by Casey Peeler
Walker
Driving past the shop and the old mill, I turn onto Main Street. Not much is going on, but then I notice a group of teens hanging outside a brick building at the end of the street. Slowing down, I notice the neon sign that says Boondocks. Laughing internally, I think how that name fits this town. Having piqued my curiosity, I pull in, remove my helmet, tuck it under my arm, and walk inside.
As I open the wooden door, I’m met with the sound of an angel’s voice with a deep southern twang, and the smell of hot sauce and sweat. Trying to look over the crowd toward the stage, I can’t see the angel’s face. This place is packed with teens, and she’s leaning over the crowd. Shaking it off, I wonder what this place looks like on any other night. I’m positive Ivan and his crew visit here often and probably every other legal adult within a ten-mile radius.
Chauna
For the next forty-five minutes, Daddy plays along with his band, and I sing my heart out. Playing country to southern rock, we get the crowd going. Looking out into the crowd, I see everyone from school as well as a few people I’ve never seen. I search the crowd for my girls and move toward them as I sing. They sing along with me, and then I work the other side of the stage. As the song ends, I know it’s time for a break.
“Thanks, y’all! We’re gonna take a fifteen minute break.” I place the microphone in the stand and make my way to the bar for a bottle of water. As if Paige can read my mind, a bottle lands in front of me as I take a seat in the corner. Logan and my friends from school come over to talk to me. After a few minutes of conversation, they pull me to the dance floor, and we let loose until it’s time for me to go back on stage.
For the next set, Daddy and I do covers and a few originals. When the clock approaches ten- thirty, we call it a night and let the DJ take over until eleven. The bar is jam-packed. I try to get Paige or Darren’s attention, but it’s no use. Pushing my way through, I finally make it to the counter. “Hey, Darren, can I get a water?”
“Yeah, how about hopping back here and helping when you cool off?”
Without thinking twice, I get behind the bar and help the next person in line.
Walker
Looking around, there isn’t an open seat in the house. To my left, I notice a few pool tables that are all occupied. Propping myself against the wall, I eye the bar for an open seat. I notice a preppy-looking guy talking to a girl who is way too young to be behind a bar. Her hair is as dark as a midnight sky and is cascading down her back, and her smile lights up the darkened room. On the opposite side of the bar, I notice an open seat and take it.
As I sit down, a cute blonde asks if I want to place an order as she pulls out a notepad.
“What’s good?” I ask her.
“The wings are the best around, but the burgers are good, too.”
“Wings will be great and a Coke,” I say.
“Awesome. I’ll have that out in a few,” she says with a smile.
“Thanks.”
Within a few minutes, the cute blonde brings my food, and she’s right; these wings are the best I’ve ever had, but then again, it could be because I haven’t eaten all day.
“You new in town?” the oversized bartender asks.
“Yeah, just got here today,” I say between bites.
“I’m Darren.”
“Walker.”
“Whatcha think of Boondocks?” he asks.
“It’s okay. I’m sure it’s not teen night every night, though.”
He laughs. “Yeah, just Fridays until eleven. Then it’s open to everyone over sixteen. Need a refill?”
“Yeah. Thanks.” When he sets my drink down, he moves on, and I watch the girl at the other end of the bar work the crowd in front of her.
As I take a sip of my drink, she begins to walk my way and meets my stare. I try my best to look away, but I can’t. Her eyes have a hold on mine, and I’m mesmerized.
Chapter 4
Chauna
As the night approaches eleven, I’m thankful that I’m seventeen. That means my night isn’t over. When the younger teens begin to leave Boondocks, I take a minute and prop myself against the bar after I grab a water.
“Thanks for helping, Chauna, but you know you gotta go before we start serving,” Darren states.
“I gotcha,” I say as I walk from behind the bar, and my eyes lock on the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. His dark hair and rough-looking jawline have my heart racing, and my brain has officially stopped working. I smile as I walk by and toward my daddy.
“Daddy, we gonna open together, or are you going solo?” I question as he tunes his guitar.
“Let’s do it together, and then that way you can just relax after that. Sound good?”
“Yup,” I say, and when Daddy’s ready, I take the microphone and begin to speak.
