Hot Coffee (The Hollens)

Emma's POV

"Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice Mr. and Mrs. Hollen. I just wanted to talk to you about Ethan Junior's behavior and conduct."

We were sitting in Ethan Junior's classroom with him and his class teacher. EJ had gotten into a fight with another kid in his class.

"First, Ethan Junior is a very brilliant and intelligent student. He's punctual and brave. Over there is what I call the Star Chart," she pointed to a poster on the wall that had the names of students and the stars they received for their academic performance. 

EJ had a full line. I was impressed. But there was another line for conduct and behavior, his had only one star while other students were all above five. I was disappointed, and Ethan was too. His eyes were getting darker and darker as he looked at our son.

"Ethan Junior has a temper that needs serious controlling. He got into a fight with another kid last week because that child accidentally stepped on his box of markers. Then, he got into another fight because the other children were teasing him and calling him 'one star'."

"Oh my goodness, Mrs. Powells. My husband and I are very sorry about his conduct in the classroom. We know he has a temper; we've been dealing with it from home, and we'll continue to do so until he shapes up," I said, glancing over at EJ.

"Thank you. But as I said, he's a brilliant little boy. He just needs to mind his language and his temper."

"Yes ma'am. Thanks for meeting with us," Ethan said, standing and shaking hands with Mrs. Powells. 

I shook hands with her also. 

Ethan glared at EJ. He wasn't pleased-- the look of disappointment was in his eyes. Without another word he walked outside towards to car.

The ride home was silent. 

When we got through the door, Ethan led EJ to our bedroom. He sat him down on the bed and hovered over him like a predator.

"What have we talked about son?" 

I just watched because I usually left the discipline up to him.

"Minding my manners," EJ said innocently, bowing his head.

Ethan lifted his face. "I want you to look me in my eyes when I'm talking to you," he said, his voice rising. 

looked up at his father, tears in his eyes

to tell us about your

"Yes Daddy. I'm sorry."

going to cut it this time. I'm taking away your PlayStation and Xboxes, your iPads and iPhone, your computer-- both laptop and desktop; I'm taking away your toys and your bouncing castle in the yard. You're not getting back

take all my toys away. What am I

books. And I'll get you a book on behavior, so you'll

him and put our feet down, it would be too late for him. He was only nine. He should act as a child and behave as one. I loved all my children equally, and I wanted to see the best for them.

said, crying now.

at his small figure sitting on our bed, sniffing and

I love you so much, but you were being

He nodded.

I'll come get your things in a bit," Ethan told him.

up, opened the door and left.

a bit harsh on him? He's still brilliant in his school work and he's learning a lot on his computer. Can we just leave him with

"Arrgggghhh!" Ethan groaned.

baby. You can take the other things away, but I think we could at least

fine. I'll leave him with

"Okay."

with EJ's stuff. Security was instructed to air out

the clean and folded laundry to the bedrooms. I walked passed EJ's room and

just that other kids are teasing me and calling me all sort of names, so I fight

told the

but she keeps telling me to ignore them. I can't just ignore them when they get all up in my face and tease me about being rich. Calling me 'Billionaire's King', 'Richy Rich Baby', 'Gold Spoon Head',

teacher is right. You should ignore them because they're only looking for attention and you're giving it to them. I had the same experience when I was your

"What Evs?"

especially the bullies. I brought them toys and cupcakes and chocolate and sweets and candies. I even got Mom to take all of us to a water park. The next day, they became

should buy candies for

you that sometimes it's wise to give a peace offering.

a bad idea. What should I tell

a fun day and you have to bring two boxes