Amanda Litz's Blog
June 30, 2015
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Connor – Age 18 #2
Connor grabbed his duffel bag and suitcase from the closet. He set them on the bed next to his guitar case and looked around the room. He had thought he would need more luggage, but after examining the contents of his room he realized that he may not be able to fill the bags he already had.
In classic guy fashion he emptied the contents of his dresser and closet, wadding up each item and shoving it in his duffel bag. He threw a winter coat, a pair of hiking boots, a few of his favorite Marvel comics, and a beat-up copy of Catch-22 in his suitcase, then looked around to see what else he wanted to take with him to start his new life.
His room was full of baseball trophies, pennants, memorabilia, and law journals and books. Connor picked up Black’s Law Dictionary, leafing through the worn pages. His dad spent countless hours quizzing him from this book since he was old enough to read the words. He threw the book down on the desk and walked away. These things were all part of his old life. The one his dad created and controlled every aspect of. He didn’t want to take any of it with him. He closed up his duffel bag, slinging it over his shoulder, then zipped his suitcase and grabbed it off the bed. He picked up the guitar case in his other hand. With one last look and a sad smile he left his old life, closing the door behind him. Connor hoped he was making the right decision. It was the biggest decision of his life so far, and the only one he’s ever made on his own. His parents don’t know that yet. They didn’t even know there was a decision to be made. They have had every part of his life planned for him since he was born. The next step was to simply accept the baseball scholarship to U of M and start working on his pre-law degree, then law school, passing the bar, joining his father’s law firm, finding the perfect wife from their high society group, and having two perfect children. In that order. Connor didn’t know what kind of life he wanted. He’d never been encouraged to think about his own dreams. The only thing he knew for sure was that he didn’t want the life his parents planned for him.
He knew it wasn’t going to go well when he told them, which is why he’d already called his Uncle Patrick and packed his bags. Soon he’d be on his way to a small town called Cedar Springs on the southwest side of Michigan. Once there, he will enroll as an undeclared student at Grand Rapids Community College, and begin his new life. The one where he made all the decisions. The only thing left to do was tell his parents.
Connor walked down the stairs and into the foyer. He looked at the collection of photos on the front table, each in its perfect frame. Most of the pictures were professionally done, perfectly posed imitations of real life. There was one, however, that was different. It was from a vacation to St. Thomas when he was six. One of the staff members at the resort took a picture of them on the beach together. They were covered in sand, his mom’s hair blowing in the breeze, and they were all smiling. Real smiles, not like the ones in the professional family photos.
His life couldn’t have been all bad, not if there were moments like this one. Connor just wished he could remember more of them. He smiled and picked up the picture off the table, sliding it into the front pocket of his suitcase. This memory he would take with him wherever his new life led.
He could hear his parents talking out on the patio. He knew they would be having breakfast together at this time. They always had breakfast together at 8 a.m. on Saturday. If the weather was nice they had it on the patio, otherwise they ate at the breakfast nook in the kitchen. It made them very predictable, which is why he chose this time to leave. He didn’t want to have this conversation twice. Connor set his bags by the front door, closed his eyes, took a deep steadying breath, and headed toward the patio.
“Good morning,” Connor said, taking a seat at the table.
“Good morning, dear,” Connor’s mom smiled at him. “Would you like Maria to bring you out some breakfast?”
“No, thanks. I’ll get something when I head out.” Connor looked at his parents, savoring this last moment of pleasant family time.
“Big plans today, son?” Connor’s dad asked, laying his napkin on his plate and pushing it to the side.
“Actually, yeah. I’ve decided where I’m going to college and I’m heading out that way today.”
Connor’s dad furrowed his brow. “What do you mean you’ve decided where to go to college? There really wasn’t a decision to make. Out of all the schools that offered you a scholarship U of M is the most prestigious, has a great pre-law program, and offered you a good deal. It’s also my alma mater. What decision was there?”
“Well, the thing is I don’t think I want to be a lawyer and I don’t want to play baseball anymore. Honestly, I’m not sure what I want to do, so I thought I would go to community college for a year or two while I figure it out.” Connor tried to look confident, but he felt like a child ready to crumble under his dad’s intense stare.
Connor’s dad’s face turned red with suppressed anger. “There are so many things wrong with what you just said, I’m not even sure where to start. What do you mean you don’t want to be a lawyer? It’s all we’ve ever talked about since you were a little boy.”
“No, dad. It’s all you’ve ever talked about. You never asked me what I wanted to do.”
Connor’s dad stood up and slammed his hands down on the table, leaning toward Connor. “That is because you are a child and don’t know what you should do!”
“Sean, please sit back down. We can talk about this civilly,” Connor’s mom laid her hand on Sean’s arm.
“There is nothing to talk about. Connor will accept the offer from U of M or we will not pay for his college tuition. I will not waste my money on some slacker who doesn’t even know what he wants to do.” Connor’s dad straightened up, crossing his arms over his chest. “You hear that boy. You will get no help from us if you leave here to go to some community college, and there will not be a job waiting for you at my firm. You’ll have to make it all alone in this world!”
Connor stood up and faced his father man to man. “That’s fine. I don’t want anything from you. The only thing I want is the freedom to make my own decisions in life, and if that comes at the cost of losing your support and money than that’s the way it is.”
“Damn straight, son. You get nothing from us and you will not stay under my roof until you come to your senses, and it better happen fast before you lose your scholarship and any chance of going to U of M.”
One look at his mom and Connor knew she wouldn’t support him. Her shoulders were slumped and the tears were brimming in her eyes, but she wasn’t going to stand up to her husband, not even to keep her own son in her life. He accepted her silence with a nod and looked back at his dad. “I’m sorry you feel that way. You don’t have to worry about me staying here long. My bags are already packed and waiting at the front door. I wish…well, it doesn’t really matter what I wish, does it? Good bye.”
Connor turned his back on his slack-jawed father and teary-eyed mother, walking to the front door. He grabbed his bags, opened the door, and stepped out into the morning sun. The beginning of this day was the beginning of his new life. He had no idea where it would take him, but he knew he’d be in the driver’s seat. Connor’s excitement heavily outweighed his fear as he drove his Impala toward Cedar Springs and the unknown future.
In classic guy fashion he emptied the contents of his dresser and closet, wadding up each item and shoving it in his duffel bag. He threw a winter coat, a pair of hiking boots, a few of his favorite Marvel comics, and a beat-up copy of Catch-22 in his suitcase, then looked around to see what else he wanted to take with him to start his new life.
His room was full of baseball trophies, pennants, memorabilia, and law journals and books. Connor picked up Black’s Law Dictionary, leafing through the worn pages. His dad spent countless hours quizzing him from this book since he was old enough to read the words. He threw the book down on the desk and walked away. These things were all part of his old life. The one his dad created and controlled every aspect of. He didn’t want to take any of it with him. He closed up his duffel bag, slinging it over his shoulder, then zipped his suitcase and grabbed it off the bed. He picked up the guitar case in his other hand. With one last look and a sad smile he left his old life, closing the door behind him. Connor hoped he was making the right decision. It was the biggest decision of his life so far, and the only one he’s ever made on his own. His parents don’t know that yet. They didn’t even know there was a decision to be made. They have had every part of his life planned for him since he was born. The next step was to simply accept the baseball scholarship to U of M and start working on his pre-law degree, then law school, passing the bar, joining his father’s law firm, finding the perfect wife from their high society group, and having two perfect children. In that order. Connor didn’t know what kind of life he wanted. He’d never been encouraged to think about his own dreams. The only thing he knew for sure was that he didn’t want the life his parents planned for him.
He knew it wasn’t going to go well when he told them, which is why he’d already called his Uncle Patrick and packed his bags. Soon he’d be on his way to a small town called Cedar Springs on the southwest side of Michigan. Once there, he will enroll as an undeclared student at Grand Rapids Community College, and begin his new life. The one where he made all the decisions. The only thing left to do was tell his parents.
Connor walked down the stairs and into the foyer. He looked at the collection of photos on the front table, each in its perfect frame. Most of the pictures were professionally done, perfectly posed imitations of real life. There was one, however, that was different. It was from a vacation to St. Thomas when he was six. One of the staff members at the resort took a picture of them on the beach together. They were covered in sand, his mom’s hair blowing in the breeze, and they were all smiling. Real smiles, not like the ones in the professional family photos.
His life couldn’t have been all bad, not if there were moments like this one. Connor just wished he could remember more of them. He smiled and picked up the picture off the table, sliding it into the front pocket of his suitcase. This memory he would take with him wherever his new life led.
He could hear his parents talking out on the patio. He knew they would be having breakfast together at this time. They always had breakfast together at 8 a.m. on Saturday. If the weather was nice they had it on the patio, otherwise they ate at the breakfast nook in the kitchen. It made them very predictable, which is why he chose this time to leave. He didn’t want to have this conversation twice. Connor set his bags by the front door, closed his eyes, took a deep steadying breath, and headed toward the patio.
“Good morning,” Connor said, taking a seat at the table.
“Good morning, dear,” Connor’s mom smiled at him. “Would you like Maria to bring you out some breakfast?”
“No, thanks. I’ll get something when I head out.” Connor looked at his parents, savoring this last moment of pleasant family time.
“Big plans today, son?” Connor’s dad asked, laying his napkin on his plate and pushing it to the side.
“Actually, yeah. I’ve decided where I’m going to college and I’m heading out that way today.”
Connor’s dad furrowed his brow. “What do you mean you’ve decided where to go to college? There really wasn’t a decision to make. Out of all the schools that offered you a scholarship U of M is the most prestigious, has a great pre-law program, and offered you a good deal. It’s also my alma mater. What decision was there?”
“Well, the thing is I don’t think I want to be a lawyer and I don’t want to play baseball anymore. Honestly, I’m not sure what I want to do, so I thought I would go to community college for a year or two while I figure it out.” Connor tried to look confident, but he felt like a child ready to crumble under his dad’s intense stare.
Connor’s dad’s face turned red with suppressed anger. “There are so many things wrong with what you just said, I’m not even sure where to start. What do you mean you don’t want to be a lawyer? It’s all we’ve ever talked about since you were a little boy.”
