VII. Hungry Eyes
I've been meaning to tell you
I've got this feelin' that won't subside
I look at you and I fantasize
Darlin' tonight
Now I've got you in my sights
With these hungry eyes
One look at you and I can't disguise
I've got hungry eyes
I feel the magic between you and I
I want to hold you so hear me out
I want to show you what love's all about
Darlin' tonight
Now I've got you in my sights
Now I've got you in my sights
With these hungry eyes
Now did I take you by surprise
I need you to see
This love was meant to be
Hungry Eyes is the property of Eric Carmen, and appears in the film Dirty Dancing.
"You can stop looking at it," assures Ellie, beaming. "It's not going anywhere."
Sean grins, switching his backpack from one shoulder to the other, already hearing the sound of tools clicking pipes, car engines roaring before they go into the garage. He gazes down at what's in his hands, can't believe what's in his hands.
"B," says Sean. "A solid B."
Ellie grabs the paper, holds it up proudly. "All we need is a gold star, flash this around the other mechanics."
"Not even," laughs Sean, snatching it from her.
People thought he'd be a natural in physics, what with his job and all, but no, he struggled for most of the semester. Working a steady job didn't open up many opportunities to study either. Ellie offered to help him with his studies at the beginning of the semester, but with her roles with the yearbook, newspaper, and her own examinations, he couldn't say yes. So he started staying late at the shop on weekends, just to crack the books. That wasn't easy either, what with Dale being his co-worker during those hours. Dale was supposed to fix the carburetors of cars that needed it, and since he was the boss' son, he took forever and knew that he'd get away with it if Sean squealed. When Ashley came in with her Acura, he'd been working on that same carburetor for a straight week, and Sean repaired the rest later that night while Dale went out for a smoke break. What Dale smoked he didn't know. He didn't want to shortchange the customer, so he made sure it was all tight, though he did murmur Newton's Laws under his breath. Hmmm, might be on to something, for next year. He'd try mumbling the parts of a cell while fixing the gear shifts next semester; his science grades were still pretty pathetic.
"For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction," kids Ellie, trying to get the marked exam.
"Yeah...yeah," says Sean, chuckling, then stopping when he sees Mr. Hill smiling at his son, patting Dale's head through his baseball cap.
"Mechanic's pet?" guesses Ellie.
"Mechanic's son," sighs Sean. "That's the one I told you about."
"The one with the set job for life," whispers Ellie, rolling her eyes. "Honors diploma in education, yet spends all his time doing absolutely nothing?"
"Whatever," says Sean. "Yeah, he's spoiled, but as long as he stays out of my way..."
"He will," interjects Ellie. "Oh, he's coming over."
Dale throws a pair of fuzzy dice in the air, walks to Sean and Ellie, smirking. He wasn't wearing the typical dark blue uniform, or a nametag, or any item of clothing to represent he worked there. His black hair was tied with a rubber band in a ratty ponytail, and he had a beard that had never fully grown in. Still, thinks Sean, you can tell his dad owns the place, based on the way he walks, with that secure smile on his face.
"Not showing up for work tomorrow," he says, brushing past Sean. "I got...exams."
"You graduated, man," says Sean, shaking his head.
"Did I?" replies Dale, glancing at Ellie, wrinkling his nose in disgust. "I don't see my diploma anywhere around here."
"Jerk," mumbles Sean.
"What...what'd you say?" asked Dale, cupping his ear, glaring at Sean. "I know...know you just didn't insult me. Piece of trailer trash talking about..."
Sean's insides grow warm, eyes shaking as his furls his fists. He lurches forward, Ellie grabbing a hold of his arm. Trailer trash? This guy would get it more than Tyler.
"Sean...no," whispers Ellie.
Sean unfurls his fist, glares at Dale, laughing quietly.
"Everything alright over there?" calls Mr. Hill, handing keys to a customer.
"Yes, sir," replies Sean.
"Good," says Mr. Hill. "And yesterday, you were late, Sean. Don't let that happen again. I'm aware that you're working on that Acura, but your client said she'd wait, while other people can't wait."
"Yeah!" shouts Sean, walking to the side to retrieve his uniform.
Ellie quietly follows, rubs Sean's back. Dale didn't know the beating he was about to get, thinks Sean, his skin starting to cool. He didn't like having his background thrown in his face, especially by someone who didn't know all the good stuff he'd been doing lately, with school, the job. That's why he went to Mr. Ehl in the first place; certain people thought he could do well.
