Homecoming Queen

by Melody Carlson

  “Hey?” called Taylor from the other side of the door. She opened it and stuck her head in. “You awake?”

  “Yeah. Come in,” said DJ.

  “How’s it going?” asked Taylor as she came in and peered down at DJ.

  “You mean besides being in pain and bored as a gourd?”

  “Sounds like you’re having a great time.” Taylor sat down in the straight-backed chair that was against the wall and glanced around the tiny room. “Nice little place you got here — kind of minimalist.”

  DJ nodded as she looked at the bare white walls. “I’m not sure if Inez stripped it down for me or if it’s always like this.”

  “Maybe she had posters of hot guys all over the walls,” said Taylor, “and didn’t want you to get too excited.”

  DJ laughed then grimaced because it made her ribs hurt.

  “You’re really in bad shape, aren’t you?”

  “Ya think?”

  “Do you need any pain medicine?”

  “Probably, but it just knocks me out.”

  “If I were you, I’d be glad to be knocked out.”

  DJ nodded and sighed. “So, where is everyone tonight? Inez seems to think they all have dates.”

  Taylor chuckled. “Yeah, right. Let’s see. Rhiannon went to her precious youth group thing. Eliza went out with Harry. And Kriti said she was doing something with her debate team friends — that sounds like loads of fun. And, oh yeah, Casey went out with Garrison. Since when have those two been a couple?”

  “Since Friday.” DJ frowned. “Was that only yesterday?”

  “Well, since today is Saturday, yes.” Taylor picked up DJ’s prescription bottle and read the label. “Hmm. Vicodin. These as good as I’ve heard?”

  “They’re good for getting rid of the pain, but you better not take any of them.” DJ gave Taylor a stern look.

  Taylor set the bottle back down. “Hey, you missed yourself on TV tonight.”

  DJ rolled her eyes. “That’s fine with me.”

  “I TiVo’ed it for you.”

  “I didn’t know we had TiVo.”

  “That’s because you don’t. I do.”

  “Oh, well, thanks.”

  Taylor pushed a curly strand of hair off her forehead. “The Carter House girls have been getting a lot of local coverage lately.”

  “That’s right. You made the news last week. And then me. I wonder who’s next.”

  Taylor nodded. “Bonnie actually asked me to make a statement at the hospital too.”

  “About being missing?”

  “Yeah. But I kind of evaded the question.”

  “What did you say?”

  “Just that I had needed a little vacation. Then I talked about my heroic roommate and how much I admired her.”

  “You really said that on TV?”

  Taylor snickered. “Yeah. And they bought it too.”

  “So, did they play it tonight?”

  Taylor held up her chin and fluffed her hair as if she was posing. “Oh, yeah. And I must admit I look pretty good on camera too.”

  DJ could just imagine Taylor putting on a show for the camera crew. “What some people won’t do for a few minutes of limelight,” she said. But then Taylor always seemed to get more than her fair share of attention. Not that DJ envied her that. In a perfect world, DJ would avoid the limelight completely.

  “So how long are you stuck down here in solitary confinement?”

  “I guess until I can do the stairs. Not that I don’t enjoy having a room to myself,” she said quickly.

  “Just don’t get too used to it.” Taylor winked. “So, will you be going to school on Monday?”

  DJ considered this. The doctor had recommended three days of controlled moderate activity, and she was scheduled for physical therapy on Monday morning. “I don’t think so,” she said. “I need to get used to getting around on these crutches first.”

  “This is going to limit your shoe choices, you know.”

  “Yes. It’s probably hard to look stylish hobbling around on crutches.” Of course, this was something of a relief too. The pressure to “look good” all the time had taken a toll on DJ. Maybe her fashion-obsessed friends would cut her some slack now.

  “Do you need anything?” asked Taylor as she stretched and stood.

  “I’d like my cell phone,” said DJ. “And something to read would be nice. And, if you don’t mind, some more water.”

  “All righty then.” She picked up the dinner tray and nodded. “Nurse Taylor at your service.”

