CHAPTER 10: Close Encounters of the Rock Creek High Kind. The Day Continues...
Bekka wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole, or better yet, swallow up her mother. She tried to hide the grin that tugged at the corners of her mouth as she envisioned the scene of black, patent leather heals being gobbled up under the floor of Principal Shannon's office. Bekka's imagination almost got the better of her and she had to bite down on the inside of her lip to keep from laughing at the image of the floor letting out a little undignified burp before closing back up over the pair of slingbacks.
Forcing her mind back on the conversation, Bekka groaned inwardly, wishing she could switch it off as easy as a radio dial.
"Begging your pardon, Mrs. Shannon, but am I to understand there is not a thing you can do about removing my daughter from this automotive class? This was not the elective she chose and I don't think my daughter should be subjected to a classroom full of hoodlums who taunt respectable young ladies and start fights..."
"Mrs. Cooper,...please." Emma interrupted.
The President of the school board could have been standing in Emma Shannon's office and she would have responded to Mrs. Cooper's words in the exact same manner. Emma was not going to have those young men called hoodlums, not as long as she was Principal of Rock Creek High.
"May I assure you, Mrs. Cooper, that Mr. Hunter's class is very respectable. If I thought for a moment that Rebecca would face any inappropriate conduct from his current students, I would pull her out immediately."
Emma Shannon had her fair share of dealings with the demanding parent's of Rock Creek's upper class society who expected to get their way with just the snap of their well manicured fingers. Mrs. Cooper was no different. But the woman was going to discover right quick, that Emma wasn't one to be pushed around.
"And if I may add, Mrs. Cooper, Rebecca was offered the option of transferring into Home Economics. She made the choice to stay in Mr. Hunter's Automotive Shop. I plan on honoring her decision, if in fact she still wants to continue in the class."
"Really,...is that so?" Doritha gave her daughter a withering look before turning her gaze back to the school's principal. "Well, I can assure you, Mrs. Shannon, that my daughter has no intention of continuing..."
"Mother! Stop it!" Bekka rose up without thinking, hazel eyes flashing in indignation.
Both women turned in surprise at Bekka Joe's sudden outburst.
Cheeks blazing to match the color of her auburn hair, Bekka knew she just stepped way out of line, but she couldn't help it, and really didn't care. This was her life. When would her mother ever let her have a say?
The look on her mother's face was a study in abject horror. She could hear Doritha Cooper now, 'Well bred young women never give in to fits of temper.' Bekka knew she was going to get a real good tongue lashing when she got home.
But Principal Shannon's expression was different, well concealed but Bekka though she caught a hint of admiration resting within her dark eyes.
"I'm sorry for speaking out of line." Bekka sat back down, dropping her eyes on her properly folded hands that rested on her lap.
Emma studied her newest student a moment, "Rebecca, it's alright. You don't have to stay seated. This has everything to do with you. Do you still want to remain in Mr. Hunter's Automotive Shop? "
Slowly Bekka stood, ignoring her mother, and met Mrs. Shannon's penetrating gaze straight on. Knowing her mother like she did, Bekka knew the repercussions of her decision would be felt for months, probably even years.
"Mrs. Shannon, I would like nothing more than to stay in Mr. Hunter's class. You were very gracious to find another class and I know that if I want to transfer out, the option is still open. But I've thought long and hard on my decision and I would like to remain where I am."
"Very well then." Emma smiled warmly at Bekka.
"It seems a decision has been reached. Why don't you head on to class, Rebecca. Have Miss. Pearson type you up a late excuse on your way out."
Emma extended a hand toward Doritha, "It's been a pleasure meeting you..."
"No. A decision has not been made, Mrs. Shannon," Doritha Cooper coolly replied while staring in derision at Emma's outstretched hand. Who did this nobody of a woman think she was, dismissing her like she was some sort of common rif-raf.
"Rebecca, you stay right where you are! Mrs. Shannon, you don't seem to understand. My daughter will not spend her senior year in..."
"Mrs. Cooper, please!" Emma held her offended hand up to silence the petite blonde.
"Rebecca has made a decision that, as Principal of Rock Creek High, I'm required to uphold, and will hold to. Automotive Shop is open to both young men and women who attend classes here and if I may add, your daughter isn't the only young lady in Mr. Hunter's senior year class."
There was one thing Emma enjoyed about moments like this. It was watching the prim and proper mothers, as flabbergasted expressions crossed their well made up faces, then the shift to anger. Each had their own unique way of trying to control and hide their outrage when they didn't get their own way. And some, like Mrs. Cooper, didn't even attempt to cover their displeasure. Moments like this made dealing with their usually spoiled kids worth it.
"Why don't you head on to class, Rebecca, while I walk your mother out."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank You, Mrs. Shannon," Bekka enthused. As she walked past her mother, Bekka couldn't hold back and shot her a triumphant look.
Emma had to work hard to stifle a grin as she turned her attention back to the petite woman who looked like she was on the verge of exploding. Doritha's blue eyes blazed.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Mrs. Cooper?" Emma asked with a well practiced smiled adorning her face.
Doritha Cooper was livid. It took every ounce of proper upbringing trained in her to master her anger and not smack that smile off of Emma Shannon's face. How dare she. This principal was nothing more than a common servant to this town and it's people. The Coopers may be new to Rock Creek, but Principal Shannon was soon going to find out just who she was dealing with.
"This is far from over, Mrs. Shannon. My daughter, unfortunately, doesn't seem to fully understand her social obligations and position in this town or the ramifications her actions will cause. And I will not stand by and have Rebecca in a class with crude, common students that are only fit for menial labor."
Doritha Cooper was on a roll, and Emma clenched her jaw tight behind her measured smile to keep from saying something that would most certainly get her fired right here on the spot.
"My husband is well acquainted with the head of the school board." Doritha continued with dainty gloved hands resting firmly on her hips. "When I inform Mr. Cooper of what is going on in this school, you may well find yourself out of a job. This is just preposterous, allowing refined young ladies to be subject to hoodlums."
