Chapter eleven

Monday morning was much calmer than Friday. While Dot took Steph and Jesse to school, Jon and Kris reached the local High School. The lesson had already started, so no one was outside the building or watched them walk in. Jon arranged it that way on purpose. He didn’t want to risk a group of photographers here at her first day at school with all the other students watching it. Fortunately the press seemed still unaware of Kris .

They had a short talk with the principal. Kris was really quite all the time and watched Jon talk or answer the questions. He really seemed to enjoy that, she thought. Always in charge, always in control…hmpf…not with me!!

“I’m sure you won’t have a problem with the test.” The principal said after he looked at her report cards.

Kris nodded. “Well, if there will be a problem then probably American history. They don’t teach that in Germany. All I know is that Columbus discovered it accidentally in 1492 and that it consists of 51 states.” She added with a slight smile.

The principal smiled back at her. “Well, your history teacher can tell you which books to read and maybe you find another student who will help you when you have problems with homework…I’m sure you’ll catch up really fast.”

Jon nodded and watched her leaving the office to do the test. To Kris’ surprise he wanted to wait while she took her test. What’s he thinking I don’t need someone holding my hand, I’m not a baby! She tried to get her temper under control and focus on the questions on the papers in front of her.

“Do you have security here at school?” Jon asked the principal after Kris left.

“Yes, we have Mr. Bongiovi. Do you expect problems?” was the calm counter question.

“Well, I hope not. But I’m not sure how the press will react when they find out that Kris is my daughter. I really don’t want her be followed by these vultures all the time.” Jon explained his concern.

The principal nodded in understanding. “If they show up, we’ll make sure Kris is safe and inform you.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate that.” Jon said.

A while later Kris came back, followed by her new English teacher, who oversaw the test. As expected her results were good, except history. She’ll need to work on that.

“I’ll pick you up at 3 pm, sweetie.” Jon said while giving her a small hug before she left for her first class today. Kris frowned, but didn’t say anything.

When Jon arrived at home, Dot awaited him at the door.

“Don’t tell me, you stayed with her all the time, Jon.” She said reproachful.

“Yeah, I did. Where’s the problem?” He asked.

“Jon, she’s sixteen, I’m sure she doesn’t want you around all the time ...and she’s not use to such attention. You know that.” Dot explained calmly.

“I just want to give her all the support she needs. It’s her first day at school in a country she doesn’t know. I wanted to show her that I’ll be there for her.” Even if she doesn’t want it, he added in his mind.

Dot sighed. “Just don’t try to control her too much Jon.”

“I…I would never…” But Dot’s look made him stop.

“Ok.” He sighed.

“When will she be home?” Dot asked.

“I’ll pick her up at three.” He replied.

“JON!” she couldn’t believe it.

“What? She’s my daughter. Am I not allowed to pick her up?” he was getting angry.

Dot shook her head; she knew it wouldn’t make sense to talk to him now.

Punctual 3 pm Jon was at the school. Kris walked straight down the stairs without looking at anyone else and got in the car. She didn’t say a word. Jon sighed and pulled out of the parking lot.

“How was it?” he asked after a while.

“Fine.”

“Did you find someone to help you with history?” he looked briefly at her.

“Yeah.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. A girl named Alex came up to her and wanted to help her, not only with history, but with all other things, but Kris declined. She really didn’t need anyone’s help.

At home Kris headed straight up to her room and only came back downstairs for dinner. Dot looked at Jon meaningful. He sighed. Shit dammit. Seems Kris was pissed. I’ll never understand teenagers.



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



“Can I take the bus?” Kris asked Tuesday morning during breakfast

Dot shot a look at Jon. He obliviously didn’t like that idea.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, sweetie.” He said and sipped at his coffee.

“I’ll never find friends, when you drive me all the time.” She replied. Not that she wanted friends, but it was a good argument.

“Can’t you find some while you are at school?” He asked. Dot shook her head.

“Why don’t we drive you in the morning and you take the bus back in the afternoon.” She suggested. Jon frowned.

