She was not the most beautiful girl - this she knew. And,
it had been pointed out to her so many times by idiotic boys passing
her in the hallways. Grace scratched out another word that she thought
sounded too placid. Slamming her head on the keyboard of her computer,
she thought she must have been the worst writer ever. She glanced over
at the guitar that laid on her bed. Instantly, Grace scowled and flipped
it off.
Of course no one knew her Father had taught her how to play.
Frankly, she believed that no one gave a damn. And, the guitar that
was on her bed was mocking her right now. Yet, she smiled at the thought
that her Father had given it to her: It was his when he was in a band so
long ago. Chuckling, she thought of calling her Father old man from now on.
No, she thought, he would not like that one bit - I think I'll do it.
Grace opened up her poems file and scanned some poems she had
written a couple years ago. Though, they were good in their own way,
she blanched to think of what was on her mind back then. Then, one
caught her eye, and she decided to make it a song. Soon, she thought
of the perfect music to put to it. Oh, she pondered, I wouldn't want
to do this for a living.
Just as she started to pick at her guitar, music from below made
her loose her train of thought. Grace scowled, and heard Eli's band start
to play. Wondering briefly why they practicing here instead of
Karen's . . . well, it was beyond her. She did not see what was so good
about them anyway. Well, she did . . . but she hated it that they had
played before people and she would be stuck as a nobody talent. It did
not seem that bad, but if she had someone else to play guitar, Grace could
simply sing and not have to concentrate on getting her fingers to dance correctly.
"Please, say you'll wait for me . . ." she sang softly.
Then, suddenly, a loud bang surrounded her. Oh, life was sweet
for Grace: Anti-Inflamatory had just blown an amp. But, she could not
resist, she ran down stairs heading toward the garage. She did not even
bother to let go of her own guitar. The thought of even knocking before
entering Eli's room never even entered her mind. She wanted to see the
priceless look on his face - the look of horror, and anger. The band had
been practincing for almost a week, on her Christmas vacation. It almost
seemed that the world was existing to kick her in the ass. All she wanted
to do was write, and she could not do that with them hogging up all the space.
The door was all ready partly opened, so Grace slowly nudged it
completely open with her foot. She almost died with laughter. They
were all pointing at one another, blaming each other. The boys did
not even know she was leaning in the doorway. It was one of the sweetest
moments in her life, to see four boys in their early twenties running
around like chickens with their heads cut off.
Oh, and it got even better, Coop bent down to un-plug something.
And, out of pure instinct, Grace glanced in that direction. He was taking
his time, trying not burn his fingers. So, Grace tilted her head,
with slightly parted lips.
"God, his ass looks good in jeans,"
Oh, crap, she thought, as all four turned to look at her.
Oh, shit, she winced. Coop had stood up, mouth ajar, but clearly a
mused. She could not believe she had said that out loud. But, oddly,
she was not blushing; she was laughing even harder than before. Yes,
the look on Eli's face was priceless, but the others - well, she really
wished she had a camera.
"What?" she asked, innocently, giving doe eyes, "his ass does look
good in jeans."
"Grace . . . " Eli started.
"What happened?" she inquired, cutting him off.
Coop kicked the blown amp, grinning as it fell over with
a loud thud. She gave a lop-sided grin at his frustations being
taken out on inanimate objects.
"Shitty equipment," offered Ted.
"Shitty guitarist," Wink added.
Eli groaned loudly. That was all he needed, was them to
him for the millionth time that he was way out of practice. Then,
the guitar in Grace's hand caught his attention. It was a vintage
model, and he found himself wanting to cradle it. He actually thought
it was weird to see Grace holding a guitar. And, he pondered why she
actually had one. Does she play, he asaked himself, she never said a
damn thing to me.
"What are you doing down here?" he asked, clearly agitated.
"Oh, well it's not everyday something explodes in the house.
I was hoping for a moment that it was your inflated head, but
now that I see it isn't . . . "
Grace trailed off, and began her way back to her room. She
enjoyed the sounds of laughter from his friends. Now, she thought,
I'll get all of them to be quiet and finished my damnable song.
Bouncing with a happy step, Grace found her way to the living room,
and decided to work on the song there.
"All right, shut the hell up all ready, that was ten minutes ago," Eli
whined, pulling a pillow over his face.
"It was a good burn," Coop chuckled.
Eli lounged on his bed, with Coop at his feet. Wink and Ted
were trading with different kinds of chips with one another.
"Pork rind for Dorito?" asked Wink, hopefully.
"Deal," Ted grinned.
"Uh-oh . . . " Wink did not finish.
"What?"
"No more Doritos,"
"More pork rinds for me,"
Coop was busy tuning Eli's guitar. He kind of felt angry at
Eli at the moment. Out of the blue, he had called them up to practice.
It had been months since they had done that. And, truth be told, Coop
was hurt by Eli's non-chalance at just blowing them off. It also did
not help that Eli was really sucky at the moment. But, on the upside
of things, Eli had written some kickin' songs.
"E, soda," Wink ordered.
Eli tilted his head to look at the other boy. He let a
look of confusion cross his features, then calmly flipped him off.