Grabbing up her purse with a huff, Doritha held her head high and swiftly breezed out of Emma Shannon's office, high heels clicking sharply on the tile floor.
"Oh, my dear stars..." Lottie exclaimed as her eyes followed Mrs. Cooper out of the office.
Emma looked over at a wide eyed Lottie Pearson sitting behind her typewriter and shook her head while rolling her eyes heavenward. "Why, oh why, do I get the feeling, Lottie, that this is going to be a Senior year we won't soon forget?"
The sharp, prim call of her name stopped Bekka dead in her tracks. She had hoped to escape her mother's ire until she got home, no such luck. And the worst, there was no gallant knight on the horizon riding to her rescue.
"Yes, mother? I'm late for class..."
Doritha took several quick steps towards her daughter, "Rebecca, you may think you are being clever, but you're not, young lady. This is far from finished. We'll be having a nice long chat with your father when he gets home from the office, do you understand. You are not staying in that class, is that clear?"
It was sitting there, right on the tip of her tongue, a smart remark to wipe that superior look off her mother's face. Bekka swallowed it down as she bore up under Doritha's piercing glare.
"Crystal, Mother. I have to go now." Bekka turned but her mother still got the last word.
"I don't want you lollygagging like you did yesterday. I don't know who that was that brought you home, but we're going to have a chat about that as well! I want you straight home."
Whirling around Bekka's eyes flashed, "I have an after school project that I can't miss. I'll be home after that."
Doritha started shaking as she watched her daughter walk away. Why, does she have to be such a vexation to me. I try to give her everything a young lady could ever ask for. What did I do to deserve such an ungrateful girl?
Marching briskly towards the main school doors, Doritha was deep in thought and didn't see the man rounding the corner until it was too late.
"Whoa, there. Careful, Ma'am. Where's the fire."
"Oh, dear..." Doritha exclaimed as she slammed into what felt like a solid wall as her feet went out from under her. Strong arms caught her up and kept her from falling.
"I'm so very sorry, sir. I should have paid better attention to where I was going." Smoothing a hand over her dress she looked up into a pair of rakishly charming brown eyes that caused her heart to momentarily skip a beat.
"Nothing to be sorry for, ma'am. I've learned long ago to be careful walking these hallways, never know what's going to come flying around the corners. But, some days I just happen to get lucky," He replied with a disarming grin. "Are you alright, Mrs..." He waited for the lady to supply her name, as she let go of his arm and steadied herself back on her feet.
"It's...it's Mrs. Cooper," Doritha replied as she remembered herself and extended a hand out to the charming stranger.
It had been a long time since anyone flustered her so completely and even longer since a man caused little somersaults in the pit of her belly. The gentleman was tall, dark haired with just the slightest touches of silver interwoven to give him that debonair quality she so loved. Add to that, eyes that held mischief just dancing under the surface and Dorthia felt like she was sixteen all over again.
Noting the crimson stain across Mrs. Coopers pretty face, his grin widened into a melting smile as he took hold of her proffered, gloved hand and smoothly replied, "I'm Mr. Hunter, Mr. Aloysius Hunter. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cooper."
The firm, warm grasp of his hand over hers caused her heart to beat double time. But as her brain began to register the name, her heart suddenly came to skittering halt.
"Mr. Hunter? The same Mr. Hunter that teaches Automotive shop here?"
"The one and only, ma'am." He watched her bewitching smile twist into a scowl as she snatched her hand away from him, like he was suddenly struck with leprosy.
"I have only this to say to you, Mr. Hunter," Standing to her full 5'2" height she managed to look Aloysius Hunter straight in the eye.
"I suggest you keep your bunch of hoodlums away from my daughter for the remainder of time she has to spend in your...your..." Raising her brow superciliously, "...well,your class, if you'd call it that. If I hear that those boys of yours have touched my daughter, or in anyway mistreated her, rest assured Mr. Hunter, my husband will see to it that you never teach again."
"Ma'am...," before he could get out another word, Doritha Cooper turned and marched herself out the High School door.
"Lordy, lord." he muttered as he moved his gaze off of the retreating blonde and onto his newest student who had been watching behind the scenes since her mother collided into him.
Teaspoon studied the girl a moment. He could tell by her flushed face she was embarrassed at her mother's display. And judging by the way Bekka Joe had seemed to take to his class, she didn't share her mother's views of being taken out any time soon.
He had to admire the girl. She was a hard worker. Teaspoon knew the really good stuff, the stuff that would test her mettle, was still to come but from what he had already seen, she would tackle it head on. Teaspoon smiled warmly at Bekka and nodded for her to get to class.
He chuckled to himself as he watched the cute redhead scurry down the hall. Teaspoon knew at least two of his boys who would be pretty sore if she was taken out of shop. He would too. Changing his plans, Teaspoon strode towards Emma's office to find out what exactly went down.
Grasping hold of the class room door, Bekka paused and took a deep breath. She had never walked into a class this late before. Even on her first day at Rock Creek High, when every student seemed intent on sending her in the wrong direction, she managed to make it to class as the final bell rang.
Squaring her shoulders she held her head high, enduring the looks and stares as she handed the late excuse to Mr. Wilkins with an soft apology. Quickly Bekka slid into her desk seat next to Buck, who had worried eyes riveted on her. She never spared a glance his way.
Buck felt the slight and it stung bad. But he knew he deserved it as he kicked himself for the hundredth time. Throughout class he tried to catch Bekka's eye, so he could at least offer a apology. Buck even resorted to nonchalantly shoving his composition book off his desk. But nothing short of throwing the dang notebook at Bekka Joe's head was going to get that pretty little ball of fire to look in his direction.
Sitting towards the back of the classroom, Kathleen could tell the little goody-goody was nervous. Her posture gave her completely away. Probably had never been late for a class a day in her nerdy life as she handed her note to dreamy Mr. Wilkins.
Before class started, Rance had caught up with Kathleen and dropped her a bit of juicy gossip. Bekka and her mother were spotted going into Principal Shannon's office. Her curiosity was piqued.
