so I didn't get to update a chapter before Christmas like I had planned, but I'm posting a chapter while I'm still break so that's not too bad I guess. Anyways I hope you guys had a wonderful Holiday and got to spend it with family.
Also, if I don't update before the new year then I wish you guys a happy new year!
Anyways on to the next chapter
Chapter Six
~Harper Smalls~
~1962~
Dream
I had walked into the sandlot, with my trusty journal in hand. I looked around and seen everybody near the entrance, looking like they were having a good time. I could hear Ham cracking some joke about a "Phillips" and then heard everybody burst out into hysterics.
I walked towards them and noticed a person was missing from the group; a certain chocolate brown orbed boy to be exact.
"Hey guys." I greeted them, Once I was over there.
In return I got "Hey's" and "what's up's" from the guys.
"So, where's Benny?" I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.
Bertram spoke. "Oh he's-"
All of a sudden I felt hands placed on my sides and forced me to turn around. As all of that happened; I had let out a very loud squeal/yelp type of sound in surprise. My hand that clutched the journal tightly went up in defense, ready to clock whoever just touched and nearly scared me half to death.
When all of a sudden I felt lips crashing into mine. They were warm and extremely soft I might add. I looked into the eyes of the boy who was 'missing' from the pack not even a minute ago. For a split second (well maybe it was more) I closed my eyes and moved my lips in synch with his.
Everything seemed to faint into an abyss, I could hear the hoots and wolf whistles from the boys but it sounded like a whisper. I lowered the journal and I could feel my tight grip on it loosen until it fell to the dirt.
In retrospect, the kiss was simple. But boy did it feel feel intense.
After a few seconds Benny pulled away and I fluttered my eyelids open. My heart was beating fast. "Ba Dum, Ba Dum, Ba Dum." And I could feel the inside of my stomach fill up with butterflies. I was breathing hard, trying to catch the breath that had been sucked right out of me (I didn't mind though).
The slight sounds of hoots and wolf whistles from the guys slowly got louder and louder.
Once Benny and I both caught our breaths he began to speak.
"Harps, I-"
My eyes shot open as I heard the loud chirping of birds from outside my window. I glared at it, and then softened my look; remembering the amazing dream I just had. The butterflies that were in my dreamworld must have followed me into reality and it was much worse now.
I grabbed a pillow and put it over my face as I screamed in, I don't know excitement maybe? I just know it was the what dream I have ever had in my thirteen years a of existence. I was completely giddy over it. I slowly removed the pillow and jumped out of the bed, ready to start the day.
I stopped to turn on the radio and let the music fill up around the four walls as I went to the bathroom and used it, washed my hands, and brushed the awful morning breath away.
By now, I was back in my bedroom drawing (well more like doodling swirls and hearts on a piece of paper that had a certain someone's name right smack dab in the middle of it)
"Sweetheart, what are you doing?"
I jumped at the voice, it scared the living day lights out of me. I turned around to face my mother, who was right behind me. I gulped and tried to push the paper away from her peripheral vision. It was too late though, she had already seen it.
"Who's Benny?" She asked with a grin on her mouth.
"Uh- nobody." I stammered and laughed with an awkward smile.
"Then why are you doodling his name with hearts all around it on a piece of paper?" Mom teased.
I could feel my face heat up.
"Aww, my baby girl has her first crush. You're growing up!" She gushed, and I don't think I have ever been this red before.
I decided to cave in and tell her about Benny, because I knew if I didn't do it now she would keep pestering me until I spilled the beans.
"He's this boy; one of Scotty's friends." I explained.
Her eyes widened.
"The Benny that let your brother play ball with him?" She asked.
I nodded in confirmation.
"Oh, he's such a nice boy Harper."
"I know, and he's really cute, and he calls me Harps, and he stuck up for Scotty and gave him a chance when his friends didn't!" I gushed, my heart thumping hard at just the thought of him.
For the remainder of the morning Mom and I had talked about Benny, which is kind of shocking because I can just count how many times him and I had talked on one hand. When I was dishing out my thoughts and feelings I did leave out the dream I had though. I thought I would keep that for myself and myself only. Well myself and my journal that is.
I looked down at the paper that had been abandoned the hour before, and folded it up into a small square and placed it into a random page of To kill A Mockingbird that laid on the desk.
