All For Aaron

ALL FOR AARON

by

Markee Anderson

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PUBLISHED BY

Markee Anderson on Smashwords

All for Aaron

Copyright 2010 by Markee Anderson

http://www.markeeanderson.com

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to all those parents, like myself, who have special needs children. They require extra devotion, yet give so much to our lives. Just remember, they're each a special blessing in our lives, and you're a wonderful person as well.

I'd like to thank those who believe in my writing and have encouraged me throughout the years. Without you, I'd have given up a long time ago, but would still have a story to share in my heart. Thank you for teaching me that good things do come to those who are patient.

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Chapter 1

"I'm sorry. Aaron usually listens to me. Kelly Foster Hunter bent down, watching her four-year-old blond son stare at the lights in the hallway. Aaron, can you hear me? She stood with Dr. Johns, the principal of the school, embarrassed by the cooing noises coming from her son's mouth. I'm so sorry." She swallowed hard, not knowing what to do.

The principal touched her arm, making her move her hand. Mrs. Hunter, it's okay. This is normal behavior for child such as yours. Dr. Johns turned toward a man joining them. I'd like to introduce you to Aaron's teacher, Dr. Miller. He's been at this school for the past three and a half years.

Kelly straightened up and watched the handsome teacher, who wore a dark blue suit. He had brown hair, electric blue eyes, and a very striking face. It also seemed as if his personality demanded respect, just from the calm way he held himself. If she were allowed to flirt, this guy would be the type of man she'd single out first. If she didn't stop staring, she'd soon be swooning over this man.

She caught her breath and smiled. Hello, Dr. Miller. It's nice to meet you. She shook his hand while he returned her smile.

Nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Hunter. He lowered his eyes down over her, making her aware of the expensive dress she had to wear for her job. He probably thought her to be rich, but she was anything but rich.

Kelly watched him, challenging the man who gazed at her a little bit too long for her liking. It suddenly hit her that this man might even be on her ex-husband's payroll, so she had to be careful. She wasn't going to let him think she would bow to any man…especially someone who worked at Waltman Academy. This was the exclusive school for special needs children that Aaron was ordered to attend.

Dr. Johns bent to talk to her son, who was still watching the ceiling light while moving his fingers slowly in front of his face. Hello, Aaron. This is Dr. Miller. He pointed at the new guy.

Dr. Miller knelt in front of the young child. Aaron, can you look at me? Aaron ignored Dr. Miller, so the man touched her son's arm. Aaron, I'm Dr. Miller. He gently moved Aaron's face to meet his, and Aaron lowered his eyes, avoiding all eye contact.

He won't look at you, Kelly said.

It's typical for autistic children because it can cause anxiety. I just wanted to see what he does if I make him look at me. Dr. Miller moved his eyes to Aaron's and Aaron turned away. I think we have a lot of work to do, but at least he knows I'm here.

Aaron looked upward and cooed at the ceiling. He moved his hand up to his face and stared at the light through his ever-moving fingers. Dr. Miller took the child's hand away from his face, while the boy watched the lights. The teacher then studied Aaron's eyes as if he was checking them for responsiveness. It made Kelly wonder about his background.

Dr. Miller finally let go of Aaron's hand back and stood up next to Kelly. He'll be fine. I'll be here after school and we can talk about what I observe today. He took Aaron's hand and walked toward the classroom with him.

Thank you, Kelly said. I hope everything goes well. If not, you can call me at work, and I'll be here as soon as I can.

He stopped and turned his head for a long glance one more time. It'll be fine. Dr. Miller took Aaron into the classroom.

Kelly sighed and mentally wrote him off, just like all of the other men she'd met since before the divorce. It was too risky even to think of dating anyone, thanks to her ex-husband and her current situation.

He took Aaron into the room and closed the door. Kelly felt as if she'd just lost her son, not knowing what might happen to him all day long without her. Aaron couldn't tell her if he were hurt or sad or even happy.

She turned toward Dr. Johns. You'll call me if anything happens, right? You should have my work and cell numbers.

Yes, Mrs. Hunter. If we can't reach you, may we call your ex-husband?

The thought just made her angry. No. We just got divorced. If I show any type of weakness, he'll take Aaron and put him in an institution. Call me for everything and don't bother Richard. I've also taken my maiden name of Foster, so if you want to put that in your records, I'd appreciate it.

Yes, we can do that. Aaron's name will remain Hunter, right?

Unfortunately, she couldn't change that. Yes. Thank you. She shook Dr. Johns' hand and walked away, leaving her poor young son in the care of total strangers for the first time in his life. But she had no choice, since the court and her husband demanded it as part of the divorce.

She couldn't do anything about it, so she left the building, got into her car, and headed down the street. She had to trust the good-looking man to take care of her innocent son.

As she drove, she noticed the ever-present car behind her…a black SUV with license plate 'Hunter-1.' The man was following her, as usual. She was half-tempted to stop in the middle of the street, walk back to Richard's employee, and punch him in the face. She was so tired of being stalked; it made her sick.

Kelly pulled into her lawyer's parking lot, shoved the car into park, and removed her keys from the ignition. She opened the car door and got out, storming toward the car with the Hunter-1 license plate as it parked beside her. The bodyguard lowered his window and grinned at her.

