August (The Year of The Change Book 2) (28 page)

We talked until Destiny and Cara came home. I hadn't realized it was getting so late. It was amazing how fast time went when I was with this dear woman. It seemed like no more than an hour since I entered Emma's world and enjoyed
having tea
. It still sounded grown up.

Watch Football Practice

There was nothing to do and I itched to get outside. The day was warm and sunny, a perfect day that called my name. But, like usual, The Change had me imprisoned at the Peterson house. The Peterson’s beautiful home was a great place to be, but still, there was a whole outdoors that beckoned me. Argh.

The only idea Destiny could come up with was to go watch the football team practice. I cringed at the suggestion. Hadn’t my problem made itself perfectly clear? I looked into Destiny’s pleading eyes. I wanted to go. That was a no-brainer. What could happen was also a no-brainer. But it would be a lot of fun.

“Ah come on, Sylv. Richard will be there, you’ll be safe.”

I really wanted to go. “I don’t know, Dest.” There’s got to be something else we could do.

“We can stay far enough away that there won’t be a problem.” She bounced. “Come on, Sylv.   It’ll be fun.” She tugged my arm.

If I didn’t go, she’d get tired of being my friend. If I did go, something weird was bound to happen and she might not be my friend anymore.  I couldn’t win either way. How could I disappoint the best girlfriend I ever had? I gave in.

The practice was at the old field here in town and the walk would be a plus for me. The need to stretch my legs was always present. Richard left early this morning so he wasn’t there to object. He would’ve objected, too, until Destiny’s pleas wore him down. As sweet as he was, he would’ve caved in eventually. He loved his little sister and it showed even when she irritated him. Besides, Destiny was sure he wouldn’t mind
too
much.

I knew I shouldn’t be there, but Destiny was so excited about the idea I figured if we just stayed a little while it wouldn’t be too bad … for the team.

The one hitch was I would have to tell Sue where I was going.

When I called, Sue actually sounded worried. “Are you sure you should?”

No, I really wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t going to say that to Sue. “We’ll just stay a little while and Richard will be there.” I was using the same argument Destiny used.

Sue paused. “It’s up to you, if you think can stay out of trouble.”

It sounded almost like a question. It was a good question. Could I stay out of trouble? I really shouldn't go.

I hung up the phone and went to find Destiny, who was already outside waiting for me.

It didn’t take long for us to walk the eight blocks to the field. The closer it got, the edgier I became. When the ball field came into view I almost turned around and went home. Destiny grabbed my arm and didn’t let go until we were safely inside the chain-link fence. I was there, so I might as well see why Destiny had her heart set on going.

Behind the bleachers, I wet my finger to test the wind. I had to know which direction was downwind. We set off to find seats. What we found wasn’t ideal, but it was safe, sort of. I would’ve preferred a hidden place, but Destiny wouldn’t hear of it. At least she did concede to downwind. After what happened at Target and swimming Destiny didn’t argue as long as she had full view. There were no seats downwind, so we sat on the ground on a lone patch of grass.

Practice looked as though it was going well. The coaches had the guys running drills and they looked good.

“The quarterback is great. Do you know who he is?"

She shaded her eyes to get a better look. "I don't know. He must be from The Village."

When he stood next to Richard, he was taller by a few inches and broader at the shoulders. He had an air of confidence and was a natural leader. Even Richard was quick to follow him.

Having learned quite a bit about football from my friend Donny, I really enjoyed watching the quarterback. I pulled out my sketch pad, to see if I could draw him and Richard lined up at the ball. It actually went pretty well, to my surprise.

After a short play Destiny looked over and laughed. “You have Eli on the brain, Sylv.” She looked back at the practice field.

With trepidation, I looked at my drawing. Sure enough, I’d drawn Eli as the quarterback behind Richard, the center, both without their helmets. Sigh. I should’ve known it was going too well because it wasn’t the picture I’d wanted to draw. My shoulders slumped. Would I ever be in control of my drawing?

Destiny nudged my leg and pointed out number sixty-three, who had just taken off his helmet to get a drink. “That’s Billy Beaver, Mike’s older brother. He’s as cute as Mike, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, he’s as cute.” It didn’t matter to me since none of them were as cute as Eli.

