Chapter 1
I sped over to Jeff's house as quickly as I could without getting pulled over. I stuffed the banana in my mouth occasionally, throwing the peel in the bed of my truck. I turned on the radio and listened to the local radio show. How could I forget that Jeff was leaving for College today?
I pulled up on the curb, behind the small moving truck that was packed and ready to go to UCLA. I leaped out of the truck, and stormed over to where he was sitting, his hands folded under his chin. He looked up and smiled.
"That didn't take long," he said, placing his hands on my hips and kissing me tenderly on the lips. I smiled.
"I was bound and determined to get here before you left," I said, smirking. He smiled and turned to the house, sighing.
"I'm gonna miss this place," he muttered. I shrugged quickly.
"We've grown up. It's scary, isn't it?" I asked him. He looked at me, the chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess it is," he said, turning so that he could face me fully. He kissed me again.
"Do you know how much I love you April Sanders?" he asked softly. A warm shiver crawled up my spine.
"Of course. And do you know how much I love you, Jeffery Garland?" I replied, kissing the corners of his mouth.
"I think I'm going to miss you the most," he whispered, his lips brushing my cheek. I smothered a giggle, trying to be serious.
"I'm going to miss you to," I said, pulling away. He sighed, and lifted his wrist to glance at his watch. He sighed again, his big shoulders rising and falling. I looked into his eyes. Jeff was a very attractive boy, with his sandy brown hair, and dark brown eyes. He had high cheekbones, and a tight, square jaw.
"It's time," he said softly. Tears sprang to my eyes. "Don't cry." I shook my head and smiled.
"Call me when you get in," I choked. He ran his fingers down my cheek, then kissed me one last time, embracing me. He walked to his forest green SUV, and crawled in, holding the door handle and looked back at me.
"I love you," he said softly, so faintly that I could barely hear it, then shut the door, my eyes barely making out his body because of the tinted windows. He started the car, looked back at me one last time, then pulled away. The movers hopped into the moving truck, and sped behind Jeff. I watched as he drove away until his car was out of sight. I wiped a stray tear off of my cheek, and slowly walked back into my car, shutting the door. I stared at the top of the steering wheel, feeling empty and alone for a moment, then started the car and headed towards home.
I announced my arrival loudly by slamming the door, Mother jumping when she had heard it.
"It isn't necessary to slam the door April," she called to me from the breakfast table.
"Whatever," I muttered, tossing my hand into the air. I stomped upstairs and passed Daddy along the way.
"Good morning darling," he said. I smiled weakly.
"Good morning Daddy," I replied obediently. He kissed my forehead, and repositioned the paper that he was carrying under his arm. I walked past him, and went into the room, shutting the door softly so that Mother wouldn't scream at me for slamming it. I walked over to my bed, and flopped down, sighing as I did so. I stared at the ceiling and fumbled with my fingers, getting bored quickly. Mother knocked on my door.
"What?" I snapped, sitting up.
"Clean your room, you know that we are hosting Mrs. Hastings's baby shower today," she shouted.
"It's not like they are going to judge how clean my room is," I retorted. "I'll just keep the door closed and locked."
"Don't give me attitude April, just do it!" she yelled, and stomped away. At least it will give me something to do, I thought. I swung my legs over the bedside, and started to clean away, turning on my radio and singing along to the songs that I knew the lyrics to. Once everything was finished to Mother's liking, I went downstairs and snagged something to eat. Mother was standing on a ladder, streaming baby blue and pastel pink streamers around the den. I rolled my eyes and made a sandwich.
"April, can you help me?" Mother asked politely.
"Hold on," I replied, putting the finishing touches on my meal. Mother grunted.
"April, I'm sick of your attitude and grumpiness this morning," she snapped, placing her hands on her hips. My mouth gaped open.
"What attitude!" I cried. "I just told you to hold on!"
"When I tell you to do something, just do it!" she flared. I sighed, slammed the bottle of mustard on the counter purposely, then stomped over to her, taking the streamers and throwing them carelessly around. Mother grunted from behind me.
"What!" I snapped, turning around.
"Can't you at least do it right?" she growled.
"Then why don't you do it?" I retorted, handing her the baby blue streamers.