Her eyes shifted to Buck and glared daggers into his back. Had it not been for him and the rest of those punk rats, she would have been in the know about what was going on with that four eyed square.
What could possibly bring Bekka's mother to the school? What was going on? Kathleen's mind was spinning with possibilities. What ever it was, it had to be good.
The sound of Buck's composition book hitting the floor pulled Kathleen out of her musings. She watched him turn a genuinely worried eye toward Bekka as he picked up his book, trying his hardest to get her attention.
It didn't pass her notice that the binocular wearing fream slighted Buck, not even paying him the time of day. Kathleen smiled. She didn't care two cents for the grease Rattler, never had. But she was no stranger to that hang dog look in Buck's eyes or what it meant. He really cared about the new girl. Might even be over the moon for her. This was almost too good to be true, her smile widened. Buck was going to pay for what he did this morning, no one dared treat her like that. She knew just how to take him down.
Staring at the opening chapter of Jane Eyre she knew and loved so well, Jenny Tompkins found that she couldn't concentrate. Even dreamy Mr. Wilkins' voice held no sway over her worried state.
She needed to get to her new friend Bekka Joe and warn her about about that nasty Rance Burgess. His words and crude lascivious laugh yesterday evening at the Depot, still left her skin crawling up and down her arms.
There were also the Rattlers. She had to get word to them, but how? Jenny knew they wouldn't give her the time of day. Maybe she could get a note to Ambrose and he could get it to Buck or one of the other Rattlers, explaining everything she had heard at the Depot.
Opening her notebook, Jenny started writing. Hopefully would think she was just taking notes. Pausing, she glanced over at Ambrose and put her pencil down. It wouldn't work. She adored him, even held a silly crush on him. But Jenny knew that Ambrose idolized the Rattlers and was far too analytical for his own good at times. It would take her forever just to get past the million questions he would ask. That would raise too much suspicion from Kathleen.
If a Silver got wind of what she was doing,...Jenny started biting the end of her pencil, a nervous habit her father could never seem to cure her of. She had never found herself in a position to help the Rattlers before. The sound of something hitting the floor jarred Jenny out of her worried thoughts.
Jenny turned, it was Buck. She noticed how slow and deliberate he was at retrieving his composition book from off the floor, his gaze locked on Bekka the whole time, dark eyes pleading, trying to get her attention.
Turning a page over in her composition book, Jenny started a new note. With Bekka she could kill two birds with one stone, warn her new friend and warn the Rattlers, they would listen to Bekka Joe. Buck, at least would listen to her. All she needed to do was get it in Bekka's hands without Kathleen noticing, nothing escaped that cunning Silver's eyes.
Bekka's mind should have been on Jane Eyre and Mr. Wilkins, but it wasn't. This class was easy, she could pass it with her eyes half closed.
Right now, she was worrying over everything that had happened, especially her mother's embarrassing display and threats to both Principal Shannon and Mr. Hunter.
A book hitting the floor next to her drew the notice of Mr. Wilkins. Buck assured him nothing was wrong, his elbow just slipped. Bekka noticed Hack Wilkins arch a brow at Buck, something akin to laughter dancing in his vivid blue eyes, before returning to the blackboard.
Bekka knew better than to believe Buck's elbow just slipped. He was trying to get her attention, had been since those dang dark brown eyes of his had followed her to her seat. Just when she thought she had Buck figured out. She couldn't help how her mother acted, she even tried to apologized and all he did was scowl at her. He had been so different yesterday.
Well, Bekka was determined not to look at him or even talk to him, if that's how he wanted to play things, then fine.
At the sound of the bell and Mr. Wilkins' "Class dismissed." Bekka headed for the door, heedless of Buck's call of her name.
"Bekka, Bekka, wait up...I need to talk to you. Bekka..."
Kathleen brushed past Buck, giving him a pleased grin. "Awww... Seems like nobody wants you, Buck. Not even a four eyed goody-goody like Bekka Joe. Looks like the Silver has some taste after all."
Her laughter rang shrill in Buck's ears well after Kathleen strode out the class room door with hips switching from side to side.
Balling his hands into a fist, Buck glanced over at Mr. Wilkins who had been watching the whole scene.
"Word of advice, mate. I don't encourage it in my class, but next time you want to get a young ladies attention, just pass her a note instead of dropping the contents of your desk on my class room floor." Hack gave Buck an easy smile. "Don't worry, she'll come around, they always do."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Buck headed out the door for his chemistry class.
With her toe tapping on the floor, Jenny was growing impatient. What was taking Buck so long? Her plan was foiled when Bekka rushed out the door before she could catch her. Jenny's other option, Ambrose, was long gone, so that left Buck. She just hoped he would...before she could finished her thought, the lanky Rattler walked right past her.
"Buck, wait, Buck, wait up..." Jenny managed to catch up with him and grasp hold of his arm.
"What?"
Jenny took an involuntary step back as she gazed into Buck's almost black, stormy eyes. Once again she was reminded why she didn't try striking up conversations with the brooding Rattler and wondered what in the world Bekka Joe saw in him to begin with.
Swallowing, Jenny quickly placed the note in Buck's palm, "Can you get that to Bekka, please? It's really important."
Buck frowned at the folded up piece of notebook paper, "I'm not a message boy," he replied indifferently, handing her back the note. "Why can't you give it to her yourself?"
"I tried, but Kathleen was walking right behind Bekka."
"So? Take it to her now,or give it to her the next time you see her. Bekka's not speaking to me anyway and I gotta split," turning he started down the hall only to be stopped by the persistent girl.
"What is it now?!"
"If you like Bekka Joe even a little, you'll take this to her right now. She's in the library. It's important." Jenny flicked her eyes from side to side making sure no one overheard her, "Keep him away from her. This concerns you Rattlers as well. I've already spent too much time talking to you."
Before Buck could even get a single word out of his mouth, Jenny was gone. Her macabre words hung in the air as he stared at the note she had pressed back into his hand.
Shoving the paper into his pants pocket, the class bell rang. Shrugging his shoulders he gave up and headed towards the library. It wouldn't be the first time he skipped chem class. Now if he could get that stubborn little ball of fire to talk to him.
