The Brown House

by Christy Sloat

  “Ephraim is a good person and they are trash,” Lyn said all of a sudden, with venom in her words.

  “Lynley, they’re still family,” Ephraim said sternly. “I don’t think it’s fair, but I don’t hate them. They’re just born and bred bullies. We have been known as Mayhem Mayhew’s since the family moved here. It all started with…”

  “Oscar Mayhew,” I blurted out, interrupting him.

  “Yeah exactly. How did you know that?”

  “Um Lyn told me about the Brown’s and the Mayhew’s,” I informed him. He nodded and continued to drive to school. We didn’t speak anymore after that. Ephraim was pretty quiet and reserved. I was having a hard time seeing him as a bully. I knew first-hand what they were like and he didn’t fit the type. We pulled into the long driveway to the school parking lot. The school was an old brick building, two stories high, with a looming look to it. It didn’t look like my school back home, or any school for that matter. Our schools had outdoor quads and buildings. We walked from class to class outside but here we would be in a building all day, no sun, no air.

  He pulled the truck into the parking spot and killed the engine. He didn’t get out, he just sat in the truck. Lyn sat still too. Was I missing something? I scanned the parking lot and noticed some kids looking our way. I realized they must be the cousins. I saw the resemblance; they were all tall with the same caramel colored hair. Except they had more of a ruggedness to them, and they didn’t dress like he did. They were more like Lyn had said, trashy. One of them was smoking and he threw it toward the truck, then they all walked into the building.

  I didn’t understand how they were being so mean to him. There had to be more to the story. Suddenly my stomach growled and I knew it was the nervousness of starting a new school.

  Lyn opened the door and grabbed her bag, “Come on, the first bell is going to ring soon and we have to get you to the office,” she demanded. Ephraim pulled out a navy blue beanie and pulled it on his head. It was funny how such a simple beanie could make him look so cute.

  “Thanks for the ride,” I said to him as he still sat in the truck. He turned and smiled, my heart melted just a bit more.

  “No problem. Good luck today.”

  It turned out I had two classes with Lyn, first period Biology and Trigonometry. I had no clue if Ephraim and I would see each other at all, but I still had hope. I found my first class thanks to Lyn, she waited for me outside the office. On the way there she explained why, instead of naming our school after the town of Wilson, it was named after Arthur Mason. Apparently this Arthur Mason did so much for our town they named the high school after him. So now I attended Mason High, and our mascot was an ugly red fox. Pictures of the mascot, whom everyone referred to as ‘Foxy’ hung around the halls. I liked foxes sure, but this terrible rendition was making me hate them. I couldn’t imagine getting used to being a student here. We started into a half run at the sound of the final bell, which I learned was the final warning before you were tardy.

  Biology was basic and boring. I sat there daydreaming about Ephraim the whole time. Wondering what he was doing while I sat here listening to my new teacher Mr. Hargis drone on and on about things I already knew. I snuck a peak at Lyn, who listened intently to every word he said, even taking notes from time to time. The rest of the class was either listening or sleeping. There were absolutely no cute guys in here but there were tons of beautiful girls. They were all dressed perfectly, still wearing shorts with either long sleeved shirts or sweaters. They all had nice tans, which was different from Lyn. Lyn’s pure white legs almost blinded me. She stood out with her red hair and pale complexion. To me though, she was prettier than any girl in here.

  Finally the bell rang for second period and Lyn and I met up at the door. “Dreadfully awful class huh?”

  “Yeah, I learned all of it before at my old school back home,” I said as we walked into the busy hall. “So I don’t really think it will be too tough.” Lyn pulled me closer to her just in time; a large group of girls passed us and almost knocked me down.

  “Jeez!” I shouted. What was their problem? I took a good look at them, there was about seven of them all joined at each other’s hips. Watching them walk was like watching super models walk on a runway, except they didn’t have the good looks models do. These girls were pretty, but they were certainly not beautiful. Although, you could tell they thought they were. They shook their hips like they demanded attention.