"I shouldn't have asked you at all. Go up to your room. I don't want to have to deal with anymore conflict. It adds years to my face," she said, holding her head high. I mimicked her, took my sandwich and I up to my room, and slammed the door, doing it purposely just to agitate her. I heard her angry growl from downstairs. I lifted the corner of my cheek in an unusual smile, my trademark smile, then turned on the TV and bit into my sandwich. Someone knocked on the door.
"If you want my help, you might as well do it yourself, because I can't do anything right," I told Mother at the door, crumbs spewing from my mouth. The door open, and Daddy was standing there, a cold look on his face. I gulped harshly. Daddy was a retired air force pilot, making his temper hot. Daddy stood 6'3, with his graying brown hair, and his honey eyes. He kept his jaw locked in place.
"April," he said heavily, pacing towards the bed. I always wanted to scoot back, but I dared never not to, fearing what he would do to me.
"Y-Yes Daddy?" I sputtered, placing my plate on the floor and wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. He sat down on the bed, cocking his head slightly to the side.
"Oh, how do I begin this?" He asked, stroking his chin. "We've done this many times before, haven't we?"
"Yes, Daddy," I said shakily. He smiled.
"What's with the attitude this morning?" he asked loudly. I could tell that he was going to get angry.
"I'm sorry Daddy. I woke up in a bad mood today," I replied, lowering my head.
"You do not speak to your mother like that. Ever," he warned. I gulped again.
"Yes, Daddy."
"She's done a lot for you. She doesn't need you yelling at her because you woke up in a bad mood. Understand?" I nodded. "Good." He stood up and walked out of the room, glancing back at me before he shut the door. I sighed, my body slightly trembling. My father was my weak point. He always made me quiet and distant after he had chastised me for something. I finished my sandwich quickly, then went downstairs to put my plate into the dishwasher. I saw that Mother was having difficulty, so I helped her.
"In better spirits?" she asked. "I hope."
"Yes," I replied, gritting my teeth. I helped her the rest of the day, decorating the rest of the den. Once it was finished, Mother and I stepped back and looked around.
"It didn't turn out too bad," Mother said optimistically. "Having some troubles with Jeff?" She asked, still staring around the room.
"He left for college today."
"Ah, I understand completely," she said, annunciating every word. I sighed.
"Need anymore help?" I grumbled.
"No, I think that's it. Just get changed. The guests will be arriving soon," she replied, turning away. But she paused and turned back to me. "And in something, appropriate," she exaggerated. I blew air through my lips, and marched upstairs and rummaged through my large walk in closet. I picked out a floral print skirt and matching shirt with a V neckline I knew Mother wouldn't like at all. I put it on, put my hair up, and put some lipstick on. I looked at mysel, sighed, and marched downstairs.
Mrs. Hastings had arrived, a bright smile on her face. She waved towards me and I smiled fakely.
"Hello April darling," she cried, walking over to me and hugging me, her swollen belly pressing up against me. I pulled away quickly.
"Hello Mrs. Hastings," I replied, looking at her. She looked too old to have a baby. Actually, she was too old to have a baby. She was about mother's age, about 45, with thinning blonde hair and blue eyes. She was attractive,with her beauty creams and regimens, but nothing could take away her age. She turned to Mother and clapped her hands in glee when she saw the den.
"Oh Vivian, it's gorgeous!" she cried. I rolled my eyes. The doorbell rang, and Mother looked at me.
"April, could you get that?" she asked.
"Yes your highness," I muttered under my breath. Mother narrowed her eyes at me, then turned to Mrs. Hasting.
"Oh Georgia, I'm so excited for you! Finally, after all these years, you finally conceived!" Mother said happily. I rolled my eyes. I answered the door, and stared back at Julia Jackson, the girl I hated most.
"Well, well, well, April. Don't you look. . . oh, what's the word, um, interesting?" she blurted.
"It's nice to see you too, Julia," I said, gritting my teeth. Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder. She whispered something into her ear, and Julia rolled her eyes and shoved me aside, walking inside the house. It took a lot for me to prevent myself from slapping her, but I fought off the urge as her brother walked in.
"Hi," he replied shyly.
"Hi Brandon, I was just resisting the urge to clock you sister," I said, then looked up at him. He rolled his eyes.
