"Are you still going on your date with him?" Heather's eyelids opened wide.
"You bet. There's no way I'd miss this." Tricia bit her bottom lip.
"What if your parents find out?"
Francine rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't be caught dead with him. This is a Shoresmen we're talking about." Speaking with the pompous authority fuelled only by gossip, Francine flicked her hair back. "They're the most violent gang around here. I heard that part of a gang initiation is to kill someone."
Tricia tilted her head. "Kill? To be in a gang?"
"Trish, love." Francine placed her hand on her friend's arm. "Gang members aren't like real people. They're all bad blood. Robert got off the hook because the police couldn't find his knife, but he just proved he has it and he'd use it. To them, killing someone is like...us buying a new blouse. It means nothing."
The musical chords of the overture to Swan Lake floated out of Julie's purse. She dug through it and grabbed her smart phone. "Hi, Chris. Sure. Five seconds." She tossed her cell back into her purse. "Gotta go girls. See you. Love you. Call me."
***
Julie's family lived in a large home situated on a tree-lined street in a newer neighbourhood of Westland. Julie loved the atmosphere in her home. It was peaceful and loving, although noisy at times with one younger brother and two younger sisters. She was excitedly waiting for this Christmas, not due to the joys of the season, but because her mother was expecting twins.
"It's got to be a boy she's dreaming about." Younger sister, Sheila, giggled.
"Uh? Pardon?" Julie looked around the dining room table at her two younger sisters, her parents and one obnoxious little brother.
"I asked you three times if you'd pass the salad." Her mother held out her hand, waiting for the bowl.
"Anything interesting happen at school today?" Her father reached for the bottle of dressing.
Julie looked up from her meal. "There's a new student at school. He's from North Shore."
"He's Shore? How did he manage to get into Westland Prep? He has to pay tuition and maintain his grade level." Her father tilted the bottle and Creamy Ranch drizzled onto the lettuce.
"I don't know, but he's there. We're both in bio. He had a disagreement with Mr. Parks, and the rumours went around that he swore and threatened him with a knife."
Sandra Anderson gasped.
"I said rumours, Mom. I was in class. Nothing happened. He asked Trish out to the dance tonight."
"But she's been dating Stephan for three months." Sheila was the gossip-loving sister.
"I know. Stephan called him out on it. Robert didn't want to fight. He tried talking his way out of it. He said he didn't want to get expelled." Julie realized she was using her fork to emphasize her sentence. She placed it by her plate. "Anyway, later that day the cops...I mean, police came and searched him and his locker, but they didn't find a knife. I've talked to him a bit and he seems nice."
"I don't want you going near him. If he's Shore then he's trouble," said her mother.
"His not being Westland leads into what I was going to say. He doesn't fit the Shore stereotype. He's intelligent, mature, soft-spoken...."
She scratched her head. "He's not the stupid, crass, North Shorer that I was led to believe he'd be. I'm amazed at how economically prejudiced we are. We, Westlanders, sit up here in our safe and secure neighbourhoods and pass judgement on others."
"Can I go?" Jason stood. His father nodded, and Jason hurried out of the dining room.
Unfazed by her brother's rude departure, Julie continued, "You were appointed judge, Daddy, because of your knowledge of the law. Who chose us to pass judgement on North Shore? Just because they live in a different part of town doesn't mean they're bad. But nobody'll give this guy a chance. He's condemned solely because of his address, and I think that's stupid." She heaved a sigh of relief at having vented what needed saying.
Her mother tilted her head. "What's gotten into you?"
"I don't want you having anything to do with this person." Her father used his deep commanding judge's voice. "I've had a lot of experience with North Shore people in my court. They aren't like us. I may call Mr. Morris to see why this Shorer's been allowed in to Westland Prep. I pay a hefty tuition to send you to that school. I want your focus on your subjects, not on…you shouldn't have to associate with the likes of a Shorer."
Julie wanted to say more. Instead, she finished eating then left the table, announcing she had to prepare for her date.