Walking through the library doors, Buck paused. They had changed things around since last year and Bekka Joe wasn't in sight. One thing hadn't changed though, old man Marcus was still librarian and still mumbling to himself while scratching notes in his little leather bound journal.
"She's that way, Buck." He pointed to the left end of the non-fiction book shelves, never lifting his head from his scribblings.
The man always gave Buck an uneasy feeling. How did old man Marcus know he was looking for Bekka?
Walking to the last row of book shelves, Buck paused as the corners of his mouth turned upward. Bekka was sitting on a small foot ladder, knees drawn up and completely lost in the pages of a book spread open on her lap. He almost hated disturbing her, she looked so peaceful and carefree.
Buck longed to just sit beside her and lose himself in her world. It was crazy he knew. He'd only known Bekka Joe a few short days, yet when he was with her, something changed. The dividing lines that kept him on one side of the tracks fell away. With Bekka he didn't have to prove his worth. He wasn't a hood. He wasn't a Rattler. He wasn't some kid who belonged on a reservation. He wasn't Red's brother and he wasn't his no-good father's son. He was just a guy...a guy who dug Poe just as much as she did. Buck couldn't have Bekka mad at him.
"Ya know, I think I told you on the first day you met me that I'm a jerk, Bekka. It shouldn't shock you when I prove it." he quietly said, smiling warmly at her before adding, "But I am really sorry."
Bekka's head snapped up at the sound of Buck's low mellow voice, the book she was perusing tumbled out of her hands, landing with a heavy thud on the floor.
With quick easy strides he bent down, picked up the book, noted the cover with a raised brow and handed it back to Bekka. He couldn't recall any girl he knew being remotely interested in the Pony Express, let alone as absorbed as she had been in this book.
"Thank-you."
"You're welcome," he said with crooked grin.
Buck took heart in her response but the quiet that followed unnerved him. He wasn't a big talker but even he could recognize an awkward silence. Working hard to keep his cool exterior in place, he dug around in his head for something to say.
"Well, that's a start, at least I got ya to speak to me." Leaning easily against a bookcase Buck waited for Bekka to say something as she unfolded herself, brushed her hands over her skirt and stood.
"You shouldn't lean on that shelf, it could tumble over."
Running a hand down his midsection, Buck feigned distressed. "You mean I'm that big I could actually knock over the library shelves? I better cut out all those fries I've been eating."
Bekka flushed, "No..that's not what I meant, Buck. I mean...you're not big, not big at all..I mean...well a house fly could land on these old book cases and topple them over..."
"Oh,...so now you think I'm skinny, smaller than a house fly...hmmm? Probably think a jock could take me?"
"No...no! That's not what I meant either, Buck..I think you're .."
"I'm what?"
It was the impish glint dancing in his brown eyes that gave him completely away.
"Buck Cross, stop it...you're trying to tease me, and I'm not in the mood." Despite herself, a corner of her mouth tugged upward.
"Yeah, but it got ya talkin' to me again." Wagging his brow he grinned.
"I'm still mad at you, Buck. And yes, you can be a jerk at times." Bekka turned away, and proceeded to walk up the ladder to replace the book she had been reading.
His playful grin fell, he hadn't realized just how badly he had actually hurt her. "I know I am, Bekka. But please, won't you at least talk to me? I'm sorry. Don't stay mad at me..."
It was his voice, the trembling, 'I'm sorry, don't stay mad at me...' that stayed her movements.
"I'm not really angry with you, Buck. I'm just annoyed, that's all. I can't help how mother acted, and I'm sorry. But you didn't have to scowl at me like you did...like you thought I was like her..." shaking her head, she sighed. "I thought you knew me better than that."
"Bekka...I do...I just..."
"Don't worry yourself about explaining it, Buck. It doesn't matter anyway. I'm fine, I forgive you." Bekka studied the title on the spine of the book not daring to look at him. Eye contact with him would destroy the tale she was telling. She was still shaken by what she had seen and how he acted.
"No. You're not fine, Bekka," he whispered as he moved to touch her arm. "I'm sorry. Look at me, please?"
It surprised him, how badly he needed to see her eyes. If he could see just a little spark, he would know his little Fireball was really okay. Right now he wasn't so sure.
"Bekka...Talk to me, please, come on...I said I'm sorry..."
"I said I forgive you, Buck. I don't know what else you want of me."
Buck furrowed his brow, he still wasn't convinced. Her voice sounded so defeated...then it hit him...why didn't he catch it before.
"Does it have anything to do with why you're mother was here today?"
Bekka nodded.
"Your mother is trying to get you pulled outta shop, isn't she?"
"Yeah."
"What did Mrs. Shannon say?" Buck quietly asked.
Bekka felt the warm touch of Buck's hand on her arm and knew without looking that his dark soulful eyes were studying her. "She said it's up to me, my decision. That's what she told my mother."
"And what did you decide?" Bekka's voice had been so soft and trembling that for a moment Buck was afraid she was actually leaving shop.
Slowly she slid the book back on the shelf before looking down at Buck. A slight gasp caught in her throat. There were no puppy dog eyes, or impish glint, no loopy half grin. Just Buck Cross standing there looking up at her with worry, concern and regret all mingled together in the depths of his eyes.
"I told Principal Shannon I wanted to stay."
Buck let out a pent up breath. "Good. Class wouldn't be the same without ya, you know."
Hitching his thumbs in his belt loops, he tried to act cool so she wouldn't see how much it meant to him that she wanted to stay in the class...stay in his world.
"So why the long face, Fireball? Principal Shannon's word is law around here. You won."
"I'm not out of the woods yet. Mother's beyond frosted with me, Buck. Worst than she's ever been. She's dragging my father into this It'll be up to him, whether I stay in shop or not. And he usually sides with her."
Turning away, back to the shelf of books Bekka slapped her hand hard against the case.
"I'm finished before I even got started, Buck. And you want to know the worst, I was actually starting to like the class..."
Buck watched her face crumple, all spark gone.
