“I promise. Please!”
“Come on, man.” David vouched for me, “Your sister is cool. I’m sure we can manage the space in the Jeep.”
“Don’t take her side! Jesus,” Josh exclaimed. “It’s my Jeep and I make the rules.”
“Technically,” I pointed out, “it’s Mom and Dad’s Jeep. You just get to drive it.”
“Whatever! I put the gas in it. I clean it. I use it.”
“And they pay for it,” I added. “Come on! I can’t ride the bus anymore.”
“Why? Are you suddenly too cool for it?” He shut the fridge door. “Why could you ride it today, but can’t anymore?”
“Isn’t it enough to know that I just can’t? Don’t you remember when you were a junior last year? You started driving the Jeep because you hated the bus.”
“Barely,” David blurted. “Some days, we all took bets on if we’d make it to school alive.”
“Shut it,” Josh said, trying to hold back his own grin. “I wasn’t that bad.”
“Uh, yeah you were. We figured you must have hit on the Driver’s Ed instructor and she enjoyed it. Who else would be crazy enough to give you a license?”
“You’re not helping!” Josh clicked his tongue. “What’s the real reason, Charlie? Tell me and maybe, just maybe, I’ll consider it.”
How did I know it would come to this?
“Josh.” I sighed. I wasn’t about to confess to anything. Not that I liked Micah. Not that Samantha had started rumors about me having a crush on him. Not even about the stupid project and the possibility that I might have to give up my first kiss to him in the movie. I was lame. Though, Josh already knew that.
“Never mind. Forget it.” I grabbed a soda can from the pantry and stormed away, doing the best I could to hold in my tears.
“Don’t just walk away,” Josh called after me, but I ignored him.
I stomped to my room and slammed the door. I darted to my iHome and scanned through my playlist until I settled on The Chainsmokers. After cranking it as loud as I could, I opened my book bag and took out my textbooks. The last book was Micah’s borrowed copy of Frankenstein. Staring at the horrifying cover, I sat down on my bed, opened it to the first page, and began reading.
The story of Victor and Elizabeth drove my desire to keep reading page after page of the novel. I found myself snuggled deeply under layers of blankets, with a nearby lamp illuminating the pages as the hours passed. I only stopped when Mom opened my door to peer inside. She tapped the watch on her wrist.
“Dinner, Charlie. We thought you heard us calling for you.”
I looked up from my book, still processing what had just happened to Victor and his experiment. “Huh?” I pushed my fingers in between the pages as I looked at her.
“Dinner. Come eat. Put the book down.”
Oh, right. Food. I folded the top corner of the page and put the book face down on my comforter.
The lights above the dining table were bright and everyone had already dished a plate up for themselves. David was still there, too.
I took a seat and avoided eye contact with Josh. I dumped a spoonful of chicken flavored Rice-A-Roni onto my plate and started to eat as I listened to my dad and mom discuss their work day with each other.
“So, how was school today?” Dad turned his attention to me. He was a large man, and when I say large, I mean that his muscles reminded me of Popeye the Sailor Man after eating a can of spinach. My own tan complexion was nothing compared to his, since he was often out in the sun. His job as a diesel mechanic meant he used his hands all day, fixing paving trucks for a local construction company. He came home describing his day, sometimes including stories about the “idiots” he encountered, who ‘had no idea what they were doing.’ He worked hard at his job and was respected by his co-workers. At least Josh always knew if he ever needed anything for his Jeep, our dad was the man to see.
“School was all right,” I replied.
“What did you learn?” Dad lifted a biscuit to his mouth.
I snatched the biscuit Josh was about to grab. “I have to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, write a screenplay, and film a movie with Micah Jacobs.”
“Micah Jacobs?” Josh asked, but I ignored him. My dad’s wrinkled brow reflected the question: Who’s that? Should I know who that is?
“Micah Jacobs? As in…the guy from Georgia? I’ve heard some pretty shitty things about him,” Josh commented. I wrinkled my nose as I bit into the flaky biscuit. What exactly had Josh heard?
“Language,” Mom reprimanded him.
Josh went on, ignoring her. “I feel bad for you.”
“As you should,” I glared at him, “since he’s on my bus, too.”
Have you ever seen the light bulb go off over someone’s head?
“So that’s why…?” Josh lowered his fork, our eyes locking.
I bit the inside of my cheek. Of course, dummy. I wouldn’t ask you for a ride just because I enjoy your company!
“Who is Micah Jacobs?” Dad interjected.
David took a sip from his cup. “He’s a new student, Mr. Blake. I heard my brother Daan talking about him. I guess Micah hangs out with a rough crowd.”
My dad sighed. Mom touched my arm. “Do you want me to talk to your teacher?”
“No, Mom. It’s not a big deal. I can handle it,” I reassured her. “Either way, I’m reading Frankenstein and it’s been interesting.
