by Lynn Hubbard
“Hey what’s the rush? We were just getting acquainted. Maybe we could go out sometime? How about the Soda Shoppe after school? I’ll see you there at three.”
Before Joanie could refuse, he was gone. She gritted her teeth as she watched him trot down the hallway as if he owned it. That’s what he thinks she thought as the bell rung and she had to run to class. She met up with Kate, Sally and Jane at lunch and told them about her morning.
“And you consider that a problem?” Sally asked incredulously.
“I wish I had problems like that.” Jane said popping a grape into her mouth.
“Well it wouldn’t be a problem except that Joanie yearns for another.” Kate said watching as Jane and Sally perked up. Joanie rolled her eyes at her.
“I’m NOT yearning for anyone. And if you know what’s good for you, you won’t mention it again.” Joanie said threatening as Kate literally rolled with laughter.
“Hello ladies.” Chris said coming up behind them with two of his friends. “Do you mind if we join you?”
Kate and Joanie said yes, and Sally and Jane said no, all at the same time. He chose the no answer. Chris squeezed his bulky self between Joanie and Kate and his friends sat next to Sally and Jane who were speechless.
“Joanie these are my friends Al and Tom.” Chris said putting his arm around her.
Joanie grabbed his wrist and disengaged it from her shoulder. “You’ve got some nerve. I don’t even know you.”
“Heard you didn’t know Eric Phillips either but you still went home with him.” Chris whispered in her ear so only she could hear.
Infuriated she jumped to her feet. “Maybe you shouldn’t believe everything you hear.”
“Is there a problem ladies?” Chad asked, coming up to the group. He had been watching them ever since Chris and his friends sat down. Where Joanie was, trouble usually followed.
“No problem.” Joanie said as she turned and walked off leaving Kate to scamper after her. Chad made sure that Chris didn’t try to follow. Chris eyed him warily and reluctantly sat back down. Chad scowled at him before returning to his table.
“I’ll see ya at three!” Chris yelled to the fleeing pair.
“Like hell he will.” Joanie muttered under her breath as she entered the building. Kate catching up to her grabbed her arm. “What did he say to you?” Kate asked breathlessly.
Joanie hesitated a second before telling her what Chris had said.
“I can’t believe the nerve of him! I wonder who told him that?” Kate said.
Joanie laughed. “I’ll give you one guess.”
“April.” They said together.
“I’ll take care of her for you.” Kate said heading toward April’s locker.
Joanie grabbed her friend and pulled her back. “No you won’t, I don’t know for sure it was her besides I don’t care what other people think. I can’t afford to get kicked out of another school especially over something stupid.”
The warning bell rang.
“Alright” Kate conceded, “but meet me after school, and we’ll walk home.” She called as Joanie headed toward her class.
Joanie snuck in and slipped quietly into her seat as the last bell rang. Jane gave her a wink as she started to copy the assignments from the board. She inadvertently glanced over to April’s desk who was watching her with a scowl on her face. Joanie sighed inwardly as April leaned over to whisper to her.
“I saw you eating lunch with Chris today. Stay away from him, he’s mine.” She threatened.
‘You can have him.’ Joanie thought to herself. How long was this class anyway? After an eternity, the day finally ended. She had started having cramps and wanted nothing more than to head home and crawl into bed.
“Rough day?” Kate greeted her as they headed out of the building.
Joanie rolled her eyes. “You can say that again. I think it was April, but I think her little trick backfired. She likes Chris.”
Kate laughed. “That’s brilliant they deserve each other. Well I think he’s gonna be pretty disappointed when you don’t show up at the Soda Shoppe. Maybe she could comfort him.”
Joanie laughed as she felt the tension in her body slowly dissipating. As they came up to Kate’s house, she invited her in. “Not today all I wanna do is go home and crash.”
“Well I’ll see you tomorrow!” Kate called shutting the door behind her.
