Black Kat

by H. N. Sieverding

  “Good.” Harold smiled. “Tryouts are on April twentieth at Castle’s arena. Be there by twelve.”

  “Okay.” Morgan nodded quickly.

  “Good.” Harold nodded. “I’ll see you there.” He then indicated the doors. “You want to grab something at the bar?”

  They had a light snack and talked over the Castle scholarship. All Morgan had to do was show up and play a good game for the coaches.

  After the meeting, Morgan returned to his room. Everyone was asleep, so he snuck in. He pulled out the couch bed and laid down.

  A few minutes later, he felt the mattress move and a gentle hand slip around his waist. It was followed by a soft voice, “Where’d you go?”

  He whispered back, “Dad just wanted to talk for a bit.” He rolled over and took Gwen in his arms. He cooed softly in her ear, “Now go to sleep before you wake up Sam.” He kissed her cheek then squeezed her playfully.

  Gwen’s words were almost inaudible, “I love you, Tanner.”

  “I love you, too.” He gave her one more kiss then they both went to sleep.

  Chapter Six

  Gwen was in a bad mood, her practice routine given to her by her new coach wearing her out. Two hours every morning and two every evening. She was bruised, her whole body aching. She trudged up the stairs and walked toward her room.

  Hockey season was over, and Morgan was working with his dad on a few spring construction projects. That took up a lot of his free time, and Gwen didn’t get to spend as much time with him as she had before. It didn’t help that her mother was intent on keeping the pair from being anywhere near a bedroom.

  “Gwenie!” Joan called from the bottom of the stairs.

  “What?” Turning, Gwen shouted down the hall.

  “Phone!”

  Gwen went to her room and grabbed it. She tossed off her shoes as she answered, “Yeah?”

  “Gwen.” Anne’s voice was shaky, her tears invading her tone. “I’m in big trouble.”

  “What’s wrong?” Perking up, Gwen paused on the edge of the bed.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  “But the test you took said you weren’t.” Gwen’s jaw was stiff, and she had to keep her own tears at bay.

  “It must’ve been too early or something. I went to the doctor today. Mom and Dad are going to be so mad,” Anne spoke quickly. “What do I do, Gwen?”

  “You have to tell them,” Gwen answered sternly.

  “I can’t.” Anne was sobbing now. “I just can’t.”

  Gwen sighed then started putting on her shoes again. “You have to.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Are you keeping it?”

  “Of course!” Anne sounded very angry. “It’s a sin to kill a baby!”

  “Okay! Okay!” Gwen grimaced as she leaned up against her dresser. “You’re keeping it.”

  “What do I do, Gwen?”

  “First, you need to talk to your parents.” Gwen fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist, gazing at Morgan’s number.

  “What about Sam? Will you help me talk to him?”

  “Sure.” Gwen let out a tired sigh.

  “Thanks, Gwen.” Anne sniffled. “I’ll come pick you up.”

  “’Kay.” Gwen zipped up her hoodie and grabbed her purse.

  Taking a few deep breaths, Gwen went downstairs. She stopped at her mother’s chair. Joan looked up from her cross stitch when Gwen spoke. “Mom?”

  “Yeah?” Joan regarded her suspiciously.

  “Can I hang out with Anne for a little bit?”

  Joan looked Gwen over slowly. “Sure.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Gwen smiled then gave her a hug.

  Gwen then went to Anne’s and tried to calm the upset girl. It was late when Gwen came home. She slipped into the kitchen, but was met by her father. “Curfew’s nine on school nights, Gwenie.” Nick pointed to the clock. It read ten thirty.

  “Daddy.” Gwen let out a tired sigh, her eyes sparkling with tears.

  “Hey, now.” Nick pointed to the chair next to him. “Why the long face?”

  “I was just at the Nelsons.” Gwen tried to smile, but couldn’t. “Umm…” She then pointed to the living room. “Can I go to bed, Dad? I’m exhausted.”

  “You’re grounded for the rest of the week.”

  Without arguing, Gwen glared at her father and went upstairs. The hall was dark, but she knew the way so well, it didn’t matter. She stopped at Sam and Robby’s room. Opening the door, she angrily whispered her brother’s name. “Sam! I need to talk to you.”

