Manny Needs a Nanny - 17. Memories Hit Hard

Wow, that's a lot to process here. But having gay friends probably helped Rocky to get to the conclusion that not every gay person is alike.

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“He’s not a… he’s not gay, you ass.”

[…]

“Whatever, we don’t know where he is. He just didn’t come in today. Maybe he’s sick.”

Paul added, “Of your face.”

The rest of Rocky’s friends snickered.

[…]

“[…] Give your new butt buddy a get-well kiss from me.”

Bruce walked away. Bobby mumbled under his breath, “Kiss him yourself, you fuckhead.”

That elicited another chuckle.

[…]

Mark continued the ragging, “Yeah, him and Pecker, ‘oh, bwuce, I just wuv your muscles, they make me so hawny’.”

That might be the first time, they really talk back 🤔

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Being a sexual predator doesn't necessarily make him gay. More often it's simply about power.

That's actually a common misconception. So it's good, the therapist brought that up. I was recently part of a discussion where someone asked why so many sexual predators are gay, having me pointing out a couple fallacies of the questioner.

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"I'm sorry, Rocky. Don’t get your hopes up too much. I don’t say that this is impossible, but usually, people need an incentive for change. From what you told me, he didn’t seem to have had any reason for such a U-turn, yet. But that doesn’t mean this opportunity doesn’t arise. You actually could trigger such a change."

I didn't like Bruce and I like him even less after this chapter, but there's one thing to emphasize: There's a difference between Bruce and Rocky's tennis coach, and I don't mean Bruce going through with it and the tennis coach being caught by Bass. What I mean, is, that the tennis coach is an adult who is fully aware of what he's doing while Bruce was eleven(?) back then. Sure, Bruce has to learn that what he did was wrong and how it traumatized Rocky but the fault is also—if not primarily—with the parents at that age.

So, Bruce is not 'just' a bully, he is sexual molester and rapist too! Rocky left those painful memories in subconscious and fight with Burce has been a trigger to bring them back. Something must be done to prevent Bruce finding another victim.

Anyway, I like how @Lee Wilson gives us a moment of relief with humor in, otherwise quite heavy chapter:

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Mark continued the ragging, “Yeah, him and Pecker, ‘oh, bwuce, I just wuv your muscles, they make me so hawny’.”

I feel the therapist was correct in reporting the molestation, if not for Rocky but for the others and those yet to be molested...

"You haven't done anything wrong. And who knows: Maybe, you haven’t been the only one. You would do these other ones a favor and they might come forth. Assuming there are more than just you, Bruce might not even know who reported him. I know, that’s a big if, but if it helps you …"

"I guess, that makes sense. So, what should we do?"

"Exactly what Manny and Bass said: go to the police. Confronting his parents will not accomplish anything, and telling the school may present other problems. So, it is best for the police to handle it. If they find a reason to, they should inform the school."

1 hour ago, Zuri said:

Being a sexual predator doesn't necessarily make him gay. More often it's simply about power.

Bruce's actions at school, reflect that he is on a massive power trip. Has he done this to others? This possibility rings true. Does he remember Rocky? I think he would, but... 🤔   Rocky definitely needs to watch his back. The step mother thing, shows that Rocky has more issues swirling around in his mind, that the doctor should be made aware of. 

39 minutes ago, drsawzall said:

I feel the therapist was correct in reporting the molestation, if not for Rocky but for the others and those yet to be molested...

"You haven't done anything wrong. And who knows: Maybe, you haven’t been the only one. You would do these other ones a favor and they might come forth. Assuming there are more than just you, Bruce might not even know who reported him. I know, that’s a big if, but if it helps you …"

"I guess, that makes sense. So, what should we do?"

"Exactly what Manny and Bass said: go to the police. Confronting his parents will not accomplish anything, and telling the school may present other problems. So, it is best for the police to handle it. If they find a reason to, they should inform the school."

Yes the correct advice is to report it to the police. One problem is that it is easy advice for the therapist, Manny and Bass to give. It is much harder for the victim, Rocky, to carry out.

Bruce is a nasty character and is most likely a serial molester as well as being a bully. He is also a minor, which could make it difficult to find other victims. I hope Rocky does report him and I hope the police have some leads on other victims. In any case Bruce has to be stopped.

I don't care that Bruce was only 11 years of age when he molested Rocky; at that age he is old enough to understand the difference between yes and no and Rocky said no. He is a bully and a rapist and if he is not stopped he will almost certainly do it again because he has gotten away with it in the past. I strongly suspect he has tricked other boys with his seemingly innocent games too, particularly since he has become so much larger than boys his age. I am not excusing Bruce's behaviour in any way but I have to wonder if he has been a victim of the same "innocent games" himself, quite possibly at the hands of an adult. If so, reporting him to the police may also result in Bruce getting help too.