“No, dad. It’s all you’ve ever talked about. You never asked me what I wanted to do.”
Connor’s dad stood up and slammed his hands down on the table, leaning toward Connor. “That is because you are a child and don’t know what you should do!”
“Sean, please sit back down. We can talk about this civilly,” Connor’s mom laid her hand on Sean’s arm.
“There is nothing to talk about. Connor will accept the offer from U of M or we will not pay for his college tuition. I will not waste my money on some slacker who doesn’t even know what he wants to do.” Connor’s dad straightened up, crossing his arms over his chest. “You hear that boy. You will get no help from us if you leave here to go to some community college, and there will not be a job waiting for you at my firm. You’ll have to make it all alone in this world!”
Connor stood up and faced his father man to man. “That’s fine. I don’t want anything from you. The only thing I want is the freedom to make my own decisions in life, and if that comes at the cost of losing your support and money than that’s the way it is.”
“Damn straight, son. You get nothing from us and you will not stay under my roof until you come to your senses, and it better happen fast before you lose your scholarship and any chance of going to U of M.”
One look at his mom and Connor knew she wouldn’t support him. Her shoulders were slumped and the tears were brimming in her eyes, but she wasn’t going to stand up to her husband, not even to keep her own son in her life. He accepted her silence with a nod and looked back at his dad. “I’m sorry you feel that way. You don’t have to worry about me staying here long. My bags are already packed and waiting at the front door. I wish…well, it doesn’t really matter what I wish, does it? Good bye.”
Connor turned his back on his slack-jawed father and teary-eyed mother, walking to the front door. He grabbed his bags, opened the door, and stepped out into the morning sun. The beginning of this day was the beginning of his new life. He had no idea where it would take him, but he knew he’d be in the driver’s seat. Connor’s excitement heavily outweighed his fear as he drove his Impala toward Cedar Springs and the unknown future.
May 29, 2015
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Connor – Age 18
Connor drove up to the high school and parked in a visitor’s parking space near the front entrance. It was a beautiful day for November. The sun was shining with only a slight breeze in the air. It had to be 60 degrees out. Connor got out of the car to enjoy what would probably be the last sunny day before the snow hit and stayed for the next five months.
He leaned against the hood of his blue 2003 Impala. It was in decent shape for how old it was, just a few minor dents and scratches, but the engine was good, and that’s what mattered. He couldn't afford to have a car that needed much work since his dad cut him off. Living off his measly income from the GRCC bookstore, which would only hire him part time since he was a full time student, was harder than he thought it would be. Even if he was living with his uncle rent free, he could barely pay the bills that he had and keep gas in his car.
The final bell rang, and students came pouring out the doors heading to the buses, home, or their cars with jackets slung over their shoulders, so they, too, could soak in the final rays of sunshine for the year. Lost in his financial thoughts, Connor barely noticed the kids bustling all around him until he caught a glimpse of fire red hair. He jumped off the hood of his car heading in the direction of the long copper locks he had seen. She wasn't going to get away this time. He was finally going to see her. A few more steps and he’d catch up to her, but what was he going to say? “Hey, I don’t know your name, but you haunt my dreams at night.” No that wouldn't work, a little on the creepy side. How about, “I've caught glimpses of you for months now, but you always disappear. I was beginning to think I made you up.” Nope that wasn't much better.
“Hey,” Connor said, reaching out his hand to touch her arm.
A pair of dark wiry arms reached out and grabbed Connor from behind. “O’Clery, what are you doing, man? I shouted your name like five times, but you didn't even pause in your terminator like stalk.”
“Give me a minute, Reggie,” Connor turned as Reggie let him go. He scanned the parking lot, but there was no trace of the red-haired girl. Connor sighed, “Never mind, how was school?” he asked.
Reggie slung his backpack over one shoulder. “You thought you saw her again, didn't you?”
“She’s always there at the edges of reality,” Connor said under his breath.
Reggie patted Connor’s back. “I think you’re losing it, man,”
“You’re probably right. You ready to head home? I have to practice before tonight,” Conner said, turning towards his car.
“Oh yeah, tonight is open mic night at Billy’s Lounge. You’re bringing me, right?” Reggie asked, keeping step with Connor.
Connor opened his door and slid in behind the wheel. “As long as Uncle Patrick says it’s alright. It doesn't start till nine thirty, and it is a school night,” Connor said, winking at him.
“You’re real funny. He’ll probably come along. We've both been waiting to see you perform. For as many nights as you've kept us up with your strumming, we deserve to see you on stage,” Reggie said.
Connor and Reggie walked into Billy’s Lounge with Uncle Patrick. There were booths lining the left side, a bar on the right, tables with chairs all around in the center, and the stage was straight ahead. It wasn't fancy, but Connor liked it. The room had a good ambiance and a lively crowd. The place could probably seat 250 people, and it was more than half full. With that many people talking all at once, the room was buzzing with noise. Connor wondered how loud it would be when he started playing. He didn't have an amp or a whole band to help carry the sound of his music. It was just him and his acoustic guitar.
“I have to go sign up at the bar,” Connor said. “You guys grab a table and I’ll meet you there.”
Connor walked up to the bar. “Hi, I’m here to sign up for open mic.”
The bartender barely glanced at him, pushing a sign-up sheet and pen towards him. “You’ll be up second, so be ready. You’ll get one song.”
Connor signed his name. “Thanks, can I get three Sprites?” He laid his money on the bar with a tip, grabbed the drinks, and went to meet up with Reggie and Uncle Patrick.
“Over here.” Reggie waved him over.
Connor set the drinks down in front of them. “Well, I’m up second,” he said with a nod.
Uncle Patrick put a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “You look nervous, you going to be okay?”
“Me, nervous, no. I play all the time. I mean really, what’s the difference between playing in your room by yourself and playing on stage in front of all these people.” Connor looked around the room taking in all the people that would hear him sing. He gulped.
“Forget about them people,” Reggie said. “Just look at us. You’re going to rock, man.”
“Thanks Reggie.” Connor took a sip of his Sprite, closed his pale blue eyes, and took a deep calming breath. He opened his eyes when he heard the music start. The drums had a good beat, but the electric guitar was a little too grating for him. He could see how others would appreciate it, even if it wasn't his kind of music.
“I’m going to head to the stage. I’m up next,” Connor said, grabbing his guitar case.
Slippery Fish finished their song to a loud applause. It would seem the audience liked their music more than Connor did. He hoped they liked variety because his was very different from that.
Connor stepped on stage and pulled a stool over to the center mic. He laid his case on the floor, opened it, and pulled out his Martin OM-18 Authentic 1933 acoustic guitar. His grandfather left it to him when he died several years ago. Whenever he looked at the polished caramel burst of color on the spruce top he thought of his grandfather’s strong hands strumming chords with them singing his favorite Irish songs together. The thought of his grandfather calmed Connor down. He sat on the stool, bracing the guitar on his leg, and pulled the mic down to him.
“Hey everybody, my name is Connor O’Clery and I’m going to sing a song I wrote called, Edges of Reality. I hope you enjoy it,” Connor said.
He rubbed a hand through his jet black hair, making the top stick up in all directions. Closing his eyes against the brightness of the stage lights, he took a deep breath and began to sing.
“You exist in the corners of my mind.
So close, but you, I never find.
In a world so cold and dark,
Your fiery presence makes its mark.
Are you real or in my head?
When I turn you've always fled.
Always there, but never found.
To you, I know that I am bound.
Through my fingers you do slide.
Are you there, or on the other side?
I've never believed in spirituality.
Yet I search for you at the Edges of Reality.”
He leaned against the hood of his blue 2003 Impala. It was in decent shape for how old it was, just a few minor dents and scratches, but the engine was good, and that’s what mattered. He couldn't afford to have a car that needed much work since his dad cut him off. Living off his measly income from the GRCC bookstore, which would only hire him part time since he was a full time student, was harder than he thought it would be. Even if he was living with his uncle rent free, he could barely pay the bills that he had and keep gas in his car.
The final bell rang, and students came pouring out the doors heading to the buses, home, or their cars with jackets slung over their shoulders, so they, too, could soak in the final rays of sunshine for the year. Lost in his financial thoughts, Connor barely noticed the kids bustling all around him until he caught a glimpse of fire red hair. He jumped off the hood of his car heading in the direction of the long copper locks he had seen. She wasn't going to get away this time. He was finally going to see her. A few more steps and he’d catch up to her, but what was he going to say? “Hey, I don’t know your name, but you haunt my dreams at night.” No that wouldn't work, a little on the creepy side. How about, “I've caught glimpses of you for months now, but you always disappear. I was beginning to think I made you up.” Nope that wasn't much better.
“Hey,” Connor said, reaching out his hand to touch her arm.
A pair of dark wiry arms reached out and grabbed Connor from behind. “O’Clery, what are you doing, man? I shouted your name like five times, but you didn't even pause in your terminator like stalk.”
“Give me a minute, Reggie,” Connor turned as Reggie let him go. He scanned the parking lot, but there was no trace of the red-haired girl. Connor sighed, “Never mind, how was school?” he asked.
Reggie slung his backpack over one shoulder. “You thought you saw her again, didn't you?”
“She’s always there at the edges of reality,” Connor said under his breath.
Reggie patted Connor’s back. “I think you’re losing it, man,”
“You’re probably right. You ready to head home? I have to practice before tonight,” Conner said, turning towards his car.
“Oh yeah, tonight is open mic night at Billy’s Lounge. You’re bringing me, right?” Reggie asked, keeping step with Connor.
Connor opened his door and slid in behind the wheel. “As long as Uncle Patrick says it’s alright. It doesn't start till nine thirty, and it is a school night,” Connor said, winking at him.
“You’re real funny. He’ll probably come along. We've both been waiting to see you perform. For as many nights as you've kept us up with your strumming, we deserve to see you on stage,” Reggie said.
