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hereticpriest · 5 years ago

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Of Babes and Teds Part 1

Warnings: Fluff, eventual smut but nothing in this part.

Ted has a most blessed weekend when his father gets his little brother (and him, let’s be honest) a babysitter.

@lvngdvns

It wasn’t often that Dawn got called in to babysit someone of Deacon’s age, and even less so considering Deacon had an older brother who had just turned eighteen and should therefore be just as capable as her to look after him. That being said, Dawn also went to the same school as Ted, though she was in the AP stream for all of her classes, so she didn’t actually know him very well. She did know he was not extremely intelligent in the traditional sense, and that he tended to be extraordinarily forgetful.

“I’ve left some cash on the counter for dinner, and food tomorrow if you need to eat out. Whatever is leftover you can pocket as a tip for doing this.” Mr. Logan says while rushing around his living room making sure he hasn’t forgotten anything, “Ted is at Bill’s, but he has a key, so you can lock the door.”

Dawn smiles politely and hands Mr. Logan his keys so he doesn’t forget them when he walks right past them while wondering aloud where they are, “Of course, Mr. Logan. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Dawn. Deacon has homework, so if you could get him to work on it, I would appreciate it. He likes to procrastinate.” Mr. Logan grabs his briefcase, his overnight bag, and his jacket on the way to the door.

“Have a safe drive, Mr. Logan. I’ll see you Sunday night.” Dawn offers him little wave and watches him leave, then sets the sheets, pillows and blanket she had brought with her on a chair in the corner of the living room. Her duffel bag goes on top of that, along with her messenger bag full of college applications, her pencil case, and her mini purse. Deacon thumps down the stairs once he’s sure his dad is gone and leans over the bag of the couch.

“How much did he leave for food?” Deacon asks eagerly. Dawn laughs, ruffling his hair and heading into the kitchen.

“Wow. Tons, little dude. Are you down for pizza tonight?” Dawn asks, pocketing the money and checking the list pinned to fridge with a magnet. Neither of the boys have food allergies listed, so she gives him a high five when he cheers for pizza, then calls to order.

“Alright, my dude. Get your homework done and I’ll do the dishes, fair deal?” She asks, laughing at Deacon’s wide eyes.

“You’re gonna do one of my chores for me?”

“Yeah, as long as you do your homework. I can help if you have any questions.” Dawn replies easily. Deacon grins at her, heading upstairs to grab his bookbag, spreading his books on the table.

“I’m gonna need maaaaajor help with math. It is totally killing me.”

“Well, isn’t it your lucky day? I’m great at math.” Dawn slid into a chair and scooted it over to him.

The pizza comes just as they finish Deacon’s math homework, leaving only the outline for his end-of-term English report due Monday. The project is massive, so it is graded in pieces to see how the work went and to force students to not procrastinate as much. Dawn grabs one of his composition books and flips to a blank page, then begins showing him the pieces required for a proper outline while they chow down on their dinner. When they finish eating, Dawn puts the pizza box on the oven for whenever Ted gets home and cleans up the dishes while Deacon works.

“This outline is totally awesome, my dude. You’re going to get top marks for this project.” Dawn praises, ruffling Deacon’s hair again, “How about you grab a movie for us to watch, and I’ll make popcorn?”

It doesn’t take long for them to get settled, though Deacon takes up the majority of the couch while Dawn wraps up in the blanket that she brought with her. The movie he puts on is The Thing, which Dawn initially protests since it’s a gory horror movie but relaxes when Deacon insists that he’s seen far worse movies.

“If you have nightmares, it is totally your own fault.” Dawn states plainly. By the end of the film, Deacon is half asleep and displeased about it.

“Can we watch another one?” Deacon asks, already trudging over to pop another film on.

“I don’t know, Deacon. You have to be in bed in less than an hour.”

“Well, if it’s not done then we’ll watch it another night. You’re here til Sunday night, right?”

“Yeah, I’m here all weekend. But we’re going to the fair tomorrow, so you’re going to be totally pooped when we get back.” Dawn reminds him. Deacon insists, so she sighs and waves a hand at him.

“Your funeral, dude.”

Halloween is Deacon’s second choice, and Dawn whines about watching a horror movie heavily featuring babysitters, to the kid’s delight. Rattling at the front door makes them both jump, but Ted pushes through a moment later and Deacon pretends he wasn’t scared so he can tease Dawn.

“Ted, you scared the babysitter!” Deacon cackles, yelping when a cushion slams into him, then dissolving into laughter.

“Woah, sorry dude! Er… Dudette.” Ted offers Dawn a wave, awkward the moment he notices she’s female. Dawn laughs, waggling her fingers at him.

“Hi Ted. Good to see you again.” Dawn hums. Ted notices the movie they’re watching and cheers, plopping down between her and Deacon.

“Hey Dawn. It’s been like, ages. Man, I love this movie!”