I stood up from the chair and stretched my legs. Then, made my way to the dresser and pulled out my choice of clothing for that day; a blouse and a pair of high waisted white shorts, along with a bra.
I got dressed and sat at my vanity. I stared at the makeup I had. I haven't really wore it much lately. I bit my lip, and unscrewed the cap. I opened my eyes real wide and applied the black substance to my long lashes.
I remember watching my mom putting on makeup when I was younger.
"Mascara goes a long way." she had said.
I remember not understanding what she meant by it and I asked. She just laughed at my youth. But now I realized what she had meant. My once dull blue eyes had popped and it looked really pretty.
I put the brush back in the bottle and screwed the cap back on. I grabbed a brush and a hair tie, then pulled my hair in a pony tail.
I got up and slid on my flip flops and grabbed my copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, turned off the radio and took some money, placing it in my pocket, before walking out of my room.
"I'm going out mom." I said as I walked into the living room, seeing her folding laundry. She looked up from the t-shirt that was currently in her hands.
"Well, don't you look cute. Are you going to see Benny?"
I laughed nervously.
"No..." I lied while still laughing.
"Mhm..." She said with a smirk.
"Well bye!" I yelled and went out the door before my mother could say anything else.
I walked into Vincent's and heard the bell go "ding" A rush of cold air came over me and it felt quite refreshing after being in the scorching heat of the summer sun in the Valley.
I quickly went over to where the pop was held. I grabbed a cold Coke and turned around to go pay for it, when I suddenly ran into a hard surface, nearly dropping the bottle of pop in the process. Though I did manage to lose the grip on my book and I heard it thump to the floor.
Groaning at the slight pain that was now on my nose, I pinched the bridge of it and stepped back to see a boy in a baseball uniform right in front of me.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." The boy apologized.
"No, it's okay." I replied and took my hand away from my nose.
He had bent down and picked up the book and then stood up.
"To Kill A Mockingbird huh?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm a bit of a book nerd." I said with a polite smile.
"That's okay, I'm a sports fanatic." He stated with a grin
"Yeah I can see that." I said with a laugh, gesturing to his uniform making him laugh as well.
He handed me the book and I gladly took it from his hand.
"I'm Andrew Phillips." The boy introduced himself.
Hearing the name Phillips made me think of of the dream I had. Phillips was mentioned in it. Maybe it was the same person.
"Harper Smalls." I inteocuded myself.
"Nice to meet you Harper, and again I'm sorry for bumping into you." Andrew apologized again.
"It's alright Andrew, no serious damage." I reassured him.
"Fine, well I gotta get going." He said.
"Okay, it was nice meeting you." I replied with a smile.
"You too." He had said and then off he went.
I Went to the cash register to go pay for my pop.
As I walked into the sandlot, I glanced around the field and counted heads. Making sure nobody was missing, I needed to talk to them. I walked over to the boys, who were over by the dugout.
Must be having a break.
Bertram was the first to notice me as I came closer.
"Oh the skirt came back. You must have missed me." He said in a joking manner.
"Miss you? Puh-lease she's obviously here because of me." Ham replied.
Then the two began to argue.
I raised an eye brow confused and turned to see Benny, who looked kind of flustered. Hmm I wonder why.
"What's up with those two?" I asked to nobody in particular as I pointed to Bertram and Ham who were now fake fighting.
"They're dorks." Benny spoke up.
"Oh, got it."
I watched the two idiots for a couple of minutes amused, before I decided to put an end to it all. I took my thumb and index finger and made it into a circle, put it into my mouth and blew out a loud whistle, causing every one to look over at me and it became silent.
"How did she do that?" I heard Yeah-Yeah whisper to Timmy.
Then I heard an "I don't know." From Timmy.
"Good, I have your attention." I started off and nobody said anything in return.
"I wanted to sorry for how I acted yesterday morning. It was extreme and I apologize." I continued.
On the walk over here from Vincent's I decided to apologize to the guys all at once, instead of individually like I had originally planned. One can only say sorry a number of times a day.
"Nah it's cool Harper." Kenny said, being the first to say anything.
"Look, if you're gonna be apart of the team, there's something you need to know; we're guys, we don't do the whole mushy gushy thing!" Squints cut in.
"Well excuse me for having manners you- wait team?" I replied.