Joanie was physically and mentally exhausted as she trudged up the steps to her apartment she unlocked the door and called out. “I’m home.” She wasn’t surprised, but she was a bit disappointed to find out that she was alone as usual. She found a note and a grocery list on the kitchen table.
“Sweetheart, I was called into work early today. Here’s some money, please pick up some groceries. Brad said he would meet you there by four to pick you up. Love, Mom.”
‘No rest for the weary.’ Joanie thought as she crumpled up the note and looked at her watch, a Christmas present from her father. Normally she wouldn’t wear it because of that, but it was the only one she had. It was already three thirty. Groaning she grabbed the money and wearily headed back down the stairs. The grocery store was two blocks away, so that didn’t leave her much time.
Joanie set a new record. She was winded from hurrying and gratefully leaned on the buggy as she started going down the aisles. Quickly she scanned the shelves. She picked up the items on her list first, and then a treat or two since she had a little bit of money left over. As she checked out, she looked at her watch again. 4:15. Brad should be waiting for her.
“Need help with those?” The warm voice bringing her out of her thoughts. Joanie looked up at the bag boy. The tall, lanky teen smiled shyly at her. Joanie flashed him a smile and assured him that she could handle it.
He looked unsure but quickly helped her gather the bags in her arms. Carrying the three bags she awkwardly made her way outside. Not seeing Brad she headed over to the nearest bench and sat down with her load to wait. She passed the time watching her neighbors scurry here and there running errands.
It was terribly cold for the season, she stomped her feet to keep them warm, and rubbed her mittened hands together. She wouldn’t dare wear mittens to school, but who was going to see her here? ‘Sides she didn’t want get frost bite. She had watched a movie in geography class about hikers lost in the mountains. Their hands and feet had died, and turned black, and they had to have parts of them cut off. Thirty minutes later, and close to hypothermia, Joanie realized Brad wasn’t coming.
Cursing her brother, she picked up her heavy load and started the slow trek home. She couldn’t see the sidewalk well over the bags and had gone only a short way when the toe of her shoe got caught in an especially deep crack. She stumbled almost dropping one of the bags. A strong hand grabbed her arm steadying her first and then the precarious bags.
“Need some help?” A familiar voice asked her. She looked up astounded at seeing Eric Phillips who was still holding her arm. Without waiting for her to answer he scooped up two of the bags leaving her to carry the one containing the eggs, squished bread and cookies.
She smiled “Thanks, again. You must think I‘m clumsy as an ox. Every time I see you, I fall.”
He grinned, and it nearly took her breath away. “Maybe you’re falling for me.”
She blushed but thought to herself ‘Maybe.’
“My cars parked over there. How about if I give you a lift?” He said motioning behind him with his head.
She hesitated. She was cautious about who she rode with, especially if she was alone.
“I promise I’ll be nice.” Eric said reading her mind.
Joanie bit her lip worried that if she said no he would drop the groceries and leave her stranded again. “Um, sure if you don’t mind. I live a couple of blocks from here.” She answered making a decision. There was no way that she could make it home by herself, at least not with all of the groceries intact.
“I know where you live.” Eric said still watching her.
Of course he knows stupid! He is friends with Brad. He started walking next to her, and she felt tingles run up and down her spine every time their arms accidentally bumped together. Maybe this isn’t such a bad day after all. It sure was looking up!
Eric stopped next to his car and efficiently loaded her bags into the backseat. He then moved and held the door, so Joanie could climb into the front seat. Making sure she was settled in the seat he shut the door and walked around the car getting into the driver seat.
“This is really a nice car, is it yours?” Joanie asked.
Eric laughed, “Yep only fifty payments left, and it’ll be all mine.” He swung his long legs into the car, and Joanie’s eyes were drawn to the floor board as he shut the door. Eric raised an eyebrow at her as she leaned towards him gazing somewhere between his knees. He cleared his throat causing her to jump back in her seat.