The clock chimes at 10, and Dawn quickly shoos Deacon upstairs to get ready and get to bed. She verifies that he’s actually brushed his teeth and changed before leaving him to go to bed, then checks herself in the hall mirror to be sure she doesn’t look absolutely horrific. She’s wearing a Van Halen shirt that hangs off of her shoulders and a plaid red-black-grey-white skirt that swings around her thighs, so she certainly isn’t dressed inappropriately. She fixes her dark brown hair, making sure it isn’t messy before sticking her tongue out at herself. Hazel eyes blink back at her, long dark lashes framing them, her under-eyes dark from lack of sleep.

“I was wondering who’s converse I passed on the way in. I was like, wearing mine.” Ted says as she enters the room again.

“Guilty as charged.” Dawn hums, flopping down on the couch again and smiling when she notices that Ted paused the movie for her, “We can start it over if you want to watch it all.”

“Most excellent!” Ted cheers, rewinding the film. She notices that he hasn’t moved away from her now that Deacon is gone.

“How is Bill doing?” Dawn asks, tucking her legs under her.

“Awesome, dude. We were most triumphant today at practice.” Ted replies, and Dawn smiles encouragingly, “I would have told him you were here if I knew.”

“Well, if you two aren’t busy tomorrow, you could join Deacon and I at the fair?” Dawn offers. She smiles at the sight of pink rising in Ted’s cheeks.

“I think we’re free tomorrow. We just had practice planned.” Ted muses, looking confused for a moment while he thinks. Dawn smiles, pulling the blanket back around her as Ted presses play. She can’t say she doesn’t like the way that Ted touches her knee every time she jumps, smiling reassuringly at her. She also can’t say that her hiding in his shoulder at a jumpscare isn’t slightly put upon, but when Ted wraps an arm around her, it’s worth it. Dawn rests her head against his chest and pulls the blanket around him too. When the movie is over, Ted stretches, dropping his arm back around her afterwards when Dawn thought he might use the moment to move away.

“Where are you sleeping?” Ted asks, face screwing up again in thought.

“Oh, on the couch. I brought blankets and pillows.” Dawn replies easily, jumping when Ted gives her a shocked look.

“No, that is most egregious. You can sleep in my bed.” Ted informs her, then flushes when Dawn looks a little shocked, “I mean, like, by yourself. I’ll take the couch.”

Dawn giggles, giving him a gentle, playful shove, “I was just shocked you offered, Ted. It’s sweet of you. I don’t want to kick you out onto the couch, though. How about you stay with me?”

Ted looks confused, and then shocked, before he finally nods dumbly.

“Perfect. Do you want to go get your room ready while I get ready for bed?” Dawn offers, giving him a chance to clean up and put anything away that he doesn’t want her seeing. She giggles when he agrees and bolts up the stairs. Dawn heads into the bathroom, brushing her teeth and changing into her pyjamas, a simple white tank top and grey shorts. She gives him ample time before heading up to join him, knocking on his door before coming in. Ted is already in bed, a little smear of toothpaste on his upper lip, wearing his boxers and looking a little unsure if that is okay. Dawn closes his bedroom door and walks over to his bed, lifting the sheets so she can slip in with him.

“You have toothpaste on your lip, Ted.” She murmurs, offering him a shy smile. Ted quickly tries to wipe it away but misses, and Dawn giggles. She licks her thumb and reaches over, cupping his cheek and wiping the toothpaste away. Her cheeks go pink when Ted licks the pad of her thumb, his own cheeks on fire. Dawn smiles, ruffling his hair into his face just to hear him laugh and snuggling down into the mattress. She lays with her back facing him, and Ted clearly doesn’t know what to do, as he lays on his back, still as the grave.

“Hey Ted?”

“Yeah babe?”

“It’s okay if you end up cuddling me during the night. It’s like, totally normal to end up snuggling up to a heat source. And I like cuddling, anyways.” Dawn hums, hiding a giggle in one of his pillows at his audible gulp.

“Uh, right, okay.” Ted mumbles, and she hears him shuffling around a little, his hand finding her hip. He moves slowly, clearly unsure, pressing himself against her back and slowly wrapping his arm around her waist. She sighs happily and the tension in his body relaxes, his face nuzzling into her hair.

“Goodnight Ted.”

“Night babe.”

Dawn wakes early as per usual. Sometime during the night, Ted ended up on his back and she ended up snuggled up to his chest, his arms around her and one hand under the back of her shirt. Her thigh is wedged between his legs, her hip pressed into his groin, and she’s surprised she hasn’t squished him with how she’s laying. She blinks blearily, her nose brushing against his jaw as she begins to sit up while trying not to hurt him. She can feel him hard against her hip, and she knows he’ll be embarrassed if he wakes up like this with her on top of him, so she delicately begins to work herself free of him. Of course, this is when his grip tightens and she loses her balance, her hand falling to his stomach to steady herself.