Manny is taking his responsibility as guardian far more seriously than what one thought he would when he was first introduced in this story. He is being ably assisted by Bass in this role, together they are a good team. Dare I say they are doing a better job at parenting Rocky than what either his father or stepmother did because they are putting his interests ahead of their own, thinking of what is best for Rocky, not what is the most convenient or desirable for themselves. 

Very believable and impressive character growth is one of this story's greatest strengths @Lee Wilson. Keep up the good work.

7 minutes ago, Summerabbacat said:

I am not excusing Bruce's behaviour in any way but I have to wonder if he has been a victim of the same "innocent games" himself, quite possibly at the hands of an adult.

From a storytelling perspective this might end up in a "who is patient zero of evil?" infinite loop with each person in this being the reason somebody else got "evil". While that is an interesting topic, this led to prequel after prequel of explaining in some franchises.

Also the question "what makes a person evil" is fascinating but the approach that people causing trauma because they have been traumatized kinda takes the accountability away, especially in case of a child.

9 minutes ago, Summerabbacat said:

Manny is taking his responsibility as guardian far more seriously than what one thought he would when he was first introduced in this story

Well, this is because Manny from chapter 1 is essentially switched out for a more family-friendly Manny in chapter 3. Character growth starts only then.

3 hours ago, Zuri said:

Wow, that's a lot to process here. But having gay friends probably helped Rocky to get to the conclusion that not every gay person is alike.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Not every person is alike, gay or not.

3 hours ago, Zuri said:

That might be the first time, they really talk back

By standing up to Bruce, Rocky gave his new friends some confidence, it seems.

3 hours ago, Zuri said:

That's actually a common misconception. So it's good, the therapist brought that up. I was recently part of a discussion where someone asked why so many sexual predators are gay, having me pointing out a couple fallacies of the questioner.

Maybe if the message is heard often enough, people will finally get it.

3 hours ago, Zuri said:

I didn't like Bruce and I like him even less after this chapter, but there's one thing to emphasize: There's a difference between Bruce and Rocky's tennis coach, and I don't mean Bruce going through with it and the tennis coach being caught by Bass. What I mean, is, that the tennis coach is an adult who is fully aware of what he's doing while Bruce was eleven(?) back then. Sure, Bruce has to learn that what he did was wrong and how it traumatized Rocky but the fault is also—if not primarily—with the parents at that age

Nope, no excuse, but a little more of Bruce's history appears in the next two chapters.

3 hours ago, Cane23 said:

So, Bruce is not 'just' a bully, he is sexual molester and rapist too! Rocky left those painful memories in subconscious and fight with Burce has been a trigger to bring them back. Something must be done to prevent Bruce finding another victim.

Yeah, I think I may have missed closing the door on this. I think there may be a slight delay in chapter 18, going to have send another update to my editor. Now that I've looked again, chapter 19 is where this aspect of the story continues.

3 hours ago, Cane23 said:

Anyway, I like how @Lee Wilson gives us a moment of relief with humor in, otherwise quite heavy chapter:

I know I get pretty serious at times, a little occasional humor is almost a requirement.

2 hours ago, drsawzall said:

I feel the therapist was correct in reporting the molestation, if not for Rocky but for the others and those yet to be molested...

Definitely. Like I mentioned above, a plot hole I left open that will need addressing.

2 hours ago, Flip-Flop said:

Bruce's actions at school, reflect that he is on a massive power trip. Has he done this to others? This possibility rings true. Does he remember Rocky? I think he would, but... 🤔   Rocky definitely needs to watch his back. The step mother thing, shows that Rocky has more issues swirling around in his mind, that the doctor should be made aware of. 

More on Bruce next chapter.

1 hour ago, Paladin said:

Yes the correct advice is to report it to the police. One problem is that it is easy advice for the therapist, Manny and Bass to give. It is much harder for the victim, Rocky, to carry out.

Bruce is a nasty character and is most likely a serial molester as well as being a bully. He is also a minor, which could make it difficult to find other victims. I hope Rocky does report him and I hope the police have some leads on other victims. In any case Bruce has to be stopped.

Agreed

2 minutes ago, Lee Wilson said:

I think there may be a slight delay in chapter 18, going to have send another update to my deitor.

I'll do my best not to delay posting

56 minutes ago, Summerabbacat said:

I don't care that Bruce was only 11 years of age when he molested Rocky; at that age he is old enough to understand the difference between yes and no and Rocky said no. He is a bully and a rapist and if he is not stopped he will almost certainly do it again because he has gotten away with it in the past. I strongly suspect he has tricked other boys with his seemingly innocent games too, particularly since he has become so much larger than boys his age. I am not excusing Bruce's behaviour in any way but I have to wonder if he has been a victim of the same "innocent games" himself, quite possibly at the hands of an adult. If so, reporting him to the police may also result in Bruce getting help too.

Yeah, for sure, the back story on Bruce needs to be enriched. Not to mention his future.

