Black Kat

by H. N. Sieverding

  “Then why do you skate?”

  “Because I love to skate.”

  “And why don’t you want to test yourself? See that you’re the best?”

  “I don’t care about being the best.”

  “Well, I care.” Joan stuck a pin in her mouth, her words muffled. “And after nailing a coach like Dellings, you better skate this ass of yours off to live up to her expectations of you.”

  Sam twisted around and glared at them. “Seriously, do you have to do that out here?”

  “And how’s it bothering you?” Joan sent him an angry look. She then turned to Gwen and signaled for her to take off the costume.

  “’Cause we’re trying to watch television, and you two keep gabbing like that. It’s annoying,” Sam snipped.

  When the conversation switched to mother and daughter, Morgan took the opportunity to get a closer look. Gwen was pulling off her costume, revealing a very tight, one-piece suit underneath it. His breath quickened as he watched more skin appear, especially the line from her squished cleavage.

  Gwen went to move, but Joan pointed aggressively. “Stay. I need to get more pins. I’ll be right back. We’re fixing your ballet dress next.”

  “I’m not being in Swan Lake, Mom!” Gwen whined. “I told you.”

  “You are to.” Joan quickly ran to the kitchen.

  Morgan immediately started teasing her. “Getting too fat for your ice queen dress, Gwenivere?”

  “Shut up.” Gwen moved from her place and went over to the couch. “Ice prick.” In her hand was a needle, which she stabbed him with.

  “Fuck! Bitch!” Morgan recoiled into the cushions.

  “Morgan!” Joan shouted from the other room. “Watch your mouth!”

  “Sorry, Mrs. R!” Grabbing Gwen’s hand, Morgan tried to wrestle the pin from it. The slick metal easily slid through her fingers. Morgan immediately jabbed her in the side with it, and Gwen let out a shriek. Then, a fight ensued, one which Sam tried to avoid by scooting over. Gwen slapped at Morgan, and the pin fell between the cushions.

  The boys were about seventeen, Gwen a year younger. Sam was past the stage of wrestling with his sister, but Morgan wasn’t. He had other reasons to play this way with her. Sam didn’t seem to see Morgan’s great attraction to Gwen, even though it was incredibly obvious. The trio had grown up together, and everyone close to them saw Gwen as Morgan’s little sister. And any guy who tried to date her? Sam and Morgan would make his life hell until he left her alone.

  Joan walked back into the room, motioning angrily for Gwen to come over. “What are you doing?”

  “Morgan called me fat.”

  “She was poking me with pins.” Morgan felt around the inside of the couch looking for it. When he did, he quickly pulled it out and poked Gwen’s bare thigh with it. She screamed and jumped back a step.

  “Get over here.” Joan ignored the fight. Gwen obeyed, and her mother slipped on her short dress for the ballet. Gwen immediately scowled. Joan then addressed the boys. “Don’t you boys have homework?” Her gaze settled on Sam, her tone deepening. “Sam? If you don’t keep up with your grades, no car for a month.”

  “Fine.” Sam tossed the remote and pulled on Morgan’s sleeve. “Come on, let’s go upstairs.”

  “Gwen.” Morgan wadded up a napkin and threw it at her.

  She sent him a sneer. “What?”

  “Can I borrow your notes from anatomy class?”

  “Sure.” She motioned with her eyes toward the stairs. “They’re in my backpack.”

  “Thanks.” He nodded then joined Sam.

  Morgan jogged down the hall to Gwen’s room. He grabbed her bag, but halted when he saw something tucked under her pillow. There was a small patch of pink showing through. He smiled wickedly then snatched it up. Entering Sam’s room, he laid on the bed. “Got some reading material.” He shook Gwen’s diary.

  “See if she wrote where she put our street hockey nets.” Sam was sitting on the floor playing a video game, not working on his homework like he had been sent up to do.

  “’Kay.” Morgan nodded then leafed through the book. Switching positions, he lay on his belly and swung his feet back and forth slowly. He pulled out a tin of beef jerky, turning the lid and pinching a small amount of some of its contents. He then tossed it at Sam, who did the same.

  After a few minutes of silence, Morgan answered, “She put them in Christmas decorations.”