Ted jolts awake, his fingers digging into her back a little in his confusion, though he relaxes a moment later. He blinks up at her, clearly a little confused about why she’s in bed with him, though not looking displeased by the notion.

“Hey babe.” He mumbles, his voice scratchy with sleep, causing a shiver to run up Dawn’s spine.

“Good morning Ted.” Dawn replies, shifting against him a little, “Sleep well?”

“Most excellent, babe.” Ted replies, looking her up and down, and she reads the question in his eyes and laughs gently. She pokes his chest, smiling down at him.

“You wish, Ted.”

“Bogus.” Ted replies with a small pout, drawing another laugh from her. She moves again to try and get up but slips, and Ted steadies her with hands on her sides, “Woah, you have most horrendous balance.”

“Thanks Ted.” Dawn snorts, which draws a laugh out of Ted. Dawn moves back from Ted successfully this time, sitting next to him and leaning back against the headrest. The blanket has ridden down to their legs, and she feels herself go pink at the sight of a line of wispy dark hair trailing from his belly button down under his boxers. She stares, unable to help herself, as Ted stretches like a cat and sits up.

“I-I’m going to go get breakfast started.” Dawn says suddenly, crawling out of bed and nearly tripping over herself to get out of the room before she does something she’s going to regret. Ted stares after her, head tilted slightly, and he snorts when he hears a thud on the stairs followed by muffled cursing. She really is clumsy. The first thing he does when he gets out of bed is grab the phone and dial Bill’s number.

“Dude, you will not believe what just happened.”

#Ted Logan #Ted Theodore Logan #Bill and Ted's excellent adventure #Ted Logan/OC #Ted Logan/Original Character

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ficdirectory · 7 years ago

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The Fosters: Our Thoughts on Episode 5x06 “Welcome to the Jungler”

Time for another recap of The Fosters. We really liked the format of last week’s so @tarajean621 and I are sticking with recapping Jesus’s scenes, or those that have to do with him:

JESUS, STEF AND LENA - KITCHEN:

Stef: Did you know that dropping out of school is illegal?

Lena: California is a compulsory education state. You have to go to school until you’re 18.

Jesus: What? So you’re gonna arrest me?

Stef: If I have to.

Tonia: Oh, perfect. I’m so glad we’re starting off this episode with yet another threat of institutionalization. <-- Sarcasm

Tara: Completely jarring. Completely unrealistic. Completely unnecessary.

Jesus: [Looking to Lena] Mama. Seriously?

Lena: The only way you can drop out is if you pass a proficiency test.

Jesus: Okay, fine. Then I’ll just do that.

Lena: Okay. Then, you can take the test at school tomorrow.

Jesus: Great. Can I go now? [Jesus leaves at Moms’ nod]

Tonia: This whole conversation is so strained, and Moms have Jesus practically backed up against the kitchen counter.

Tara: So, we’re going from no school for months to a high-stakes proficiency test? This is unfair even without factoring in the brain injury.

Lena: Thank you.

Stef: Yeah. I will be your bad cop any day, woman. What if he passes the test?

Lena: He won’t. He’s having problems with memory and comprehension. The test is gonna show that and we can use it to make our case in getting him an educational aide.

Tonia: Wow. Okay. So according to some old college papers I found from an intro to SPED class where we learned about TBI, to be considered school-ready, Jesus would have to be able to attend to an academic task for 10-15 minutes. This proficiency test? 3.5 hours long. (With no accommodations, because Jesus has not even been evaluated yet.)

Basically, Moms are both abusing their power positions (Lena in education, and Stef in law enforcement) to manipulate Jesus into doing what they want him to do.

(Also, for reference? We have seen Lena alter Jude’s proficiency test to get into Anchor Beach. Knowing how far she was willing to go for Jude, when she had only just met him, it’s that much more painful knowing that Lena is willing to send Jesus into this test with no accommodations and zero time to study.)

She is trying to sabotage him here, and it sucks.

Tara: They went right for the sabotage here, instead of having another conversation with Jesus. They don’t want to deal with his feelings, they simply want him compliant. :(

Also, just because Dr. Bayfield the orthopedic surgeon has a friend whose son has a 1:1 aide, this does not mean that Jesus definitely needs one. At this point, he has not even been assessed yet. Let the professionals decide this.

And it is all kinds of exploitative to use Jesus’s (at this point perceived) deficits against him to get the outcome you desire. Moms want to intentionally overwhelm, overload and fatigue Jesus’s injured brain to strengthen their case for an aide.

1) Jesus has not been in school for months.

2) He is given no time to study.

3) According to old-school SPED handout:

Regular classroom placement

- for students whose cognitive, physical and behavioral limitations have resolved, regular classroom placement can be an emotional support and represents a significant level of recovery.

-CAUTION: A return to regular classroom without any level of support should be done with caution and is not recommended as an initial placement.

^Essentially, this is what Moms are doing.