“Mike’s oldest brother, Ricky, is here somewhere … oh, over there by the coach. He’s as big as Richard.” The eldest Beaver looked like he could be bigger than Destiny’s brother. Amazing. I watched him a little while. I was a sucker for tall guys.

I went back to drawing. Destiny nudged me again and pointed to the quarterback, who looked to be taking off his helmet. We gasped.

It was Eli.

My drawing was correct. Wow, that was cool. Maybe there was something to this after all. My heart fluttered as I watched him run his fingers through his sweat damp hair.

Destiny looked at me then looked down at my drawing on my lap. “Sylv, your picture … wow.” Her mouth hung open as she stared at the drawing. “I wouldn’t have guessed he was still in high school.” She shook her head. “Wow.”

In disbelief, I, too, shook my head. “He sure looks too old to still be in school. College, maybe.”

If he was still in high school, that meant he wasn’t older than eighteen, not out of my age range. Maybe after The Change …

I jerked myself out of that thought. He may not be out of my age range, but he sure was out of my league, out of my universe. I wasn’t even sure if we were in the same dimension.

The wind shifted.

“We have to move.”

It took Destiny only a moment to register the urgency before she jumped up. I looked back at the field. Eli and Billy looked right at us. My heart thumped wildly in my chest.

The other boys at the water table looked around, but hadn’t zeroed in on us yet. We had to get out of there before I caused a problem. I didn’t want to think about what kind of trouble I could cause with a whole football team. This was a stupid, stupid idea.

Destiny and I ran downwind. Eli and Billy followed us with their eyes. They looked angry. I didn’t blame them. I shouldn’t have come. When we reached a good spot, we sat and I tried to hide behind a light pole. What I wanted was a deep hole to crawl into.

Eli and Billy nudged the other guys and got them back to practice. The players looked disoriented as they wandered, off-balance, back to their coaches. Even Eli had to be called back.

“I shouldn't have come.” I tried to convey my concern through my eyes, in hopes she’d change her mind and we could leave.

Destiny only smiled. “It’s okay, we moved before there was a problem.”

She still couldn’t see the danger that had come so close to us. Could she really be so blind?

Okay, hints weren’t going to work on her. “Maybe we should go.” I eyed the field and the area around us.

“Nah, practice is almost over. We’ll get a ride with Richard. I’m hoping he’ll introduce me to number seventeen.” Her eyes went all dreamy.

So that's the real reason we're here.

Hidden somewhat, I drew some more. If Destiny wanted to meet a boy, there was nothing I could say to talk her out of it. I leaned against the light pole and ignored the field.

Practice did finally end. I held back to make sure I didn’t cause any more problems. Richard’s car was just outside the fenced practice area, so I went and stood by it. Destiny talked Richard into introducing her to the guys on the team, including number seventeen. I would never be as brave as her and I would never get asked on dates like she will. Well, without The Change, I wouldn’t be asked out. I was too tall, too plain and wore glasses, a triple whammy. Of course, I really hadn’t found anyone I wanted to --

My train of thought cut short as Eli took off his sweaty jersey and changed into a dry t-shirt. I had to work really hard to get my mouth closed and my heart to beat again. Wow! I’d never seen another guy with so much muscle definition. It didn’t matter that I’d seen him last month, when he saved us on the hike, I’d never get used to the sight. I grabbed hold of the car door handle. He was no scrawny freshman that was for sure. If I let go, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from going over and climbing into Eli’s arms.

When Destiny and Richard joined me, I still had a hold of the door handle and was shaking. Prying my fingers loose, I got into the backseat and watched out the back window as we drove away.

“That Eli is cute.” Destiny commented to Richard.

Huh? What was she up to?

Richard laughed. “A little old for you, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, but what do you know about him?” She winked at me.

Richard looked at her funny. “Uh … he’s my age. He has two sisters, Sabrina is a junior and Valondra is in seventh grade. Sabrina is cute!” I caught how he emphasized the last two words. “Uh … what more do you want to know?”

“Is he dating anyone?”

Richard sighed. “Like I said, he’s too old for you and you don’t date yet.”

