Honey Tree Farm

by Brenda Spalding

  Mr. Miller held his hands up for silence. It took several minutes, but the crowd finally got quiet.

  Miller made a great show of handing the envelopes to Clyde. Then he stepped back and all eyes were on Clyde. He held the girl's envelope to his ear. When the crowd didn't respond he shook it. There were a few titters from the audience before they realized he was teasing them.

  "Open it!" someone shouted.

  Clyde pointed to himself in a 'who me?' gesture.

  "Yes! Open it!" the crowd shouted.

  Clyde shrugged his shoulders and opened the envelope. He took the card out and read it silently and put it in his back pocket.

  "Who is it!" the crowd shouted.

  Clyde grinned and held it up. In the microphone he said, "Emily Hargrave is this year's Prom Queen!"

  Cheers and shouts filled the room as Emily Hargrave walked to the stage. She shook hands with Clyde. Mr. Miller brought her a bouquet of roses and Miss Toliver handed the crown to Clyde.

  "It is my honor to crown our new Prom Queen," and he set the crown on her head.

  More cheers followed. There were tears in Emily's eyes, but she smiled and straightened the crown more securely. Clyde held the mic up to her.

  "I just want to thank all the kids who honored me with this." She put her hand up in what might have been a wave or a signal that she was too emotional to say any more. She turned and took one of the thrones behind her.

  Clyde held the blue envelope. He held it to his ear as before. There was no reaction. He shook it as if listening to what might be inside; still no reaction. He sighed visibly and opened it. Everyone was quiet. “This year's Prom King is - another drum roll - Clyde Henderson! Clyde clasped his hands and shook them over his head in a winning gesture. The crowd booed! Clyde dropped his hands, his expression - one of huge disappointment - as he schlepped to the lectern. Into the microphone, he said in a deep dramatic voice and each word growing louder...

  "This year's Prom King is Jesse Sullivan!"

  The crowd went crazy! Their reaction was deafening!

  Those at his table cheered and laughed, clapping him on the back. Katy motioned him to leave, the crowd was waiting. He stumbled to his feet and hurried toward the stage. Kids congratulated him as he passed their tables. He got to the steps and hurried up. Clyde, the clown, had turned his back, was tapped his foot and checking his watch. Jesse had to tap him on the shoulder to let him know he'd arrived. Clyde grabbed Jesse's hand and raised it to signal his winning. The crowd reacted.

  Mr. Manuel, brought the King's crown, and Clyde, with theatrical drama, placed it on Jesse's head.

  There were shouts of congratulations, but it was too loud for anyone to hear anything. Clyde took Emily's hand and brought her to the forefront. He said something in the mic, but no one could hear it. The band played, but no one could hear that either. It's fair to say, the whole room was jubilant, well, almost the whole room. Clyde said something else into the mic, but his words were lost.

  Emily and Jesse left the stage and rejoined their group. Jesse got to his table and took Katy's hand. He said something but she couldn't make it out. He walked her to the dance floor, were only Emily and her date and the two of them stood alone. The crowd gradually quieted and the music could now be heard.

  "I asked for a prince and I got a king," said Katy, as he laid her head on his shoulder. They swayed to the romantic cords of My Happiness.

  The room quieted completely. The crowd partnered and joined the couples on the dance floor, but Jesse and Katy could have been alone on a deserted island; they were only aware of each other.

  Chapter 21

  Brice had been watching the show. He was burning with anger and frustration. He should have been prom king. His buddies had all voted for him. They’d even thrown in a couple of extra votes. He hated Jesse, who had humiliated him, ruined things between him and Janice and called the cops on him at the wedding. Brice openly glared at the group.

  “We’re being watched,” Cora said, nodding toward Brice.

  “He has been all night,” Janice added. "Richard, you don't know him, but he is more than mean; he's cruel and vicious. His dad's a big wig and the kid gets away with it every time. He beats up his girlfriends... he's just plain wicked."

  When the music ended, they went back to their table. Jesse took off his crown and put it on Katy.