4) The goal of going back to school after a brain injury is initially less about proving knowledge and more about learning strategies and coping skills. Academic success is not the point - not right away.

Stef: A few days ago, you didn’t think he was ready to go back to school.

Lena: Well, a couple days ago, I hadn’t threatened to send him away. I don’t think being trapped in the house is doing him or us any good.

Stef: He can still refuse to go, you know?

Lena: Well if he DOES, I think you SHOULD arrest him! I’m serious! It’s time for a little tough love around here!

Tonia: I’d settle for regular love around here, Lena. Because instead of sitting down with Jesus again for another conversation and really hearing him out, you’re jumping to manipulation and threats of arrest???

Also, this is a moment where having nondisabled writers on the show really comes through. Why? Because we know, based on what Lena says here that she is thinking about her previous threat to institutionalize Jesus, but we don’t see Jesus talking about or thinking through how Lena’s threat impacted him. We get really obvious insight into Lena and her thought process as the parent, but almost none from Jesus, who the threat was directed at.

This is not something someone just gets over in a day. Jesus will carry this with him for the rest of his life. And I think it’s irresponsible (especially if you are going to include such egregious ableism as repeated mentions of shock treatment as a legitimate option and threatening your son with institutionalization for having a TBI) to not overtly convey the harm such words inflict on the people they are used against.

Tara: To continue with Tonia’s conversation about how we do not see how Lena’s words impact Jesus... I would argue that we are seeing the impact, to some extent. What stood out to me in this episode was Jesus Being Good. We saw no strong emotion from him at all, which is notable on this show. To me, this could be misinformed writing - but it also could be a tried-and-true coping strategy of a person used to impermanence. Making a conscious choice to be unaffected.

Can we also talk about the fact that Lena seems to be ready for Jesus to go back to school because she is fed up with him? :/

And regarding the whole arrest thing? Jesus is more vulnerable interacting with law enforcement with intersecting identities as both an ethnic minority and disabled person. Disabled people make up a third to half of all people killed by police. The fact that Moms would so cavalierly discuss this seems super out-of-character.

JESUS AND GABE - YARD, WORKING ON THE TREE HOUSE:

Jesus: And now they won’t even let me see Emma! Which is like, total bull! Because besides this with you, and her, I have no life! You know, I think what makes them so mad is that I’m not going back to school. But I have a plan! Why don’t we turn this into a business? You know, making tree houses!

Tonia: I’m glad Jesus has someone he can talk to about how he’s really feeling. With all the other kids at school and Moms at work, it’s easy to see why Jesus is feeling so isolated. And with all this time to mull over what Moms said, it’s no wonder he’s coming up with alternate plans.

Also, Moms are so mad that Jesus isn’t going back to school, but, reminder that when Jesus was ready to talk about it, they kept ignoring him and putting it off. They didn’t even bring it up with his doctor, which was their reason for putting off a discussion in the first place.

Gabe: Uh, I mean, shouldn’t you just finish high school?

Jesus: No, I can get my GED just like you did.

Gabe: Yeah, in prison. Look, I wouldn’t do anything like I did. I mean, I made a ton of mistakes when I was your age. I think your moms are just trying to protect you, you know?

Tonia: I actually really find myself relating with Gabe here. I’ve been in that position where you care about a kid but you don’t want to say the wrong thing for fear of not being allowed in the kid’s life anymore. That being said, Gabe, abuse does not equal protection.

Jesus: Do you think you made a mistake with Ana? You know, like, not trying to be with her?

Gabe: Yeah. Yeah, all the time.

Jesus: Do you ever think about about getting back together?

Gabe: [scoffs] She’s with Mike.

Jesus: Yeah, but they’re not, like, married.

Gabe: Here’s the thing. Choices you make today can stay with you your whole life. And as far as Ana goes do I wish it had been different? Yeah, I do. She was my first love. Maybe the only one I’ll ever have. But it’s too late. And you don’t wanna end up carrying around all that regret. Trust me.

Tonia: The first person Jesus talked about in this conversation was Emma. She is really on his mind here (and why wouldn’t she be, as one of the only consistent people in his life?) Things undoubtedly feel really shaky with Moms right now and they have felt really shaky with Emma until recently. Jesus is just trying to figure out what to do to keep the people around him there. And not to leave, like they all seem to want to.

JESUS AND ANA - KITCHEN:

Jesus: Ah, hey!

Ana: [covers her engagement ring] Hi!

Jesus: What’s up?

Ana: Is, um, Mariana here?

Jesus: Oh. Uh, actually no. She’s...not home yet.

Ana: [disappointed] Oh. Okay.

Tonia: It always strikes me as strange that Ana shows zero interest in talking to Jesus one-on-one. (Same goes for Gabe and Mariana.) It’s like, they will if they have to, but only if they have to.) I can’t help but feel for Jesus here, especially as Ana doesn’t clarify she wants to talk to them both together, so it just comes off as her not wanting to talk to Jesus.