Joanie blushed as she realized she was staring. “I’m sorry! Brad was trying to teach me how to drive, and his car has three pedals. I was just looking for your third pedal.” Joanie blurted out her face flaming.
Eric chuckled at her embarrassment. It was cute. “Well apparently Brad didn’t teach you too much about cars because this is an automatic. It only has two pedals, gas and break.” Eric explained. “When is your next lesson?” He asked, wanting to keep up the conversation, and cars were unquestionably something he could discuss.
Joanie sighed, “Brad kind of freaked out, and he won’t let me drive his car anymore. I‘m never going to be able to learn how to drive.” Joanie said gloomily.
“I’m sure I could teach you, you can use my car, automatics are much easier to drive than stick shifts.” Eric said.
Joanie looked at him flabbergasted. “I can’t drive this car, it’s way too nice I’m sure I would ruin it. I almost ruined Brad’s and his is a pile of rust.”
“It’ll be okay I know you can do it, ‘sides I’ll be here right next to you.” Eric said smiling as he started the car up to drive Joanie home.
“Ok.” Joanie sat back in a slight daze; she couldn’t wait to call Kate!
They came up to her apartment building and again Eric grabbed the two heaviest bags. She hesitated outside. “I live on the third floor.” She told him apologetically.
“Well I guess it’s a good thing I came along.” He said following her up the stairs.
They came to her door, and she put her bag down to find her key. She unlocked the door and led the way to the kitchen. Eric stepped in and shut the door behind him locking it. He carried his bags into the kitchen and set them down on the counter. He stood next to the petite girl and looked down watching her intently as she started unloading the bags. He saw her struggling to put the flour on a high shelf, and walked over to assist her. His hand covered hers as he took the sack and pushed it into its spot on the shelf.
Giggling she turned around to thank him. She was surprised at how close he was to her. She held her breath as he picked up a lock of her hair and gently pulled its silky length through his fingers. Her breathing increased and not from the recent exercise. She closed her eyes and waited in anticipation as he leaned down to kiss her.
“What’s going on here?” Brad bellowed in a demanding voice as he came into the house.
The spell was broken, and they moved apart uneasily.
Joanie felt anger wash over her. He had some nerve! “What do you think is going on? You never showed up to help me with the groceries, so Eric offered to assist me.” Joanie said getting angrier by the minute. Dang his timing.
“I just bet he did.” Brad said sarcastically. “Well you can go now she’s home.” He said watching Eric closely.
“How dare you!” Joanie yelled coming up to stand in front of Brad. She stretched herself to her full height of five feet two. “If you were so concerned about my well-being, you would have picked me up an hour ago, like you told mom you would. I think it’s a little late for you to start worrying about me. Eric is my guest. You have no right to talk to him that way. I will not allow it!”
“Hate to burst your bubble little sister, but I doubt that Eric volunteered his time out of the goodness of his heart. I’m sure he expected more in payment for his services, and I don’t mean green stamps. Ain’t that right Eric?”
Eric took a step closer to Brad. The two men stared at each other until Brad finally stepped away. He went over to the door, and held it open.
Eric looked over at Joanie apologetically. “I‘m sorry Joanie I‘d better go.”
“You don’t have to leave. I’m sorry about Brad. He was born that way.”
“It’s alright Joanie, if you are still interested in lessons I can pick you up after school Wednesday.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Joanie called after him as he headed for the door “Thanks for your help.”
Eric tilted an imaginary hat to her and said “Anytime.” as he left.
Brad slammed the door and locked it. He turned to Joanie whose face was red with anger.
“What do you think you’re doing?” They both yelled at the same time.
“I thought you were friends with Eric. He was just helping me.” Joanie argued.
“We are friends. I know Eric Phillips very well, and I know what he’s after.” Brad said.
“Really? Well maybe you don’t know him as well as you think. He’s never been anything but nice to me. This is more than I can say for a lot of guys around here.” Joanie retorted.
“Just stay away from him.” Brad said. As Joanie headed over to the kitchen to finish unloading. Angrily she turned around and stomped over to her brother.
