A/N: I had a sudden inspiration to finish chapter 2. That sudden inspiration was the reviews I received. I honestly thought no now was gonna look at it cause it was so vague and odd. But heres chapter 2. Not to bad. I might end up editing it. I'm still doing Mine. Just had the urge to get this out.
Miss Davies- Thanks for being the first reviewer. We'll answer all your questions as the story progresses.
SoNfan110- Thanks I'm glad your liking what Im writing. That means a lot. Heres the next chapter.
SoNFan- Thanks for your review heres an update.
Charlee- Lol deal! jk Im glad you liked it. So i guess because of you I'll be keeping the title. The main story will take place while they are young but there will be old spencer bits here and there.
noodles307- Thanks I'm glad you liked the start. All good questions. We'll get to that stuff soon enough! Loved the review.
x x x
Chapter 2 "Unknown"
Around 34 Years Ago 2012
"Pick it up Carlin! You still got a lot of grass to cover!" A fat man chowing down on a BK's Triple whopper shouted as he mockingly threw down the burger wrapper on the already littered dead grass. He was sitting sprawled out on a golf cart that was turned into a low rider thanks to his weight. A Large onion rings and Coke sat on the half seat next to him. He chewed with his mouth open showing the world what ground up shit looked like.
For probably the 5th, 6th or 20th time that day I wondered if I'd be able to pull off stabbing his foot by mistake. We were picking up trash after all. I could say it looked like dog crap. Really big dog crap. It would be understandable if you saw the color of his turd brown shoes.
"Come on Spence." Madison my best friend said pulling me out of my scheming mind. I sent Whopper over there one last glare before stabbing a piece of Styrofoam.
"This should be illegal." I spat after finding the Styrofoam had a mysterious brown substance on it, that I could only hope was gravy.
"I agree." Mads said kicking a rock.
"I mean homeless people live in these parks. What if we pick up some type of disease or something?" I groaned stabbing yet another candy wrapper. Americans really are fat. Or at least the ones that come to this damn park.
"Ha! Next time we meet with the judge. You should share your theory." Madison joked shoving my arm lightly. "Well, at least this is our last session as trash pickers." She pointed out.
"Yeah but when were done with this we move on to that hospital with all the Speds." Vincent another one of my friends groaned. The spiky haired boy was a joker and an all around good friend. He was kinda cocky but not obnoxious like-
"Don't remind me." Danny another friend said. He wiped his forehead and ran his hands through his fake blonde hair. "I rather be picking up trash then spending my day with drooling retards."
Like Danny. Not obnoxious like Danny.
Everyone muttered their agreements though. I've seen these kids at school they all look kinda ... icky. No offense cause I don't know any but I can't be the only one that feels this way.
"Get back to work!" Whopper yelled from his low rider. I flicked him a choice finger before continuing. You know the one, third from the pinky and next to the pointer.
We rolled out eyes then as he said it 'got back to work.' Son of a bitch is just a freaking mall cop. He guards the Cinnamoroll down at then end of the shopping center. The only reason he's here is cause no one else wanted to be.
A stupid beach party is to blame for my many hours of community service. That and the drugs and alcohol they found in my underaged system. To say I was pissed, was the understatement of a lifetime. Why couldn't we just pay a stupid fine? I have the money.
But no. Me and my friends that I got busted with are stuck doing community service for a year or something. We work for three hours everyday except for weekends and wednesday. Were stuck with such long hours cause the violations were pretty high. Intoxicated kids driving without licenses can be bad. But when that happens 3 times your practically screwed. The only reason were not all in juvie is cause of our rich parents. Its more of a social status thing for them. When your kids in jail it doesn't send a good message.
So for the next year I'm stuck with all the goody goodies that do this for fun and the geeks that have nothing better to do. They even take away our purses and backpacks when we come. That leaves me with no cell phone, no music, and no HAND SANITIZER.
We've been on trash duty for around a month now and I've been taking hour long showers after every session. The first day I even considered clorox as a bathing option. I came as close to reading the warning labels while standing naked over my bath.
BAAAAAAAAAAP BAAAAP BAP BAP
The sound of the most obnoxious blow horn howled. I wanted to kill that thing and kiss it at the same time. It was nerve scratching bap but it meant we can leave.
Some of the kids around us continued to pick up the few pieces of trash in their area while the rest of us -us being my friends and I- bolted towards the lockers.
I entered the dingy room covered in shitty amateur graffiti. The ones done by kids who think they are such badasses for writing random stuff like 'Core' or 'Slot' all over the place. Those chicken scratch ones that looked like a pen puked.