"Hey, I ain't gonna have you talking like that, Bekka. Where's that little fireball I've come to know and fear? You know who I'm talking about,... the pretty little red head that doesn't back down from any challenge, and manages to put me in my place when I act like a complete heel?"
Her mouth twisted into a quirky soft smile, "Stop it, Buck..."
"Stop what?"
"You know what." Bekka whispered as she met his eyes. "By next week I'll be stuck in home ec, or worse. There's no way around it."
"Been my experience, Bekka, that Principal Shannon is no push over when her mind's made up. Goes for Teaspoon as well. Give em' a chance to go to bat for ya."
"I'd like to believe you, Buck, but you don't know my mother." Bekka sighed as she leaned against the old book case, her words hardly a whisper. "She can talk my father into almost anything. Having him go to the school board about this...easy as pie." Bekka snapped her fingers for emphasis.
"Well, I doubt you're getting pulled outta class, Bekka. I wasn't joking around 'bout Teaspoon and Mrs. Shannon. They'll fight for ya. Besides, you and I still have driving lessons to finish...shop or no shop, Fireball, you need to know how to drive."
Bekka stared down at him in disbelief.
"...And there's still shop lessons, Bekka...I ain't gonna let a girl with jets like you got, go around Rock Creek wondering what the difference is between a reversible ratchet with a six point, 9/16th socket attached and a 9/16th combination wrench, dig." Buck gave her a wickedly gleeful grin.
She nodded, wide eyed, "Ohhh..."
"So...", Buck paused, clamping his teeth down on his lower lip a moment, "I want to get this straight, you forgive me, right? You'll talk to me?"
Bekka palmed her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle the giggle threatening to bubble up in her. How did he do it, she wondered? How did Buck manage to make her smile and feel better when a moment before she was frosted with him.
"Yeah, Buck, I forgive you...I can't stay angry with you." Her last words seemed to tumble out of her mouth of their own free will and there was no way she could snatch them back.
"Do you mean that?" His voice dropped an octave as his eyes darkened on hers. "We're cool? We're friends?"
Bekka nodded. "Yeah, we're cool, Buck."
"Can I get that in writing? Cause there's a pretty good chance I'll act like a lughead again."
Stepping down off the ladder, Bekka peered up at him. "I know, so I'll just have to think about it." She smiled impishly, picked up another book and turned back to the small step ladder.
"Here, let me..." Buck proceeded to take the book out of her hand, reached over her and placed it back in the right spot on the shelf.
"Thank-you, Buck," she replied with a quiver in her voice she couldn't control.
Quickly Bekka took up another book, noted the filing code and scooted the ladder further down the aisle of bookcases and replaced the non-fiction work on the shelf. Standing for several moments it occurred to her to wonder what exactly Buck was doing here.
"Buck, why are you here?"
Buck's mind was running in a thousand different directions. As he watched Bekka resume her work, he didn't hear her soft voice.
"Hmmm?"
"Aren't you suppose to be in class? Tell me you didn't skip class just to apologize to me."
"It's just Chem, Bekka. No big deal."
"Buck..." she chided good naturedly.
"Okay...okay. Now you're sounding like Red." His eyes crinkled a little, hinting at a smile.
"But now that you mention it,..." Digging into his pants pocket he pulled out a folded up piece of paper and handed it up to her.
"What's this?"
"It's from the Tompkins chick, she seemed to think it was important, wanted me to get a move on it and get it to you."
"Jenny...?, What could be so important...why you?..." Bekka mused aloud as she unfolded the note. Scanning the lines, blood drained from her face as she gripped hold of a shelve.
"What is it Bekka?"
Starting down the ladder, her foot slipped on a rung. "Oh...!"
"Bekka!" He caught her up before she even had a chance to fall. "I got ya...here sit down."
Pulling her legs up to her chin, she leaned her head back against the book case.
Settling himself beside her, Buck slipped an arm around her tense shoulders. "Bekka, are you alright?" With his free hand he felt of her ankle, applying gentle pressure as he checked for any signs of a sprain. "Does that hurt?"
"No, I'm fine, Buck. It doesn't hurt." Her voice was flat, and she hardly registered that Buck had put his arm around her.
Buck was worried, Bekka was so pale. When he was convinced her ankle was fine, he raised his eyes to hers. "What's wrong, Bekka? What was in Jenny's note?"
Tenderly he brushed the back of his finger down her smooth cheek until she looked at him. Her hand trembled as she gave him the slip of paper, her eyes dropping back into her lap.
Taking the offered scrap from her shaky hand his eyes quickly read the neat precise script. Instinctively his arm tightened around her as the words sunk in.
"It's going to be alright, Bekka. I promise you. Look at me...look at me Bekka Joe."
Buck's tone held a demanding edge and Bekka was impelled to lift her head to look at him. She studied his face, seeking reassurance. Her eyes drank in his angular features, his firmly clenched jaw, prominent cheekbones, dark furrowed brows with deep set almost black eyes that stared back at her, willing her to believe his words.
An involuntary chill ran up Bekka's spine at the intensity of Buck's expression. He was fearsome in that moment but not toward her...It was because of her. A wrinkle appeared between her eyes as she wondered why she should be the subject of such dangerous intensity. Absently she heard Buck as he continued talking. His words eventually made their way through the ponderings of her confused mind.
"It's going to be alright. You're going to be okay." Buck repeated. "No one's gonna touch you."
"Okay...I'm fine...I'm okay, Buck. I believe you."
Bekka wanted to believe things would be fine, that what Jenny overhead was somehow wrong, or at the least just a big joke. She didn't want to think about Rance, or what the Silvers had in mind for the Rattlers.
"Is everything alright over here?"
Buck looked up and saw old man Marcus standing in the aisle looking inquiringly at the two of them.
"No. Bekka's hurt. She slipped off the ladder. I think her ankle is sprained."
"Buck, I'm fine..."
"I think she should see the nurse right away, Mr. Marcus. I'll take her," Buck added. His eyes touching Bekka's briefly.