He went back to looking at the ceiling. No one had to tell him that
he was off these past few days. Quite frankly, he loathed not being
able to play as well as he once had. And, at the moment everything
and everyone was irking him, terribly.
"You know where the damned kitchen is,"
Not needing another answer, Wink jumped up and ran out of
the garage. At the moment, Ted was throwing pork rinds up in the
air and catching them in his mouth. He clearly had a useless talent.
"What now?" Coop broke the silence.
"Hit the pawn shops," Eli answered.
Suddenly, Ted stood up and pushed Coop over to sit on the bed.
He hung his head down, looking thoughtful for the moment. Something was
bothering him incessantly. There was image that just did not quite fit,
and he could not for his life figure it out.
"E?" Ted learily, asked.
"Huh?"
"Why did your Sister have a guitar?"
"Step-sister, and my thoughts exactly," anwered Eli.
Wink could clearly see Grace from his postion. And, it was not
a bad postion at all. She had knocked over some magazines and was now
picking them up. Her ass looks nice in jeans, he thought, then smiled
at her earlier commment. Then, he hungrily went back to look for junk
food. He rumaged through the pantry, his fingers grazing over pudding
cups; he hated chocolate. Finally, he found some pretzels that he deemed
worthy of consumption.
Then, the sound of a guitar caught him off guard in mid-swallow.
He looked back at Grace, and stared. She muttered a curse, and sratched
out another word. Grace hummed a bit, and shook her head, crumpling up
the piece of paper. She threw it behind, it landed far from the couch.
Strongly, she began to sing unaware that prying ears were near.
"Please, say you'll wait for me; I'll grow up someday you'll see. I'll
save myself for you, but lend my kisses to someone new. I'm a little girl,
And, you're a young man. Yet, I can't spill the truth, And, you don't
understand. I've written you thousands of letters, That I'll never send.
I've whispered to you sorrows, That you'll never comprehend. And, there's
not gonna' be a tomorrow,"
Grace groaned, and threw the guitar beside her on the couch. Placing
a pillow over her face, she let out a frustrated scream. Wink cheekily,
grinned: she obviously did not realize she was good. So, he waited for
her to play some more. Because from what he had seen, she was resiliant -
very resiliant, and he knew she was not going to give up that easily. Finally,
he decided to say something.
"Is that it?"
Instantaneously, Grace threw the pillow aside and stood up. She
was completely embarrased, and she could feel the heat on her face. Thinking
for a moment, she tried to remember which boy stood before her. Grace recalled
he had an unusual name . . .
"Wink," she spat out.
"That's me," he shoved some more pretzels in his mouth.
Grace frowned slightly, as he munched loudly. He obviously did not
realize that he had royally pissed her off. Guitar in hand, she walked to
the kitchen. He was completly oblivious to what she was about to do. Wink
smirked as she strode toward him, his eyes lingering on her hips a bit longer
than they should have. Then, she slapped him on the shoulder. Of course it
did not hurt, but he dropped the bag of pretzels, and held his arm none the
less. She hit him again in the exact same spot on his other arm; he yelped
in surprise more than anything else.
"You bastard!" she screamed, "You were spying on me."
"Hey," he threw his hands up in surrender, "I was hungry - looking for food.
Maybe you should watch where you're playing the next time."
His nonchalant grin only served to infuriate her more. Grace glared
at him, waiting for an apology. So, the two stood there, gawking at one
another. Wink was casually standing in the kitchen, taking in all of the
girl before him. She was not beautiful, but a plain kind of pretty; with
dark hair and dark eyes, and slightly turned up nose. To him, she was cute -
especially with that scowl on her face.
"Well?" she said, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Well, what, Little Sister?"
"An apology, you big oaf!"
Wink tilted his head like a befuddled dog would. He brought up his
hand to his chin, rubbing freshly shaven flesh. Making a pondering noise, he
tapped his foot slowly. Then, Grace caught a hint of mischief in his eyes.
She did not like that look: it was similar to the one Eli got when he was going
to do something she hated.
"Shan't," and he tugged on her hair for good measure.
Grace lunged at Wink and he took a step back. Then, Grace proceeded
to chase him around the island in the middle of the kitchen. Both of their
eyes were dancing with fire. The exhillaration of running after one another
was humouring both of them. Grace had been almost bored to tears over her
holiday. The newness of Christmas presents had wourn off long ago. For
Wink it was pretty much the same thing, except he was more sexually frustrated;
having a pretty brown-eyed girl chase him, sort of enthralled him.
"Wink!" she screamed, as he jumped onto the couch.
He was not that graceful though: he fell on his backside on the floor
on the other side of the couch. A loud thud echoed loudly in Grace's ears.
She grabbed onto the back of the couch and leaned over. Wink was laying on his
back, eyes closed, and she could not tell if he was breathing.
Quickly, Grace hopped over the couch, dropping her guitar behind her.
She kneeled next to him, gently poking his arm. There was no movement. A
flash of fear crossed her countenance. And, she leaned over him further.
Taking him by the shoulders, she shook him slightly. Still, there was nothing.