  “Awesome.” Sam attempted a smile. “Anything else good in there?”

  “Listen to this.” There was a slight scowl on Morgan’s freckled face. He read aloud. “‘I think Jake Thompson’s going to ask me out.’”

  “Thompson’s a douche.”

  Morgan continued reading, “‘I think he likes me. It must be my new pink shirt.’” Rolling his eyes, Morgan turned a few pages. “Girls write about the stupidest stuff. Your sister’s secrets are lame.” His gaze then settled on a paragraph containing his name.

  I hate Morgan Tanner! I wish he’d get his own family instead of hogging mine all the time. I mean, does he really have to come over and eat dinner with us every night? The hog eats all the good pieces of pizza. Why can’t Sam get a better best friend? Like—

  “I’m asking Olivia out.” But Sam didn’t sound excited. “Mark said she’s easy, so maybe he’s right.”

  “Easy doesn’t matter.” Morgan’s voice didn’t reflect the hurt on his face as he continued reading Gwen’s diary. He took out a pen and crossed out Thompson’s name.

  “Says the newest member of the Black Kats. You’re gonna get any chick you want now.”

  “Yeah, right.” Morgan snorted as he added a few lines in the notebook.

  “Seriously, Morgan. Don’t you want a steady girlfriend?”

  “I don’t really care about girls.” Morgan was doodling now in the margins. “All they are is drama and problems.”

  “Then, why do you date so many?” Tossing his game aside, Sam spat out the contents of his mouth in a discarded pop can near him. He then laid his head back against the bed.

  Morgan let out a huff from his nose, his lips held tightly together and unable to release his laugh.

  “I shouldn’t even ask you that.” Sam glanced at Morgan, but he had his nose in Gwen’s diary. “You think Gwen would talk to Olivia for me?”

  “Ask her.” Morgan was reading a passage where Gwen was gushing about some of the Black Kats’ players. She was talking about the center, the same position he played. “So…” He was distracted. “You think girls’ll like me more when I’m playin’ for the Kats?”

  “Fuck, yeah!” Sam laughed as he picked at the hemp bracelet that hung around his wrist. “Just listen to Gwen when she’s at a game. She and her friends drool over those guys.” Morgan was once again writing in Gwen’s book and not paying attention to Sam. “God, I wish I was playin’ for the Kats. You’re a lucky bastard.”

  Both boys looked up when they heard a knock at the door followed by a woman’s voice. “Sammy, honey.” Morgan snickered. “Dinner’s ready.”

  Sam snapped back, “Stop calling me Sammy, Mom. I’m eighteen.”

  “And you act like you’re Rob’s age.” Joan laughed. “Downstairs! Now!”

  He then stood, motioning for Morgan to get up. Morgan leafed through Gwen’s book a little more. A few pictures fell out, and he stashed them in his baggy cargo shorts before following Sam.

  ****

  About an hour later, Gwen walked out of her room. Her ears were covered by headphones, her hair and make-up done up perfectly. She was singing to a song as she danced down the hallway. She spun, her arms held out gracefully. As she visualized the routine she had been practicing, she spoke to herself.

  Passing her brother’s door, she noticed it was open. Halting, she peered inside. When she saw it was clear, she went in. She spied her backpack. Grunting, she rushed over to it and gathered some of the things that Morgan had taken out. He was always getting food on her notes and borrowing her pens, chewing
on their ends or losing their caps.

  His bag sat next to hers. Gwen dropped onto the bed and searched through it. Then, she saw something. Her eyes widened as she pulled out her diary. On the inside cover, in bold letters, was “Jake Thompson is a douche,” in Morgan’s handwriting. It was accompanied by a crude drawing. Her jaw dropped, and she held the book to her chest.

  Taking a few deep breaths, she closed her eyes and tried not to cry. He had read her secrets. Not only secrets about him, but everyone. As if remembering something, she quickly went through her book bag. Searching the pockets, she pulled out a few notes from her friends. She then unfolded them and looked for a certain one. When she found it, she swallowed hard then breathed a sigh of relief. Morgan hadn’t seen it. She stuffed it back in her bag.