  DJ tried not to look too surprised. This was a side of Taylor that most people never saw — a side that most people would never guess existed. After a few minutes, Taylor returned with DJ’s cell phone, a book she’d been reading for English, a recent addition of Vogue (Taylor’s fashion rag of choice), two bottles of water, and even one of the bouquets from the hospital, which she set on the straight-backed chair.

  “I know that makes it a little crowded,” she said, “but this room seriously needed some color.”

  “Thanks.” DJ opened a bottle of water and took a swig.

  “Oh, yeah,” Taylor reached for something in her back pocket now. “I almost forgot. Hope it’s not melting.”

  “Chocolate!” exclaimed DJ.

  “From my private stash.”

  “Thanks!”

  “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a smoke.”

  DJ frowned. “I thought maybe you’d given that up.”

  Taylor looked exasperated. “Just because I’m being nice to you doesn’t mean I’m applying for sainthood.”

  “Right.” DJ opened her cell phone to see if Conner had called. And to her relief he had — three times.

  “Tell him hey for me,” said Taylor with a sexy voice followed by a wicked wink.

  “Sure thing,” said DJ, although she knew she wouldn’t. Taylor had already made one move for Conner — fortunately Conner had not been interested. Still, DJ knew enough to know that no guys were completely safe when Taylor was on the prowl. Hopefully Taylor would keep her distance from Conner.

  “Don’t forget about the big modeling class today,” said Casey as she moved DJ’s breakfast tray from her bed to the table. It was Sunday morning, and DJ hadn’t slept well after her pain meds had worn off in the middle of the night.

  “Ugh, don’t remind me,” said DJ as she attempted to adjust the girdle-like bandage that wrapped around her ribcage. “Will you hand me my crutches, Casey.”

  Casey got the crutches then helped DJ out of bed. “Is it getting any easier — moving around I mean?”

  “It wouldn’t be so bad if my ribs didn’t hurt so much.” DJ took in a shallow breath. “In fact, everything hurts.”

  “Do you need any pain pills?”

  DJ considered this. “What I really need is a shower. But maybe it would help if I took the pain pills first. I don’t think I’ll fall asleep in the shower.”

  So Casey gave her some pills, and DJ sat back down, waiting for them to kick in.

  “Is it okay to get your incision wet?” asked Casey.

  DJ explained about the superglue as she carefully peeled off the bandage.

  “Seriously?” Casey shook her head as she looked at the incision running down the middle of DJ’s shin. “That’s so weird.”

  DJ frowned at the dark bruises on the side of her leg and the six-inch incision in front. It wasn’t a pretty picture. “The surgeon said the scarring should be minimal, but I’m not so sure.”

  “Give it time.”

  DJ sighed and slowly stood, balancing herself on the crutches.

  “Do you need any help in the shower?” asked Casey.

  “I hate to admit it, but I think I probably do. Would you mind?”

  “Nope.” Casey chuckled as she followed DJ slowly making her way across the room. “And it won’t be the first time I’ve seen you naked either.”

  “Well, just keep your comments to yourself.”

  But as Casey helped DJ peel
off her tank shirt, she let out a slight gasp. “Man, DJ, you are black and blue.”

  DJ just nodded, blinking back tears from the pain. “Good thing I’m not into my looks, huh?”

  Finally, Casey got the shower running at the right temperature, and DJ got in. “Don’t go, okay?” she called from behind the plastic curtain.

  “Don’t worry, I’m sticking around.”

  The water actually hurt when it first began hitting her, but slowly it began to feel good, and DJ felt a faint rush of hope. Maybe she was going to get better after all.

  “I feel like such a baby,” said DJ as Casey wrapped a towel around her. “It’s like I can’t do anything for myself.”

  “Maybe it’s good to accept a little help from your friends,” said Casey as she toweled off DJ’s hair.

  “Maybe.” DJ was remembering how Taylor had helped her last night. She considered mentioning this to Casey, but knew that it would probably just rub her the wrong way. “So things are really moving along with Garrison?” asked DJ as Casey helped put the girdle-like bandage back around her ribs. Casey had told her a little about their date last night. They’d seen the movie that DJ had wanted to see then gone out for a Coke afterward. Not a big deal, but Casey seemed pretty excited. For Casey anyway.