  “Go to bed, Gwen.” Sam groaned, tossing the pillow over his head. Gwen snuck in and shook him roughly. After a little bit of fighting, he finally agreed to talk to her. He spoke in a gruff, annoyed voice, “What?”

  “I need to talk to you.” Gwen took his arm and pulled him to her room.

  When they got inside, Sam leaned up against the door as he rubbed his tired eyes. “What’d Morgan do?”

  Gwen’s lip trembled, her eyes scanning her brother quickly. “Sam…” Holding her hands in front of her stomach, she could barely give life to her words.

  “What?” Sensing her fear, Sam slowly walked over to her. “You okay, Gwenie?” He sat on the bed, and she sank down next to him.

  “No.” She stared at the floor, her voice soft.

  “Is it Morgan?” Sam chuckled, despite his sour mood. “’Cause I’ll kick his ass if it is.”

  “It’s not Morgan.” Gwen sighed heavily, her lips trembling. “It’s Anne.”

  “What about her?” Sam sounded annoyed, not seeming to like the coming conversation.

  “She’s pregnant.” Her eyes moved to meet her brother’s. She could see the terror in them. “It’s yours, Sam.”

  “Fuck.” Sam closed his eyes and fell back on the bed. He whimpered as he turned on his side and covered his face.

  “I know it’s her place to tell you, but I couldn’t keep it a secret. I had to say something.”

  Sam just groaned and didn’t answer.

  “She hasn’t told anyone but me.” Gwen tried to keep her voice down.

  Sam slowly sat up and looked at his sister. His eyes were damp. “What am I going to do, Gwenie? This is gonna ruin everything.” Speaking through gritted teeth, he slapped his bare knee. “Everything.”

  “I’m sorry, Sam.”

  “It’s okay.” Sam’s tone softened as he studied her. “Thanks for telling me.”

  “You’re welcome.” She tried to smile, but couldn’t. Instead, she lunged forward and hugged him tight. Hugging wasn’t something they did often, but Sam allowed it. His arms held her tight, taking in the comfort of her embrace.

  ****

  April came around and secrets were getting deeper. Not only did Anne and Sam not tell anyone about the baby, they weren’t speaking to each other. And Morgan hadn’t told his girlfriend about his offer from Castle, either.

  Gwen raced into the kitchen, but was halted by her father.

  “Hey, kiddo.”

  “Hey.”

  “You got plans for your spring break?”

  “No.” Gwen sighed, her eyes looking downward. “Because Morgan’s in Phoenix for his birthday.” There was sarcasm in her voice, and it was clear Gwen was angry that Morgan had gone away for the break and she couldn’t.

  “Yeah. I think Kent went a little overboard with that present.”

  “Well, some of the other Kats boys went, too.” Gwen sat down and propped her chin up on her elbows. “He must be having fun, because he hasn’t called me yet.”

  “Well, he probably is. Don’t worry so much about it. You’ll see him when he gets home.”

  “Yeah…” She let out a tired sigh. “Still…I miss him.”

  “So…” Nick quickly changed the subject. “You got that big competition next week.”

  “Yeah…” Gwen frowned as she ran her finger mindlessly over the worn wood of the table. “And I’m not looking forward to it. I hate competing.”

  “You’re go
ing to do great, kiddo. You worry too much about what other’s think.” He sent her a warm smile, but Gwen only returned a limp one. “Stop worrying so much about it.”

  “There’s gonna be tons of people there, Dad. I’m going to freeze. I know it.”

  “You’ll be fine. And Morgan’s going, remember?”

  “Yeah.” Gwen smiled at the thought. “He’s staying overnight with us. After the competition, he said he’ll take me to that huge mall in Charleston. They have a giant theme park in there. Morgan says he’s got a whole day planned. If I win, he’s going to let me use his truck for a week.”

  “His truck, huh?” Nick chuckled.

  “Yeah.” Gwen giggled then got up and went to the living room when her father resumed reading the paper. She spotted her mother making some costumes for her ballet class members. Joan was great at sewing and was often hired to make costumes. “Mom?”

  “Yes, Gwen?” Joan didn’t look up from her task.

  “Did—?”

