by A. R. Braun
Stacey lost her breath.
Just breathe, girl, breathe.
“There’s a really cool band playing this weekend,” he added. “They’re called Dead but Still Moving. It’s at the old Fox Theater that’s now the youth club. Would you like to go?”
Stacey hesitated.
“Or, if you’re not into that kind of stuff, we could go to a movie.”
She met his eyes. “The concert’s fine.”
He smiled and gasped in relief. “Hey, great! I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“You need her number, goof,” Jenna said.
Stacey wanted to jump her shit, but was glad Jenna had asked him. Stacey gave him her number, and they finished their lunches.
It was the best day of her life.
<^^>
“Stacey’s got a boyfriend,” Jenna taunted. “Stacey’s got a boyfriend.”
Stacey grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close. “Don’t say that,” she whispered. “Somebody might hear you.”
A fight broke out down the hall as they walked to their last class. A boy slammed another boy into the lockers, and he did the same to him, getting even.
People are crazy.
“What are you so ashamed of?” Jenna argued. “It’s pretty normal for a girl in high school, don’t you think?” She opened her locker, put some books in, and grabbed her perfume, then sprayed herself.
Stacey put her hands on her hips. “Well, I don’t want the whole school to know about it.”
Jenna slammed her locker door shut. “I don’t see why you’re so hung up on him. He’s not that cute.”
Stacey blinked. “He is too! You’re just jealous.”
A teacher yelled at the boys that were fighting. He told them to cut it out.
“Oh please,” Jenna answered. “I am not.”
They walked to last period.
“What do I have to be jealous of anyway?” Jenna added.
“You’re just mad that you’re not going to get all my attention anymore.” Stacey sighed. “And I think it’s really rude what you said.”
Jenna stopped and looked like a light bulb went off—although, at the moment, Stacey thought it a dim one. “You know what? This is our first fight.”
“Huh?”
“We’ve never had an argument before.”
Stacey looked at the floor. “Well, I wish you’d stop.”
“Okay, I apologize. You happy, turkey? Huh?” She elbowed Stacey. “Okay?”
Stacey chuckled. “I guess.” She walked fast.
“Hey! Wait up! I said I was sorry.”
“Uh-oh.” Stacey stopped.
“I know. Chady Weathervane at two o’clock.”
Stacey trembled, knowing Chady was a bad motherfucker. At least her mean friend, Kaitidid Rogers, had died five years ago. That hadn’t softened Chady up any, though, and Stacey had thought her the nice one in grade school. Everyone knew she worshipped the devil and had a boyfriend over twenty years old.
Chady shot her the evil eye as she walked by and, of course, she wore all black—hip-hugging black leather.
The weird girl stopped.
Stacey became vexed with fright. Chady said something about how she’d better escape her foster parents’ household before she turned eighteen or she’d be in grave danger. To Stacey, time stood still. Like in a horror film, Chady’s words seemed slowed down, as if the speaker of a tape recorder played at low speed with a bass quality, eerie and monster-like.
Just like the butler. Should I listen? No, she’s a satanic weirdo.
Afraid of the gothic-looking peer, Stacey walked away quickly to escape her, and Jenna kept up. Stacey knew her friend couldn’t wait to get away from her, either.
Jenna waited until Chady walked a good space down the hall. “Evil eye to you, too, Mistress of the Dark.”
Stacey laughed. “I can’t stay mad at you.”
“What did she say, some voodoo curse?”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t make it out.” She grabbed Jenna’s arm. “Come on, stupid-head.”
Jenna let Stacey yank her. “Does this mean you’re not angry at me anymore?”
“I’ll get back at you later.”
They giggled and walked into the classroom.
<^^>
As Stacey unlocked the door, she debated on how to tell her quasi-parents from hell that a boy was taking her out this Friday night. They’ll probably flip out. She walked through the threshold, enjoying the relief of the heat, it being a cold January day.
Before she could even walk into the living room, someone rang the doorbell. Butler Jones quickly strode by her, answering it. Stacey turned to eavesdrop.
