by Lee Magnus
“What’s eating at you?”
“What? Oh. Nothing.”
“Spit it out, dude. I know when something’s bothering you.”
Marcus looked at his friend with a confused smile. He walked a couple more steps before saying as he stared ahead, “We’ve been friends for a long time, right?”
“Yeah. Ever since that day with Malik Thorngood in second grade. Why?” he replied concernedly while looking a Marcus.
“Oh my god! I haven’t thought about him in years!” he said quickly turning to face Trey. “You flicked a big nasty slimy-green booger on his face in front of everybody. What was it that they called him?”
“Boogerface,” Trey said turning his head down.
“Yeah! Boogerface! HaHa! That’s it!” He slapped his knee and slightly calmed. We weren’t very creative back then, huh? I don’t think he’ll ever live that one down. I swear, Kid, that was the funniest thing I think I’ve ever seen!” he said laughing like someone was tickling his ribs.
“I still feel bad about it,” Trey said solemnly.
“Of course you do.” Marcus said as he patted Trey on the back. “Don’t sweat it. What were we seven back then? Besides, you really helped me out. He was being a big jerk to me, and you stepped up.”
“Yeah, I really stepped up. In all my infinite wisdom, the only thing I could think of to do was pull a nasty boog out of my nose and flick it at him.” His face cringed as he made a violent flicking action with his thumb and forefinger.
They walked a few steps regarding the moment when Trey said nonchalantly, “But I guess you’re right, he did deserve it.”
They looked at each other and busted out laughing.
When the laughter subsided, Marcus put his hands in his pockets and wore a more serious expression then said, “I don’t think my parents are getting along. They’ve been fighting a lot lately. I heard them say something about divorce. I’m kinda scared about that possibility and I thought…you know…”
Trey regarded Marcus, “What? That, I might be able to help because my parents are divorced?”
Marcus returned an I’m sorry I mentioned it expression.
“I can’t help your parents, Marcus.” He looked at the cracked sidewalk as they continued to walk.
“No. That’s not what I mean. What’s it like?”
“You mean what’s it like to have divorced parents?” he replied with an expression like he caught a whiff of something smelly.
“Yeah. I guess. Maybe, what was it like when they got divorced?”
“Oh. I don’t really remember,” he said returning his gaze to the concrete path. “It’s been a few years and I’ve barely heard from my dad since. I remember mom crying a lot, though. She seemed to be really scared and jumpy the year before Dad left. She always made up some lame excuse, but I knew it had something to do with him. I thought for a long time that it was my fault.”
“There’s no way it was your fault. That happened what three or four years ago?”
“It could have been my fault. I never did any of the stuff he wanted me to do. He always wanted me to play baseball – said he didn’t understand soccer.”
“Stop telling yourself that crap. It’s not true.”
“No really. I was difficult back then. I got bad grades and fought a lot with him. We hardly ever saw eye to eye. He was always trying to teach me something. It got really annoying. All he would do is say the same stuff over and over.”
“You got bad grades?” Marcus said unbelievingly.
Trey pulled his shoulders closer and said, “Yeah. I was a terrible student. I wouldn’t do any of my homework. I’m surprised I didn’t get held back in 5th grade.”
“But you won the science fair in fourth grade. You’re the smartest person I know.”
“I’ve always liked science. That has nothing to do with school. It was the only thing Dad and I had in common.”
“That doesn’t sound like you at all. How come I didn’t know about your grades?”
“Like I would tell anyone any of that.”
“I get it. I probably wouldn’t have told you either. I’m sorry to ask.”
“Don’t be. I’m okay now with grades.”
“No. I’m sorry I asked about your parents. I mean, your dad leaving and all must have been hard.”
