THE DEATH KISS COVEN
“’ I swear , by my meaningless , worthless life , that no matter what kind of peril we may find ourselves in … I will fight for you till I breathe no more …’” I said in my best male voice , trying super hard not to laugh.
“’Oh Jedidiah, I realize now how much you love me and cannot bear to spend a moment without you… oh, why must we separate?’” Amber said.
“’ it must be, my love… after all; absence makes the heart grow fonder …’” I just cracked after that, my stomaching aching from all the laughter.
“Laugh all you want ….” Ruby said, “but that is true love …” I had been lying on the floor, but at her statement, I sat up.
“How can you even say that? That’s phony. True love… is what you and Josh have.... or what Amber and Slade have … and what Amiel and Elliot will have … soon, and what me and …” they all raised there eyebrows, waiting for what I was gonna say, “What me and HAAGEN DAZ have…” they all sighed. I tossed the cause of my laughing fit, a MILLS AND BOON book – The Rich Prince’s Slave Lover – back onto Ruby’s bed.
“How can you even compare HAAGEN DAZ to a guy?” Amiel asked.
“Yeah,” Amber said, “Guys are so much better than ice cream … okay, sometimes,” she conceded.
“No- all the time …” Ruby said. “Guys can hold you, kiss you … have deep, meaningful conversations with you …”
“I don’t believe you and Josh have deep and meaningful conversations …” Amber said, making us all laugh.
“Shut up,” Ruby said, blushing. “My point was … that ice creams can do none of that…”
“Well… ice creams can’t ever break your heart …” Amiel said suddenly in my defense.
“Whoa, when did you suddenly switch sides?” Amber asked.
“I don’t take sides, remember? I’m the neutral one…” she said .Like; duh.
“Anyways …it’s true … ice creams don’t cause heartache, “I said, picking up on what Amiel said. Honestly , though , the whole ‘you need to find to true love’ conversation , is way overrated In my book. I indulge in them every once in a while, though, to remind myself of why I don’t wanna be in a relationship; its high maintenance.
“That’s why you’re not getting back in the game?” Ruby asked, bewildered. “You’re afraid of getting hurt? Mercy, there’s always gonna be the possibility of getting hurt, but there’s also the possibility of being happy! It’s a chance we gotta be willing take…”
“Wow – so wise to the ways of the world!” Amber and I said in sync. Ruby exhaled, irritated, folding her arms across her chest.
“Make fun of me all you want, but deep down, I know you guys are jealous of my deep insight and ability to muse philosophically.” I looked at my watch-
“well, would you look at that ? I have to go; my curfew’s approaching…” I said, standing up and dusting the remnants of flake off of my jeans.
“But –what? Just because you’re not sleeping over doesn’t mean you have to go now…” Ruby said.
“I know, but I’d rather get home early then late…”
“Since when?” Amiel asked.
“Since I got grounded,” I explained. My mom has totally redefined grounding.
“You got grounded?” Ruby asked, not even attempting to stifle her laugh. “For what?”
“My phone bill, that’s what. It came yesterday in the mail and my mom literally fell over…”
“So, right now; you’re grounded?” Amiel asked.
“Yip.” I said, scanning Ruby’s room for my helmet.
“Whoa- that’s fantastic, maybe your mom could come speak to my mom and give her some tips on discipline.”
“Yeah, they should totally have a convention…” Amber said.
“ like I said- or thought ; my moms totally redefined grounding. The only part of this punishment that can be classified as oppression is my heinous curfew – oh, and my phone got taken away...” They gave me sympathetic smiles.
“Wait; why is your phone bill so high if you have no one to talk to?” Ruby asked, confused.
“I have peopled to talk to, “I said, mightily offended. Finally, I thought, as my gaze fell upon my helmet.
“Like who? You’re always turning down dates … I don’t get it Mercedes,” she said, throwing herself into depression. “You’re easily the prettiest girl at school,”
“Whoa – excluding us!” Amber teased.
Ruby ignored her. “You have a killer figure that you can literally never lose … what’s stopping you? Tell me it’s not the heartbreak fear?” Ruby just loves naming things.
“Its not the heartbreak fear. I just said ice creams don’t break your heart coz I couldn’t think of anything else relevant,”
“So then? Guys are falling at your converse clad feet …”
“Maybe she thinks none of them are Mr. Right-For-Her…” Amiel said like I wasn’t there.
“Or Maybe Mr. Right for Her was here all along ... then left.” Amber said,
“Amber,” I said in a warning tone, she raised her hands in that ‘okay- okay- type of way.
“I’m sixteen. I’m not looking for Mr. Right- For-Me, okay? If I happen to fall in-like with some guy – yatzie! But if not … I’m okay with hanging out with my socially retarded friends … for now, at least.”
“Whoa, whoa – socially retarded?” Amber asked, looking at Ruby and Amiel. “Them – maybe, but hello- I’m the fuel of the fire …” I shook my head, laughing. Oh joy.
“ Remember : no drinking and driving ,” I said , walking backwards out of the door.
“ Be safe – use a condom !” Amber replied.
“ No love without the glove,” We said in unison. Random as it was; this was kind of our thing. Even though, we knew none of us would be drinking or… yeah. We’d been doing it since forever- well , since the phrase came about In one of our Life Science periods- whenever we remembered while parting ways.
I walked towards my motorbike, appreciating the cool night air and thinking about what Amber had said about Mr. Right being here all along and then leaving. I studied the blue flames, tattooed along the sides of my helmet that reminded me of him. I shook myself mentally and physically, willing all thoughts of him to flee.
I smirked to myself as I buried my helmet in my motorbike’s miniature trunk. My mom would behead me if she knew I rode without a helmet, even if it was only occasionally. I got home at exactly ten, meaning it’d taken me precisely three minutes to get from Ruby’s house to mine. To me, this was an achievement, to my mom; a death wish. I dug the garage door key out of my pocket and waited patiently for it open, before pulling in next to moms QUATTRO. When I finally got in, after watching the garage door close and switching off all the lights, I found my mom, sitting on the sofa, sipping a coke, her laptop resting in her lap.
“Hey baby,” she said from the sofa.
“Hey, “I said, going round to kiss her on the cheek. “Are there more of those?” I asked, referring to the coke.
“uhuh , “ she said , “ while you’re getting yourself one , get me one too ?” she said , shaking the can in her right hand , so I could hear the remainder – which didn’t sound like much – swishing about.
“Sure,” I said, heading into the dark kitchen to retrieve the two cokes.
I handed one of the chilled cokes to mom, then proceeded to open my own. I relished the feeling of cold coke sliding down my throat, silently praising the person who’d invented it.