J.D. Marcus looked from one to the other. Something was tickling his suspicions, but he had to admit the girl did look quite ashen. "Miss Cooper, I think Buck's right. It wouldn't hurt to have Nurse Owen take a look at it. I'll write you a hall pass." Looking at Buck he thought to add, "Do you need any assistance helping Miss Cooper up?"
"Nah, I got it." Buck gave Bekka a wink. "You trust me?"
Bekka nodded her head with a pained grimace. "All right, but it hurts, Buck."
Buck had to swallow back his laugh, she caught on fast. Placing her arm around his shoulder, he slipped his hand around her waist. "Hang on, lean into me, I have you, Bekka."
Bekka nodded, A thousand tiny shimmers prickled her skin as his warm breath brushed past her ear. It sent her head spinning.
Without warning Buck stood, pulling Bekka up with him, practically lifting her off her feet in the process. Her free arm wrapped around his midsection while resting her head on his chest. For effect Bekka let out a painful whimper into the soft flannel of his shirt.
Chuckling, Buck whispered, "You sure do give Cody a run for his money in the acting department, Fireball."
Raising her face off his chest, Bekka loosened her hold on Buck but still had to crane her neck up to look at him. She'd forgotten how much taller he was compared to her 5'4" height.
"Do you mind telling me what we're doing?" Her eyes glinted with an undercurrent of excitement.
"We're getting outta here."
"I kind of figured that, but why? Where are..."
"Shhh..." Buck placed silencing fingers over her mouth. A jolt ran through him as he quickly pulled his hand away, but not before his mind registered how soft and warm her lips were against his calloused fingers.
Bekka's brows shot up over the rim of her glasses at the momentary contact, while her heart skipped several beats.
Fighting for his hip cool exterior he murmured, "It's a good cover. The Warden doesn't suspect a thing and we get a hall pass to boot. Just keep up the act, I'll explain later." For emphasis he reached for her hand and cinched it tighter around his stomach. "Like I already said, lean against me, limp a little and follow me."
Bekka felt emboldened. "Lead the way, Mr. Hotshot, and I'll follow."
Buck chuckled, "Careful, we still have to get past the bounty hunters."
"The what?"
"Never mind. Maybe we'll get lucky. Come on."
Bekka followed Buck's lead which was pretty easy for the most part. Together they fell into a rhythm of walking, Buck slightly bent, while supporting her weight, trying hard not to pick her up off her feet, while Bekka tried to remember to limp along and act in pain. That was the hardest, acting like she was hurt while trying to keep a grimace on her face, when all Bekka wanted to do was grin like a silly schoolgirl.
Mr. Marcus seemed to have forgotten about the pair as they approached his desk, his nose buried in his journal as he muttered to himself, still scribbling away.
Buck cleared his throat.
"Yes, what can I do for you..oh, Buck...yes, yes, yes. A hall pass." He eyed the two over his horned rimmed glasses. "Are you sure you don't need some assistance?"
"Nope," Buck said as he plucked the offered pass out of the Librarians hand.
"Really, Mr. Marcus, It doesn't hurt so bad," Bekka added. " I'll be fine with Buck helping me. I'm sorry for not finishing with those books..." she covered her mouth demurely to stifle a feigned whimper of pain.
"Well, you two go on. I'll get one of the Freshman to finish up, Miss Cooper."
Buck and Bekka soon found themselves outside the library. He guided her towards a break in a block of lockers that hid them from view.
Promptly, Bekka buried her face in Buck's flannel shirt, she couldn't hold back any longer and gave in to a fit of giggles.
Finally she was able to stifle her mirth, and look up at him with an abandoned smile.
"That was so much fun, Buck. I can't believe we did it, I almost thought we'd get caught before getting out the door, you practically picked me up off my feet."
Letting out a quiet laugh, Buck tweaked her nose. "I thought you were crying."
"Ow..No, I'm not crying, I'm laughing. I've never did anything like that before."
"Well, I suggest next time you do, you put some meat on those bones so I won't lift you right up off your feet. I think a few Station burgers and fries are in order, Fireball."
"I have plenty of meat on my bones, thank you very much." Bekka scrunched her nose back at Buck.
"Really?" He reached out and grabbed her ribs."I feel bone right there and there and..."
"Buck!" Bekka let out a tiny squeak as she swatted his hand away.
Arching a brow, Buck swallowed his smile as he stored away that little bit of information. Bekka was ticklish.
"Alright, Bekka...we need to split."
"Where? Where are we going, you never told me?"
"Shop. Jimmy's there. He needs to know what's going down with the Silvers." Buck scanned up and down the hall. "We'll head for the main entrance." He pointed to the left, "We'll have a better chance of not getting caught once outside and take the back way into shop, through the garage."
Buck grabbed Bekka's hand and started walking.
"Buck, wait." Bekka pulled back on his arm. "Why don't we just go the other way and head towards shop through the Senior wing like we normally do? Wouldn't that be a whole lot easier?"
"We'll run into too many bounty hunters going that way. Too many questions why we're not at the nurse's office," Buck sliced his eyes up and down the halls, remarkably the coast was still clear.
"Where is the nurse's office, Buck? Shouldn't we go in that direction, then?"
"Freshman hall, down by the gym." Buck hissed. He was close to clamping his hand over Bekka's mouth and throw her over his shoulder if she asked one more question.
"Come on, we're burning daylight, Fireball." Buck took hold of her hand again and watched her brow furrow. "Trust me," he shot her a blinding grin and started walking. Bekka had to double step just to keep up with Buck's long strides.
As they neared the T junction in the hallway Buck was feeling pretty confident things would be easy as peach pie, that was until Jeffery Darnell hooked the corner and headed straight for them.
"Damn it!" Buck slowed his pace while snaking his arm around Bekka, pulling her snug against his side.
Following his lead, she slipped her arm back around him, letting his frame support her as she started limping. "What is it, Buck?" She whispered.
"Hey, you two up there! Where do you think you're going? Stop right there!"