56 minutes ago, Summerabbacat said:

Manny is taking his responsibility as guardian far more seriously than what one thought he would when he was first introduced in this story. He is being ably assisted by Bass in this role, together they are a good team. Dare I say they are doing a better job at parenting Rocky than what either his father or stepmother did because they are putting his interests ahead of their own, thinking of what is best for Rocky, not what is the most convenient or desirable for themselves. 

Stepmother was somewhat of a gold-digger. Had her good points, like schooling Rocky, but had much to be desired.

57 minutes ago, Summerabbacat said:

Very believable and impressive character growth is one of this story's greatest strengths @Lee Wilson. Keep up the good work.

Thanks. I try.

46 minutes ago, Zuri said:

From a storytelling perspective this might end up in a "who is patient zero of evil?" infinite loop with each person in this being the reason somebody else got "evil". While that is an interesting topic, this led to prequel after prequel of explaining in some franchises.

Also the question "what makes a person evil" is fascinating but the approach that people causing trauma because they have been traumatized kinda takes the accountability away, especially in case of a child.

Yeah, this could open a huge can of worms best not opened here.

47 minutes ago, Zuri said:

Well, this is because Manny from chapter 1 is essentially switched out for a more family-friendly Manny in chapter 3. Character growth starts only then.

Manny never really had much responsibility before Rocky came along, but he has stepped up to the plate quite well.

5 minutes ago, Zuri said:

I'll do my best not to delay posting

It will probably be more on my side, figuring out exactly how I fill in the hole I inadvertently left.

Rocky is facing too many traumas--death of parents, Manny shot and now remembering a sexual predator at his new school. He does need counseling and very supportive friends.

He should watch out for Bruce and maybe observe those in his orbit. Bass and Manny need to consider informing the police.

Glad that Rocky is seeing a therapist, even if it was brought on by him remembering another traumatic event in his short life.  I hope that therapy might be able to help hi deal with a few other issues as well, and this does explain his initial feelings about the gay kids in school.  

I really think the police should be informed immediately, doing so could help keep another kid from being subjected to what Bruce did to Rocky.  Sexual assault or abuse is rarely about sex, but about power.  Bruce likes being a bully for the same reason, power and the fear he generates in others.  That said, would not be surprised at all if he had been subject to some type of abuse as well.  

Chapter made me sad, but glad that Rocky is getting some help.  Think that Manny and Bass are right, Rocky is dealing with a lot, let him bring up his real mother, if and when he is comfortable doing so.  

36 minutes ago, centexhairysub said:

Glad that Rocky is seeing a therapist, even if it was brought on by him remembering another traumatic event in his short life.  I hope that therapy might be able to help hi deal with a few other issues as well, and this does explain his initial feelings about the gay kids in school.

I know laying more trauma on Rocky was a bit much, but I needed something severe enough to justify his feelings.

37 minutes ago, centexhairysub said:

I really think the police should be informed immediately, doing so could help keep another kid from being subjected to what Bruce did to Rocky.  Sexual assault or abuse is rarely about sex, but about power.  Bruce likes being a bully for the same reason, power and the fear he generates in others.  That said, would not be surprised at all if he had been subject to some type of abuse as well.  

There's more discussion on this topic coming. Hopefully, I cover it well enough.

37 minutes ago, centexhairysub said:

Chapter made me sad, but glad that Rocky is getting some help.  Think that Manny and Bass are right, Rocky is dealing with a lot, let him bring up his real mother, if and when he is comfortable doing so.  

My sentiments exactly.

This is from @Zuri when he quoted @Lee Wilson" I think there may be a slight delay in chapter 18, going to have send another update to my deitor" It's fixed now but that's how it originally appeared. Look how he spelled editor no wonder he needs an EDITOR😄(kidding)

3 minutes ago, weinerdog said:

This is from @Zuri when he quoted @Lee Wilson" I think there may be a slight delay in chapter 18, going to have send another update to my deitor" It's fixed now but that's how it originally appeared. Look how he spelled editor no wonder he needs an EDITOR😄(kidding)

Well, as much as Manny needs a nanny, Lee needs an editor 😉

Anything else would make me jobless 😉

4 minutes ago, weinerdog said:

This is from @Zuri when he quoted @Lee Wilson" I think there may be a slight delay in chapter 18, going to have send another update to my deitor" It's fixed now but that's how it originally appeared. Look how he spelled editor no wonder he needs an EDITOR😄(kidding)

I know this is going off on a tangent after I type this, but sometimes, my fingers are faster than my brain.

2 minutes ago, Zuri said:

Well, as much as Manny needs a nanny, Lee needs an editor 😉

Anything else would make me jobless 😉

It ain't a job if you don't get paid. Since I'm not getting paid to write this, you don't either. We're both volunteers.

1 minute ago, Lee Wilson said:

I know this is going off on a tangent after I type this, but sometimes, my fingers are faster than my brain.

So, you need someone to clean up the mess, your fingers created 👍

Just now, Lee Wilson said:

It ain't a job if you don't get paid. Since I'm not getting paid to write this, you don't either. We're both volunteers.

At least, I can't be laid off because I charge too much ^^