"Just ignore the bitch," he replied.
"If it were only that easy," I muttered. He smiled and stepped inside, following his mother and sister. I shut the door behind me, and walked into the den. Mother was serving the guests, and walked over to me.
"Could you contain you sacasm for one day?" she whispered in my ear. I narrowed my eyes at her, then nodded. "Oh, and by the way, change your shirt."She plastered on a smile, then walked back over to Lisa Jackson, Julia's mother. I pulled down the shirt lower just in spite of her, then waltzed over to the table to get something to drink. Brandon walked over to me.
"She still bothering you?" he asked. I shook my head.
"Yeah, but by the look she's giving me, it looks like she wants to piss me off," I replied. He looked her way, and narrowed his eyes. Her eyes darted over to him, widened, then turned away, returning to a conversation she was having with her mother. I laughed out loud.
"She's scared of you," I said, surprised.
"Of course, I am her older brother," he retorted, grinning widely. I nodded and sipped my glass of punch. The phone rang in the distance, and I leaped over to it.
"Hello?" I asked eagerly.
"Hey baby."
"Jeff!" I shreiked happily. He laughed. "I didn't think that you would be in by now."
"I'm at a diner. I'm halfway there."
"Oh Jeff. I miss you so much," I whined.
"I haven't been gone that long."
"Still! I'm stuck here with Julia at Mrs. Hastings's baby shower!" I cried. He groaned.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't be there," he replied as if he wanted to really be there.
"I know," I whispered.
"Well, I better be going. I love you so much," he said.
"I love you too," I said, and hung up, leaning against the wall. I slapped my forehead, and walked back into the den. Mother was talking to Mrs. Hastings, and suddenly, she shreiked and clutched her stomach. Mother was at her side, asking her what was wrong. She yelled out in pain.
"April! Call an ambulance!" Mother screeched. Daddy leaped down the stairs.
"What's going on? He demanded, running over to Mother. I ran to the phone and called 9-1-1. The ambulance was on its way, and I stood in the middle of chaos.
"April! Don't just stand there! Do something!" Daddy shouted.
"What am I supposed to do? Pick my nose?" I retorted, throwing up my hands. Daddy narrowed his eyes and walked back over to Georgia. The ambulance arrived quickly, and Mrs. Hastings was loaded on, strapped to a gurney. Mother began to weep.
"She can't be in labor! She's only in her six month!" Mother cried. Daddy embraced her as we watched the ambulance drive away. Julia sauntered over to me.
"You throw a great baby shower," she said sarcastically in a sweet, syrupy tone. I turned to her slowly, and my hand went gracefully across her cheek in a loud slap. Her eyes widened instantly, as her hand went to touch the spot where I had hit her. The red imprint had started to show.
"Mother!" She screamed, and scurried over to her, tears coming to her eyes. Brandon looked at me, snickered, then went over to his mother and weeping sister. I grunted and rolled my eyes. Hypocrite, I thought. Daddy walked over to our car.
"Get in your car April. You too Vivian. We're going to the hospital," Daddy announced. I raised my eyebrow as others went to their cars. Julia and her mother looked back at me.
"You'll be sorry April!" she screamed, then crawled into her black Rolls Royce. I crawled into my car, and started the engine, pulling out of the driveway, nearly colliding with Julia's car. The driver honked the horn, then sped off angrily. I sighed, shook my head, then drove to the hospital.
Mother wrung her hands nervously. Daddy lowered his head. I sat there, staring at the both of them in the waiting room of St. Mary's hospital. It was only us there, because the others complained that they didn't want to be sitting in a stuffy waiting room all day. I stood up just as I had seen the doctor walk out of Mrs. Hastings's room. He carried his clipboard, bracing it against his hip. Daddy looked up, as did mother, and both stood.
"Mr. and Mrs. Sanders?" he asked. They both nodded. "I'm Dr. Eugine Parker. I'm afraid that we have lost the child, due to miscarriage," he explained. Mother burst out into tears, and Daddy lowered his head. I stood there and shrugged.
"You can see her now," he added, then stepped aside and Mother and Daddy rushed into the room and I stood there. After minutes of standing there, I decided to go home. There wasn't anything I could do. I walked out into the parking lot and got into my car, driving home.