“I didn’t ask for your advice, and I don’t want it. If you were at the grocery store at 4:00 like you were supposed to be we wouldn’t be having this conversation. This is my life, not yours, stay out of it!” Frustrated she headed for her room and slammed the door shut.
She threw herself on her bed and grabbed her pillow throwing it against the door. She lay back seething; damning the tears she couldn’t hold back. He was about to kiss her! She had to talk to Kate. She threw some clothes in a bag and headed out ignoring Brad’s questions. She would stay the night over there.
Chapter 7
“He was going to kiss you?” Kate squealed excitedly.
Joanie sighed. “Well I guess I’ll never know. Thanks to Brad’s perfect timing.”
“That’s so cool! Eric’s like the toughest guy around. It’s kinda cute Brad being so protective and all.”
“Cute!” Joanie squealed. “He’s ruining my life.”
“Your brothers a doll! And Eric could crush him like a grape; he must actually care about you, to stand up to Eric that way.” Kate said.
“Whose side are you on?” Joanie asked.
“I’m on your side of course. I just think Brad’s kinda hot.”
“Great you can have him just keep him away from me!” Joanie said pulling the covers up over head and trying to fall asleep. It’s gonna be a long night.
The next morning Joanie was annoyed to find Chris waiting for her by her locker again. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to it, ignoring him.
“We had a date where were you?” He said as Joanie luckily opened her locker on the first try.
“No. You had a date I didn‘t.” Joanie said, exasperated. “You never gave me a chance to answer you. And the answer was no.” Joanie said leaving him standing there surprised as she hurried off.
Chad came up to her in the gym, they were jogging again. Fortunately she was in decent shape from having to walk everywhere. She smiled as he fell in step beside her.
“Joining the girl’s class?” She asked.
“Is that an invitation?” Chad huffed. “If it is I accept. Actually, I saw Chris at your locker this morning. Is he still bothering you?”
Joanie pulled up beside the bleachers and sat down, Chad sat next to her gasping.
Joanie shrugged. “Not really. You know you should stop smoking, look at you!”
Chad nodded in agreement. “Well, if he is let me know and I’ll take care of him for you. Say, Eric said he saw you yesterday.”
Joanie perked up instantly. “He did? What did he say?” She asked, grabbing his arm.
“You like him don’t you?” Chad asked amused.
She hesitated a second before responding. “Of course I like him. He’s a friend of Brad’s.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
“Alright. I guess he’s kinda appealing.” Joanie said blushing.
“He said you were cool.” Chad said grinning at her.
“Really?”
Chad nodded as he saw the Coach heading toward them; he excused himself as he headed back to his own class. The Coach seeing Chad leave returned to his chair. Joanie smiled as she got up to continue jogging. Cool. That’s not so bad.
After school, she went home and was surprised to see Brad there waiting for her. She stowed her things in her room and settled down on the sofa to rest. Brad came up to her.
“I’m sorry about yesterday. Maybe I over reacted.” Brad began.
Joanie looked at him coolly. “Yes you did.”
“Can I finish?” Brad asked irritated. Joanie nodded, and he continued. “You’ve changed so much since you’ve been gone. We’ve both changed, and I don’t know exactly how to handle it. Mom’s not here much, and Dad’s gone, and I was just trying to look out for you. Eric’s a good guy and all, but.” He paused “Hell, you’re my little sister! I just don’t want my friends looking at you, and talking about you, like we do about other girls.”
“I’m a big girl Brad. I’m old enough to make my own decisions. I know you care about me, but you have to trust me. I know how guys are, heck I’ve been around them all my life. I’ll be careful.”
Brad stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded. He turned to leave the room when Joanie called him back.
“Brad! I love you too.” She said as she went up and hugged him.
“I’m glad your home brat.” Brad said as he hugged her back.
“Me too.”
The phone rang, and Joanie went to answer it. It was Jane.