Part Seven
Yates looked at the boy, “What exactly do you mean?”
Terrified, Jesse peered up at the woman. “If I tell you, you won’t do anything bad, will you?”
“I’ll do what’s best for you. That’s all I can guarantee.”
“I, uh, I didn’t mean anything. I just don’t want to lose Xander.”
“We understand that, but if there’s anything going on, you need to tell us,” said Jenkins.
“Please, Jesse, we just want to help you,” murmured Yates.
Jesse stared nervously at the two adults. “My parents aren’t bad, not like Xander’s. They love me. They don’t mean to hurt me.”
“I’m sure they don’t,” said Yates soothingly. “But sometimes they do, don’t they?”
“No! They don’t do it on purpose! The drugs make them do it!” Jesse stopped, realizing what he’d said. “I didn’t say that! It’s not how it sounds!”
“It’s okay, Jesse. We’re going to make sure they don’t hurt you anymore,” said Jenkins.
“No! I’m all they have! You can’t take me away!”
“It doesn’t have to be permanent, dear,” said Yates. “If they can get themselves cleaned up and drug-free, they will be granted visitation rights.”
“You make it sound like you already knew!”
Yates glanced at Jenkins, who nodded his head, “We’ve had several calls about your parents. They were contacted a few months ago, and we explained what would happen if they didn’t clean up.”
“No, you’re going to take me away!” cried Jesse.
“We’re arranging a foster home for you. And there is a lawyer in LA who is interested in fostering you, and adopting you, but only if you’re agreeable,” said Jenkins.
“I want to stay in Sunnydale! I need Xander! He needs me!”
The doctor stepped out of Xander’s hospital room, and Giles went up to him. “How is he?”
“I’ve sedated him, he’s sleeping now. But he won’t be ready to leave for a day or two.”
“When will he be awake again?” asked Iam.
“In a few hours,” said the doctor. “Ms. Yates and Mr. Jenkins have apprised me of the situation. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”
“Thank you,” said Giles.
Just then Jesse came racing out of the waiting room, yelling, “No! I don’t want to leave!”
Giles caught the boy, “Now, what’s wrong?”
“They’re going to take me away! I’m never going to see Xander again!” sobbed Jesse.
Giles looked over at Iam, a bit confused. Iam mouthed one word and hoped his uncle would understand. ‘Boyfriends.’
“Oh,” said Giles. “Oh, dear.”