  “I guess.”

  “Meaning you’re not that into him?”

  “I don’t know. I think I might be more into having a boyfriend, you know, than I am into Garrison. Still, he’s nice. And maybe when you get to feeling better, we can go out with you and Conner. That’d be fun.” Then Casey helped DJ dress and finally, feeling like she’d just run a marathon, DJ eased herself back into bed and closed her eyes. The pills were starting to work.

  “I’ll come wake you up in time for the modeling class,” said Casey.

  DJ’s eyes popped open again. “Oh, that’s okay, Casey. You don’t have to.” As in hint-hint. She’d rather just skip it.

  “No, that’s okay. It’s no problem,” said Casey, grinning.

  “Thanks a lot.” DJ closed her eyes again. It figured.

  8

  “HIPS FORWARD, CHEST OUT, shoulders straight, arms to the side,” instructed Grandmother. “Relaxed but not slouchy, Casey!”

  DJ was sitting on the couch, which had been pushed off to one side of the living room, creating “the runway” that began at the door and went up to the fireplace. Now the girls were taking turns walking and turning, and at the moment Grandmother was critiquing Casey.

  “I’ve seen models who were slouchy,” protested Casey.

  “That was only for effect,” said Grandmother sternly. “First they must learn to walk correctly. And my girls will walk correctly!” All Grandmother needed was a whip to crack.

  Next came Eliza. She seemed to be getting the hang of it, even enjoying it. DJ could not imagine why. It looked like pure torture. And although she was hugely relieved not to be forced to physically partake in this exercise of the absurd, it wasn’t easy to sit there either, remaining quiet as Grandmother coached the girls on how to walk. Good grief, hadn’t they all been walking for quite some time now? It was humiliating.

  “That’s much better,” said Grandmother as Eliza did her turn for the second time. “But not so much movement in your shoulders, dear. The motion comes from the hips.” Now Grandmother took the makeshift runway. “Like this.” And although she was almost four times their age, she actually made the walk look fairly effortless. Okay, it looked slightly ridiculous too, but it was amazing that someone her age could move like that.

  “You see how it’s done?” She cocked her head as she gracefully held out her wrinkled hands, all the while smiling confidently at the girls. And now, thanks to Eliza, they were actually clapping for her. Naturally, Grandmother ate that up, and DJ wondered what she’d ever done in life to deserve this.

  “Taylor, your turn now.” Grandmother stepped aside, watching as Taylor strolled through the living room like she was starring in Fashion Week.

  “That’s right,” said Grandmother as Taylor turned when she reached the fireplace. “You girls pay close attention to Taylor. She’s a natural. Taylor, why don’t you do that again for the girls.”

  Of course, Taylor was happy to comply. Although you wouldn’t know this by her expression, which was cool and reserved — yet full of confidence. How did she do it?

  “See how relaxed Taylor looks.” Grandmother was narrating her moves now. “See how her shoulders are squared, her hips are forward. Notice how one foot almost crosses the other and yet, she is so elegant and refined, so comfortable in her beautiful skin.” Grandmother patted Taylor on the back when she reached the fireplace the second time. “Lovely, dear. Simply lovely.”

  Well, who wouldn’t be comfortable in Taylor’s skin? DJ let out an exasperated sigh and leaned back into the couch. Her ribs were starting to ache, and her leg was throbbing again. She considered sneaking back to her room, but knew a graceful exit would be impossible with the crutches. Now Kriti was taking her turn. Poor Kriti. Next to the tall girls, she looked almost like a midget.

  “Kriti, Kriti, Kriti . . .” Grandmother shook her head in scornful way. “We all know that you’re short, dear, but you do not have to walk as if you’re short. Hold your head high. Elongate that neck. Straighten your back. There, that’s better. Stand proud, Little One.”

  DJ was surprised that these girls seemed more than willing to put themselves through this deprecating form of torture. Even Casey, despite her usual I-hate-fashion attitude, was being a pretty good sport as she made her second walk down the runway.