“Okay, between toe curling, knee buckling and sense stealing, which would you use to describe the side effects of a good kiss?” My eyebrow went up, but I smiled. Moms an author. She’s written four books - to date- in her best selling Sloane Slater series. I’d never read any of her books, because I didn’t wanna think about my mom writing about, well –‘sense stealing’ kisses. I had more often than not, seen girls buried in her latest addition to the series, or girls who were just starting off. This, and the fact that she’s become a millionaire through these books, made me conclude that she was a pretty good writer. I knew the main characters name was Sloane Slater; a freshmen in college, prone to involving herself in the strangest, most incriminating situations, but somehow always managing to save the day and emerge un-handcuffed.
“Toe curling is totally out,” I said, zoning back in on our conversation.
“ yeah , that’s what I thought , no one wants to picture someone’s toes curling, actually , no one wants to picture someone’s toes -period.”
“ especially not the heroine… I wouldn’t know though, between the other two options, I haven’t had a good kiss in a while,”
“Oh well, I have,” she said with as smug smile.
I mock shuddered, “yurgh-gross.”
My dad died in a car accident a day before my twelfth birthday. This, as you may imagine, is where my moms paranoia regarding cars and, well, all other things that can go from naught miles per hour to one hundred in a matter of seconds. I remember the night he died so clearly, that when I picture it, it’s as if my cheeks are still damp…
There was a knock at my room door, causing me to jump and quickly shove my leg with the wax strip – still stuck onto it – under my duvet.
“Come in!” I called.
“Hey,” my dad said, coming to sit on my bed. He smiled, knowingly as he looked to where my duvet was rumpled slightly.
“I thought we agreed; no waxing till your twelve.”
“No fair, how did you know?” I asked. His eyebrows went up.
“I don’t know, maybe the box of wax lying on the floor…” he said. I followed his gaze and sure enough; I saw the box.
“Damn, “I breathed. “Besides, I’m twelve tomorrow.”
He smiled. “I know, I know! I was just testing you … besides, waxing? Next is gonna be boys…”
“It’s already boys, you just don’t know it,” I teased. He gave me a mock warning look.
“Do you tell these boys that your dad owns a gun?” I laughed , shaking my head.
“ waxing isn’t such a big deal,” I said , pulling my leg out from under the covers, “ and its totally necessary … besides ; you’re gonna need to come to terms with my aging , I mean , what’re you gonna do when I get married?” his eyes went big as he gasped.
“Married- What? Never !” he grabbed me pulling me into a hug.
“You’re such a drama queen!” I said, laughing.
“And you’re getting too cheeky...” he said. “But, I get it,” he said, “I’m just coming to terms with it at my own pace …”
“Which is very slow,”
He smiled. “ anyway , back to the reason I came in; I’m going back into work tonight , there’re some files I need to check out , so ... we won’t be able to go for the traditional pre-birthday ice cream , so I asked mom to take you -”
“Its okay, we can go tomorrow, it is my actual birthday tomorrow anyways.” I said, quickly, not wanting to go without him. My dad was a lawyer and owned dozens of law firms across the continent. His job meant he stayed out late many a night.
He smiled. “ but … I did think that when I got back ; we could continue our game,” he said , referring to the PLAYSTATION game we’d left on pause since before dinner , that , up until then , I’d completely forgotten about.
I smiled, immediately looking forward to his return, even though he hadn’t left yet.
“I’d like that...” I said. He stood up, but not before kissing my forehead. My mom poked her head into my room.
“So what’s the latest scheme?” she asked, smiling knowingly.
“Pfsh – we weren’t scheming, I was just saying good night.” He said, kissing her. It most definitely was not a peck. He laughed, when he saw me avert my gaze.
“See you in the morning, kiddo,” he said winking. My mom would never have us playing games into the early hours of the morning on a school night, so when we indulged, it was in secret. I heard his car start in the driveway, and then he was gone. I waited all night, but he didn’t come back. I began to wonder if subconsciously I’d dozed off , therefore , missing the all too familiar sound of his car pulling back into the drive way. I convinced myself that I had. That was the only explanation, coz he never came home later than ten and when I’d last looked at the clock at my bedside table , it’d read midnight. Happy Birthday Amber, I thought. At about half past twelve, the door bell rang. My dad never used the door bell, why would he need to? He had his own key. Besides, he was likely to come in through the garage door. Maybe I was imaging the sound. Only, I wasn’t ,coz it happened again. I crept out of bed, pulling my small blanket with me, feeling unusually cold. I opened my room door, quietly and tip toed outside. From the top of the stairs, I could hear voices; my moms and someone else’s. Not dad. Maybe it was one of dad’s colleagues coming to tell us that he’d be in later. Only … why hadn’t he just called ? It was only after I saw the blue and red lights flickering that began to feel queasy. I sunk down onto the steps, feeling as though my stomach had just dropped out. I listened for clues as to what exactly was wrong. I heard mom’s voice. Quiet, at first, but getting more frantic as she spoke and then …. She just wept. I sat at the top of the stairs, too afraid to go down and find out what caused mom such grief. Surely dad’s car just had broken down. I quaked with anger, fear and confusion. After sometime; the police left. I watched my mom slide down the front door as soon as she closed it, still not aware of my presence.
“Mom …” I said, quietly, my voice shaking as I descended the stairs. She looked up at me, but immediately lowered her head again, crying harder. I approached her, unsure. “Mom..” I said again. She pulled me into her lap and cradled me with my blanket. Amid my confusion, I understood. The first thing I understood was that; dad wasn’t coming back.
Dean, my brother, who’d, slept through all the crying was informed the next day. He was fifteen at the time and like most guys, tried not to show just how badly they were grieving, but I knew it hit him hard.
The funeral, which took place at my gran’s, was horrible. I still hadn’t cried, because for me, it still wasn’t real. My dad was supposed to be superman. He helped people -saved them, even. I tried to turn a deaf ear when I heard people insensitively discussing the conditions of his death. It was gory. I knew the reason he had a closed casket funeral was not because they didn’t want to upset my mom , or his relatives ( not that he had any living ones interested in developing a relationship with us) , it was because his body was in really bad shape –‘ dismembered’ was the word someone had used. ‘Poor girl’, I’d hear them whisper as their gazes fell upon me ‘so young to lose her father ‘. Only when we got home and I saw the TV screen still paused on fifth level of Speed Racers, did it really hit me.
My dad was dead. He wasn’t coming back. I ran upstairs, before everyone saw me break.
It’d been three days since the funeral and I still hadn’t come out of my room, nor had anyone disturbed me. There was a knock at my room door that, at first, I thought of ignoring, but decided against it. I sat up, hugging my pillow, feeling distant.
“Come in, “I said, hoarsely.
“Hey, “Jason said coming into my room. I shifted up, so he could sit next to me. He sat there biting his lip, not sure what to say.