It’s also more than a bit irksome that Ana has joined the ranks of people who are clearly uncomortable around Jesus.

Tara: To be fair, Jesus hasn’t been willing or able to build the kind of relationship Ana and Mariana have. And some relationships are just awkward - not all bio parent/child reunions are perfect.

Jesus: Uh, can I ask you a question...about...Gabe?

Ana: Sure.

Jesus: Do you still, like, have feelings for him?

Ana: What do you mean?

Jesus: Well, I know you’re with Mike. And he’s a great guy. But IF you still think about Gabe. Well, I mean, he...still thinks about you.

Ana: Uh... How do you know that?

Jesus: He...told me. He said that you were the only woman that he’s ever loved.

Tonia: I’d imagine that every adopted kid plays the “what ifs” through in their heads. And given that Jesus currently has “no life” other than helping Gabe and trying not to step a toe out of line so Moms won’t send him away or arrest him, it makes sense that he would gravitate toward playing matchmaker for Gabe and Ana. He knows what it’s like not to be told the whole truth, too, so of course he wants the people around him to have all the information they need on a subject. And I’d hazard to guess that, for Jesus, love is the most important subject there is.

[Mariana walks in from school, sees Ana]

Mariana: Oh! What are you doing here?

Ana: I just was in the neighborhood and I thought I’d come by to say hi.

Mariana: [touched] Oh. Well, hi.

Ana: Hi.

Tonia: Keep holding onto that engagement ring for all it’s worth, Ana. A little awkward for the kids to see it now that Jesus has confessed Gabe’s undying love for you, isn’t it?

Also, it still touches Mariana (and Jesus) to have Ana stop by even if it is to just say hi. Because it means they’re thought of. And being thought of means they’re valued. And that’s always going to matter to these two.

JESUS AND MARIANA - HER ROOM:

Jesus: Hey. Can I borrow your phone so I can text Emma?

Mariana: No! I’m already in enough trouble because of you!

Tonia: The implication here seems to be that Moms are checking Jesus’s phone to be sure he has no contact with Emma. (As the last we saw him, after Lena yelled at him, he still had his phone.)

Also, Mariana’s “I’m already in enough trouble because of you” sounds a lot like “I’m already in enough trouble because you’re disabled.” Because if Jesus had found out about the party pre-TBI and invited himself along, they’d both be in trouble, but Mariana wouldn’t be putting the blame back on him for having a seizure.

Tara: So, Mariana still has her phone after their night out? But Jesus doesn’t have his or is on restriction?

Mariana: Hey. What do you think about Scariana Adams Fostgore?

Jesus: For what?

Mariana: My derby name.

Jesus: Come on. Moms are not gonna let you do roller derby. Not after what happened to me.

Tonia: Jesus speaks the truth. I mean, we all remember Lena hyperly quizzing Tess and Dean about why they allowed Logan to play football with its high concussion risk. Chances are very good that they are not going to sign off on Mariana being on the roller derby team.

[Brandon walks in]

Brandon: Hey, uh, so did you guys hear about Ana and my dad getting engaged?

[Jesus and Mariana make eye contact and stand in sync with each other]

Mariana: What? Seriously? That’s so cool! I mean...you’re cool with that, right?

Brandon: Yeah, I-I-I guess.

Jesus: I wonder why Ana didn’t tell us? She was here earlier. So, are you sure?

Brandon: It’s what AJ told me. Oh hang on. [Brandon answers his phone, leaves the room.]

Tonia: Once adopted siblings, soon to be step-siblings too? Let’s play How Many Ways Can Three Siblings Be Related?

Tara: Yeah, this is odd.

Jesus: I wonder if Ana didn’t tell us because of what I told her?

Mariana: What did you say?

Jesus: That Gabe still loves her.

Mariana: He does?

Jesus: Yeah. That’s what he said to me. It’d be kinda cool if they got back together, right?

Mariana: Not for Mike.

Jesus: Well, yeah, I know. But I mean, they were each other’s first loves.

Mariana: Okay. That doesn’t mean that they should be together now. People rarely ever marry their first loves.

Tonia: Mariana, your tone is really close to patronizing here. Please stop.

Tara: It feels weird that Mariana is siding with Mike here.

Jesus: Some do. As long as they don’t screw it up.

Mariana: Yeah, well, I want to have LOTS of loves before I get married.

Jesus: I don’t.

Tonia: I kind of love how the traditional way this might play out is flipped. Mariana wants to have lots of first loves and Jesus only wants one. I can’t say I’d feel any differently if everything was changed - including me - and I had no control over any of it. Especially since Jesus’s own relationship with his Moms is shaky enough that even they have threatened to send him away now that he has a TBI...

JESUS AND EMMA - SCHOOL HALLWAY THE NEXT DAY:

Jesus: Hey.

Emma: Hey.

Jesus: Look, I’m really sorry about last night.