“We are driving in that direction anyway to bring Steph and Jesse to school.” Dot continued. „Yours is only two blocks away and you can sleep a little longer, but it would be really helpful if we don’t have to pick you up in the afternoon. You always have longer school than Steph and Jesse.”

Jon starred at her angry. Kris just nodded. “Great.”

Dot looked at Jon, raising her eyebrows. “Ok, ok…if that’s what everyone wants.” He said slightly pissed.

“Here, Kris...” he gave her some money. She looked at him questioningly. “…just in case. Get a taxi, if there’s a problem with the bus.”

She nodded and took the money. Slightly shocked how much it was. She couldn’t remember ever holding so much money in her hands…80 dollars.



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



That afternoon Jon already regretted his decision. It was nearly 5:30 pm, Kris had school till 3 pm and she wasn’t at home yet.

He was angry! Angry about Kris not being here, angry about Dot being on Kris’ side this morning, but mostly angry about himself letting Dot talk him into that.

“Jon, calm down. Maybe she met some friends and they are talking and she just forgot the time.” Dot tried to calm her husband, but he wouldn’t stop running around in the living room like a captured lion.

“This is absolutely irresponsible from her. I should never ever agree to that stupid idea.” He cursed, taking a look at his watch again.

In the next second the main door opened and Kris entered the house.

“Where the fuck have you been? We are worried sick?” he stormed towards her down the hallway. Dot right behind him to interfere if those two Bongiovi tempers should collide.

Kris looked surprised and a bit shocked. The way he ran towards her was scary. Why was he so angry?

“I was at the library.” She answered unsure.

“What?” Jon couldn’t believe it. Was she lying? Was this just a poor excuse?

“I had history lesson today and I needed to read some stuff to do my homework.” Kris explained.

“Why are you freaking out?” she added, her eyes narrowing.

“Why I am freaking out?” Jon nearly shouted. “Because I had no idea where you were, I was worried.”

Kris snorted. “Yeah, right.”

Jon’s eyes narrowed as well. This was the first time Kris answered him back.

“No one has ever cared where I’ve been. So you do it all of a sudden. I think you just want to control me, but it’s my life…you will not control it!” she was angry. What was he thinking?

Jon took a deep breath. She really didn’t see the point. As calm as possible he said “Kris, if your mother didn’t care when you came home or what you were doing… fine, but I do care. I was worried! There are so many idiots out there, who can hurt you, so many accidents happen every day and if the press figures out that you are my daughter they won’t leave you alone…” he closed his eyes briefly “… I don’t want to control you, I want protect you…” He looked her directly in the eyes “…that’s what parents do, they protect their kids.”

Kris stared at him. She was stunned and had no idea what to say.

Parents protect their kids.

This sentence echoed in her mind. Does he really mean that? It’s so hard to believe…no one ever cared. She always had to do things on her own. She doesn’t need protection. Maybe the little ones need it…and maybe it would have been good if she had someone she could count on when she was Steph’s age, but now…no, she doesn’t need that.

Jon could see that she wasn’t really getting it. This seemed to be a completely new concept to her. Didn’t Susi take care of her? He couldn’t believe she wouldn’t treat Kris right. If he would just understand why Kris doesn’t let anyone come close…

Dot watched the scene carefully. She could see that Jon’s anger was gone; he was worried now, because Kris wasn’t responding to his words the way he’d expected. I wish I could see what’s going on in her head. Why does she want to keep her distance, especially to Jon?

“Why don’t you bring your books upstairs, Kris? Dinner will be ready in a couple minutes.” Dot said and tried to relax the situation a bit. Kris nodded briefly and went upstairs.

“She didn’t do it on purpose Jon.” She said when Kris was gone.

“I know. But I don’t understand why she wasn’t even thinking about us being worried. It nearly seems that Susi was never worried about her not being at home or late.” Jon shook his head and sighed. “I will tell her to call us the next time she’s late.” Dot nodded and gave him a small kiss.