"I have to go...graduation rehearsal," says Ellie, staring at him sadly. "You okay?"
"Fine," answers Sean, in the most unconvincing tone his voice has ever spoken.
Ellie heard it too, but to his relief, said nothing else, wouldn't pry. That was the great thing about her. She gave him space to get himself together, time to cool down and comes to his senses, especially when he was stealing with Jay a couple years ago. Wow, that was a lifetime ago, wasn't it?
"Jay'll be here soon," says Sean. "Um...he'll keep me in check."
"He's good with that," says Ellie. "Alright."
Ellie kisses him on the cheek, scurries out of the garage.
Sean failed to tell Ellie why Jay was showing up. He thought a good place for Jay to start the job search would be another garage, and he believed Mr. Hill liked Sean enough to consider it. Plus Jay could be charming when he wanted to be, so the interview might go well, and Jay was more than capable of doing what Dale did at the very least.
"Where is he?" whispers Sean, taking off his jeans, slipping into the uniform.
"Boxers or briefs?" exclaims Jay. "The eternal question of Cameron admirers has been answered. It's...boxers. Pull up the pants, pervert."
Still too upset to turn red, Sean darts his eyes, zips up his uniform. Jay strolls casually to where his friends stand, and Sean's thankful that he's sober, looking half-way presentable in a black T-shirt, a backwards cap, and baggy, but clean black jeans.
"We'll talk to Hill in a few," promises Sean. "Don't talk too much. He's kinda old school, feels like you should talk only when spoken to."
"Like my old man," says Jay, nodding. "This will be a treat."
Sean removes a brake kit from under a cabinet, starts taking out calipers, Jay whistling. Doing anything mundane, away from Dale, is the ideal for him right now. When five minutes pass, with Mr. Hill picking up an inventory list, Sean sees a window where they can all talk. He indicates for Jay to move too.
Mr. Hill rubbed the hairs of his walrus-like moustache with a pen, smearing some ink right under his nose. Jay covers his mouth to keep from laughing.
"Uh, Mr. Hill?" starts Sean, taking off his bandanna. "Hi."
"Hey, Sean," says Mr. Hill, his expression softening. "Look, about before, I gotta be hard on you for coming in late. But...I've been real impressed by your work lately. Real impressed."
"Oh...thanks," says Sean, nodding his appreciation. "Um...this is my friend, Jay. We were wondering if you needed some extra help in the garage?"
Mr. Hill's ink-topped lights tightened. "Not sure. All my guys come with recommendations, you included, Sean."
But Jay didn't have Mr. Ehl, and his former boss thought he was bad news, too. Eh, maybe he could put it on the line for Jay, just this once.
"If he has my...my recommendation?" prompts Sean. "He's a great mechanic."
Mr. Hill gives Jay the once over. Jay turns around in a circle, happy to be appraised.
"Get him to work on those calipers," sighs Mr. Hill, staring at Jay. "Let's see how you make out by close, kid."
"Thanks, sir," says Jay, shaking hands with Mr. Hill.
"Your word better be gold, Sean," remarks Mr. Hill, then heading back to find his list.
Sean and Jay slide some skin, stand in front of the calipers, as an alarm clock sounds after them. Dale claps excitedly, jumps up from his stool, where he'd been tossing the fuzzy dice in the air.
"Smoke break," announces Dale.
"We gotta have that other carburetor done," reminds Sean. "Lady's coming for hers tonight."
"Do it, then," orders Dale. "My dad's real impressed with you, anyways. Using that trailer park edumucation sure do help, eh, buddy?"
"Dale...you're practically done," says Sean, as calmly as he can. "A few more tweaks, then I'll re-install. I'd be doing most of the work, but I could use some help."
"Your girlfriend's the one who looks she needs some help," says Dale, chuckling.
Jay and Sean exchange frustrated looks. Sean throws his bandanna at Dale's feet.
"What?" demands Sean, standing in front of Dale.
"She's fugly," says Dale, Sean feeling his hot breath on his face. "No rack, no nothing. A virgin, right?"
"Cool it, guys!" warns Jay, the other employees gathering around Sean and Dale.
Sean feels his ears burning. It's one thing to insult him, but Ellie? He cracks his knuckles, trying to keep some cool, some composure. He can't throttle the boss' son.
