Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-9

Misty came into the waiting room and glared at Brielle, then at each of her supporters.

“You all need to leave this hospital right now! There are other patients here and we don’t need this kind of drama in here tonight,” she ordered harshly.

“Oh, don’t give us any bald ass excuses for what you’re really trying to do, Misty! You could care less about the patients, or anyone for that matter. We know what you and the rest of your creeps are doing and rest assured, it’s wrong on so many levels! Make no mistake, we see you- all of you!” Grandma Bennett replied bluntly.

“Damn right we do! And I’m not leaving without my daughter. I’ll take her to another hospital! But I’m staying right here! I don’t care how long I have to wait! I’ll sleep on the goddam floor or in the parking lot if I have to! But I’m not going anywhere as long as Jane’s here!” Brielle swore.

Marcelle stepped up.

“There’s no way you’re getting away with this!” She growled in a low but angry voice.

The Bullies Stir Up the Hornet’s Nest

Suddenly, the door to the waiting room swung open. Brielle and the rest flinched at the noise and looked to see the arrival of Bruce’s parents and siblings.

“Well now! The crowd gets bigger. Oh, well, the more, the merrier,” Sheriff Bobby sneered smugly.

“Where’s my son, Sheriff?” Bruce Sr demanded to know.

“He’s being released right now as we speak,” Misty shot back.

“…into my custody,” Sheriff Bobby taunted with a smile, “as is sweet Jane when she leaves the hospital in a few days.”

“I beg your pardon?” Marsha McCauley, Bruce’s mother retorted.

“You heard him, woman! And you’d best keep a civil tongue! And that goes for the rest of you trash!” Ashton Childers demanded.

“And you’d best watch how you address my wife, Childers!” Big Bruce warned.

“Little Bruce and his girlfriend both are being charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance!” Ashton informed the McCauley’s.

Brielle turned to the McCauley’s.

“Don’t worry about a damn thing! It’s all bullshit! It’s a total setup!” she told them angrily, “These piss-poor excuses for cops are trying to frame our kids because people like us won’t bow down and take their abuse!”

Retaliation at it’s Finest!

“She’s right, Mr. McCauley!” Roxie cried aloud, “Me and my friends here? We were at the fair tonight and we saw Breanna Lindsay walk by and drop a bag of weed in Jane’s purse while hers and Bruce’s backs were turned!”

“Now you wait just a damn minute, you little slut! Breanna is my daughter, and she would never-!” Misty shouted.

“Oh, that’s right, lady! Resort to personal attacks and call me a slut anytime I call out your spoiled, coddled daughter on something she did wrong! That’s the game people like you play! Well, it’s not going to work on me!” Roxie fired back at Misty, “I know what I saw! Jane and Bruce were standing in line waiting to ride one of the rides and Breanna, the sheriff’s daughter Audrey, and the rest of those creeps walked right by Jane and Bruce! Breanna dropped the dope in her purse and Audrey and the rest saw her do it! They were all in on that shit!”

“Little lady, you’re treading on dangerous grounds implicating my daughter!” Bobby warned, shaking a finger at Roxie.

“Yeah? What are you going to do? Arrest a sixteen-year-old girl for calling you and your rotten family out? Hell, everybody knows about how your booze hound granddad killed a mother and her baby years ago because he was out drinking and driving! And the slap on the wrist he got! Everybody knows what pieces of shit the Crabtree’s the Lindsay’s and the Poston’s are! But they’re too chicken to say anything because they’re afraid of being targeted!”

Roxie Continues to Mouth off at Bobby

“Damn straight they are!” Brenda added.

“And you know what I think, Crabtree?” Andy asked bitterly, “I think you’re the one who had them do it! My gut is telling me that you’re all in on it!”

Sheriff Bobby looked at Deputy Ashton and raised one eyebrow.

“I think we’re about to have a full jail tonight. What do you think?” he asked him.

Big Bruce laughed.

“What? You gonna arrest all of us?”

Bobby pulled out his cell, pressed a button, and placed it to his ear.

“Yes, Aaron, bring in the Cavalry,” he said quietly.

Pretty Privilege

Enjoy it while you have it

Because time in a thief

Youth is fleeting

And beauty fades

You’re no better than her

Only prettier

But what she lacks in looks

She makes up for in brains

Beauty’s only skin deep

Ugly is to the bone

Beauty’s only temporary

Stupid is permanent

Smarts is something you can stand on

Beauty, you can only fall back on

Enjoy it while you have it

Because time is a thief

Things for Targets of Bullying to Consider

The thoughts and opinions of bullies are worthless to you, or they should be. This may sound strange to many targets, especially those whom bullies have brainwashed for so long. And that’s a terrible thing. Therefore, if you’re a target who has been conditioned, I’d like for you to ask yourself these questions:

Has it benefited me in any way to measure my value as a person by the opinions of bullies?

Would my bullies be able to hold up as well as I do if they themselves had to endure bullying?

Even on the off-chance that they could, does that give them license to judge me, a person who is enduring something that would break many others?

If we all worried about the opinions of our bullies and haters, the world wouldn’t have even a tenth of it’s population. Moreover, we wouldn’t have doctors, lawyers, writers, comedians, singers, actors, and other such great people.

They all would have collapsed under the crushing weight of anticipated judgements and personal attacks. Therefore, they never would have reached the heights of success that they have.

It’s Not What They Call You, It’s What You Answer to.

The truth is that your favorite rock star receives hate and vitriolic comments over a few lyrics in one of his songs. Even back in the pre-internet days, famous actors and musicians got bags of hate mail along with the fan mail.

