2Chapter two: The commence on Taffy
"Apologize." Billy sighed, "I'm sorry," Papa's voice deepened. "For…"
"I'm sorry for punching you, and telling you… about the mama thing." I hated when my pa did this, when my brother's and I argued he would make us stare at each other, noses almost touching and we had to apologize. Usually we ended up laughing really hard for looking into one another's eyes. But in this case, not the slightest giggle was heard.
"Cindy." I to sighed, "I'm sorry for punching you." My father nodded releasing his hands from our shoulders and made his way back to the kitchen. "No supper for you two, go on to bed now." We both started down the hallway, and entered our bedroom together still refusing to speak. We have a very small bedroom, the ceiling low to the ground and I had to share it with all six of my brothers. I'm sure you get the idea that… we were very crowded. There were two bunk beds. Jimmy and Billy had one bunk bed. Steven and Benny got the other. Jordan and George slept on a twin bed. And I slept on mat against a wall.
But sometimes when my back started hurting from being on such a hard floor I'd go into Papa's room and sleep where mama slept. I miss her so much. We hardly talked about her and if Benny started asking his many questions about her to pa, he would tell him to be quite and eat. It was usually eating time when we got to talk to pa. Billy, he made the death of mama funny, or he'd insult her like he did early. Saying things like, 'This here food is betta the mama's.' And since the day she died Billy took all the pictures in the house of her, and stashed them somewhere. Pa asked us if we took them and we said we didn't know where they were. I did though, I saw Billy take the pictures. But I didn't make a move to stop him.
Jordan socked Benny in the arm playfully as they came in. Seeing that Billy was still awake, all of them silenced.
Steven mumbled something, probably some sort of insult as he crawled into bed next to George. I heard them whisper back and forth about our fight but I didn't pick a lot of it up. It's not like I cared. The fight between Billy and I was our way of debating about ma's death. Still… the way Billy reacts about her confuses me.
Phillip Mathews, a former friend of Billy's thought it would be funny to set a tree on fire. I didn't watch the two start the fire, I was angry that they were going to light the tree on fire, that had my swing on it. So I went into the woods to cry about it. All I really remember is getting attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes and decided to run back home. When I came back I saw that our house was on fire. I didn't react to it. I just stood there staring. The flames danced wildly on the roof, thick black smoke poured out of the window, and screaming could be heard from all around. Neighbors were standing around watching as fire men and police- men tried to put out the fire.
I didn't even notice Jimmy standing next to me all teary eyed.
But at that moment I didn't notice anything, all I was aware of was the house. The house we painted white as a family. The house we decorate for Christmas, the house Benny caught a mouse in. It was on fire, and had I known my mother was inside. I would have done something about it. I could've saved her, but I was too wrapped up in watching the burning that I didn't react… at all…
My pa was sitting on the back of Mr. Mathew's truck crying. I've never seen him cry before. Everyone was covered in chalky like ash, and everybody had a sad, sad face. All except Billy…
I saw him standing beside the burnt houses… or what was left of it. He was looking at something, but I didn't know what it was he was looking at. For a good minute he just stood there staring out to space, that's when a police officer came up to him bringing him back to reality. That same night, my brother was taken to jail. Only eleven years old and he was off to jail. His charges weren't that big, he wasn't charged for mama's death in the least. He was simply charged for starting a fire. Jordan told me Billy's going to have a bad record because of that. Back then I didn't know what that meant, but after Jordan explained more I began understanding more.
I started to understand lots of things. Like… Don't ask Pa questions unless it's about school. Don't talk about Mama around Billy or he'll go off and do something bad. Don't say anything about food or Benny will complain how horrible Pa's food is and start missing ma.
My brothers and I taught ourselves that as long as we don't say anything about mama or anything that she, use to do then we're better off.
Saturday, we all loved Saturday. No school. That means… more trouble.
The boys got dressed extremely fast, and ate as fast as switching on a lamp. Me however, though I was a tomboy and wore exactly what my brother's wear. I still took my time to get ready, call it… female instincts. Unlike my brothers I brush my teeth and braid up my dirty blonde hair, most just call it brown, into pigtails. Was I a cutie? No, I had a short stubby chin, a short nose, and small forehead. Not to mention extremely freckly, face and shoulders. But it's not like I care, braid up the hair to keep it out of your face, put on some jeans so you can run easier. Today… overalls.
"Hurry Cindy or we're leavin without ya!"
"I comin I comin," makeup? Never, but occasionally mint Chap Stick to smooth the lips.