Grace leaned forward - face to face with him, to see if he was still breathing.
Suddenly, Wink grabbed her and flipped her over, tickling her sides.
Oh, no, was the last thought she had as she saw his eyes fly open. Grace
screamed and screeched, begging him to stop. He did not stop, and continued
joyfully - mercilessly to tickle her.
Eli, Coop, and Ted had heard a few shouts and screams, and then a
parade of screeching. Of course they thought that someone was being murderd,
or tortured. So, they filed out the basement, running toward the sounds.
Pass the kitchen, they barely heard pretzels breaking beneath their feet.
Hearing more screaming, they stooped before they came to near too
the couch. An idle guitar lay before their feet; Eli picked up, revelling
in the feel of it. It was warm, old, and in very good condition. He tested
its weight quickly, but a voice made him come out of his reverie.
"Oh, Wink," she gasped, " . . . stop fucking with me!"
The three left out boys peered over the couch, shocked to see a
flushed, happy Wink straddling Grace. Eli hesitated, because words to
say totally espcaped him. While Coop and Ted opted for tilted heads,
enjoying the show. Then, swiftly, Eli found his voice.
"What the fuck is going on?" his tone sounded strange to him - too strange.
Abruptly, all movement between Grace and Wink stopped. They
looked up, and were surprised to find three pairs of eyes watching them
intently. Grace grimaced at the look on Eli's face. If her Father had
been there, she was sure that would be the look that he would be giving
them at the moment.
"Get off of her!"
For a moment, Wink stayed glued to his spot on top of Grace.
He was vaguely aware of what Eli had said, but he took it as to be bad -
he stood up. Grace rolled over, clumsily; she stood up and walked toward
Eli. She stuck out her hand, wanting her guitar back. Eli did not
understand at first: all he saw was crimson. He had never imagined
Grace with other guys, let alone see one of his friends straddling her.
She was simply Grace; a girl that he still remembered being fourteen and
shy.
"Eli, stop fingering my guitar. It looks dirty when you hold it like that,"
Grace yanked the guitar from him.
She sat down on the couch, staring at the piece of paper on the
coffee table. The song was complete, and she wanted to practice it more.
But, she did not want them around - well, Wink had all ready heard her, so
it did not really matter if he did. Still dumbstruck by Eli's outburst,
Wink shoved his hands in his pockets and shuffled out of the living room.
Soon the others followed.
The band sat at the kitchen table, drinking, eating, and not talking.
There was a heavy silence that hung in the air. Even tension stung the air;
it was new experience for the four. The pretzels had been swept up by Wink
long ago, but suddenly his hunger did not seem that great.
"Fuck, will you two stop having a fucking pissing match all ready.
'Cause it's bull shit!" Coop broke the silence.
"Huh?" came from Eli and Wink.
"Wink, just apologize for tickling his sister . . ."
"Step-sister," Eli interrupted.
"Yeah, step-sister, and we can go scout for a new amp," Coop finished the
last of his soda.
"Oh, sorry, E. Little Sister was just playing and singing, and got all
flustered that I heard, and well one thing led to another, and she hit me.
Of course it didn't hurt none," Wink tried to keep some of his pride in tact.
"She was what?" asked Coop, intrigued.
"Playing her guitar, and singing a song she wrote,"
"Really?" asked Eli.
Wink nodded and glanced at Ted's vanilla ice cream. Suddenly,
his appetite came back to him. So, he busied himself trying to con Ted
out of his food.
"Was she any good?" Coop inquried, raising an eyebrow.
"Huh," he asked, forgetting what they were talking about, "oh, yeah
totally - deep voice - nice."
And, Ted walked to the living room, with Wink following him
intent on getting that damn bowl of ice cream. Eli stared at his best
friend. He wondered why suddenly Coop, and everyone else seem so interested
in Grace. It was making him feel a bit envious. All his friends seemed
intrigued by her, and her musical talents.
"Eli, you know if she . . . "
"You want to replace me with her?"
"No - no, not in the guitar area, but you play a lot better when you
don't do both at the same time,"
"Thanks, pal," Eli replied, sarcastically.
"Damn, you've been in a pissy mood all week, what crawled up your . . ."
he was interrupted by Grace running into the kitchen.
She stopped in mid-step looking at Eli and Coop. Grace grinned
at Eli, winking at him. She went to the fridge and pulled some orange
juice, drinking straight from box. Coop looked to Eli, then back to
Grace's back. There was something in Eli's gaze that made Coop think
that Eli was not just giving her a "brotherly" glance.
"When'd you learn how to play?" questioned Eli, curiously.
"Dad taught me, why, when did you learn?" she put the juice back
and sat down at the table, grabbing a few cookies.
"You never said anything,"
"You never asked,"
They stared of one another, Grace taking a cue from Wink,
started to much loudly and cheekily. Coop smiled: the girl could
almost be the female version of Wink, and himself combined. And,
the girl had spunk - he liked spunk. So, Coop could not help himself
when he just blurted out the question.
"Will you sing for us?"
"Huh?" Grace and Eli asked in unison.