Many targets of bullying have an intense fear of being judged and it’s exactly what holds them back in life. Why? Because it can cause you to hold back your feelings. Furthermore, you will allow this fear to stifle your talents and creativity.

Realize that  a bully’s judgement is only a reflection of their own fears and insecurities.

This is why you must never allow bullies or anyone else to make you believe that how they feel about you is more important than how you feel about yourself. Never take your bullies’ word over your own. Never allow their opinions to trump yours.

And once you realize how cheap your bullies’ thoughts and opinions of you really are, they will have less effect on you.

With knowledge comes empowerment.

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-8

When Brielle and Malcolm arrived at the hospital, they met Grandma Bennett, Marcelle, and Jesse in the emergency department waiting room. They each hugged Brielle as she cried. Roxie, Andy, and Brenda were also there, waiting to get an update on their friend.

John, Brielle’s father, sat in one of the chairs, holding the baby in his lap, and putting his arm around Olivia as she laid her head on his shoulder and cried.

Sheriff Bobby and Deputy Ashton Childers were also there, looking at the Bennett’s with smirks on their faces. Roxie and the other two friends glared contemptuously at the two crooked cops.

“I’m going back there to be with her,” Brielle said as she started for the door to the main hall that was lined with ER rooms. Bobby and Ashton blocked the door, refusing to allow Brielle to pass through.

The Crooked Lawmen Bar Brielle from Seeing Jane

“I’m afraid you can’t see your daughter right now, Brielle,” Bobby told her.

“What the hell do you mean I can’t see her? I sure as hell can! Now get out of my way!” Brielle shot back as she tried to push her way past the two lawmen, only to be shoved backwards.

Seeing Jane’s mother being shoved so violently, Roxie and the other two kids gasped with shock and horror, as did Grandma Bennett.

“Hey!” Jesse yelled, jumping up and shaking a finger at the two crooked cops, “You keep your goddamn hands off her! She’s her mother, and she has every right to see that child!”

“Why won’t you let her be with her daughter, Sheriff?” Grandma Bennett asked, raising her voice.

“Because she and her little boyfriend are being charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell! ! We found an ounce of weed in her purse when we got to the scene of the accident,” Bobby shot back.

A Juicy Opportunity for the Town Bullies

Brielle’s eyes narrowed and shot daggers at the sheriff. She slowly stepped closer to them, getting in their faces. Jesse gently took his sister’s arm and pulled her back.

“No! He wants you to react, honey! Don’t give the prick the satisfaction!” he advised.

“Come on, baby! Don’t give these creeps what they want,” Grandma advised, “know that your family is behind you one hundred percent,” she said lovingly, before giving the lawmen a glare from hell.

Brielle continued to glare threateningly at Bobby and Ashton.

“That’s bullshit and you know it, Bobby!” She growled, “Jane couldn’t sell booze to an alcoholic!

“It is bullshit!” Roxie shouted, “I saw Bruce and Jane standing in line, waiting to ride the tilt-a-whirl! I also saw with my own two eyes, Breanna Lindsay and the rest of those creeps walk by Jane and Bruce as their backs were turned! I saw Breanna drop something in her purse! They planted that shit on her! Ms. Markowitz, Jane and Bruce are innocent! And these creeps know it!”

Roxie Stands Up for Her Friend

“I dare you to prove it, little girl!” Ashton taunted.

Roxie jumped up from her chair.

“Go fuck yourself, you crooked sonofabitch!” Roxie shot back, pointing her finger and jabbing it at the sleazy lawmen.

“Yeah! You’re nothing but a big, fat pussy, hiding behind a badge!” Andy added loudly.

Jesse snickered at the two county cops.

“Out of the mouths of babes,” he taunted.

Brielle didn’t budge. She stood there giving the dirty lawmen the dirtiest look she could muster.

“‘You know what? Even if this was a legitimate charge, which every person in here knows damn well it isn’t, I still have a right as a parent to see her! And you will step aside, you pieces of shit! Or so help me, I haven’t begun to unleash my crazy!”

Bobby and Ashton only taunted Brielle and the rest of them with smug smirks and giggles.

Bobby and Ashton Dare Brielle

“Go for it, sweetheart! Please! I want you to. Just give me a reason,” Sheriff Bobby taunted, “You’re still not going back there, not tonight and not tomorrow.”

“If only you weren’t wearing that badge, Bobby! I’d mop the floors with your pussy ass! Both of you! I’d tear your balls off and feed them to you! Motherfuckers, you ain’t seen me crazy yet! You don’t know crazy until you fuck with my kids!” Brielle warned, thinning her lips and baring her teeth as she spoke.

Grandma Bennett again put her arms around Brielle.

“Come one, baby. They’re not worth it,” she said softly and tenderly while Jesse stood beside them, giving the sheriff and deputy both threatening glares.

During the entire confrontation, Malcolm had stood there, giving the lawmen his own brand of dirty looks. He took Brielle in his arms.

“There’s nothing we can do right now. But you can believe this isn’t over. We’ll fight this, baby. I promise. And I’ve got your back,” he whispered.

“Well, well. Look at loverboy trying to console his sweet thang. Don’t that look cute?” Ashton sneered.

“Oh, blow it out your ass, you fuckwit!” Malcolm shot back.

The Courage to be Disliked

Crazy young man in white shirt standing and screaming at woman in pink dress. woman dont care and looking at camera with toothy smile. indoor studio shot, isolated on light brown background.

Years ago, I let anyone’s negative opinions of me get under my skin. However, what I didn’t realize was that I was giving away my power, allowing what people thought to control me.