Tonia: So, I’m a bit slow on the pickup, but it took me until now (actually recapping) to connect that Jesus is on this train of thought with Emma and talking about “unless they screw it up” because he was afraid he had screwed it up by telling her he really didn’t want to see her anyway.

Also, we do get the specific time reference here: Jesus’s fight with Emma happened last night. That means Lena threatened to institutionalize him last night. :(

Emma: Me, too. I really want to be supportive...of everything.

Tonia: This line had me waiting for “but I can’t.” The “but I can’t never came and the “everything” seems to refer to Jesus’s TBI which is now, officially too much for everyone :(

Tara: Yes, look at her word choice here. She wants to be supportive, but she’s not supportive currently.

Jesus [flirting]: You mean that?

Emma [smiling]: Yes.

[They kiss]

Emma [still smiling]: Do your moms know that you’re here? [whispers] Did you sneak out?

Tonia: A few blessed seconds of cuteness and fun. I’ll take it wherever it comes at this point.

Tara: I love these moments.

Jesus [laughs] No, I had to take a proficiency test. So that I can legally drop out.

Emma [clears her throat and looks away]: How’d...you do?

Jesus: Uh, good, I think.

Tonia: And just like that, the support’s gone. Did Emma think Jesus was apologizing because he came around to her way of thinking? Is that why she said she wanted to be supportive? Right about now it sounds like the conditional way everyone else is ‘supporting’ Jesus, which is heartbreaking.

Tara: This test is written as no big deal, but it is a huge deal. 182 questions (reading, writing and math) plus a writing task. In 3.5 hours. Unless you want to split up the reading and writing sections, and sit for another 3.5 hours. We don’t know if Jesus chose to do this, but regardless, he seems to have a bounty of extra energy post-test.

Cognition takes work after a brain injury. Attending to a task takes work. Filtering can be almost impossible.

I can tell you that for my first few weeks back at school (almost 2 months post-injury), I took one class. An elective. Choir. Something completely non-academic. And after that one 80-minute class period, I would be completely spent. Exhausted. Taking 4-hour-long naps.

So, although Jesus looks none the worse for wear, the actual, real-life implications for taking a test like this the way he did are serious. Asking him to take the test at this point was nothing less than abusive. And doing so would have almost certainly hindered his recovery.

Jesus: Um, but anyway. I have something for you. [Jesus takes out a small box. Offers it to Emma.]

Emma: [laughs nervously and opens the box to find a wooden ring inside]

Jesus: I know it’s not fancy. But I made it with Gabe.

Emma [forces a smile] It’s beautiful.

Jesus [smiles genuinely]: I wanted to give it to you as a promise ring. You know, until I can get you something...nicer. Emma, I don’t want to have any regrets in my life. And I know that you... You’re the one. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Emma [is not smiling. Keeps looking down and away.]

Tonia: This is like, so devastating. Because I’ve so been here. So desperate to keep friends that I gave them things I put my whole heart into.

It just sucks in this case even more so because the scene plays that Jesus (previously pretty dialed into people’s cues, even in earlier episodes this season) seems to be missing all of them here. So the scene plays out and you are automatically led to feel sorry for Jesus. In that he “just doesn’t get” that Emma isn’t on the same page with him.

When the reality is? He likely can’t even face that possibility, because he needs this to work. He just can’t face one more rejection. So he’s pushing forward, and hoping that if Emma hears all of what he has to say, she’ll come around.

Tara: He wants the certainty that at least one person loves him unconditionally. That at least one person won’t leave.

Emma: Jesus, we’re only 16.

Jesus: Well yeah, I’m not saying that we’ll get, like, married right now.

Emma: I’m gonna go to college. Maybe far away.

Jesus: That’s fine. I’ll go wherever you’re going. I can do construction, literally, anywhere.

Emma: So much can change.

Jesus: Not if we don’t let it.

Emma: I want change. I wanna grow and learn and--

Jesus: Well, good. ‘Cause we could do all that together!

Emma [hesitantly]: Not if you drop out of school. Education is extremely important to me. And I [sighs] can’t really see myself marrying someone who’s willfully throwing that away. [Puts the ring box back in Jesus’s hand.]

Tonia: Ugh, this is just painful. Emma, break up with him already! Not that I want you to, but it’s obvious you want to break up. Don’t string him along. Also what did Jesus say when you gave him the box back? That’s a convenient place to end the scene, so you have the last word.

Tara: While I respect Emma’s values, I don’t agree with her saying that Jesus passing a proficiency test is the equivalent of throwing away his education.

JESUS AND LENA - KITCHEN:

Jesus: Hey. So, I’m not gonna drop out of school.

Lena: Hard test?

Jesus: Nah. I mean... Well, kinda, I guess. But no, I ran into Emma, and she won’t marry me if I don’t finish school. So, I’ll get assessed. Get a babysitter. Whatever it takes.