She shot the dark-haired, beady-eyed man as angry a look as she could muster. Steven, why are you following me today?

Richard's orders. He understands that Aaron's new teacher is good looking. I would've joined you inside, but used a telephoto instead. His smile was annoying as he waved the expensive camera at her. It was all Kelly could do not to slap the smirk off his face.

Unbelievable. You took pictures of me inside Aaron's school?

Sure. Richard wants them printed out right away, to see if you're going to date Dr. Miller. Steven crossed his fingers and grinned once again. We're all hoping it happens.

Kelly shook her head. She had a few words for Steven about her ex-husband, Richard, but if she said them, then she'd be violating the divorce decree about saying anything nasty about him. Steven was probably even recording their conversation.

Have a good day, Steven. She smiled, just remembering what she'd decided that phrase really meant. Most of her code phrases meant the same nasty thing, which made them all easy to remember.

Kelly walked into her lawyer's office, checked in, and sat in the waiting room. She grabbed a magazine and leafed through it, but her thoughts were thinking of horrible things she wanted to do to Richard. How could anyone be that evil?

A few minutes after she entered, her lawyer, Brendan, came to the waiting room door. Kelly? It's so good to see you. Brendan checked his watch, and Kelly instantly knew she was on the clock for his bill. Come with me, won't you?

She stood from her seat and joined him at the doorway. He put his hand on her back and glanced toward his secretary. No interruptions, please?

Kelly moved away from his hand and they entered his office. The light was streaming through the window facing the parking lot, and she was sure Steven was watching as she sat down in the chair in front of the man's desk.

Brendan stood in front of her. What brings you here?

I thought I'd report in to tell you what I've been through today and how very little you've actually done for Aaron and me.

I'm not sure what you're saying. He glanced at his watch again, really annoying Kelly.

She sat up a bit. I'm saying I had a terrible morning, and I'd like you to put it in the appeal to Richard, showing him how horrible it is to take a young child from his home and throw him into a school where he knows no one. Tears teased her eyes, but she blinked them away.

But it was in the court order. You can't do anything about it.

She stared him down, feeling sad but determined. You don't know what that was like. I had to take my child, who had nannies all his life, and put him in a school all alone. The poor thing, I let him down. Kelly started to cry, so Brendan handed her a box of tissues.

I can't do anything about the situation right now, he said. I've filed an appeal, but it may take years before the court will hear it. Your son will be fine, because that's the best school for autism in all of Nebraska.

Kelly wiped her eyes as she pushed her hair back. You know, I'm wondering if you even had my best interest in mind when we went to court. You bargained Aaron and me out of any true possibility of happiness. I bet Richard even had you in his pocket. She leaned closer to him with narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw. How much did he pay you?

The man looked caught. He crossed his arms as if trying to appear to be tough. I did the best I could. Richard's a lawyer and has more clout than I'll ever have. He has unbelievable power now that he's running for U.S. senate, and that's even tougher to fight. He knew the judge and took him out for lunch right before the hearing. Brendan moved behind Kelly and gave her a big hug. What did you want me to do?

Kelly pushed Brendan's his arms away. "First, don't ever touch me. I don't need another problem on top of all of this. Brendan backed off and stood in front of her, leaning up against the desk. Next, I want you to get more clout. Do whatever it takes."

"You don't have the money to do whatever it takes. You have to face facts that Richard's holding the cards here." Brendan took her hand and kissed it, flashing his flirty eyes at her. Kelly jerked her hand away from him.

You know I can't date or I'll lose Aaron, she hissed. You're making this tougher than ever.

I won't tell if you won't tell. Brendan leaned down and rubbed Kelly's knee. She grabbed his hand, yanking it from her skin.

He leaned over to her to kiss her, but she pushed him away and stood up, moving to put her chair between them.

He seemed enthralled with her. You're so beautiful, with your pretty blonde hair and adorable blue eyes. You need a man right now and I'm here for you.

He moved toward her but she hauled off and slapped his face. You know the rules. If I date, I lose Aaron. I'm not going to have my little boy taken from me because you don't listen.

Brendan rubbed his face where she slapped him. It's not a date. Think of it as just sex.

"I need a new lawyer." She stormed out of the room, clenching her jaw.

As she approached the parking lot, she saw Steven lower his camera. She walked to his car, opened the door, and pulled the camera from his hand. He tried to get it back, but she opened it and yanked out the small card for the digital camera, then cracked it between her fingers.

She leaned up to his face. I'm not dating anyone, so get your nose out of my business.

Richard's going to hear about this.

Let him. While he's at it, tell him to stop paying Brendan for trying to put his slimy hands on me. I'm not playing that game and not putting up with your nosiness. If I start dating someone, you'll be the first to know, got it?

Like you'd tell me or Richard if you started to date, Steven muttered. Aaron would be gone lickety-split if you did, and you know it. He looked at the camera. If I just had those pictures, it would be enough to pull him out of that school today. Now I guess I just have to follow you everywhere.

Scum.

He picked up a small tape recorder and waved it at her with a grin. Say hello to Richard.