Madison and I continued to chat idly about pointless school things as we retrieved out stuff.
I went straight for my iPhone as soon as my bag was open. That thing was my baby. My screen saver came to life with a touch of a button. It was a pointless picture of me and boyfriend. I don't even remember where or when we took it.
But I looked cute.
My phone was full with notifications. I had text messages, facebook alerts, tweets, and IM's. This was gonna take me at least an hour to respond to everyone.
"25." Madison said with a smile on her face. That was the number of notifications she'd received since we've been here.
I sent her a sly grin and held out my phone. "27!" I shouted victoriously.
This has become a game for us this past month. I always win.
The green eyes brunette just rolled her eyes and started to undress. I followed her lead and striped down to my boy shorts and bra. Most of the girls around here went for the stalls. I didn't see a need seeing as we all have the same parts. Theres no shame in showing of a hot bod if you got one.
They make us wear teeshirts and basketball shorts while we pick trash. Its like PE all over again. I already got that credit for high school. I didn't want nor need it.
"Prudes." The brunette next to me mumbled as she slipped on a green tube top. I punched her arm but laughed along with her as we watched Rachel walk out covering her bra clad torso with her hoodie. Seems she forgot her shirt on the bench.
Rachel was a girl we've known since kindergarten. I think I was actually friends with her up until middle school. She was a smart band geek type. Really shy average looking kid. I just went back to doing my own thing not caring what she does or doesn't do.
Slowly we started to migrate towards the bathroom area.
"Hey Spence, were going to the mall. Wanna come?" Madison asked coming out of a bathroom stall.
I groaned and continued washing the grimy feeling off my hands.
"Sorry I asked." Mads said sarcastically. "No its not that." I shut the water and reached for some paper towel. Of course there wasn't any so I had to settle for the thigh part of my skinny jeans. "I have a family dinner to go to." I said rolling my eyes. Family, in my vocabulary its is such a versatile word.
My definition is the people I share the same genetic structure with... illegibly. I don't remember my birth and I don't have the blood work to prove it. But yet there I am almost every night since I was 0.
"That tanks." A male voice said from behind. Male in a female bathroom? Hmm Danny.
A few girls in back of us squealed at the sight of a boy in the girls locker room. THE HORROR!
"Fuck off you pervert!" Madison lashed out causing our idiotic friend to smirk.
He put his arms up in defense and backed away towards the door. "Chill out ladies." He said in what I assume is a smooth voice. "I was just admiring some fine a-ahhhh"
Vincent had grabbed the boy and pulled him out before he could finish the sentence. I could hear them fighting outside but drowned it out.
"He's a dick." I said out loud as I applied some eye liner to my eyes. Madison sent me a nod as she finished making a kissy face in the mirror with her freshly glossed lips.
Rachel was beside me washing her hands as I was finishing up. She didn't even glance at the mirror on her way out. Some people I will never understand.
"So dinner?" The brunette asked as she lounged against the dirty counter. I nodded since my lips were preoccupied. "Well you'll know where to find us if you feel like skipping out." Mads said as we exited the bathroom.
The sassy Latina strutted off towards our other friends. Vincent was waiting in his truck in the middle of the lot. I received a few waves and wolf whistles. All I could do was roll my eyes. It was my answer to everything.
It was only me and a few junky cars left in the lot. An old 90's Camry in the Handy cap stall, two smiley Mazda's down at the other end. And a shitty looking station wagon three stalls over from me.
I fished through my purse for those stupid keys. They always manage to jump out of their special pocket and swim to the bottom of the bag.
"Ha!" I said out loud when I felt a smooth rectangular object. I yanked it out only to find out it was hand sanitizer. I mumbled out some profanities while pulling out the actual key.
It was a cute car. Black leather interior with classy blue paint. The Audi was a gift from my parents after they forgot my birthday... again. On the card it read Happy 18th b-day Spencer. I found that hysterical cause not only were they to lazy to write birthday, but the card its self was two weeks late. Oh and lets not forget I was tuning 17.
I got in and pushed the button that drops the top. I placed my purse in the passenger seat and fished around for my sunglasses. Thats a lot of fishing.
As soon as I had those perched nicely on my nose I reached for the ignition.
"Ms. Carlin." Someone called as my fingers were with in an inch of getting me out of here. So close.
I pushed the glasses up and faced the lady towering over my car. "Can I help you Mr. Park?" I asked with slight attitude. I wanted to leave and frankly she was the only thing standing in my way. Literally.