  “That’s better, Casey,” said Grandmother as Casey made her turn. “You really are such a pretty girl. So much better since you removed those horrid safety pins from your face. But, still, I do wish you’d let your hair go back to its natural color. That black is so severe against your pale skin.”

  “I’ve seen other models who look just like that,” said DJ from the couch.

  “Yes, well, I’ve seen plus-sized models too,” said Grandmother in a haughty tone. “That doesn’t mean that I approve of fat.”

  Eliza giggled. DJ made a face but had the sense to control her tongue. Still, she was getting tired, and the pain in her leg was getting worse.

  “Yes, yes, that’s looking very nice, Rhiannon.” Grandmother clapped her hands. “Now keep your palms toward you. Longer steps. Yes, that’s better.”

  Finally, after all the girls had done several walks down the “runway,” Grandmother seemed somewhat satisfied. But instead of letting them go, she began a lecture on the proper care of skin, hair, and nails. Not that Eliza or Taylor needed to be taught these things. Between the two of them, they probably had enough beauty products to open their own salon.

  “There’s nothing worse than having a model show up for a photo shoot with dirty hair and fingernails.” Grandmother frowned with a disgusted expression. “And I’ve sent models away for not taking care with their complexions too. Oh, certainly, a small pimple can be airbrushed and dark shadows beneath the eyes can be adjusted, but if a girl doesn’t care about her appearance, why should anyone else?”

  DJ felt herself drifting as her grandmother droned on about chemically treated hair, split ends, and blemish control. It was like the woman was a walking, talking fashion encyclopedia. Hopefully there wouldn’t be a test afterward.

  Finally Grandmother was finished and dismissed the girls. “Remember,” she said as they began to disperse, “next Saturday morning you will be fitted for the fashion show.”

  DJ almost asked if this included her, but she was afraid that her grandmother would say yes. It was better just to keep her mouth shut.

  “This fashion show might be fun,” said Eliza as the girls worked together to put the furnishings back where they belonged.

  “Fun for some of you maybe,” said Casey. “I’m not exactly looking forward to being gawked at by strangers.”

  “But at least it’s for a good cause,” said Rhiannon.

  “Which
good cause?” asked DJ as she slowly moved across the room. Her plan was to get to her temporary bedroom, take some pain meds, and then come back here and fall asleep watching TV.

  “We don’t know yet,” admitted Eliza. “But, come on, girls, let’s make it fun.”

  “Whatever you say, Pollyanna.” Taylor rolled her eyes as she flopped down onto the couch, now back in place, and picked up the remote.

  By the time DJ made it back to the living room, only Taylor was there. “Where’d everyone go?” asked DJ as she eased herself down into an easy chair, propping her leg on the ottoman.

  “I guess I scared them away.”

  DJ frowned. “What did you do?”

  “Just being my charming self.” Taylor smiled innocently. “Hey, you want to see the news story I TiVo’ed?”

  DJ agreed, then tried not to overreact when she saw her bruised and scraped face on the big screen. Good grief, if that’s how she looked after Eliza’s help, she couldn’t imagine how nasty it would’ve been without it. Note to self, she thought, tell Eliza thank you.

  “You look good,” DJ told Taylor.

  “Yes, I’m pretty photogenic,” admitted Taylor. “And you would be too if you weren’t so beat up.”

  When it was over Taylor flipped through the channels until she finally landed on an old forties musical with Doris Day. DJ thought it was kind of amusing that Taylor actually seemed to enjoy those unrealistic glamour movies, but she had no intention of mentioning this since she felt fairly certain that Taylor would take offense and turn it off. Besides, it wasn’t long before all the singing and dancing combined with the Vicodin lulled DJ to sleep.

  DJ woke up to a tickling sensation on her toes and the sound of giggles. She opened her eyes to see Eliza and Taylor hovering over her with Kriti and Casey looking on with interest.

  “What’s going on?” she asked, noticing that there seemed to be a whole lot of beauty products on the coffee table. Maybe Taylor and Eliza had decided to open a salon after all.