I sped over to Jeff's house as quickly as I could without getting pulled over. I stuffed the banana in my mouth occasionally, throwing the peel in the bed of my truck. I turned on the radio and listened to the local radio show. How could I forget that Jeff was leaving for College today?
I pulled up on the curb, behind the small moving truck that was packed and ready to go to UCLA. I leaped out of the truck, and stormed over to where he was sitting, his hands folded under his chin. He looked up and smiled.
"That didn't take long," he said, placing his hands on my hips and kissing me tenderly on the lips. I smiled.
"I was bound and determined to get here before you left," I said, smirking. He smiled and turned to the house, sighing.
"I'm gonna miss this place," he muttered. I shrugged quickly.
"We've grown up. It's scary, isn't it?" I asked him. He looked at me, the chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess it is," he said, turning so that he could face me fully. He kissed me again.
"Do you know how much I love you April Sanders?" he asked softly. A warm shiver crawled up my spine.
"Of course. And do you know how much I love you, Jeffery Garland?" I replied, kissing the corners of his mouth.
"I think I'm going to miss you the most," he whispered, his lips brushing my cheek. I smothered a giggle, trying to be serious.
"I'm going to miss you to," I said, pulling away. He sighed, and lifted his wrist to glance at his watch. He sighed again, his big shoulders rising and falling. I looked into his eyes. Jeff was a very attractive boy, with his sandy brown hair, and dark brown eyes. He had high cheekbones, and a tight, square jaw.
"It's time," he said softly. Tears sprang to my eyes. "Don't cry." I shook my head and smiled.
"Call me when you get in," I choked. He ran his fingers down my cheek, then kissed me one last time, embracing me. He walked to his forest green SUV, and crawled in, holding the door handle and looked back at me.
"I love you," he said softly, so faintly that I could barely hear it, then shut the door, my eyes barely making out his body because of the tinted windows. He started the car, looked back at me one last time, then pulled away. The movers hopped into the moving truck, and sped behind Jeff. I watched as he drove away until his car was out of sight. I wiped a stray tear off of my cheek, and slowly walked back into my car, shutting the door. I stared at the top of the steering wheel, feeling empty and alone for a moment, then started the car and headed towards home.
I announced my arrival loudly by slamming the door, Mother jumping when she had heard it.
"It isn't necessary to slam the door April," she called to me from the breakfast table.
"Whatever," I muttered, tossing my hand into the air. I stomped upstairs and passed Daddy along the way.
"Good morning darling," he said. I smiled weakly.
"Good morning Daddy," I replied obediently. He kissed my forehead, and repositioned the paper that he was carrying under his arm. I walked past him, and went into the room, shutting the door softly so that Mother wouldn't scream at me for slamming it. I walked over to my bed, and flopped down, sighing as I did so. I stared at the ceiling and fumbled with my fingers, getting bored quickly. Mother knocked on my door.
"What?" I snapped, sitting up.
"Clean your room, you know that we are hosting Mrs. Hastings's baby shower today," she shouted.
"It's not like they are going to judge how clean my room is," I retorted. "I'll just keep the door closed and locked."
"Don't give me attitude April, just do it!" she yelled, and stomped away. At least it will give me something to do, I thought. I swung my legs over the bedside, and started to clean away, turning on my radio and singing along to the songs that I knew the lyrics to. Once everything was finished to Mother's liking, I went downstairs and snagged something to eat. Mother was standing on a ladder, streaming baby blue and pastel pink streamers around the den. I rolled my eyes and made a sandwich.
"April, can you help me?" Mother asked politely.
"Hold on," I replied, putting the finishing touches on my meal. Mother grunted.
"April, I'm sick of your attitude and grumpiness this morning," she snapped, placing her hands on her hips. My mouth gaped open.
"What attitude!" I cried. "I just told you to hold on!"
"When I tell you to do something, just do it!" she flared. I sighed, slammed the bottle of mustard on the counter purposely, then stomped over to her, taking the streamers and throwing them carelessly around. Mother grunted from behind me.
"What!" I snapped, turning around.
"Can't you at least do it right?" she growled.
"Then why don't you do it?" I retorted, handing her the baby blue streamers.