"Wink said you were . . . "
"That oafy-bastard! I'll kill him!" Grace stood up.
She ran toward the living room, and soon Eli and Coop heard
screaming, and then mocking laughter. But, it was hilarious when Wink
came running out of the living room, heading straight for the door.
He cast a menacing glare toward his band mates, then raced outside.
Grace came back to the kitchen, carrying an empty bowl. She casually
threw it in the sink, crossing her arms across her chest.
Ted strolled in, taking a seat beside Eli. The band stared
at Grace. Suddenly, she whipped around, steam coming out of her ears.
Uh-oh, Coop thought, cringing, this doesn't bode well for us. Ted
broke the silence.
"Please, Little Sister - Wink said you were good. Really good,"
Ted made a sad puppy face.
Grace scoffed, rolling her eyes. She stared blankly at Ted,
wishing he did not have to make that face. Recognizing the face
instantly, she turned her attention Eli: it was same face he made
when he wanted something.
"Ted, that face doesn't work for E, and it won't work for you. I
don't understand why everyone's so hung up on me singing. I'm not
a Jessie," she stated, determined not to break.
Unfortunately, all three started the sad puppy look, and
she threw up her hands in aggrivation. Then, Wink opened the door,
poking his head in. He glanced at his three friends, and out of
instinct his face mirrored theirs.
"No, not you, too," groaned Grace.
"Just once. It's not everyday you see a girl with a guitar who
can sing, and play," Eli offered a lop-sided grin.
If only he knew, she thought, that song she just wrote
was bout him, and that that grin what was she loved the best about
him. Grace started to shake her head, then threw her hands up in
the air once more. She stomped her way to her room.
"Grace . . ." Eli began, but she cut him off.
"I'm going to get my guitar. I'll see you in the garage,
you god-damned pushy bastards!"
"Guess the fire's been put out,"
"For now," concluded Eli.
Wink walked back in and headed toward the garage. Coop and
Ted followed, leaving a bewildered Eli plastered to his seat. It was
odd, he deducted, he never thought of just being a guitarist, but not
singing did not really bother him. It would be nice just play, and not
worry about his voice not cracking. Then, he wondered if Wink was just
being nice to Grace, so her feelings would not get hurt. No, he concluded,
that can't be right - Wink's never just nice, unless there's something in
it for him.
Grace scowled as she sat on Eli's bed. She looked at the four
boys seated on the floor in front of her. They looked so damn comfortable
to her; while she was nervous as hell. She strummed her guitar, testing
it and herself.
"If any one of you laugh - I'll murder you, 'kay?"
"Noted," Wink said, grinning cheekily.
"Will I get chased by you if I do?" asked Coop, winking at her.
Eli groaned. He really thought that Coop flirted with anything
that had tits. Well, he shuddered, there are some men . . . He willed
himself not to go there. So, he impatiently tapped his fingers on his
floor - waiting. Grace cleared her throat and began, still blushing a bit . . .
" Please, say you'll wait for me,
I'll grow up someday you'll see.
I'll save myself for you,
But, lend my kisses to someone new.
I'm a girl youth,
And, you're a young man.
Yet, I can't spill the truth,
And, you don't understand.
I've written you thousands of letters,
That I'll never send.
I've whispered to you sorrows,
That you'll never hear.
And, there's not gonna' be a tomorrow,
'Cause you're not gonna' be there.
Please, say you'll wait for me,
I'll grow up someday you'll see.
I'll save myself for you,
But, lend my kisses to someone new.
You walk by, and don't seem to care,
But, when we're alone - I think you see me.
So, why do you mold yourself to that girl with the short hair?
When I want to be your everything.
I'm a little girl,
And, you're a young man.
But, I see the reality of the world,
A reality you just can't stand.
You keep screwing up,
And, I keep taking you back.
Maybe I'll get lucky,
And, you'll see who I am.
Please, say you'll wait for me,
I'll grow up someday you'll see.
I'll save myself for you,
But, lend my kisses to someone new."
Grace fell still, as did the rest of the band. So, she
stared down at her hands, willing them to say something - anything.
Grace wanted to run out the room, screaming, if she stayed and heard
quietness for another second. Then, she felt the need to tell them
something - after all they were the ones begging and pleading a few
moments ago.
"I know - I know, I tried to warn you guys - I suck. But, I'll
still kill you if you laugh," she stood up, but Eli stopped her.
He stood with her, grinning much like he had just stolen
all of the cookies out of the biggest cookie jar in the world.
Grace was severly confused. Why is he so damned happy, she thought.
He pulled her to him and hugged her tightly.
"E - can't - breathe . . ."
"Oh, sorry - no more singing for me . . . "
"You play like shit now . . . " Ted chimed in honestly.
"And, you sound even worse, man," Wink added.
"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" Grace asked, placing her hands on her hips.
But the boys had all ready sprung from their places, talking
about where to get a new amp. She felt out of place: one she was the
only girl there, two they were huddled in a tight circle, whispering.
She crossed her arms across her chest, closing her eyes in annoyance.
Suddenly, she felt an arm grab her and pull her into the circle.