  The leader of their snotty pack had long brown wavy hair that was pulled into a high bouffant style in the front and let loose in the back. She was a bit short and round, wearing shorts that were way to short and a sweatshirt that said, ‘ SEXY’ on the front. The other girls varied in looks, some with hairstyles like the leader and others with short bobs. They all wore the same short shorts and shirts that either showed too much or said something trampy.

  “That’s her,” Lyn said, as she pulled me toward my second period class. “That’s Marcy and her slut pack.” I laughed as she said this, but she stayed stone-faced serious.

  “That’s the girl that picks on you?”

  “She doesn’t quite pick on me, she is just mean to me. It’s not only me that she targets, she gets everyone. You will either side with her or you will be the…”

  “The enemy. I get it and I would rather be the enemy then hang with her. How is she even popular?” I watched Marcy chew her gum and play with a boy’s hair. He smiled like she was the Queen of Sheba.

  “I don’t know exactly, I guess because no one is brave enough to stand up to her. There’s lots of clique’s here; the jocks, the snobs, the beautiful girls and guys, and then there’s the dorks.”

  She gestured to herself and I shrugged. I wasn’t planning on being in any clique, I just wanted to get through this school year and I hoped to spend it with Lyn as my friend and myself on Ephraim’s arm. I wanted to have my junior year go as smooth as possible, and to avoid girls like Marcy.

  I separated from Lyn reluctantly and walked to my second period class, World History. The class was full of those girls from the so-called slut pack. I also recognized a few of Ephraim’s cousins; they stared at me as I walked in. One of them said, “Look at the hot new girl.” I blushed. I was used to guys looking at me like that, but it still embarrassed me. I found my seat after giving the teacher my schedule. She told me to sit next to a pretty brunette who smiled at me as I sat.

  Finally, after enduring a long and boring lecture on history’s finest wars, the bell rang. I flew out of my seat, almost forgetting my bag. Third period was Art II, which was not a good thing to see on my schedule since I had already taken this class last year. I was hoping this school had an excelled art class, but I soon found out it did not. So I would be taking Art II once again.

  The Art classroom was actually pretty nice. Instead of wood tabletops they had marble. It was full of natural light with several skylights above and no fake fluorescent lighting. I also noticed a dark room with a sign lit up saying, “In Use.” I found the art teacher sitting at his desk and I handed him my schedule. He looked up at me and I noticed he looked young.

  “Brylee Branson, huh? Well, Brylee why are you in Art II?”

  “I should be in a more advanced class really. I took this class last year,” I answered honestly. I was a bit taken back by his rude tone. I deserved to be in this class.

  He stood up and looked at the sketchbook in my hands, “May I see it?”

  “No, this is my private sketch book. It’s not intended for teacher’s eyes.” My face blushed. I was not prepared to show him my private drawings. But he pressed, “If you want to be taken seriously you will let me look, then I can see whether you are ready for a more advanced placement.”

  I gave it to him reluctantly and stared at the ground. He flipped through the pages, making strange noises that didn’t sound reassuring. He handed it back to me and sat back down in his chair.

  “You’re right, you are ready for the next stage. I have an offer for
you. Since the school’s art placement pretty much stops here, how would you like to be the student aide?”

  I had to think about this for a second. He was asking me to be his aide and not a student. I would still be learning under him, but I would also be helping the other kids.

  “Sure, sounds great,” I said.

  “Good. Now here’s the deal; once we teach the class I will show you a few techniques. You will be graded on how well you teach them.” He pointed to the other kids. “Also on how well you attain my instruction.” I nodded. It sounded like a dream.

  “Okay Branson you sit here and observe today.” I sat in his seat and listened to him teach the most basic skills. Once the class was over I heard the shuffle of the darkroom doors opening and I looked over to see who was coming out. It was Ephraim. His eyes scanned the room before noticing me. I smiled and he walked over toward me still adjusting his eyes to the light. He smelled like rotten eggs, developer. Ugh! It was still hot though, he was a photographer. I didn’t know that about him. I enjoyed learning new things about him, it made me want to learn as much as I could. I was developing something of my own, a crush.