She was a thin women. In her late 50's maybe early 60's. I've never seen her wear anything higher than her knees. Or anything that showed cleavage. It was always her red red lip stick with her business like apparel. Maybe a cardigan here or there on cold days. But thats as racey as it gets.
She had almost all gray hair, always in some type of up do. I wanted to tell her numerous times how the magic of hair color could change her age and appearance. Something always stops me. And I know what that something is. It's her eyebrows. The crow like figures perched above her cold hazel glare. I always felt as if they were planning their attack. Staring at me with slant scowls.
"Ms. Carlin did you hear me?" She asked suddenly in a stern voice. The crows narrowed and I visibly flinched- Wait! She speaking this entire time.
"Spencer Carlin!" She commanded in a demanding voice.
"Sorry." I said sitting upright. She was my old teacher in middle school and now the community service organizer lady. She's the one that assigns us to different locations as stuff. She's also a frequent mall and school volunteer.
In other words I see her almost every week and she should know me by now. I space out a lot.
The older lady rolled her eyes at me. "I was just reminding you that tomorrow we meet at the center for special needs children. Can you remind your friends so that they all get there on time?" It was more of a command but ok.
"Sure. Can I leave now?" I asked pointing around the empty lot. I was the last car left other than an old white Corolla in the handy cap stall.
"Yes you can leave." She sighed. "Ms. Carlin I've know you for a long time." She spoke right as my hand was a centimeter away from the ignition. So, so close.
"Your a beautiful and bright young lady." She complimented much to my puzzlement. "But your attitude sucks." She blatantly stated. I was taken back as she walked away without another word.
Fuck her. I thought. My attitude was my problem. She's not the boss of me.
I brought my car to life with a roar of the V6 engine. I plugged in my iPhone and blasted Raise Your Glass by Pink. As I sped out of there. I didn't bother checking as I launched my car onto the main road. And I ran the stop sign still in a sour mood.
Attitude problem. I mentally scoffed.
I pulled up on my street with my S5 top down and my sunglasses shielding my eyes from the setting sun. I had the Stereo blasting random songs on my Phone. Now I was in the middle of Niggas in Paris by Kanye and Jay-Z. I owe all my music to Pandora. The Hit Music station is the best.
I sighed while looking at the over sized house in front of me. I punched in the code to the gate. This stupid security system was the only reason why I remember my little sisters birthday.
The large metal gates parted and I drove into the property. Why we needed such a long driveway was lost in me. At least it looked nice. The landscaping was the only thing I could compliment about this place. Everything else was just to over the top for my taste.
We had a long circular drive way with a garden sculpture thing in the middle. As I made the turn leading to my part of the garage I saw Dante busy working on moms gardenias. Very cliche if I do say so myself.
Dante and his family were live in keepers. He lived in a small house on the side of the property. They had their own little space and yard. It was reasonably sized for him his two sons, and his wife. Dante is in charge of landscaping. And he does a damn good job. Everything is green and real. None of that fake grass. Theres this classy tropical feel. Everything is just bursting with color. Like something out of a cheesy romance movie.
I assume his wife Marie was busy cooking our family dinner. She was a sweet soft spoken lady. Dante was busy chopping off the old leaves and flowers from the bush as his sons worked along side them.
Dante waved at me with his glove covered hand. I waved back and continued driving till I saw the sons making their way over to my car. They were so cute. The mix nationalities between their mother and father had treated them well.
I hang out with them whenever I have spare time. Their always open for a game of Apples to Apples, Don't Wake Daddy, or Monopoly.
"Spencer!" Drake the oldest called out to me. He was 8 with spiky brown hair and a handsome little kid face.
"Can you play a board game with us later!" Fletcher. The younger one 6 called out following his brother. They love when I play games games with them.
I like games too but these little kids just adore them. I mean Monopoly is cool but after a while I find myself doing anything to go bankrupt just so the game ends. And Don't Wake Daddy is very good at giving my mini strokes. Suspension is a great weakness of mine. Apples to Apples is fun. But you need more than three to have an entertaining game.
"Maybe later guys." I said smiling.
"Are you boys bothering Spencer?" Dante called out to his wily sons. They have been known to be a little rascal here an there. But thats what I love about them. They can have fun doing anything.
"No worries Dante." I called to the weary looking man. He was dressed in his usual worn with the occasional bleach spot, and random teeshirt.
"So how was community service?" He asked as I rolled my eyes.
"Don't get me started." I shook my head much to his amusement and my horror. "Madison had to stop me at least twice from stabbing this stupid security guard in the foot." He chuckled at this knowing very well my thoughts about Whopper.