“Hey, y’all! I’m Chauna, and this is Jackson’s Wheel,” I say, motioning to my daddy and his band. “We’ve got a few songs for ya. Make sure you visit Paige and Darren at the bar or look for that fun-sized blonde right there.” I point to Krista. “That’s Krista, and she’ll be making rounds for drinks. All food has to be ordered at the bar. Now, who’s ready to rock?” I say as Daddy begins to play along with his other band members. We begin with Miranda Lambert’s, “Little Red Wagon.” I sing with attitude, and the crowd goes crazy. Several groups of girls begin to sing with me, and when it ends, I thank the crowd and let Jackson’s Wheel do their thing.
Walker
As Chauna takes her seat back at the bar, I’m still in awe of the powerful voice that exploded from her lungs. Never in my life have I seen anything like that. The fire that blazed through her voice along with the extra shot of attitude was something I’ve never heard. Taking the last sip of my Coke, I pay my bill and decide I better get out of here before my parents get home.
Pulling into the driveway, I notice that they are still gone. I hurry inside and try to drift off to sleep before they return. Luckily for me, I get a good night’s sleep. I wake up to light peeking in the window.
When I peer out the window and realize they never came home last night, I know they won’t be home all weekend. That’s just how they are. They are either working or partying. I decide to enjoy the peace and quiet and pray they don’t do anything stupid.
When I wake Monday morning, I wonder if they will be here in time to take me to school. As I pour myself a bowl of cereal, I hear them pull in the driveway. I turn to look out the window, and see Mom walking in the side door. Her hair is a mess, and she looks like death warmed over. She doesn’t look me in the eyes. Instead, she walks right past me without acknowledging I exist. Within a few seconds, Dad appears and reeks of booze and smoke.
“So I take it I’m not going to school today,” I say with attitude.
“Why the hell wouldn’t I take you to school? Be ready to go as soon as I shower,” he says, and I can’t resist it. I have to push him farther.
“How would I know when you haven’t been home all weekend?”
Dad stops and turns to me. “Wah, wah! I didn’t think you were a little baby I had to watch. Do I need to get you a bottle, too?” he says with a gruff laugh. “Hell, I thought you’d love to have time to yourself and maybe get a piece of ass.”
“You’re joking, right? We just moved here, and is that all women are to you?” Dad smirks before he exits the room to shower. He makes me sick to my stomach. How can he even be my father? Why does Mom agree to this lifestyle? I hope the booze leaves his system before we go to school. Maybe I can put it off until he’s sober.
“We don’t have to go today,” I say to him. He pauses, turns toward me, and I see the flicker of aggravation in his eyes.
“Boy, you listen to me. I’m takin’ you to that school today. I won’t have the pigs trying to find a way to us. You got me?” he questions with a stern look.
“Yeah, I got it. Can’t have the fuckin’ police lookin’ for you,” I say as I start to turn. He grabs my shirt and pulls me to him.
“What was that, boy?” he asks as I hear Mom try to intervene.
“Troy!”
“You stay out of this, ya hear?” Dad says as he looks toward Mom, and she backs away like a scared puppy. Dad looks back toward me and pushes me away, causing me to stumble backward. He leaves the room to shower, and Mom rushes toward my side.
“Walker, are you okay?” she asks.
“I’m perfect. Good old Dad is such a role model,” I say sarcastically.
“When are you gonna learn to keep your mouth shut?” she asks, and I look at her like she’s crazy. At least I’ve got the balls to stand up to him, and one day I’m going to be big enough to take him down.
After waiting on Dad for only a few short minutes, we make our way toward the high school. Walking into Barber High School, I realize it’s no different than any other school I have attended. My dad fills out a million forms as I stand next to him in silence. He doesn’t even look my way to wish me good luck as he walks out the door. The secretary gives me a kind smile as she hands me my schedule for the final few days of my junior year. With it being relatively early, I decide to stay because it beats going back home.
Making my way to class, I realize how much I hate this part of being the new kid. When I walk into the room, people look at me differently. I swear a leather jacket and a motorcycle don’t make me a bad person, but I guess that’s what everyone assumes from watching too much TV these days. I swear my name isn’t Jax.
After the typical introductions in front of the class, I take a seat and listen to the lesson. When the bell rings, I slowly make my way to lunch. Each place is the same, and class segregation is obvious. Each table is filled with a different group: jocks, cheerleaders, nerds, weirdos, and the kids who honestly only have a few true friends. Let’s see where I fit in at Barber High School. Nowhere.