  Chapter Nine

  “Art II, huh?” Ephraim asked, as I grabbed my bag and walked toward the exit.

  “Yeah well, I already took this course last year so I guess I am the teacher’s aide now.” He stopped and looked at me in amazement. I don’t think he thought I could have the talent to pass this course.

  “Let me see your schedule.” I didn’t ask questions I just handed it to him. He looked it over giving a sigh after he was done. He handed it back, “Here. You’re pretty smart, huh? I see we have three classes together. Art II, P.E., and Psychology.”

  I was now ecstatic. We had three classes together and we drove together; the only bummer was we wouldn’t eat lunch together. I still couldn’t believe that he would not be in the cafeteria with us. It seemed so weird that he hid from his cousins. He was built like an eighteen year old. Just from looking at him in his gray thermal, I could see the six-pack and the pectoral muscles. I had to stop staring at his body, that was a big no-no! Girls weren’t supposed to eye up the guy, were they?

  “Brylee, you better get going, the lunch bell is going to ring. I am sure Lyn will freak out if you’re not in line with her. I guess I will see you fifth period.” He turned and walked away. I was sad to see him go.

  “Hey, Ephraim wait!” I shouted. “I don’t get it, why can’t you just eat lunch with us?” He stopped and turned around looking a little shocked at my nosy question. His hair was now completely hanging in his blue eyes.

  “It’s not like I am hiding out or anything. The principal asked me to sit in my history class.” He clutched his folder as it slipped from his hands. “We just got into too many fights. You see, my cousin is going out with my ex.”

  That explained it! It wasn’t just the fact that he didn’t hang out with them anymore. It was way more complicated than just that.

  “Amber was my girlfriend for a long time. She hated me hanging with my cousins. She said they were trouble.”

  We started to walk toward the cafeteria. I guessed he was walking me, I wasn’t sure. I just followed him like a little puppy dog.

  “Then she broke up with me this summer. Gave me no reason, just said we were growing apart. Next thing I know, she is dating my favorite cousin, John. He and I had been like best friends. Not anymore though!” His voice turned cold and angry.

  I heard the bell ring for lunch. I didn’t want to leave him now, I wanted to stay and talk to him. I didn’t really care about lunch anyway. My stomach was still in knots from nerves. I knew I had to go; Lyn would be waiting for me. I pulled my bag over my shoulder and he turned and walked away.

  I reached the cafeteria, still baffled by Ephraim’s story about his ex. He was still not over her, that was more than obvious. I hated this girl and I didn’t even know her. I just didn’t understand why his cousin, John, would date her. Wasn’t there some guy code? Especially a family code. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and pulled it free. It was Lyn.

  Where r u?

  I saw her standing in front of the doors and I waved to her. Her hair was a mess! She looked like she got into a fight with her hairbrush and the brush won.

  “What happened to your hair?” I asked, smiling.

  “P.E. happened. Ugh, he had us playing volleyball. I can’t play any sports whatsoever.” I didn’t really see Lyn as the sporty type. Who was I kidding? I wasn’t the sporty type either. Sure I did cheer, but that was more of a social event for me.

  We walked into the cafeteria and everyone stopped what they were doing and looked directly at me. I didn’t want to look back at them but I did. I saw Marcy and her pack whispering to each other. I also saw the Mayhew’s and a beautiful blonde standing with the one who threw the cigarette in the parking lot, John.

  The blonde, Amber, looked like a mystical fairy. She was short and pixie like, with hair that reached her lower back. Her blue adorable dress was hugging her small frame. She laughed with intensity at something John said then turned to look at me. Her eyes were blue and couldn’t be prettier. She was very different from me. Where I was tall and a bit more filled out, she was short and skinny. Although she pulled it off, she was super tiny. I didn’t see her with Ephraim. He was tall like me and I think they would have made a strange looking pair.

