Kelly pulls away from the curb and slowly exits the neighborhood. Cindy and Matthew have big smiles about their faces. For the first time, in a while; they feel free.
Kelly drives down Superior Avenue towards Pacific Coast Highway. She turns and hits the pedal to the floor. ‘Roxy Music’ is playing on the radio, sun’s out, and wind flows through their hair.
Kelly drives fast. She always has and always will. And with her good looks, nine times out of ten, she will not get a speeding ticket. She claims to Cindy that she can talk her way out of any ticket. Especially single, attractive, and horny police officers.
Kelly drives past the Frog House and stops at the light at 60th street. Her old boyfriend pulls up next to her. His name is Brian Wilson. Everyone for years made fun of his name. He thinks it’s ‘bitchin’ and uses it to pick up chicks. Brian is twenty-three-years old, good physique, and a surfer. His father knows Frank. Kelly and Brian were supposed to be married. Brian was also the star football and baseball player and track athlete at Huntington Beach High School. Brian surfs on the north-side of Huntington Beach pier and the cliffs. He also races motorcycles and dates many women. This is the reason Kelly broke up with Brian. His mother still calls her, begging her to give him one more chance. Kelly will have nothing to do with him. Brian pulls up in a 1969 Chevelle 396 SS. It’s black pearl, with custom red leather interior. It sounds like a demon when the engine revs. Brian looks at Kelly and smiles.
“Hey, Kelly, look, it’s dad’s old boyfriend,” says Matthew. Cindy laughs, then high-fives Matthew.
“Guys. don’t look. Don’t say anything.” Says Kelly.
“Hey, Brian,” says Cindy. Brian revs his engine.
“Nice ride, man,” says Matthew.
“You guys are such assholes. What did I say?”
“Hey, Kelly, what’s up?” asks Brian.
“Nothing much, in from school. Just visiting,” replies Kelly.
“You’re looking good. What you got under that hood?” Kelly looks at Matthew and Cindy and laughs.
“What a fag.” Says Matthew softly.
“God, he’s such a dick,” Kelly says softly to her siblings.
“It’s a BMW 3 Series,” says Kelly.
“No shit,” sarcastically says Brian as his white teeth glare through his tanned face. “I’ll make you a deal. We drag until Brookhurst Street. If I win, date tonight.”
“What if I win?” asks Kelly.
“You win a date with me,” replies Brian. “Either way, you can’t lose.” Brian smiles and lashes his tongue like Gene Simmons at Kelly. Kelly looks at Matthew and Cindy, red faced from laughing.
“I swear, he’s such an idiot.” Says Matthew.
Both drivers rev engines on the two-lane road. It’s a long light. There’s a reason. The police catch up with the other drivers, and for years, this section of the Pacific Coast Highway is known for dragging. Dragging and cars flying off the road in the wildlife reservoir. Pedestrians being ran over at 90 miles per hour.
The light turns green. Brian spins the back wheels of his Chevy. He thinks it looks cool. Kelly is more skilled. No screech. She pulls ahead by a car length. Brian takes off and quickly catches up. Kelly grips the wheels and looks at her dash. She shifts perfectly before redlining, avoiding the valves cutting out. Brian’s engine is screaming and jumping closer and closer. He has a custom four on the floor with racing clutch and drag racing transmission. Both cars are about even now as the Brookhurst sign is in view. If the sign stays green, rules are, they drag until Magnolia. Both cars are dead even as the Brookhurst light turns red. Kelly quickly slows down before the inner section, giving Brian the win. Brian looks back at Kelly and waves his left arm out his window like a NASCAR driver. He does this, not realizing he ran a red light. A highway patrol officer sitting by the shack, off the road, on his motorcycle; pulls over Brian. Matthew and Cindy are laughing so loud, they’re tearing up.
“You were kicking his ass, what happened?” asks Matt.
“I let him win. You’re right, Matt. However,” Kelly and Cindy say in unison, “it’s going to cost him.”
The black BMW passes by Brian slowly. Matthew and Cindy taunt Brian.
“Nice bushy, bushy, blonde hair doo!” exclaims Matthew."
“Loser!” yells Cindy.