  “No.” Joan sounded annoyed. “He did not call.”

  “Morgan said he was gonna call.”

  “Well, he hasn’t yet.”

  “He’s getting his tattoo this morning.”

  “Then, he’ll still have it to show you when he gets home Sunday.”

  “Mom,” Gwen whined. “Why can’t I just call them?”

  “Why?”

  “So I can ask Morgan if he got his tattoo.”

  “Why do you care about it, anyway?”

  “Because…” Gwen glanced at her little brother, who was coming down the stairs. “Morgan’s supposed to get one with my name on it.”

  “Gwen,” Joan sighed. “He’s not going to follow through with some silly thing like that.”

  “He better.”

  “So he can wear your name like you wear his on your butt?” Robby stuck his tongue out at Gwen.

  “Shut up. They’re shorts, you little virus.” She punched him in the arm and hurried upstairs.

  A few hours passed, and Gwen still hadn’t heard from Morgan. She was still extremely sore that the boys had gone to Phoenix, a place that had a huge spring break party going on. Not exactly the place she wanted her boyfriend to go.

  Because she was home, she went to dinner with her mother and her friends at the supper club. She was immediately swarmed by Jenny and Anne. Anne had been talking about the baby thing every time she saw Gwen. Gwen was feeling the burden of the secret and being the go between for her brother and the young woman. It didn’t help that Sam was out partying with his friends all the time, either.

  Gwen snuck away and went to the Tanners. She smiled at Morgan’s mother, Martha. “Mrs. Tanner?”

  “Hey, Gwen.” Martha smiled warmly. She already had a few drinks in her and was in a very good mood. “You want a soda or something?”

  “Water.” Joan glared at her daughter. “Gwen’s trying to lose weight. She’s got a very big competition next week.”

  “Morgan’s got something big next week, too.” Martha spoke fondly of her son.

  “He does?” Gwen looked confused. “He didn’t tell me about anything.”

  “He didn’t?” Martha seemed confused as well. “He’s going to Castle tryouts on Thursday. We’re leaving Wednesday. You can come along if you want, Gwen.”

  “Wednesday?” Putting a hand to her chest, Gwen’s jaw dropped. “He’s supposed to be going to my competition on Wednesday in Charleston.”

  “Ummm…” Looking slightly dazed, Martha realized she had just opened a huge argument.

  “You have to have the wrong day.” Joan tried to remedy the situation. “Morgan’s taking Gwen to her competition. They planned a whole day and everything.”

  “He told me that, but he said Gwen’s competition was on Tuesday.”

  “So, he’s bailing on me and going to tryouts instead?” Gwen had fire in her tone. Her breath quickened.

  “He has to go, Gwen,” Martha said.

  “How long has he known about the tryouts?”

  “A few months, I think.” Martha picked up her glass and took a sip. “He told me about them a while ago–when we filled out the papers for Castle. They said all he had to do was show what he could do for the coaches, and he’d be in. Full scholarship.”

  “He’s already got one for Wartham,” Gwen argued breathlessly, with great hurt.

  “He didn’t tell you about that, Gwen?” Martha sounded genuinely surprised. “I didn’t know. I—”

  “He lied to me about Augusta, now Castle? He’s such a jerk!” She began to cry then retreated toward the bathroom.

  “You have to have the wrong day.” Joan’s voice was strained. “Morgan made plans to go with Gwen on Wednesday. It’s her big competition. She’s been practicing for it all year.”

  “No…” Martha’s response was soft. “It’s the right day. I took off to go to it. This is very important to Morgan. He can’t go to her competition.”

  “And this competition is extremely important to Gwen. Excuse me.” Joan rose from her chair to search for her daughter.

  Gwen was in the back hall on the phone. She was talking to the man at the hotel desk. “I want to speak to Morgan Tanner.” Her voice was stressed, and she paused to sniffle back tears. “Room five hundred and ten.”

  The man then transferred her to the room.

  Nemmers answered, “Hello?” There were several voices in the background.

  “I want to talk to Morgan,” Gwen demanded.

  Nemmers let out an annoyed grunt then covered the receiver as he screamed, “Morgan!”

  A few seconds later, Morgan grabbed the phone. “What’s up?”

