The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 19 In the afternoon , when I was getting ready to pick Jonas up from school , I got a call from his teacher .

The teacher sounded somewhat frantic .

Mr.

Joplin , please come over right now .

Jonas and Xavier got into a fight .

My heart sank , and I hurried to the school .

In the office , I saw Jonas and Xavier seated on either side of the room .

Both were injured .

Yvonne was already there , speaking with the teacher with a frown .

What happened ? I walked in and asked .

The teacher sighed .

Well , during gym class , Xavier led a group of students to bully Jonas .

Jonas snapped and got into a fight with Xavier .

I turned to Xavier and asked , Why did you bully your brother ? Xavier pouted .

Hes so useless .

He doesnt even know how to play basketball .

Our class lost the game because of him .

I was about to speak when Yvonne chimed in , Xavier , you cant talk about your bu that .

Apologize right now .

Xavier turned his head away stubbornly , unwilling to speak .

I crouched to meet Jonas eye .

Jonas , tell me what happened .

like Jonas wiped his tears and said while choking back on sobs , Xavier said you divorced Mommy because Im too stupid and useless .

He said I was a burden .

I … I hit him because I just couldnt take it anymore .

When I heard that , it felt as though a blade was dragging across my heart .

I got 11 and stared at Yvonne coldly .

So , this is how you raise your child ? Her face paled .

Cole , youve got it wrong .

I never taught Xavier anything like that .

I sneered .

Really ? Then why would he say that ? Yvonne , Im warning you .

Since Xaviers staying with you , raise him well .

Otherwise , Ill take legal action .

With that , I scooped Jonas up and turned to leave Behind me came Yvonnes voice .

Cole , wait- I left the school without turning back .

In the car , Jonas was nestled in my arms and said quietly , Daddy , Im sorry .

I shouldnt have hit him .

I stroked his hair .

Jonas , you did nothing wrong Remember , no matter what happens , Ill always love you .

Ill always be on your side .

Back at home , I bathed Jonas and tended to his injuries .

When I saw the bruises on his body , my heart was in so much pain that I could barely speak .

Jonas said abruptly , Daddy , are we going to Grandpa and Grandmas tonight ? I froze , finally remembering Dads words .

After looking at my watch , I sighed .

Yes .

We should get ready to leave .

As soon as we walked into my parents house , I could smell the familiar scent of home cooked food ..

Mom came out from the kitchen .

When she noticed the injuries on Jonas face , she immediately cried out , Oh god , what happened to him ? I briefly explained the situation .

Mom wrapped Jonas in a hug , looking visibly distressed .

Her eyes feddened with tears .

Dad walked out of the study .

When he saw them , his expression darkened .

What happened ? Did Yvonne do that ? I shook my head .

Dad , lets not talk about it .

Lets eat .

The atmosphere at the dining table was somewhat heavy .

Dad kept asking about the post divorce arrangements .

I kept my answers as brief as possible .

I didnt want to say too much in front of Jonas .

After dinner , Mom led Jonas away to watch TV , and Dad summoned me to the study .

He gave me a solemn look .

Cole , are you really not considering reconciliation ? Chapter 20