After I became an adult and finally began to see my worth, I realized that I was much more successful and better off than they will probably ever be. That’s when I began to ask myself,

“Have any of these morons even reached my level?”

“Do their opinions even matter?

“Who are these people that I should ever have even cared?”

Moreover, my classmates never knew me on a personal level, and they still don’t. They aren’t and never were my family nor closest friends. The weight I give to any opinion depends on who holds it and and the relationship I have with the holder.

Therefore, if you’re a target of bullying, you should have the same attitude. Realize that not everyone’s thoughts or opinions are relevant nor do their words mean anything. In order to be offended by another person’s thoughts, opinions, or words, you must first value them. And that means, you must first value the owner of those thoughts, opinions, and words.

The Value I Give Your Opinion Depends on Who You Are and How Close We Are.

I now understand that my classmates’ dislike or hatred only came from a place of ignorance, stupidity, bitterness, jealousy, or insecurity. Nothing more. And I take it with a grain of salt. I only value the opinions of those who know me- God, those of my closest family members and friends.

And, if you’re reading this, you should also take it with a grain of salt. Because it’s the same with your bullies and haters- they dislike or hate you out of any or all of the above filthy five characteristics mentioned above.

Realize that to be hurt, angered, and offended by someone, you must first value their opinions. And for someone to piss you off or hurt your feelings, you must value them to some degree.

When you stop caring what bullies think of you, you stop valuing their opinions. In that, you stop giving bullies value and consideration they haven’t earned. Therefore, you stop giving them power.

Always be yourself. Stand up for your beliefs and convictions. Have your own preferences and make your own choices. And do the things you love to do. And lastly, follow your own dreams and your heart. Do all of these things no matter who does or doesn’t like it.

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-7

The next thing they heard was a loud thud and the explosion of glass and metal as another car T-boned Bruce’s Trans Am on the passenger side.

Bruce, who was still conscious but shaken, took off his seat belt and took hold of an unconscious Jane.

“Jane! Can you hear me? Jane!” he cried.

The occupants of the other car, an older man and woman, jumped out and ran up to the window.

“Don’t move her, young man! Don’t move her!” The man shouted.

Meanwhile, Malcolm and Brielle arrived at what was The Double Nickel to see flames engulfing the entire building and black smoke billowing overhead. The loud roar of the flames was deafening and peppered with sounds of shattering glass and loud pops from the explosions of cans and other combustibles.

FIRE!

A large crowd gathered outside the building as firefighters scrambled and worked tirelessly to battle the blaze. A multitude of sirens blared as more fire trucks pulled in and several more could be heard in the distance.

Jo suddenly ran up to Brielle crying. She and Brielle embraced, and Brielle held her as they both wept in each other’s arms. Atticus trudged up to them, dressed in his usual work clothes and apron. He was sweating profusely, with scrapes, burns, and spots of black soot on his face and arms. Looking pitiful and defeated, he went to his knees and cupped his face in his hands. Malcolm knelt beside him and slowly placed a hand on his shoulder.

“We’re hear for you, Atticus! If you need anything, you know where you can find us, brother,” Malcolm assured.

Another businessman approached Atticus and put his hand on his back to show support. Jo spoke in her brother’s behalf.

“We have insurance. It may take a while. But we will rebuild!” She declared, sniveling and wiping away tears.

Brielle’s phone soon ring again. She answered it to hear Grandma’s low and sad voice on the other end.

Another Scare for Brielle

“Brielle, it’s Grandma, honey. You need to come to the hospital right now. Bruce and Jane have been in a wreck,” her voice said as it broke.

“No! Nooo! Is she alright?” Brielle cried.

“She’s alive. She’s not critical. But she has a concussion, cracked ribs and a bruised lung. They going to keep her in the hospital for a few days. Bruce is being treated and they’re going to release him tonight. Brielle, there’s more. But I’ll tell you the rest when you get here.”

“What’s going on?” Malcolm asked.

“Jane’s been in a wreck. We gotta go to the hospital! Jo, my daughter’s been in a car wreck!” Brielle sobbed as Jo put her arm around her. Atticus walked up and placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry about us, Brielle. Go. Go be with your daughter,” he told her.

Many of my Bullies Claimed to be Christians

But were they really Christians? Were they, in fact, true Christians? Sadly, because many of my classmates were known to others, especially the school staff, as church-going kids. Therefore, they often got credibility they never earned. For example, there was a group a girls who the teachers and principal dubbed as “the religious girls.” However, they were just as nasty, if not worse, than the secular kids in the class.

This is not to say that all Christians are like this, because no, not all of them are. And this comes from someone who is one. However, just as with any other religion, party, or group, there will always be wolves in sheep’s clothing among the flock.

Sure, over half of these classmates sat in a church pew on Sunday. However, they would bully me and a few others at school during the week or join in. And the few who didn’t actively participate in the bullying, would stand back. They would watch the bullying, and would either get entertainment from it, or pretend it wasn’t happening. How Christian was that?

Just Because They Claim to be Christians Doesn’t Make it So.

These so-called Christian kids never bullied me by cursing me out or beating me up. No. They were too smart to make it that obvious. However, they would sat back and snicker as they watched it happen. Or they would bully me spiritually. For instance, these kids would tell me that I should, ”turn the other cheek.”  They suggested that I submit to the bad treatment and if I didn’t,  I was going to hell. But the question here is this. What would they have done if the shoe was on the other foot? Would they have submitted to it if it were happening to them?

Now, you would think that the people who know the Bible better than me and had a Christian platform would never have used it to abuse me. But yes! Many of them did, And no doubt, they would again if they ever got the chance.

Remember that the devil never comes in the form of a red man with horns and a pointy tail. He comes as an angel of light!

It’s bad enough when people who aren’t in the church target you for bullying. But when it’s those who claim to be Christians, it can be downright devastating. Why? Because, just by virtue of being known as Christians, they will likely compel you to believe that you really are an evil person and feel terrible about yourself.

Judge Only by Actions, Not Affiliations.

Again, I had many so-called Christians in my class. And I can state, with full conviction, that they were a part of the abuse I suffered. However, now that I’m older, I can look back and see them for who they really were- sanctimonious hypocrites. And once you’re able to see your bullies exactly as they are, no amount of gaslighting will work on you. Any justification or rationalization of what they did will no longer have an effect on you because, in essence, they stand naked before you. And I thank the Lord for giving me this knowledge because it has given me so much confidence.

And confidence is freedom.

As I said earlier, I realize that none of us are perfect because we’re all human and humans sin all the time. Christians are no exception to this. And I’ll be the first to admit that there were times and situations when I didn’t act very Christian. And I’m not afraid to own it. But what I didn’t do was repeatedly use my faith as a weapon against someone who was already being horribly mistreated. However, anytime they use their faith to destroy another, they stoop to a special kind of evil and God will judge them the harshest.

I know for a fact that Jesus would have had my back. Also, He would have admonished them for not only their persecution of a few others, but for their fake Christianity and sanctimony. Because true Christians will never use their faith and Christian platform to bully and destroy another human being.

Giving it a Name.

Therefore, if anyone who claims to be a person of God bullies you and uses their faith to destroy your spirit, there are names for it you can use. Sanctimony and hypocrisy. Knowing how to name these people is your power because it makes it so much easier for you to call it out. So, I urge you to see these people for who they are and name them accordingly. They are not Christians. They’re only sanctimonious hypocrites.

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-6

Finally, Brielle broke the seal of their lips and looked at Malcolm with soft eyes.

“Honey, I’ve got to answer this call. The person keeps trying to call and it might be Jane. What if she and Bruce are broke down on the side of the road?” she said before picking up the phone, and looking at the screen.

“I understand,” Malcolm assured.

The caller ID read, “Grandma.”

“It’s my grandmother calling so this has got to be important. She’s watching Olivia and the baby. One of them might have gotten sick or something,” Brielle told him before pushing the answer button, and placing it to her ear.

“Hello,” she greeted before pausing.

“Brielle! Honey, Jo’s been trying to call you. She finally called here looking for you,” Grandma’s panicked voice said on the other end, The Double Nickel is on fire!”

Suddenly Brielle gasped as her eyes widened with horror. Malcolm flinched.

“What!” Brielle cried in terror.

Suspicious Things

“The truck stop and restaurant, Brielle! It’s on fire! It’s burning to the ground right now, as we speak! They managed to get all the customers and staff out before the fire completely engulfed the place! They think the fire started in one of the hotel rooms where someone left a cigarette burning or something!” Grandma cried.

“Oh, no! Listen! We’re going there now! We’re on our way!” Brielle said.

“The Double Nickel and Bobtail Bud’s are on fire!” Brielle cried before she and Malcolm jumped off the tailgate, ran to the doors of the truck, and jumped in.

Malcolm cranked the ignition, shifted into drive, and floored the gas as they slung gravel, pulling away from the riverbank and heading back toward the main road.

“We gotta get to Atticus and to Jo,” Brielle said as her voice broke, and she began crying.

“Did they get everyone out?” Malcolm asked, afraid for his brother and sister-in-law.

“Yes, Atticus managed to get everyone out of there before the place went up!”

“Thank God!”

When Malcolm finally turned onto the main highway, he and Brielle sped north. In the sky, just above the northern horizon, they could see a reddish-orange glow. Tears streamed down Brielle’s cheeks. Malcolm reached over and rubbed Brielle’s thigh, then her shoulder.

Fire!

“Everything’s going to be alright, babe,” he assured.

“I know.” Brielle said in a raspy, broken voice, “At least they’re all still alive and unhurt.”

Meanwhile, it was late, and Bruce drove Jane home to meet her midnight curfew. As they rounded a curve, Bruce tapped his break pedal and noticed that the car was not slowing down. His eyes widened and he glanced over at Jane. Jane looked at him with a look of concern.

“Uh-oh,” he said in a low voice.

“What’s wrong?” Jane asked.

“My breaks aren’t working as well as they were earlier,” Bruce told her.

“Come again?” Jane asked louder.

They barely made the bend and came to a straightaway. Again, Bruce tapped the brake just to be sure he wasn’t imagining things. Sure enough, the brakes were not working. He then pressed the brake all the way to the floor, the car didn’t slow down. At all!

“Oh, shit! Shit!” Bruce uttered, trying to stay calm and being sure to keep from shouting, “My brakes! They’re gone!”

“It’s a good thing I’m wearing my seatbelt,” Jane said.

“Well, you better tighten it because we’re in for a real bumpy ride!”

Jane continued looking over at Bruce as a look of terror crawled across her face. Bruce spoke again.

“Wait a minute! We’ve got the emergency brake,” he said as he slowly downshifted and began easing up on the emergency brake handle while continuing to press the brake pedal with his foot. The car began to slow but not before they came to a sharp bend. They were still moving at about forty-five miles per hour.

“Bruce!” Jane cried.

Careening Toward Danger

Bruce’s eyes widened as he saw the sharp curve looming closer and closer in his windshield.

“Hang on!” He shouted.

Fortunately, the bend had a guardrail. Bruce turned the wheel in a gallant attempt to make the bend. Sparks flew as the passenger side of the car sideswiped the guardrail, running along it and emitting the sickening, cringe-inducing sound of scraping metal on metal. Jane let out a high-pitched scream as she ducked down in the seat.

Thankfully, Bruce managed to make the second bend.

“Welp, there goes my paintjob,” Bruce resigned.

“Screw your paintjob! Just get us out of this!” Jane cried as she sat back up in the seat.

Just then, they saw what appeared to be a four-way stop just ahead. As the intersection got bigger and bigger in the windshield, Bruce’s face turned red and contorted as he let out a long, guttural grunt, pressing the brake pedal so hard, he practically stood on it, while continuing to pull upwards on the emergency brake.

The car slowed significantly, but not enough to avoid blowing the stop sign and going through the intersection.

“Shit! Hang on to your ass!” Bruce shouted.

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-5

On the other side of town, Brielle and Malcolm were also on a date. As they sat under the stars at one of the few drive-in theaters in the next town, they were too busy holding each other to pay attention to the show. Malcolm spoke.

“I have an idea. After the movie, let’s say we head over to the fair and catch up with Jane and Bruce,” he suggested.

“Nah. I don’t to be one of those helicopter parents and I’m not sure she’d like that. I know my oldest baby. She’d think I was checking up on her. I want her to know that I trust her and I’ll continue to trust her until she breaks that trust,” Brielle responded softly, “Let’s let the kids have fun without any chaperones around.”

“You know. You’re absolutely right. I was a teenager once and I wouldn’t have liked that either,” Malcolm agreed.

Brielle Respects Jane’s Privacy

After the movie. Malcolm took Brielle to the river. He opened the tailgate of his pickup truck and they sat on it under the stars. After a passionate kiss, Malcolm caressed Brielle’s face in his hands.

“I really enjoy spending time with you,” he told her.

Brielle smiled.

“Yeah, me too,” she said.

“I know you’ve been through a lot. So, I want you to know that I won’t pressure you in any way. Just know that I do care about you. I know we’re only on our second date and all but I do care and I’d like to see where this goes,” Malcolm said tenderly.

Brielle leaned in, placing her cheek on Malcolm’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

“You know Atticus talks about you a lot at work. Oh, don’t worry, it’s all good. But he’s a great judge of character and I figure that if he trusts you, then I have no reason not to,” she said.

“Atticus and I go back a long time,” Malcolm said.

“How do you know each other?”

“He was married to my sister, Luanne,” Malcolm answered.

Brielle’s head popped up and she looked at him with widened eyes. She placed a hand over her heart.

Malcolm continued.

Malcolm’s Connection to Attitus

“Yep. It was my sister and my niece who were killed by that drunk, Otis Crabtree. I was eleven years old when she died, and my mother and father never got over her death. Then they died within six months of each other when I was eighteen. That’s when I decided to enlist in the service. Then when I got out of the Army, I moved here to help Atticus get his business up and running. And I’ve been here ever since.

“Oh, I had no idea, Malcolm. You don’t know how sorry I am about your sister. Jo told me all about it and it breaks my heart for you and for Atticus,” Brielle said gently.

“Thank you. It was hard. ‘Still is sometimes. The Crabtree’s- God they make my stomach sick! But I’ll have to admit! I was tickled when Johnny Crabtree finally got arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced. He’s going to die in prison, and rightfully so,” Malcolm said bitterly.

He paused before speaking again.

“I know. This is supposed to be a date and I really shouldn’t be talking about these things. I’m sorry, Brielle,”

“I understand. And it’s okay.”

With that, Malcolm crooked his finger under her chin and showered her face with light, butterfly kisses. He then softly pressed his lips against hers. The kiss then progressed into a passionate kiss.

Brielle’s Cellphone Blows Up

Suddenly Brielle’s phone rang.

Brielle ignored the call and continued to reciprocate Malcolm’s tender kisses. She had long forgotten what it felt like to be kissed and caressed by a man- to have strong, masculine hands cup her face and to smell the scent of a man’s cologne paired with pheromones. And she was enjoying every bit of it.

Her arms snaked around Malcolm’s neck and he pulled her even closer to him. He run his hands up her back and held the back of her head with his fingers through her long, blonde hair. Brielle tilted her head back as Malcolm continued to kiss down her neck.

The phone continued to ring as they made out in the bed of the truck.

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-4

The following week passed quickly. Friday arrived quickly and, as Brielle worked her shift at Bobtail Bud’s, the hours seemed to pass like minutes. At the end of Brielle’s shift, Atticus sent Jo to ask her to stop by his office before going home.

When Brielle arrived, Atticus smiled.

“Do come in, my busy little bee,” he said with a wink.

Brielle sat down in front of Atticus’ desk.

“So, what can I do you for, boss man?” Brielle said, smiling back.

“I just interviewed a new waitress and she starts tomorrow night. And you’ve worked so hard for me for over a year now. You even held down the fort while I was in the hospital and Jo was staying there with me. I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten that and if I haven’t thanked you yet, I’m doing it now,” Atticus told her in a sincere tone.

“You’re very welcome,” Brielle said sweetly, “You, Jo, and most of the staff here have been good to me and it’s why I love working here so much.”

Atticus Gives Brielle A Pleasant Surprise.

“I’m very happy to hear that, Brielle. I want to ask you a quick question. How would you like to have every other weekend off from now on? You’ll get to be home with your children every two weeks on Friday and Saturday. Also, you and Malcolm can have the weekend to go out.” Atticus offered.

Brielle smiled.

“I’ll take you up on that,” she said excitedly.

The following evening was Saturday and the Fair had arrived in Glover County, just in time for the Fall Festival, which was held every year, on the last weekend of September, from Thursday to Sunday.

As promised, Bruce took Jane to the fair, showing her the best time she had had since the big move east from California. They rode the spinning spider, the merry-go-round, and many other fascinating rides.

Later in the evening, she and Bruce rode the Farris wheel together, holding each other and laughing heartily. But, unbeknownst to the happily dating couple, several pairs of evil eyes that had watched them the entire evening, continued to watch from the crowds below.

Bruce Takes Jane to the County Fair

Breanna Lindsay, Audrey Crabtree, Chandler Ames, Kevin Hearns, and about five more of the clique were also at the fair. With eyes flashing and furrowed brows, each member of the clique seethed as they watched Bruce and Jane going round and round, and up and down on the Farris wheel. They could hear Jane’s laughter as Bruce took her in his arms. He then kissed her passionately provoking their angry scowls to intensify to the point of contorting.

Not far away, the Sheriff Bobby also watched the happy couple, standing near the refreshment stand alongside deputies Ashton Childers, Aaron Hughes, and Austin Eves; and sipping a hot Styrofoam cup of coffee.

Breanna then looked at Chandler, then at Audrey.

“Come on, y’all! Let’s squash this shit!” she growled in resentment.

When the Farris wheel stopped, Bruce and Jane were the first passengers to be let off. Bruce then took Jane’s hand in his and led her over to the tilt-a-whirl. They continued to hold hands as they stood at the back of the line, waiting for their turn to ride.

“Aww! Look over there at Mickey and Mallory, y’all! So happy and so in love!” Audrey cooed sarcastically.

Being Watched!

“Don’t they look cute?” Chandler gushed, his voice also dripping with sarcasm.

“Straight out of a Romeo and Juliet play,” Breanna sneered before Chandler nudged her with his elbow and sneakily slipped something in her hand.

Breanna stuffed the hand that held the mystery item down into her front pants pocket.

“Now, let’s give miss karate queen a little present,” Chandler said with an evil grin.

Slowly and quietly, Breanna and the clique walked toward Bruce and Jane. Breanna kept her occupied hand in her pocket as they got closer. The couple’s backs were facing the clique as they, cloaked by the crowd, crept closer. Breanna noticed that Jane’s purse was partially open as it hung off her shoulder by the strap and rested on the backside of her hip.

As Breanna and the rest of the clique walked past, Breanna quickly looked around to see if anyone else was watching, then removed her occupied hand from her pants pocket, reached into Jane’s purse. She then pulled an empty hand back out of the purse and kept walking. It happened so quickly.

Breanna then looked at Chandler.

The Plant.

“The package has been delivered,” she assured smugly.

“Oops! Someobody’s gonna get in trouble!” Audrey said in a soft, sing-song voice.

“Now, we proceed to the next step! Let’s do some real damage!” Rhonda Eves sneered.

Luckily, Roxie and her new boyfriend weren’t far off. Andy and Brenda, who had also began dating, were with them. Roxie’s face lit up when she caught site of Bruce and Jane.

“Hey, there’s Bruce and Jane. Come on, let’s go catch up with them,” she excitedly suggested to the rest of the friend group. As the other three turned around,  Roxie’s eyes widened as she watched Breanna stick her hand in Jane’s purse as she walked by her.

“Hey, wait a minute! Did you see that!” Roxie cried, “Breanna just dropped something in Jane’s purse!”

“That can’t be good! We gotta warn her! Come on, let’s go!” Brenda advised.

As they headed toward Bruce and Jane, three more members of the clique stepped in front of them.

“What’s your hurry?” Becky Lee asked as they blocked Roxie, Andy and Brenda from going anywhere.

Suddenly, Giles Crabtree, Janessa Holtz, April Hart, and Samantha Criss walked up from behind. Roxie and the other group of outcasts looked around to see that they were completely surrounded.

Bullies Despise It When You Outshine Them

Especially those who are narcissists. These bullies have to be at the top of the game in everything. They must be the center of attention- all the time.

Therefore, anyone who outshines them in any way is fair game for attack. If you have any talents, anything at all you’re good at, or in which you’re super successful, these bullies will never stop coming after you.

They’ll often accuse you behind your back (and sometimes to your face) of the following:

1. “She’s just showing off.”
2. “Oh, she’s just trying to get attention.”
3. “He just loves to flaunt his (money, material possessions, masculinity, etc.)”
4. “She’s not so hot!”
5. “He’s a wuss, wimp, etc.”
6. “You’re arrogant, full of yourself, pompous, stuck up, etc.”

hypocrite hypocrisy double standard

But notice!

These bullies will often accuse the target of the same things they are guilty of themselves.

By displaying his talents, winning awards, and favor with others and charming those in authority, the target unwillingly offends the bullies’ own excessive vanity. The target instills an imbalance of the bullies’ sense of self and makes them doubt their superiority by poking holes in their importance.

These jealous brutes are often at the top of the pecking order- the popular kids at school or the high executives in the workplace.

So, understand that people such as these can’t accept being outdone in anything by anyone. And if they’re outshone by anyone they deem as inferior- their targets, all the worse! They’ll then stop at nothing to “put you back in your place.”

narcissist bully

They don’t care about your talents, your natural gifts, your successes, or smarts. If anything, they despise them. They hate any threat to their superiority.

Bullies Despise Success in Anyone They Deem Inferior

Additionslly, these bullies will have followers who will kiss up to them and many others who are afraid of them. You’ll know these people right away when you meet them.

They’ll be loud, obnoxious, and arrogant. These bullies will be in a clique and will have attitudes of self-entitlement. They’ll also expect perks and favors and more than likely get them. Anyone outside of their group, they will treat like dirt under their shoes.

Although talk is cheap and what they say behind your back is just a bunch of hot air, be careful your bullies don’t try to do something harmful to you.

dreamstime_xs_83974726

If you attract these bullies’ ire, here’s a short list of ways to keep them at bay:

1. Never reveal your plans and goals.
2. Never share anything you wouldn’t want anyone to know.
3. Display your talents, yes. But don’t brag about them.
4. Don’t dumb down for anyone, but don’t be too flashy with any intelligence, especially in the workplace.
5. Politely thank those who compliment you. Nothing more.
6. Humble yourself, yes. But you don’t have to undermine yourself to satisfy these brutes. Quiet confidence is key here.

Do these things, and you’re less likely to have a target on your back!

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Daily Prompt- Who Do You Envy

I envy my mother, because I could never be half the woman she is.

I envy her loving smile

Her warm touch

Her sweet, soft voice

Her beauty, both inner and outer

Her graceful demeanor

Her generous heart

Her beautiful soul

I envy my mother, because I could never be half the woman she is.

I love you, Mom!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-3

Great illustration of Retro Styled Businesswoman who caught up in a bureaucratic Spiders Web and looks like she is on the menu of a business lunch.

Later, Brielle and the children visited Popeye.

“Well, hey there! Long time, no see! Come on in!” Popeye greeted excitedly as he let Brielle, and the three girls inside, “It’s not every day I get visitors.”

“Oh, well, maybe we need to come visit more often, Popeye,” Jane told him.

“Have a seat while I go into the kitchen. I’ll be right back,” Popeye said kindly.

Brielle sat down on Popeye’s sofa, holding Kennedy in her lap. Jane and Olivia sat on the loveseat across from their mother.

Minutes later, Popeye returned with a tray upon which sat a full pitcher of iced tea and five glasses filled with ice cubes. He sat the tray down on the coffee table and filled each glass with tea before handing it to each of his guests.

“Thanks, Popeye,” Olivia said before sipping her glass.

“This is really good tea. It’s tastes lemony,” Jane said after taking a drink.

“Oh, yes! I love lemon in my tea,” Brielle added before lifting her glass to Popeye and taking a sip. She then let Kennedy have a sip.

Popeye then sat in his recliner and sipped his glass before sitting it on the end table beside him.

“Lord, I’ve been so busy in the field, and I planned on stopping by your house sometime this week. But I’m glad you all come over because I’ve received some very distressing news that y’all need to know about. 4 people have come up missing. One of them is a sixteen-year-old autistic girl- a sophomore from Thomasville High School. She was last seen Thursday,” Popeye told them, “Her name was Nanda Abernathy.”

Jane suddenly looked up, setting her glass down hard on the coffee table.

“What???” she cried, “Oh my God, I knew that girl! She always sat alone at lunch! Me, Bruce, and the rest of my friends tried to get her to come sit with us and she wouldn’t do it! I could tell that the poor girl was scared to death! She didn’t talk to anybody! And Audrey Crabtree, Breanna Lindsay, and the rest of those creeps gave her such a hard time! I mean, tortured and tormented that poor girl! So, we tried to befriend her because we knew what it was like to be bullied by those arrogant assholes but she was too scared!”

Popeye nodded and Brielle spoke up.

“Jane, did you see this yourself?” she asked.

“Of course, I did, Mom! They’d beat her up all the time! They’d call her retarded, retard, F-tard, and other such horrific names! And I swear, we tried, Mom! We tried to get her to come hang with us! Bruce, Andy, and I would even take up for her when the bullies would attack her, but then, they started making sure we weren’t around and attacking her behind our backs!”

“Why isn’t any of this in the paper?” Brielle asked.

“The Thomasville Cryer didn’t even report a word of it.” Popeye said.

“I’m not surprised. You know that the Cryer is owned by Rita’s family. And if Rita or their associates are involved in something, they’re going to instruct their reporters to stay quiet about it.” Brielle responded.

“I’ve a good mind to call the FBI about this.” Popeye said in anger.

“The FBI are just as crooked,” Brielle reminded.

“I’m aware of that. But Shannon and the Bledsoe brothers went to the FBI and they got results. And that tells me that there are still a few good people that work in the FBI. Most of the crooks are the seventh-floor crowd- those in the top offices. But those with actual boots on the ground, many of them are good people, Brielle, and we have to go to them.” Popeye told her gently.

“I just don’t trust the FBI, Popeye.”

Bullies and Their Unsolicited Advice

Bullies are good at giving unsolicited advice, even through they despise it when the shoe is on the other foot.

They give you free advice on how think, act, or feel under any circumstances. What bullies are best at is telling you how you should react to the very abuse they inflict. These morons have a lot of nerve, don’t they?

However, I want you to understand why bullies do this. Bullies give unsolicited advice because it serves them to do so. How does it serve them, you may ask? It does so by giving their audience the impression that they know more and are more qualified than you.

In other words, bullies don’t give advice to help you. They give it to help themselves– to look cute and like they’re smarter than you.

Therefore, if you don’t know why bullies do it nor how to counter it, it can chip away at your self-esteem. So, what are ways that you can counter a smartass bully who gives you advice you didn’t ask for?

You Don’t Need a Bully’s Cheap Two Cents.

You counter this by having a clear understanding that the amount of weight another person’s opinion carries with you depends on their relationship with you. Or, at least, it should.

Put another way, the people who are the closest to you and whom you feel closest to are those whose opinions you should value the most. These are the people who love and care for you the most- your parents, grandparents, your spouse- your dearest family and friends.