“Um …” he began, and then pulled something out of his jeans pocket. “ I got this for you ….” He said, handing me a bronze, gauzy gift bag. In the bag was a black cord bracelet with a heavy metal coin in the middle. On the one side of the coin the Japanese letters were engraved and on the other side, embossed. I remembered it from the time we went to Central City Mall. It was in the window of an antique store. I remembered thinking how simple yet beautiful it was. Then thinking; how simple, beautiful and expensive it was. I forgot about it after that.
“What does it say?” I asked, running my thumb over it.
“Fearless.” he said. Fearless was the last thing I felt then.
I smiled, sadly and hugged him, “thanks,”
“I’m really sorry….” he whispered in my ear. I began to cry, hugging him tighter.
I wanted my dad to walk into my room and tell me to get dressed; we were gonna go for ice creams, but it didn’t happen. Part of me, knew it never would, but most of me didn’t want to acknowledge it. For the rest of that day, I just lay next to Jason, my head rested on his chest. For some reason, he was all the comfort I needed. We’d always been close, but after this we grew closer. He was one of my best friends and being away from him, made me homesick.
*
I shook my head, thinking about it now. Best friends – huh. I was about to go upstairs when my mom stopped me.
“Mercedes, your brother left you a message…” I looked over at the answering machine and sure enough, the red light was flashing. My brother, in his second year of college, phoned seldom to avoid heavy, emotional conversations with my mom. Even though he’d been accepted at all the colleges he’d applied to here in Miami, he’d chosen an Ivy College in New York. My mom admitted that this was great opportunity, but this was her baby we were talking about, she often reminded us. Eventually, She conceded, but not before giving him the adult talk of his life. So right now, it’s just me and mom, but soon it’s gonna be me, mom, Daniel and Elliot. I smiled, pushing the button –
“ hey , Mercy , its Dean, “ he began , “ just phoning to check in – uhum – and make sure that you’re okay …. That there’re no guys on your front - okay, that sounds wrong,” he laughed awkwardly. “I guess I’ll see you in a few weeks when I come try my tux on. Um … yeah …. love you. Call me if you need anything, “ I heard a couple of ‘aww’s in the background and him replying “shut up”, then dead silence; his message was over.
After dad died, mom was shattered. She spent most of her days in bed, hiding under the duvet. She hardly ever went out. A. Sarah – Jason’s mom, or A. Trish- Amber’s mom, would do our shopping. Mom became more engrossed in her writing, not breaking to do anything. It got better, though as the year went on. She finished two novels, but only published one, saving the other for the next year. The years after that involved graduations, book signings, and exclusive editors and authors functions. Then, a year ago, she met Daniel. Or, Dan the Lover Man, as we’ve become accustom to calling him. I don’t know the whole story, but one night after her and A. Sarah had gotten back from some big function, I overheard them talking.
“I don’t know Sarah …it just seems so soon…” mom said, her voice breaking.
“I get it …” A. Sarah said. I sat on the top stair trying to figure out what they were talking about. I could hear my mom crying softly.
“I’d feel disloyal or… unfaithful, getting involved with this guy. Like, somehow it’d mean I’ve forgotten about him, you know? God, I miss him so much… I’m a lousy parent without him.” No, you’re not, I thought.
“Listen to me, Rachel; you’re not a lousy parent, okay?” A. Sarah said, “Mercedes and Dean … they’ve turned out incredibly and they love you, you’re wrong if you think they’d resent you for trying to be happy again…” the past couple of years had been tough on A. Sarah too, having lost her daughter, Riley, to drug abuse. Riley didn’t OD; she ran away.
“That’s what makes it so much worse…” my mom said. This whole conversation made me think. How would I feel about my mom dating some other guy? As cliché as it sounded; I really did feel like my moms happiness was my own. But who was this guy? And was he good enough for her?
Turned out; he was. They wouldn’t be engaged if he weren’t.
“Night, mom, “I said, preparing to go upstairs.
“Whoa, where day think you’re going?” she asked, tapping her cheek with her index finger.
I smiled, “to bed,” I said, kissing her cheek.
“Night honey,” she said. I was just about to start up the stairs when-
“Oh! Before I forget – sorry,”she smiled, sheepishly, “Zoe called; she was wandering if you could babysit on Friday… she said she’d give you a call, though.”
“Okay, thanks…” I said, and then finally, managed to get all the way up to my room.
I was awakened by the most annoying sound in the whole wide world: my alarm clock. I cussed, hitting it off my bedside table, willing it to shut up. It didn’t. In the end; my mom came in the room, picked it up off the floor and turned it off. for a moment , I sank back into my slumber , thinking she’d let me stay in for today , but I should’ve known better.
“WAKE UP!” she practically shouted in my ear. I sat up immediately. Oh god; school, translation; unwarranted torment. When I finally recovered I looked to Mom leaning in my doorway in a jeans and hoodie , sipping a cup of – what I guessed to be –piping hot coffee( mom’s morning tonic). I rubbed my eyes, feeling sleepy, still.
“So… I’m going to do the shopping today; was there anything you needed?” she asked.
“New ears, maybe?” I offered.
She laughed, “I didn’t mean to shout that loud – sorry, but, seriously? Shampoo? D.O?”
“Mmm, “I thought about for a second, “I don’t think so …”
“ okay,” she said , taking a sip of her coffee , “ well , get done for school ; I’ll drop you off.” she left then , pulling my door closed. I groaned, attempting to get up, but flopped back down again in the end. I got out bed, after about five minutes and dragged my feet to my en suite bathroom. After all my routine grooming; I pulled on a pair of black skinnies, black vest and waistcoat and to top it all off; black all stars. I left my room, but not before pulling a pair of black fingerless gloves on to my hands and my sling bag onto my shoulder.
I buttered myself slice of toast (the only breakfast I can afford to have when I wake up five minutes before school starts) then we left. To my surprise; mom took the long route to school, stopping off to buy me a triple mochachocachino. The supposed ‘long route to school ‘is in actual fact pretty short. Usually; Amber and I walk to school together (Ambers house being right next mine), but since she’d slept over at Ruby’s the night before, that wasn’t an option. It also wasn’t an option, coz mom didn’t want me to walk (or skate) alone to school, even though school was only a ten minute walk from our house.
“Rising up …”mom began, singing ‘eye of a tiger ‘along with the radio.
“What frequency is this?” I asked. She laughed at my horrified expression, when I looked at the radio and found it on the TiVo’s equivalent of ‘HALLMARK’.
“I always thought; if I weren’t an author, I’d be a singer.” I raised both eyebrows , which generally just made my eyes bigger , seeing as though my eyebrows can’t be seen behind my straight fringe.
“Just kidding,” I said.
“You better be, otherwise no more Mochachocachocachinos,” she said.