  She took out one of his books and scribbled on the front, “The Avengers suck.” She smiled at her revenge then placed it back in the bag. Then, grabbing hers, she dashed back to her room.

  “Gwen! Get down here right now! You’re going to be late for practice!” her mother called from downstairs.

  “Coming!” Gwen dropped off her backpack and darted into the kitchen. Morgan was there talking to Sam. They were watching something happening across the street.

  Glaring at him, Gwen balled her fists. “Morgan!” Smashing into him from behind, she shoved him into Sam. Sam fell into a chair.

  “What?” Looking confused, Morgan shrugged. She was wearing her leotard, the tight fabric stretched by her large breasts. Morgan’s gaze skipped to them, but he seemed to be trying very hard not to look.

  “You read my diary, you jerk.” She shoved on his chest, but didn’t move him. Avoiding his stare, she looked downward. “Both of you are assholes!”

  “Hey! You checked from behind.” Picking her up, Morgan tossed her over his shoulder. “Five minute penalty for Gwenie!”

  “Put me down!” Punching his back, she tried to break away. Morgan carried her to the living room.

  Joan was yelling from the front hall. “Gwen! Get in the car! Now!”

  “Morgan!” Gwen squealed as he slammed her down onto the couch. He held her hands, pinning her to the cushions. With a roaring yell, she screamed at him. But all he did was laugh and not let her up. They were a bit old for the play, and his hands didn’t feel the way they had when the pair had been ten. Morgan’s touch ignited other feelings now.

  Her face was bright red as she tried to pry him off. Though she was struggling, she secretly loved this. Morgan hovering over her. His hands on her bare flesh. Realizing she was thinking about Morgan in a way she shouldn’t, she closed her eyes and tried to block out the ideas. “Let me up, you ice prick!”

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” He was so close. His eyes a baby blue and his smell intoxicating.

  She looked away from the handsome man above her and over to the side. “You read my diary. You’re such a dick!” Then, she started crying. “Let me up!”

  “If you didn’t hide our shit, I wouldn’t have.” He still held her down, Gwen struggling to get free.

  “I hate you, Morgan Tanner!”

  “I hate you, too. You’re such a fucking baby.” Morgan glared at her then loosened his grip so that she could move away from him. She stormed out to the car.

  “She acts like she’s ten.” Sam ran his hands through his messy hair. “Why’d she have to come hit you like that, anyway? You shouldn’t have let her up until she apologized.”

  “I don’t need an apology.” Morgan let out an annoyed sigh. He then looked at the clock. “And sorry to bail on you, man, but I gotta head to practice soon.”

  “’Kay.” Sam made a sour face as he watched Morgan run upstairs to get his stuff.

  ****

  Sitting on her bed, Gwen flipped through her diary. She was in her jammies—a tank and baggy sweats. Her socks were stamped with cats and hearts. She was annoyed, and it showed in her bored expression. She was looking for the next blank page, but stopped when she saw some words x-ed out and new ones written in red pen. Narrowing her eyes on the paragraph, she was at first angry, but on closer inspection, she laughed.

  Jake Morgan is the hottest guy on the football team Black Kats. Jenny says he likes me, and I should flirt with him more. I’m not sure. I’ve heard he has a bad awesome reputation with women hockey and would treat me like his toy sister. That doesn’t sound fun. Plus, he’s kind of a jerk too awesome. But he is hot, and he’s the captain of the team on the Kats. Maybe I should try. What’s it gonna hurt?

  Her face turned red. Looking love struck, she picked up the book and held it to her chest. Though she didn’t voice it, she had a huge crush on the hockey player. But he was her brother’s best friend and like a big brother to her. She couldn’t date him. It’d be weird. Plus, Morgan didn’t like her that way.

  Sighing, she read the words again. It was true. He didn’t feel that way. He was just being silly. Her smile faded, and she ran her hand over the pen marks. Then, she flipped through the pages again. She stopped when she saw something written in the margin. It was near her entry about drooling over some of the Kats’ players.

  Pervert

  Rolling her eyes, she continued on. He was so immature. Anger set into her features as she scanned the rest of the diary for side notes. She found a few doodles in the side, as well as a few snarky comments. Stopping at an entry, her breath quickened when she saw his question.

  On the Kats?

