PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Juvie
He’d done it on a dare. Pete was new to Oakridge. It was his third new school this year. His folks struggled to pay rent with minimum wage jobs. They were familiar with the ham-fisted pound at the front door.
Kids that move around a lot are left with the scraps of social groups. His choices: the spectrum kids and the abused delinquents. Pete had a little of both in his genes. He knew the hoodlums were more fun but also more risky.
Security nabbed him at the exit.
Pete’s first community service job is cleaning his Probation Officer’s car.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Perhaps he’ll chose the spectrum kids next time round. Then again, perhaps he won’t
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Thanks for reading and you’re comment, Neil. Time will tell, eh?
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As if being a teen isn’t already hard enough huh? Nicely told.
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Thanks, Violet. Kids have it worst in these times :(
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Looks like the probation officer has issues. I’m worried for Pete’s safety.
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Definitely a slob! Thanks for reading, Liam.
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Dear Lisa,
I feel for Pete. Tough road to hoe. Good story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, it is sad to know how many Petes are out there and that the number will probably be growing in the state our country finds itself in :(
Shalom,
Lisa
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hahah, I really like how you added humor with the probation officer’s car – and leading up to that was a bit of serious piece about the very real social situations some children grow up in and then how it trickles into choices. Enjoyed the layers here.
~Yvette
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Yvette, thank you so very much. I’m glad you see the layers.
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:)
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Excellent story, Lisa. This is unfortunately the story for too many kids. Let’s hope one day, a nice crowd invites him in.
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Dale, thanks very much. I’ve seen far too many Petes in my life. Helping them find a positive interest they can build on can make all of the difference. Listening also helps. Scary how many adults do not like teenagers!
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Yeah. So sad how these kids are basically pushed aside. Some adults are awful with teenagers! It’s like they forgot they ever were one.
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Dale, I’m still a teenager at heart so it was easy for me to connect with where the kids were at. Not that they weren’t obnoxious and all that (have you ever met one that wasn’t??) but they knew when they spoke I was really listening to what they had to say.
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And that’s a beautiful thing! The listening and them knowing you were. It’s a prerequisite to be obnoxious!
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:)
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So many different stories packed in this short brilliant piece!
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Irene, very happy you liked the story <3
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Stop taking pictures of my car! Haha just kidding, I cleaned all the trash out.
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Yeah, sure you did ;) That’s Rochelle’s pic.
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My car used to look like that, well, not that bad. The trash wasn’t piled high, but the kids would leave tons of stuff all over the floor, especially in the backseat. Then I got a newer one and I’ve done a great job keeping up with it.
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Awesome, Melissa. I plead the 4th on what mine looks like.
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Better than some punishments by a long shot. (K)
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For sure!
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I feel for Pete, how life just seems to overtake him.
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What’s worst is how kids are forced to live in the world we’ve created for them.
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Far too many children and teens never really have a choice. Powerful story, Lisa.
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Gabi, hauntingly true :( Thanks. It’s a story I wish didn’t need to be written.
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I’m thinking that probation officer shouldn’t be working with youngsters … he should set a good example, and that car is a hot mess.
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Thanks for sharing those thoughts, Chris.
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:-) I would hope the guy would at least take care of his own car. :-D
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In my old job we had pool cars, where some P.O.s were better about cleaning up after themselves than others. One of the many petty annoyances that came with the job. This was a pretty tame task for kids who were ordered to do community service.
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Oh, I get it. People will be more likely to trash up a car if they don’t own it. Rental cars are the same way. Ugh.
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“Spectrum” kids often have unique abilities, and quirky humor. They’d be a safer bet, I think.
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Linda, you’re probably right.
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It’s something I studied a lot when one of our grandsons was dx’d on the spectrum. He’s now a fine young man, doing well, but still a little–quirky :)
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Thanks for sharing this, Linda. Have you ever seen the Netflix series, “Atypical”? It’s about a kid with Asperger’s that is just wonderful.
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No. I don’t have Netflix. Wonder if I can find it online.
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I hope you can.
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Phooey. I’d have to buy it. But–I may know someone who would be willing to loan it to me :)
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That’s best of all! Let me know if you see it and what you think of it ok?
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Will do!
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Gobs of story in those few words! I want to hear the rest of his life!
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Thanks much, Clare.
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i suppose that should teach him. :)
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:::fingers crossed:::
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Oh that poor kid is on the merry-go-round isn’t he? A tough life and tough choices. Nicely written
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Yes, he is, Laurie. Thanks much.
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IDK about this PO, he doesn’t seem to have it together either, but perhaps he is just the person to lead Pete. Let’s hope.
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You just never know. Thanks for reading and your comment, Dawn.
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Perhaps, cleaning up his P.O.’s car will be the first step in cleaning up his act. Or maybe he’ll take if for a joyride and get himself in deeper.
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Time will tell…
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great story Li :D
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Thanks, Carol Anne :)
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