The doorbell rang at 8:15. Mr. Anderson answered it. "Christopher, how nice to see you. Come in. How are you?"
"Just fine, sir." Chris was wearing his team jersey, a crisply pressed pair of dress pants and lots of his father's expensive Italian aftershave.
"How's your Dad? I heard he injured his shoulder last week playing golf."
"His doctor said no golf for three weeks. Mom says he can't possibly last."
"No." Mr. Anderson laughed. "He'll be on his own psychiatrist's couch." Julie's mother entered the living room.
"Good evening, Mrs. Anderson. You're looking well."
"Thank you, Christopher. Julie'll be down—"
"I'm here. Let's go." Julie grabbed her purse and kissed her parents. She'd deliberated about what to wear and decided on her short, red-leather skirt and white silk blouse she'd bought when her family had gone to New York in August. She'd slipped on her favourite, black stilettos and checked her earrings and makeup in her mirror. After all, it was the first dance of the year, and she was now one of the elite preparatory students, not a high school student. Tonight was about seeing and being seen.
***
Chris and Julie separated moments after entering the school gym. Chris went to talk to his friends and Julie went with hers. Francine, Heather, Jennifer, Tricia and two girls from the cheerleading squad were standing together. They smiled as Julie approached. Everyone greeted her then the conversation changed to local school gossip. Heather and Francine grabbed their dates and dragged them to the dance floor. Julie glanced around, but couldn't see Chris.
Heather was talking about a new app for her cell phone when Robert entered the gym. Tricia gasped, grabbed Julie's arm, giggled, released it and raced over. She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips. Julie glanced in the other direction. When she looked back, Tricia and Robert had disappeared into the crowd.
An hour later, bored and annoyed at being ignored, Julie pulled Chris aside. His breath reeked of beer. "You've been drinking."
"Less dance." He reached for her but stumbled.
Derek and Heather stood beside Julie. "This is boring. Let's go get some pizza."
"Slure. I drive." Chris fumbled in his pocket.
Julie held out her hand. "Give me your keys."
"I'm not drunk. I drive. I godda go over ther…." He wandered into the crowd.
Chris wasn't at his car when Julie arrived in the parking lot. She pulled the handle but it was locked. Standing in the cool night air, she tapped her fingernails on the hood. Wonder where Tricia disappeared off to? Did she spend all that time with Robert? Did she let him get past kissing? Did they…no, not Tricia. She heaved a sigh of disgust. Where's Chris?
From between parked cars, he staggered over. He dropped his keys, twice, then stood, holding them like the Statue of Liberty's torch. "And you thought I was to drive to drunk." He smiled.
Give me those." Julie reached for his keys.
"I'd rather give you something else." Chris pulled her tight against his body.
Open mouthed, he leaned forward. She slapped her hands on his chest and pushed.
"Come on, what're you saving it for, your wedding night?" He reached under her skirt and groped for her butt.
Her heart raced as her breaths came in short gasps. "No, Chris, no. Stop it!"
He pinned her to his car with his leg as he wrestled with her blouse. A button popped off.
"Christopher. Stop it!" Cold fear filled her.
His lips s
lobbered against her mouth. The combination of aftershave, stale smoke and beer nauseated her. She bit him. Chris pulled back in surprise. "You little bitch." He touched his lip then raised his hand.
Julie shut her eyes and threw her arms up to block his hit.
"She asked you to stop."
Julie opened one eye.
Robert stood in front of Chris blocking his way. He glanced over his shoulder. "Ya ok?"
She nodded. Her throat was too dry to allow her to speak.
"Good. Move." He pointed to a spot by a tree.
Hands trembling and knees shaking, Julie had trouble obeying.
Chris clenched and held up his fists.
Robert glanced at them then snorted. "Ya actually gonna try and take me on." He grabbed Chris by the front of his shirt. "What do ya want me to do with him?"
"He's dru – drunk. He didn't mean...." She covered her mouth, fighting the urge to throw up.