"Little Sister," Wink told her, "talk all you want."
it had been pointed out to her so many times by idiotic boys passing
her in the hallways. Grace scratched out another word that she thought
sounded too placid. Slamming her head on the keyboard of her computer,
she thought she must have been the worst writer ever. She glanced over
at the guitar that laid on her bed. Instantly, Grace scowled and flipped
it off.
Of course no one knew her Father had taught her how to play.
Frankly, she believed that no one gave a damn. And, the guitar that
was on her bed was mocking her right now. Yet, she smiled at the thought
that her Father had given it to her: It was his when he was in a band so
long ago. Chuckling, she thought of calling her Father old man from now on.
No, she thought, he would not like that one bit - I think I'll do it.
Grace opened up her poems file and scanned some poems she had
written a couple years ago. Though, they were good in their own way,
she blanched to think of what was on her mind back then. Then, one
caught her eye, and she decided to make it a song. Soon, she thought
of the perfect music to put to it. Oh, she pondered, I wouldn't want
to do this for a living.
Just as she started to pick at her guitar, music from below made
her loose her train of thought. Grace scowled, and heard Eli's band start
to play. Wondering briefly why they practicing here instead of
Karen's . . . well, it was beyond her. She did not see what was so good
about them anyway. Well, she did . . . but she hated it that they had
played before people and she would be stuck as a nobody talent. It did
not seem that bad, but if she had someone else to play guitar, Grace could
simply sing and not have to concentrate on getting her fingers to dance correctly.
"Please, say you'll wait for me . . ." she sang softly.
Then, suddenly, a loud bang surrounded her. Oh, life was sweet
for Grace: Anti-Inflamatory had just blown an amp. But, she could not
resist, she ran down stairs heading toward the garage. She did not even
bother to let go of her own guitar. The thought of even knocking before
entering Eli's room never even entered her mind. She wanted to see the
priceless look on his face - the look of horror, and anger. The band had
been practincing for almost a week, on her Christmas vacation. It almost
seemed that the world was existing to kick her in the ass. All she wanted
to do was write, and she could not do that with them hogging up all the space.
The door was all ready partly opened, so Grace slowly nudged it
completely open with her foot. She almost died with laughter. They
were all pointing at one another, blaming each other. The boys did
not even know she was leaning in the doorway. It was one of the sweetest
moments in her life, to see four boys in their early twenties running
around like chickens with their heads cut off.
Oh, and it got even better, Coop bent down to un-plug something.
And, out of pure instinct, Grace glanced in that direction. He was taking
his time, trying not burn his fingers. So, Grace tilted her head,
with slightly parted lips.
"God, his ass looks good in jeans,"
Oh, crap, she thought, as all four turned to look at her.
Oh, shit, she winced. Coop had stood up, mouth ajar, but clearly a
mused. She could not believe she had said that out loud. But, oddly,
she was not blushing; she was laughing even harder than before. Yes,
the look on Eli's face was priceless, but the others - well, she really
wished she had a camera.
"What?" she asked, innocently, giving doe eyes, "his ass does look
good in jeans."
"Grace . . . " Eli started.
"What happened?" she inquired, cutting him off.
Coop kicked the blown amp, grinning as it fell over with
a loud thud. She gave a lop-sided grin at his frustations being
taken out on inanimate objects.
"Shitty equipment," offered Ted.
"Shitty guitarist," Wink added.
Eli groaned loudly. That was all he needed, was them to
him for the millionth time that he was way out of practice. Then,
the guitar in Grace's hand caught his attention. It was a vintage
model, and he found himself wanting to cradle it. He actually thought
it was weird to see Grace holding a guitar. And, he pondered why she
actually had one. Does she play, he asaked himself, she never said a
damn thing to me.
"What are you doing down here?" he asked, clearly agitated.
"Oh, well it's not everyday something explodes in the house.
I was hoping for a moment that it was your inflated head, but
now that I see it isn't . . . "
Grace trailed off, and began her way back to her room. She
enjoyed the sounds of laughter from his friends. Now, she thought,
I'll get all of them to be quiet and finished my damnable song.
Bouncing with a happy step, Grace found her way to the living room,
and decided to work on the song there.
"All right, shut the hell up all ready, that was ten minutes ago," Eli
whined, pulling a pillow over his face.
"It was a good burn," Coop chuckled.
Eli lounged on his bed, with Coop at his feet. Wink and Ted
were trading with different kinds of chips with one another.
"Pork rind for Dorito?" asked Wink, hopefully.
"Deal," Ted grinned.
"Uh-oh . . . " Wink did not finish.
"What?"
"No more Doritos,"
"More pork rinds for me,"
Coop was busy tuning Eli's guitar. He kind of felt angry at
Eli at the moment. Out of the blue, he had called them up to practice.
It had been months since they had done that. And, truth be told, Coop
was hurt by Eli's non-chalance at just blowing them off. It also did
not help that Eli was really sucky at the moment. But, on the upside
of things, Eli had written some kickin' songs.
"E, soda," Wink ordered.
Eli tilted his head to look at the other boy. He let a
look of confusion cross his features, then calmly flipped him off.