I laughed. “There’s actually only one ‘choca’,” I said, as we pulled up at school.
“ Pft – whatever … so.. Should I pick you up…or no?” she asked.
“ Its okay , I’ll walk with Amber after soccer.” I said.
She nodded , then gave me a kiss on my cheek. “ I don’t know if parents still say this now-a-days , but have fun,” I climbed out of the car, relieved that there were still people outside.
“ Hey Mercedes !” Todd called , catching up to me. Todd , like most of the guys at this school ,was a jerk. A hot and loaded jerk. Strictly speaking though ; everyone who attended The Regal Academy was loaded. And the people who were considered less fortunate were not considered so because of their lack of money , but rather their short comings in the beauty or good looks department.
“ Yes?” I sighed , turning around on my heel.
“ Who was that who dropped you off ? Older sister ?” he asked hopefully. I looked at him, disgusted.
“ Actually ; my mom.” His eyebrows went up.
“ you can stick your dignity back in your pants ; she’s getting married..” I said.
“ Whoa , your moms hot.” I rolled my eyes , turned around and carried on walking towards the building. How tacky was that ?commenting on my moms hotness , when for the past few years his been trying to get in my pants. Tsk , tsk , tsk -guys.
First period past in a blur. I was too distracted by our new sub-Teacher’s nose to pay attention to anything she was nagging on about. For one thing ; she was ill tempered, for another ; she spoke so quickly that she spat on everyone a meter from where she was standing , making me thank the higher power that I sat right at the back.
“ You!” she called , “ yes - you ; the one with the black hair hanging in her eyes!” it took me a moment to realize she was talking about me.
“ Mercedes ?” a girl called Patsy , who sat in front of me, asked.
“ Yes, yes – whatever ;I can’t be bothered with names.”
“ Me ?” I asked , placing my hand on my chest.
“ Yes you ; I don’t want to see your hair in your eyes in my class ; is that understood ? I like to look into our eyes so I can what’s going on in your brainless heads…” what ? Amber , sitting on my right, gave me a look that said ; whoa this lady needs to go to the funny farm. I bit back a smile, not realizing she was still looking at me.
“ Is something funny , Marcia?” I didn’t bother to correct her.
“ Yes – I mean , no.” I said.
“ Good. Today was just introductions , tomorrow we start work. Now go , get out !” she said. Introductions ? I didn’t even know the lady’s name. everyone still sat in their chairs slightly confused , until she jutted her chin forward very fast , making her look even more like a deranged turkey and making everyone else recoil , grab their books and sprint out of the classroom.
“ What a Psycho bitch,” Amber said as we walked to our next period ; English . “Besides, I swear I felt her spit on my cheek!”
“ I know – me too!” I said , “ That woman’s GUINESS’S WORLD RECORD material or something…” we laughed and carried on towards Ms. Lavell’s classroom.
“ Right ,” Ms. Lavell said, “ turn to page thirty two… okay , Ms. Heart; please read…” Jessica Heart shuffled uneasily in her chair as if waiting for some other person to read for her. “ Uh …” she began. “Uh ….” Kim put her hand up.
“ Uh , excuse me,” she said to Ms. Lavell , “ Can you not see that Jessica over here has serious issues ? We’ll be here all day listening to her say ‘uh’ – I’ll read…” Ms. Lavell blushed and pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her nose.
“ sure Kimberly , go ahead,” this is what irritates me; Ms. Lavell is in her late forties or something and Kim’s seventeen , but because she’s so used to this kind of abuse from Kim and other students , she doesn’t say anything. People call her the forty year old virgin and sometimes in her presence. They’re always going on about how she’s probably slept with more cats , than men , like ; what the hell ? Mind your own damn business , this lady’s trying to give you an education.
For some reason or the other; Ms. Lavell seems to like me – a lot. She always writes long comments on my written work and brings me books she thinks might give me some inspiration. She thinks I, like my mom, have great writing talent , I just need to apply myself more. Hmm, who hasn’t heard that one before ? After English , the bell sounded for break time.
“ Hey , I’m gonna … go study with Slade in the Library , so I won’t be in the Caff for break … I don’t think Rubez or Amy will be there either .. So … either come join me and my love starved mate in the library or …?”
“ Its okay , I’m gonna go to the bathroom…” I said, quickly. I was not in the mood for watching Amber and Slade suck face under the guise of studying.
“ See ya in Life Science,” she said , raising her eyebrows. The only period the eleventh and twelfth graders share.
“ Your favorite period, “ I smirked.
“ You know it ,” she said looking over her shoulder and moving off down the corridor.
I went to the bathroom closest to the Caff and as usual: it was full. Full of gossipers , lip gloss appliers and the occasional smoker. I leaned against the basin, hugging my cramping abdomen and waiting for a cubicle to open. When one finally did ( seriously , you’d swear the people go to the bathroom for a nap) I went for it. I emerged relieved that my monthly - half a monthly , rather – visitor had not yet arrived. I stood over the basin washing my hands and face , my stomach still cramping. I looked up and saw that a girl , trying to come out of her cubicle was stopped by Tammy Grant , blocking the entrance. Tammy G, is big. She wears her clothes baggy and unflattering and her hair gelled back in a hideously low pony tail. To put it plainly ; she’s bullying impersonated. Even though she’s hated by almost all the sophomores and some unfortunate others , she’s also looked up to. Strange , I know, but this is because she’s Kim’s human Bull Terrier.
“Going somewhere ?” she asked the girl, who just kept her head lowered. I’d never seen this girl before , so I assumed she was new. I was the only person left in the bathroom, aside from Kim and her clones who were all applying fresh layers of make up.
“ Excuse me,” the girl said quietly , pushing a strand of murky brown hair behind her ear.
“ What was that ?” Tammy asked. “ I’m sorry , I can’t hear you.” The girl kept quiet, as if afraid she’d get a beating. Kim and her clones just laughed, oblivious to my presence.
“ Um… excuse me..” the girl tried again. Tammy laughed , a vulgar , loud sound that appeared to alarm the girl.
“ Do you have somewhere else to be?” Tammy asked. The girl looked down, almost embarrassed.
“ actually she does , I think she’d like to wash her hands ,” I said , pretty pissed , before I could stop myself , “ she , unlike you , practices sanitation.” Kim and her clones turned to look at me.
“ Oh my god , I didn’t even see you there.” Kim said, pulling the lip-gloss applicator over her bottom lip. “ It’s like… I don’t even notice you anymore. God , what happened to BFF’s forever huh ?”
I raised my eyebrow. “ Yeah, that’s what the second eff stand for, moron.”
“ No need to be rude , we just wanna ask the newbie a coupla que’s …gotta a prob?”
“ Yeah , I do ‘ gotta prob’ ; I don’t think she wants to answer your ‘que’s’...”