"Go do your job," says Sean, dismissively, starting to head to his station.
"She a natural redhead?" says Dale, softly, though making Sean can hear. "Guess I can pry open those skinny legs and see for myself. Something tells me I wouldn't have to work as hard as I do here when it comes to that."
Sean's hands fly before he can even stop them, pounding Dale's thin chest. Dale, grimacing, hurtles back in shock, lands a heavy elbow in Sean's gut. Jeers and yells surround them, Sean fighting, Dale merely a shadow in his vision. He'd hit until he couldn't hit anymore. Dale's hands only box him a couple times, Sean throwing more punches, body pulsating, skin hot.
"Sean...stop!" yells Jay over the noise.
Sean doesn't have to, a heavy arm yanking him out of the circle. He stands in front of a fuming Mr. Hill.
"Get off my son!" he roars. "What...you gone psycho?"
Sean spat on the floor, a mix of blood and saliva, eyes getting less blurry. His heart beat quickly, starts to slow down as he comes up with some response. He insulted him, his girlfriend, takes advantage of him...all things he can say. So how come he's not doing it?
"He deserved it," says Sean, the words tumbling out without him knowing it.
"My kid deserves to be punched by some hothead?" exclaims Mr. Hill. "No...get out of here! Just...get out of here! You're fired!"
Dale smiles, red blood covering his front teeth, and half of his bottom lip. The other employees throw sympathetic looks at Sean. Well, at least they were offering some silent support, not that it'd do any good. Jay shrugs, reaches for his jacket, but Sean shakes his head. No use bringing Jay into this mess.
"Good!" snaps Sean, grabbing his bag, tossing the wrench on a table.
"Thanks, Dad," he hears Dale say to his father.
"Don't you thanks, Dad, me," scolds Mr. Hill. "I told you not to pick any more fights with anybody, and I lost a good mechanic..."
Those are the last words he hears before going to the side of the street. He can't hate Mr. Hill as much as he'd like to. Sometimes adults do stupid things over their kids, and Sean did land the first blow. Now he's out of the job, after setting up Jay with a job. Funny how that works.
He glances into the side mirror of a parked car, a habit he picked up while working in the garage. Well, he wouldn't be able to do that anymore. His face looks alright, only a split lip. Dale looked much worse, although that's really no comfort. Suddenly, the solid B seems like some fluke, just some letter on a paper someone could easily throw away.
II.
Emma removes the pink Post-Its from the wall in her locker, edging over the recycling bin with her foot. History exam, done. English, done. Geography, done. Math, done. Biology, done. Last but no least, she has the take-home Media Immersion exam from study hall. Retrieving it from a manila folder, her fingers fly through its pages. She realizes it's so much more technical, exceptionally more dull. Oh well, it's what she signed up for, right?
Sticking her head further in her locker, she has to make sure to bring home the order form for a yearbook. Spike had asked her for a little more time to get her one, insisted on paying, especially since Emma's pageant picture would be in the features section. Paige told her she could put a yearbook on hold for her and a couple other eleventh graders.
Her head in the darkness, she hears something heavy drop next to her, then a small jangle, then a shuffling of feet. Getting out, she views a small cardboard box in the recycling bin.
"This isn't a trash can!" she huffs, lifting the box.
Her forehead crinkles as she reads her name on the box. Emma. Only Emma, not her full name. She tears the tape off, opens the box, grins at its contents: a green Slinky, a squeezable frog that croaks when she touches it, a crossword puzzle book, and gummy fish. Cradling the box under her arms, she peers around the corner, sees his sweet brown eyes immediately.
"Hey!" she exclaims, startling him.
"Dude, I'm a bad hider!" complains Spinner, walking to her side. "Always have been. Kendra killed me in hide and seek. But it's...it's for a break in the home stretch of exams."
"Thanks, Spin," says Emma. "A singing fish...and now gummy fish?"
"Yeah, you liked both, right?" asks Spinner.
Eh, the singing fish, she'd put in her closet, so it would never see the light of day, but the gummy fish, very cute.
"I love this package," says Emma, deciding to tell the truth rather than lie.
"Um, more of an icebreaker...actually," says Spinner, glancing at the ground. "Last time I saw you you were...uh, on edge maybe?"
Emma averts her eyes, her sight returning to the Media Immersion exam. Snake's exam would be so much more challenging, interesting.