He went back to looking at the ceiling. No one had to tell him that
he was off these past few days. Quite frankly, he loathed not being
able to play as well as he once had. And, at the moment everything
and everyone was irking him, terribly.
"You know where the damned kitchen is,"
Not needing another answer, Wink jumped up and ran out of
the garage. At the moment, Ted was throwing pork rinds up in the
air and catching them in his mouth. He clearly had a useless talent.
"What now?" Coop broke the silence.
"Hit the pawn shops," Eli answered.
Suddenly, Ted stood up and pushed Coop over to sit on the bed.
He hung his head down, looking thoughtful for the moment. Something was
bothering him incessantly. There was image that just did not quite fit,
and he could not for his life figure it out.
"E?" Ted learily, asked.
"Huh?"
"Why did your Sister have a guitar?"
"Step-sister, and my thoughts exactly," anwered Eli.
Wink could clearly see Grace from his postion. And, it was not
a bad postion at all. She had knocked over some magazines and was now
picking them up. Her ass looks nice in jeans, he thought, then smiled
at her earlier commment. Then, he hungrily went back to look for junk
food. He rumaged through the pantry, his fingers grazing over pudding
cups; he hated chocolate. Finally, he found some pretzels that he deemed
worthy of consumption.
Then, the sound of a guitar caught him off guard in mid-swallow.
He looked back at Grace, and stared. She muttered a curse, and sratched
out another word. Grace hummed a bit, and shook her head, crumpling up
the piece of paper. She threw it behind, it landed far from the couch.
Strongly, she began to sing unaware that prying ears were near.
"Please, say you'll wait for me; I'll grow up someday you'll see. I'll
save myself for you, but lend my kisses to someone new. I'm a little girl,
And, you're a young man. Yet, I can't spill the truth, And, you don't
understand. I've written you thousands of letters, That I'll never send.
I've whispered to you sorrows, That you'll never comprehend. And, there's
not gonna' be a tomorrow,"
Grace groaned, and threw the guitar beside her on the couch. Placing
a pillow over her face, she let out a frustrated scream. Wink cheekily,
grinned: she obviously did not realize she was good. So, he waited for
her to play some more. Because from what he had seen, she was resiliant -
very resiliant, and he knew she was not going to give up that easily. Finally,
he decided to say something.
"Is that it?"
Instantaneously, Grace threw the pillow aside and stood up. She
was completely embarrased, and she could feel the heat on her face. Thinking
for a moment, she tried to remember which boy stood before her. Grace recalled
he had an unusual name . . .
"Wink," she spat out.
"That's me," he shoved some more pretzels in his mouth.
Grace frowned slightly, as he munched loudly. He obviously did not
realize that he had royally pissed her off. Guitar in hand, she walked to
the kitchen. He was completly oblivious to what she was about to do. Wink
smirked as she strode toward him, his eyes lingering on her hips a bit longer
than they should have. Then, she slapped him on the shoulder. Of course it
did not hurt, but he dropped the bag of pretzels, and held his arm none the
less. She hit him again in the exact same spot on his other arm; he yelped
in surprise more than anything else.
"You bastard!" she screamed, "You were spying on me."
"Hey," he threw his hands up in surrender, "I was hungry - looking for food.
Maybe you should watch where you're playing the next time."
His nonchalant grin only served to infuriate her more. Grace glared
at him, waiting for an apology. So, the two stood there, gawking at one
another. Wink was casually standing in the kitchen, taking in all of the
girl before him. She was not beautiful, but a plain kind of pretty; with
dark hair and dark eyes, and slightly turned up nose. To him, she was cute -
especially with that scowl on her face.
"Well?" she said, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Well, what, Little Sister?"
"An apology, you big oaf!"
Wink tilted his head like a befuddled dog would. He brought up his
hand to his chin, rubbing freshly shaven flesh. Making a pondering noise, he
tapped his foot slowly. Then, Grace caught a hint of mischief in his eyes.
She did not like that look: it was similar to the one Eli got when he was going
to do something she hated.
"Shan't," and he tugged on her hair for good measure.
Grace lunged at Wink and he took a step back. Then, Grace proceeded
to chase him around the island in the middle of the kitchen. Both of their
eyes were dancing with fire. The exhillaration of running after one another
was humouring both of them. Grace had been almost bored to tears over her
holiday. The newness of Christmas presents had wourn off long ago. For
Wink it was pretty much the same thing, except he was more sexually frustrated;
having a pretty brown-eyed girl chase him, sort of enthralled him.
"Wink!" she screamed, as he jumped onto the couch.
He was not that graceful though: he fell on his backside on the floor
on the other side of the couch. A loud thud echoed loudly in Grace's ears.
She grabbed onto the back of the couch and leaned over. Wink was laying on his
back, eyes closed, and she could not tell if he was breathing.
Quickly, Grace hopped over the couch, dropping her guitar behind her.
She kneeled next to him, gently poking his arm. There was no movement. A
flash of fear crossed her countenance. And, she leaned over him further.
Taking him by the shoulders, she shook him slightly. Still, there was nothing.