“ Oh and when did you become The Bitch ?”
“ Mm… I don’t know , I’m guessing round about when you became the devil.” I quipped.
“She can go , I just want her to give me a light …” Tammy said , waving her cigarette in the air. I walked towards the bathroom door , I’d had enough of Kim for the day.
“ So… gotta light? Or maybe some money?” I turned on my heel.
“ God , leave the girl alone, haven’t you played enough ‘Troll of the Toilets’ for one day?” Tammy walked towards me , stopping right in front of me.
“ I don’t know at which point you thought it was okay to comment…” she said , fingering my purple streak.
“ When I realized it was free…” I said. Tammy gritted her teeth.
“ watch your tongue, I could break your pretty lil’ face in a second..” she said , squeezing my jaw with her nail bitten smoker’s fingers , and not failing to spit on me ( as if the sub- Teacher wasn’t enough). I noticed the girl had moved already and was washing her hands by the furthest basin from us.
“ In fact, Kimmy ; you don’t mind if I do , do you ?” Kim and The clones were done grooming themselves, so they pulled their handbags onto their shoulders , properly, and made their way over to us. Kim looked at me , then at Tammy , knowing that the possibility of Tammy breaking my face was highly unlikely.
“Another day, maybe, but we have places to be – namely ; the Cafeteria, there’s only half an hour left of break…” she blew me a kiss , before leading her herd of sheep out of the bathroom. I went to wash my face immediately , not wanting any ‘Tammy’ particles on me.
“ Hey …” the girl came up to me , wiping her hands off with some roller towel.
“ Hey ,” I said , pulling a piece out of the dispenser for myself.
“ Thanks .. Uh… for the … well , for what you did …” she said. I looked at her closely. She stood slightly hunched , looking very insecure. She was wearing a plain cotton dress with a dark blue cardigan and matching pumps.
“ It’s no big deal,” I said.
“ No , it is. had you not been here ; I don’t think I’d have teeth right now “ I smiled. We stood there in an awkward silence. “ I’m honest.” I didn’t know what to say to that.
“ Uh … that’s a good quality ? “ I said.
She laughed , blushing slightly, “ no , that’s my name ; Honest.”
“ Oh – right , that’s a pretty name, “ I said , feeling like a total idiot. That’s a good quality?! “ She shook her head , but , secretly , I think she liked it too. “ I’m Mercedes , “ I said , extending my hand.
“ Nice to meet you , Mercedes ..” she said , shaking my hand. I remembered that I wasn’t going to be sitting with Amber and them at lunch, so I asked if I could sit with her for what was left of break. She seemed Kind of surprised by my offer, but also pleased.
For the last twenty minutes of break we talked. She told me she was a transfer student from New Jersey, living with foster parents.
“I Kind of made a narrow escape from home a coupla years ago …” she said , fingering a diary she’d taken out of her cardigan’s pocket before we sat down. I didn’t ask her what she meant by narrow escape, in case it was personal- which is was bound to be.
Turned out I didn’t need to ask ; she told me flat out. I sat there wandering how she could be so … honest.
“ My dad .. He Kind of left my mom , when she fell pregnant with me … she married again though , when I was about seven – a cop , this time.” She shivered, for some reason. “ Things got really bad...”
“ Its okay , you don’t have to tell me,” I said.
She smiled, “ the only people I’ve talked to are shrinks ,so… I think I’d like to tell someone my own age … and sadly; you’re the only person my age I’ve come close to being acquainted with…” she carried on talking. Her vacant voice scared me.
Later , I walked to my locker wandering how someone could go through so much and feel so little about it. Turned out ; her stepfather cop molested her since she was seven and it went on till she was twelve. She figured if her own my mother didn’t believe her , who would ? After all ; he was a cop. I gritted my teeth; Bastard. When she was fourteen , she ran away from home and got taken in by a foster agency. She’d been living with her current foster family in New Jersey for a year and a half now , but they moved to Miami for a fresh start. I tried to clear my head as I opened my locker to get my L.O file.
I looked at the red envelope , very much like the others I’d found at beginning of each week , since school had commenced. I had no idea who it was from , or how it had found its way into my locker. I opened the envelope warily…
Hair like masses of torn black silk,
Lips like bleeding roses,
Eyes like emeralds, set alight…
To lay my lips upon your –
I grimaced as the poem became slightly more X-rated. EW.
“ Boo!” Amber said , coming up behind me.
“Shit!” I jumped, crunching the letter into a ball.
“ What’s that ? Jeremy write you another song?” she sniggered , looking at the ball.
“ You’re just jealous no one wrote a song for you..” I said, grabbing the required books , slamming my locker closed and walking down the corridor towards the west building.
“ jealous ?” she asked , catching up to me , “ oh – wait , how did that song go ….mm…, “ she rested her fingers on her chin. “ oh ,right ; ‘Mercedes ; you’re just soooooo cooooool .. I can’t help but think about you through all my periods at schoooooool…” she sang. “ Right , I see why I’m jealous.”
I elbowed her , “you’re so rude !” I said , but we sang it all the way to our next class.
I saw both Ruby and Amiel in homeroom( second last period wherein any work can be done). I finished all my homework , leaving calculus for last.
When the bell rings for home time ; all of us pretty much split. Except Amiel and I , coz we both play soccer for our schools team. Amber’s vice captain on the cheerleading team , so she’s usually in the gym with Kim , who’s captain , and the rest of their crew. Ruby ,on the other hand, is the water baby. Not that the rest of us don’t like swimming –we do , it’s just ; Rubez does it on a more serious note , where as we like swimming for the fun of it. All of us, however, kick ass in our different fields.
Ms. Trevor blew her whistle really loudly ,
“I’ve noticed how lazy we’re getting – drop and give me fifty!” we all dropped and… gave her fifty. “ I don’t want to see you resting in between – Emma !what did I just say ?” Emma looked at Mrs. Trevor.
“ Um … that you don’t want to see us resting ?”
“ Yes , so if you know that , why are you resting in between?”
“ Um …” don’t say it, I thought , “ I’m tired.” Oops.
“ Tired ?” Ms. Craig roared. “Did you join the soccer team to be tired and rest?”
“ Sir , no , sir.” Emma said, making mistake number two; calling Ms. Trevor ‘sir’. Our personal joke was that she’s the reincarnation of a sergeant from world war two , coz seriously ; she has the muscles of a man ; she’s practically got no bust and she’s always treating us like we’re in the army.
“ I want twenty laps from you – now!” Emma jumped up and began sprinting. “ Is there anyone who’d like to join Emma?”
“ Sir , no , sir !”
*
After soccer practice while I was waiting for Amiel and Amber to change , Chase came up to me. Chase ; another Rich , handsome bad boy.