A strong-looking, middle aged man with glasses, leather, and denim on stood with his arms crossed, looking over the butler’s shoulder. “Is Dick home?”
“Why yes, he is, sir. Can I say who’s calling?”
The man sighed. “I’m not calling. I’m just here to pick up my wallet.”
Dick blew by Stacey, almost knocking her over. “Who the hell’s at the door?”
The man’s face brightened. “Hey Dick!”
Watching Dick’s back, Stacey saw him hold his hands out and pat the guy on the arms. “Grady! Glad to see you, ol buddy. Come in.”
Grady waved him off. “I can’t stay, unfortunately. I’ve got to get back to the blob.”
Dick and Grady giggled like schoolchildren. Stacey looked over her shoulder to see if Marie lurked anywhere.
Is that man talking about his wife?
“I just came for my wallet. I forgot it after I paid rent.”
Dick reached into his coat pocket. “Oh sure, here you go. It was sitting on top of the toilet paper dispenser in the bathroom. Good thing I got a hold of it before some degenerate peasant.”
Peasant? That’s how he thinks of poor people, as degenerates?
Grady flipped through it. “Wow. It’s all here. Whew! I was really worried.” He took a few bills out. “Here, let me give you a reward for this.”
Dick waved him off. “I won’t take it.”
Grady cocked his head. “Are you sure?”
“It’s the least I can do. You know, it’s a shame there aren’t more honest people left. In this neck of the woods, we always do the right thing.”
Stacey rolled her eyes.
Oh brother. Since when did beating me since I was eleven become the right thing?
Grady beamed. “Man, not only are you the best boss in the world, you’re probably the most straight-up Joe I know. Everybody knows it. You’re the Real McCoy, Dick. The best Christian I ever met. Thanks again. I’m nominating you for man of the year at the Elks Club.”
Stacey could stand no more. Sobbing quietly, she ran off to her room.
<^^>
Shortly after Stacey lay crying in her room, someone knocked on the door.
Dick poked his head in. “Stacey? Is something wrong?”
She tried her best to glare at him. “What do you care?”
Dick walked in and shut the door. “Look, just because our family’s a little eccentric doesn’t mean I don’t care. What about me returning his wallet upset you?”
Stacey grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “Never mind.”
“We do love you, Stacey. It’s just that you’re so rebellious. There has to be discipline in a household, or there will be chaos. Do you understand?”
A little eccentric? Talk about the understatement of the year.
“I have a date.”
Dick raised his eyebrows. “Oh?”
She blew her nose. “Yes, a date. A boy my age likes me.”
Dick mulled it over. “Well… that’s… great.”
“Huh?”
“We need to keep up appearances. I think you should go on the date. But remember what I said will happen if you tell anyone what I do. Something could happen to your little boyfriend, too, so no fuckin. He’ll see the marks where people aren’t supposed to see.”
You cra
zy son of a bitch.
He gestured toward her. “Yes, go. Have a good time. If your mother gives you any shit about it, tell me, and I’ll deal with her fat ass.”
Stacey thought about telling her date what her father did to her.
No, the crazy bastard might go after him. I don’t want him to get hurt.
“What’s his name?” Dick asked.
“Kevin.”
“What’s his last name? I might know him. You know, I’m a respected businessman and highly-ranked member of society.”
“I heard.” She sighed. “I don’t know his last name yet.”
“You’ll bring him by the house so Marie and I can meet him, of course.”
“Well, I was thinking I could meet him at—”
“Great! I’ll look forward to it. You’d better get to your homework.”
With that, he left.
Stacey stuck her tongue out and flipped off his back.
Her phone rang. Stacey snatched her cordless phone and pushed a button. “Hello?”
“Hey, Miss Popular,” Jenna said. “You all psyched about your hot date?”
Stacey sighed. “Yeah, but my dad just said I have to bring him by the house. They want to meet Kevin first.”
“What’s the big deal?”
“You don’t know my parents as well as I do.”