They want me apart of their team?
I looked over everybody, making sure Squints wasn't pulling my leg or something. Nobody had seemed to be laughing. They all had hopeful looks radiating from their different colored eyes.
"Uh, yeah. You see the guys and I were talking and we think it would be cool that a girl joined. It would be a good change." Benny explained. And to top it all off, he put his cute little crooked smile on his lips that made my heart beat fasten.
I managed to find my voice and speak.
"I don't play baseball and you're Scotty's friends. I wouldn't want you guys to feel forced to hang out with me because I'm his older sister."
"Harps, it wasn't my idea, it was Benny's and everybody agreed." Scotty reassured me.
I quickly looked away from Scotty to Benny who seem to be more red in the cheeks then when I first got here. He looked to be trying to find something to say, but he was saved, because another voice is was being heard.
"Yeah-yeah plus if we get into any trouble you can scare somebody." Yeah-Yeah spoke with a toothy grin.
"I'm not scary." I spoke and boy did that start a chorus of different yells.
"You're violent!" Timmy yelled.
"you're violent!" His brother Tommy repeated.
"Not scary?!" Squints yelled and put his hands up in the air.
"You threatened to stab us with a pen!" Ham screamed.
"I didn't threaten you, I made a very logical and valid point, there's a difference." I argued back.
"No, there isn't!" I heard Kenny yell.
I turned to Benny.
"Am I scary?" I asked him.
He scratched his head and nervously looked away. I huffed in frustration, then turned to Scott.
"Well you can be sometimes. I tried to eat one of your French fries and you told me to sleep with one eye open." Scotty said.
"Ha! See you are, even Smalls said so!" Ham yelled with satisfaction.
"Oh come on! I am actually a very nice person, just don't steal my food or mess with people I care about."
"So you admit, you can be scary." Bertram inquired.
"I didn't admit anything- you know what forget it! Shouldn't you guys go base up?"I said, choosing to drop the subject befause at the rate we were going we would be here all day and my book was calling my name. Plus I clearly wasn't going to win this argument sadly. It was only one of me and nine of them.
"Harps is right, we've had a long enough break." Benny said, agreeing with with me.
Oh he takes my side now. Okay that's cool.
"Violent." I could hear Yeah-Yeah mutter.
"Oh, go run like a duck!" I yelled, rolling my eyes.
In response from him I got a tongue stuckout at me which I gladly retuned because
Gee, I'm so mature...
the rest of the guys went to their bases and I went to my rightful spot in the dug out. I got comfortable and propped my feet up and opened the book to the page I had left off on, ready to read when I felt eyes staring at me.
I looked up slowly and saw that Benny had quickly turned his head away from me. I could feel my cheeks getting warmer and shading into a dark crimson color and it wasn't because of the Summer heat either.
I bit my lip to contain myself from letting out a loud squeal and began to read the words of Harper Lee.
As the afternoon went by I had finished about seven chapters and everyone just played baseball as usual. I had taken a break a few times and watched them play and I concluded that they were all pretty good.
There was Kenny who was a great pitcher. Then there was Ham who I noticed to make jokes trying to distract whoever was up to bat so it would end up as a strike.
Each and every single one of them were great and seemed to be having a blast. I also noticed that they wouldn't stay in the same positions. They would rotate. Everybody got a turn at everything which was pretty neat.
It was somewhere in the late afternoon and the guys were starting to head home. Well everybody but none other then Benjamin Rodriquez. He was up at home plate with his bat and ball in hand.
I stood up from the bench and walked out of the dig out. I watched as the others left the sandlot. Before Scotty had left he had castes me a questioning look as to why I was still by the dug out. I had just motioned for him to leave which he did.
I made my way over to Benny who had just hit the ball and it went flying over to the dying bushes.
"Not going home?" I asked.
"I need to practice." Benny responded and then ran to go retrieve the dirt covered sphere.
When he came back with it in his hand, I opted to speak.
"What do you need practice for? You're really good."
"I'm going to be playing on the Dodgers team when I get older." Was all he said, answering my question.
Benny looked so determined to say the least and he didn't say I want Benny said I'm going to and I admire that. That's one hell of a goal and I believe that he can accomplish it.
"I think you'll be able to do it."
"Really?" He asked astounded, like nobody has ever said it to him.