“ Mercedes !” he said , coming up to me. “ You’re looking hot today, “ I raised my eyebrow.
“ What can I do you for Chase ?” I asked.
“ Free hopefully .. ” he said , with a sly smile. I gaped. “ What ? You asked what you can do me for…” I narrowed my eyes at him.
“ Seriously , what do you want ?” I asked.
“ Well.. I’m having this awesome party in two weeks time-“
“ And you’re telling me now …. Because ?”
“ Because I wanna make sure you make yourself available ..” he said.
“ And if I don’t ?”
“ Well… you’ll be seriously missing out, “ he grinned.
“ I’ll think about it.”
“ You can bring Amber and the rest of them with as well , if you like …”
“ ‘ The rest of them’ referring to their boyfriends , right ?”
“ Right,” he said. “ think about it …” then he walked off.
Amber, Amy and I walked home; Ruby had gone home with Josh.
“Mar- harm ; we’re ho-ome !” I called as we entered the house. Kat, our house keeper , floated out of the guest room.
“ Mommy not home.” She said in her heavy French accent. We looked at each other, stifled a laugh and ran upstairs. Let’s just put it this way ; Kats deranged.
“ So ,I was gonna go for formal , but not exactly too ‘I’m afraid to get dirty’…” Amiel said , examining the little black dress she’d hung up on my cupboard. The Lover Man and his son were coming for dinner tonight , so I asked mom if Amy could join. Amber , who’s a regular diner at our house , couldn’t stay , due to ‘prior arrangements’. She did , however stay for moral support of our dressing and making up.
We were down in the Kitchen- all done – when mom came back.
“ Hey hons,” she said , walking in with six shopping bags.
“ Hey A. Rachel ; thanks for inviting me for dinner,” Amiel said.
“ Its no big deal – me cassa e su cassa .. But you can thank me afterwards – if my food turns out okay !” This was a ludicrous comment of course ; mom’s like … the female Jamie Oliver or something. “ What about you, Bear, you staying?” Amber shook her head.
“ Much as I’d love to ; Slade’s taking me out ..” she said.
“ Nice …” mom said. “ Okay .. I’m gonna need help bringing the groceries in,”
“ There’s more ?” I asked.
“ Uhuh , I did a thorough shop.” She said.
“ Oh…” we all went , then went to fetch the remaining stuff from the car , thereafter proceeding to pack the stuff in their various cupboards.
“ Anything else we can do ?” I asked mom , who was flipping through one of her many recipe books.
She looked up and smiled, “no honey , its okay…”
“ okay,” I turned to Amber and Amiel, “ wanna hit the hay ?” as in ; wanna hang out in my room and have Paternal censored conversations.
“ God , Elliot is so hot !” Amy said , throwing herself onto my bed. Amber and I , who were on either side of her , truned to look at her.
“ So.. Have you guys kissed yet ?” Amber asked.
“ No,” Amiel said, sounding slightly disappointed, “ I think we’re gonna take it slow ….”
“ Good for you ,” I said , really meaning it and taking a sip of coke.
“ Its not that I’m not anticipating the kiss- I can’t wait , I mean – he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever known, but… after what happened with Grady ..,. I’m just wary,” Grady’s Amy’s ex-boyfriend. He was a total ass hole . He reminded me of Brandon – another guy I didn’t wanna think about.
“ I know how you feel ..” Amber said. Amy and I looked at each other then her. “ About the whole ‘ taking it slow’ stuff…” we raised our eyebrows.
“Honestly ?” I said. “ You jumped Slade on your first date!”
“ You know Slade’s a different story,”
“ touché,”
“All the guys are. ”Amiel said. I took another swig.
“ Okay guys, “ Amber said after about half an hour, “ I’m gonna be loving and leaving you…” then she got up off the bed , picked up her bag , blew kisses to us and walked out.
“Wait a minute ,”I called after her . She came back , huffing. “ Close my door,”
“ That’s what you called me back to do ? Close your door ? I thought you were gonna tell me to take care of myself – to be safe …” she said.
“ We won’t bother – it’s a waste of time !” Amiel teased.
“ Whatever, ” Amber glared and slammed the door behind her.
Later that night , looking at Dan and Mom , it was impossible not to want them to get married already. They just seemed so… in love. I hadn’t seen my mom this happy in years and had only Dan to thank. He was a really great guy and if I’m correct ; Elliot’s like his father ; funny , charming , handsome and just plain nice. I sat there , in my seat observing the two couples and felt Kind of empty. Empty and depressed. There were times when I felt being single was the best thing in the world. Now wasn’t one of those times. Now was one of those times I missed him the most. I lifted my fork to my mouth , pulling a piece of gravy drenched lamb off it. Why did I have to think about him so often ? Why couldn’t I just move on ? Find some other guy to obsess about ? Was that what I was doing , though ? Obsessing ? I physically smacked myself , forgetting I was in public. They all turned to look at me.
“ You okay honey ?” mom asked. Is it necessary for me to be such a spastic?
“ Uh… yeah – just swatting a … mosquito away,” she didn’t look convinced , but turned back to Dan to continue their conversation. I could tell I was gonna get my period soon, coz there’s no other explanation for my sudden conversion to insanity. After dinner , I helped clear off the table and set on for dessert.
“ Something wrong ?” mom asked , watching the chocolate melt in the microwave.
“ Mmm? Uh ..No….I just.. I’m gonna get sick soon…”
“ Sure that’s it ?” she asked. I nodded ,not wanting to cause her unnecessary stress. She smiled and gave me a hug.
For dessert , there was homemade brownie with chocolate sauce drizzled over it and ice cream – my reason to keep living.
At about ten , Dan left. Elliot , who came in his own car , offered to drive Amiel home , so it was just me and mom again.
I lay awake that night , unable to sleep –not exactly wanting to , either – and thinking about him. Wandering what he was doing and if he ever thought about me. Shut up , brain.
I couldn’t see a thing as pushed myself into a corner of the pitch black room. I brought my knees up to my chest , breathing heavily. Where was I? I could hear the sound of something dragging itself. I tried to push myself further into the corner as I realized it was headed towards me. It’s sounded like someone dragging rusted nails across a chalkboard .placing my fingers in my ears, seemed to make the sound grow louder. I screamed when I felt something’s ice cold grip seize my arms. I tore free and ran further into the darkness. I felt along the walls for the door. Finally , I brought my hand down to the handle. I struggled to turn the handle and open the door , but when I finally succeeded , I found behind the first door ; another door. Confused; I turned the next handle , only to find another door. I turned around pushing my back against it when I heard the scratching noise , again. Lowering my gaze to the floor , I saw a person crawling towards me at a scary pace. I closed my eyes willing myself to wake up , but when I opened them ; I was still there , the person gaining on me. I exhaled my breath coming out in a mist , feeling shit scared. I got the last door open, relieved to find there were no more doors. I stepped out of the room and found myself falling.