"Well have fun at the service center tomorrow." He said grinning.
"Please." I scoffed.
Dante made a face but didn't say anything back at me.
"Alright you better get in there. Marie's been cooking, and you mothers been getting antsy by the second." I frowned slightly irritated at my family. When they want something it has to be NOW.
"Fine fine." I replied in a carefree tone that caused him to shake his head. I get that response a lot.
I drove slowly down the drive way just to prove a point. What point? I don't know. But a point.
"Hurry up Spencer! Paula's about to have a cow and Marie didn't cook that much steak!" The yard man called from behind. I had to laugh at the corny joke.
I sped up but not for my mother. I did it for the steak. I was hungry and a granola bar and apple slices barely count as two meals.
A blind person can see I don't wanna be here. Dinner's like these usually consist of my parents telling me about how they're disappointed in me and then how much they love my sister Caitlyn. Its a really confidence killing experience. I choose to avoid them when I can. Which is practically never.
I sat in my car for a good minute or two just preparing myself for this. I see my parents almost everyday but communicate with them around 3 or 4 times a month. I've stayed at a boys house for a week once. They didn't even notice till Marie mentioned something out of concern.
I'm the outcast in the Carlin clan. It all started when I was 4 and didn't want to play tea party. I'd rather be in the yard roughing it up with my brother and his friends. I grew out of that stage but by then my mom had her perfect baby girl. My dad kinda just goes with what my mom does. Frankly he needs some balls. Glen -my brother- and I were close but he moved away to collage a few years ago. So now its just me.
"Your late. I thought I said come straight home." Mom said as I stepped into the house. I didn't even have my key out of the lock yet. She strutted over to me with her hands on her hips and her chin held high.
I glared at her behind my sunglasses I had yet to remove. "Sorry mom. I was busy." I said feeling an explanation wasn't necessary.
"Clean up then come back down to the table. My dinner is getting cold." She said before leaving back to the dinning room. Her tone was cold and held no concern. Not that there was need to be but isn't that what a parent should do when their kid comes home late.
And it's Marie's dinner. She cooked it, not you. Mom can't cook for crap. Not even the dogs will eat it.
Dinner was boring as was expected. Mom and dad managed to ignore me for the entire meal. I ended up texting under the table while my sister told an oh so fascinating tale about bringing the wrong dance shoes to class.
When dinner was over I threw down my napkin and left the table without so much as a goodbye. That was the first and last time today that I saw my family.
I decided not to go over and play games with the boys. I had better things to do like check whats going on in Facebook. I still haven't responded to anyones notifications and the day was almost over!
I punched in my username and password in less than 4 seconds. Seeing as though I had so many things to go through I got started immediately. This went on till around 1 am. I'd usually sleep later but I was feeling drained. Plus I had another long day tomorrow.
I didn't want bags under my eyes!
"Can I have a Caramel Macchiato and a Cafe Mocha for Spencer." I said putting in my Starbucks order. The young lanky boy with acne repeated my order then ask for sizes. I decided to make them Grande since it had been a long school day and we were heading to the Sped center.
We were supposed to be there in 2 minutes. Right now we were 10 to 15 minutes away. I don't remember what Mrs. Park said exactly but I know it was something about getting my friends there.
And we were gonna get there. Just after a quick coffee break. The quick break turned into a 20 minute sit and chat. While we sipped our drinks. First I said I had to wait cause it was hot and I didn't want to burn my tongue and kill us in an accident. Then finally we were halfway done and we decided that we'd just finish up so we wouldn't have any trash hanging around. Then once that was over we had to get a snack. It can't be healthy to just drink coffee all day.
So now we're rushing into the parking lot at 5 miles per hour. Then we decided to walk quickly all the way to the main office.
"Duarte! Carlin!" Mrs. Parks voice said stopping us in our tracks. "Your late." She stated. And your ugly. I thought.
"Care to explain?" The bird lady questioned.
"No." I replied shaking my head. She didn't need one were here now.
There was a monstrous sigh from the old lady and she quietly beckoned us to follow her to the desk.
"Well everyone already got their room assignments. Including your friends Vincent and Danny." She had her glasses sitting at the tip of her beak like nose. Her long nails fingered the page scrolling down a list of faceless names.
"Ah!" She smiled. I didn't like the smile. "Ms. Duarte, you will be assigned to room 212. There you will meet Andrew a three year old with a structural defect." Madison raised her lip in slight disgust.
"And Ms. Carlin you shall be assigned to Amy a 10 year old with Cerebral Palsy." Mrs. Park said.