Not believing what he heard, Robert glanced at Julie then shook his head. With a powerful backhand slap, he spun Chris around and left him sprawled on the trunk. He picked up the keys, swung his arm back and stopped. He walked to a garbage can, dropped them in and chuckled. "Friends shouldn't let friends drive drunk."
Julie tried fixing her blouse, but her fingers refused to cooperate.
"Are ya sure you're ok?" The smile left his face.
The reality of the moment descended upon Julie in a wave of repulsion. Robert took one step towards her, but she backed away. Confusion swirled in her head and caused a sickening knot in her stomach. He was Robert, a classmate. No, he was Shoresmen. A gang member. He rescued her from Chris. Trust him. He couldn't be trusted.
Could he?
"It's ok. You're alright. Relax." He inched towards her, wrapped her in his arms and held her.
Julie buried her head into his chest; calmed by his strength. There was no expensive Italian aftershave or stale beer to repulse her, just a deep musky smell, which triggered an emotion she couldn't catch, as it was instantly submerged under waves of repulsion. Her body shook as she fought to control her breathing. "How could he? How co…? Why?"
Robert didn't answer, instead letting the comfort of his arms soothe her. She snuggled closer, closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat. With each pulse, the chilling effects of her shock faded. Julie didn't want to break the spell of the moment. Her breathing returned to normal and her pulse slowed. Everything was perfect.
"Let go of her. You son of a bitch." Stephan grabbed Robert and wrapped him into a headlock. Julie couldn't move as Derek threw punches at Robert while he struggled to free himself.
She blinked three times, trying to focus on what was happening. "No. Stop." She grabbed at Derek, but Stephan pushed her away. Julie looked for a teacher, a police officer – anyone who could help. The parking lot was dark and empty.
Stephan shoved his face to within an inch of Robert's. "Now we'll show you Shore trash how good we Westlanders are." He stepped back then spit on Robert's shirt.
Chris pulled himself up off the ground and stood next to Stephan. "Hit the bastard."
"Stop it, Steph! You've got it all wrong. He didn't do anything." Julie pulled at his arm. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Stop."
Stephan placed his hand on Julie's face and shoved her away. "Back off. We'll deal with this bastard!"
With one arm free, Robert edged around and drove his elbow in Stephan's stomach, who yelped and released his grip. Robert spun. "What? Ya didn't learn your lesson the first time?"
The two men circled each other looking for that first opening. Derek picked up his beer bottle and before Julie shouted a warning, he swung. The glass crashed against Robert's head. He stumbled, shook his head then sank to the ground.
Derek chuckled. "Shoresmen always win their fights, yeah right." With a powerful swipe, he kicked the unconscious Robert.
Julie stepped forward and knelt beside him.
"Leave the garbage alone." Stephan pulled her away. "Come on, we'll take you home. Derek, get Chris."
Julie stared at a trickle of blood on Robert's forehead. "No, we have to help him." She tried to pull away, but Stephan dragged her to his car. Numb from the events, she sat in the back seat.
The sound of the engine snapped her from her dazed state. "Stephan, stop, we need to go back."
Stephan put the car into gear and pulled away. Through the passenger window, she saw Robert's prone figure lay with eyes shut while blood dripped onto the pavement.
Chapter Three
It was a dull rainy Saturday, when Julie crawled downstairs at ten minutes past noon. The pain in her head matched the blackness of her mood as she stared at the piece of toast. The edge was burnt, and the butter melted into a pool of grease. Her stomach threatened a nasty outcome if she ate it.
"How did the date go last night?" Her mother poured a cup of coffee, and sat next to her daughter.
Julie pushed the plate aside. "Terrible. Chris is a jerk." Her stomach gave another threatening rumble.
"What happened?"
"He was drunk. He…he got…aggressive and Robert─"
"Who's Robert?"
Julie took a swallow of orange juice. "The guy from North Shore I told you about. He came out of nowhere and got Chris off me. He tried to calm me down, then Steph and Derek arrived and Derek hit him with a beer bottle. I didn't know what to do. He was bleeding." Tears stung her eyes.
