Dennis and his mother wrestle with a belt as she wants to beat him. Shot directed by Rosie Murray. - Anthony Minott

By Wednesday Reed, STAR Writer

Dennis is suspended from school again and Rose tries to hand out some discipline.

Rose stared at the sullen figure before her and bit back the urge to swear. He hadn't said a word since she had arrived home. This time she had been in the principal's office by herself because he had been sent home immediately. Now he was suspended while they considered whether he would be expelled.

"Tell me! Tell me what me do wrong!" she demanded of the silent figure. He looked up at her for the first time all evening but said nothing. He seemed impenetrable. "Mama, come talk to this bwoi for me because I swear I can't get through to him and I don't trust myself today."

"Rose, I don't think our ganging up on Dennis gwine to elp im at all," Ida called from the safety of the verandah.

"Oh so what happen to the 'gi him two good lick theory?'"

"Maybe I finally realise that im not a bwoi anymore."

"Mama, this is not time for you to get reasonable," Rose retorted in the face of her mother's common sense. She turned her attention back to the silent figure on the chair.

Mr. Planter shows Dennis the exit of the school as he is expelled. Shot directed by Rosie Murray. Clothes courtesy of Carby's Discount Centre. School grounds provided by Holy Trinity High School - Winston Sill

Choosing a belt

"What you going to do if the boy's family decides to press charges. You could have killed the boy! You know what, I'm going back to your old theory. Maybe two good licks is exactly what Dennis needs. Don't is that you need Dennis? Stay right here, I comin.'"

Rose hurried from the room into her bedroom and flung open the closet door. An array of belts hung on the door. She picked out one which seemed broad enough and thick enough and headed back to the living room.

"Fine, since is licks you want, see some here."

Dennis met her first attempt to land a blow by standing up and grabbing for the belt and her hands. Without too much effort, he held her off.

"Mommy, easy no man," he finally said. His first words since Rose had arrived home.

"Easy, I'll show you easy. Let go of the belt!" She tugged hard and at the same time Dennis let go of the belt so that momentum sent Rose careening backward, and over the coffee table. There was a terrible thud as the back of her leg connected with the hard mahogany. By the time Dennis realised what was happening, his attempt to grab her was too late and she fell awkwardly into the sofa.

"Mommy! Mommy I'm sorry. I didn't mean -,"

"Don't touch me," she said brushing away the hand on her shoulder. "You and you father are the same thing."

"Rose, Rose, take it easy. Im never mean to -,"

"I don't want to hear anything from you. I don't want to hear anything from any of you. She turned to her son. "Do what you want. Throw away your blasted life. See if I care."

Next Copper hands Dennis something to hide. But, little does Dennis know the trouble it is about to bring.