Destiny giggled. “I didn’t ask if he might date me. I asked if he was dating anyone.”

He shook his head. “Not that I know of, but there are a couple of cheerleaders that sure want his attention. Lanna and LaTell, who think they’re God’s gift to men. They both have their sights set on him.”

Well, that confirmed my suspicion. Eli had his pick of beautiful cheerleaders. He’s never going to notice a plain Jane like me.

“So he just dates cheerleaders, huh?”

“I don’t know that he’s dated a cheerleader.” Richard pulled into his driveway. “And, you are too young to date.” He looked Destiny in the eyes and frowned.

Yep, he’s a very good big brother. I hoped he didn’t figure out that Destiny asked him those questions for me. Would he tell Eli if he knew?

Richard rubbed his shoulder and I could feel the pain. If I hadn’t been so obsessed with Eli I probably would’ve noticed earlier.

There was no way I wouldn’t ask, “Does your shoulder hurt?” even though I already knew the answer.

“Yeah, it has a kink, can’t seem to work it out”

“Would you like me to work it out? I’ve always been good at muscle manipulation.”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.” He smiled.

“Not at all.” I would do anything for Richard.

We went into their house and I made Richard lay on the carpet in their living room. Emma was there and followed us to watch. I started with his back and found two trigger points up near his shoulder blades. I worked each trigger point, concentrating on the kink in his shoulder. The more I worked, the softer Richard’s groans became. By the time I reached his neck, he snored softly. I instructed Emma to let him sleep, if they needed to wake him, to do it gently. I left him there to nap and went home. It felt good to be able to do something for my wonderful, adopted big brother. Maybe after The Change, he’d put a good word in with Eli for me.

"Sylvia?"

Someone was shaking me

"Huh?" It can’t be morning already.

"Sylv, wake up, you can't possibly be comfortable." It was my father.

I opened my eyes and looked straight into Dad's knees. He reached down and sat me up.

"Where am I?"

He chuckled and sat beside me. "You're on the bottom step to the attic." He put his arm around my shoulders. "When I opened the door to go make sure you were still in your room, you startled the bejeevers out of me."

"You were coming to check on me?"

"Yeah, the alarm didn't go off and I was afraid I’d slept through something."

I put my head on his shoulder and ached all over. "I'm really tired of sleepwalking, Dad."

"I know you are, but only a couple of weeks left."

Sigh. Fourteen days left. Fourteen more places I could end up. The lack of good sleep had caught up with me and I felt like a zombie.

"Don't worry, hon, we're keeping a watch out for you. It'll be okay. The two weeks will go quickly, you'll see."

Tilting my head back, I looked to see if he was serious. I was too tired to argue, not that I would’ve had the guts to argue with my father.

"Can I go back to bed for a few hours? I feel like I didn't sleep at all."

"Sure, I'll tell Sue so she won't wake you up. Stay in bed as long as you want to."

"Thanks, Dad."

He helped me up and I climbed the steep steps to my comfortable bed. Between the sheets, I quickly slipped under, dead to the world.

That is until a thunk
made me jerk. I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.

Thunk!

Ugh! What was making that noise?

Thunk!

It came from outside. If Tim and Eddy were playing ball against the house, I was going to throttle them.

Thunk! Thunk!

I rolled slowly out of bed and groaned at the kink in my back.

Thunk! Clink!

Something hit my window. I rushed to see what was going on. In reality, I shuffled quickly. Peeking out my open window, I could just make out a sandy blonde head. There was soft incessant talking in the backyard. I stuck my head out.

I’d wondered once, when I was quite young, what the Three Stooges would’ve been like as kids. No need to wonder anymore, for below me in the yard was the epitome of Curly, Moe and Larry.

Danny, Cory and Sammy were tussling with each other. Actually, Danny and Cory were tussling, while Sammy just yammered like usual.

Sammy picked up a handful of small rocks from around the bushes and brought them to Cory and Danny who fought over them and thus, spilling them to the ground. Sammy went back for more rocks.

“I’m a better shot than you.” Cory flung a lone rock towards my window. The shot went wide, clattering down the roof.