"I shouldn't have asked you at all. Go up to your room. I don't want to have to deal with anymore conflict. It adds years to my face," she said, holding her head high. I mimicked her, took my sandwich and I up to my room, and slammed the door, doing it purposely just to agitate her. I heard her angry growl from downstairs. I lifted the corner of my cheek in an unusual smile, my trademark smile, then turned on the TV and bit into my sandwich. Someone knocked on the door.
"If you want my help, you might as well do it yourself, because I can't do anything right," I told Mother at the door, crumbs spewing from my mouth. The door open, and Daddy was standing there, a cold look on his face. I gulped harshly. Daddy was a retired air force pilot, making his temper hot. Daddy stood 6'3, with his graying brown hair, and his honey eyes. He kept his jaw locked in place.
"April," he said heavily, pacing towards the bed. I always wanted to scoot back, but I dared never not to, fearing what he would do to me.
"Y-Yes Daddy?" I sputtered, placing my plate on the floor and wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. He sat down on the bed, cocking his head slightly to the side.
"Oh, how do I begin this?" He asked, stroking his chin. "We've done this many times before, haven't we?"
"Yes, Daddy," I said shakily. He smiled.
"What's with the attitude this morning?" he asked loudly. I could tell that he was going to get angry.
"I'm sorry Daddy. I woke up in a bad mood today," I replied, lowering my head.
"You do not speak to your mother like that. Ever," he warned. I gulped again.
"Yes, Daddy."
"She's done a lot for you. She doesn't need you yelling at her because you woke up in a bad mood. Understand?" I nodded. "Good." He stood up and walked out of the room, glancing back at me before he shut the door. I sighed, my body slightly trembling. My father was my weak point. He always made me quiet and distant after he had chastised me for something. I finished my sandwich quickly, then went downstairs to put my plate into the dishwasher. I saw that Mother was having difficulty, so I helped her.
"In better spirits?" she asked. "I hope."
"Yes," I replied, gritting my teeth. I helped her the rest of the day, decorating the rest of the den. Once it was finished, Mother and I stepped back and looked around.
"It didn't turn out too bad," Mother said optimistically. "Having some troubles with Jeff?" She asked, still staring around the room.
"He left for college today."
"Ah, I understand completely," she said, annunciating every word. I sighed.
"Need anymore help?" I grumbled.
"No, I think that's it. Just get changed. The guests will be arriving soon," she replied, turning away. But she paused and turned back to me. "And in something, appropriate," she exaggerated. I blew air through my lips, and marched upstairs and rummaged through my large walk in closet. I picked out a floral print skirt and matching shirt with a V neckline I knew Mother wouldn't like at all. I put it on, put my hair up, and put some lipstick on. I looked at mysel, sighed, and marched downstairs.
Mrs. Hastings had arrived, a bright smile on her face. She waved towards me and I smiled fakely.
"Hello April darling," she cried, walking over to me and hugging me, her swollen belly pressing up against me. I pulled away quickly.
"Hello Mrs. Hastings," I replied, looking at her. She looked too old to have a baby. Actually, she was too old to have a baby. She was about mother's age, about 45, with thinning blonde hair and blue eyes. She was attractive,with her beauty creams and regimens, but nothing could take away her age. She turned to Mother and clapped her hands in glee when she saw the den.
"Oh Vivian, it's gorgeous!" she cried. I rolled my eyes. The doorbell rang, and Mother looked at me.
"April, could you get that?" she asked.
"Yes your highness," I muttered under my breath. Mother narrowed her eyes at me, then turned to Mrs. Hasting.
"Oh Georgia, I'm so excited for you! Finally, after all these years, you finally conceived!" Mother said happily. I rolled my eyes. I answered the door, and stared back at Julia Jackson, the girl I hated most.
"Well, well, well, April. Don't you look. . . oh, what's the word, um, interesting?" she blurted.
"It's nice to see you too, Julia," I said, gritting my teeth. Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder. She whispered something into her ear, and Julia rolled her eyes and shoved me aside, walking inside the house. It took a lot for me to prevent myself from slapping her, but I fought off the urge as her brother walked in.
"Hi," he replied shyly.
"Hi Brandon, I was just resisting the urge to clock you sister," I said, then looked up at him. He rolled his eyes.