Connor and Reggie walked into Billy’s Lounge with Uncle Patrick. There were booths lining the left side, a bar on the right, tables with chairs all around in the center, and the stage was straight ahead. It wasn't fancy, but Connor liked it. The room had a good ambiance and a lively crowd. The place could probably seat 250 people, and it was more than half full. With that many people talking all at once, the room was buzzing with noise. Connor wondered how loud it would be when he started playing. He didn't have an amp or a whole band to help carry the sound of his music. It was just him and his acoustic guitar.
“I have to go sign up at the bar,” Connor said. “You guys grab a table and I’ll meet you there.”
Connor walked up to the bar. “Hi, I’m here to sign up for open mic.”
The bartender barely glanced at him, pushing a sign-up sheet and pen towards him. “You’ll be up second, so be ready. You’ll get one song.”
Connor signed his name. “Thanks, can I get three Sprites?” He laid his money on the bar with a tip, grabbed the drinks, and went to meet up with Reggie and Uncle Patrick.
“Over here.” Reggie waved him over.
Connor set the drinks down in front of them. “Well, I’m up second,” he said with a nod.
Uncle Patrick put a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “You look nervous, you going to be okay?”
“Me, nervous, no. I play all the time. I mean really, what’s the difference between playing in your room by yourself and playing on stage in front of all these people.” Connor looked around the room taking in all the people that would hear him sing. He gulped.
“Forget about them people,” Reggie said. “Just look at us. You’re going to rock, man.”
“Thanks Reggie.” Connor took a sip of his Sprite, closed his pale blue eyes, and took a deep calming breath. He opened his eyes when he heard the music start. The drums had a good beat, but the electric guitar was a little too grating for him. He could see how others would appreciate it, even if it wasn't his kind of music.
“I’m going to head to the stage. I’m up next,” Connor said, grabbing his guitar case.
Slippery Fish finished their song to a loud applause. It would seem the audience liked their music more than Connor did. He hoped they liked variety because his was very different from that.
Connor stepped on stage and pulled a stool over to the center mic. He laid his case on the floor, opened it, and pulled out his Martin OM-18 Authentic 1933 acoustic guitar. His grandfather left it to him when he died several years ago. Whenever he looked at the polished caramel burst of color on the spruce top he thought of his grandfather’s strong hands strumming chords with them singing his favorite Irish songs together. The thought of his grandfather calmed Connor down. He sat on the stool, bracing the guitar on his leg, and pulled the mic down to him.
“Hey everybody, my name is Connor O’Clery and I’m going to sing a song I wrote called, Edges of Reality. I hope you enjoy it,” Connor said.
He rubbed a hand through his jet black hair, making the top stick up in all directions. Closing his eyes against the brightness of the stage lights, he took a deep breath and began to sing.
“You exist in the corners of my mind.
So close, but you, I never find.
In a world so cold and dark,
Your fiery presence makes its mark.
Are you real or in my head?
When I turn you've always fled.
Always there, but never found.
To you, I know that I am bound.
Through my fingers you do slide.
Are you there, or on the other side?
I've never believed in spirituality.
Yet I search for you at the Edges of Reality.”
April 28, 2015
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Joey – Age 14
Joey tried to pay attention to Mr. Larson. He was explaining the ramifications of Lincoln’s death on the reconstruction of the South. He couldn't focus, though. She was making it too hard.
Bree Taylor was captain of the junior varsity volleyball team; wrote for the high school paper, Hawk Nation; just got cast as Desdemona in Othello; and she was staring at him. Her silky blond curls fell across her face, obscuring her honey brown eyes, every time she leaned over to whisper to Grace. Then she would mindlessly tuck the curls behind her ear as she looked back at him.
It was highly distracting. What could she possibly want from him?
“Excuse me, Miss Taylor, but what you like to share your thoughts with the rest of the class, or is your message just for Mr. Malone as he seems to be the sole focus on your attention?” Mr. Larson paused in front of Bree’s desk waiting for a response.
Bree looked over at Joey one more time and winked, then looked back to Mr. Larson and smiled, “No, Mr. Larson, I don’t have anything I’d like to share…with you.”
Mr. Larson looked between Bree and Joey one last time before moving on with his lesson. Joey turned red to the tips of his ears. He didn't like being the center of attention, unlike his twin brother Marcus who always wanted to be in the spotlight.
Joey bolted out the door as soon as class was done and made a beeline for his locker. He wanted to avoid any more attention from Mr. Larson or Bree.
“Hey man, where’s the fire?” Seth skidded to a stop next to Joey’s locker.
Joey shrugged, “Just don’t want to be late to algebra again. Mrs. Eden says I’ll be enjoying an hour of detention if I can’t show up on time.”
“That sucks, but I got something that will cheer you up,” Seth wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “So, Grace stopped me after class and said her and Bree want to meet up with us after school. She didn't say why, but I think Bree wants to hook up with you.”
Joey gave a half-smile. “Yeah maybe, or she wants to give me some great hair tips to fix my terrible bed head,” Joey said, running his hands through his shaggy brown hair to no avail.
Seth laughed. “Whatever, man. I’m heading to class I’ll see you after school.”
Joey grabbed his books and ran off to algebra, all of a sudden dreading the end of school. As he reached the door, he considered hanging back and getting detention for being tardy. Then he wouldn't have to meet up with the girls after school. His parents would be disappointed though, so at the last second he stepped through the door and took his seat.
The final bell rang, and Joey left class as if he were heading to the gallows. He took each step deliberately slow, hoping there’d be no one to meet up with when he left the building, except his sister, Deirdre, who was driving him home.
No such luck. Joey spotted them leaning against the wall heading to the parking lot as soon as he stepped outside. The sun shone on her golden curls, illuminating them like a halo around her head. She certainly looked like an angel with her red lips, smooth pale complexion, and white dress flowing in the breeze. What could someone like her possibly want with someone like him, he wondered for the second time today.
He knew the moment she spotted him. She tilted her head and waved him over, smiling all the while. Joey took a steadying breath then jogged over.
“Hey, what’s up?” he asked the group, looking at Seth, Grace, and Bree equally.
“Just chatting up the girls who've been waiting for you,” Seth replied.
“Have you heard about Cody’s party on Friday?” Bree asked.
“Sure,” Joey said even though he hadn't. “Isn't he a junior?”
“Yeah, he’s friends with my brother, Trevor, so I got an invite, and I thought you’d like to come with me,” Bree said batting her lashes at him.
“Why?” Joey asked.
Bree frowned.
“I mean why me?” he added.
Bree smiled again. “Oh, because you’re cute and kind of sweet. I thought it’d be fun to hang out together and a party is a good place for that. Don’t you think?”
Joey gulped down his apprehension. “Um, sure,” he said. “Are Seth and Grace coming with us?”
Bree looked over at them. Obviously they had not been part of her plan. “Yeah, why not? The party will be fun for them too.”
Grace squealed and Seth did a little fist pump in the air, both happy to have been invited to the party.
“Do you have a cell?” Bree asked.
“Yes,” Joey said, pulling it out of his pocket.
Bree took his phone from him, touching his hand a little longer than was comfortable for Joey. She programmed her number into his contacts and handed it back.
“Text me on Friday and I’ll give you the details,” she said, then waved over her shoulder as she headed out into the parking lot to find her brother.
Seth hugged Joey, then pushed him away. “I can’t believe you got us an invite to Cody’s party!”
Joey gave a half-smile. “Yeah, me neither.”
“This is awesome, Joey. You haven’t hooked up with a girl since seventh grade when Maddy dumped you after two weeks because you wouldn't even hold her hand. Now you’re going to a party with Bree Taylor, the hottest girl in our class and definitely into more than hand holding. I hope you’re ready for this,” Seth said, grinning from ear to ear. “You lucky dog.”
“That’s me, a lucky dog. I got to go, though. Deirdre’s waiting for me,” he said, turning quickly and walking toward the sea of cars.
“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow, man. We’ll talk then,” Seth said, starting to walk home.
Marcus grabbed Joey from behind. “Hey bro. I saw you talking to Bree. Was she asking about me?”
Joey shook his head.
“What’d she want?” Marcus asked.
“To invite me to Cody’s party,” Joey said with a shrug.
“You’re going to Cody’s party with Bree Taylor. Why?” he asked incredulously.
“I have no idea, but I wish it was you instead of me,” Joey said.
“Me too! At least that would make sense. I’m popular, a football player, the only freshman hanging out with the varsity team, and you’re, well, you,” Marcus said. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Joey replied.
They both just shook their heads in confusion and walked the rest of the way to Deirdre’s car in silence.
Bree Taylor was captain of the junior varsity volleyball team; wrote for the high school paper, Hawk Nation; just got cast as Desdemona in Othello; and she was staring at him. Her silky blond curls fell across her face, obscuring her honey brown eyes, every time she leaned over to whisper to Grace. Then she would mindlessly tuck the curls behind her ear as she looked back at him.
It was highly distracting. What could she possibly want from him?
“Excuse me, Miss Taylor, but what you like to share your thoughts with the rest of the class, or is your message just for Mr. Malone as he seems to be the sole focus on your attention?” Mr. Larson paused in front of Bree’s desk waiting for a response.
Bree looked over at Joey one more time and winked, then looked back to Mr. Larson and smiled, “No, Mr. Larson, I don’t have anything I’d like to share…with you.”
Mr. Larson looked between Bree and Joey one last time before moving on with his lesson. Joey turned red to the tips of his ears. He didn't like being the center of attention, unlike his twin brother Marcus who always wanted to be in the spotlight.
Joey bolted out the door as soon as class was done and made a beeline for his locker. He wanted to avoid any more attention from Mr. Larson or Bree.
“Hey man, where’s the fire?” Seth skidded to a stop next to Joey’s locker.
Joey shrugged, “Just don’t want to be late to algebra again. Mrs. Eden says I’ll be enjoying an hour of detention if I can’t show up on time.”
“That sucks, but I got something that will cheer you up,” Seth wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “So, Grace stopped me after class and said her and Bree want to meet up with us after school. She didn't say why, but I think Bree wants to hook up with you.”
Joey gave a half-smile. “Yeah maybe, or she wants to give me some great hair tips to fix my terrible bed head,” Joey said, running his hands through his shaggy brown hair to no avail.