Danny grabbed Cory’s shirt and yanked him back. “No, you’re not.” He launched a rock and it, too, missed.

They did this a few times, not even noticing me watching them. When Danny threw a punch and they tumbled out of view, I leaned all the way out the window so I could see where they’d rolled. They knocked Sammy into their fracas.

"What are you three doing?!" I yelled down hoping they could hear me.

They froze in position and looked up at me.

Cory let go first and rolled to his feet. "It was Danny's idea."

Danny swaggered to standing, not an easy thing to do, but he did. "Of course it was my idea 'cause it was a lot better than what you came up with."

"Guys! What do you want?"

The boys looked tongue-tied.

Sammy never had that problem. "They wanted to come see you but your mom wouldn't let them come in so they were worried you were being held against your will so they got me but your mom wouldn't let me in either so they wanted to rescue you so we were back here trying to get your attention so we could rescue you and—"

I cut him off as I tugged the sock from my foot. "Stop, Sammy!" I held it up for him to see.

He sputter then snapped his jaw closed. Hey, it worked! He shut up.

"You guys thought I was being held against my will?"

They nodded.

“We hadn't seen you since that night you held me." Cory’s smile went crooked.

Danny glowered at him.

Sigh. What was I going to do with them? "Guys, I've been busy getting ready for school!" It was a lie, but it didn't hurt anyone. "And just now I was sleeping because I didn't sleep well last night. `Sides, Sue isn't going to let you in the house."

"Why?" They chorused.

Are they really this dense? "Because you are boys and you fight all the time."

Danny nudged Cory. "That's because Cory’s unreasonable!"

Cory backhanded Danny in the chest. "I am not!"

Danny pushed Cory. "Yes, you are!"

"I'm not!"

The two grabbed each other and tripped over Sammy in the process. They rolled around the yard with Sammy trapped between them. The Three Stooges were at it again.

I leaned my elbows on the fire escape and cradled my head in my hands. I didn't bother calling for help. I figured they'd fight it out and when they were too tired to fight any more, they'd go home.

And that's probably what would’ve happened if Richard hadn't charged over and pulled them apart. My wonderful adopted big brother to the rescue, again. Emma walked in behind Richard and watched as her grandson had both boys by the collar and dangled them from his fists.

"Give me a good reason why I shouldn't smash you two little bugs right here, right now!" Richard was furious.

Sammy stood in front of Richard waiting for a hand to grab and shake him. He must’ve enjoyed being a part of the action. Too bad for Sammy, Richard only had two hands and they were both occupied. A third hand would’ve made The Mouth very happy.

The boys continued to swing at each other, too angry to speak. Richard shook them vigorously and they finally looked up into his livid eyes. I would’ve sworn I saw them shrink as they went limp in his grasp.

Emma kept her hand over a smile that wouldn't go away.

Richard spoke quietly and the boys went pale. He turned with a jerk and pushed them toward the side yard.

Cory grabbed Sammy by the collar and dragged him with them. The smile on Sammy's face said it all. It's surprising what boys would do to be a part of something.

Emma looked up and waved to me. I returned the wave and watched them all disappear around the corner of the house.

Tam knocked on my door and peeked in. "Sylv, you awake?"

"Yeah, I'm over here."

She peeked around the door before she joined me at the window, where I pulled back in and sat on the floor.

Her eyes went wide as she sat next to me. "Did you see what happened?"

"Yep."

"Did you see how strong Richard is?" My little sister was so cute when she was awestruck.

"Yep."

"Are you okay, Sylv?"

"Yep, just tired."

“Mom sent me up to see if you were awake yet. She has leftovers from breakfast and lunch waiting for you."

My stomach pleaded with me in fear that I might not feed it. As if I could stop it.

Tam giggled at my loud digestive system as she headed for the door. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah, I'll get dressed and be right down."

She closed the door behind her and I was alone in the quiet room. I should’ve had Tam help me up. I was tired and sore and
really
didn't want to move. The clock, that seldom lied, said it was one in the afternoon. I still felt as though I hadn't slept. Groaning, I got up and dressed.

Two more weeks until the sleepwalking stops. In less than two more weeks, I would be the queen zombie.