Susie

Beep…beep... beep. The alarm clock goes off loudly. Birds are chirpings the sun is shining brightly and sixteen-year-old Susie Carmichael awakens to start her day. She goes to the bathroom, brushes her teeth, washes her face and then takes a nice hot shower. She goes into the kitchen where there's a bowl of hot oatmeal waiting for her on the table.

Her mom and dad are sitting at the kitchen table eating the same thing for breakfast. They both greet her with a smile. Her father's reading the paper and her mom's eating with her daily cup of decaffeinated coffee.

After finishing her breakfast. Susie takes the bowl to the kitchen sink and washes it. Then she goes into the living room with a book she was reading for her history class and waits for her ride. At 7:30 on the dot Lil Deville pulls around the corner in her red 2007 Toyota Prius.

"See ya later mom, dad"

"Alright sweetheart you have a good day at school" her mom calls out to her from the kitchen.

"See ya kido," says her dad as she walks out the door.


Lil's blasting the latest Rihanna song loudly on her stereo. So loudly that she doesn't hear Susie come up to the car. Susie knocks on the window several times before Lil unlocks the door. Lil turns the music down.

"Sorry Sus didn't hear ya" Susie got in put on and put her seat belt on. Lil wasn't the safest driver in the world.

"Yeah no kidding" Susie jokes as Lil takes off. The tires squeak and Susie holds onto the door and cup holders. Lil turns her music back up and starts singing loudly and off key.

"Oh…Na... Na, What's my name, Oh…Na…Na, What's my name" Lil's sang really into it dancing as she sings and drives very fast. Susie turns down the stereo.

"Hey I was fucking listening to that Sus"

"No Lil you were singing quite horribly might I add"

"What the fuck ever Susie don't hate on my skills" said Lil looking at her.

"What skills, and would you watch the road for goodness sake" said Susie looking as Lil passed a yellow light that just turned red in the nick of time.

"Calm down Susie shit, I know what I'm doing Sus"

"I can't wait until I get my car" said Susie sighing

"Aw poor little miss perfect cant pass the drivers test" said Lil laughing Susie hit her playfully. "Don't worry Mrs. Smithers a bitch, but she seems to like you, glad I didn't take her for drivers ed she'd never have passed me" said Lil

"Yes what a shame that would've been" said Susie sarcastically.

"Oh whatever Sus you know you love my driving besides who else would be up taking your smart ass too school at 7 o'clock in the morning when it doesn't start for another hour and a half hmm..." Lil asked rhetorically. It was true though her other best friend Angelica barely got out of bed in time enough to make it to first period and she wasn't really that close with anyone else.

"You have cheerleading practice anyway Lillian," said Susie knowingly.

"Don't call me that ugh, I hate that name" said Lil. Susie laughed as Lil passed another traffic light.

"You never told me who Sean cheated on you with" Susie loved hearing stories about Lil's love life and would offer advice when she could but wasn't really of much assistance since her love life was pretty much non existent. It wasn't that she wasn't pretty. Quite the opposite in fact, but she was always into her books which left little time for much else.

"I didn't" said Lil trying to recall in her head the last time she spoke with Susie. "Oh well it was that bitch Savannah, I should've kicked her ass off the squad but nobody can do double axels like her…stupid bitch" Lil said as an after thought. She was really hurt by the break up more than she let on. Sean was her first love after all. But Lil being Lil put up a tough exterior like she always did.

"I'm so sorry Lil"

"Whatever water under the bridge right, besides he was lazy as shit in bed so win win for me right." Susie blushed she was still a virgin and a little embarrassed to talk about sex so bluntly.

"Oh is this still a touchy subject Sus" Susie didn't say anything she just continued blushing. "Oh come on Sus you're sixteen you need to learn about sex girly. It's really fun when done right. Don't get me wrong it hurts like a bitch the first four or five times depending on who you're with but after that it can be really pleasurable trust me," she said smirking."

"I guess I'll just take your word for it" said Susie.

