In Love With the Heartless Boy (10)

            I pushed Keith off of me in disgust.

            “What are you doing?” I yelled loud.

            “Come on sweetheart, it was just a friendly kiss. You are my friend right?” he eyed me. It was the first time I noticed how piercing and demanding his eyes were. A girl really could fall in love with a guy like Keith.

            “Yes.” I looked around and mumbled. “Well, goodnight.” I told him.

            He smiled brightly, “Goodnight love, I’ll see you at the next show I hope.” He called out to me as I exited the car.

            I went into Nanny’s and she was sitting asleep in her lift chair as always. I kissed her forehead as she slept soundly. I didn’t care what anyone said; my Nanny was a beautiful angel. I pulled her blue blanket up to keep her warm.

            Then I went to the back bedroom of the house which was my retreat. It had old fading wallpaper, a messed up desk, and a bed that squeaked loudly. This was my safe haven. I did a lot of thinking here.

            I would lie on my back on the bed and look up at the popcorn ceiling and imagine a better life far from here.

            I lay down on the blue mattress that had no sheet and put my head to an ancient pillow. Sleep came quickly.

                                                                 ***

There was a small knock on my door. I recognized it as my grandmother.

“What?” I yelled groggily.

“Rose Marie! It’s Sunday morning, come take your bath!” she called. Church day, I only went for Nanny, not for God. I rose from the bed and grabbed an old sundress from the closet.

I went and took a shower. It usually melted my stress, but not today. Last nights events were so odd and confusing that it would take awhile to recover.

 I got out and put on the dress. I brushed my hair down like a normal person and wore no make up. These were Nanny’s church standards.

I heard a loud bang on the door. It was Bill.

“Sis, hurry up, I need to use the shower!” he yelled.

I opened it angrily and screamed “Don’t you ever rush me, fag!” We did not get along at all.

“Rose Marie, what have I told you about calling your brother that?” Nanny demanded. I said nothing and went to my room.

As you can tell Bill still lives at home. Mr. Hot Shot Football star couldn’t handle college and dropped out to become a security guard at a local lumber company. But not many people knew that.

I left the bathroom and Bill ran in mumbling, “Bitch,” under his breath.

Later in the car we drove down the old country road to the church. It passed the Little Cahaba River, where Keith said he went canoeing. It was a popular place for that. Inside the church walls you could hear people hoping and hollering in the water.

We pulled unto the church grounds and went up the steep hill. It was a small church. There were only 12 members on average going here. I was not one of them. We parked and I rushed to help Nanny get out. Bill got the bibles from the trunk while I walked Nanny up the steps.

At the front door was an old man with pure white hair. He was the sweetest nicest man you would ever meet.

“Good morning, young lady.” He said to Nanny.

            “Good morning.” Nanny said back.

            “Hey, there kiddo.” He joked punching me in the arm.

            “Hey, Brother Vernon.” I smiled.

            “Hey, Rose, you have a new youngster joining you for Sunday school. Make sure to make him feel welcome.” He told me.

            I had been the only kid at Cahaba Valley since the late 90’s. Who could it be? I pushed open the double door and held them for Nanny. I smile lit my face. It was Law and next to him appeared to be his mom.

            I helped Nanny sit down and Bill went to the front to lead the singing. We sang one song and then we read the prayer list. Then it was time for Sunday school. Little Old Mrs. Opal rose from her seat in the back. I got up and helped her walk to the back. Law followed. 

            We sat down at an ancient table and Mrs. Opal read us the bible story. Law was listening intently while I doodled on my page with a highlighter. She asked us questions and then we sat and talked for a while.

            “Where’s your Mama, Rose?” Mrs. Opal asked me.

            “She’s working at the quarry.” I told her.

            “What about your Daddy?” she questioned.

            “He’s just too lazy to come.” I said. She laughed.

A few minutes later the lights blinked and it was time for intermission.

                                                            ***

            After church I said goodbye to Law and the rest of the day was pretty boring. With no homework, I had nothing to do. I just sat in my room listening to the radio.

            Monday morning, Law picked me up for school.

            “So did you like Cahaba Valley?” I asked.

            “I’m not really a religious person but it made me feel at home there. It’s so small. And the river is beautiful; you can see it from the top of the hill.” He said astounded.

            “Well after a while it gets boring, so be prepared. I’m just glad I’m not the only teen there.” I told him.

            “I doubt it.” He smiled. “Anywhere where you are is a wonderful place.”

When we got out in the school parking lot everyone was staring at us. They pointed and laughed.

            “What’s going on?” I asked confused.

            “I don’t know.” He said putting his arm around me protectively. He walked me inside.

            Someone yelled, “Nice boobs, freak!” Aimee ran up and took me to the side.        

            She pulled out her cell phone. There was a picture of me at Visionland at the exact time Kathi pulled my bikini top off.

            My face turned red and I ran to the last stall in the bathroom and started crying. Aimee must have followed me.

            “It was Kathi wasn’t it?” she demanded to know.

            “I dunno, I think so.” I bawled.

            “Oh, that is it! I’m going to end this now! Come with me!” She said angrily. I opened the door.

            “Why?” I asked. She dragged me down the hall to where the band geeks hung out.

            “Hey, Rose! That was a nice picture! You should be in playboy or something!” Kathi laughed evilly. Aimee walked over to her, reared her fist back, and punched her in the nose. There was a cracking noise and I knew it was broken.

            All the band kids screamed and ran for help as Aimee continued to hit Kathi. I found myself laughing as Coach Tubby and Coach Smith broke the fight up. Kathi’s blood was all over the hall.

            Aimee smiled and waved as the hauled her off to the office. Law came up beside me and said, “Don’t worry about it anymore. She got what she deserved.” He hugged me and we walked to our first class.

            Little did I know it would be Aimee’s last day at East Blocton.

A little short but I’ve been very sick. It’s really hard trying to get back in the groove. Sorry for the wait. I’ll try to post a new one tomorrow. Read, Rate, Comment! Thanx!---Chayeah22