Seth laughed. “Whatever, man. I’m heading to class I’ll see you after school.”
Joey grabbed his books and ran off to algebra, all of a sudden dreading the end of school. As he reached the door, he considered hanging back and getting detention for being tardy. Then he wouldn't have to meet up with the girls after school. His parents would be disappointed though, so at the last second he stepped through the door and took his seat.
The final bell rang, and Joey left class as if he were heading to the gallows. He took each step deliberately slow, hoping there’d be no one to meet up with when he left the building, except his sister, Deirdre, who was driving him home.
No such luck. Joey spotted them leaning against the wall heading to the parking lot as soon as he stepped outside. The sun shone on her golden curls, illuminating them like a halo around her head. She certainly looked like an angel with her red lips, smooth pale complexion, and white dress flowing in the breeze. What could someone like her possibly want with someone like him, he wondered for the second time today.
He knew the moment she spotted him. She tilted her head and waved him over, smiling all the while. Joey took a steadying breath then jogged over.
“Hey, what’s up?” he asked the group, looking at Seth, Grace, and Bree equally.
“Just chatting up the girls who've been waiting for you,” Seth replied.
“Have you heard about Cody’s party on Friday?” Bree asked.
“Sure,” Joey said even though he hadn't. “Isn't he a junior?”
“Yeah, he’s friends with my brother, Trevor, so I got an invite, and I thought you’d like to come with me,” Bree said batting her lashes at him.
“Why?” Joey asked.
Bree frowned.
“I mean why me?” he added.
Bree smiled again. “Oh, because you’re cute and kind of sweet. I thought it’d be fun to hang out together and a party is a good place for that. Don’t you think?”
Joey gulped down his apprehension. “Um, sure,” he said. “Are Seth and Grace coming with us?”
Bree looked over at them. Obviously they had not been part of her plan. “Yeah, why not? The party will be fun for them too.”
Grace squealed and Seth did a little fist pump in the air, both happy to have been invited to the party.
“Do you have a cell?” Bree asked.
“Yes,” Joey said, pulling it out of his pocket.
Bree took his phone from him, touching his hand a little longer than was comfortable for Joey. She programmed her number into his contacts and handed it back.
“Text me on Friday and I’ll give you the details,” she said, then waved over her shoulder as she headed out into the parking lot to find her brother.
Seth hugged Joey, then pushed him away. “I can’t believe you got us an invite to Cody’s party!”
Joey gave a half-smile. “Yeah, me neither.”
“This is awesome, Joey. You haven’t hooked up with a girl since seventh grade when Maddy dumped you after two weeks because you wouldn't even hold her hand. Now you’re going to a party with Bree Taylor, the hottest girl in our class and definitely into more than hand holding. I hope you’re ready for this,” Seth said, grinning from ear to ear. “You lucky dog.”
“That’s me, a lucky dog. I got to go, though. Deirdre’s waiting for me,” he said, turning quickly and walking toward the sea of cars.
“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow, man. We’ll talk then,” Seth said, starting to walk home.
Marcus grabbed Joey from behind. “Hey bro. I saw you talking to Bree. Was she asking about me?”
Joey shook his head.
“What’d she want?” Marcus asked.
“To invite me to Cody’s party,” Joey said with a shrug.
“You’re going to Cody’s party with Bree Taylor. Why?” he asked incredulously.
“I have no idea, but I wish it was you instead of me,” Joey said.
“Me too! At least that would make sense. I’m popular, a football player, the only freshman hanging out with the varsity team, and you’re, well, you,” Marcus said. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Joey replied.
They both just shook their heads in confusion and walked the rest of the way to Deirdre’s car in silence.
March 31, 2015
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Deirdre – Age 15
Deirdre stared at her through the doorway. It was cracked open just enough for her to see. She watched as the woman brushed her long blonde tresses, so pale they were almost white. The glow of her violet eyes reflected back in the mirror. She was the most beautiful of all the girls here, and there were many, all unique, all stunning in one way or another. She was the one Deirdre had latched on to though. She followed her everywhere, even when she wasn't supposed to.
The lady was getting ready to go out. With one last look in the mirror, she stood. The flowing white gown she wore hugged her willowy body, swirling around her ankles in the breeze from the window.
Electricity filled the air. Deirdre could feel it flowing over her skin, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. It was time. Deirdre backed away from the door, hiding in the shadows, as the woman made ready to leave, exiting with such grace that Deirdre couldn't help but watch as she glided down the hallway.
Hurrying to catch up, her own white gown twisting around her legs as she darted down the hallway, Deirdre hoped that she would be as elegant as her someday. She hung back a little and stuck to the shadows until they were well away from home, where someone might catch her and force her to stay.
More than anything, Deirdre wanted to watch her tonight, to see her perform in all her glory. She had heard from the other girls that the woman was amazing, but Deirdre was not old enough, not ready, to go out and watch her yet. That wouldn't stop her though. She had a curiosity in her that would not be put off or satisfied with simple answers. It drove her to learn and discover everything she could about the world she lived in. It often got her in trouble too, but tonight, she wouldn't get caught. She would follow her out, see what the other girls were talking about when they thought she wasn't listening, and learn about her own future, what she would become.
Deirdre laid her hand on the tall stone where she had lost track of the lady in white. Something seemed off about the stone and the vibrant green hills rolling in every direction, but before she could think twice about it, she spotted her roaming through the countryside near a stone wall, the long billowy sleeves of her gown floating on the wind as it howled around them. There was something else in the wind, an eerie sound both beautiful and desperate. Deirdre listened, her heart aching, breath caught in her throat. It called to her. She closed her eyes, feeling the sound vibrate within her, until it was gone. She stayed motionless, waiting for the sound to return, until she felt the hands on her shoulders…
Deirdre opened her eyes. She was in bed, the lush green hills growing foggy, getting less vibrant with every second she was awake. She sighed deeply, the dream lost to her completely.
She sat up and looked out the window. The trees looked malevolent in the predawn light. Their branches twisted and empty like the dream had made her feel. She grabbed the diary off the night stand and opened to the first blank page.
Dear Diary,
I dreamed again that I was a little girl following the mysterious blonde woman through the green hills. I was young, three or four maybe. It felt real, intense. I was fascinated by her, and so curious. The sound on the wind, my eyes fill with tears even now just thinking about it. As soon as I wake up the images start to fade, but not the feelings, they are still strong. It starts with a sense of belonging, hope, and curiosity, but it always ends with sadness, longing, and fear. I've had this dream a dozen times and it’s always the same. It must have some meaning, but what? Maybe I just need it to have meaning, to tell me something about who I am or who I was. I can’t remember where I came from. Maybe that’s what it’s trying to tell me. Maybe it’s a clue, a memory. It doesn't matter though, it’s gone, and I’m still here. Here with a family that loves me no matter where I came from. I just need to learn to love myself the same way.
Deirdre closed the diary and looked out the window again. The sun was rising, illuminating the branches on the trees. On a closer look, they weren't empty. Tiny buds had begun to grow, bringing new life to the tree. It no longer looked scary, but beautiful and full of promise. If the trees could blossom again after losing everything, maybe she could too.
The lady was getting ready to go out. With one last look in the mirror, she stood. The flowing white gown she wore hugged her willowy body, swirling around her ankles in the breeze from the window.
Electricity filled the air. Deirdre could feel it flowing over her skin, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. It was time. Deirdre backed away from the door, hiding in the shadows, as the woman made ready to leave, exiting with such grace that Deirdre couldn't help but watch as she glided down the hallway.
Hurrying to catch up, her own white gown twisting around her legs as she darted down the hallway, Deirdre hoped that she would be as elegant as her someday. She hung back a little and stuck to the shadows until they were well away from home, where someone might catch her and force her to stay.
More than anything, Deirdre wanted to watch her tonight, to see her perform in all her glory. She had heard from the other girls that the woman was amazing, but Deirdre was not old enough, not ready, to go out and watch her yet. That wouldn't stop her though. She had a curiosity in her that would not be put off or satisfied with simple answers. It drove her to learn and discover everything she could about the world she lived in. It often got her in trouble too, but tonight, she wouldn't get caught. She would follow her out, see what the other girls were talking about when they thought she wasn't listening, and learn about her own future, what she would become.
Deirdre laid her hand on the tall stone where she had lost track of the lady in white. Something seemed off about the stone and the vibrant green hills rolling in every direction, but before she could think twice about it, she spotted her roaming through the countryside near a stone wall, the long billowy sleeves of her gown floating on the wind as it howled around them. There was something else in the wind, an eerie sound both beautiful and desperate. Deirdre listened, her heart aching, breath caught in her throat. It called to her. She closed her eyes, feeling the sound vibrate within her, until it was gone. She stayed motionless, waiting for the sound to return, until she felt the hands on her shoulders…
Deirdre opened her eyes. She was in bed, the lush green hills growing foggy, getting less vibrant with every second she was awake. She sighed deeply, the dream lost to her completely.
She sat up and looked out the window. The trees looked malevolent in the predawn light. Their branches twisted and empty like the dream had made her feel. She grabbed the diary off the night stand and opened to the first blank page.
Dear Diary,
I dreamed again that I was a little girl following the mysterious blonde woman through the green hills. I was young, three or four maybe. It felt real, intense. I was fascinated by her, and so curious. The sound on the wind, my eyes fill with tears even now just thinking about it. As soon as I wake up the images start to fade, but not the feelings, they are still strong. It starts with a sense of belonging, hope, and curiosity, but it always ends with sadness, longing, and fear. I've had this dream a dozen times and it’s always the same. It must have some meaning, but what? Maybe I just need it to have meaning, to tell me something about who I am or who I was. I can’t remember where I came from. Maybe that’s what it’s trying to tell me. Maybe it’s a clue, a memory. It doesn't matter though, it’s gone, and I’m still here. Here with a family that loves me no matter where I came from. I just need to learn to love myself the same way.
