The Hidden Ones: Resurrection - 40. Mr. Sullivan

---Ryder---

As the phone clicked off I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh. I should’ve known better than to tell him that, shouldn’t I have? But still, it won’t hurt him that much right? He’s already called the school out over national T.V., so what’s a few words in class? I mean, what’s the worst he could possibly say? It’s not like he’s dumb enough to tell them to fuck off, is he?

I jumped out of bed and quickly made my way downstairs. “Harry,”

“Dad.” He corrected in a happy tone.

“You might want to hold off on that.” I nervously laughed.

“Why?” He cautiously asked.

“I may have given some bad advice.” I gulped. “Oliver called me a few minutes ago talking about how kids and teachers are treating him differently and,” I paused as the phone began to ring.

“That’s the school, isn’t it?” Harry sighed, slowly getting to his feet. I shrugged and nervously watched as he swiped it off the table. “Hello.” He greeted. “Yeah I can come down.” He exhaled. “Don’t worry, he’s coming too.”

As he clicked off the phone and looked at me I didn’t know what to say. “Sorry.” I offered in a timid voice.

“It’s fine.” He dismissed. “It’s Oliver, odds are he was going to wind up in the principal’s office today anyway.”

“That bad?” I asked, starting to climb back up the stairs.

“She said he told the class to and I quote ‘leave him the fuck alone.’” Harry explained. “So at least he didn’t call anyone any names.”

“Yeah, at least it’s not too bad.” I yelled from my bedroom.

“Don’t worry, he mocked his teacher too.” Harry shouted back. “What the hell did you tell him?”

“I told him Teddy stood up for me at homecoming.” I explained, finally getting jeans on and running back downstairs. “But he hung up before I could make my point.”

“I forgot about that.” Harry stifled a laugh. “It was the one time we ever got a call about Teddy, actually, it was the one time a school ever had to discipline him! It was the only time we had to discipline him!”

“To quote your wife ‘Mother nature’s a bitch’.” I teased, following him into the car.

“Yup.” He exhaled a deep breath. “This second one’s enthusiastic.”

I nodded my head and thought it over. “Ever have him tested for attention disorders?”

“No.” Harry shook his head. “No need to. Maybe he has one, but I don’t want that label to get in his head, and I’m sure as hell not putting him on medication.”

“Good.” I happily agreed. “He’s perfect the way he is.”

“Yeah.” Harry proudly smiled. “He really is.”

“Well except for day like today.” I teased causing him to relax a little more.

I wouldn’t change a thing about the kid. His passion, his excitement, his outspokenness, it’s what will help him reach the things he dreams about. After all, he seems to have systems in place to deal with his extra energy. From keeping his hands busy idly drumming while we write, to pacing around the room. At thirteen he’s already learned how to deal with all his excess energy. Now only if he’d learn the right words for the right situations!

*************************************************************************************

“Ah, Mr. Sullivan.” An older woman greeted as I stepped into the room. “Have a seat.” Me and Harry shared a curious gaze as we both sat down. “Your little friend Oliver here has gotten himself in quite the trouble this morning, but you’re going to help us solve that.”

“I, sure.” I agreed, not knowing what she was hinting at.

“After all, if you can get him to focus on music, you can get him to focus on education.” She finally explained. “Unless you don’t think education is that important.”

“I, uh,” I paused, looking around the room.

“I knew he doesn’t.” Oli remarked. “He didn’t even graduate from high school.”

“Then what happened?” I asked, finally snapping to. “I got addicted to drugs and alcohol Oliver.”

“You started one of the most profitable bands in existence.” He corrected. “The drugs and alcohol suck, but I’m not as naturally emotional as you.”

“Oliver!” Harry reprimanded.

“Sorry, sensitive.” Oli corrected.

“Dude.” I grunted, beginning to stare him down. “What are you taking all of this out on me for?”

“I’m not,” He shrugged. “That’s just what it is.”

“Are you that annoyed that people are treating you differently?” I asked, trying to find the right buttons to push.

He thought it over before letting out a deep breath. “It’s bullshit. No one cared about me before, and now suddenly everyone wants to talk to me. The bus driver, Tommy Anderson, Mr. Rose, and even you Mrs. Flores! Usually you threaten to kick me out of school by now!”

“He has a point.” I nodded as Harry quickly nudged me. “Don’t kick him out of school.” I quickly clarified.

“Seriously Mr. Haner,” She sighed. “This is the man you trust Oliver with?”

“I just woke up.” I tried to defend.

“It’s nine in the morning Mr. Sullivan,” She grunted. “Most responsible adults are awake by now.”

“She said you’re not an adult.” Oli cackled, as I shot him a dirty look.