  Closing her eyes, she pushed her lips together tightly and tried not to squeal with tears. She had written,

  I saw him flirting with Vicki today. Is he sleeping with her? Sam told me he was. She’s such a whore. Why can’t he just ask me out? I’m way hotter than she is, and I’m not a slut. And I’ve loved him longer than she has. He should be mine. I wish he would stop being such a hard-headed, ice prick and notice that already.

  He makes me so mad I could slap him. What’s wrong with me? Jenny’s right. He’s on the Kats, and he doesn’t notice girls like me. I hate him! I wish he’d just join an out-of-state team and get out of my life.

  After gathering herself, she shut her diary then shoved it back under her mattress. It wasn’t the best hiding place, but what could happen now?

  Her mom knocked on the door then slowly opened it. “Phone call, honey.”

  “’Kay.” Gwen hopped to her feet and grabbed the phone near her bed. “Hello?”

  “Hey.” Morgan spoke, a click afterward indicating that her mother had hung up the other phone. “You finish your project for Anatomy class? I don’t have mine done yet.”

  Gwen sighed in annoyance. “Morgan, that’s due Monday.”

  “I know, but I can’t do art stuff.”

  “And?” She tried not to smile, but she did. Her voice didn’t show it though.

  “I need you to help. You like art stuff.”

  “Art stuff is different from school projects, Morgan.”

  “But you have to draw it and stuff for me. I can’t draw.”

  “You did in my diary.”

  “Umm…” He seemed hesitant to respond to that remark. “So, can you come over and help me?”

  “Now?” Gwen glanced at the clock. It read seven thirty.

  “Yeah. I just got outta practice. I’ll pick you up on the way home.”

  “Okay. I’ll have to ask Mom first. Just a sec.” She stood and jogged to the door. After a brief search, she saw her mother doing laundry downstairs. “Mom.” Gwen covered the receiver. “Can I go to Morgan’s? He forgot to do his Anatomy project and needs my help.”

  “Forgot?” Joan chuckled. She was folding towels, the stack a little lopsided.

  “Yeah.” Gwen gave her mother a sarcastic expression. “You know, ’cause he’s an idiot and never does his homework.”

  “Idiot?” Joan shook her head before diving to retrieve more linens from the dryer.

  “So, can I?” Gwen made a sideways smile, a slight annoyance in her voice.

  “Yes, but no eating any junk food.” He
r mother pointed a finger at her. “You’re on a diet, remember?”

  Gwen frowned when she thought about what some of the girls in her ballet class said about her. They called her “Porky” Roberts.

  “I swear all Kent has at his house is beer and junk food. That’s why that boy’s always eating here.” She opened a large towel and shook out all the wrinkles. “Poor kid.”

  “I can go.” Gwen was now talking to Morgan.

  “Wanna get a pizza?” he replied.

  Gwen smiled wickedly at her mother. “Sure.”

  “No pizza.” Joan had heard him. She grabbed the phone and held it to her ear. “Morgan.” Her voice was stern. “Gwenie can’t eat that stuff. She’s on a diet so that she can fit into that very…” She narrowed her eyes on Gwen. “Expensive costume I made for her skating competition this season. So, no junk.”

  “Gotcha, Mrs. R.” Morgan chuckled.

  “And have her home by midnight.”

  “’Kay.”

  “Here.” Joan handed the phone back to Gwen.

  Gwen spoke to Morgan as she skipped back up the stairs, “So, do you have the supplies for the project?”

  “Supplies?” Morgan sounded confused.

  “Yes, dummy,” Gwen sighed. She shut her door and grabbed some clothes. “I’ll bring some.”

  “’Kay. Be there in a bit.” He hung up.

  Smiling at her reflection for a few seconds, Gwen freshened up her makeup. She then got dressed and went downstairs. Her book bag was slung over her shoulder, a bag of art supplies in her hand. She was looking out the window, but couldn’t see past what the street lights lit.

  “What’s the project?” Joan sat on the couch and picked up her crossword book.

  “It’s a bone study. We’re supposed to label the bones in the body.”

  “Bone study?” Her mother picked up her pen, her eyes searching for the words she hadn’t found yet. “Like the one I helped you with the other night?”