"Just ignore the bitch," he replied.
"If it were only that easy," I muttered. He smiled and stepped inside, following his mother and sister. I shut the door behind me, and walked into the den. Mother was serving the guests, and walked over to me.
"Could you contain you sacasm for one day?" she whispered in my ear. I narrowed my eyes at her, then nodded. "Oh, and by the way, change your shirt."She plastered on a smile, then walked back over to Lisa Jackson, Julia's mother. I pulled down the shirt lower just in spite of her, then waltzed over to the table to get something to drink. Brandon walked over to me.
"She still bothering you?" he asked. I shook my head.
"Yeah, but by the look she's giving me, it looks like she wants to piss me off," I replied. He looked her way, and narrowed his eyes. Her eyes darted over to him, widened, then turned away, returning to a conversation she was having with her mother. I laughed out loud.
"She's scared of you," I said, surprised.
"Of course, I am her older brother," he retorted, grinning widely. I nodded and sipped my glass of punch. The phone rang in the distance, and I leaped over to it.
"Hello?" I asked eagerly.
"Hey baby."
"Jeff!" I shreiked happily. He laughed. "I didn't think that you would be in by now."
"I'm at a diner. I'm halfway there."
"Oh Jeff. I miss you so much," I whined.
"I haven't been gone that long."
"Still! I'm stuck here with Julia at Mrs. Hastings's baby shower!" I cried. He groaned.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't be there," he replied as if he wanted to really be there.
"I know," I whispered.
"Well, I better be going. I love you so much," he said.
"I love you too," I said, and hung up, leaning against the wall. I slapped my forehead, and walked back into the den. Mother was talking to Mrs. Hastings, and suddenly, she shreiked and clutched her stomach. Mother was at her side, asking her what was wrong. She yelled out in pain.
"April! Call an ambulance!" Mother screeched. Daddy leaped down the stairs.
"What's going on? He demanded, running over to Mother. I ran to the phone and called 9-1-1. The ambulance was on its way, and I stood in the middle of chaos.
"April! Don't just stand there! Do something!" Daddy shouted.
"What am I supposed to do? Pick my nose?" I retorted, throwing up my hands. Daddy narrowed his eyes and walked back over to Georgia. The ambulance arrived quickly, and Mrs. Hastings was loaded on, strapped to a gurney. Mother began to weep.
"She can't be in labor! She's only in her six month!" Mother cried. Daddy embraced her as we watched the ambulance drive away. Julia sauntered over to me.
"You throw a great baby shower," she said sarcastically in a sweet, syrupy tone. I turned to her slowly, and my hand went gracefully across her cheek in a loud slap. Her eyes widened instantly, as her hand went to touch the spot where I had hit her. The red imprint had started to show.
"Mother!" She screamed, and scurried over to her, tears coming to her eyes. Brandon looked at me, snickered, then went over to his mother and weeping sister. I grunted and rolled my eyes. Hypocrite, I thought. Daddy walked over to our car.
"Get in your car April. You too Vivian. We're going to the hospital," Daddy announced. I raised my eyebrow as others went to their cars. Julia and her mother looked back at me.
"You'll be sorry April!" she screamed, then crawled into her black Rolls Royce. I crawled into my car, and started the engine, pulling out of the driveway, nearly colliding with Julia's car. The driver honked the horn, then sped off angrily. I sighed, shook my head, then drove to the hospital.
Mother wrung her hands nervously. Daddy lowered his head. I sat there, staring at the both of them in the waiting room of St. Mary's hospital. It was only us there, because the others complained that they didn't want to be sitting in a stuffy waiting room all day. I stood up just as I had seen the doctor walk out of Mrs. Hastings's room. He carried his clipboard, bracing it against his hip. Daddy looked up, as did mother, and both stood.
"Mr. and Mrs. Sanders?" he asked. They both nodded. "I'm Dr. Eugine Parker. I'm afraid that we have lost the child, due to miscarriage," he explained. Mother burst out into tears, and Daddy lowered his head. I stood there and shrugged.
"You can see her now," he added, then stepped aside and Mother and Daddy rushed into the room and I stood there. After minutes of standing there, I decided to go home. There wasn't anything I could do. I walked out into the parking lot and got into my car, driving home.