Deirdre closed the diary and looked out the window again. The sun was rising, illuminating the branches on the trees. On a closer look, they weren't empty. Tiny buds had begun to grow, bringing new life to the tree. It no longer looked scary, but beautiful and full of promise. If the trees could blossom again after losing everything, maybe she could too.
February 27, 2015
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Marcus – Age 12
Joey spun backward, bounced off the wall, and nearly knocked over mom’s favorite lamp as the football slammed into his left shoulder, “Hey!” he shouted.
“I thought you’d catch it,” Marcus said with a chuckle.
“Really, Marcus. I’d have to know you were going to throw it. I didn’t even see you there. What are you doing anyhow?” Joey asked.
“Waiting for someone to throw the football around with, I got to get some practice in before the big game this week.” Marcus picked up his football and looked at Joey expectantly.
Joey sat down, flipping open his 3DS. “Oh no, don’t look at me. I hate playing football with you. Ever since we were nine and you started telling me where I could stand, how I had to throw the ball, and how I had to catch it to make it count. You ever notice how many stupid rules there are in football? If you catch the ball, then you caught it. Why do people have to make things so complicated?”
Marcus tossed the ball at Joey again, a little slower this time. “Quit your whining and come practice with me.”
Joey dropped his 3DS as he caught the ball and threw it right back. “Not a chance, go find someone else to rules lawyer.” With that said, he picked up his game and turned his back to Marcus.
Marcus glared at Joey, then turned and left the room. He passed Caylin in the living room and didn’t even stop. He knew she would never play football with him. What if she broke a nail? Marcus kept going toward the office, hoping to find his dad there. The door was cracked open and he could hear his dad’s voice. It was gruff and abrupt, indicating a business deal going south. Now was probably not the best time to ask him to throw the ball around.
Marcus dropped the ball, shoulder’s sagging. It didn’t look like he was going to get anyone to play football with him today.
Deirdre ate her cereal in the kitchen and watched Marcus go from one person to the next. Football was very important to him. His plan since third grade has been to play football through high school, hopefully get a scholarship, play through college, then get drafted in the NFL. He took his first big step toward that goal this summer during practice when he had been chosen to be the starting quarterback for the middle school. He didn’t want to let the team down on their first game, so he’d been throwing the football through the tire hanging in their back yard every day this week. Obviously he didn’t feel like that kind of practice was enough.
Seeing his shoulders sag with the ball at his feet tore at Deirdre’s heart. She couldn’t stand to see anyone in her family hurting. Dropping her bowl in the sink she sauntered down the hallway and scooped up the football. “I wish someone wanted to play catch with me,” she said tossing the ball in the air. “It’s like nobody in this house even likes football, and it’s like the coolest sport ever.”
When Marcus looked up she was rewarded with a big grin. “Nobody likes a smartbutt, sis.”
“They do if that smartbutt is going to play football with them,” she said, tossing him the ball. “Come on, let’s go.”
“I think that red hair makes you sassy,” he said, following her out the door with a smile.
She ran routes for him all morning, practicing all the plays in the playbook they could do with only two players. “Uncle, uncle,” she said catching the ball on a screen play and dropping to the ground. “I’m exhausted,” she panted. “I can’t run anymore.”
“Finally,” he said, laughing and dropping down in the grass next to her. “My arm’s getting a little tired too, and I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” she said dropping the ball in his lap. “Let’s get some lunch. We can watch Invincible with Mark Wahlberg while we eat. Some football for you, some Marky Mark for me, a good time for all.”
Marcus stood up and gave her a hand. “Has anyone ever told you you’re kind of an awesome sister, a little gross maybe, but awesome?”
“Yeah, I get that all the time,” she said, wrapping her arm around him as they walked toward the house.
With the play clock counting down Marcus could hear the fans cheering. Family, friends, faculty, and classmates, all eyes were on him. The bright lights of the score board illuminated Visitors 21, Home 17. A field goal wouldn’t do it, they needed a touchdown to win the game. The ball would have to cross 37 yards to make it, unlikely with a run, but the right pass play might do it in the time they had left.
“Blue 32…blue 32…hut, hut, hut,” Marcus shouted over the crowd noise.
The ball snapped, it was in his hands. He looked down field, backing up as the defensemen closed in on him. Nothing good up the middle. Johnson was to the left, but he didn’t have a clear pass to him. Reed broke free on the right near the 10 yard line. Marcus pulled back and hurled the ball down the field. His eyes tracking the ball, he never saw the defensive end that laid him out, nor did he see what happened with the ball.
Reed saw his chance, juked right, then turned hard in-field shedding his coverage. He knew the second Marcus spotted him, and the ball was in the air. The coverage on Marcus was heavy and the ball left his hand a little high. Reed pushed his legs to go faster. His lungs couldn’t get enough air, the sweat was pouring down his face, but the pace paid off. He reached for the ball, pulling it close to his chest, and kept running toward the goal line. He crossed it untouched. The play clock hit zero, and the crowd went wild. It was an awesome come back to win their first game of the season.
Marcus sat up in time to see Reed cross the goal line. He was on his feet in a flash. “Yeah!” he yelled, fist pumping in the air. The whole team rushed the field, swarming Marcus and Reed, chanting their names. His breath came in short gasps, his head was swimming with the adrenaline pumping. It was the most exhilarating experience Marcus had ever had. Today he was a champion, on the way to achieving his dreams.
The noise died down as the crowd left the stands, the players and their families the only ones left on the field. Marcus could see his family still in the front row of the stands, and headed toward them. His parents looked happy, Caylin and Joey were bantering amiably about something, but Deirdre looked ecstatic. Her eyes were shining, cheeks flushed with excitement, the biggest smile just for him. He could tell she was proud of him.
“Hey, Malone, wait up,” Jason called, jogging over to him.
Marcus was a little slow to respond. Jason Bram was on the varsity team, and the best wide receiver their school district had seen in over a decade. “Hey,” Marcus stammered.
“That was a pretty awesome throw kid. You really did good the whole game. That was a tough team, number 2 in our division last year,” Jason said.
“Thanks.” Marcus couldn’t believe Jason was talking to him right now.
“You got potential. Maybe you could practice with…” Jason broke off mid-sentence, the smile leaving his face. “Wait, Malone? As in Deirdre Malone, the screamer. Is that your sister?”
Marcus looked over at Deirdre, then back to Jason. He was glaring at her. Jason had called her ‘the screamer’. He really seemed to hate her. Marcus had always thought Deirdre’s screaming episodes were a little weird, but it was just part of who she was, most of the time he thought she was really cool. If he admitted that to Jason though he could lose the respect of the varsity team, at least Jason for sure.
Deirdre was his sister, but football has been his dream for years. It didn’t take long for him to choose. “Well, she’s adopted,” Marcus said shrugging. “There’s no telling what you’ll get when you bring in a stray.”
“Ha,” Jason laughed. “Yeah, you guys really got screwed on that deal, didn’t you?”
“What can you do?” Marcus replied, smiling.
“Right, well, I’ll check you out next game. Keep up the good work kid, and maybe we’ll let you practice with us sometime.” Jason patted him on the shoulder and headed back over to his friends.
Marcus rushed over to his family. He was excited about Jason’s offer and what that could mean for his football plans, he couldn’t quite keep the smile on his face though. His family greeted him happily with hugs and congratulations, but the light had gone out of Deirdre’s eyes, her skin so pale against the night. She had heard him, he had hurt her for sure.
‘Was it worth it?’ he wondered.
“I thought you’d catch it,” Marcus said with a chuckle.
“Really, Marcus. I’d have to know you were going to throw it. I didn’t even see you there. What are you doing anyhow?” Joey asked.
“Waiting for someone to throw the football around with, I got to get some practice in before the big game this week.” Marcus picked up his football and looked at Joey expectantly.
Joey sat down, flipping open his 3DS. “Oh no, don’t look at me. I hate playing football with you. Ever since we were nine and you started telling me where I could stand, how I had to throw the ball, and how I had to catch it to make it count. You ever notice how many stupid rules there are in football? If you catch the ball, then you caught it. Why do people have to make things so complicated?”
Marcus tossed the ball at Joey again, a little slower this time. “Quit your whining and come practice with me.”
Joey dropped his 3DS as he caught the ball and threw it right back. “Not a chance, go find someone else to rules lawyer.” With that said, he picked up his game and turned his back to Marcus.
Marcus glared at Joey, then turned and left the room. He passed Caylin in the living room and didn’t even stop. He knew she would never play football with him. What if she broke a nail? Marcus kept going toward the office, hoping to find his dad there. The door was cracked open and he could hear his dad’s voice. It was gruff and abrupt, indicating a business deal going south. Now was probably not the best time to ask him to throw the ball around.
Marcus dropped the ball, shoulder’s sagging. It didn’t look like he was going to get anyone to play football with him today.
Deirdre ate her cereal in the kitchen and watched Marcus go from one person to the next. Football was very important to him. His plan since third grade has been to play football through high school, hopefully get a scholarship, play through college, then get drafted in the NFL. He took his first big step toward that goal this summer during practice when he had been chosen to be the starting quarterback for the middle school. He didn’t want to let the team down on their first game, so he’d been throwing the football through the tire hanging in their back yard every day this week. Obviously he didn’t feel like that kind of practice was enough.
Seeing his shoulders sag with the ball at his feet tore at Deirdre’s heart. She couldn’t stand to see anyone in her family hurting. Dropping her bowl in the sink she sauntered down the hallway and scooped up the football. “I wish someone wanted to play catch with me,” she said tossing the ball in the air. “It’s like nobody in this house even likes football, and it’s like the coolest sport ever.”
When Marcus looked up she was rewarded with a big grin. “Nobody likes a smartbutt, sis.”
“They do if that smartbutt is going to play football with them,” she said, tossing him the ball. “Come on, let’s go.”
“I think that red hair makes you sassy,” he said, following her out the door with a smile.
She ran routes for him all morning, practicing all the plays in the playbook they could do with only two players. “Uncle, uncle,” she said catching the ball on a screen play and dropping to the ground. “I’m exhausted,” she panted. “I can’t run anymore.”