I sat up , looking around my room , making sure I was really at home. I was. The sunlight was streaming through my window. I love my sleep, but I’d pass on sleep every night if it meant I never had to have another nightmare. I turned to look at my bedside clock. Discovering that it was only seven , I tried to go back to sleep, but then wandering what the point of that was , I stayed up , had a shower and got ready for school.
Mom came down to make herself some coffee at about twenty five to eight and was shocked to find me in the kitchen, pouring some cereal in a bowl.
“ Uh… hi, who are you ?” she asked as she turned the kettle on.
I gave her a sarcastic look, “ funny … I couldn’t sleep , so I decided to get done for school early.” She looked at her watch.
“ Baby, this is hardly early.” Then the doorbell rang and mom went to get it. Amber, I thought. I was right; about ten seconds later, Amber skipped into the kitchen. She looked gorgeous, as usual, rocking a pair of pink heels and a grey, mid thigh length dress.
“ I just made your day didn’t I ?” she said.
“ You know how we said we’d always tell each other the truth..?” she hit me over the head with latest copy of Cosmopolitan. “OUCH!”
“ You’re looking happy today …”she said , assessing my red skinny’s and black graffiti hoodie. “Hey !that reminds me , I need those gloves for Chase’s par-tay next week …” she said , referring to the red , fingerless , patent leather gloves I was wearing.
“ Sure,” I said.
“ You guys are going partying next week?”
“ Only if it’s okay …” I said, remembering my grounding.
Mom smiled, “ of course its okay , you’ve hardly gone out lately … I was getting slightly worried…” what ? Did she forget she grounded me ? Amber looked at me , eyebrow raised. I shrugged – you take what you get.
“ So.. Can we go?” Amber asked.
“ Uhuh … one second ,” I said , getting some peach juice out of the fridge. “ Want some ?” she shook her head.
“ No thanks …”
I gulped down some peach juice, kissed mom then headed outside to Ambers yellow Lamborghini – believe me ; I know. Driving a Lamborghini at my school , is fitting in.
Turns out The Guinness World Spitter’s real name is Ms. Gally. Since Yesterday, she hasn’t gotten any nicer , or learned how to control her salivary gland , but I can say that she’s a good teacher. The other periods flew by.
When break time rolled round , I explained to Amber that I wouldn’t be sitting with them for the rest of the week , in order to make Honest feel a bit more comfortable. Honest looked different today , tired , I thought.
“ so … you and Kim used to be friends , huh?” she asked.
“ I don’t even know anymore…” I said.
“ sounds like a story ,”
“ not exactly one I want to remember,” I said. I felt only slightly guilty for not telling her my story , when she’d told me hers , but then I shook it off ; it’d been her choice. The deal with me and Kim was very personal.
No one really knows what happened to her. We were all friends. It started off when we realized we had that one thing in common, that thing that made us different. It was just Kim , Amber and I , at first , But then at the beginning of tenth grade ; Ruby and Amiel came. Ruby, from Kansas , Amiel , from California. Kim was a bit dubious for the first coupla days , but then she warmed up to them. She said , she just didn’t wanna have to share us with anyone. huh.
After mine and Amber’s sixteenth birthday came round; so many things changed. All of them hurt to remember. The night of our sixteenth Birthday , Kim convinced us to go to this new club that opened up down town. Magnum .I hesitated , but not wanting to kill the buzz , gave in. What a mistake that was. Kim kept bringing us drinks- alcohol – even though she knew our systems wouldn’t agree. After that , the night just went down hill ; From my almost instant hangover to… well, to worse things. It took me a few months to recover from the events of that night. Shortly after , however , I started dating Brandon. Handsome, persuasive Brandon. We dated for two months and he spent almost the whole two months , trying to get me to sleep with him. I wouldn’t. I couldn’t ; it was too soon for me. then one day , after forgetting my cell at his house , I turned back for it , only to walk in on him and Kim in the act. I hated Kim; we were supposed to be friends- how could she do that to me? I’m over it now - over him , but I won’t ever forgive Kim. I guess I’d never considered her a friend – more of a sister. The five of us are supposed to share a bond beyond even our own comprehension. Amber says she was never really our friend , I disagree ; I just think she’s changed. I don’t know why , I don’t know if I ever will.
Honest sensed that I didn’t wanna talk about it , so she asked me other stuff.
“ so… how come you don’t have a boyfriend?”
“ I don’t know.. I guess I don’t really have the time , “ I said.
“ but if you did have the time .. would you want one ?” I didn’t really have to think about it. I wanted to say no, because , honestly , the idea of that kind of love scares me. Having a significant other , loving someone so much that they became the only thing that mattered. It would consume me. Part of me thinks it already has. Looking at Honest , though , I decided to give her what she was looking for.
“ uhuh … yeah , I think I would.” She smiled.
“ me too… but I doubt any of the guys here would be interested.”
“ that’s not true… I totally saw Grant Osment eyeing you up in the lunch queue , ” she blushed.
“ that’s only coz I did his calculus for him…”
“you what ?”
She sighed. “ I did his calculus for him…”
“ why ?” she looked awkward.
“ he asked me to.” What an asshole ; taking advantage of the fact that Honest was new and knowing that she’d probably do anything to fit in. I shook my head.
Then the bell went and we moved on to our next period. Even though Honest and I were in the same grade – eleventh- we didn’t have any periods together. I sat in Bio wishing the day would end and wandering what mom was making for dinner. then after homeroom : the day was over. I caught a lift home with Amber , who informed me that she would be coming with me to work tonight. Mom wasn’t home, so we made ourselves something to eat, then went upstairs to study for our calculus test on Friday. Before I knew it ; it was seven o’clock and dinner was ready. My shift started at seven thirty and ended at ten , so I was good so far time wise. Amber and I cleared the dishes off , packed the dishwasher , set it and then we were ready to go. Just before we left ;the phone rang.
“ Mercedes , its Zoe…” mom said, bringing me the cordless.
“ hello ?”
“ oh , hi Mercedes…” Zoe said. “ I was just wandering ; Jeff has invitations to this benefit on Friday and you know, you never waste exclusive invites , so we’re gonna go , but I have no idea what to do with the kids … and you were just so wonderful with them the last couple of times , so you’re first person I called.. would you be able to baby sit on Friday?” Friday .. mm.. Friday- was I doing anything on Friday? Aside from it being the traditional ‘Diner night’ , I didn’t think I had anything else on , besides , what Kind of burden is an extra couple of bucks?
“ yeah .. that should be okay…” I heard Sam, Zoe’s thirteen year old daughter yell that she didn’t need baby sitting. Sam- sigh- she’s a real piece of work. I am often awed by how I haven’t smacked her yet.