“This is the man I trust my son with.” Harry nodded his head, ignoring the exchange. “Because Oli’s right, this man built a music empire with just one band. He’s a good role model, and a great person.”

“Role model?” Mrs. Flores repeated.

“Oliver hung up on me before I finished my point, what was I supposed to do?” I asked. “Come down here and yell at you and your teachers, because I’ve been doing that for the past thirteen years and it hasn’t changed a god damn thing.”

“We have taken huge steps since you went to school here Mr. Sullivan.” Mrs. Flores snapped turning to me.

“That’s bullshit and you know it.” I dismissed. “You just bullied me by taking a knock at how long I sleep in!”

“Oh I did not, I was simply,”

“You’re so full of shit.” I waved off. “It’s no wonder Oliver doesn’t behave. He doesn’t respect anyone here.

“And that’s my fault?” She asked. “Oliver’s lack of discipline is my fault?”

“Yup, because we don’t have these problems at home or in the studio.” I defended as a smile grew on Oliver’s face. “He listens to his mom, and when he doesn’t he’s punished and serves the consequences. He listens to me in the studio without problem. He spent five straight hours working on Revival.”

I couldn’t help but shake my head as frustration got the best of me. “So to sit there and blame a thirteen year old because you don’t practice what you preach is fucking pathetic!” I tried my hardest to keep my voice down but couldn’t. “You know the problem today? The problem is you’ve treated this kid like a burden for so long, that now that you even treat him remotely close to a human he doesn’t know what to do!”

“Mr. Haner, get control over your family!” Mrs. Flores cried out, staring him down.

“He’s absolutely right.” Harry supported. “Like Ryder said how many times have you threatened to kick Oliver out? Two? Three? And now that’s all forgiven? I’m in my forties and even I’m confused!” Harry let out a frustrated laugh and looked to us. “Just give him detentions or suspend him, and we’ll handle this at home.”

“I would love to do that.” She sarcastically agreed. “But unfortunately his actions got two other kid’s detention today.”

“I didn’t tell them to do anything! They did it all on their own!” Oli exclaimed.

“What’d they do?” Harry sighed.

“Clapped in support of Oliver’s outburst.” She explained, losing the room even more.

“So we’re just crucifying this kid for everything today?” I asked in a laugh. “Jesus, you were called out by name on television and somehow you got worse!” I let out a sigh and leaned towards Harry. “This woman is clueless, please just, just let me call the superintendent.”

“Done.” Harry nodded standing up. “We’re going home and taking Oliver with us. Goodbye Mrs. Flores.”

“So is Oliver’s time at River Edge done?” Mrs. Flores asked, trying to hide her relief.

“Nope.” I answered, grabbing Oli by his shoulder as he stood up and pulling him to the door. “I highly recommend you step down before you’re un-hireable.”

“Excuse me?” She asked in a scoff.

“You’re negligent, and arrogant.” I turned and explained. “I make it a point to never abuse the power that comes with my job, but I think I’ve finally found an exception.”

“He was following your advice!” She shouted as we stepped out of the room. “I won’t go down for this. There is no way they believe you!” She fought as I slammed the door behind me.

“Holy crap! You’re totally going to get her,”

“You’re in so much trouble.” I interrupted turning and getting strict with him for the first time. “What were you thinking?”

“But Teddy did it and,”

“Teddy wasn’t in an up and coming band.” I reprimanded. “Sure, people are going to love that you’re a trouble maker, but not if you overdo it!”

“Sorry,” He mumbled looking down. “I just,”

“You just got detention for the next week is what you did!” I continued as we stepped outside. “We have two weeks to record the Messiah album and second song.”

“Why only two weeks?” He timidly asked, barely looking up.

“Because that’s how we do things.” I sighed. “and balancing that with your school was going to be hard enough, but now you took out an extra five hours!”

“You guys wrote all those other albums without me.” He muttered trying his hardest to justify his actions.

“Okay, but you were supposed to record half of the songs so Tommy could save his strength.” I finally explained. “It was supposed to be a surprise to reward you, but now, now I don’t know man.” I sighed, leaning against the car.

“No I can do it!” Oli insisted. “I swear, I-I’ll work three times as hard! I promise you I will!”

“You better.” I pressured. “I get that you’re only thirteen, but I think you’re mature enough to understand that you fucked up here.” I warned, finally calming down. “I get what the school is doing isn’t right, and I’ll stand up for you, but fuck man, I give you a little bit of leash and you nearly hang me with it!”

Oli took in a deep breath, and for a second I thought he was going to start crying, but suddenly he looked up and nodded his head. “I’ll be better.” He forced out. “I’m sorry I let you and the band down.”

“Good.” I nodded, ruffling his hair. “Harry, I know you probably want to discipline him but is there anyway we can head off to the studio,”

“Take him.” Harry nodded his head. “After all, the studio is probably a better environment for him to learn anyway.”