  “You lying, cheating, jerk!” Even though he couldn’t see it, Gwen was motioning with her hands as if she were glaring at him face to face. “How could you do this to me?”

  “Gwen, what the fuck’s wrong with you? I didn’t do anything.”

  “You lied to me!” She was crying, her voice thick with tears. “You’re going to Castle next year!”

  “I’m not going to Castle yet. Just tryouts.”

  “Same thing. And you didn’t even tell me. You’re supposed to tell me stuff like that.”

  “I knew you’d act like this.”

  “Because you lied to me and said you were playing for the Kats next year.”

  “And I will if I don’t get into Castle.”

  “And, to make it worse, you’re ditching me when I need you the most! That hurts, Morgan. I can’t do this without you! You promised me.”

  “Gwenie, it’s one year. We can do one year apart, if we need to.”

  “That’s not what I meant! You’re ditching the biggest competition of my life to go to tryouts! And you weren’t even going to tell me.” She wiped a few tears away.

  “I’m going to your competition, Gwen. I wouldn’t miss that. I told you—”

  “Your tryouts are on the same day.”

  “They are not. Tryouts are on Thursday. Your competition is Tuesday.” Morgan sounded annoyed, but his voice hadn’t raised. “I’m not missing your competition, Gwenie. I wouldn’t do that.”

  “My competition’s on Wednesday!”

  “Shit.” Morgan’s tone dipped in fear. “Gwenie, I’m sorry, I—”

  “And when were you going to tell me about Castle? Were you just going to go without telling me? You promised you would tell me everything and you lied.”

  “Gwen, I—”

  “I hate you, Morgan Tanner!”

  She hung up on him and fled to the car. Her mother saw her run past and chased after her. She took Gwen home, the pair not speaking during the first few minutes of the ride. Gwen was pouting, wiping her tears as she sat with arms crossed.

  Her mother then broke the silence. “He probably didn’t mean it, Gwen.”

  “He did. He’s a liar.”

  “Gwen…”

  “I hate him.”

  “You don’t.”

  “I do.”

  “Gwen…” Her mother got
that I “told you so” tone in her voice, which made Gwen’s scowl deepen. “Remember what I said. Morgan—”

  “Let Morgan go to Castle. See if I care.” Gwen sniffled, her lips pressed tightly together and her chin raised. “I don’t want to date a stupid liar, anyway.”

  “I don’t want you dating him, either.” Joan sighed.

  Gwen turned to her mother, a little caught off guard by what she had said. “Why?”

  “Because you two aren’t a good match. And he’s Sam’s best friend. It’s just not…” Seeming to tread carefully, Joan spoke with an exaggerated hand motion. “Good.”

  “Me and Morgan are a good match.”

  “No, you’re not. You two fight all the time.”

  “We do not. We just tease each other. That’s not fighting.”

  “It looks like fighting.”

  Gwen’s lip curled at her mother’s comment. Most of Morgan’s teasing led to things she liked, but she wasn’t going to voice that. So, she simply repeated, “It’s not fighting.”

  “And he’s Sam’s best friend. I knew this was going to happen. And now, it’s going to be messy.”

  “I’m not actually dumping him, you know.” Gwen sat up straight and turned to her mother. “I’m just trying to make him feel bad so he caves and goes to my competition instead of those stupid tryouts. He can go next year. He promised he’d—”

  “Gwenivere Roberts. That is no way to act in a relationship.”

  “He needs to feel bad. He’s being a jerk. He’s going to blow off the biggest competition in my life when he promised me nothing would make him miss it.”

  “I did not raise you to be manipulative like that.”

  “I’m not being manipulative.” There was a teenage snippiness in Gwen’s defiant tone.

  “You’re being a nasty little brat.”

  “I am not. We’re gonna be together forever, so he’s gotta learn to be honest with me.”

  “What would you know about life-long relationships? You’re seventeen.”

  “I don’t expect you to understand.”

  “And don’t expect that boy to change.” Joan glared at the road. “He lied to you about two schools. He’s going to lie even more than that.”

  Gwen was quiet.

  “I told you from the beginning Morgan was going to leave. I told you to be careful. But did you listen to me? No.”