"Cerebral Palsy?" I questioned that sounds like a lotion or something.
"The ones in the wheel chair that can't speak and stuff." Madison explained much to my distaste.
"Yuck!" I groaned imagining the drooling girl with the muttered speech.
"Um Margret." A small brunette lady said butting in. "Sorry to interrupt but Amy left us last week."
"SHE DIED!" I blurted out.
Mrs. Park turned towards me like I was crazy. "No she moved to Illinois to be closer to her family." The nurse explained.
I mouthed a big 'O' and stepped back.
"Alright then. Spencer you will be assigned to... Davies Ashley in room 111." the corner of her mouth rose a little. "She's a 15 year old girl. Be nice." She commanded. I scowled.
"She-"
"I'm sorry Mrs. Park but are you sure thats a good idea?" The same woman said stepping in. She had an worry line in her forehead as she intervened.
"Why wouldn't I be?" The older women questioned.
"Its just that Ashley doesn't usually take to new people. And are you sure this girl is right for her?" This girl? Who the hell does she think she is. "I'm just saying. I saw the file and I'm worried about her."
"Lisa I understand you care about Ashley but I know what I'm doing." The older women's voice held a tone of authority that left the younger nurse vulnerable and speechless.
"Now I'd appreciate it if you'd show Ms. Carlin to the room. We've already wasted enough time."
"Yes Mrs. Park."
With that said and done I followed the brunette nurse to the room. She didn't talk to me during the process. Just stopped and glared every few steps. I'd return each look with an equally disgusted one.
For god sakes she didn't even know me! So what I was late. So what I gave a little attitude. So what!
We came to a stop outside of a very decorative door. There were paintings covering the white wood. All the other doors we passed had maybe a name here a picture there but this one was covered from top to bottom. There were even lines on the wall suggesting a growth chart. Who ever this Ashley was had been here a while.
"Well are you gonna go in?" The cocky nurse asked.
I clenched my jaw and opened the door not bothering to open it big enough for the two of us. She had to push the door to keep it from hitting her smug face.
A small brunette sat with her head facing down. She was looking at whatever was on a paper in front of her. There were colored pencils littering the desk suggesting that she was drawing. I watched slightly intrigued.
The nurse by passed me and walked over to the small girl. I was small myself leaving us at around the same size. She whispered something into the young brunettes ear. I couldn't read what was going on.
"Hi. I'm Spencer." I said standing in front of her. She didn't acknowledge me.
"Your names Ashley right?" I asked trying to move around to a different angle. There was still no response.
"I'm gonna be hanging out with you for the next few hours." I said trying to get something. A smile, a nod, a something.
"So... you like to draw." I asked as one last attempt.
Nothing. Silence was all I got. And people say I have a bad attitude!
"What is wrong with her?" I asked the nurse who watched me amused.
She walked me over to a corner where we could still see the girl but wouldn't be talking about her right in front.
"Why is she giving me the cold shoulder?" I asked. I was insulted. Thats never happened before. Ever. Even my parents slightly acknowledge me.
"She has Aspergers syndrome." The nurse said.
What? "Ass Burgers?" What the hell is that!
"Its a time of autism. Spelled A S P E R G E R S." She explained. "There are a lot of things to it. But basically the one your experiencing is her aversion to people. She's not very social."
"So what the hell am I supposed to do. Sit there and be ignored?"
"Well, you have to get her comfortable with you."
"I don't have the time." I said. It was clear as water that didn't want to be here.
"Well, neither do we. Ashley has better things to do than sit around with spoiled rich kids."
"Excuse me!" I asked astounds. No one ever speaks to me like that.
"You heard me." She said flatly. It was a challenge.
"Fuck you! Fuck this program, I'm leaving." I said in a huff.
Stupid nurse with the cocky know it all attitude thinking she knows me when she doesn't. Stupid Mrs. Park making me go to her in the first place. And stupid me for letting my temper and pride butt in!
With my hand clenched on my purse strap and my sunglasses shielding my eyes I stomped towards the door.
I was half way to my car standing on the hot asphalt when a sudden tug inside me started to act up. I looked back towards the building where her floor was.
Should I go back or should I leave?
"Damn it."
x x x
Ugh Spencer's a bitch I know. I had to be a different person while writing for her. I realize that was a bit short and that the meeting with Spashley didn't go well but we'll see what happens next time. Maybe she'll come back or maybe she'll leave completely. More background to come when I post next.
Oh and help with a better summary would be awesome!
I'd love to see your thoughts I love love love all reviews. So pretty please :