Her mother held her arms open. Julie leaned into her embrace. After a few minutes, she led her daughter back upstairs. Julie snuggled into bed and fell asleep. Three hours later, she woke, walked downstairs, and found her parents seated at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of tea.
"Feeling better?" Her father offered her a cup.
Julie nodded as she poured the orange and spice tea. She inhaled its rich aroma. It took her to her happy place.
Mrs. Anderson responded to the doorbell. She entered the room with Christopher trailing behind her. The sight of him brought back Julie's waves of revulsion.
Swallowing her fear, Julie's eyes darkened. "What are you doing here?" Her fingers tightened on the teacup handle.
He stared at the teapot. "I thought I'd come by on my way home from the hospital."
"Not your Dad, again?" Julie's mothered offered him a cup. Chris shook his head to her offer. "No, Stephan. That Shore guy beat him up."
"What?" Julie's eyebrows popped up. Tea sloshed out of the cup and splashed on the table. She grabbed a napkin and sopped it up.
"We went back to get my car and, he jumped them. Put Steph in the hospital with a broken jaw."
"Yes!" She pumped her arm. After seeing her parents' horrified expressions, she lowered it. "Derek kicked Robert and laughed, saying it wasn't true that Shoresmen always win their fights. He may've been down, but he wasn't out. He came back and he got them." She snapped her head in Christopher's direction. "You!" The heat of anger rose in her.
He stumbled back a step.
Her eyes narrowed as she set her cup on the table. "You tried to rape me."
"No! I was—"
"Being drunk isn't an excuse." Julie rose out of her chair. "You weren't dating me because you liked me. You just wanted to get some. You disgust me. Get out." She pointed to the door.
Without making eye contact or saying a word, Chris' shoulders slumped, his head dropped and he exited the house.
"I thought we—"
Julie held up her hand to stop her father. "Robert rescued me from Chris' attack, and took an unjustified beating in the process." She inhaled a deep breath to steel her nerves. "I owe him a lot, and I'm going to pay him back with my friendship. You brought me up to make decisions for myself and if need be, pay the consequences of those decisions. Well I became friends with one of your most respected friends' son, and he almost raped me. So now I'll be friends with someone I want to be with." Oh my God, I just talked back to Dad.
"Julie." Her mother rested a handed on her daughter's arm. "One supposed act of heroism doesn't make
him a decent fellow."
"These Shoresmen boys have often been in my court." Her father's brow was pulled low. "What makes them dangerous is they don't understand the difference between right and wrong. I talked to Mr. Morris about this. He said his hands are tied. The boy met all the admittance requirements, and until he does something wrong, he can't be expelled."
"Isn't that always the case? Someone has to get hurt before the authorities will act." Mrs. Anderson shook her head.
"Listen." Julie rubbed her forehead. "You're condemning Robert, and you don't even know him." Parents!
"We know his type." Her father sipped his tea.
With the conversation ending on such a flat note, Julie refilled her teacup and returned to her room. Were her parents right? He's a gang member, and everyone knows you can't trust someone who runs with a gang. Her parents were wise. She knew that. They'd been right numerous times in the past, but this time Julie's heart insisted they were wrong.
***
Sunday was a new beginning. Full of energy, Julie prepared breakfast. One by one, the Anderson family entered the kitchen, devoured her french toast creation and ambled off. Julie and her mother cleaned up. "You're a piece of sunshine this morning." Her mother gave her a little hip bump.
Julie placed the last of the dishes into the dishwasher. "I'm sorry I lost my temper, yesterday." She wrapped her arm around her mother's waist and rested her head on her shoulder.
"I thought about what you said, and I think you were well within your rights. I'm very disappointed with Christopher's behaviour, and I told his mother just that." Her mother dropped in the dish detergent cube then pressed start.
"Mom." Julie shook her head. "It was the most awful night of my life. The dance was a bore. Then Chris. Then the fight. I didn't know what to do." She shuddered. Her smartphone chimed. She picked it up off the counter. "Hello. Hi, Jennifer. No, I didn't forget. I'll be ready. Bye."
Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy) Page 3