Grace leaned forward - face to face with him, to see if he was still breathing.
Suddenly, Wink grabbed her and flipped her over, tickling her sides.
Oh, no, was the last thought she had as she saw his eyes fly open. Grace
screamed and screeched, begging him to stop. He did not stop, and continued
joyfully - mercilessly to tickle her.
Eli, Coop, and Ted had heard a few shouts and screams, and then a
parade of screeching. Of course they thought that someone was being murderd,
or tortured. So, they filed out the basement, running toward the sounds.
Pass the kitchen, they barely heard pretzels breaking beneath their feet.
Hearing more screaming, they stooped before they came to near too
the couch. An idle guitar lay before their feet; Eli picked up, revelling
in the feel of it. It was warm, old, and in very good condition. He tested
its weight quickly, but a voice made him come out of his reverie.
"Oh, Wink," she gasped, " . . . stop fucking with me!"
The three left out boys peered over the couch, shocked to see a
flushed, happy Wink straddling Grace. Eli hesitated, because words to
say totally espcaped him. While Coop and Ted opted for tilted heads,
enjoying the show. Then, swiftly, Eli found his voice.
"What the fuck is going on?" his tone sounded strange to him - too strange.
Abruptly, all movement between Grace and Wink stopped. They
looked up, and were surprised to find three pairs of eyes watching them
intently. Grace grimaced at the look on Eli's face. If her Father had
been there, she was sure that would be the look that he would be giving
them at the moment.
"Get off of her!"
For a moment, Wink stayed glued to his spot on top of Grace.
He was vaguely aware of what Eli had said, but he took it as to be bad -
he stood up. Grace rolled over, clumsily; she stood up and walked toward
Eli. She stuck out her hand, wanting her guitar back. Eli did not
understand at first: all he saw was crimson. He had never imagined
Grace with other guys, let alone see one of his friends straddling her.
She was simply Grace; a girl that he still remembered being fourteen and
shy.
"Eli, stop fingering my guitar. It looks dirty when you hold it like that,"
Grace yanked the guitar from him.
She sat down on the couch, staring at the piece of paper on the
coffee table. The song was complete, and she wanted to practice it more.
But, she did not want them around - well, Wink had all ready heard her, so
it did not really matter if he did. Still dumbstruck by Eli's outburst,
Wink shoved his hands in his pockets and shuffled out of the living room.
Soon the others followed.
The band sat at the kitchen table, drinking, eating, and not talking.
There was a heavy silence that hung in the air. Even tension stung the air;
it was new experience for the four. The pretzels had been swept up by Wink
long ago, but suddenly his hunger did not seem that great.
"Fuck, will you two stop having a fucking pissing match all ready.
'Cause it's bull shit!" Coop broke the silence.
"Huh?" came from Eli and Wink.
"Wink, just apologize for tickling his sister . . ."
"Step-sister," Eli interrupted.
"Yeah, step-sister, and we can go scout for a new amp," Coop finished the
last of his soda.
"Oh, sorry, E. Little Sister was just playing and singing, and got all
flustered that I heard, and well one thing led to another, and she hit me.
Of course it didn't hurt none," Wink tried to keep some of his pride in tact.
"She was what?" asked Coop, intrigued.
"Playing her guitar, and singing a song she wrote,"
"Really?" asked Eli.
Wink nodded and glanced at Ted's vanilla ice cream. Suddenly,
his appetite came back to him. So, he busied himself trying to con Ted
out of his food.
"Was she any good?" Coop inquried, raising an eyebrow.
"Huh," he asked, forgetting what they were talking about, "oh, yeah
totally - deep voice - nice."
And, Ted walked to the living room, with Wink following him
intent on getting that damn bowl of ice cream. Eli stared at his best
friend. He wondered why suddenly Coop, and everyone else seem so interested
in Grace. It was making him feel a bit envious. All his friends seemed
intrigued by her, and her musical talents.
"Eli, you know if she . . . "
"You want to replace me with her?"
"No - no, not in the guitar area, but you play a lot better when you
don't do both at the same time,"
"Thanks, pal," Eli replied, sarcastically.
"Damn, you've been in a pissy mood all week, what crawled up your . . ."
he was interrupted by Grace running into the kitchen.
She stopped in mid-step looking at Eli and Coop. Grace grinned
at Eli, winking at him. She went to the fridge and pulled some orange
juice, drinking straight from box. Coop looked to Eli, then back to
Grace's back. There was something in Eli's gaze that made Coop think
that Eli was not just giving her a "brotherly" glance.
"When'd you learn how to play?" questioned Eli, curiously.
"Dad taught me, why, when did you learn?" she put the juice back
and sat down at the table, grabbing a few cookies.
"You never said anything,"
"You never asked,"
They stared of one another, Grace taking a cue from Wink,
started to much loudly and cheekily. Coop smiled: the girl could
almost be the female version of Wink, and himself combined. And,
the girl had spunk - he liked spunk. So, Coop could not help himself
when he just blurted out the question.
"Will you sing for us?"
"Huh?" Grace and Eli asked in unison.
"Wink said you were . . . "
"That oafy-bastard! I'll kill him!" Grace stood up.