Running was never uncommon for the Anderson kids. Ask any of our neighbors or the farmers and they'll tell you, "Sure I saw them kids runnin down old Taffy street." Or "There them Andersons go." We get that a lot. Steven was always the fastest he was the one who lead us until someone shouted, "stop!" Billy, he always ran by me, probably because we prefer an easy pace, but not so slow as to strut.
We live on Maple Street. It's just like any other street in Jefferson. The only difference between Maple and Taffy is that Taffy is a dirt road and the road that leads into the country. Every Saturday my brother's and I ran like lightening down Taffy. Normally we'd run pass orchards where there'd be girls picking peaches and apples. That's when we'd speed up, only because the boys love to show off their alacrity.
After long hours running, skipping, and jogging we eventually came to walking. "Ever eat a horse pill?" Jimmy asked as he pulled a weed grass from the side of the road and stuck it in his mouth. "No," I answered simply. Benny looked bewildered "Why would anyone wanna eat a horse pill?"
"To make 'em grow big and strong." Jimmy answered effortlessly he's such a fraud. Benny, seven years old, puzzled over what Jimmy just said. A seven year old would do anything to grow up faster. Sevens a tough age especially when your brothers let you know that every single day. "Jimmy you're a liar, Benny don' listen to 'em he's just tryin to get ya to eat some horse pill." I hoped that Benny would listen but he looked like he was seeing right through me at the barn in the middle of the weed grass field. I swallowed hard, "No Benny, eatin a horse pill will make ya sick."
"Let the kid do what he wants," Billy said while turning off the road and toward the barn. "You wanna horse pill don't ya Benny." Benny never replied but from the spark in his eyes Billy knew that, that's exactly what he wanted. "Well then lets get ya a horse pill." I grabbed Billy's shoulder jerking him back. "Don't Billy, if he eats a horse pill then he'll…"
"Lay off, Cindy." George said while brushing my hand away from Billy's shoulder. "It aint right!" I called refusing to step into the snake- invested field. All- my brother's headed toward the barn, Billy's hand on Benny's shoulder. Benny would do anything and everything to fit in with the boys, just as Steven will do anything. But Billy, Jimmy, George, and Jordan are being down right mean and cold. I had no choice, as much as I hated the field I hopped through it. The weeds were exactly my size, slapping my cheek as I made my way through. "Benny! Billy!"
Billy handed Benny the pill. He curled his lip into a wicked sneer. "Well what you waitin for? Get on." Benny stood there observing the pill.
The barn was old looking, wasn't red like the ones in pictures, but a gray like color. And the barn smell wasn't of animals… but of rot. My stomach twisted before running through the barn doors. "Benny!" It was too late. My stomach dropped so suddenly at the sight of Benny popping the pill in his mouth. "Don't swallow it!" I demanded while running up to the laughing crowd of boys.
My heart skipped a beat. Everyone went silent and watched as Benny stood there. "Nothin happenin." He said simply. Jimmy took a step forward reaching out and touched his face. "Hn. I knew nothin would happen."
"Nothin would happen? I thought you said I'd grow big and strong." I pitied the little boy standing there before his brother. He looked so hurt and disappointed. Jimmy patted his back playfully "I was only jokin." Benny stared at the ground an impair look on his face. "Oh," he whispered. My tense shoulders dropped when nothing happened. "Jimmy you jack ass!" I stormed forward trying to look as tough as a rock but Jimmy laughed at me. "I was only playin."
"Ya playin with his feelins!" I slapped Jimmy across the face. He saw it coming because he winced before my hand connected with his face. "Stupid girl!" he grabbed one of my braids and pulled on it yelling in my ear. I grunted and socked him in the stomach.
Everyone was so distracted in our brawl that no one realized Benny was on all fours choking. I jumped on Jimmy, both rolling around on the straw covered muddy ground. "Get off me huffa!" Jimmy shoved me to the ground grabbing a hand full of black mud and shoved it in my face. I screamed swinging my hand up to slap him. Which he caught easily and pinned me. I screamed again, "Papa!" Billy laughed "Papa aint around."
Meanwhile Benny continued coughing hard, it wasn't long before bits of blood came up with his cough.
Jordan slammed his fist into George's side to get his attention. "Look at Benny!" The small seven- year- old boy, coughed helplessly above the black mud. All the while Jimmy and I were wrestling. "Stop it you two!" Steven demanded as he rushed over to Benny's side. He placed his hand on Benny's back. "You okay Benny?"