“I’ll call you tonight!!” yells Brian.
Kelly laughs aloud. Cindy high-fives Kelly. The victorious three ride northbound on PCH towards their favorite ‘Harbor House Café.’
Kelly, Matthew, and Cindy sit at a red booth next to the window. Kelly observes her car, and watches couples walking and holding hands. Her facial expression changes when she sees this. For some reason, she’s not good at long-term relationships.
“You both ever people watch?”
“People what?” asks Matthew. Cindy shakes her head, as she looks at the surfing pictures on the wall.
“People watch,” says Kelly. “You sit at a restaurant. Look at everyone. Interject on how they feel, what they are saying. Are they in love, on a first date, are they arguing? It’s fun. If you concentrate hard enough, you may know what they are thinking.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Says Cindy.
“Maybe it’s all the weed she smokes at college.”
Kelly takes a napkin, crumples it up, and throws it at Matthew.
A waitress, around twenty-four-years old, arrives at their table. Blonde hair, white skin, and tattoos all around her arms. She also has an Orange County attitude to go with her look.
“So, what you guys want?” asks the waitress.
“Grilled cheese with tomato soup, French fries, and Coke,” Cindy Says.
“Double cheese-burger, fries, and a chocolate malt,” says Matthew.
“Grilled chicken salad for me, and a beer. Any lager will do,” says Kelly.
The waitress looks over the three and raises her eyebrows and sighs. “Ok,” she says in sarcastic tone.
Cindy continues looking over the surfing pictures. She looks at one of ‘Richie Collins.’ “He’s cute,” says Cindy.
“Like you’d have a chance with him, lame-o,” says Matthew." Cindy punches Matthew in the arm. Matthew punches back.
“Guys, stop it,” says Kelly.
“How’s your boyfriend at USD?” asks Cindy.
“He’s ok.” Kelly rolls her eyes, raises her brows, and stares at two surfers walking across PCH.
“Do Mom and Dad know?” asks Matthew.
“Definitely not,” says Kelly. "And you both better not say a word, or I’ll kick the crap out of both of you.
“I couldn’t care less. Don’t freak out on me,” says Matthew.
“You know I won’t say anything,” says Cindy.
“I know you won’t. It’s bigmouth here I’m worried about.”
“I don’t have a big mouth,” says Matthew.
“Yeah, sure you don’t,” Kelly and Cindy reply in unison.
Kelly reaches in her black leather jacket, pulls out a small box, and gives it to Cindy. Cindy admires the burgundy box with black ribbon neatly tied. There is a tag attached with the words reading: ‘For my little sister.’ Cindy opens the box then looks it over. She removes a white gold necklace with a crucifix. Cindy’s eyes widen. It’s the same exact necklace that she wore in her dream. Cindy’s hands shake as she remembers the dream.
“It’s white gold. The cross is laced with real diamonds.”
“It’s beautiful.” Cindy admires the necklace. She looks it over like a long-lost friend.
“Glad you like it, kiddo.” Kelly reaches over and brushes her hand on Cindy’s face.
“Why didn’t you get me something?” asks Matthew.
“Because you’re a little shit and bother your sister, that’s why,” replies Kelly.
Kelly gazes off into the world outside the café. She looks as if something is deeply troubling her. She looks like a dopehead ready to confess she is using again.
“You want to hear som
ething I learned in school? It really bothers me.”
“How to become an alcoholic?” Matthew says sarcastically.
“Is he always this obnoxious?” asks Kelly laughing.
“Yes, and beyond,” replies Cindy sternly.
The waitress returns and places their drinks without looking at the three. She drops them down, splattering liquid everywhere, then turns away and walks quickly. Kelly, Matthew, and Cindy laugh.
“Thanks a lot,” says Kelly. “Ok, anyway, in school, I’m studying American History. One of my professors is half American Indian. He was explaining a large part of Orange County was built on Indian Burial Grounds. I did some archive research. He is right. By 1771, this whole area was wiped out. Right here where we sit.” Kelly continues to stare out the window.
“Wiped out by whom?” Matthew asks.
“By Spanish conquistadors,” says Cindy.
“You’re right. Well, what do you know? Check out the big brain on sister,” replies Kelly.