Trey typically dealt with sadness with anger and it showed in his face as it reddened, and his voice became harsh. “It was. I don’t know why he left me and mom. I hate him for that, and I hate him for putting Mom through all the misery.” Trey closed his eyes took a deep breath. He then looked into the sky, wiped a hint of wetness from his cheek and calmed down a little before continuing, “I’m doing much better now. Mom and I get along great. She gives me lots of freedom…probably too much, but I know being a single mom is hard. I’m sorry I’m not much help. Your dad is pretty cool. I’m sure he’ll stick around.”
“Yeah, I hope so. I didn’t know any of that. Why didn’t you ever tell me before?”
“I don’t know. We were so much younger then and it just didn’t come up before now.”
“How about not being so closed up about this type of stuff in the future, okay?” Marcus said softly.
“Sure, but only if you do the same,” Trey replied with a genuine smile.
“I’m cool with that, Kid. I’m not hiding anything,” Marcus smirked then said as he unexpectedly stopped Trey on the corner facing the school, “Crap. Look. There’s Donald and his imbecile friends at the front steps. Let’s go around.”
They were vigilantly walking with their heads down when they heard, “Hey, Flay Dumberts!” Donald clumsily jumped over the railing from the third step nearly falling down upon an awkward landing.
Recovering quickly, he said, “Had any great trips lately?” He slapped Bobby’s bony back as he sniffed a goofy snigger. Bobby and Carl released grimacing laughs in response to Donald’s prompting.
“Yeah, uh, Flay. Had any good falls lately?” Carl said idiotically.
“Shut up, Stupid!” Donald snouted at Carl.
Marcus spouted in response, “That’s a good one, Donald. You come up with that all by yourself or did you learn it in your second year in sixth grade?
Trey’s surprise in Marcus’ retort was plastered to his face. Marcus is not athletic nor was he typically brave. He’s just a skinny kid with a loose mouth that often times gets him into trouble – just like it did today.
“You better watch your mouth, Nerd, or you’ll be eating my fist!” Donald spat as he slammed his fist into his other open hand.
Marcus couldn’t help himself. He responded in the voice of a cliché ivy school professor, “But my chubby little friend, your tiny brain couldn’t possibly perceive the complex nature of the phrases of which I speak. It must sound like utter gibberish considering your meager intellect and slavish nature.”
Dumbfounded, Trey couldn’t suppress a reflexive snort at the comment.
Donald’s face became so red cars would have stopped at the sight. He was a bull wearing jeans and a black polo a size too small. His beady eyes pierced the space between he and Marcus.
“Hey, uh,” Trey said to Marcus in a soft voice as he nudged his friend’s shoulder. “I think we should run now.”
Donald’s thick but not obese frame rapidly closed on them. Trey and Marcus darted toward the east side of the building.
With Donald’s thundering roar behind them, they hurdled the fence to the playground. Marcus’ shirt snagged and nearly toppled him to the grass slowing them down enough for Donald’s band to gain significant ground.
“They’re too fast! How are they catching us?” Marcus cried.
“They don’t have any books!” Trey responded as he glanced behind.
“Of course, they don’t have books! Why would they have a bag full of books in middle school? We must be the dumb ones!” Marcus shouted sarcastically.
They rustled through swing sets hoping to aid their evasion then crossed the basketball cour
t.
Trey heard huffing and a hint of wheezing from close behind. Carl and Bobby trailed off, but Donald was on their heels.
They dashed through the door of the east wing then skidded to a halt in front of a tall, lanky Principal Papperton. Donald nearly smashed into them as he recklessly propelled through the double doors. His face twisted into a confused red orb upon recognition of the change in events.
“Out for a run before school, boys?” Principal Papperton inquisitively questioned the winded boys as he peered down upon them.
“Run?” Trey asked panting.
“Yeah! Run! You know how we like our exercise…and Trey, you know, has that big game this weekend. Just trying to make sure he’s ready,” Marcus said between heaving breaths with an unconvincing smile.
Donald said nothing during the encounter. He slumped in a huffing mass as the adrenaline left his veins.
