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. 

EJ looked up at his father, tears in his eyes now.

"Little Ethan, let this be the last time your teacher calls your mom and I in to tell us about your behavior in class or out of class, and I'm dead serious this time."

"Yes Daddy. I'm sorry."

"Sorry isn't 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 anything unless you get a full star chart for your conduct and behavior."

"Daddy are you serious? You can't take all my toys away. What am I gonna play with when I'm bored?"

"You're going to read ahead in your school books. And I'll get you a book on behavior, so you'll read that!" 

I knew I shouldn't snap at him but his attitude and behavior was terrible, and if we didn't discipline 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. I wouldn't have a rude child.

"Okay. Mommy?" he said, crying now. 

My heart broke looking at his small figure sitting on our bed, sniffing and wiping away his tears. I just had to hug him.

"Baby, listen to me. Your father and I love you so much, but you were being bad again and you should be punished for it."

He nodded.

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

EJ got up, opened the door and left. 

I heaved a sigh. "Weren't we 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 his desktop?"

"Arrgggghhh!" Ethan groaned.

"Please, baby. You can take the other things away, but I think we could at least leave him with something."

"Okay, fine. I'll leave him with his desktop. Only."

"Okay."

After half an hour, Ethan came back with EJ's stuff. Security was instructed to air out the bouncing castle and place it into the storeroom. 

I was delivering the clean and folded laundry to the bedrooms. I walked passed EJ's room and heard him talking with Evan.

"I'm very sorry for what I did at school. It's just that other kids are teasing me and calling me all sort of names, so I fight back."

"Have you told the teacher?"

"I did 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', and all sort of other names. I punched Alex right in his face this morning. He starts the teasing then the others join in."

"EJ, listen to me. Your 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 age, and you know what I did?"

"What Evs?"

"I made a peace offering , especially to the bullies. I brought them candies."

"So you're telling me I should buy candies for guys?"

"No. I'm telling you that sometimes it's wise to give a peace offering. Kill them with kindness, especially after you punch someone out."

"Not a bad idea. What should I tell Mom?"

"Tell mom that your class is having a fun day and you have to bring two boxes of whatever you chose to the event."

"Okay. I'll go tell her now!"

I ran back to my bedroom. Ethan was signing some papers at his desk. I was putting the clothes away when EJ barged into the room.

"How many times do I have to tell you to knock," Ethan immediately snapped at him, making him freeze where he stood.

"Sorry Dad. I came to tell Mommy something." 

I gave him a sly smile. "Yes baby?"

"Mom, the classroom is having a fun day tomorrow and I have to bring two boxes of cupcakes."

"Is that so? How come Mrs. Powells didn't give you a note?" I toyed with him, just to hear the clever excuse he'd come up with.

"Because she didn't have paper, so she said we should just tell our parents."

"Okay. Two boxes of cupcakes you said?"

"Yes."

"I'll drop them off for her tomorrow after I pick them up."

"No! I was hoping I could go get it with you. There's a new flavor out and I wanna try it, but I can't remember the name of it. If I see it, I'll know." 

Evan had been coaching my poor child how to lie. I shook my head and gave him a big hug nevertheless. I knew what it was like to be bullied.

The next morning, after he was dressed for school, we headed to the supermarket where I bought two boxes of cupcakes, of his choice, then drove him to school.

"Have a nice day baby," I said, kissing his small cheeks.

"Thanks Mommy, and same to you. I love you," he said, taking off his seat belt and getting out, looking like a little boss.

I handed him the boxes of cupcakes, which he easily carried to his classroom.

That afternoon, when I picked him up, he had two children by his side.

"Mom, this is Jack and Alex. They're my new friends," he said with a big smile.