you have had a bad day, but your mother and I will always be concerned for you, Russ and Jane. We only want the best for you kids. I hope you know that. I'm sure when we are old and you are a man with a family of your own, your mom will still try to baby you. The sooner you realize that, the easier it will be."

"Yes, Dad." Jake said.

"Now, in spite of what you think of your mom's over-protectiveness, you had no right to take out your anger on her. Do you understand me?" His father finished in a tone that expected nothing other than an answer of yes.

"Yes, Dad." Jake replied again.

His father relaxed slightly. "Now, tell me what happened."

Jake told his father about the day's events, recounting everything that had occurred. When he recalled the confrontation at school, his father seemed surprised that Mike came to Jake's rescue.

"I'm glad to hear that Michael did that." His father always called him Michael. "I know he has had a tough time since his dad died. He has made some very bad choices in friends and behavior. Hopefully, he can get back on the right path." His father's voice seemed a bit sad. "Go on."

Jake continued with his encounter with Tina and the missed ride with Sean. He told him about his plan to avoid Donald on the way home, but that it ended with the fight outside the woods. He finished with how Mr. Madison stopped the fight and brought him home.

"I'm glad he showed up when he did. I'll have to go over and thank George for his help." His father paused for a second. "So this all started over a girl? This Sabrina?"

"It's not her fault." Jake said quickly and defensively. "Donald is just a prick, that's all. He is so..."

"I didn't say it was her fault, Jake." His father interrupted, giving Jake's shoulder a squeeze. "I'm more concerned about how this is going to end. Clearly, you and Donald are never going to be friends, but how do you see this playing out?"

"What do you mean?" Jake asked.

"You know what I mean. Are your mom and I going to have to worry about you every time you leave whether you are going to be fighting or worse? This can't continue, Jake." His father said firmly.

"Yeah, but if I just let it drop, everyone will think