“I know the story,” Cindy says proudly.
“Not like I know,” says Kelly. “Anyway, most history books don’t call it murder. But it was. It was genocide. The Missions were built by the ideas of the new world philosophies, freedom in conjunction with slavery. Many American Indians were wiped out by influenza and sexual disease. Others by cruel acts of murder. What bothers me most is our neighborhood is built on a burial site. During my research, I learned when the land was dug, the graves were desecrated. Proper reburials were not given.”
“So, what you’re saying is, our home is haunted?” asks Cindy.
“No, what I’m saying is, demonic acts can leave demonic traces. They never leave us.”
Kelly leans over the table closer to her siblings and lowers her voice.
“Demons walk the earth searching for a home, a place of rest. If they fail, they come back in stronger numbers. They search through people, homes, structures, rivers, anything that will absorb evil. They look for open doors in other worlds. You guys should know this from your Bible school studies.”
“We haven’t been to church for a while,” says Cindy.
“I knew it, why not?” Kelly asks.
Matthew interrupts quickly, “What do you mean by open doors?”
Kelly looks over the diner, sighs then continues, "A person must summon an evil spirit, invite it. Once the spirit enters our world, the only way back is for it to leave through the same door. Since they are demons and not human, they don’t want to leave. They want our flesh, our thoughts, our emotions, our feelings of love for other humans. In fact, demons want to know what it’s like to be human. They are jealous of us. They hate us. They are not our friends. That is the premise of possession. Remember this, demons will do anything to avoid going back to hell. You have to remember; they are punished angels for all eternity.
Kelly continues looking out the window. She speaks, not looking at her siblings, “Be honest, have you ever walked in your room and the lights are out, everyone is downstairs. All of a sudden, you’re overcome with fear. Tingles through your whole body. You run out?”
The waitress brings their food. She almost smashed the plates on the table.
“Thank for your help,” Kelly says sarcastically. “And your gracious attitude.” Waitress walks away quickly without a word spoken.
“I know exactly what you mean. It’s happened to me before. I have really bad dreams, sometimes also,” says Cindy.
“Nothing like that never happens with me. You both must have some serious mental problems,” Matthew replies with his mouth full of food.
“Well, that’s them,” says Kelly.
“It freaks me out. Sometimes my back gets tight., I have trouble breathing. It happened at Tara’s house a few times also,” replies Cindy.
“That explains why maybe Mom and Dad aren’t getting along,” says Matthew.
“You’re way off,” replies Kelly. “Mom and Dad have been fighting for years. We all need to be supportive of them. All families have problems. This is the time when families bond together. Pull together and take care of each other.”
Matthew and Cindy look at their plates and shuffle their food around.
“And yes, pray together also. You guys know this,” says Kelly. Kelly pauses for a moment, then takes a few bites of her chicken salad.
“Guys, I’m not trying to scare you both. Just relax, everything will be cool again. If Matthew stops being an ass, we’ll all go shopping at South Coast Plaza.”
There is no answer from Matthew and Cindy. They both are fixated on their plates eating their lunch. Matt takes a big drink of chocolate malt, then burps out loud. Cindy takes her straw, sips some Coke then spits it at Matthew.
“Stop it!” Matthew says.
“No, you stop it!” replies Cindy.
“You stop it!” says Matthew.
“No, you stop!” replies Cindy. Cindy punches. Matthew on the arm. Hard.
“Ouch. Stop it.”
Chapter Twelve
Kelly’s black BMW pulls in front of their home. Matthew opens the door, grabs his new video games and quickly runs across the street to his friend’s home. He doesn’t say thank you or anything else to his sisters. He says that he’ll be home sometime tonight.
Cindy walks out of the car completely transformed. Her hair is straightened, no glasses, and very stylish and mature clothing. Kelly closes the car door, leans against it and lights a cigarette. She looks at her younger sister and smiles. Kelly’s wanted to treat her to shopping and makeover for some time now. She is more than at the results.
“You look hot, kiddo,” says Kelly.
“Thanks, you are going in?”
“In a few, I’m going to chill here for a bit.” Kelly takes a drag of cigarette.
Cindy walks out of sight and through the front door.