“Right,” Principal Papperton said not believing the unlikely ruse. “This door is to only be used during school hours. You must enter through the front.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Trey.
“Yes, Sir,” said Marcus. “We won’t forget again.”
“You three get to class,” he said regarding them sternly before exiting the building.
Donald regained his breath then turned to Marcus. He violently shoved him into the wall and said, “Your mouth has earned you an appointment with the pain teacher.” He instantly let go of him looking to ensure Mrs. Crabtree didn’t see his aggression as she entered the hallway. He turned to Trey and said with an evil sneer, “I’ll see you in history!”
Donald strutted off as if he’d been crowned biggest jerk at Lownes Middle School.
Trey and Marcus shared a wide-eyed, raised-eyebrowed look confirming their shared feelings on the experience.
“Dude!” Trey said to Marcus in a serious but thankful voice. “You nearly got us into a fight at school.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Why’d you say that? You knew he’d get angry.”
“I don’t know. It sort of just came out. You know I don’t have full control over my mouth,” he said in a mischievous grin.
“You’re gonna have to figure that one out before it gets us into big trouble.”
“Working on it. Gotta run,” he said turning away from Trey. “I have to take a leak before history!’
“Later, Marcus,” Trey replied distantly as he watched his friend dart through two girls who seemed to be caught off guard. Marcus turned and gave them a playful smile as he continued backwards a few steps then disappeared around a corner.
The rest of the day was uneventful: Trey walked the back of History class to his desk, careful to avoid contact with Donald; Sarah waved and smiled at him upon taking her seat; he turned his English essay in early receiving an approving nod from Mrs. Tolleson and the mostly bald substitute science teacher required them to read and answer questions for the in-class assignment of which Trey quickly filled in the correct answers and was granted permission to spend the remainder of class in the library. After perusing a book on the science of air flight, the bell rang ending school for the day.
Tuesday afternoon was pleasantly warm. The sky frolicked with wispy white clouds. Three small birds played in the grass several yards away hopping and flitting over each other in careless delight. Rows of cars lined the school drive across the yard, waiting to pick up sons and daughters.
“Man, Ms. Johnson would not get off your back today,” said Trey
“I know, she thinks I would have an A if I'd give more effort,” said Marcus as they walked out of the main building.
“Then give more effort.”
“School isn’t as easy for me as it is for you, Trey.”
“Watch out dorks!” said Donald as he pushed Trey into Marcus. They both nearly tumbled down the steps leading out of the building.
Several teachers nearby took notice of the commotion.
Donald, aware of the onlookers, walked by chuckling. “What are you looking at!” he yelled at a random kid who witnessed the insolent act.
The birds scattered when he trampled through them.
“He really doesn’t like you does he Trey,” said Sarah walking up from behind completing the triangle.
“Oh, hey Sarah,” Trey said coolly as he glanced quickly at Marcus standing just behind her. Marcus was nearly jumping up and down in excitement. Trey tried to not show too much eagerness or panic when he turned back to Sarah. “He’s just angry with life and I guess he chooses to take it out on me.” He paused then as an afterthought said, “I like your dangly earrings. They look like golden crescent moons.” He glanced again at Marcus who was enthusiastically holding up his thumbs in approval.
“Thank you.” She offered him a warm closed lip smile before continuing with her previous concern. “I’m sorry he’s so mean to you. Someone should say something,” she said with a frown.
“No! Trey should kick his butt!” said Marcus vehemently as he reentered the conversation.
“I’m not gonna fight him, Marcus. He’ll eventually find something more productive to do with his time.”
“And what if he doesn’t?” asked Sarah behind big, beautiful eyes.
“I don’t know. I’m not doing anything about it today, so let’s just move on. Ok?”
“I would kick his butt if I were you. He deserves it,” said Marcus. “Just throw a couple quick chops to his head. Maybe that’ll knock some sense into him,” he continued as he sliced his hands through an imaginary object. Sarah giggled at Marcus’ antics.