"Hell no he aint ok, Move Steve." Billy shoved Steven out of the way and dropped to his knees behind the coughing boy. "Throw it up Benny!" I watched terrified as to what was about to happen. Billy wrapped his arms around Benny's stomach from behind and squeezed him tight. "Throw it up Benny!" It was more of a demand then an appeal. Benny opened his mouth wider. I could see his muscles move in his throat, he would do anything to puke. "I… can't," He cried in between coughs. "Yes you can now throw up now or I'll punch ya, ya hear!" Benny cried harder as the squeezing from behind became more aggressive. "Maybe I should get papa…" I didn't know I whispered that aloud, but the second those words left my mouth Billy snapped, "No!" I jumped a bit at the harsh tone in his voice.
Just after that was said Benny leaned closer to the ground gasping and struggling then… vomited a green and yellow like mucus. The stench was unbelievably malodorous.
My brother's and I cupped our mouths and noses to hide from the smell. As Benny continued to throw up, Billy nodded receptively. "Good boy, get it all out." He patted Benny's back until he stopped and cried. I held my breath as I watched Benny crawl into Billy's lap. Billy wrapped his arms around him and rocked little Benny. "It's iight, you didn't do nothin wrong, jus don't eat no horse pill, ok?" Benny nodded weakly before falling asleep. "I told you them horse pills would make 'em sick."
"Shut up Cindy."
Jimmy sat on a bale of hay staring at Benny's sleeping face. "Looks like a storm is comin." Jordan said acting as though the situation had never happened. Probably because he wanted to change the subject before there was arguing. I had no problem with changing the subject though. Looking out the barn doors and into the dark sky you could tell Jordan spoke the truth. The black clouds rolled over the wheat fields casting a dark blanket over it, and the woods. I stood dusting dried mud from my overalls. "Come on, we should get on before the storm starts." Billy shook his head, still rocking Benny "Nah, we won't make it back in time, we'll stay here tonight." George sighed "All night?" you could tell from the level of his voice, he wasn't complaining. Just the thought of sleeping in hay or in mud disturbed him.
"For as long as it takes." Billy stood, in his arms was the plump Benny. I smiled at the picture of the two. Though Billy didn't show any liking of the kid, I knew he loved him. Just as he loves pa, his brothers, and me… ma well I'm sure he loves her to.
"Steven, take off your shirt."
"Why?" Billy gave him an, 'don't argue with me.' Look which sent Steven zipping through the buttons like lightening. He tossed Billy the shirt, which he used to cover Benny. "Put 'em on that hay bale over there." I pointed with a smile, I always tried to help, and for once Billy actually listened to me. He placed little Benny down arranging the straw and Steven's shirt around him, doing his best to form some type of bed. It wasn't long until the first couple of raindrops began falling.
Fat raindrops, which turned into sharp thin drops,
Thin drops soon turned to thick ice,
Then the ice resolved back into normal raindrops.
Rain was so entertaining to us. You could tell by how silent we were. Especially Jimmy, he loved the rain. He loved the sound of the drops on the roof, the smell of it, and the grey color rain left. The winds blew in carrying mist, which cooled our faces. We inhaled deeply at the mists scent. All of us felt calm and pure, nothing could disturb our perfect silence…
Heavy doors swung open from the back of the barn, which slammed itself closed by the wind. There stood a boy, about Billy's age. He was wearing a cape, which was actually a tarp. He panted, not noticing my brother's and I near the front of the barn looking out to the rain. He coughed scratchily as he pulled his soaked tarp off revealing a funny looking bright red knitted sweatshirt. He was extremely pudgy, his cheeks rosy, and his hair the same short length all the way around. I giggled at his appearance, which drew his attention. He jumped slightly at the sight of seven strangers. "Who are you?"
Billy was the one who replied seeing as my other brothers were too distracted by the brightly colored sweater to answer. "Billy Anderson, you?" The boy huffed acting as though he just ran a hundred miles. "Tommy… Tommy Rhoads."
"Well Tommy I reckon you'd betta scat before you wake up the ghost of farmer John."
A sudden silence fell upon the barn room. I rolled my eyes, 'Billy and his ridiculous lies.' The fat boy wiped the water from his face, while still panting, "ghost?" Billy nodded, "this barn was owned by a man called John, he died four summa's ago." The boy didn't say anything. I wondered, how did Billy know this barn wasn't the fat boy's? "They aint no such thing as ghosts… My aunt Betty says so." I rolled my eyes while standing, "Your aunt Betty is right, my names Cindy." I offered my hand, and the fatty gladly accepted it. "Rhoads… Tommy Rhoads." My eyes fell back to the bright red sweater, "You aint from round here aint you." The boy, still panting nodded, "ya."