“Don’t stay out too long.”
“I won’t,” replies Kelly.
Steven’s 68 Camaro pulls next to Kelly. His girlfriend Kim is with him. Kim is eighteen years old, has brown hair with highlights, brown eyes, and a few tattoos on her arms and cleavage area. Kim sits in the passenger seat listening to ‘Faster Pussycat’. Steven turns down the music.
“Hey, Kelly, home from school?” Steven says. Kelly exhales a big drag from her cigarette.
“Yeah,” replies Kelly. “Cindy told me about the problems you and Dad been having. So, here I am.”
“Kel, get over here,” says Steven. Kelly flips her cigarette then walks to the driver side of Steven’s Camaro.
“Is Dad home?” asks Steve.
“I haven’t gone in yet. Why don’t you go inside with me?” says Kelly.
“Just do me a favor. All I’m asking is that you check if Dad’s inside,” replies Steven.
“Steven, if you and Dad are having problems, the best is to settle things with him.” Kelly looks more closely at Steven.
“Steven, you aren’t home anymore. I must agree with Dad in this matter. It is disrespectful.”
“Fuckin’ shit, Kel, all I’m asking is one little favor. I’ve covered your ass many times. Please go inside and see if Dad’s home. Now you’re giving me shit, just like everyone else.”
Kelly looks closer at Steven. “Steven, Dad told me you’re never home anymore. This isn’t good, man. What’s going on? You high or something?” replies Kelly.
Steven’s hands clench the wheel of his steering wheel. He looks at Kim as she shrugs her shoulders. “What, now you too?” says Steven to Kim.
“I didn’t say a word,” replies Kim.
“Look, Steven, Dad’s car isn’t in the driveway. So, what’s your problem?” says Kelly.
Steven clenches his fist and pounds it on the dashboard.
“Thanks, Kelly, I’ll remember this one!” yells Steven. You are supposed to be my sister, supposed to be on my side. Now, I can’t trust you either.
Kelly tries diffusing the situation. “Look, come inside with me, let’s talk. We have much to catch up on. Get a
beer together?” replies Kelly.
“Fuck you then!” yells Steven.
“Ok then. Whoa.” Kelly says sarcastically.
Steven puts his Camaro in gear, he revs the 350 V8 full throttle. Kelly tries talking, but Steven cannot hear. Steven spins the rear tires and furiously drives away. Kim waves goodbye to Kelly.
Kelly walks in the family room area and sees Linda on the couch. She lays in front of the television watching ’West Side Story.’ Her eyes are wet with tears. There is a bottle of red wine and four Vicodin on the coffee table. Granma sits in her favorite rocking chair, same robe, same slippers; willfully swaying to the music over the television. She sports a huge grin on her old, seasoned face.
“Hi Grannie.” Her grandmother nods at her.
Kelly walks to her mother, leans down, and whispers to Linda, “Mom, are you ok?”
Linda doesn’t answer. She watches as Maria and one of the Jets sing in the alleyway. Linda places her hand over her heart. She doesn’t recognize her daughter is near hear. Her mother’s is so high on drugs; her eyes look that of a serpent. Kelly is concerned. The problem stems much deeper than she understands.
“Mother!” Kelly exclaims. Linda’s vision is blurred at first. She shakes her head and smiles.
“Oh, hi, baby. How are you? Did you guys have fun? You know how much your brother and sister look up to you? I’m sorry I haven’t been feeling well lately. These migraines are really taking a toll on me. I want to cook, but I feel so tired, so drained. I haven’t slept lately; and I keep having these horrible vivid dreams about us. I can’t move, I feel drained, like someone or something is holding me down.”
“Well, Matthew is across the street, no doubt playing video games. Cindy is upstairs admiring her new look. Steve’s with Kim, and we already had dinner. So, don’t worry, Mom, relax and enjoy your favorite movie. And I must say, it’s a good one,”
“It reminds me of your father and I when we were young,” She wipes tears from her face. Linda’s voice is soft, loving, but a bit spaced out.
“Honey, can I tell you a secret?” asks Linda.
“You know you can tell me anything, mommy. You know I love you so much. Tell me, it’ll always been our secret,” states Kelly.
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