Page 84 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

“Your Honor!” his stepmother’s voice rang out. “The boy isn’t well. He needs help. I’m sure my father explained the situation.”

“Oh, he explained a lot of things,” the attorney said.

“Your Honor, we could have Noah seen by a court-approved psychiatrist or therapist to clear all this up. We’d only need a postponement,” Ms. St. Claire said.

The judge raised a hand. “Let’s put a tack in that.” The man eyed Noah, lids narrowing. “I want to hear your take on things, Noah. Should I believe these people who deem you unwell?”

“My stepmother’s father is a religious man, just like his children. They all use that religion like a weapon, using it against me.” He paused, realizing he was using his mother’s words. His heart ached for what he’d done to her. “They believe the fact I’m gay means there’s something wrong with me. That I need therapy—and their version of therapy is… well, it’s brainwashing, sir. They want to change me into something I’m not.” Noah paused. “I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes like anyone else, but I am most definitely not mentally unwell, sir. Not because I’m attracted to other men.” He paused. “They’ve used manipulation my whole life, to try and mold me into the vision of who they consider I should be. I only want the chance to be who I can be… away from them.”

“He lies,” Noah’s father said. “We’ve given him a good, Christian home. A family. Andthisis how he repays us?”

“And you think him mentally incapacitated… because he’s gay?” the judge asked.

“Yes!” his father cried. “He needs salvation!”

The judge smiled wryly at his father. “I heard much of the same from your father-in-law during that phone call. Along with some very interesting threats against me and my court.” The judge frowned. “I don’t respond well to threats.” He paused, eyeing Noah. “I agree that there is a significant danger posed by your father, Walter Lee Butler, and your stepmother, Abbie Lee Butler. Your motion for an order of protection is granted.” He lifted his gavel and pounded it. “Stay safe, son. I wish you all the luck in the world.”

His parents argued with the judge, their words a cacophony in the courtroom.

The judge banged his gavel. “I would have no problem placing you both in jail for contempt of court if you do not control yourself!”

That threat didn’t stop his father and Abbie Lee. The judge banged his gavel again before crying, “That’s it! Arrest them and place them in jail for twenty-four hours! I won’t stand for this in my courtroom!”

Noah watched wide-eyed as his parents argued with the bailiff. Two more sheriff’s deputies entered the courtroom, and they handcuffed his father and stepmother before dragging them out. All the while, both his father and Abbie Lee argued, using Bible verses as to why everyone in the courtroom was going to hell.

“Well, that was interesting,” his attorney said from his side before rising and giving him a hug. “Good news all around. You got the order and peace and quiet for at least one day.”

“One day. And then they could blow through that piece of paper,” Noah said.

“The law is on our side. That’s a good thing, Noah.”

“Yeah,” he said. He turned to search for Brody in the gallery—and saw his mother and Geena were also in the back of the courtroom. Before he could call out to them, they slipped out the back. “Wait!”

Noah went running for them. He was able to catch up before they entered the elevator. “Please, wait.”

Neither of them spoke, but they didn’t enter the elevator when it opened, either.

“Thanks for being here,” he murmured as the doors closed behind them. “And for getting the paperwork to Ms. St. Claire. I appreciate it.”

“We may be disappointed with your choices, but we won’t let you remain in danger,” his mother said. “It’s the least we could do. Now you have the order of protection—so perhaps Walt and Abbie Lee will stand down after this and go home.”

Geena chuckled. “A day in jail. Perhaps some time to contemplate will do them good.”

“Something tells me they’ll go back to stalking our front door tomorrow,” Stacey replied.

“I’m sorry,” Noah replied.

“That’s not your fault. It’s Walt and Abbie Lee to blame for this idiocy,” Geena said.

His mother took a step forward. “With the protection in place, maybe it’s time to come home? You could come with us… we could go pick up your things. We’ve got a room that’s been ready for you for years.”

“I… I don’t know…” The thought of leaving Brody broke him inside. He’d wanted so desperately to prove they could be together and in doing so, he’d destroyed so much. “If I do, will you let Brody see Parker again?”

“We don’t need to discuss that,” his mother said.

“Brody didnothingwrong. He didn’t know who I was. I didn’t know who he was.”

“He’s awarenow,” his mother spat. “And still he let this continue.”

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