I nodded.
"Yeah don't tell anybody, but I think you're the best on the team." I replied with an warm smile on my lips.
"You watch?" Yet again looking astounded.
"What do you think I do all day? Read and write in the dug out?" I asked with a laugh.
He nodded.
"I watch Benny. I see how you're not playing to compete, but you play because you enjoy it and it's fun for you. I see how you look at the baseball in pure amazement everytime you hit it with your bat; seeing how far it goes. It's as if it's the first ball you ever hit, everytime." I told him.
Everything I had said was completely true.
Benny didn't speak for a few seconds, probably processing everything he has just heard come from my mouth.
"Wow, I uh- I didn't know you could see that." Benny said.
"I'm a writer Benny, I go into specific detail even with seeing things, I observe and I notice the things most people choose to ignore or can't simply see." I explained.
I guess he didn't know what to say to that either, but he had asked a question.
"So why are you always writing?"
"Hmmm, well you see that's a story for another day." I said with a witty grin.
"Oh just like what you thought of me right?" Benny joked.
"Oh of course." I said making us both laugh.
Benny was throwing his ball up in the air and catching it repeatedly now.
"So, when are those days going to come." Benny asked out of curiosity once our giggles subsided.
I looked up a the sky and pretended to think long and hard. Then after about thirty seconds I looked over at him and spoke.
Could be tomorrow, could be two weeks from now, or maybe five years from now. Ya just never know."
Benny mumbled something but I couldn't hear it since it was inaudible.
"So my question was never answered from earlier."
"Oh yeah, join the club."
Smartass.
"I don't, nor do I know how to play baseball so how am I on the team?" I asked.
"See I'm going to answer this because I am a good person and won't leave another person hanging." Benny started off.
"Okay smart ass."
He stopped throwing the ball up in the air and catching it.
"Now, because of that comment you get no answer." He said and pointed at me.
My mouth was hung wide open, then I quickly closed it.
"I'm sorry, please tell me." I apologize while letting out a giggle.
"Nope, your words offend me deeply." He said and threw the ball up in the air and a loud crack came from his wooden bat, and then the baseball went flying.
I looked away from the ball and to Benny and there was that look he always portrayed on his tanned face that made me smile.
"I'll got get your ball if you tell me ." I said, trying to bribe him and even put a grin on my face to sell it.
"Nope." He said with a smirk then ran to the bushes.
"I'll tell you what I thought of you!" I yelled.
He stopped dead in his tracks for a second, and then started at it again. When he came back he dropped the ball on the ground.
"What did you think of me?" He asked.
"The other day, after Scotty ran out of the sandlot embarrassed, I thought you were a complete ass. You just stood there not saying anything, letting your friends walk all over my brother and I was mad and I wanted to rip off your head because that's just as bad as being the bully; being a bystander." I explained.
"Has your opinion changed?" He asked staring at me with a look of hurt and hopefulness.
I didn't trust my voice, all I could do was nod. The hurt from his brown orbs was all just about gone and they lit up and I'd be lying if I said they weren't the most beautiful thing I ever saw.
Benny cleared his throat and began to talk.
"Alright, we had a deal. You're apart of the team because you scare people." Benny said with a sly grin.
"Are you serious, you tricked me!" I yelled not really mad unthought it was kind of funny.
"Oh, I don't recall."
"Okay, I see how it is." I replied an across end my arms over my chest.
Benny just laughed, clearly amused at my realization of what he's done. Rude.
"That was not nice Benjamin." I said turned around, acting like I was upset.
But the grin I couldn't seem to peel off my mouth said otherwise. Luckily Benny couldn't see.
"Wait, Harper." He said and grabbed my shoulder.
With just one touch, my body was filled with warmth (more of it, considering the heat) and my heart felt like it went up to my throat, because my breathing hitched. I quickly composed myself and turned around shaking off my smile.
I could tell he was relieved that I wasn't actually upset with him.
"You tricked me." Was all he said.
"Now we're even." I managed to muster out without stuttering or jumbling my words.
Alright point 1 for Harper Smalls.
"Yeah, I guess we are." Benny agreed.
It was silent after that. I decided to go on and get home, even though I kind of didn't want to.
"I should get home, my mom's probably wondering where I am." I spoke.