  “Okay, stop staring at her Brylee,” Lyn said as she pulled me to the lunch line.

  “She’s super pretty. I don’t stand a chance! Your brother isn’t even over her yet. I mean look at her, she’s perfect.”

  Lyn just laughed as she grabbed her and I a tray then filled them both with nachos. I didn’t care what she got me for lunch. I was jealous and nervous and didn’t feel like eating.

  “Brylee you are perfect, she is a snob. She broke my brother’s heart because she wanted John. That doesn’t seem like something a perfect girl would do.”

  I told her what Ephraim confessed to me while she filled up my nacho plate even more and got me a soda. We paid and I followed her to our table directly across from her cousins. I didn’t want to sit by them.

  “Why are we sitting here?” I asked her as she sat down and took a bite.

  “They’re harmless to me. Besides, I like sitting here because they don’t talk crap about Ephraim while I’m around. They respect me that much.”

  I noticed one of them get up from the table. He was walking over to us. I turned my head hoping he would go back to his own table, but he came over anyway.

  “Hey Lynley, who’s your friend?”

  He was short and broad shouldered and didn’t look anything like Ephraim. His face was covered in pimples; he needed some serious skin care. Lyn smiled at him and introduced us, “Derrick this is Brylee, my new next door neighbor.” He took my hand and kissed it. I ripped it away and realized I was acting like a total, well a Leslie.

  “Hi sorry, I’m just nervous. New day at a new school and all.” He seemed to believe my lie and sat with us. I shoved the food in my mouth only to avoid talking to him. He and Lynley talked about a class they shared together. I continued to shove nachos in my mouth. At this rate I would throw up before the end of the day. Then, right before he got up and walked away, he asked the wrong question.

  “What house did you move into?” I just looked at him. I didn’t want to answer. I knew what people’s reactions were about my house. Lyn was terrified to come over and Kayla said it was cursed. After last night I wasn’t too sure that they were wrong in their assumptions.

  “The um… brown one.” His jaw fell slack and almost hit the floor. I thought I saw the zits on his face go pale. Which was not only gross but also super weird. He backed away from me like I had some sort of disease and practically ran back to his own table. I could hear him tell them all where I lived. I also heard all the gasps. The news spread fast through the room. Now the whole school was staring at me as I tried to hide my face with my hair.

  Afte
r fourth period Trigonometry I had P.E. with Ephraim. I walked as fast as humanly possible to get there to see him but no luck. He had weight room and I had volleyball. The whole time I played everyone stayed away from me as if I had the plague. All due to the house I lived in.

  After we were done I changed clothes and headed to my next boring class, U.S. Literature. No one seemed to have gotten the memo about me in this class. No one stared or talked in hushed whispers about the new girl who lives in the haunted house. I started to think about last night and what I heard, or thought I heard. Maybe Dad was right after all. I had judged the house from the very beginning. I wasn’t happy there really, I wanted to go back home.

  Like he said this was our home now. Even though I didn’t want to be here I had to be here. I had no choice until I was eighteen. I had to stop listening to everyone talk about my house. They were freaking me out to the point of seeing things and hearing voices.

  Psychology was actually terrific. My seat was right behind Ephraim’s so I had a great view of his gorgeous tan neck. I wanted to reach out and kiss it. Somehow, I restrained myself and tried very hard to listen to my new teacher talk about psychosis and how it can affect the brain. After she talked for what seemed like hours on the same subject I was interrupted by Ephraim’s hand reaching behind him in a stretch. When his hand opened a note fell onto my desk.

  I reached for it making sure no one noticed it. It was a small piece of notepad paper folded into a swan. I loved swans and had no clue how he did this. I almost didn’t want to open it, but I pulled the wing open and the note almost popped free on its own. Inside was a simple letter: