Trading My Ex for His Uncle



Offending too many people could lead to trouble. If someone ever decided to stab Gabriel in the back, it was unlikely anyone would be willing to help him.

Gabriel's eyes darkened as he glanced at Damon, but he quickly spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, your words seem a bit unfair. Wilhelm has always gotten along well with his classmates.

"Before Buddy transferred, there hadn't been any issues. Everyone can attest to that, and Ms. Ferrier can confirm it as well.

"It was indeed Wilhelm's fault this time, but kids pushing and shoving during arguments is normal. Accusing him of bullying other children feels like an overreach, don't you think?"

Damon smiled. "I'm merely raising a valid concern, not accusing him outright. However, if he can publicly shove Buddy today, who's to say he won't shove another classmate tomorrow?"

"You're speculating about things that haven't happened. Mr. Sumner, it seems excessive to assume the worst about a child this young," Gabriel countered.

"Oh, you misunderstand me," Damon replied with mock politeness. "I'm only looking out for the safety of the other children. No parent wants their kid coming home from school covered in bruises, do they?"

As soon as he finished, murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd of parents.

"That's right. I saw Wilhelm charge at Mason out of nowhere. His aggressiveness was scary-even as an adult, I felt uneasy. I can't imagine what it'd be like if he suddenly went after my child."

"Maybe he's jealous Mason won so many first-place medals today, while he didn't win a single one."

"If he reacts like this over something

so trivial, who knows what else he

might do think I need tonoveldrama

l

reconsider if this is the right environment for my child. Having an unstable classmate around is too dangerous."

The murmurs grew louder, and Gabriel's expression darkened by the second.

Taking a deep breath, he addressed the group. "Everyone, I understand Wilhelm was in the wrong today. He's just a young boy, and with my recent divorce from his mother, his emotions have been running high. That might be concerning to you. I sincerely apologize to Mason and promise it won't happen again.

"If he ever lays hands on another child, I'll immediately withdraw him from the school. I hope everyone can give him another chance." Most of the parents knew about Gabriel and Jane's divorce.

Looking at Wilhelm, his tear-streaked face and red eyes, some of them began to feel a twinge of sympathy. After all, he was just a kid, and his parents' divorce must have been a tough blow.

Sensing the change in their attitudes, Gabriel felt a glimmer of hope and was about to capitalize on it when Damon spoke again.

"If his emotions are so unstable, I'd suggest you take him home for a while, Mr. Hackett. Bring him back to school once he's calmed down.

"After all, your divorce is between you and your ex-wife-it's not anyone else's responsibility to bear the consequences. And it's certainly not an excuse for him to lash out at his classmates," Damon reasoned.

Gabriel froze.

et

After a long pause, he bowed his head slightly and said, "You're right, Mr. Sumner: I'll keep Wilhelm at home for the time being. Once I'm certainhe's emotionally stable, he'll return to school. I hope that will be acceptable to you?"