“Finally,” he said, laughing and dropping down in the grass next to her. “My arm’s getting a little tired too, and I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” she said dropping the ball in his lap. “Let’s get some lunch. We can watch Invincible with Mark Wahlberg while we eat. Some football for you, some Marky Mark for me, a good time for all.”
Marcus stood up and gave her a hand. “Has anyone ever told you you’re kind of an awesome sister, a little gross maybe, but awesome?”
“Yeah, I get that all the time,” she said, wrapping her arm around him as they walked toward the house.
With the play clock counting down Marcus could hear the fans cheering. Family, friends, faculty, and classmates, all eyes were on him. The bright lights of the score board illuminated Visitors 21, Home 17. A field goal wouldn’t do it, they needed a touchdown to win the game. The ball would have to cross 37 yards to make it, unlikely with a run, but the right pass play might do it in the time they had left.
“Blue 32…blue 32…hut, hut, hut,” Marcus shouted over the crowd noise.
The ball snapped, it was in his hands. He looked down field, backing up as the defensemen closed in on him. Nothing good up the middle. Johnson was to the left, but he didn’t have a clear pass to him. Reed broke free on the right near the 10 yard line. Marcus pulled back and hurled the ball down the field. His eyes tracking the ball, he never saw the defensive end that laid him out, nor did he see what happened with the ball.
Reed saw his chance, juked right, then turned hard in-field shedding his coverage. He knew the second Marcus spotted him, and the ball was in the air. The coverage on Marcus was heavy and the ball left his hand a little high. Reed pushed his legs to go faster. His lungs couldn’t get enough air, the sweat was pouring down his face, but the pace paid off. He reached for the ball, pulling it close to his chest, and kept running toward the goal line. He crossed it untouched. The play clock hit zero, and the crowd went wild. It was an awesome come back to win their first game of the season.
Marcus sat up in time to see Reed cross the goal line. He was on his feet in a flash. “Yeah!” he yelled, fist pumping in the air. The whole team rushed the field, swarming Marcus and Reed, chanting their names. His breath came in short gasps, his head was swimming with the adrenaline pumping. It was the most exhilarating experience Marcus had ever had. Today he was a champion, on the way to achieving his dreams.
The noise died down as the crowd left the stands, the players and their families the only ones left on the field. Marcus could see his family still in the front row of the stands, and headed toward them. His parents looked happy, Caylin and Joey were bantering amiably about something, but Deirdre looked ecstatic. Her eyes were shining, cheeks flushed with excitement, the biggest smile just for him. He could tell she was proud of him.
“Hey, Malone, wait up,” Jason called, jogging over to him.
Marcus was a little slow to respond. Jason Bram was on the varsity team, and the best wide receiver their school district had seen in over a decade. “Hey,” Marcus stammered.
“That was a pretty awesome throw kid. You really did good the whole game. That was a tough team, number 2 in our division last year,” Jason said.
“Thanks.” Marcus couldn’t believe Jason was talking to him right now.
“You got potential. Maybe you could practice with…” Jason broke off mid-sentence, the smile leaving his face. “Wait, Malone? As in Deirdre Malone, the screamer. Is that your sister?”
Marcus looked over at Deirdre, then back to Jason. He was glaring at her. Jason had called her ‘the screamer’. He really seemed to hate her. Marcus had always thought Deirdre’s screaming episodes were a little weird, but it was just part of who she was, most of the time he thought she was really cool. If he admitted that to Jason though he could lose the respect of the varsity team, at least Jason for sure.
Deirdre was his sister, but football has been his dream for years. It didn’t take long for him to choose. “Well, she’s adopted,” Marcus said shrugging. “There’s no telling what you’ll get when you bring in a stray.”
“Ha,” Jason laughed. “Yeah, you guys really got screwed on that deal, didn’t you?”
“What can you do?” Marcus replied, smiling.
“Right, well, I’ll check you out next game. Keep up the good work kid, and maybe we’ll let you practice with us sometime.” Jason patted him on the shoulder and headed back over to his friends.
Marcus rushed over to his family. He was excited about Jason’s offer and what that could mean for his football plans, he couldn’t quite keep the smile on his face though. His family greeted him happily with hugs and congratulations, but the light had gone out of Deirdre’s eyes, her skin so pale against the night. She had heard him, he had hurt her for sure.
‘Was it worth it?’ he wondered.
January 30, 2015
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Deirdre – Age 11
Deirdre picked up the glitter and sprinkled it across the invitation she was making. The morning rays of the sun made the glitter sparkle like a shattered rainbow.
“Look Mom, I’m done.” She held up the card for Karen to see.
“Ooo, that is fancy! How many did you make?” Karen asked.
“Five. There is one for Sadie, Abby, Sara, Maddie, and my bestest friend Rae.” Deirdre held up each card, showing her mom the different designs.
“Oh my, this is going to be quite the party with all of those girls here. I don’t know if I can handle it,” Karen said with mock distress.
“Quit teasing me. You said they could all spend the night right? It’ll be my first slumber party. I’m so excited!”
“I know you are, sweetie. It’ll be a lot of fun, I’m sure.” Karen hugged her, then handed Deirdre her backpack. “Now scoot. You don’t want to be late for the bus and miss your chance to hand out these awesome invitations.”
Deirdre carefully put the cards in her backpack and waved to her mom as she headed out the door. She couldn’t stand still at the bus stop, checking her watch every other minute, she circled the other kids at the stop. She knew she would see Abby and Maddie on the bus, and Sadie and Sara first thing when she got to school because they had lockers by hers, but she wouldn’t see Rae until lunch. They didn’t have any classes together this year. She just couldn’t wait to give them their invitations. Thinking about all the things they needed to talk about to make this the best slumber party ever, Deirdre let out a little squeal. All the kids at the stop looked at her funny, and her cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment. Thankfully, the bus pulled up and distracted them all from her exuberance.
Deirdre got on the bus with the other kids, taking her usual seat with Abby and Maddie, she set her backpack on her lap.
“Hey, how was your weekend, anything fun?” Maddie asked.
“Not too much this weekend, but I have some plans for next weekend,” Deirdre smiled and handed them their invitations.
Abby closed her latest mystery book and examined the card. “A slumber party. That sounds fun. Maybe we could set up a ‘who dun it’ mystery?”
“Really Abby! Maybe we could do something that Deirdre would like for her birthday party,” Maddie retorted, shaking her head.
“I’m not sure what we’ll do yet. I was going to wait till we are all together at lunch with Rae to talk about the party, but maybe a mystery would be fun, or all night movies and pizza.” Deirdre added.
The girls giggled and discussed all of the possibilities for the party. The morning was going just like Deirdre had imagined. She could barely contain her excitement. It kept escaping in little giggles and bouts of clapping. By the time she made it to Sadie and Sara at their lockers, she was bouncing up and down with joy.
“What’s got you so happy?” Sadie asked.
“Yeah, you look like you’re going to burst, and confetti will shoot out of your head,” Sara noted dryly.
“Me and Maddie and Abby spent the bus ride making plans for this weekend. It’s going to be awesome!” she squealed, handing the girls their invitations.
Sadie read her card, then grabbed Deirdre and Sara in a big hug, while jumping up and down, “Slumber party!”
“Sounds great, but get off me,” Sara ripped herself out of Sadie’s grip and straightened out her shirt.
“You’re such a butt,” Sadie said, sticking out her tongue at Sara.
“I know you are, but what am I,” Sara replied, winking.
The morning bell rang, signaling it was time to get to class. The girls headed to homeroom together, Sadie and Deirdre holding hands and skipping down the hallway with Sara following behind hoping no one noticed her weird friends.
Deirdre watched the clock in Math, counting every minute that ticked closer to lunch time. Just two more minutes and the lunch bell would ring, then she could find Rae and give her the invitation.
Deirdre and Rae had been best friends since Kindergarten, when the Malone’s had adopted her. They hadn’t been so close this school year since they only got to see each other at lunch, and Rae was making a lot of new friends in her classes without Deirdre. Everything was going to change at the slumber party though. They were going to have so much fun and Rae was going to remember that they have been best friends for years, not having classes together can’t change that.
One more minute, fifty-nine, fifty-eight, fifty-seven…the lunch bell chimed and all the kids grabbed their books and headed for the door with the teacher in mid-sentence. Deirdre was the first one out the door. She was in a rush to see Rae in the lunch room, but she had drunk all that orange juice at breakfast and she really had to go, so she made a quick detour to the girl’s room. She had barely latched the stall when she heard some girls enter the room. It was Rae, she would know her voice anywhere, and she was with Abby, Maddie, Sara and Sadie. She must have come in to fix her make-up. Rae was one of the few girls in sixth grade whose mom bought her make-up to wear to school. Deirdre grabbed Rae’s invite out of her pocket. She was just about to open the stall door when she heard her name, and stopped.
“Rae, have you seen Deirdre yet?” Maddie asked.
“No, why?” Rae asked, touching up her mascara.
“She’s having a slumber party this weekend. She gave us all invitations this morning. She’s probably going to give you yours at lunch,” Sadie added.
“Like I would go to that screamer’s party,” Rae said, rolling her eyes.
“I’m not real friendly with anyone, but that’s kinda cold, Rae. I thought you two were best friends,” Sara said.
“We haven’t really been friends all year. Anyhow, don’t you hear what the other kids are saying about her? She’s a freak,” Rae turned around to look at the other girls seriously. “Jason Bram said he saw her screaming outside his neighbor’s house last month. The police had to come pick her up, she just wouldn’t stop screaming. It was the creepiest sound he’d ever heard, like someone had died or something. And the freakiest part is that it scared his neighbor so bad he had a heart attack and died the next day.”
“Jason Bram will say anything to get your attention. He’s had a crush on you all year,” Abby said.
“He’s not the only one. Cara Thompson said the same thing about a lady that lived up the road from her. Deirdre’s father picked her up from that place. She was sitting in the yard screaming at the front door.” Rae flipped her hair over her shoulder. “You all can do what you want, but I’m not spending any more time with the screamer.”
“That’s kinda creepy,” Sadie said, looking down at her shoes.
