Chapter 67: Ten VS Ten
*If we’re such a Christian nation, why do we have freedom of religion? – Pagan*
Evie stood in the hallway waiting for a particular student. When the little blonde appeared, she gave the girl her homework information and advised that she go ahead and go to the office. Her dad would be there soon to pick her up and take her to go see her brother. He had been hit by a drunk driver Thanksgiving Day and had been in the hospital for the past week and a half. As the bell rang, she turned to close the door behind her. Miss Walter was at Priscilla’s desk.
“Miss Walter, I have assigned extra work, given you detention and zeroes. Nothing seems to deter you from antagonizing Miss Lowery. So, class discussion. What the hell is your problem?” Evie asked as she leaned against the front of her desk. Today she wore a gray sweater dress with bright blue leggings and dark gray below the knee boots.
The cheerleader turned around and crossed her arms on her chest. “Her dad is involved with five women.” She said with disgust.
Evie continued to stand against her desk, her hands resting on either side of her. Currently she was looking at the teenager waiting for an explanation.
“Oh, sorry, is that the reason you’re being such a bitch?” the teacher asked and the room filled with gasps and oohhhs
“You can’t talk to me like that” the girl said as she stomped her foot. She actually stomped her foot. Evie had to fight not to bust out laughing.
“I’ve met her dad.” Evie continued, outwardly ignoring the tantrum. “I don’t think you’re his type.”
There was a round of laughs as the blonde cried out, “That’s disgusting!”
“You’re the one acting jealous.” She pointed out. “So, if it’s not jealousy, why are you acting this way?”
“It’s not right.” The girl explained. “We’re a Christian nation. That shouldn’t be tolerated.”
“Looks like we’re having that discussion.” Evie walked around her desk to the white board and grabbed a marker. “Miss Walter, you can take your seat.” She began to write out the ten commandments. Using a different colored marker, she wrote out the bill of rights on the other half of the board.
“I woke up this morning living in a democracy. Can someone please search at what time today America became a theocracy?” the teacher asked as she continued her writing. “Miss Walter, how many times is God mentioned in the constitution?”
“I don’t know.”
“None.” Athos said.
“Very good, Mr. Humphrey.” Finishing her task, the teacher turned back to the class. “Feel free to use the board as a reference. Someone please tell me which amendment states that you should honor your mother and father?”
There was no response.
“And which commandment guarantees you the freedom of speech.” The room remained silent.
“Okay, let’s try this. Rhode Island refused to sign the constitution until something was agreed to be added.”
“Freedom of religion.” One of the boys from the middle of the class said. “It’s also home to one of the oldest synagogues in America.”
“Very good, Mr. Goldman. Excellent knowledge of the synagogue also.”
“Most of the founding fathers weren’t Christian.” Priscilla added. “I think it was Thomas Jefferson that made his own bible.”
“Yes, he did. He removed all supernatural elements and created his own bible. He, like so many of his contemporaries, was a deist. They believe there is something out there, just not certain what.” Evie continued.
“But having so many women is just wrong.” The angry cheerleader countered.
“Why? Because you were told it was?”
“Let me guess, you’re okay with pedophiles also?” the girl sneered.
“No. If it is sex between consenting adults, I have no problem with it. Consenting. Adults. As far as I know that only encompasses about three of you. Barely. The rest of you, you’re too young, inexperienced and naïve to make such decisions.” Evie turned her attention to Priscilla. “Are any of your parents under the age of 18?”
“Hardly. My youngest mom is 24.”
“And they all know about each other? Have no problems sharing him? Everyone is happy?”
“We all live together. I haven’t seen any issues. For the most part, everyone is happy. Momma Becks is not happy with my dad right now. But they’ll work it out.”
“It would help if he would quit getting his pretties pregnant.” Athos chuckled.
Priscilla scoffed. “Don’t I know it.”
“Are congratulations or condolences needed?” Evie asked.
“I’ll get back to you on that.” She replied. “I know that my family is not conventional. And I know that not everyone understands. But I have six parents that love me, support me and have my back, unconditionally. And really, how different is it? How many of your parents are divorced and remarried? The biggest difference between my family and blended families” she made air quotes emphasizing those words, “is that we have remained together and grown. My parents fight, just like any other family. We have disagreements. We argue. And yes, people pick on us and make fun of us.”
“But I can go home, and at least one of my moms is going to be there. There’s going to be at least one person who will listen to me. Take me anywhere I need to go. Make sure that I have anything that I need or want. Same with all my sisters. And my dad is already so excited about finally having a boy, he’s about to burst.” Priscilla smiled. “My biological dad didn’t even stick around for my birth. But the instant Molly met me, he looked at my mom and said ‘she’s mine, no matter what, she’ll always be mine.’”
“The courts agreed. When my mom died, Molly got full custody of me. I don’t remember my birth mom, but Molly and my two moms that did know her always make sure that they tell me about her. We celebrate her birthday and commemorate the day she died. My family may not be like the stereotypical American family with 2.3 kids, but there is no way that I would give it up for a Stepford family.”
Evie smiled at her. “Well put. And Miss Walter, if I hear another disparaging remark, we will have a come to Jesus’ meeting. Bell is about to ring, everyone make sure your homework is complete by our next class.”
“I can’t believe that you have no problem with something like that.” One of the other cheerleaders said.
Evie saw the grin from Athos and shook her head. He had seen the three of them go down to the playroom that first night. He had also seen her and Ink coming out of Tank’s room over the past weekend.
“I have no intention of having sex with them, so it does not affect me.” She replied simply as her alarm went off. “And I am not discussing this any further. If you wish to continue this topic, do your research and we will continue with a thoughtful and open discussion tomorrow. I do not want to hear I don’t agree with it without information backing your position.”
Shortly after Evie sat down, the bell rang and her class filed out. Athos stood in the doorway waiting on Priscilla who stopped in front of the desk.
“You don’t have to defend my family.”
“Miss Lowery, that argument had nothing to do with your family. At least not for me. It had to do with my family and our choices.” She looked at the man in the doorway, “I appreciate your discretion.”
“The only time that what you three do behind closed doors effects me, is if I can hear you from my room.” He said with a grin. “It’s a great soundtrack for certain… activities.”
“Ewwww. Gross.” Priscilla said with disgust.
Evie simply laughed. “Glad that I could help.”
(Quick note - I had a high-level school history teacher that did the Ten VS Ten and it always stuck with me.)