"How was your MI exam?" questions Emma, doing her best to sound nonchalant.
"One of my okay ones," answers Spinner. "Uh...we took it on the computer. Some of the material we covered was pretty cool. We were learning how to make screensavers a couple weeks ago. Oh, that was great. I mean, Toby had to help me a little, but I did a surfing one and..."
Emma continues listening as Spinner speaks. He sounds so excited, and he got to see Snake pretty much everyday. The more days that go by, the more she wishes she was in his place too. All the nature tapes and nights with Jack can't make up for the lack of him.
"I...I gotta go," says Emma, when Spinner finishes. "Call me?"
Spinner's mouth hangs open.
"Call you?" exclaims Spinner. "Like you want me to call you on the phone...like a call?"
"You don't know how to use the phone?" teases Emma.
"No...yeah, I mean, yeah!" stammers Spinner. "I'll...I'll call tonight!"
Emma checks her watch, guesses he hasn't left for his apartment yet. His apartment? Ugh, so awkward to picture him living alone. She rarely does, concentrating on Mom and Jack. He has no one, while she has two other people, and Manny, for the time being.
The Media Immersion lab is completely empty, except for her stepfather, tapping vigorously away on a computer. His red hair is full. She can remember when he went bald, before all the cancer treatments, how painful it was to watch Sheila cut it, and then wait for the news. Snake kept trying to hide things from her after that, but like Spinner, he was a bad hider. She was glad he stopped hiding, so they could share in the moment when the doctor told them Snake was in remission. Honestly, she thought that'd be the worst situation they would face as a family, at least in the beginning of her mom's marriage. If they can deal with a matter of life and death, who says they can't deal with a kiss that shouldn't have happened?
"Snake," says Emma, standing awkwardly in the door frame.
Snake stops typing, takes a deep breath.
"Dad?" she whispers.
"Em?" he says, standing.
Emma swallows a lump in her throat. She hates being inarticulate. Most of time, it feels like she always has words. They just come when you're strong, and even when she's confused, they usually come. A couple tears slide on her cheeks, her shoulders rocking back and forth.
"I really miss your class," she chokes out.
Snake goes quickly to her, taking her into his arms. Emma watches his shirt collar grow wet because of her tears. Wiping her cheeks, she separates from him.
"How's your mom?" asks Snake.
"Ask her yourself," says Emma.
"She...she'd like to talk to me?" asks Snake, tentatively.
No, thinks Emma. But if they don't talk, they can't work anything out.
"Yes," says Emma, dropping her eyes. "Uh...we're...we're eating out tonight...a barbeque in the backyard like we used to. Veggie burgers. Come...come over."
"You're cooking?" jokes Snake, his eyes widening.
"Yeah!" replies Emma, playfully hitting him with her folder. "I'm no Wolfgang Puck, but I'm not terrible."
"Guess I'll have to see for myself," says Snake, sitting on his desk. "I am hungry."
"Speaking of seeing for yourself...," begins Emma.
She takes the MI exam from her folder, joins Snake on the desk.
"This is...this is pedestrian!" condemns Snake. "Who wrote this garbage?"
Emma doesn't respond, merely shares a smile with her father.
III.
Manny makes sure the book is squarely on her head, stretches her arms as if she's out on a tightrope. Nothing happens for a few paces, then the book drops downward, and she catches it. Toby laughs.
"This is the only use for that book!" says Manny, waving How To Land the Perfect Wifey in his face. "Eh, I dropped it. And to think, I used to be a beauty queen."
"Technically, you still are," reminds Toby.
"Technically," mocks Manny, walking in front of him, taking his hands.
As Manny walks backwards, she watches him closely. She's glad he took off the jacket, and the sunglasses, his own glasses resting firmly on his nose. Whatever inspired that change made her a bit nervous. She probably looked dumb, staring at him in shock, but that was her first gut reaction. Toby always came across so comfortable with who he was, where he was going. The Kytel internship essentially guaranteed him a bright future, and he'd just won the election, and tomorrow, his Confirmation would show his dedication to his faith for life. So why switch his clothes up all of a sudden? There's deeper stuff going on than wanting to be "the man." She's certainly not going to dig too deep. After all, two years ago, wasn't it her that changed to get a boy's attention? That ended horribly. No, she'd keep an eye on him, though, as much as possible before she goes. Then, after that, maybe J.T.?