“Yeah, my mom probably wouldn’t want me staying at her house if she’s going to run off screaming into the night,” Sara added with a shrug.
Abby looked at the other girls, confusion shining in her eyes. She simply said, “Yeah.”
“Let’s go. We can eat outside and hopefully avoid seeing her at all,” Rae said heading for the door.
The girls followed her out. Deirdre stood there in the stall staring at the card she had made for Rae. The words ‘Best Friend’ seemed to mock her with their bright colors. The glitter shined brightly through her unshed tears. She let the card fall to the floor, stepping on it as she ran out of the bathroom and straight to the office. She wasn’t feeling so well, and wanted to go home.
Twenty minutes later, she was on her way home with her mom. Karen tried to talk to Deirdre, but all she got was, “I’m just feeling sick and need to lay down.” As soon as they got home, Deirdre rushed out of the car and up to her room. She sat quietly in her bed, staring at the wall, letting the heartache wash over her again and again. Eventually, she picked up her diary.
Dear Diary,
I tried to pretend it wasn’t happening, that I was a normal girl. I thought nobody noticed when I screamed, or maybe every kid screamed like that. Maybe it was part of growing up. I guess not. I should have known. Caylin, Marcus, and Joey never scream, at least not like that. What’s wrong with me? Something is wrong, I know it, and now I’ve lost my best friend, maybe all my friends. Who wants to be friends with a freak! So much for a happy birthday. What am I going to tell my mom? Am I going to have to tell her that I’m a freak and that’s why no one wants to come to my party, or does she already know? Maybe she’s going to want to give me back too now. Then I would be all alone, with nothing to hear, but the screams.
“Look Mom, I’m done.” She held up the card for Karen to see.
“Ooo, that is fancy! How many did you make?” Karen asked.
“Five. There is one for Sadie, Abby, Sara, Maddie, and my bestest friend Rae.” Deirdre held up each card, showing her mom the different designs.
“Oh my, this is going to be quite the party with all of those girls here. I don’t know if I can handle it,” Karen said with mock distress.
“Quit teasing me. You said they could all spend the night right? It’ll be my first slumber party. I’m so excited!”
“I know you are, sweetie. It’ll be a lot of fun, I’m sure.” Karen hugged her, then handed Deirdre her backpack. “Now scoot. You don’t want to be late for the bus and miss your chance to hand out these awesome invitations.”
Deirdre carefully put the cards in her backpack and waved to her mom as she headed out the door. She couldn’t stand still at the bus stop, checking her watch every other minute, she circled the other kids at the stop. She knew she would see Abby and Maddie on the bus, and Sadie and Sara first thing when she got to school because they had lockers by hers, but she wouldn’t see Rae until lunch. They didn’t have any classes together this year. She just couldn’t wait to give them their invitations. Thinking about all the things they needed to talk about to make this the best slumber party ever, Deirdre let out a little squeal. All the kids at the stop looked at her funny, and her cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment. Thankfully, the bus pulled up and distracted them all from her exuberance.
Deirdre got on the bus with the other kids, taking her usual seat with Abby and Maddie, she set her backpack on her lap.
“Hey, how was your weekend, anything fun?” Maddie asked.
“Not too much this weekend, but I have some plans for next weekend,” Deirdre smiled and handed them their invitations.
Abby closed her latest mystery book and examined the card. “A slumber party. That sounds fun. Maybe we could set up a ‘who dun it’ mystery?”
“Really Abby! Maybe we could do something that Deirdre would like for her birthday party,” Maddie retorted, shaking her head.
“I’m not sure what we’ll do yet. I was going to wait till we are all together at lunch with Rae to talk about the party, but maybe a mystery would be fun, or all night movies and pizza.” Deirdre added.
The girls giggled and discussed all of the possibilities for the party. The morning was going just like Deirdre had imagined. She could barely contain her excitement. It kept escaping in little giggles and bouts of clapping. By the time she made it to Sadie and Sara at their lockers, she was bouncing up and down with joy.
“What’s got you so happy?” Sadie asked.
“Yeah, you look like you’re going to burst, and confetti will shoot out of your head,” Sara noted dryly.
“Me and Maddie and Abby spent the bus ride making plans for this weekend. It’s going to be awesome!” she squealed, handing the girls their invitations.
Sadie read her card, then grabbed Deirdre and Sara in a big hug, while jumping up and down, “Slumber party!”
“Sounds great, but get off me,” Sara ripped herself out of Sadie’s grip and straightened out her shirt.
“You’re such a butt,” Sadie said, sticking out her tongue at Sara.
“I know you are, but what am I,” Sara replied, winking.
The morning bell rang, signaling it was time to get to class. The girls headed to homeroom together, Sadie and Deirdre holding hands and skipping down the hallway with Sara following behind hoping no one noticed her weird friends.
Deirdre watched the clock in Math, counting every minute that ticked closer to lunch time. Just two more minutes and the lunch bell would ring, then she could find Rae and give her the invitation.
Deirdre and Rae had been best friends since Kindergarten, when the Malone’s had adopted her. They hadn’t been so close this school year since they only got to see each other at lunch, and Rae was making a lot of new friends in her classes without Deirdre. Everything was going to change at the slumber party though. They were going to have so much fun and Rae was going to remember that they have been best friends for years, not having classes together can’t change that.
One more minute, fifty-nine, fifty-eight, fifty-seven…the lunch bell chimed and all the kids grabbed their books and headed for the door with the teacher in mid-sentence. Deirdre was the first one out the door. She was in a rush to see Rae in the lunch room, but she had drunk all that orange juice at breakfast and she really had to go, so she made a quick detour to the girl’s room. She had barely latched the stall when she heard some girls enter the room. It was Rae, she would know her voice anywhere, and she was with Abby, Maddie, Sara and Sadie. She must have come in to fix her make-up. Rae was one of the few girls in sixth grade whose mom bought her make-up to wear to school. Deirdre grabbed Rae’s invite out of her pocket. She was just about to open the stall door when she heard her name, and stopped.
“Rae, have you seen Deirdre yet?” Maddie asked.
“No, why?” Rae asked, touching up her mascara.
“She’s having a slumber party this weekend. She gave us all invitations this morning. She’s probably going to give you yours at lunch,” Sadie added.
“Like I would go to that screamer’s party,” Rae said, rolling her eyes.
“I’m not real friendly with anyone, but that’s kinda cold, Rae. I thought you two were best friends,” Sara said.
“We haven’t really been friends all year. Anyhow, don’t you hear what the other kids are saying about her? She’s a freak,” Rae turned around to look at the other girls seriously. “Jason Bram said he saw her screaming outside his neighbor’s house last month. The police had to come pick her up, she just wouldn’t stop screaming. It was the creepiest sound he’d ever heard, like someone had died or something. And the freakiest part is that it scared his neighbor so bad he had a heart attack and died the next day.”
“Jason Bram will say anything to get your attention. He’s had a crush on you all year,” Abby said.
“He’s not the only one. Cara Thompson said the same thing about a lady that lived up the road from her. Deirdre’s father picked her up from that place. She was sitting in the yard screaming at the front door.” Rae flipped her hair over her shoulder. “You all can do what you want, but I’m not spending any more time with the screamer.”
“That’s kinda creepy,” Sadie said, looking down at her shoes.
“Yeah, my mom probably wouldn’t want me staying at her house if she’s going to run off screaming into the night,” Sara added with a shrug.
Abby looked at the other girls, confusion shining in her eyes. She simply said, “Yeah.”
“Let’s go. We can eat outside and hopefully avoid seeing her at all,” Rae said heading for the door.
The girls followed her out. Deirdre stood there in the stall staring at the card she had made for Rae. The words ‘Best Friend’ seemed to mock her with their bright colors. The glitter shined brightly through her unshed tears. She let the card fall to the floor, stepping on it as she ran out of the bathroom and straight to the office. She wasn’t feeling so well, and wanted to go home.
Twenty minutes later, she was on her way home with her mom. Karen tried to talk to Deirdre, but all she got was, “I’m just feeling sick and need to lay down.” As soon as they got home, Deirdre rushed out of the car and up to her room. She sat quietly in her bed, staring at the wall, letting the heartache wash over her again and again. Eventually, she picked up her diary.
Dear Diary,
I tried to pretend it wasn’t happening, that I was a normal girl. I thought nobody noticed when I screamed, or maybe every kid screamed like that. Maybe it was part of growing up. I guess not. I should have known. Caylin, Marcus, and Joey never scream, at least not like that. What’s wrong with me? Something is wrong, I know it, and now I’ve lost my best friend, maybe all my friends. Who wants to be friends with a freak! So much for a happy birthday. What am I going to tell my mom? Am I going to have to tell her that I’m a freak and that’s why no one wants to come to my party, or does she already know? Maybe she’s going to want to give me back too now. Then I would be all alone, with nothing to hear, but the screams.
December 30, 2014
Short Story for, A Girl Apart: Deirdre – Age 5
Karen tried to take a deep, calming breath. Her hands were shaking, and her head was spinning: probably due to a lack of oxygen since she couldn't seem to breathe. She sat down, then stood up again for the fifth time in the past fifteen minutes. These have been the longest fifteen minutes of her life. She hadn't even been this nervous when she gave birth to her own children. Of course, she’d had nine months to get used to the idea of her babies becoming a part of her family. Even the twins were less overwhelming than this.
Karen hoped she was making the right decision for her family, but how could a person truly know if it was right or wrong. The only thing that she knew for sure was that when she looked into those big emerald eyes, she didn't feel like she had a choice. There was something about the little red-headed girl that drew Karen to her, a bond already there, so strong she couldn't walk away from it.
Karen had checked in on the little girl many times over the past several months. It had taken weeks to convince her husband that this was the right thing to do, and then a couple months for all the paperwork and background checks to process, but today was the day. Any moment, that door would open and the girl would be hers. Just like that, she would have another daughter. One who could already walk and talk, at least Karen thought she could talk. No one had actually heard her say a word since she was found screaming on the side of the road several months ago.