Tonia: So, a lot of times, I look at things from a writer’s perspective. From a storytelling perspective. First of all, we have the writer’s lack of a disabled presence anywhere in that writer’s room. Because seriously how many more times are we going to be subjected to Lena thinking that Jesus is just dumb as a box of rocks when really, he hasn’t even been assessed yet and went into that 3.5 hour test with zero prep and zero accommodations.

And secondly? This just strikes me as lazy writing. Not only have they managed to make the conflict between Moms and Jesus (a huge deal) a nonissue, this also, effectively, lets Moms off the hook for any of their gross behavior, (educational neglect, manipulation, and threatening Jesus.)

It has not escaped me either that the writers have skirted immediately addressing how Jesus feels about Lena’s threat of institutionalization from last episode, or the fact that she is still actively pursuing shock therapy for him. That is just beyond irresponsible.

Don’t allow yourself to forget that these things are happening.

Tara: The lack of a disabled voice in the writer’s room is glaring when Jesus’s response to a 3.5 hour test is that it was “kinda” hard.

And yes, totally agree with Tonia - so much of this episode is about what was not said, seen or addressed.

MARIANA AND BRANDON - KITCHEN LATE AT NIGHT:

Brandon: Has Ana told you guys about her and my dad yet?

Mariana: No. I hope Jesus didn’t confuse her.

Brandon: What do you mean?

Mariana: I guess Gabe told him that he still has feelings for Ana. And then he told Ana. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. She loves your dad and she obviously said yes. You know Jesus. Ever since his TBI, he’s confused.

Brandon: Yeah.

Tonia: Seriously, can we stop with the continued implication that Jesus doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Even if it is to reassure Brandon, there are other ways to do it that are not claiming Jesus misunderstood something he clearly understood perfectly. And Brandon agreed with her! Come on, siblings! Knock it off.

Tara: ^Dismissive ableism. Presuming incompetence. These dangerous notions that dehumanize the disabled make abuse, neglect and institutionalization okay. None of this is okay.

Do not let the media be your only source of disability education. Read and watch content made by disabled people. We exist as more than plot devices or inspiration p*rn. We are just as human as you are. See us.

For more: Fosters Recaps

#the fosters #5x06 #welcome to the jungler #ableism #jesus adams foster #tbi #traumatic brain injury #representation matters