"How's your essay coming?" asks Manny, their feet going over a pink hopscoth drawing.
"Still stuck," confesses Toby. "Had to concentrate on finals, and you know, acting like a fake James Dean. I'm going to hammer it out tonight."
They stall in front of Emma's house, Manny gazing at the parted front door in confusion.
"I couldn't write something like that," says Manny. "I gotta say...haven't studied much about Filipina culture. That's pretty bad. I'm proud of where I come from, though."
"That's what matters most, I think," consoles Toby.
"You matter most," says Manny, smiling.
Toby grins, wraps his arms around her waist, leans in to kiss her.
"Hey, guys!" greets Emma, coming out of the front door.
Toby drops his arms, Manny putting her hands on her hips.
"Um...I thought we agreed the interruptions would stop once Toby and I started dating, Emma," complains Manny.
"Don't be upset with me," says Emma. "I'm feeding you tonight, boost your energy after what I'm sure was a heinous dress rehearsal."
"Did you just say heinous?" says Manny. "Spinner teaching you words again?"
"Well, Spinner'll be here," informs Emma. "Toby is of course welcome to join us."
"I...," begins Toby.
"He's got an essay," interrupts Manny.
"I wish you'd change your mind," sighs Emma. "I bought meat."
"You bought meat?" say Toby and Manny at the same time.
"For Spinner and you guys and...Snake," says Emma, practically whispering the last name.
Manny and Toby raise their eyebrows at each other, Manny clearing her throat. Apparently oblivious, Emma smiles at the two of them.
"I'm assuming your mom's clueless," says Manny, giving her a lopsided grin.
"Wow," whispers Toby.
"Excuse us, Tobes?" requests Manny.
"Yeah, I'll go say hi to Ms. Nelson," says Toby.
He enters the door, leaving the girls alone. Manny shakes Emma lightly.
"Hey!" cries Emma.
"Must I shake some sense into you?" exclaims Manny. "The last time you came between your parents...huge fight, nearly stopped the wedding. I'm...I'm flabbergasted you would try after that."
"I miss him, Manny," says Emma, sadly. "Mom does too. Only she can't...can't say it. And...imagine Jack without a dad!"
"Imagine you without a head!" replies Manny. "Your mom will go mental if Snake suddenly shows up."
"Not if she's around a bunch of happy teenagers," says Emma. "Emphasis on happy. Bonus points if they're in love."
"You want me and Toby to be your pawns?" says Manny, tilting her head in astonishment.
"What? He likes chess," jokes Emma, winking. "Come on. You know Mom thinks you and Toby remind her of a younger version of Snake and herself."
Manny exhales loudly. "You have a sick, twisted mind, Emma Nelson."
"Forget me," waves off Emma. "Matchmaker Manny says..."
"Matchmaker Manny says she will ask Toby to stay...for a bit," says Manny.
Emma squeals, immediately hugs Manny. She hopes she can convince Toby to stay, and well, the more time with him, the better.
IV.
"Don't burn your nose off!" warns Spike, settling Jack into a high chair.
"Burn!" echoes Jack, fidgeting.
Emma nods at her mother, bends to see the charcoal simmering. The heat's intense, and the smell...gross. Emma sneezes.
"Alright there, sweetie?" calls over Grandma Nelson.
"I'm okay, Grandma," assures Emma. "It's...this meat...so ewww."
Her grandmother, the party crasher. It's odd to think of her that way, yet she is ruining Emma's plans. Once Emma made the suggestion to eat outside, the doorbell rang, and Grandma Nelson thought it was a "lovely idea", insisted on eating with them.
"Well, I'm sure Toby and Manny will appreciate it," comforts Grandma Nelson.
Right now, Toby and Manny were appreciating the hammock, Emma frowning as she poked at the meat with a skewer. They were gazing at and whispering to each other, Manny's head settled on his chest. She really regrets putting that thing up. The two lovebirds were supposed to be over here. Plan's going totally wrong, sighs Emma inwardly.
"You put four regular burgers on," notes Spike. "Grandma and I eat veggie. We have more guests?"
Emma shifts her eyes, sets the skewer down. She starts pouring fruit punch for her grandmother, Spike, and then Jack in a sippy cup.
"Em, you don't have to do everything," says Spike.
"It's my dinner," says Emma. "Cook reporting for duty."