“Thank goodness I never had to read that in school.” My mom was a smart woman. She was a secretary at the community college and active in our local town. She was the leader of a few book clubs, a bell ringer in the church bell choir, and every Wednesday, she held bible studies in our kitchen. Josh, my dad and I all loved Wednesdays because she baked her coveted M&M cookies. The downside was sharing them with members of the church.
“You could always just watch the movie,” Josh grinned. He preferred movies over reading. I have an ongoing bet with Jennifer and Rachel that Josh really doesn’t know how to read.
“I’d rather read the book first.” I took another bite of my dinner.
“Maybe you should plan watching the film. This is for Mrs. Tenner, right?” David asked.
I nodded.
David made his way to the sink and slipped his plate into the awaiting soapy water. “Yeah, just watch the movie. It might inspire you both in figuring out what you want to do with your own screenplay.”
I shrugged at the idea. As thrilled as Micah would be about seeing the Robert Di Niro version again, I was not, in fact, ecstatic to watch anyone get cut up, sewn up and then slaughtered again.
“I guess.” I glanced at Josh, who was pushing a few vegetables around his plate.
“Well, sounds like you have it all under control,” Dad replied, though he sounded uncertain. I didn’t blame him. I didn’t know what to say about it, either. After all, Micah Jacobs thought I had a crush on him. Now I was stuck in an English project with him, which might involve some sort of kissing. It all depended on whether Micah decided to be Victor or the monster.
My bet was on Victor.
“Little Do You Know”
Alex and Sierra
AFTER SHOWERING, I CURLED UP in bed and returned to reading Frankenstein. I glanced at my phone, noticing how inactive it had been all evening. Micah hadn’t even texted. As I touched the screen and unlocked my phone, I wondered why I cared. Micah Jacobs was probably hanging out with his friends, smoking and riding around in their junkie cars. But the more I lay in my bed, I found myself getting irritated in my decision to not hang out with him. Maybe I should have. Maybe I was expecting more out of this partnership than he was. With an exasperated sigh, I started to tap out a text to him.
CHARLIE: Haven’t heard from you at all tonight.
I sounded like a girlfriend. I deleted my words and tried again.
CHARLIE: Are you working on the screenplay?
Too desperate? I deleted my message again and sighed. After taking a moment to think, I decided to play it safe.
CHARLIE: So, I’ve been reading Frankenstein all night.
I watched as my text was sent and read: DELIVERED. About two minutes later, his name appeared on my home screen.
MICAH: Oh, yea? How’s Frank treating ya?
CHARLIE: Good, I guess.
MICAH: Figured u’d be reading it 2night
CHARLIE: I’ve been pretty engrossed.
MICAH: Ha! Welcome to the world of non-girly books.
MICAH: Been workin on the screenplay.
CHARLIE: Oh, yeah? How is that going?
CHARLIE: Not all the books I read are girly.
MICAH: Debatable.
MICAH: I’ve written the most epic death scene ever.
CHARLIE: Aren’t we going to try to keep it true to the novel? Isn’t that the whole point?
MICAH: Ur not even close to the end.
MICAH: Maybe the monster and Vic have the most epic death ever?
MICAH: U have no idea until you finish.
CHARLIE: I guess? I’m not there yet.
MICAH: Exactly.
MICAH: Lemme work my magic.
CHARLIE: So, who are you going to be in our film?
CHARLIE: Victor or the Monster?
MICAH: I guess the question really is who do u want me to be?
MICAH: ;)
CHARLIE: If you’re trying to be funny, you’re not.
MICAH: Aw, come on, Charlie!
MICAH: Figured I’d be Vic—we could make the monster or have someone else do it.
CHARLIE: Right.
MICAH: I guess I could ask one of my friends to help if you want.
MICAH: I’m sure one of them would be up for it.
CHARLIE: Sounds good!
MICAH: And then that makes you Elizabeth.
CHARLIE: I guess so.
CHARLIE: Or I could just be the monster if need be.
MICAH: I kinda need a maiden to yearn 4 me.
MICAH: Figured u were already that girl ;)
MICAH: So the part should be easy 4 u.
CHARLIE: Don’t flatter yourself.
MICAH: I’m not! It’s the truth!!!
CHARLIE: I already told you, Sam is full of it.
MICAH: It’s ok that u like me, Charlie.
CHARLIE: I think I’m going to go to bed now.
MICAH: Don’t be like that.
I pushed my hand into the comforter, looking away from my phone. He made my stomach feel as though it were twisted in knots. I didn’t want to entertain his suspicions of me ‘liking’ him, no matter how true it might be. I didn’t want anyone to find out and use it to hurt me. Not like last time.
MICAH: Charlie?
MICAH: Helllllllllooooo?
MICAH: Don’t make me come over there.
MICAH: Cuz I will.
MICAH: HELLLLLOOOO?
MICAH: EARTH TO CHARLIE!!!
I sighed, irritated as I scrolled through our conversation. Just as much as I kind of hated Micah for his cocky attitude, I honestly did like him. He had a great smile and a refreshing sense of humor. I liked the sound of his voice and the way his jaw flexed when he laughed. But I’d never admit this to him, at least not so openly.