“What? I’ve been at the house. They seem okay. A little weird, but what parents aren’t?”
“No, it’s…”
“Okay, spill. What’s up with your parents?”
Stacey thought about telling her, just spilling her guts and getting this over with. She wanted to so badly. It would relieve a lot of pressure. Then she thought of her dad’s threat and, as always, her nerves turned to jelly.
If you tell anybody about what I just did, I’ll kill you.
“Stace? You still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. They’re just anal, okay? I wish I could meet him somewhere or something.”
“Anal? What’s that mean? Are they related to Mr. Poop? Remember him? God, I’m glad grade school’s over.”
Stacey chuckled. “Oh, Jenna, you always cheer me up.”
“What are best friends for?”
“Anal retentive—you, know, obsessed about being the perfect family.”
“Oh. Well, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Your parents don’t like him and you have to sneak out? Do what you have to do.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“I know I am. So, he’s got dibs on Friday night, but I’ve got you for Saturday. Sleepover at your house, little Missy Rich Bitch.”
Stacey laughed. “Don’t call me a bitch, you heifer.”
Jenna laughed. “That’s me. Moo!”
Stacey laughed again. “Thanks, Jenna, you’re a true friend. Hey, I’ve got to get off here—homework.”
“Okay. Maybe I’ll meet a boy and we can double-date. Hey, ask him if he has any friends, will ya?”
“Sure. Like I said, I’ve gotta go.”
“Fine. Bye, studette.”
Stacey laughed. “Bye.”
Good ol Jenna. I’d kill myself without her.
Marie burst through the door. “I just heard the great news.”
Stacey sighed. “Oh really.”
Marie crossed her arms. “Yes. It’s about time you got a boyfriend. I was beginning to wonder if you and Jenna were in sinful treachery.”
Marie exited.
Stacey rolled her eyes.
You would think that.
CHAPTER NINE
Friday night finally came, and Stacey shaved her legs. She put on her best white blouse and a pair of jeans from the trendy clothing store, also curling her hair and applying makeup. Then she sprayed herself with perfume.
God, I’m nervous. I hope I don’t faint or make an ass out of myself.
A knock came to her door. Dick peeked his head in. “Stacey? Your boyfriend’s here.” He chuckled.
Stacey snapped her head toward him. “He’s not my boyfriend, gawd. It’s our first date.”
“Well, don’t keep him waiting.”
“He’s early.” Stacey finished with the curling iron.
“He seems like a nice boy.” Dick closed the door.
How would you know, you baby-beating bastard?
Stacey gulped, realizing she was shaking. She went out the door and gingerly took the stairs.
That would be just my luck. My first date, and I’ll trip, fall down the stairs, and break my neck.
As she came to the bottom of the landing, she noticed how handsome Kevin looked in his dress jacket and jeans. Stacey tried with everything she had not to show her nervousness. She sighed as Dick shot the shit with him.
Listen to my dad, talking like he’s a human being. Yeah, keep up appearances and work your spiel.
She walked over to Kevin.
As Stacey passed Marie, she noticed the bitch was actually smiling.
Don’t crack your face, it might stick.
Kevin’s face lit up when he saw her. “Wow, Stacey, you look beautiful.”
She smiled as she inhaled the wonderful scent of his cologne. “Thanks, and you’re handsome. What’s that?”
Kevin gave her the flower. “It’s a black rose. Kind of fits with the concert we’re going to.”
“Wow!” She smelled it.
Yes, a regular rose.
“How did they get it black?” Stacey asked.
“I don’t know how they did it. The florist can make ‘em blue, too.”
“It’s beautiful.” She became squinty-eyed and full of passion. She wanted to jump him and lock her legs around his waist.
Kevin took her arm. “You ready?”
Marie stepped forth. “Aren’t the young lovers cute, Dick?”
Stacey craned her neck to look at her. “Will you two stop? It’s our first date.”
Kevin chuckled.
“This is Ted Browning’s boy,” Dick told Marie. “I was just telling Kevin here that ol Ted’s been one of my best tenants for twenty years.”