"So where's your chef's hat?" jokes a voice behind her.
Spinner waves to everyone, shouts a quick hello to Toby and Manny, who lazily wave back. His outfit is casual, although a little dressy too. He wears tan slacks, and a short-sleeved, light blue shirt. Color me impressed, she thinks, assessing him. And was he wearing cologne? He then kisses Emma on the cheek, making her as red as the raw meat she bought.
"This must be Spinner," says Grandma Nelson, clearly interested.
Emma runs her tongue over her teeth. They weren't a couple, so she really didn't want her grandmother badgering him with questions.
"That's me," replies Spinner. "Emma, need any help?"
"No, I got it," answers Emma, heading over anxiously. "Burgers should be done by now."
Checking them, they are indeed done. She puts the appropriate burger on each plate, starts setting them in front of the group. Earlier that day, she made some chicken strips for Jack, a dish he loved.
"Manuella! Toby!" calls Emma toward the hammock.
Oh great, they're tickling each other now, she thinks. A red-faced Toby attempts to stop Manny's tickling assault.
"We're not hungry!" shouts Manny, then squirming as Toby tickles her waist.
Emma rolls her eyes, bites her tongue.
"More for me," whispers Spinner, taking Manny's burger.
Emma grins, places Toby's burger where Snake would be.
"Those two are so cute," comments Grandma Nelson.
"You know, they started off as friends, right, Mom?" says Emma, taking a seat.
"Yep," says Spike, chewing her burger.
"Complete opposites," continues Emma. "Still, sometimes friendships develop into deeper relationships. Leading to love, or marriage, you know."
Spinner stops chewing, throwing Emma a confused look.
"Awww," gushes Spike. "I'd love it if Toby and Manny got married someday. Two of your closest friends heading down the aisle. They're very young, though. Probably not ready."
"Yeah, I agree," says Emma. "But I think they're in it for the long haul, don't you? They barely fight."
"Hasn't it been like five months, though?" chimes in Spinner. "He and Kendra were like..a couple years."
Emma kicks Spinner's foot.
"Oww," moans Spinner, softly.
"He and Kendra were puppy love. No offense to Kendra," says Emma, quickly.
"Eh, whatever," says Spinner, staring at his foot.
"Now, Toby and Manny, they act like two mature individuals in love," says Emma, staring at her mother. "They don't let fighting destroy what's there. They believe love is worth fighting for."
Spike lowers her burger, ketchup dripping on her plate.
"Emma...," she begins, pointedly.
There is a rustling of grass, a voice forcing everyone to lift their heads. Even Toby and Manny stop tickling long enough to see Snake cautiously go towards the picnic table.
"Hopefully, there's food left," shouts Snake, holding up a package of buns.
"Hey, Mr. Simpson!" greets Spinner, smiling.
He stands to shake his hand, then sits next to Jack again, as the awkward silence goes on. Spike shoots Emma a chilling look, gives that same look to Snake. Emma rises, takes and opens the buns, the only sound in the backyard Emma undoing the twisty tie. She sets them in front of Jack, goes next to Snake.
Jack grabs a bun, tosses one at Spinner's shirt.
"You got bad smell!" exclaims Jack.
"Jack!" scolds Spike, going over to Jack, doing her best to get him out of the high chair hurriedly.
"My Triple Soul dress shirt!" groans Spinner.
"Christine...," begins Snake.
"I have nothing to say to you," says Spike, lifting a crying Jack, walking to the house.
Snake glares at Emma, the same expression he had on his face when he found out Spike was keeping her pregnancy a secret all those years ago, except this time she can see more sadness under the anger.
"I'm talking to her," says Snake.
"You've done enough," condemns Grandma Nelson. "Archie, go home."
"No," says Snake, softly, going into the house.
Emma clasps her hands together, cheeks flushed. They'd talk, so why isn't she pleased? Maybe because Manny's warning has stuck in her mind ever since she said it. She wanted her dad back, like Manny's family was finally together, Toby's dad had Kate, Spinner's parents were happily married. Should she feel ashamed for craving what everyone else had?
Receiving a stern look from her grandmother, she goes to the side of the house, Spinner in tow.
"Emma, your mom didn't know?" asks Spinner.
"No," says Emma, starting to cry. "I thought we'd...I thought we'd..."
She can't talk, collapsing into Spinner's arms. It should feel more wrong than it does.
V.