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johneburton · 7 years ago

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Would Jesus say, #metoo? #metoo proponents need a fresh understanding of what love and forgiveness really look like. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 (ESV) I’m a holiness preacher. I am feverish in my pursuit of revival that will be marked by purity in the church and mass, glorious repentance in the nation. As is true with many of today’s prophetic messengers, there’s an urgency in my spirit that can’t be shaken. We must see a move of God that both initiates and is a response to tears and mourning over the state of the church and the debauchery of our nation. The egregious moral condition of America and the entire world is sickening beyond description. Recent news reveals the grotesque and depraved state of our culture. For example, an abortion doctor recently boasted about her method of murder that ensures baby’s cries can’t be heard: On Sunday, Leah Torres, a Utah abortionist who is active on Twitter, responded with gruesome detail to someone criticizing her work. When someone asked Torres if she hears the screams of the babies who she aborts, she replied: You know fetuses can’t scream, right? I transect the cord 1st so there’s really no opportunity, if they’re even far enough along to have a larynx. I won’t apologize for performing medicine. I’m also a “uterus ripper outer,” if that’s how you’d like to describe hysterectomy. https://t.co/lng0W3ta5J — Leah Torres, MD (@LeahNTorres) March 11, 2018 (From lifenews.com: http://ift.tt/2IseGDH) Just today, a suspected mail bomber in the Austin, Texas area died as one of his bombs detonated as police were closing in. Of course, we have recent mass shootings and other heinous assaults that are becoming normal. Hollywood movies are becoming more vile. Pornography is rampant even in the church. The status of our nation is nothing less than depraved and desperate. #metoo Jesus Christ was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Romans 4:25 Jesus died so we might have life. He died so others might have life. He died so our very dark sins would not keep us from a relationship with him. He died so other people’s sins, including the sins of murder, abuse and hatred, would not keep them from a relationship with him. When I watch crime stories or hear news reports about the trials and convictions of murderers, rapists, abusers and others who have committed absolutely horrifying crimes against humanity, I find myself especially grieved when something specific happens. Time and again, I hear the family members and friends of those who were the target of the various crimes say, “I’ll never forgive him.” Those words wreck me. They are sealing their fate, a fate of darkness and despair that will never be escaped without true forgiveness. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV) Those who have been abused or who have been affected by the hateful crimes of others most certainly are scarred deeply, beyond what words could ever describe. I’m a father of five and the husband of a wonderful, beautiful wife. If anything ever happened to them at the hands of another, I would experience a range of emotions that would rock me. Anger, despair, fear and other responses would be expected. But, as a Christian, forgiveness and love for the perpetrator must follow. I must shift from accuser to intercessor so both he and I are free, forgiven and healed. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. (Matthew 6:12) A common violation of truth occurs when we presume our sins worthy of forgiveness while the sins of others must result in punishment. The true condition of our heart is revealed as we accuse. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s mandatory. Even though forgiveness is potent, we can’t always expect a perfect resolution to immediately follow. Restitution may not occur. Forgiveness isn’t about us, it’s about setting free those who have wounded us. Jesus could have screamed #metoo and demanded justice. Instead, he shouted #iforgive, as people continued to abuse and humiliate him by casting lots for his clothes. His forgiveness didn’t move them, but it moved Heaven and rocked the planet. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. Matthew 27:51 (ESV) Forgiveness will set the abuser in place for freedom should they accept it. Forgiveness will set the abused up for healing. True love does just that. It heals and sets free. I am so blessed by the courage and true love exhibited by a true victim–Rachael Denhollander, who, instead of shouting #metoo declared #iforgive: A former gymnast is offering forgiveness for the unspeakable crimes Larry Nassar has been convicted of – and she’s being recognized by the media for it. “Should you ever reach the point of truly facing what you have done, the guilt will be crushing. And that is what makes the gospel of Christ so sweet. Because it extends grace and hope and mercy where none should be found. And it will be there for you. I pray you experience the soul-crushing weight of guilt so you may someday experience true repentance and true forgiveness from God, which you need far more than forgiveness from me — though I extend that to you as well.” (From lifenews.com: http://ift.tt/2EcYt3m) Don’t misunderstand me. We need the dark side of our culture exposed. The evil in Hollywood and throughout the fabric of our nation is so vile that most of us would be shocked if we saw it in fullness. Everything from sex trafficking to the porn industry to immorality in movies that fill our theaters to drugs, addiction, murder, abortion and so much more is destroying millions of people. That darkness must be exposed and those who are perpetuating it must be held accountable. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:11-14 (ESV) Part of the response that the guilty must offer is legitimate repentance. If porn industry leaders, sex traffickers, Hollywood moguls who are abusing women (and men), drug traffickers and others would openly repent and surrender to Jesus, I think the earth would shift off its axis! This must be what drives our intercession, not retribution! #iforgive …bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) As we have been forgiven, we must forgive. We pay it forward. Our declaration must be #iforgive. The heart of the #metoo movement is vengeance. It’s not driven by a heart of love and forgiveness, but on the contrary, one of anger and hatred. The question is simple: Will you forgive those who have abused you? Will you love them? Will you truly decree #iforgive just as you, as a child of God, have been forgiven? Can you imagine the shockwaves that would have resulted if Harvey Weinstein’s victims looked him in the eyes and said, I forgive you. God loves you. I don’t want you to be tormented because of what you did to me. I don’t want you to experience shame. I want you to know the love of Jesus. Wow! Imagine the Oscar speeches and news reports that would have followed! What if the #metoo movement truly was an #iforgive movement! The spirit of vengeance and hatred that is rising up in our nation as a result of a very real darkness being uncovered is also deeply evil. Yes, we must stand firm for holiness. We absolutely must see corruption and crimes and assaults against innocent people exposed. Yes, for those who have committed crimes, there is a very real price to pay. Yes, those who are a danger to others must be apprehended. The darkness must be uncovered. There is no question about it. What we must ask is, how will we respond to those who are exposed? Will we heap up hatred and vengeance upon them? Will we say, “I will never forgive you.” Will we shame them? Or, will we do as Rachael Denhollander did and extend forgiveness? Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) Isaiah 1 Isaiah reveals a powerful strategy: When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:15-18 (NKJV) God is ready to cleanse all who repent. For both those who abuse and those who refuse to forgive, God is revealing the blood on their hands. When we are clean, we most certainly can seek justice. We can trust God to expose the darkness and judge right versus wrong. We will rebuke oppressors and intercede for the weak, the fatherless, the widows—and I guarantee many of those who sexually abuse others are fatherless. The cry of our heart must be not only for our sins to be washed away, but for the sins of those who oppress us to be as white as snow. Our cry must not only be for justice but for mercy. …In wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NKJV) Will we be #metoo accusers or #iforgive intercessors? Our heart should follow the heart of God: “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17 (NKJV) For those who have been abused, my heart is broken for you. I am so sorry you had to endure that. My belief is your healing will rapidly come as you forgive. Forgiving doesn’t mean you minimize the pain or what has occurred. It simply means you make a decision to set the abuser free. You learn to love them and desire for them to know Jesus intimately. You let them know Heaven won’t be the same without them. You can’t fathom the thought of them being tormented forever in Hell. You become their greatest intercessor. You simply do what Jesus did. Instead of focusing on himself by saying #metoo he focused on those who were killing him. He loved them in the midst of the assault. He said, #iforgive. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 (ESV)

#IFTTT #Facebook

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