Stacey turned toward the door and rolled her eyes. She saw Kevin catch that and silently snicker.
“You’re trembling,” he whispered in her ear. “Are you all right?”
“Um-hmm,” Stacey answered. “Just pre-date nerves.”
“There’s nothing to be scared of. I’m a gentleman.”
Stacey nodded.
Unlike the jackass behind me.
Dick came forward and put a hand on the young people’s shoulders, which made Stacey’s skin crawl. “You two have a good time. Have her home by midnight.”
Maybe we’ll run away, and I’ll never see your sick ass again.
Kevin said, “Sure will, Mr. A. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
The butler came up behind Stacey and helped her into her purple winter coat. “Have a good evening, madam.”
“Thanks, Jeevsie.” She’d taken to calling him that as a teenager.
They went out the door. The cold immediately struck Stacey, and she pulled her coat over herself and shivered.
Kevin looked her in the eye. “You call your butler ‘Jeevsie’?”
Stacey nodded.
“That’s hilarious!” Kevin added.
“He doesn’t like it, but he’ll just have to deal with it,” Stacey answered.
“Wow, your folks are loaded. Nice house.”
Kevin opened the door for her, then took off his dress jacket. He had a Dead but Still Moving concert shirt underneath. Stacey laughed at this. He opened his door and grabbed a leather jacket from the backseat.
“Had them fooled, huh?” Kevin asked.
“I guess.”
“Well, let’s get goin. I like to get there early so I can get close to the stage.”
Stacey placed a hand on his arm. “Kevin?”
He turned to her. “Hmm?”
“I’ve… never been on a date before.”
His eyes looked amused. “No ki
ddin? There’s nothing to it. And don’t worry. I don’t bite… unless you want me to.”
Stacey laughed.
Kevin fired up the car and sped off. Stacey hoped a cop wouldn’t pull them over.
<^^>
They arrived at Wet Willy’s at 7:15, the teen, non-alcoholic bar Kevin had spoken of earlier. He paid for both of them to get in. The relief of the heating system soothed her, and the sounds of customers and patrons chatting it up made her nervous. A band with Mohawks and other weird haircuts, dressed in all-black clothing, worked through a sound check.
Kevin put his arm around her, which made Stacey swoon. “Come on, let’s go up front.”
Stacey looked at the bar. “Can I have a soda first?”
“Sure. Come on.” He took her to the bar. “Two Cokes, please.”
“Diet Coke.”
“Oh, Diet Coke for the lady.”
A smart-looking, shorthaired gentleman poured a couple sodas into see-through plastic cups. “Two dollars.”
Kevin paid the man.
Stacey’s spirits lifted, and she felt a lot better than she had in a long time. “I’ve never been to a concert before.”
Kevin smiled. “You’re just a babe in the woods, huh? Well, you’re going to love it. Come on, let’s quit gabbing and grab our place.”
Stacey noticed a bunch of gothic-looking punkers coming in the door. She imagined they’d think her odd in her preppie motif, a blouse and trendy jeans. Kevin took her to the front of the stage. Close-up, Stacey noticed the band wore makeup that made them look dead, like actors in a zombie flick. She hadn’t been able to tell what kind of makeup they’d worn from the bar.
Kevin placed his hands on the stage and gazed upward. “Hey Biff.”
The zombie with an eyebrow ring looked at him. “Hey Kev. Spread the word, did ya, mate?”
“You betcha. This is Stacey, my date.”
“Well, blimey, look at this little peach.” Biff actually reached out and kissed her hand. “It’s a fuckin pleasure.” He looked at Kevin. “You ready to rock out with your cock out?”
“You bet! Woo!”
Oh my goodness.
“What about you, Stacey?” Biff continued. “You ready to jam out with your clam out?”
“Uh… um…”
“Righteous!” Biff said anyway. He walked over and grabbed his black Fender Stratocaster.
Punkers crowded Stacey and Kevin from behind.