"Well… where ya from?"
"Georgia, I lived with my pop and sista." I nodded acting as though I was listening, but the bright sweater was extremely distracting. "Then what are ya doin in Alabama?" Jordan asked, also looking at the bright red sweater covering the huge belly of Tommy's. "My uncle Henry died recently, I'm here for the funeral." My heart suddenly ached for the fat boy. Losing someone close is always hard.
"How'd he die?" Billy asked too distracted by the sweater to notice the dirty look I gave him. "Billy!" I snapped, why did he always have to be so rude?
"Uncle Henry was on a fishin trip and fell right on in. He don know how to swim." Billy laughed, "What kinda idiot goes near a river if he don know how to swim." I felt like slapping the crap out of Billy but I didn't have to. George socked Billy's arm. I turned my attention back to Tommy who looked hurt in his eyes. But his fat blubbery cheeks hid the pain expression in his face. "Don mind him. Billy's always cold hearted to people." Tommy didn't say anything as I offered him a seat on a bale of hay. "So… when's the funeral?"
"And where, I wanna see the body." Billy added, I, again, sneered at him. Tommy huffed "May seventh, this coming Saturday." I smiled optimistically, "Well I hope everything works out for yall." The fat boy smiled, "Your pretty." I blushed deeply and couldn't help but smile. "Thanks," I whispered. Billy threw his head back and laughed so hard I could've sworn the bale of hay we were sitting on moved. "What in the Sam hell is so funny?" Billy slapped his knee while trying to catch his breath. "He said… He said…" His face started to turn a bright red from laughing. Jimmy chuckled, as did the rest of the boys. I stood so hard the bale moved from the back of my legs hitting up against it. "Spit it out Billy!"
"He said your pretty!" He fell back against the barn wall laughing. I felt the blood rush to my face. Looking over my shoulder I saw Tommy blushing. I was so embarrassed and to make it worse, Billy continued laughing hysterically. That only heated my face more and more. "Shut up Billy!" I spun on my heel facing Tommy, trying my best to ignore Billy, which was hard. "Where do ya live Tommy?" He swallowed hard "On Taffy, near Triangle lake," I grabbed his fat arm and forced him up. "Come on, I'll walk ya home." Leaving the barn was just what both Tommy and I needed. To get away from all that harassment was such a relief and to make that relief last, we walked exceedingly slow. It was a good thing the rain had stopped, or else we would be long before soaked. "That's a bright red sweater." I don't know why I brought the damn sweater up but the silence was very uncomfortable. "Ya… My nanny knitted it for me back in Georgia."
"Do you like it?"
"Its alright… I don mind it, and she likes it on me." I chewed my lower lip noting that he was talking to me while looking at the muddy road. "Well… she aint here to see it so, why do ya wear it?" When he didn't answer I knew it must be because he loved the sweater dearly. I stuffed my hands in my overall pockets with a sigh. "Well… which house is yours?" The fat boy stopped and shook his head. "We past it but… I don't wanna go home right now." He didn't see my curious face since he was too focused on the soil below. "Why?" I chewed on my nail, not because I was nervous, but more like I was bored of this. Talking to this fat boy who was quite and… red. "Because…" was all he said and I nodded. "You don have to tell me if ya don wanna." He stopped "well then… I don wanna." I looked up into his hazel eyes only briefly before taking a step forward. When he didn't walk along with me, and just stood there I took it as a hint to leave him alone. I decided to walk home, forget about Tommy Rhoads, and why he doesn't want to talk to me anymore.
"Tommy get ya fat ass in here!"
I turned around to see the fat red boy wobble into an orchard where there was a white house. On the porch of the white house stood a tall bearded man, holding a beer can. He reached out and grabbed Tommy by the ear. "Get in here pig." My heart leapt as the screen door slammed behind the man. "Tommy…" I whispered, my mind debated on what to do, while, unconsciously, I started heading toward the house.
"He doesn't want help from a pretty girl such as yourself. It will mortify him." I stopped half way into the orchard at the sound of an old rich voice. Turning around I came face to face with a dark old woman. "Who are you?" the old woman smiled revealing missing teeth, and some of her teeth were wooden. I made a face. "Edna," she answered smugly.
Thanks for reading