"You do that, but speaking of sex guess who's trying to hook up with me now" said Lil eager to share this new piece of gossip with her bestie.

"Who" asked Susie really interested.

"Tommy"

"Pickles" Susie asked shocked wasn't he with Kimi. She'd heard that he slept around sometimes but wow.

"The one and only, he's going on and on about oh Lil you got my number so use it right. And of course I don't I mean Kimi's a bitch but I would never help her boyfriend cheat on her no matter how hot he is"

"You think Tommy's hot," asked Susie astonished it took a lot to catch the eye of this Deville.

"You have eyes don't you?" asked Lil sarcastically as she pulled into the school's student parking lot.

"Of course but…"

"No buts Susie you just admitted that Tommy Pickles is fucking hot" said Lil laughing.

"Shut up" said Susie laughing as Lil continued to tease her.

"Fine, anyway, so he shows up at my house after about a week claiming he came to see Phil. But Phil wasn't even home so I know he was lying I invite him in and he tries to make another move on me"

"What did he do?"

"He tried to kiss me, as if I'm that fuckin stupid"

"Well what did you do?" asked Susie as they got out the car.

"I kneed him in the damn balls and told him to go jerk off if he was so fuckin horny" Lil said smirking. Susie laughed.

"Are you serious"

"Yep, anyway I gotta get to practice Sus I'll see you at lunch ok"

"Yeah sure see ya," said Susie still laughing.


Susie walked into the building and to her locker. She put her things away as one of her other friends came up to her. Well she didn't really know if she could consider him a friend since he had such a huge annoying crush on her.

"Good morning Susie might I say you're looking quite radiant this day" said Harold. Susie sighed.

"Good morning Harold"

"Can I walk you to debate practice" he asked.

"Sure Harold" she said as she took her books out of her locker.

They walked to the classroom in silence, which Susie was thankful for and then went in. When all the members were there Susie went to the front of the classroom and said.

"Good morning fellow Debate team members. As you know our first school debate competition is this Friday afternoon against Westwood. First chair will be me of course and second chair will be Harold Smith." Harold did a little celebratory dance, he was happy that he'd get a chance to be with Susie in a more personal manor as they'd have to practice one on one more so.

"Alright that's all the announcements for now, I have to get with the school counselor so you are all free to go, don't forget debate team practice is after school at three in this room don't be late.

With that they all left and Susie left to meet with the school counselor about a new student she was supposed to be tutoring.


When she got to the counselors office she sat down quietly as her counselor was on the phone. The counselor mouthed a hold on and Susie nodded. She wrapped up her phone conversation and turned to Susie.

"Good morning Miss Carmichael" said the Counselor.

"Good morning Mrs. Stevens" said Susie politely.

"Now you know why you're here" Susie nodded for her to continue "Your tutoring skills are remarkable Susie have you ever thought about teaching as a profession asked the counselor"

"No maim only a lawyer it's been a dream of mine for quite some time"

"Well I'm sure you'll make a fine one young lady. Anyway, you're here because we've found someone that we think is beyond any help that any teacher could possibly give him. He has the worst grades in the history of this high school and he's on the verge of bringing down the whole student bodies average" wow this was some serious shit. Susie thought.

"Ok how can I help?" asked Susie.

"Glad you asked. He had has an American History exam coming up, the first of the year. He needs at least a B Susie or else he'll be in big trouble ok" Susie nodded.

"Who is he"?

Just as the counselor was about to answer in sauntered a boy about her age wearing baggy jeans falling down his waist, a black t-shirt that said Fuck Off in huge white printed letters and a huge chain in his back pocket that led to the front. He had shaggy brown hair that fell into his eyes and two earrings in the shape of dice on his ears. He had the bad boy persona down pact and he actually looked kind of cute. Susie blushed as she thought this.

"Sorry I'm late Mrs. S"

"When aren't you late Phillip?" asked Mrs. Stevens sarcastically rolling her eyes as she did so.