She ran toward the living room, and soon Eli and Coop heard
screaming, and then mocking laughter. But, it was hilarious when Wink
came running out of the living room, heading straight for the door.
He cast a menacing glare toward his band mates, then raced outside.
Grace came back to the kitchen, carrying an empty bowl. She casually
threw it in the sink, crossing her arms across her chest.
Ted strolled in, taking a seat beside Eli. The band stared
at Grace. Suddenly, she whipped around, steam coming out of her ears.
Uh-oh, Coop thought, cringing, this doesn't bode well for us. Ted
broke the silence.
"Please, Little Sister - Wink said you were good. Really good,"
Ted made a sad puppy face.
Grace scoffed, rolling her eyes. She stared blankly at Ted,
wishing he did not have to make that face. Recognizing the face
instantly, she turned her attention Eli: it was same face he made
when he wanted something.
"Ted, that face doesn't work for E, and it won't work for you. I
don't understand why everyone's so hung up on me singing. I'm not
a Jessie," she stated, determined not to break.
Unfortunately, all three started the sad puppy look, and
she threw up her hands in aggrivation. Then, Wink opened the door,
poking his head in. He glanced at his three friends, and out of
instinct his face mirrored theirs.
"No, not you, too," groaned Grace.
"Just once. It's not everyday you see a girl with a guitar who
can sing, and play," Eli offered a lop-sided grin.
If only he knew, she thought, that song she just wrote
was bout him, and that that grin what was she loved the best about
him. Grace started to shake her head, then threw her hands up in
the air once more. She stomped her way to her room.
"Grace . . ." Eli began, but she cut him off.
"I'm going to get my guitar. I'll see you in the garage,
you god-damned pushy bastards!"
"Guess the fire's been put out,"
"For now," concluded Eli.
Wink walked back in and headed toward the garage. Coop and
Ted followed, leaving a bewildered Eli plastered to his seat. It was
odd, he deducted, he never thought of just being a guitarist, but not
singing did not really bother him. It would be nice just play, and not
worry about his voice not cracking. Then, he wondered if Wink was just
being nice to Grace, so her feelings would not get hurt. No, he concluded,
that can't be right - Wink's never just nice, unless there's something in
it for him.
Grace scowled as she sat on Eli's bed. She looked at the four
boys seated on the floor in front of her. They looked so damn comfortable
to her; while she was nervous as hell. She strummed her guitar, testing
it and herself.
"If any one of you laugh - I'll murder you, 'kay?"
"Noted," Wink said, grinning cheekily.
"Will I get chased by you if I do?" asked Coop, winking at her.
Eli groaned. He really thought that Coop flirted with anything
that had tits. Well, he shuddered, there are some men . . . He willed
himself not to go there. So, he impatiently tapped his fingers on his
floor - waiting. Grace cleared her throat and began, still blushing a bit . . .
" Please, say you'll wait for me,
I'll grow up someday you'll see.
I'll save myself for you,
But, lend my kisses to someone new.
I'm a girl youth,
And, you're a young man.
Yet, I can't spill the truth,
And, you don't understand.
I've written you thousands of letters,
That I'll never send.
I've whispered to you sorrows,
That you'll never hear.
And, there's not gonna' be a tomorrow,
'Cause you're not gonna' be there.
Please, say you'll wait for me,
I'll grow up someday you'll see.
I'll save myself for you,
But, lend my kisses to someone new.
You walk by, and don't seem to care,
But, when we're alone - I think you see me.
So, why do you mold yourself to that girl with the short hair?
When I want to be your everything.
I'm a little girl,
And, you're a young man.
But, I see the reality of the world,
A reality you just can't stand.
You keep screwing up,
And, I keep taking you back.
Maybe I'll get lucky,
And, you'll see who I am.
Please, say you'll wait for me,
I'll grow up someday you'll see.
I'll save myself for you,
But, lend my kisses to someone new."
Grace fell still, as did the rest of the band. So, she
stared down at her hands, willing them to say something - anything.
Grace wanted to run out the room, screaming, if she stayed and heard
quietness for another second. Then, she felt the need to tell them
something - after all they were the ones begging and pleading a few
moments ago.
"I know - I know, I tried to warn you guys - I suck. But, I'll
still kill you if you laugh," she stood up, but Eli stopped her.
He stood with her, grinning much like he had just stolen
all of the cookies out of the biggest cookie jar in the world.
Grace was severly confused. Why is he so damned happy, she thought.
He pulled her to him and hugged her tightly.
"E - can't - breathe . . ."
"Oh, sorry - no more singing for me . . . "
"You play like shit now . . . " Ted chimed in honestly.
"And, you sound even worse, man," Wink added.
"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" Grace asked, placing her hands on her hips.
But the boys had all ready sprung from their places, talking
about where to get a new amp. She felt out of place: one she was the
only girl there, two they were huddled in a tight circle, whispering.
She crossed her arms across her chest, closing her eyes in annoyance.
Suddenly, she felt an arm grab her and pull her into the circle.
"Little Sister," Wink told her, "talk all you want."