“Yeah.” I agreed in a sigh. “I’ll make sure the guys don’t give him bad advice, and I’m sorry man.”

“Get in the car Oli.” Harry ordered, Oliver went to fight but as he saw his dad’s face slid in and slammed the door behind him. “Don’t apologize to me.” Harry began. “The way you’re standing up for my kid, don’t even worry about it.”

“But I’m the reason,”

“Ryder, it takes a village to raise a kid.” He explained. “And as much as me and Jill want to raise him, and as much as I wish I knew the words to get him to behave, well you saw what he was like before you got here.” He exhaled. “Sure, you’re not perfect, but you’re doing a better job than I did, and I just, the best way for me to be a good dad right now is to hand him over for a while and support you both the best I can.”

“You mean that?” I asked in a nervous voice.

“I do, I trust you Ryder.” Harry smiled. “Just don’t fuck him up.”

“I won’t.” I laughed stepping into the car. “Mind dropping us off?”

“We’re starting right now?” Oli asked as his father nodded his head.

“Guys have been working all morning.” I answered. “I already have some lyrics written and left over riffs I want to use.” I explained. “It’s just a matter of putting it all together.”

**********************************************************************************

Oli nodded his head and quietly fell back into his seat, hoping we wouldn’t see the growing smile on his face. He thinks he’s being rewarded, but he has no idea how sick he’ll get of recording. Sure, he’s already done it once, but that was one song. This time it’s twelve! And, it’s Messiah! Not to toot my own horn, but my songs get done with attention to every single detail. I eased up with Unity, but that’s not happening with this album.

I saw awe fill Oliver’s face as I led him through the studio and into the room we had reserved. This is it, the same studio we recorded our first album in. The last Haner teen here was Teddy. What a different person I was.

“No!” I immediately shouted, seeing the playful embraces of the band members with Oliver. “He just got kicked out of school for the day. We’re not goofing off with him.”

“Ease up Ry.” Brandon laughed. “Like you never got suspended?”

“What I did doesn’t matter.” I stared him down. “We’re setting a good example for him or he’s going home.”

“Alright.” Zach sighed looking up at me. “Just relax, he’s a kid.”

“I don’t want to hear that.” I dismissed. “That’s an excuse. He’s mature enough to know better.”

“I guess Ryder’s here.” Tommy exhaled stepping out of the booth. “I could hear your big fucking voice a mile away.”

“Tommy.” I smirked, rushing up and giving him a hug. “How do you feel?”

“Fine.” He shrugged. “I only have cancer therapy twice a week now, so, things are turning a corner.” I felt my smile grow as I heard that. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your party. The guys were telling me it was amazing, even if it was dry.”

“Shouldn’t you be living the straight and narrow?” I asked taking a look at him.

“I’m here for a good time, not a long one.” He remarked with a roll of his eyes. His gaze shifted from me to Oliver, immediately freezing the young teen. “So you’re my replacement, huh?” Oli gulped but didn’t move. “He’s got his brother’s face.”

“Didn’t get the better than thou attitude though.” Joe remarked in a laugh.

“Dude!” I shouted, turning to him.

“I’m joking, I’m joking.” Joe dismissed. “I love Teddy.”

“Does he talk?” Tommy asked, as Oliver stayed frozen.

“He doesn’t stop talking.” I rolled my eyes. “Come on Oliver, say hi to Tommy.”

“H-hi.” He nervously exhaled. I couldn’t help but laugh at how star struck he was. He handled meeting everyone else pretty well, but I guess Tommy would be different. I know he says Tommy isn’t all that special, but I wonder if he really believes that. I mean, sure, Tommy’s not as great as the other drummers he listens to, but you don’t get as big as Messiah got without someone special behind the drums.

“He’s a drummer?” Tommy rolled his eyes.

“You bet your ass he is.” Brandon defended. “Kid just got kicked out of school, and he rocked the barn the other night. He’s got a drummers attitude, just give him a minute.”

“Trust me, he’s like you.” I sighed.

“Smart?” Tommy asked with a grin.

“A pain in the ass.” I corrected. “He makes you smile, or want to grab a drink.”

“I’m a good drummer.” Oliver forced out finally taking a few steps. “I-I’m better than you are.”

“Oh huh ho.” Tommy scoffed. “So he speaks, or, stutters really.”

“Come on man.” I sighed looking over to him.

“It’s fine.” Oli defended. “Battle me.”

“You want me to battle you?” Tommy asked with a smile. “You do know who I am right?”

“Oh here we go.” Zach rolled his eyes. “Like we’re not all in the same fucking band. Those meds must be going to your head.”

“I know you’re not that great.” Oli forced out, but I could tell he didn’t fully believe it. “I know I can beat you.” This time, when he spoke he believed every word he said.

Oh’s rang out from the rest of the band as they heard his confident words. “Smoke him Oli!” Brandon shouted jumping up and helping me move the practice set into the recording booth. It took a few minutes, and not many of them helped, but the second both drums sat next one another we all filled the booth.

“This shit needs to be live streamed.” Joe laughed, showing Zach his phone.

Oli nodded his head but nervously sat behind one of the kits to warm up. As I saw his trembling hands I discreetly made my way over. “You know you can beat him right?” I asked in a laugh.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “Bu-but they’re all watching right now.”

“So,” I shrugged. “They were all watching at the Barn. Just do your thing and you’ll be fine.”

“But, but what if he beats me?” Oli asked.

“Then he beats you.” I shrugged. “He was the drummer for Messiah for a reason man. He may not be a god, but he’s sure as hell a titan. Let me put it this way,” I began with a smile. “You have nothing to lose, but he, he has everything. Worst case he beats you and you get his respect, best case, you rock him.”

Oli nodded his head but I saw him still working it over. “He doesn’t like me, does he?”

“He likes you.” I shrugged. “He’s just busting your balls because everyone is around. You’ll have to earn your strips around here. I won’t be able to protect you.”

He nodded his head as I took a step back and let their battle began. Tommy started with some vintage Messiah. A beat that seemed as though it could fit easily in any of our songs. Oli easily replicated it with a nervous grin and slowly began to build confidence. His addition seemed to be a flow into pop, a field he knew he could beat Tommy.

Yet, the battle borne drummer let out a laugh and tore into it. Proving to his younger counterpart he was more than just metal. Their battle seemed to wage on for another twenty minutes as they both tried their hardest to throw the other off, but at the end they just seemed, tied.

Finally coated in sweat Oli twirled his sticks and unleashed the progressive style of drumming he loved so much. At first I was worried he would slip up, but the hours and hours of practice seemed to pay off as he proudly nailed it. Tommy went to mimic it but began to cough, slowly but surely the couch turned violent as he stood up and left the room.

Brandon nodded to me as Joe put away his phone and led us out of the room. It took everything in me to not look back to Oliver, but I knew what needed to be done. It took him a minute or two at first, but finally he came back out of the room with a disappointed face.

“Are you okay Tommy?” He finally asked, but got no answer as we all did our best to ignore him. He spent another minute watching us before walking up to me. “I want to go home.” He finally conceded.

As I finally looked up I saw the guys creeping in on him. Finally Brandon waived his hand and the room exploded on the small boy. Yelps and shouts sounded out as they all playfully pushed and pulled him. At first I thought he was going to start screaming or crying, but soon it turned into laughter as he picked up on the act.

“So you’re not mad?” He asked as the room calmed back down.

“No, you beat Tommy.” I shrugged with a grin. “No one’s mad.”

“He didn’t beat me.” Tommy defended. “I just didn’t have the stamina and my cough came back,”

“Okay.” Brandon rolled his eyes. “You say whatever you need to to feel better.”

“Come on kid,” Tommy instructed lightly grabbing his shoulder.

“Where are we going?” Oli nervously asked.

“To work.” Tommy rolled his eyes. “Now come on, we only have so many days in a week.”

“What are they going to do?” Oli asked, slowly following him.

“I don’t fucking know.” Tommy shrugged. “Fondle themselves or something.”

“He’s thirteen!” I shouted. “Don’t say stupid shit like that!”

“He’s at a Messiah recording session.” Tommy shrugged. “What’s said gets said.”

I rolled my eyes and exhaled a deep sigh. Okay, maybe this isn’t exactly the best environment for a thirteen year old, but he’d probably hear that stuff at school too, right? Besides, at least here he’s behaving and productive. That school is terrible for him. It demolishes his confidence and treats him like an animal. I know he’ll want to stay because Mark’s there, but fuck! He’d be so much happier at a music academy!

As the session went on and I knew Oli was finally comfortable I stepped out to make the call I had promised Harry. It took little bit and some name dropping but when I finally got on the phone with the superintendent I let him have it! I made sure to unleash all my years of repressed anger on him as I made him understand how the Haner family felt. How all the bullied kids felt. How I felt. When he finally got words in he tried his hardest to calm me down, until finally, he said immediate action would be taken.

I’m not proud of getting someone fired, but she was actively hurting children. I can’t let that fly. Especially not when one of those children is my soon to be brother-in-law! As I stepped back into the studio and saw the smile on his face I knew I had done the right thing by taking him here. He’s matured so much since I first met him. Come such a long way. He’s earned every second of his opportunity here. Make me proud Oliver. I know you will.