"Yeah well fucking traffic what they hell can you do eh," he said as he threw his book bag down beside him and fell down into the chair. He smelled of alcohol and breath mints obviously trying to mask the smell.

"You don't drive Phillip"

"The bus does"

"You're never on time for it"

"Look are we gonna argue about my methods of transportation or do what ever the fuck this shit is supposed to be" he said motioning to Susie whom had been silent since he walked in.

"Right Phil well basically your grades are shit and you need some help so that's why Susie's here" Susie gave him a small wave as he looked over at her. He smirked.

"How's miss goody two shoes gonna help me" he said to the teacher. Susie looked offended.

"Susie's the best we've got Phil and if there's gonna be any hope for you she's it" now you'll meet her in the history classroom on the fourth floor everyday after school at four o'clock until your history exam next week are we understood." Phil just shrugged

"Listen here Mr. Deville," said Mrs. Stevens not liking his nonchalant attitude. "You may not take this seriously but I do, it's my job to save little shit head kids like yourself from taking the wrong path which you are so obviously already on, if you miss just one meeting with Susie after school I will suspended for two weeks and find some means to expel you, you will take school seriously or there will be dire consequences, am I clear."

"Crystal fucking clear" he said, "Can I go now?" he asked

"You are free to go, but don't forget what I said"

"Yeah, yeah I heard you," said Phil as he got up and walked out the door. The counselor turned to Susie and said.

"Thank you Susie you have no idea how much you're about to help." Said Mrs. Stevens gratefully.

"It's my job," said Susie a little less enthusiastically "I'll see you later Mrs. Stevens" she said gathering her things ready to leave as well. Mrs. Stevens thanked her again before she walked out the door. When Susie rounded the corner she came face to face with Phil Deville.


"Let's get one thing straight Carmichael, I don't study ok, I don't fucking go to class and I don't need your fucking help" he said glaring at her.

"Oh really because Mrs. Stevens really seems to think so" she said confidently

"I don't give two shits about what that old bitch thinks ok, and lets get one thing straight, the only reason I'm going to show up to this stupid ass tutoring session thingy is so that I don't get put out of this fuckin shit whole, I'll be there but don't expect me to do anything" he said. Susie sighed.

"Whatever"

"See ya at four teach," he said before walking off to wherever he was going. Susie sighed; this was going to be a long week.

She met up with Phil everyday after school for four days straight and all they did was sitting in silence. She tried to help him but when she asked him any questions he'd just remain silent so after day three she gave up. She'd often catch up on her homework and he'd sit there listening to his Ipod, but today he didn't have it so he was just texting on his phone.

She was doing her homework when she began to sing a song softly. Which was what caught Phil's attention. She had a really beautiful singing voice who knew eh?

She kept singing not realizing that Phil was watching her and listening to her intently. She looked up at him and blushed when she realized he was listening.

"Sorry"

"Don't stop on my account" Susie blushed and just continued reading.

"When did you start singing?"

"I've been singing for forever," Susie said while reading her book.

"You have a great fucking voice do you know that" he said sincerely. She stopped her reading for a while and looked him in the eye.

"Thank you"

"Will you sing some more?" he asked.

"Nah I think our time is up here anyway" Susie said looking at her watch.

"Please" he asked. Susie was about to say no when she thought of something.

"Ok I'll sing if you study, deal" Phil sat back in his chair.

"You drive a hard bargain Carmichael"

"I'm not on the debate team for nothing Deville," she said smartly.

"Fine sing I'll fucking study, but I must warn you, that I know next to nothing about American History"

"Well luckily for you, it's my best subject," said Susie smiling as she pulled out her history book and began reading. He smiled as well for the first time in days.


It was nearing the end of their study sessions and Phil was actually doing really well.

"Wow Phillip I have to say you're doing a lot better than I thought you would." She said.

"Duh, because I'm fucking smart as hell" he said. She laughed

"Yep you really are"

"Hey don't go trying to butter me up Carmichael, but I do have a favor to ask" he said

"What's that?" she asked curiously.