“ yes ,love , but your brother does…” Zoe’s youngest son, Aden , is five. He’s cute, but also very quiet. “ so, it’s set then ?” she said to me.
“ yeah , what time should come ?”
“ oh , right – silly me .. you can come round about seven – ish , Jeff and I are leaving then … okay , love , thanks so much…”
“ no problem , see you then …” I said.
“ bye ,” she said , ending the call. I handed the phone back to mom and greeted her. S
She still , however felt it necessary to come outside and watch us leave.
I handed Amber my spare helmet.
“ aw- can I ride ?” she asked, her eyes big and hopeful.
“ na-uh , you drive your baby ,I ride mine…”
“ do you always have to swat my butterfly ?” she asked, but climbed on the back. Shes such a drama queen.
When I got in to work , Courtney , my boss, was still there. Usually , Dwight ( you don’t even wanna know ) and Alyssa work with me , but none of them were there yet.
“ hey Court , “ I said, taking my helmet off and burying it under my arm.
“ Hey , I almost thought you bailed on me …” Court , who’s in her late twenties is single and spends most of the time in her little office here at “ Press Play”, Miami’s largest DVD and CD outlet.
“ what – did you finally fire Dwight ?” I asked, lifting up the portion of the counter that allows me access to the other side. My screen was already on, so there was nothing else to do but wait for someone to rent or buy something. There were loads of people in the shop, but they seemed to still be deciding on what to take, the vast selection overwhelming them.
“ no!” Court said ,like ; how could I even ask that ? Amber joined me behind the counter and began playing solitaire. “ I don’t think I could , even if I needed to ( which , believe me , she does) .. I mean , there’s something just so … cute about him, don’t you think ? he’s like a lost little puppy who seeks shelter at your door ….”I looked at her , appalled. Dwight- a little puppy? I don’t think so.
“ Court – he’s like thirty and he still lives with his parents … he’s not a puppy anymore – he’s a dog and he needs to learn to fend for himself .. he can’t take advantage like he used to be able to when he was still a cute puppy … you need to turn him a way when he comes to your door again …” whoa , what was up with the metaphors ?
“ I can’t do that , Mercedes … I don’t know why … I just …I have a soft spot for him , can’t you understand that ?”
“ no… as hard as I try , I can’t….” she sighed and headed back into her office. Then I turned to the queue that seemed to have miraculously appeared infront of me.
“uh … you wouldn’t happen to be able to recommend any horrors would you ?” The guy in front of the queue asked me.
“ you’re into horrors ?” I asked , Amber raised her eyebrows at me.
“ yeah,” the guy said. Interesting , so was I.
“ um.. have you seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre : The beginning ?” I asked.
“ no… I couldn’t find anything like that.. . was it good?”
“ yeah … very gory – but if you’re into the whole ‘Hills have eyes’ typa thing I think you’ll like it…” he smiled.
“ Adam…” he said.
“ Mercedes.” I said, smiling too.
“ so… do you wanna show me where I can find it?”
“ sure ,” I said , looking over his head at the rest of the queue and praying that one of my work buddies would come so they could do their job.
” Hey Amber,” I said , turning to her. “ just man my station please…”
“ sure thing,” she said ,moving into my space as soon as I’d slipped under the counter.
Because she’d been here many a time , Amber knew how things worked ; how to set up an account , how to check in movies , how to check them out , so I trusted her to do my job till I came back. I walked to the horror movie section – which was damn big – and trailed my finger along the shelves looking for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I was sure I’d seen it in Section B of the horror section , but it wasn’t there now.
“ maybe it’s out …” Adam suggested.
“ even if it were out .. you’d still see the cover ,in its place , ” I said. Then finally , I found it. I handed it to him , pleased with myself.
“ thanks … hey , do you always hang out here ?” he asked. “ coz.. I don’t remember seeing you here and If I did, I’d definitely remember it…” guys tlike this , make me wanna laugh. I smiled.
“ I only work Tuesdays and Thursdays…” and some weekends , if Court asks me to.
“ oh , that explains it .. right…” then this girl come and links arms with him.
“ hey – did you find something ? aww – no way – Texas Chainsaw Massacre !” she kissed him on the lips. Okay … awkward. He didn’t make eye contact with me after that. He should be glad he didn’t ; I would’ve poked his eyes out. I went back to the counter , not bothering to look back at the couple. Huh; the nerve of the guy. Amber was busy checking out some other guy’s movies, so I went over to another monitor to check theirs out.
At eight ; Dwight arrived in his drunken stupor, as usual.
“ hey , babes….” He said to Amber and I. Court came out of her office looking happy to see him- wait a minute … did Court have a Thing for Dwight – gasp, that’s ghastly! Oh god, I have to talk to her. if she marries him; their children are bound to emerge form the vaginal canal intoxicated.
“ why are you late ?” she asked , but didn’t sound angry.
“ I just had to loosen up a bit… so me and my mates went for a drink…” this is his story every week. Court sighed , but smiled.
“ well, get to work then,” she said , going back into her office. He stared after her – well , not after her , after her butt. Then he looked at us and smiled.
“ I think she likes me … don’t know why , though …” he mused , climbing under the counter.
“ believe me , Dwight ; neither do I,” I said. Amber cracked up laughing. Dwight didn’t even seem to take offence , just rubbed my ass as he brushed pass me; foul man.
“ so get this …” I said , to Amber who was leaning against the counter, reading the COSMO she’d whacked me with that morning. “ that guy who came to ask me about the horrors?”
“yeah .. wasn’t his name like , Adam or something ?”
“ I don’t care , but yes… anyways … so we’re at the horror sec and then he starts asking me if I’ve always been here - working , and I’m like yeah , but I only work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then he’s like well he hasn’t seen me here before , but he’d definitely remember if he’d seen me-“
“ you retard ; he was flirting with you. God really wasn’t fair when he made me the beautiful and smart one…”
“ He also wasn’t fair when he gave you such a big mouth and no ears. I know he was flirting – I’m not that much of an idiot, I know a pick up when I hear one .I wasn’t done with my story…”
She pursed her lips sheepishly, “sorry , go on then…”
“ and then this girl comes up to us and links arms with him,”
“ coulda just been his sister,” she said.
“ nope she wasn’t – she kissed him on the lips !”
“ slut !” Amber exclaimed. I gasped.
“ don’t say that – he’s the man whore …”
“ sorry , no , I was responding to this one article, but , yeah ; what a man whore .. tsk tsk tsk...” from then till ten ; loads of people just kept coming. At ten , we left , leaving Dwight and Court alone to lock up. I let Amber ride – reluctantly –and amazingly , we got home in one piece.
I put some concerns up there is color, so you should check that out.