CHARLIE: Yeah, I’m here. You can stop panicking.
MICAH: Geesh!
MICAH: U really had me worried.
CHARLIE: I’ll be Elizabeth with a condition.
I held my breath as I started to text him my stipulation. I wanted to make sure we had clear boundaries. I didn’t want any more rumors or drama. Mostly, I didn’t want to give Samantha any more ammunition to work with. She might have already told everyone I had a crush on him, but I didn’t want her to fabricate more. I knew if she could start a rumor about my feelings, she could easily manipulate the story into us kissing, dating…and having sex.
MICAH: Condition? We’re negotiating now?
CHARLIE: Do you want an Elizabeth or not?
MICAH: Fine, what do u want?
CHARLIE: There will be absolutely no kissing in our screenplay.
CHARLIE: I know the importance Elizabeth plays in Victor’s story and while I’m all about keeping true to Shelley’s vision, I’m also trying to look out for myself.
MICAH: Right…uh…
CHARLIE: I’m willing to dedicate as much time as needed on this project to get a good grade, but I’m not going to do something that I’m not comfortable with.
MICAH: Right…makes sense.
CHARLIE: That’s the only thing.
MICAH: So u don’t want to kiss me.
CHARLIE: I don’t want to kiss anyone for academic purposes.
MICAH: What if it’s not for academic purposes?
MICAH: Have u ever been kissed b4?
I probably should have seen that question coming. Almost everyone at some point in their adolescent life has found themselves faced with the oh-so-embarrassing and yet not so important question of, “Have you ever been kissed before?” From what I understand, once you’ve hit the age of eighteen, no one really cares whether or not you’ve kissed someone. Getting a car, buying cigarettes, and the impending drinking age of twenty-one takes precedence. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be kissed or that I hadn’t ever thought about it before, because I certainly had. The opportunity had just never presented itself with the right person.
MICAH: Charlie?
CHARLIE: Does it really matter? That’s as-needed information.
MICAH: I’d say it’s needed.
CHARLIE: My experience with kissing has nothing to do with our English project.
MICAH: But can’t I know as a friend?
CHARLIE: We’re friends?
MICAH: Aren’t we? Wouldn’t u consider us that?
CHARLIE: …I guess we could be?
MICAH: It’s pretty obvious u’ve never been kissed.
MICAH: It’s ok, Charlie.
MICAH: I won’t tell anyone ;)
CHARLIE: I’m going to read a few more pages of Frankenstein and go to bed.
MICAH: Suit urself.
MICAH: Right when the convo was gettin good.
CHARLIE: Goodnight, Micah.
MICAH: C u on the bus!
I decided to say nothing to Micah about riding the bus. Josh hadn’t necessarily agreed, yet, but I still hoped he’d show some compassion and take me to school in his Jeep. I plugged my phone onto the charger and pulled the blanket over my head as I grabbed the half-read novel and continued the journey with Victor and his demented manmade monster. I had nightmares that night.
THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE I was looking for something to eat, Josh stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, lifting his hand to show his keys.
“Still want that lift to school?” His eyebrows rose as I stared at him. Was Josh serious? He jingled the set of keys again with a smirk. I suddenly wanted to kiss him on the cheek, but that would be weird. Like, gross weird.
“I take your silence as a yes?” Josh inquired again, gesturing to the front door behind him. “If you want me to drive you to school, I’m heading out now. I still have to pick up David, J and Ben.”
I nodded quickly, “Yeah! Yes. I’m coming!”
“Good.” Josh started toward the door. I snatched the small bag of pretzels quickly, deciding to eat them later in the Jeep. Grabbing my backpack, I swung the strap over my shoulder and raced after him. This was great. I wouldn’t have to face Micah first thing in the morning. I could hang out with Josh and his friends, then slide right into class. Josh and I walked out to the driveway, where the Jeep was waiting. He got in first, not bothering to unlock the passenger door. Grinning like a jerk, he took his time adjusting himself in his seat. Only after I tugged on the door latch a few times, did he flick the button to unlock it for me.
“Nice,” I grumbled sarcastically as I climbed in.
I loved the Jeep. There had been a few times when I’d asked Josh to teach me how to drive it, but he always gave me the did-you-really-just-ask-me-that? expression. He’d roll his eyes and mumble a “yeah right” as he walked away. I understood, after asking him a few times, all of my driving lessons would have to happen in one of my parents’ vehicles.
Josh started the Jeep just as the yellow school bus turned into our development and made its way down the street. I sunk into the passenger seat, munching on my crunchy pretzels.
“You know, if that Micah Jacobs kid gives you crap, you could just tell me and I’d take care of it.”
I snorted as I shoved a pretzel into my mouth. Wordlessly, I clicked the seatbelt into place and shook my head.
The Songs in Our Hearts: A Young Adult Romance Page 4