"If I get a passing grade on this thing you'll go out and celebrate with me" he said.

"I don't know Phil," I mean I have debate club at 3 tutoring at four and piano at five"

"Damn girl when do you have time for fun"

"Fun, what's fun?" she said sarcastically.

"Sad thing about that statement is that I actually believe that you don't even know what fun is," he said smirking.

"Whatever"

"Ok how about this if I ace this test you will go out and celebrate with me"

"Confident much"

"I had a good teacher"

"Don't try and butter me up Deville, Alright if you ace it then yes I'll go celebrate with you" she said.

"Cool you know after you finish with all that other shit"

"Of course" said Susie sarcastically


The day of the test was here and he walked out of the classroom after he'd finished looking mentally exhausted Susie hoped for the best. She kind of liked spending time with Phil and the fact that he wanted her to join in his celebration made her blush could she like him. I mean of course he was cute and a bad boy that definitely appealed to most girls and she was one of them. But they were so different. Anyway she didn't have time to dwell on her thoughts because he walked out of the classroom and over to her.

"How'd you do?" she asked. He just handed her the paper. She unfolded it and there in plain sight was a huge red A plus.

"OMG Phil this is awesome," she said hugging him. He just laughed, "Wait you didn't cheat did you," she said pulling back and looking at him skeptically.

"Damn ye of little faith" she gave him a knowing look.

"I didn't fucking cheat ok, the teacher gave us all different test"

"Wow, I can't believe you aced this test," said Susie still looking at the test paper

"Thanks to you, now I do believe you owe me a celebration," he said smirking

"Fine you held up your end of the bargain I can hold mine up."

"Cool let's go"

"Now"

"Yeah now, you're gonna love this trust me" he said as he grabbed her hand. She blushed and followed him down to the public bus stop and they got on the bus and sat down.


"Can you tell me where we're going?" Susie asked anxiously.

"No, it's a surprise" he said stubbornly.

"Shouldn't I be the one surprising you" she asked.

"Not today" he said as they reached their stop. They got off and walked to this Karaoke bar/ restaurant. It was dark now and the place was lit up with neon lights.

"Ray's Steak House and Karaoke bar" was the name of it. As they entered a lot of people said hi to Phil. After they were seated and ordered their food she turned to him.

"Come here a lot?"

"It's a nice place to unwind," he said as their food came, they started eating and soon after someone came on the stage and said.

"Good evening everybody and welcome to youth karaoke night" everybody clapped and the man continued. "We have a special guest with us tonight by the name of Susie Carmichael, and I'm pretty sure if everyone gives her a warm welcome she'll come on up and grace us with her presence.

Susie paled when the guy said her name and looked over at Phil who started clapping. Soon everybody in the place was clapping and the spotlight was put on her.

"OMG Phil I cant believe you did this"

"Go on up there girl and show them what you've got," he said smiling. She got up slowly and walked to the front and then got on stage.

The announcer clapped for her and then walked off. She picked the song and began singing looking directly at Phil as she did so.

Moment of honesty

Someone's gotta take the lead tonight

Whose it gonna be?

I'm gonna sit right here

And tell you all that comes to me

If you have something to say

You should say it right now

You ready?

You give me a feeling that I never felt before

And I deserve it, I think I deserve it

It's becoming something that's impossible to ignore

And I can't take it

I was wondering maybe

Could I make you my baby

If we do the unthinkable would it make us look crazy

If you ask me I'm ready

If you ask me I'm ready

I know you once said to me

"This is exactly how it should feel when it's meant to be"

Time is only wasting so why wait for eventually?

If we gon' do something 'bout it

We should do it right now

Bay, uh

You give me a feeling that I never felt before

And I deserve it, I know I deserve it

Its becoming something that's impossible to ignore

It's what we make it

I was wondering maybe

Could I make you my baby

If we do the unthinkable would it make us look crazy

Or would it be so beautiful either way I'm sayin'

If you ask me I'm ready

If you ask me I'm ready

Yeah, sing...