Bekka recognized Jeffrey Darnell from her US Government and Latin class. He was top of their class rankings, but also the biggest most obnoxious nerd she'd ever met, and to top things off, he was Mr. Styles class pet. Bekka really didn't mind that fact so much, nor the fact that he was number one in their class grade point average. Bekka knew she could leave him eating her dust if she chose to be number one.
What had Bekka rankled was how Jeffrey tried to befriend her on her first day so that he could keep an eye on her, or rather, her grades. Bekka couldn't stand how lousy Jeffrey and his geek friends were at trying to cover up their real intent. Bekka was no fool, and didn't spend the last three years living on the edges of high school society without knowing what was what and how things worked where an odd ball like her with smarts was concerned.
Swallowing a groan, Buck stood his ground in the hallway. Of all the hall monitors at Rock Creek High, Jeffery was the worst of the bounty hunters, and had it in for the Rattlers with a vengeance.
Last year Buck and Ike had stuffed Jeffrey in his locker when he mocked them in Algebra class. Then on another occasion, Jimmy and Cody had left him dangling on a hook in one of the girls bathroom stalls. That time was because Jeffrey had wrongly turned Alice in for cutting class. The boys left Jeffrey squealing worse than a little girl. The guys laughed for weeks over that one.
"Look who we have here wandering the halls," Jeffrey got right up in Buck's face, grinning triumphantly with a mouth full of metal braces.
"Back off!" Buck growled as he pushed Jeffery out of his way.
Stumbling into a couple lockers he cried, "I'll make sure you get an extra day of detention for that, you punk!"
"Put a sock in it, panty waist." Digging in his pocket, Buck shoved the hall pass in Jeffery's face.
"Who'd you steal that off of?"
"No one. Old man Marcus gave it to us. Gotta get Bekka Joe to the nurse. Now move."
Jeffrey studied the slip of paper, then took real notice of Bekka for the first time. His eyes narrowed behind his taped up black rimmed glasses. "You don't look hurt, Bekka. What are you doing with the likes of this creep? He'll only pull your grades down." He smiled, a sly twist distorting his natural grin.
"For your information, I fell off a ladder in the library. Buck was kind enough to catch me so I didn't break my neck. We're trying to get to the nurse if you would stop your persecution." She raised her foot completely off the ground, and turned to Buck, effectively dismissing Jeffrey, as she let out a fake groan. "Oooh, It hurts, Buck..."
Buck shouldered past the pocket protector wearing bounty hunter. "Can't you see Bekka's in pain? Get outta of our way, nosebleed. We have a bonafied pass. Don't worry, Bekka, I'm getting ya to Nurse Owen."
"Oh, Buck...you're going in the wrong direction," Jeffrey's snotty voice dripped with sarcasm.
"How about I walk with you and make sure Bekka here gets there safely."
The dark, menacing look Buck shot his way had blood draining from Jeffrey's face as he reconsidered his plans. The last thing he wanted was to be shoved into some stinky, dark locker again. "Ummm, well on second thought, I really need to get to the office, turn in some names," he mumbled as he backed away from the pair.
Bekka breathed a sigh as she relinquished her hold on Buck. "He's sure persistent. I thought he'd never go away." She tried to catch a look back down the hall, but Buck still had a firm hold on her.
"Yeah. Come on, Fireball, we're going to need to keep up the act."
When Buck was sure there were no other bounty hunters in sight, and Jeffrey wasn't following them, he loosened his hold and quickened his pace, taking them further away from their real destination.
They walked on in silence, each lost in there own introspection. When Buck's low mellow voice broke the quiet, Bekka practically jumped out of her skin.
"Whoa, it's okay. Calm down Fireball, All I said was that I think we've got it made in the shade."
Bekka felt a fierce blush burn its way up her cheeks. "Sorry, Buck. You were being so reticent, your voice startled me, that's all."
"Well, perhaps next time I'll just jab you in the ribs to get your attention before I speak," he wagged his brows playfully.
"You wouldn't dare?" she craned her neck upward and found a pair of mischievous dark eyes staring down at her.
"Try me," he drawled.
Bekka lightly socked him in the belly to cover up the swoon that was about to weaken her. "We have to be serious, Buck..."
Another time and place, with a situation not so serious and Buck would have tickled her senseless just to see her smile and hear her abandoned laughter. But as things stood, Bekka was right, they really needed to agitate some serious gravel.
"You're right, Fireball. See those doors up there to the left? If we make it outside those, we should be as free as jail birds." He looked over Bekka's head to check behind them, things appeared copasetic. There was a bathroom up ahead. Buck just hoped there weren't any bounty hunters snooping around under the stalls.
"Oh, and Fireball,..." Buck leaned in close and whispered, "...When this is all over, I'm going to get you for that little punch to my bread basket." To prove his point, his arm snaked back around her waist, fingers poised to lightly tickle her. He stopped mid motion when his eyes caught on a bent figure coming out of the boys bathroom pushing a mop and bucket.
"Damn!"
Bekka felt Buck's arm tighten protectively around her. "What...what is it?" Bekka didn't think as she automatically slid her arm around Buck's midsection.
"The Buzzard. Don't look his way and keep moving."
"Alright. Who's the Buzzard?"
"Shhhhh!"
"Well well...outta yer realm, aren't ya rat boy?" The Buzzard's wiry gnarled fingers played over his mouth.
Buck ignored the janitor and kept walking.
"Hey! I'm talking to ya, breed."
Stopping dead in his tracks, Bekka could feel Buck's frame tense.
With a slow deliberate air, he turned, his jaw working, clenching and unclenching while his dark brown eyes bore into the grizzled white haired janitor.
"What's your problem, old man?" Buck snarled.
The Buzzard let out a laugh that sounded more like a diabolical cackle that sent shivers through Bekka as she stole a peek at the strange man. She wished she had listened to Buck and not looked. He was a grotesque figure straight out of children's nightmares. A long jagged scar ran diagonally down his face leaving one eye opaque. His hands reminded her more of vulture talons' rather than actual human fingers, while his crooked,discolored teeth seemed more fitting for tearing flesh while laughing like a lunatic.
