Book Excerpt From "Love In Action" (ISBN: 978-1-387-53039-7)
INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE, OFFICE – NEXT DAY, 10 A.M.
Michael and Ty are sitting on chairs facing each other.
MICHAEL
You have not tried to run away again. I am thankful about that.
TY
I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt anyone.
MICHAEL
I know, sweet boy. I am more concerned about your hurting.
TY
I am too far gone.
MICHAEL
I do not believe that.
TY
How long are you going to want me here?
MICHAEL
I adopted you. You will always be my son.
Michael stands up then kneels facing Ty.
MICHAEL
I know you are not used to people caring about you. I love you very much, sweet boy. It would break my heart if anything happened to you.
TY
It would?
MICHAEL
Yes. Promise me you will never run away again.
INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE, OFFICE – AN HOUR LATER
Michael and Gabriel are sitting on chairs facing each other.
MICHAEL
I am concerned that you feel too much of the pain of others.
GABRIEL
Do not worry about me.
MICHAEL
Let me be the one to help. Try just being a kid.
GABRIEL
I like helping.
MICHAEL
I do not want you getting overwhelmed.
GABRIEL
I’m okay.
MICHAEL
Let me be the father and the counselor. You be the kid.
INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE, OFFICE – THREE HOURS LATER
Michael and John James are sitting on chairs facing each other.
JOHN JAMES
I’m okay.
MICHAEL
I want to make sure you are.
JOHN JAMES
These counseling sessions are good. I appreciate them.
JOHN JAMES
(beat)
I am okay. I still get sad about my parents sometimes.
MICHAEL
That is understandable.
JOHN JAMES
But I am okay. My relationship with Jesus helps.
MICHAEL
I am glad.
JOHN JAMES
I am grateful to you for all you do.
MICHAEL
I am happy to do it.
INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE, OFFICE – AN HOUR LATER
Michael and Jye are sitting on chairs facing each other.
JYE
I still miss my mother but it’s good here.
MICHAEL
You can always come to me.
JYE
I know. You were almost my father.
MICHAEL
I am your uncle.
INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE, OFFICE – AN HOUR LATER
Michael and Kye are sitting on chairs facing each other.
KYE
You really would have adopted me?
MICHAEL
Yes.
KYE
I have an attitude.
MICHAEL
You have been through a lot. It is understandable that you are angry.
KYE
I’m mean.
MICHAEL
You are not mean. You are hurting.
KYE
Ty’s been through a lot but he’s sweet.
MICHAEL
People react differently to abuse. I am going to do everything I can to help the five of you heal.
KYE
I don’t know if I can stop being angry.
MICHAEL
I am going to help you.
INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE – AN HOUR LATER
Kye watches as Gabriel walks over.
GABRIEL
I will always be here for you.
KYE
Okay.
Gabriel walks off.
KYE
You are ridiculously sweet.
Jye walks over. Kye looks at him.
JYE
We will always protect Ty, Gabriel, and John James.
KYE
Yes.
Comments