Kelly rolled her eyes and threw the camera onto the ground with a thud, the big lens rolling under the SUV. But she didn't care. He deserved it.

She stalked off to her car.

That was a thousand dollar camera, he yelled. You're going to pay for it, Kelly, and it's coming out of your child support.

Whatever. Like she got any child support from Richard anyway. She got into the driver's seat and left her scummy lawyer's office, the broken camera card still in her hand.

While fuming, she drove to work, parking in the employee parking lot.

Dean, the main cameraman for the Channel Eight Television Station in Lincoln, met Kelly at the front door on his way out. Hi, Kelly. How're you doing?

I've been better. Is everyone here yet?

Yep. You're the last one here for the meeting.

Great. Kelly walked out of the late summer breeze and into the air-conditioned building. She dropped her things at her desk and headed for the conference room, entering the meeting that was already underway.

Jason, the station manager, shot her a snide glance. It's so nice of you to join us, Ms. Foster.

I'm sorry I'm late. I had to take my son to school today. Kelly felt tears welling in her eyes as she fell into her chair at the conference table beside her co-anchor, Larry Bowers. The weatherman, the sports commentator and two directors all sat around the rest of table.

We have a lot of work to do. Jason turned from her and continued the meeting. No one seemed to care about her, so she kept her mouth shut, listening the best she could. But the thought of her baby with strangers made her mind wander.

They reviewed notes for the noon telecast, describing the tapes and stories played at the top of the newscast.

After the meeting, Jason pulled Kelly aside, staring at her face. Are you going to be able to do the news today? You look awful.

I'll be fine. I'll go to makeup first then off to the set.

Make sure you don't cry on the set. That's all we need to have to explain. Considering Richard is a wonderful and powerful man, if his ex-wife—

Bye, Jason. Kelly walked away without letting him finish. He was as scummy as all the other people. She was sure that somehow, Richard had gotten to him too. She trusted no one.

After going to makeup, Kelly took her place on the set and reviewed her stories. She was given the easy stories, while Larry, who had more experience, handled the more critical ones. This was especially true since Richard announced he was thinking of running for the U.S. senate.

Kelly wished Richard would just get out of her life. If he won, there would be news about him every night and if he lost, he'd probably blame her.

After waiting for a few minutes, the cameraman finally gave them the countdown. The cameras turned on and Larry and Kelly were on the air. She felt very comfortable in front of the cameras and the bright lights, trying to appear happy. They both read the newscasts presented to them on the teleprompter, and Kelly even managed a smile or two.

Today, Richard Hunter made it official, Larry announced into the camera. He's running for the U.S. Senate next year, and kicked off his campaign with a huge party in downtown Lincoln.

They'd decided beforehand that Kelly wouldn't be reading anything even remotely pertaining to her ex-husband on the air. The television station showed a clip of the live party, with a remote reporter describing the scene.

I hate that man, Kelly said as soon as her microphone was off.

We don't have a lot of time here, Larry said. We're going to be back on the air. Tell me later, even though I know why you hate that man.

He's evil. Pure evil. I wish everyone knew how evil he really was.

The cameraman was cueing them. In three, two, one.

She turned her fake smile toward her co-anchor. What do you think of those Cornhuskers, Larry? Thankfully, none of the viewers would ever know what Kelly was really thinking about her ex-husband or she'd be facing a lawsuit and would have Aaron taken from her.

After work, Kelly sped through yellow lights so she could get to Aaron as fast as possible. Once she parked, she dashed inside the school to see many children waiting for their parents. Aaron was sitting in a corner rocking, while Dr. Miller sat at his desk. He wrote things on a piece of paper in front of him as he watched the children. His back was to the door when Kelly knocked.

He turned, got to his feet, and ran to the door to open it for her. Hello, Mrs. Hunter.

You can call me Kelly Foster. I'm not using my married name any more.

All right, Ms. Foster. Come in and have a seat.

She walked into the room and saw three other boys in the classroom, all as severely affected as Aaron. They were rocking, flapping their hands, or doing some strange behavior. Kelly sat in a chair beside Dr. Miller, watching the young children with him.

What do you think? she asked, trying not to appear nervous.

Dr. Miller glanced at Kelly while trying to watch Aaron. I think there's hope. He does make sounds and can hum. That's a good sign.

Do you think he'll ever be able to talk?

The man ran his hand through his hair, still watching Aaron. I don't know. We have a few things we can try with him. He's definitely afflicted with something on the pervasive developmental disorder spectrum. His symptoms indicate autism, but I think he might be able to learn faster than we think. He finally turned to her, his blue eyes seeming so compassionate. I got him to look me in the eyes today, and that's a big improvement, even if it was for just a few seconds. I think I'd like to teach him some sign language, so we can at least see if he's capable of communication.

That would be great. He's had no schooling but only nannies up until now. They took complete care of him, and tried their best to read to him, sing to him, and give him the attention he needed. I only hired women who had experience and education for autistic children, but he still didn't respond to a lot of things. She couldn't help but notice the amazing aura of this man. He was so good looking.

He returned her stare, making her swallow hard. "I think he's going to surprise you