"Problem? I'm not the one with the problem, injun', you are." He jabbed a twisted finger at Buck. "You go and tell those punk greaser friends of yers that a storms brewing and there ain't a thing ol' Teabag can do to save yer worthless hides. It's gonna sweep clean these halls of ya filth once and for all, and take Teabag Hunter out with the trash."
"Why should I believe the ramblings of a deranged old fool?" Buck shot back.
The Buzzard didn't bother to respond, he just let out another mirthless laugh. His one good eye that seemed to roll around in his head finally settled on Bekka Joe.
"Now, what have we here? You must be Hunter's newest pet." He took a step closer to examine Bekka.
She tried to keep eye contact with the school's janitor as she worked furiously to recall her father's words about people having one human heart. It wasn't working, Bekka was having a hard time believing this man had a heart, human or otherwise. Instead, she found herself trying to inch even closer to Buck.
"Leave her alone!" Buck seethed.
Bekka felt a cold chill run down her spine at the intensity of the Buzzard's stare. Never had she seen anyone look so gleefully malevolent. His lips curled over his yellow teeth as he cackled over her discomfort. "Whatsa matter, pet? Rat got yer tongue?"
His stale breath washed over her, turning her stomach. Buck's arm tightened around her and in a flash she knew his next move would be to reach for the knife in his boot. Bekka panicked, knowing such a move would put Buck right where the Buzzard wanted him. Rance might have backed down at the sight of Buck's switchblade, but Bekka knew with certainty that this man would see Buck ruined.
"My ankle!" she blurted out. "Buck was just, um, he was just helping me to the nurse's office." This time her whimper wasn't entirely fake. She normally hated allowing her fears to get the better of her, but right now she was happy to use anything she could to keep Buck from getting in trouble with this man who made her so uneasy.
"Heh, ya think I'm gonna believe that tall tale? Ya might be able to pull that with the fools that pass for faculty here, but I ain't a fool!" The Buzzard drew closer, his pale, sightless eye somehow fixing on her. "Yer new here, pet, so let me do ya a favor. Ya best stay clear of the breed here and his buddies or you'll be swept away like the rest of the trash." He chuckled, pleased with his own play on words. He looked her up and down appreciatively before continuing, "Ya ain't their kind, pet. You'd be wise to stick with the Silvers and avoid the rats."
Bekka was so busy watching the Buzzard, that she almost didn't hear the door open behind them. The Buzzard reluctantly took a step back, icy hatred evident on his face as his eyes shifted to the newcomer.
"Is there a problem here?" Teaspoon's rich voice had never sounded as good to Bekka Joe as it did in that moment.
"You can let go now, Buck."
"Hmmm? What?"
They were standing outside the school entrance, each quietly watching as a brisk autumn breeze caught hold of some russet colored leaves and sent them skittering and tumbling across the brick steps.
"Your arm..."
"Oh, yeah...right." Still, he held her tight. He wanted to keep her close and enjoy the simple pleasure of breathing in her spring flower scent. He loved spring. And now standing outside in the cool autumn air, holding Bekka , out of harms way, he found that he didn't want to let her go. Buck didn't fully understand the reasons behind the overwhelming feelings he felt toward this girl, but they were there none the less.
The encounter with the Buzzard had angered Buck more than he cared to admit. The old janitor had struck a nerve, calling him a breed. Buck hated the slur, along with so many others like it. But the anger that flooded him when the Buzzard leered at Bekka Joe was different, stemming from an intense protectiveness he had only felt a handful of times in his life. It was an all consuming feeling that had welled up unbidden in him. Buck almost whipped out his switchblade and struck out at the old fool, but Bekka's voice had managed to cut through his growing rage and gave him reason to pause, a moment to think.
Teaspoon's sudden presence tamped down any lingering desire coursing through his veins to lash out at the Buzzard.
Bekka didn't want to admit, even to herself, just how good it felt to have Buck's arms securely around her or how scared she was by all she had seen and been through.
As her hands slipped from around his waist, Bekka felt the severed connection. Instantaneous, cold and sharp in its absence, the cool fall wind now whipping through each, all warmth gone as they continued to stand outside the school.
"Come on, Bekka. Lets get a move on. The others need to know what those damn silver plated nickels are planning." Placing his hand in hers, they moved fast, having a good distance to make up.
Well this chapter ended up longer than I expected. I hope every one stuck with it and I didn't bore you all to death with details. But I wanted to flesh out a little more some of the secondary characters and introduce new ones as well who will have a share in this story as it moves along. Also make school life come alive...I hope I've started that ...and will continue. This chapter really struck me as a series of different encounters.
I promise things will start picking up pace... I hope all you dear readers will stick around for the ride. :)
Buck and Bekka...I couldn't help doing the whole escape the library scene...it was fun to write about the hall monitors...aka Bounty hunters (I have Eunice to thank for that brilliant idea.)
And while I didn't go into all that Bekka had seen in this chapter (like the book and switchblade) It will come out. Once again the mention of Buck's knife... the reason he carries it...aside from him being a tough, cool Rattler, ... will be explained in future chapters as more layers of Buck get pealed back. There will be so much good stuff to come.
The Buzzard and his calling Teaspoon...Teabag...I wanted a good slur on his name...this came to mind right away.
Next up will be the end of this day...Bekka's dreaded talk with her father and mother...and hopefully some other good stuff tucked into the next chapter as well.
I have to give huge (((HUGS))) and thanks to a couple of amazing ladies who provided so much help and time with this chapter and story...they kept me straight and offered insight. Hortence and Ethel...dolls, without your help I don't know where I would be. :)
The awsome, totally straight from the frig, cool ladies on the plus, you dolls are just the best. All the encouragement and suggestions...it means the world to me...you all are a part of this story and the journey that is RCH senior year...(((HUGS))) to you all.
Lastly...but never least...you dear readers who follow this story and offer comments, thoughts and encouragement...you dear readers keep me writing when I want to just set my pen down and walk away forever. I really appreciate your continued readership and support. :)
Please as always, let me know what you think of this chapter...I welcome all thoughts...comments...hate it...love it...let me know.