"Alright, you coming tomorrow?" He asked.
Boy, did I want to come tomorrow and see Benny, and I was about say just that until I quickly stopped. I didn't want to sound like some freak. I have been doing exceptionality well and I sure as hell wasn't going to blow it now.
I took a deep breath and began to answer.
"Maybe."
Maybe... That's all I could say was maybe? I am such a blockhead. I could have said something more then a measly maybe.
"Cool." He replied with his crooked smile.
Man, does that damned smile get cuter everytime he does it. I feel like I'm going to explode from overload of cuteness.
"Are you gonna stay?" I asked, which was stupid of me to do because I already knew the answer.
"Yup. Practice." Was all he said. And threw the ball up and smacked it against his bat.
"Right, well just remember Dodger boy, I expect front row tickets to your first game." I said in all seriousness.
"I'll make note of that Harps." Benny said.
I smiled.
"See ya later Benny." I bid farewell.
"Bye Harper." He replied and with that I left the sandlot.
It was later that night and I was fresh out of the shower and in a t-shirt and sleep shorts. I was currently sitting at my desk, writing in my journal; writing a story, when the door opened and closed.
"So why did you stay at the sandlot when everyone else left?" I heard Scotty ask.
I turned around in my chair and seen him sitting on my bed, waiting for an answer from me about the question. So, I gave him one.
"I asked Benny why he wasn't going home yet."
It was vague and not in detail but an answer none the less.
"Oh." He said with a nod.
Then a few seconds later Scott spoke again.
"Do you like Benny?"
I kept my cool, surely my little brother only meant as friends.
"Of course I like Benny, he's a good guy he seems like he'll be a good friend." I replied with a smile.
"No, I meant like -uh a crush."
For what seemed like the millionth time today, the blood rushed to my checks and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I bit my lip, thinking of what to say to my kid brother.
After what felt like eternity I responded.
"I can't like a boy who I don't really know." It was a lie and a weak one at that which I had come accustomed too lately.
The lie was truly unbelievable and by the look in Scotty's eyes he didn't believe me. Hell, I don't even believe me.
Thankfully he didn't call bull on my pathetic lie.
"I wouldn't mind if you did Harps." Scotty said.
I only nodded, not knowing what to say in that matter.
Was it that obviousl that I liked Benny? I mean I didn't think I showed I had a crush on him. If Scotty noticed, did that mean everybody else did too, including Benny?
The slam of the door snapped me out of my thoughts.
I blinked a couple times and noticed my bed was now vacant. I let out a frustrated sigh and turned back around in the chair. My eyes roamed over the wooden desk, seeing the stack of books against the wall.
My eyes widened as I realized I had left my copy of To Kill A Mockiingbird which held my doodle of Benny's name between two of its pages. It just so happened to be my luck that Benny was the last person there and could of seen it.
Oh god.
I took a deep breath, then another one, and then another. I inhaled and exhaled until I could think properly.
"Maybe he didn't see the book at all." I whispered to myself.
"Or if he did see the book, I don't think Benny would look inside of it."
~1988~
~Third Person~
Harper was sitting at the island, steadily peeling potatoes, as Sadie stood and helped her.
"So was that one of your not so favorite days?" Sadie asked.
"It was nerve racking for sure." Harper replied.
"I remember not sleeping much that night. I was so scared your daddy would find that paper." Harper explained.
A door was opened and closed and the mother and daughter could hear a voice from the foyer.
"Where are my two favorite ladies?"
"We're in the kitchen!" Harper yelled, smiling.
The footsteps got louder and louder as the person got closer to the kitchen, until a man stood in the doorway.
Sadie noticed how her mothers blue eyes lit up when her father's presence was here. It was something she never really paid much attention too until now.
Benny walked over to Sadie and gave her a kiss on the forehead, and then went to Harper, placing his lips on her and putting his large hand on Harper's swollen belly.
"How's baby jet today?" Benny asked.
"Moving around a lot and not being able to stay still, just like his daddy." Harper replied with a tooth yet loving grin.
"That's my boy."
"So what are you two doing in the kitchen?" Benny asked.
"Mom's telling me about the summer you guys met." Sadie answered.
"Really? I remember that summer all too well."
Sadie looked from her mother to her father.
It seemed both of them were quite fond of the summer of '62.
