5We both played string intruments. Him the Cello, me the Violin. Another thing to add to smililarites is class ranking. Both of us were top ranking in what we do. I happen to be top in my 7th grade orchestra. Cody happens to be top in his music studies. I guess you could say we "click."
Penelope I guess is a little... outcasted one could say. She studies nothing that has to do with any of us. Except for me. Animal science isn't the worst. Perhaps you get to work in az zoo or study a new type of animal off in Hawaii or Madagascar, but thats about it. Journalism is where she relates to me. I love to write poems, stories, fan fiction, anything. My poem "Reality," which is the one displayed in Holden's room, was a big hit with her. She even published it in the college newspaper at her school. To me, that's golden. To her, just another part in the college paper. People aren't always the same.
Sheniqua on the otherhand, is the actual one who doesn't relate to anyone she's friends with. Well, except her racial appearences. She's a DJ for the College Club. I've heard her before when Holden snuck me into the club. She's not a bad DJ... for a girl. Much of her school life is a mystery to all of the Crew. Even Holden doesn't know. Holden always knows the answer to things. None of us really think of Sheniqua as "black." To us, no one's black. But when you're part of the Crew, no one's racial appearences matter. Even Holden's a different color than I am. It never matters to us. Or we've never thought about it.
Holden was still sitting on the couch but had obviously gotten dressed when I did. He was wearing a short sleeved black shirt and jean shorts. So was I. That appearently startled both of us. Holden smiled though and laughed at us.
"Great minds think alike," he said. I grinned sheepishly.
"Yep. I guess so." We both laughed out loud. Once again, Holden and his "Missing-Cody-Comedy-Relief." You just gotta love Holden. Always. Who couldn't? I reached for the phone and handed it to Holden. "Don't you think we should call Cody now and tell him to call Sheniqua and Penelope?" He looked at me funny, taking the phone from my hands.
"Since when are you so interested in my business? Is this a bribe to get me to let you go with us?" I blushed. He noticed. "Well, It's not gonna work Glory. Sorry." He held the phone close to his chest and punched in seven numbers. "Hello, is Cody there? This is him? Okay. Great. So, you're coming over soon, right? Alright. I thought so. You can call Sheniqua and Penelope right? That's good. Alrighty then. See you soon. Bye." A small beep came from the phone as he pressed the off button. "They'll be over soon. Now, you can stay down and listen but remeber. You aren't coming no matter how much you want to. Got that?" I nodded grimly. I'd find a way. I always do.
I got up from the couch yet again and walked into the kitchen. I dug through the fridge before pulling out a can of soda. I knew Holden didn't want me to come just in case I ruined his "fun." How could someone like me ruin fun? Okay, so I can. Big deal. But I wouldn't. This time would be different. Far differemt. It was good sometimes to have the crew on my side. Cody could always talk Holden out of anything he wanted to. If Holden were to comitt suicide and was really bent on it, Cody could talk him out of it. He was like that. Sometimes it felt like Cody could read your mind and soul. I've had expirience with that. It sends a shiver up your back.
I slipped my finger under the soda tab and pulled it up, opening the soda can. I took a sip from it and retreated back into the living room, only to find Holden gone. He's probably up in his room. He's always up there. When he's not in the bathroom of course. Instead of sitting back on the couch, I walked over to the window seat. Outside was a normal summer day. The occasional bee buzzing past the window. The occasional neighbor walking down the sidewalk. Everything here was the same. Everyday. Life's always the same.
I was almost too distratced watching the neighbors dog chasing our cat when the doorbell rang. Startled, I got up and walked to the front door. I opened it to Cody. Holden had yet to hear the doorbell so I invited Cody in. Cody had always been like a second brother to me. He scooped me up in his arms and hugged me tightly. I coughed, mockingly, and he set me down. He was much taller then me, and had auburn hair. Not strawberry blonde. Not to mention his blue eyes. Mine were a pale brown, much like the rest of my family. Cody ruffled my hair, moving over to the couch, dragging me by a hand.
I sat next to him, beaming up. How I admired Cody. In the 6th grade I promised myself I'd grow up to be like him. I would show him my violin solo's and tell him about my compliments and achievments. There were some times I think he admired me. Cody was always saying he loved how I played.
He looked the same way he had looked the last time I saw him. That was about three months ago. I could tell he had missed me and he could tell I missed him. I swear he was like a friend I hadn't seen in twenty years. Our reunion ended in silence, as it had begun. None of us knew what to say. The silence was ended with Holden darting down the stairs. He plopped in an armchair next to the.
"Hey Cody. How are you?" Holden smiled weakly, knowing what he interrupted.
"Fine, Holden." He turned to look at me. A sigh of relief. He was talking first. "And how are you Glory, dear? It's been a while since I've seen you. How's your violin lessons going?" I blushed. He always had to ask about my violin. God, do I blush a lot.
"Perfect as always, Cody. I guess it has been a while since we've seen each other. Did you get anymore awards for your cello?" I sounded cheap. How pathetic. I was amzed to see Cody not noticing. He usually notices those things.
"Very nice to know. Yep. I got it for this College Competition. First Place." Some people just have all the luck. Holden you cold see was getting testy and bored. He wanted the conversation. I stuck out my tongue at him and Cody laughed. I blushed again. It's hard to get Cody to laugh when he's the one who makes you laugh. That deserves a place in my biography.
"Did you hear when Sheniqua and Peneolpe are coming, Cody?" Holden asked. He really wanted to start the converstaion of the Road-Trip.
"Yeah. Sheniqua's picking up Penelope at her house. It should take them a half-hour."
"Ack. That's too long. We don't have all summer you know."
"Be patient Holden. They'll be here before you know it." Thank you Cody. I swear he can change anybody's point of veiw. Perhpas that's why I love him. It's anyone's guess. Cody's smile faded when he saw me looking depressed. His gaze shifted from Holden to me, to Holden again then back to me. I gave him the basset-hound sad look. Cody looked about to die of depression. "Is Glory going with us?" You should've seen Holden's face. He looked like he could've dropped dead. He found himself searching for words.
"I... Ye... N...um... no...? I mean... wait... Yes. Yes she is." Whoo. One point, Glory. Zero points, Holden. He glared over at me like I owed him my life. My saddened look disappeared replaced by a smirk. I told you a would find a way. Nyah nyah. I won.
"That's wonderful! We'll have a splendid time together, won't we Glory?" Cody remarked. He softly socked me in the shoulder. I nodded my head furiously. How I wished I could get up and dance around the living room. I held back. That would come later. Trust me. It feels good to be a Victor. It always is. I couldn't wait until Saturday. I didn't want it to happen tomorrow. I want it to happen today. Now the only thing I have to do is get my mother's approval. No problem. If Cody's going, she'll let me go. Always. It's just the way things go here.
"Now, where to first?" Asked Holden. Now I could be included in descions. This is fun. The world will be mine after summers over. The boasting rights anyway.
"Anywhere Ol' Betty will take us Holden. I'm up for Chicago though. That'll be our first hit, okay?" Betty. It's my brother's car's name. Who in their right name would name a car "Betty"? Not me of course. I guess it was cute though. Cody thought so. Whatever Cody likes, you can be sure I like it too.
"Yeah, I wanna go to Chicago too, Holdy," that was hillarious. I think that was the first time I called Holden "Holdy." Can anyone say new nickname? "Then I want top go to a cheese factory in Wisconsin." Cody laughed. Oh yeah. Two times in ten minutes. I'm getting good at this.
"I'd enjoy Wisconsin, too." remarked Holden. You gotta love both of them.