Book Excerpt From "Love In Action"

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.