  “I’ve never been a queen,” she said. “Maybe I'll leave it on forever."

  The group laughed and the boys went to get punch and snacks for everyone.

  “Where's the restroom?” Katy asked.

  “Come on, I’ll show you,” Janice said.

  “No, that’s okay. Point me in the right direction. I’ll find it.”

  “Go to the doors where you came in and turn right. It’s down the hall on the left past the water cooler. Sure you don’t want company?” Cora asked.

  “No, I’m fine. I’ll be back in a minute. Here, you can guard my crown,” Katy said, laying it down and waving to Jesse as he stood waiting in the line for punch.

  Brice watched Katy leave and saw Jesse at the refreshment table. He meandered behind the tables and behind the kids on the dance floor. He saw Katy walk into the girl’s restroom. He waited for her by the water fountain.

  When Katy walked out she was brushing lint off her skirt.

  “Well, well, if it ain’t Jesse’s little whore.” Brice sneered, stepping in front of her.

  Katy looked up, startled. Then fear set in. She was alone and knew what he was capable of. Even if she screamed, who would hear her with all the music and chatter in the gymnasium?

  “Okay, I'm sorry,” Brice said, changing tactics. “Maybe we can start over. How about I give you a little tour of the classrooms so you can see what a real school looks like?”

  “Brice, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Her voice was shaky and it gave her away. She tried to step around him. “I have to get back. The others will wonder what’s keeping me.”

  “Just one classroom...” Brice took her arm and pushed her across the hall to a door. “This is Miss Toliver’s English class. She’s teaching Romeo and Juliet now.”

  Katy felt it might be best if she went along with it. Maybe he would let his guard down, and she could get away quickly. She realized her mistake in the next instant. Brice led her into the classroom and locked the door behind him. Katy heard the click and her blood turned to ice.

  “Now, Katy, don’t be afraid,” Brice said taking her by the shoulders and drawing her close. He whispered in her ear, “I only want what you’ve been giving out to Jesse.”

  “I don’t do anything with Jesse; nothing like that!” She tried pushing him away.

  “Of course you do,” Brice said, lifting her skirt. Katy slapped his hands away, but he was much stronger. He pushed her to the floor and jerked her skirt up. She fought him, pushing and clawing. He rolled her onto her stomach and straddled her. With one hand he opened his buckle and unzipped his pants.

  Katy screamed! “No, I’ve never done anything with Jesse! You can’t do this!

  “Stop fighting, you little bitch,” Brice hit her so hard her ears rang.

  She felt blood trickling down her cheek. Katy screamed. How could she stop him? She felt him shift his weight and her skirt was pushed over her head.

  “Don’t you know once a guy starts, he has to finish!” His hands were on her. He tore her panties. She screamed again!

  The sound of breaking glass made Brice turn. Jesse reached through the broken glass and unlocked the door. The others were behind him.

  Jesse launched at Brice knocking him over. Brice was on his back, his clothes in disarray exposing him. He rolled over and tried to get up.

  The girls ran to help Katy.

  Jesse knocked him back down with a punch to his eye. Brice winced, but came back swinging. Jesse pounded him fiercely.

  Hank stood watching, shifting his weight from foot to foot, like a boxer eager to jump in.

  Brice's lip w
as split and bleeding. The whites of his eye was already turning red. Jesse grabbed him by his tie, swung a fist as hard as he could, connecting with his jaw and Brice fell back and laid still.

  Jesse had his tie and was ready to swing when someone grabbed his arm.

  “Enough, Jesse,” Mr. Miller said, his calm voice sounding so out of place in this room so full of anger and violence. Jesse took a deep breath and let his arms fall.

  Brice was coming around. Hank and Richard took him by the arms.

  "Let him go, boys," said Mr. Miller. "You," he said, pointing a finger at Brice. "Straighten your clothes."

  “Don’t you know who I am?” Brice covers himself, tucking and zipping as he talks.

  “You’re a rapist who likes to beat up on defenseless girls.” Hank said.

  “Wait until my father hears about this. That little bitch wanted it. She asked for it.”