Why give up before we try

Feel the lows before the highs

Clip our wings before we fly away

I can't say I came prepared

I'm suspended in the air

Won't you come be in the sky with me

I was wondering maybe

Could I make you my baby

If we do the unthinkable would it make us look crazy

Or would it be so beautiful either way I'm sayin'

If you ask me I'm ready

(Echo: I'm ready, I'm ready)

If you ask me I'm ready

(Echo: I'm ready, I'm ready)

If you ask me I'm ready

(Echo: I'm ready, I'm ready)

If you ask me I'm ready

(Echo: I'm ready, I'm ready)


One of the guys went over to Phil as Susie finished her song and said "That's a really special girl you've got there"

"Yeah she sure is," he agreed as she came off the stage to a monstrous amount of applause.

Susie came off the stage and went back over to Phil.

"Wow I cant believe I just did that."

"You were fucking awesome I'll tell you that much"

"Thank you for all of this" she said

"No thank you" she said as an after thought. The announcer came up to them as another singer got on stage and said.

"Susie you have a wonderful singing voice"

"Thank you sir."

"You're welcome, our karaoke bar sponsors a scholarship at the end of each month for young singers, first prize is $10,000 towards college you should think about entering." He said seriously.

"No I don't think so but thanks anyway"

"That's a shame, well take my card in case you change your mind" he said giving her his business card.

"Thanks" she said taking it, he smiled at her and Phil as he walked away. Phil turned to her after the announcer was gone and said.

"What the hell Susie you'd be great for this competion. Why don't you want to enter."

"My parents want me to focus on school, debate, and piano there's just not enough time for all of this" she said.

"What about what you want," he asked.

"Well what I want doesn't really matter"

"I think you have it all wrong, what you want is the only thing that fucking matters, screw your parents this is your life, be who you want to be"

"Isn't that a song"?

"Who the fuck cares the lyrics are true" Susie laughed until she looked at the time.

"Oh shit"

"Wait a fucking minute did Susie Carmichael just use a curse word"

"Yes, it's 9, I was supposed to be home two hours ago, my parents are gonna fuckin kill me"

"Damn again with the swearin this must be a record"

"Get serious Phillip I need to get home like now"

"Alright, alright chill out my friend gets off in a minute I'm sure he'll let us bum a ride." Susie looked a little relieved. Phil paid the bill. She wanted to ask if this was a date but was too worried about getting home.


His friend came out and gave them a ride to Susie's house. Phil walked her to the door.

"Well I had a good time tonight Susie Carmichael"

"I did too Phil Deville" she said laughing a little" He rubbed a stray piece of hair away from her face

"I'll see you at school then"

"Yeah, see ya" she said smiling as she opened her front door." He waited until she got in and then walked back to his friend's car.


"Susan Marie Carmichael, where the hell have you been" asked her mother.

Susie turned around slowly as she came face to face with her parents.

"I was just out with a friend," she said quietly.

"It was that Deville boy wasn't it," asked her father knowingly "I knew you tutoring him would lead to trouble, he's a waist of space"

"Don't call him that" said Susie defensively.

"Don't you dare raise your voice at your father young lady, we've been worried sick about you and you've been out with that…that boy, and Mrs. Devine said that you didn't show up for piano lessons this afternoon. Susie this isn't like you and I don't like it Dammit"

"Your mother's right Susan, you're grounded for two weeks and don't even think about seeing that boy again, I forbid you from having any contact with him" said her father sternly

"What" she said disbelievingly.

"You heard me, now go to your room young lady and leave your cell on the coffee table, from now on you go straight to school and come straight home do you understand me" Susie started forming tears in her eyes.

"Yes sir" she left her phone on the table and ran to her bedroom and locked the door. She climbed into bed and let her tears fall freely, it seemed as if her world was falling apart just as it began.