“It wouldn’t solve anything. Plus, he’d probably just find someone else to pick on,” said Trey, still taking the conversation seriously.
“Fine. Someone should do something before I have to unleash a hurting on him,” Marcus said as he put more force behind his air karate demonstration. He added a goofy round-house kick and a ‘Kiiiya!’ to finish it off.
They all shared a laugh at the performance.
“You’re really into physics?” asked Sarah gracelessly changing the subject as well as turning directly to Trey. “My locker is outside Mr. Hampton’s class and I, um,” she looked down before raising her eyes to meet his, “I overheard you two talking today.”
He shrugged his shoulders and looked at the ground before addressing her. “Yeah, I guess. I like to think about how things move through space and time.”
“That’s cool,” she said looking up at him. My father took me to a Michio Kaku lecture on our trip to New York last year,” she said.
“No Way! You saw Kaku in person!” Trey lost all semblance of his previous discomfort.
“Not just saw him, I met him after the lecture!” Her eyes beamed.
“Oh my god, you’ve got to be kidding me! You have to tell me all about it.”
“I guess I'll see y’all later,” Marcus said with his hands out at his side as Trey and Sarah walked away together.
Trey gave Marcus a wave without looking back.
“Bye Marcus,” Sarah turned and said.
“I can’t believe it. He ditched me for a silly girl. Some best friend he is,” Marcus said jokingly to himself as he watched them walk off. “I’ll just walk myself to chess club,” he continued confidently.
Trey found it difficult holding his side of the conversation. He forgot what they were talking about each time he looked her way.
“I usually go through the park to get home,” said Sarah. “It’s faster.”
“How about we stick to the street, today?” said Trey shyly.
“Is it because of Donald? He’s such a jerk.”
She’s beautiful even when she frowns. He thought.
“The park?” he replied returning from his personal thoughts. “I know. It’s best if we don’t run into him. Especially today.”
“I get it. I heard about them chasing you two this morning. Gracie in homeroom saw you through the window and yelled, Donald’s gonna kick Trey’s butt!”
“Really? People s
aw that?” Trey said disheartened.
“Sure did. I’m glad he didn’t catch you.”
“He nearly did. Had it not been for Mr. Papperton making his morning rounds.”
“What was Marcus talking about? Do you think you could really win a fight with him?”
“No one wins fights, Sarah.”
“I guess you’re right,” she said as she bumped him in the shoulder with hers. She ran her hand through her hair and poured her eyes into his.
Trey’s heart skipped. He stumbled on the next step.
She shared a playful laugh.
He bumped her in return when he caught his balance.
He desperately wanted to be close to her, hold her, kiss her. Emotions erupting from every pore, but he contained the starry feelings.
He brushed his hand against hers.
She smiled at him.
He pulled away tucking his hands into his pockets – afraid of her improbable rejection.
They continued walking a few steps in silence.
Trey slumped in his gait while eyeing the park for trouble as they walked along the sidewalk. Noticing his concern, she continued, “I heard his dad left when he was really young.”
“Who’s? Donald’s? I wasn’t…”
“It’s ok,” she said softly.
“Maybe so,” he replied. “Some say he died. My mom said she heard he worked for the government. She mentioned he travelled a lot and was super protective of what he was up to. Never talked about work to anyone. One day he left and never returned, no body, no call, nothing.”
“Really? When was that?”
“I don’t know. Donald said he never met him, so I guess over thirteen years ago. Well fourteen for Donald.”
“That must be terrible to not know your own father. Mine is great. I don’t know what I’d do without him. He is the kindest man I know. My parents have a relationship like no other. He and my mom are so in love. It’s really gross most of the time. They kiss a lot, like they’re still dating. My dad would do anything for me and most of the time he does.”
“He sounds like a great guy. I’m not so sure it’s always a good thing. I sometimes wish I never met mine. I could then make up all sorts of great people he could’ve been other than the loser who left me and mom.”