  “No I didn’t. I begged you to stop,” Katy said, her breath hitching.

  “Boys," he said to Hank and Richard. "Take Brice to my office and stay with him. Do whatever you have to in order to keep him there. I’ll call the police and Mr. Bachlund. The rest of you stay here, and I’ll be right back.”

  Mr. Miller returned in a matter of minutes. “The police are on their way. We're still trying to reach Brice’s father. Will someone please tell me what went on here?” They all started talking at once. “One at a time, please.”

  “Jesse since you were throwing the punches, let’s hear your side. I gather that Brice Bachlund was up to no good and you stopped him?”

  “Yes, sir. He’s had it in for me and my friend Katy for a while now. Mr. Miller, if we hadn’t found her... You know what would have happened.”

  Jesse looked over at Janice, but she looked away. Nonetheless, Mr. Miller noticed the exchange.

  They were interrupted by shouting and scuffling in the hall. Miller went to check.

  The police had arrived and were taking Brice to the station.

  Brice was struggling. “I’m going to sue every one of you! Officer Jamison lost his grip on Brice who took a swing at him. The police pushed him to the floor and slapped handcuffs on him.

  Brice was still shouting, “I’ll get you for this. You won't have a job in the morning!"

  They pulled him up and were walking him out. "You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney..."

  “You!" Brice shouted at Jesse as he was pushed along. "Don't think I’ll forget this."

  "Oh, will he come after us, Jesse?” Katy was worried.

  “Nah, he won't get out of it this time. The police have him now.”

  Cora pulled Janice into the hall. “We need to talk.”

  Jesse put his arms around Katy. He drew her close and kissed her on the forehead. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I never thought Brice would try anything tonight with everyone around. Your father is going to kill me.” Jesse handed her the handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the blood from her lip. She wiped it gingerly.

  “The girls offered to come with me, but I said no. I didn’t even think about Brice.”

  “How does your face feel? You've been cut. We’ll have to talk to the police. Should we call your dad?”

  “No. Let's tell Dad when we get home. Brice has ruined enough of this night.”

  “Whatever you say,” Jesse continued.

  "How did you ever find me? I knew he wasn't going to stop. I didn't know what else to say to him. I just kept screaming."

  “The girls noticed that Brice was gone. The guys helped me look for him. I heard you scream." He kissed her. "You’ve got good lungs, girl... Thank God.”

  Mr. Miller returned. “The police have taken Brice to the station. Do you feel like talking to them tonight?”

  “Do I have to?” Katy wiped her eyes.

  Jesse looked at Katy. Her dress was torn, her hair was a mess and her cheek was cut and bruised. “Could we go to the station in the morning?”

  “Yes, I'll suggest that to Sheriff Hayward. He's very understanding. But be prepared for a lot of questions.” Mr. Miller started to leave. “Brice was talking about pressing assault charges against you, Jesse. Hank and Richard told us what they had seen though. That will get you off the hook. They also filled us in on how Brice has been harassing the two of you, and there will be enough witnesses from the wedding, I understand." He looked at the faces of the kids. “The officer took statements from Hank, Richard, Cora and Janice. It looks like Brice will serve jail time for this one. Mr. Bachlund was not happy when I spoke to him just now. He’ll see Brice at the police station.”

  They thanked Mr. Miller and he left.

  “I wish we could go back to the dance.”

  "I wish we could too," Jesse said, and took her hand. "I wish we could dance all night and into daybreak and forget this whole awful incident."

  She kissed him.

  "We'll have to bring our parents tomorrow. We can't shield them from what's been happening any longer."

  Katy slipped into the restroom to tidy up while Jesse and the boys waited in the hall.

  “Thanks for standing up for me.” Jesse rested against the wall, rubbing his sore and bruised hands. He had a cut over one eye and would have a black and blue shiner for weeks.

  “Brice deserves all the jail time he gets,” Richard replied.

  Katy joined the boys. Quick footsteps and chattering caused them to turn. The girls were running toward them.