In contrast, the opinions of any bullies, fake friends, anyone who uses and abuses you, should carry the least weight. We should never value the opinions or judgements of bullies. Ever! Even if the bullies happen to be bosses, teachers, or any other superiors, you don’t have to give any worth to any opinions they have. Only with superiors, you may want to handle this differently. Perhaps the best thing is to keep quiet about it until you find a way out from under their thumbs.

Understand that all through life, many people will give their opinions. However, those opinions won’t serve you nor will they have any bearing on your life.

Never Give Value to Anything that Has None.

Opinions are like elbows and everyone has one. But the value of an opinion must always be determined by who they come from and the relationship you have with them.

Therefore, stop giving undue value to the opinions of those who aren’t worth your consideration. In that, you happily discard any unsolicited advice from anyone who hasn’t earned your respect. When you do, you keep your power and your dignity.

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C10-2

Brielle noticed the face-change.

“Malcolm, what is it?” she asked gently before turning around to see that none other than Sheriff Bobby Crabtree had entered the restaurant. He immediately looked in their direction.

Brielle quickly turned back around, sighing in dread. She looked at Malcolm and shook her head in displeasure.

“Boy, it’s a good thing we finished eating before he walked in here,” she quipped.

“Yeah. No kidding!” Malcolm said disdainfully eyeing the sheriff with a contemptuous glare.

Bobby turned and started toward the dating couple before stopping in front of them.

“Well, Malcolm. I thought that surely you had better taste than this,” he sneered before looking at Brielle, “And you? You should know that we’re watching you. We’re watching every move you make,” the sheriff warned.

Sheriff Bobby Tries to Spoil a Good Thing

“Oh, you mean, stalking me, don’t you? That is the correct term, isn’t it? I mean, seriously. Don’t you have a life, Bobby?” Brielle smarted off.

The sheriff continued, ignoring her last comment.

“You want to rock the boat, then you’d best have a life jacket handy. Because you just might end up tipping it over,” Bobby growled.

He then turned back to Malcolm.

“Roll in the mud with pigs and get just as dirty,” Sheriff Bobby told him before leaving.

Malcolm just sat there, glaring at the sheriff as if to burn a hole through him with his vision. His angry eyes followed the crooked county cop until he got in his cruiser and drove out of sight. He then looked at Brielle.

“That sorry piece of shit! C’mon. Let’s go somewhere we won’t be bothered by the likes of him,” he told her as he picked up the ticket, took out his wallet, and left a five dollar tip before they both approached the lady at the counter behind the cash register.

Class at Brielle’s

The following Monday morning, Kim’s and Raina’s children begin their first day of homeschool. They all met at Brielle’s house to help each other homeschool all the kids. Grandma Bennett had also arrived to help with the teaching. Brielle and Kim were just getting all the children seated to begin their home school lessons when they heard a knock at the door. When Brielle answered the door, she found two professional looking women on her doorstep, complete with nametags, “Child Protective Services,” on her doorstep.

“What can I do for you?” Brielle asked them.

“I’m Ann Crabtree and I’m an officer with the Glover County Juvenile Truancy Division. and this is Alyssa Lindsay, with Glover Country Child Protective Services,” Ann informed.

“Crabtree? Lindsay? Right. So, again, what can I do for you?” Brielle asked in a suspicious tone.

“The school board has just reported that your children aren’t in school. And we need to know why.” Ann, one of the two social workers demanded.

CPS and the Truancy Division Get Involved.

Grandma Bennett came out of the kitchen and stood behind Brielle, glaring at the two social workers.

“I’ll have you know that these kids are in school! We transferred them from their schools in Thomasville to Pathways Christian Home School! So, they are getting an education!” she shot back.

Kim and Raina, who were sitting at the table, helping the kids with their math, looked up. They then turned to the kids.

“You all stay here and stay seated. We’ll be right back,” Kim told them before she and Raina went into the living room to see what was going on. They then joined Grandma Bennett behind Brielle.

“What my grandmother just told you is correct. These kids are being homeschooled! And I have proof!” Brielle added before going into her bedroom. She opened her fireproof safe, and scooped up the paperwork from Passageways as proof that the girls were getting their education through the home school program.

When she returned to the door and presented Ann the paperwork, Ann and Alyssa read the documents, then handed them back to Brielle.

Brielle Shows Proof.

“Alright. And is this an accredited school?” Ann asked again.

“Yes. If it wasn’t, I don’t think the state would allow them to do business.” Brielle told her.

“That’s not necessarily so. But we’ll do some checking. Then we’ll be in touch.” Alyssa, the second worker interjected before they both left.

After Brielle closed the door, Grandma Bennett let out a long sigh.

“Oh, boy! Why do I get the feeling that this is only the beginning? This smells like the Glover County School Board is about to retaliate against Brielle and probably the rest of the parents who have pulled their kids out of the schools in Thomasville,” she concluded in a tone of dread.

A Sense of Foreboding.

“Yep! And you can bet that Bobby, the fake sheriff and the rest of those crooked cronies like Misty and Rita are in on it,” Raina added.

“Yep! Misty and Rita were on duty at the hospital when we brought Jane in after that knife-attack at school,” Grandma Bennett continued, “I saw those two tramps with my own two eyes!”

“Oh, that’s great! So, that’s what Bobby was talking about when he confronted me and Malcolm at Bon Appetit Saturday evening, “This is what he meant with his comment about rocking the boat,” Brielle told them.

“I hate to say it. But I’m with your grandmother on this, Brielle,” Kim told her, “I have a really bad feeling that this isn’t going away.”