"Got very Melrose Place a while ago," says Manny. "Think I should check on Emma?"
"Spinner went after her, I think," shrugs Toby. "You can if you want."
Manny lays her head against Toby's chest once more, eyes on the center button of his shirt, the gentle wind rocking the hammock to the side. The late spring sun is dizzying, and she can't feel any lighter. She shuts her eyes.
"Nah," she says, grinning.
Toby rubs her back, kisses her forehead.
"He reminds me of you," says Manny.
"Spinner?" laughs Toby.
"Saving damsels in distress," says Manny, opening her eyes, raising her head. "Looking out for others. Going off alone with some girl..."
"Huh to the last one?" says Toby.
"You want to come to my room?" whispers Manny.
Toby gulps, slowly smiles. Asking him sort of tumbled out, but he is smiling. Keeping an eye on the screen door where Spike and Snake disappeared, she gets up, helps Toby up as well. Emma's plan removed everyone from the backyard. She's sure they're all off somewhere, either arguing or crying. Manny holds hands with Toby, slides open the screen door.
"Am I allowed?" asks Toby.
"Shhh," replies Manny, putting a finger to her lips.
She can hear Snake and Spike talking loudly upstairs, mentioning keys for some reason. Oh yeah, the bike? Not bothering to listen anymore, she pries open the door to the basement, flicks on the light. Unfortunately, the door's lock was broken, but it's not like she and Toby would be doing much anyway. He had to leave soon.
The stairs creak as they reach the room, Toby glancing around. Manny pulls her hair out of its ponytail, situates the Scrunchie over her wrist.
"I've never been down here," says Toby, chuckling gently.
"Yeah?" says Manny. "Not even with J.T.?"
"Nope," answers Toby.
Now that she looks around, the room is pretty girly. Her bedspread was pink, and Emma's was light green. Come to think of it, there was pink, lavender, light green everywhere. Jack's stuffed animals were piled near the washing machine and dryer. At least there's no visible panties or bras, she thinks, going over to close Emma's underwear drawer. Ought to check mine, thinks Manny, but to her dismay, Toby's already over there. He holds up a silver picture frame with jeweled beads around the place where the photograph went.
"Two month anniversary," he says. "I gave this to you?"
"Yeah," says Manny. "Um, me and Alyssa at the center a day before she moved away."
Toby returns the picture. "You miss her?"
"I do," admits Manny. "But her mom got transferred so she had no choice. She sends me these cute little postcards from British Columbia, asks how you are."
Toby walks over, spies the picture on the nightstand of them on the ski trip.
"That's what I wake up to every morning," says Manny, shyly. "Um...I'm taking it with me to camp. I wish...wish I could take you with me."
That was a pretty huge thing to say, but she meant all of it. Toby seems to have believed her, immediately going to her, kissing her intensely, so intensely she nearly loses her balance. Manny's stomach turns inside and out.
"Manny," he sighs, resting his forehead against hers.
She feels like she doesn't want to move, fumbles awkwardly for her bed. Finding it, she sits, smiles demurely at Toby. Toby stuffs his hands in his pockets.
"There's...there's room for two," stammers Manny, patting the space beside her. "Like...like the hammock?"
Toby takes his hands from his pockets, sits next to her.
"Bouncy," he comments.
"Springy mattress," jokes Manny. "That's why I have a lot of pep in my step."
Worst joke ever, she thinks, rolling her eyes. Toby stares at his lap. She knows they shouldn't be joking around, should actually talk about what happened at the drive-in. Sex was a very difficult topic. Funny because it never seemed that way with Craig, or Spinner, and with J.T., she wasn't going to go there. Where to start?
"So you're...anti-Milk Duds now?" asks Manny, realizing that was just as lame as her bed joke.
Shut up, Manny, she scolds herself. But no, Toby was replying to this one.
"Can't," says Toby.
"Why?"
"It's not obvious?" replies Toby. "I'm...fat."
Manny scooches closer to Toby, scratching her head.
"Toby, you are not fat!" protests Manny. "Why would you..."
She stops mid-sentence, the image of the leather jacket in her mind. Craig, lean. Sully, skinny. Oh, she thinks, shaking her head.
"Tell you a secret," says Manny, kissing his shoulder through his shirt.
"What?"
"Earlier this year, I was going to get implants," shares Manny. "Breast implants."
"But...you're perfect," says Toby.