She remembered the day the police brought the little girl into her office at the Department of Human Services. Her deep red hair fell in tangled waves to her waist. Her big green eyes taking everything in as she looked around. She didn’t seem scared- just quiet- as the officer explained where and how they found her. They had searched for her family and put her picture on the news, but no one came to claim her. She wouldn’t speak and she had nothing to identify her except a silver bracelet that said “Deirdre”.
Karen had seen dozens of children brought to her office in the ten years she had been a social worker. She cared about all of them, but none of them had ever struck her the way Deirdre had. Karen had stared at the little girl, drawn to her. She reached out to smooth the girl’s hair and two tiny arms wrapped around her waist. The funny thing was that it was the little girl who was giving comfort to Karen, and not the other way around.
Karen snapped back to the present as the door opened, her breath coming even faster. Was she ready for this?
Deirdre saw her standing in the room. Karen’s warm, brown eyes looked both happy and worried. The girl smiled shyly and walked up to Karen, putting her arms out for a hug. She held her as tightly as her tiny arms could. As they stood there, Deirdre could feel Karen relax, could hear her breathing slow down.
Karen pulled back a little, a feeling of peace spreading through her. “Are you ready to come home with me, Deirdre?” she asked.
The small girl nodded.
“Do you remember who will be there? They came here to meet you once. Henry will be your new daddy, your sister Caylin is eight, and your brothers Marcus and Joey are two,” Karen reminded her.
Deirdre nodded again.
“We are all very happy that you are becoming a part of our family today, sweetie,” Karen said.
Deirdre slid her hand into Karen’s and smiled up at her.
“Yeah, let’s go,” she said, picking up Deirdre’s bag as they left the room together.
Henry gave up. He had done his best to make the house and kids presentable. He had cleaned up all the breakfast dishes, picked up the toys, and got the kids dressed with their teeth brushed and faces washed. His wife, Karen, would be home any minute with their new daughter. Despite his best efforts, there was nothing presentable about this household. Barbie dolls and building blocks were strewn across the living room floor. Caylin had gotten into Karen’s makeup, so she could look “prezenible” to her new sister, Marcus had spilled grape juice down his new shirt, and Joey had cheerios stuck in his hair.
Henry heard the car pull in the driveway. ‘Trial by fire,’ he thought. She was going to have to see the family in their natural environment at some point. It might as well be now.
Joey was crying, blocks spread out around him, Marcus was driving around a suspicious looking truck with two blocks in the bed, and Caylin was skipping in circles around the couch singing her favorite song. Henry went to the door to greet his wife and Deirdre. He ran his hand through his hair and smiled sheepishly as they came in.
Karen looked around the house, taking in the chaos that was her family, and the smile froze on her face. She looked at Henry panicked, unsure of how Deirdre would handle the scene before them. It was a lot for a little girl to take in.
Deirdre stepped into her new home. She saw the big man with black hair- a hint of white at his temples- smiling down at her. She returned his smile as she passed him on her way to the living room. She sat down next to Joey and started to rebuild his tower, offering him a block to help out. Joey took the block in one hand while wiping his tears away with the back of his other hand; then, he scooped up more blocks so he could build his tower even higher than before.
Now that Joey was happy, Deirdre found another truck and began to drive it around Marcus. He looked at her for a moment, as if he was trying to decide whether or not he liked this new red-headed girl. Apparently he did, because his truck joined hers in a race around the coffee table. She let him win and he giggled with delight. “Again, again,” he squealed.
Caylin had stopped skipping and singing to watch this new little girl with her baby brothers. They were a handful and often times wore her out. They cried and drooled way too much, but this girl didn’t seem to mind. Maybe it would be nice to have someone to help out with the boys. She would be able to play with her own toys more if there was another kid to play with her brothers sometimes. ‘Yep, it would be good to have a sister,’ she thought.
Deirdre could feel Caylin watching her. She stopped racing the truck and looked up at Caylin’s brightly painted face. When Caylin smiled at her, she stood up and smiled back, her green eyes twinkling amiably. Deirdre held out her hand and they began to skip around the couch together while Caylin did all the singing.
Karen and Henry watched Deirdre as she spent time with each of their children. Her hand sought his as they both smiled at their new family. Karen looked up at Henry, her eyes damp with unshed tears. “We did the right thing, didn’t we?” she asked.
Henry nodded. “I think so.” He pulled her into a tight embrace. “Let’s go join our kids,” he whispered into her ear.
Karen picked up Joey, Henry lifted Marcus, and they all skipped around the living room singing and giggling till they could skip no more. The family collapsed in a heap of squirming arms and legs, happiness radiated throughout the room.
Deirdre laid her head on Karen’s chest. “Am I home now?” she asked in a melodic little voice.
Karen held her close, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks at the beauty of her words, “Yes, baby, this is your home now.”
Karen hoped she was making the right decision for her family, but how could a person truly know if it was right or wrong. The only thing that she knew for sure was that when she looked into those big emerald eyes, she didn't feel like she had a choice. There was something about the little red-headed girl that drew Karen to her, a bond already there, so strong she couldn't walk away from it.
Karen had checked in on the little girl many times over the past several months. It had taken weeks to convince her husband that this was the right thing to do, and then a couple months for all the paperwork and background checks to process, but today was the day. Any moment, that door would open and the girl would be hers. Just like that, she would have another daughter. One who could already walk and talk, at least Karen thought she could talk. No one had actually heard her say a word since she was found screaming on the side of the road several months ago.
She remembered the day the police brought the little girl into her office at the Department of Human Services. Her deep red hair fell in tangled waves to her waist. Her big green eyes taking everything in as she looked around. She didn’t seem scared- just quiet- as the officer explained where and how they found her. They had searched for her family and put her picture on the news, but no one came to claim her. She wouldn’t speak and she had nothing to identify her except a silver bracelet that said “Deirdre”.
Karen had seen dozens of children brought to her office in the ten years she had been a social worker. She cared about all of them, but none of them had ever struck her the way Deirdre had. Karen had stared at the little girl, drawn to her. She reached out to smooth the girl’s hair and two tiny arms wrapped around her waist. The funny thing was that it was the little girl who was giving comfort to Karen, and not the other way around.
Karen snapped back to the present as the door opened, her breath coming even faster. Was she ready for this?
Deirdre saw her standing in the room. Karen’s warm, brown eyes looked both happy and worried. The girl smiled shyly and walked up to Karen, putting her arms out for a hug. She held her as tightly as her tiny arms could. As they stood there, Deirdre could feel Karen relax, could hear her breathing slow down.
Karen pulled back a little, a feeling of peace spreading through her. “Are you ready to come home with me, Deirdre?” she asked.
The small girl nodded.
“Do you remember who will be there? They came here to meet you once. Henry will be your new daddy, your sister Caylin is eight, and your brothers Marcus and Joey are two,” Karen reminded her.
Deirdre nodded again.
“We are all very happy that you are becoming a part of our family today, sweetie,” Karen said.
Deirdre slid her hand into Karen’s and smiled up at her.
“Yeah, let’s go,” she said, picking up Deirdre’s bag as they left the room together.
Henry gave up. He had done his best to make the house and kids presentable. He had cleaned up all the breakfast dishes, picked up the toys, and got the kids dressed with their teeth brushed and faces washed. His wife, Karen, would be home any minute with their new daughter. Despite his best efforts, there was nothing presentable about this household. Barbie dolls and building blocks were strewn across the living room floor. Caylin had gotten into Karen’s makeup, so she could look “prezenible” to her new sister, Marcus had spilled grape juice down his new shirt, and Joey had cheerios stuck in his hair.
Henry heard the car pull in the driveway. ‘Trial by fire,’ he thought. She was going to have to see the family in their natural environment at some point. It might as well be now.
Joey was crying, blocks spread out around him, Marcus was driving around a suspicious looking truck with two blocks in the bed, and Caylin was skipping in circles around the couch singing her favorite song. Henry went to the door to greet his wife and Deirdre. He ran his hand through his hair and smiled sheepishly as they came in.
Karen looked around the house, taking in the chaos that was her family, and the smile froze on her face. She looked at Henry panicked, unsure of how Deirdre would handle the scene before them. It was a lot for a little girl to take in.
Deirdre stepped into her new home. She saw the big man with black hair- a hint of white at his temples- smiling down at her. She returned his smile as she passed him on her way to the living room. She sat down next to Joey and started to rebuild his tower, offering him a block to help out. Joey took the block in one hand while wiping his tears away with the back of his other hand; then, he scooped up more blocks so he could build his tower even higher than before.
Now that Joey was happy, Deirdre found another truck and began to drive it around Marcus. He looked at her for a moment, as if he was trying to decide whether or not he liked this new red-headed girl. Apparently he did, because his truck joined hers in a race around the coffee table. She let him win and he giggled with delight. “Again, again,” he squealed.
Caylin had stopped skipping and singing to watch this new little girl with her baby brothers. They were a handful and often times wore her out. They cried and drooled way too much, but this girl didn’t seem to mind. Maybe it would be nice to have someone to help out with the boys. She would be able to play with her own toys more if there was another kid to play with her brothers sometimes. ‘Yep, it would be good to have a sister,’ she thought.
Deirdre could feel Caylin watching her. She stopped racing the truck and looked up at Caylin’s brightly painted face. When Caylin smiled at her, she stood up and smiled back, her green eyes twinkling amiably. Deirdre held out her hand and they began to skip around the couch together while Caylin did all the singing.
Karen and Henry watched Deirdre as she spent time with each of their children. Her hand sought his as they both smiled at their new family. Karen looked up at Henry, her eyes damp with unshed tears. “We did the right thing, didn’t we?” she asked.
Henry nodded. “I think so.” He pulled her into a tight embrace. “Let’s go join our kids,” he whispered into her ear.
Karen picked up Joey, Henry lifted Marcus, and they all skipped around the living room singing and giggling till they could skip no more. The family collapsed in a heap of squirming arms and legs, happiness radiated throughout the room.
Deirdre laid her head on Karen’s chest. “Am I home now?” she asked in a melodic little voice.
Karen held her close, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks at the beauty of her words, “Yes, baby, this is your home now.”