  "Everyone heard Brice shouting and that he's been arrested." Cora said, a little breathless.

  "Cora said that I should be tough now and tell the police what Brice did. And then several girls came up to me. They kind of knew what had happened to me, because something like that had happened to them too. They offered to give statements. If we all talk to the police now, they'll listen. We want Brice stopped! Together we can make it happen."

  Jesse opened the door of Malinda’s car for Katy. But instead of getting in she turned to him.

  "Kiss me, my king."

  He pulled her close. His lips pressed hers, his tongue encouraging her to open her mouth to him. He sighed when she surrendered to his touch. He felt a heat build and his pants were becoming too tight. He wanted more, but...

  Parting, Katy whispered, “You make my toes curl.”

  “I can’t even tell you what you do to me,” Jesse said, holding her.

  Chapter 22

  The dogs announced the arrival of Katy and Jesse when they drove up into the yard of the Sullivan farm.

  “Hi,” Ted called out, hearing the screen door open. Jesse took Katy’s hand. There was a moment of hesitation, a moment to prepare for the conversation that was bound to follow. Jesse squeezed Katy's hand and they proceeded into the kitchen.

  “Did you have a good...” Ted stopped in his tracks when he saw them. "Oh, my god! What the hell happened?” Ted didn't wait for an answer. He called up the stairs. "Doris, wake the Haileys, they need to come downstairs."

  He pulled out a chair and gestured for Katy to sit. He reached up to touch her bruised and swollen cheek, but didn't. "My dear child. Your folks went to bed a while ago. Doris will bring them down. Can I get you anything?”

  "I... I'm fine, now." She squeezed Jesse's hand to bolster her courage. She was on the verge of tears, but didn't want to cry. That would just make things worse.

  Doris reached the bottom of the stairs with Jim and Malinda right behind her. The three rushed to the kitchen.

  “What is the urgency?" Doris asked, then she saw them. "My God!"

  All three stopped abruptly in the doorway when they saw the kids, who only hours ago had been clear-eyed and happy. Now they were bruised and bleeding and their clothes were torn and disheveled.

  Doris was the first to speak, but all that came out was... "What...?"

  Jim went to his daughter. "Did you have an accident? Are you all right? What happened?" The last words broke up and his voice cracked.

  "Thank God, you're all righ..." Malinda began
but broke down before she could finish.

  Jesse spoke softly. "Maybe you should all sit down."

  The families sat around the kitchen table and Jesse and Katy told them all that had transpired. Their account took the listeners from the thrill of the event, the beauty of the room, how they danced and won the Prom King crown, and then the storm clouds rolled in when Katy disappeared, the search for her, breaking into the locked room, and the fight that ensued, the police, the Brice screaming, hitting the officer and finally being hauled off in handcuffs to jail.

  The room was dead silent for a very long moment as each tried to grasp the full significance of what had happened.

  Malinda, who sat next to Katy took her hand, but she was too disquieted to speak.

  Jim felt no such calm. He burst out of his chair and went to his daughter. He brought her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her. "I could kill that son of a bitch, I could kill him!" He held her, tears spilled down his cheeks. The words hitched in his throat as he rocked her gently. "I could just kill him."

  Malinda went to them and put her arms around both of them. "No, killing would be too good for him. We will see him in jail and away from descent people."

  In the meantime, Tom sat with his hand over his eyes trying to deal with all he had heard, or maybe he didn't want them to see his eyes.

  Doris went to Jesse. "How are you?" she asked, gently touching his eye checking the damage.

  He smiled, but his eyes were more truthful. "Better, now that we're home. The bruises and cuts will heal, but the memory of seeing him on her when we broke in; I don't think I'll ever be able to forget that."

  She hugged him and kissed his cheek. "I'm very proud of you."

  Tom now stood at his side, his own face wet with tears and his eyes red. "We are both proud. No matter what happens now we will be beside you - both of you - all the way."

  “Brice is the one in for a bad time. We will talk to the police tomorrow and file formal charges. Sheriff Haywood felt we should come home tonight and speak to him in the morning.