Manny shrugs. "I didn't feel perfect."
Toby puts an arm around her. Whoa, she hasn't told anyone this, except for Emma. What with Toby think of her now? Her dad, who used to respect her, thought it made her a slut. Her mother was disappointed.
"Then half the school saw my boobs," says Manny, fiddling with her charm bracelet.
"I didn't," consoles Toby, meekly. "I didn't want to see either."
Manny manages a smile. "Didn't want to?"
"Not that way!" exclaims Toby, blushing. "I mean..."
"You'd rather watch a monkey pick his butt," fills in Manny.
"J.T.'s video, not mine," he tries to cover.
They both laugh, Manny relaxing a little. She shouldn't have suspected that he might hate her for that. He was a friend before they dated, so yeah, he'd be understanding. Now he's my boyfriend, she thinks, happily.
"I shouldn't have jumped you last night," says Manny, amazed she can stare at him while saying this. "We can go slow...or wait. Whatever."
"I'm all confused, Manny," confesses Toby, removing his arm. "The hickey's one thing and this...this is something else."
"Well, I think you're something else," praises Manny, brushing back his hair.
Toby stares at her, eyes shining under his glasses.
"You've been wonderful for me, to me," breathes Manny. "I'd be honored if I was your first."
An entire, big grin breaks across Toby's face. Finally, I said something right, she thinks, matching his grin.
Toby takes a deep breath, raises his hand to stroke her cheek, moves some hair behind her ear. Manny blushes, lets his lips wander across the nape of her neck. His lips momentarily brush the top of the white, peasant blouse she's wearing, and he stops, opening his eyes, shyly gazing at her chest.
"Boyfriend privileges," she whispers. "You can touch wherever you want."
He raises his eyes anyway, shakes his head.
"Here," says Manny.
Manny undoes the top two buttons of her blouse, a small hint of her white bra visible. Toby's cheeks automatically go crimson, but at least his breath's steady. He was always so sweet to stop, a little too sweet. She reaches for his hand, tenderly kisses his index and middle finger, places them on her chest in the middle of the two buttons, inside her blouse.
"You're so soft," whispers Toby, returning her gaze. "Like...a flower."
Manny lets her head drop, speechless.
"Thank you," she says finally, weaker than she expected.
"Manny, I love you," says Toby, inching closer to her.
Manny sighs softly. Her heart begins to pound faster, prouder. Or was that the steps? A steady, drumming pounding. She gasps.
"Toby! Manny!" shouts Snake. "What...what are you two..."
Snake runs a hand over his hair, gripping the banister tight as he stands near the basement stairs. Toby hops up, refusing to look at Snake. Feeling paralyzed, Manny simply freezes. She feels like she's in a bathtub full of ice cubes.
"Button it up, Manny!" says Snake, looking away from Manny himself.
Her fingers unfreeze, buttoning her blouse, rising from the bed. Toby awkwardly stands next to her.
"Came to get one of Jack's animals," says Snake, staring at them in disbelief. "Manny...this is really uncalled for."
"Snake!" cries Manny. "We..."
She's interrupted by another steady drumming, this sound courtesy of Emma.
"Mom wants you out...now!" exclaims Emma.
"Emma, your friends were...well, they were...," stutters Snake.
"Toby and Manny can do whatever they want, okay?" barks Emma.
"Not under my roof," argues Snake.
"This isn't your home anymore, which you made perfectly clear upstairs," says Emma, tears in her eyes. "This is Manny's room, my room. My mom's house. You moved in when you married her, and now you've moved out!"
Snake folds his arms. "Meanwhile, there's no rules...chaos..."
"Go home, Snake!" says Emma, pointing upstairs.
"Take the key, Emma," he says, pitifully.
Despite Snake interrupting them, her heart really is breaking for him. Whatever is happening Emma didn't want any part of, and she seemed so optimistic before.
"The only key I need is to this house," says Emma through gritted teeth. "Jack can go with you for the weekend, but I'm not. This is our house!"
Wordlessly, Snake throws up his hands, looks shamefully at Toby and Manny, jogs up the stairs. Manny slowly goes to her friend, lets Emma rest her head in the crook of her neck.
"Mom said no," whispers Emma.
Toby comes over, squeezes Manny's waist to let her know he's going, Manny nodding her understanding to him.
"It'll be fine, babe," reassures Manny. "It'll be fine."
