The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer Read Free Book Online Page A

you.
    “David, I see so much in you. You’re a very brave young man. Not many children can tell their secret. Someday this whole experience will be behind you.” Ms Gold stopped for a moment. “David, you’re a very brave young man.”
    “Well, I don’t fell very brave, Ms Gold. I feel … like … like a traitor.”
    “David, ” Pam smiled, “you’re not a traitor! And don’t you forget it.”
    “If she’s sick, ” I asked, “then what about my other brothers? Are you going to help them, too? What if she goes after one of them?”
    “Well, right now my only concern is you. I don’t have any information that your mother was or is abusing your brothers. We have to start somewhere. Let’s take this one step at a time. All right? And David …” Ms Gold switched off the ignition. We had reached the courthouse.
    “Yes, ma’am?”
    “I want you to know that I love you.”
    I looked deep into Ms Gold’s eyes. They were so pure. “I really do, ” she said, stroking the side of my cheek.
    I cried as I nodded my head. Ms Gold lifted my chin with her fingers. I pressed my head against her hand. I cried because I knew that in a few minutes I would betray Pam’s love.
    Minutes later we walked into the waiting room of the county courthouse, and Ms Gold grabbed my hand. Mother and the boys were waiting on one of the benches. Ms Gold nodded at Mother as the two of us walked by. I stole a glance. Mother was wearing a nice dress and had fixed up her hair.
    Ron had a cast on his leg.
    No one acknowledged my presence, but I could feel Mother’s hate. Ms Gold and I sat down, waiting our turn. The delay was unbearable. Burying my head under my right arm, I mumbled to Ms Gold, asking her for a pen and paper. I proceeded to scribble a small note.
     
    To Mother:
    I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come to this. I didn’t mean to tell the secret. I didn’t mean to hurt the family.
    Can you ever forgive me?
    Your son, David
     
    Ms Gold read the note and nodded, giving me permission to give the note to Mother. I shuffled over to Mother, becoming a child called
“It”
once again – with my hands stuck to my sides and my head cocked down toward the floor. I waited for Mother to say something, to yell at me, snap her fingers, anything. She didn’t even acknowledge my presence. I inched my head upward, moving my eyes up her body, and stuck my hand out, holding my note. Mother snatched the paper, read it, then tore it in half. I bowed my head before returning to Ms Gold, who put her arm around my shoulder.
    Minutes later Ms Gold, Mother, my four brothers and I filed into the courtroom. I sat behind a dark table, gazing in awe at the man above me dressed in a black robe. “Don’t be afraid, ” Ms Gold whispered. “The judge may ask you a few questions. It’s important, very important that you tell him the truth, ” she said, stressing the last part of her sentence.
    Knowing that my final outcome would be decided in the next few minutes, I reached over and nervously tapped Ms Gold’s hand. “I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused you …” I wanted to tell her the truth – the real truth – but I didn’t have the guts. The lack of sleep had drained all of my inner strength. Ms Gold smiled at me reassuringly, revealing her pearly white teeth. A subtle yet familiar fragrance filled my head. I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath …
    Before I knew it, the clerk began to read off a number and stated my name. At the mention of my name my head snapped up at the judge, who adjusted his glasses and glanced down at me. “Yes, the … uhh … Pelzer case. Yes. I presume the representative from the county is present?” the judge asked.
    Ms Gold cleared her throat and winked at me. “Here we go. Wish me luck.”
    The judge nodded at Ms Gold. “Recommendations?”
    “Thank you, Your Honor. As the court is well aware through the extensive briefs from the pediatrician’s examinations, interviews with the