Chapter 5
Chauna
Logan and I make our way to the cafeteria. Grabbing my tray, I place it on the rails and move it down the line, patiently waiting for the curly fries and pizza. Then, as if someone is watching me, I glance to my right and see him. The hot guy with the sandy hair and badass jacket is directly beside me in line. Breathe, Chauna. I smile at him, and he smiles back. When I realize that Logan is calling my name, I look toward him and realize I’ve held up the line. Without a word, I pay, take my tray, and go to our usual spot where Ally, Beth, and Mark are already eating.
“Hey, y’all,” I say as I take a seat beside Ally.
“Chauna, you were awesome Friday night. Are they going to let you sing there each week?” Beth questions.
After I finish chewing my bite of pizza, I reply, “I’m not sure. I love being up there, but that’s always been Daddy’s thing. Not to mention, it’s fun to just hang out with y’all.”
“Aw, she does love us!” Ally says a little too dramatically as we all begin to laugh. Mark and Logan begin to talk about the baseball playoffs this week and are hoping that Barber High brings home the state title again this year. I zone out on their conversation as my eyes scan the room for the new kid. I find him outside talking to a few other students I don’t recognize. After letting my mind play out different scenarios, Logan finally pulls me from my thoughts.
“Chauna, hello? Did you hear me?”
“I’m sorry. What were you sayin’?” I ask him.
“Are you going to the game tomorrow? You know I need my number one fan there.”
Nodding my head, I answer, “Of course! Four o’clock?”
“Yup. All right, I’m out. I’ve got to print a paper for English. See y’all after awhile,” Logan says, and Mark stands to follow. I have a feeling there’s no paper involved, but more like a quick dip of tobacco.
Ally, Beth, and I talk about the game tomorrow, exams later this week, and plan our summer break, which includes days at the lake, Boondocks, and living life like the crazy teenagers we are.
“Oh my gosh. Who is that?” Beth questions, looking at the guy from Boondocks. “He’s hot, but there’s something that seems off about him.”
“I know. I saw him at Boondocks Friday. He didn’t move from the bar,” Ally states with a giggle.
“Y’all really? You don’t even know him,” I chime in.
“Oh, and you do?” Ally smarts back.
“No, but don’t be so judgmental. It’s got to suck being the new kid. Not to mention the new kid on the last week of school,” I say as we stand to throw our trash away.
“Well, something is definitely different about him. I mean, who wears a leather jacket in this humidity?” Ally questions. She does have a point; it’s hot as all get out in Barber.
Walker
Pushing open the hallway door, I pull out my schedule and try to figure out which way to go when I hear the sweetest voice behind me.
“Need some help?” she asks.
“Sure,” I say as I pass the schedule to her.
“You have Mrs. Fields for English. It’s on my way. Follow me,” she says as I follow her down the hall. “I’m Chauna Jackson,” she says with a smile.
“Walker Bentley,” I counter.
We walk without another word. As we turn down a different hall, I see the guy she’s been hanging out with. “That’s my best friend Logan. He’s in your class. I’ll introduce ya.”
She’s got to be crazy because that guy is giving me a look that’s way past friendship. It’s obvious I’ve just stepped on his territory.
“Hey, Logan, this is Walker.” He gives me a polite “hey”, but the edge in his tone tells me to stay away. “I thought I’d show him to class since these room numbers aren’t always in order.”
“True,” Logan replies with a slight laugh.
“I gotta go, y’all. Mr. Banks will kill me if I’m tardy again. Logan, I’ll see you after school. Bye, Walker,” she says and vanishes into the sea of students.
After talking to Mrs. Fields, I take a seat behind Logan who’s looking at me like he can’t believe we have to share the same space for the next ninety minutes. This is going to be interesting since it’s obvious he’s overly protective of Chauna. When the bell rings for fourth block, I stand to leave, but Logan stops and asks if I need directions to the next class. Not wanting to offend him, I say sure. His expression falls when he sees my next class assignment.
“You’ve got biology with Mr. Wall. Chauna’s in there, too.” Ah, that’s what’s wrong. “I’ve got to get to the field house for weight training, but go to the end of the hall and turn left. It’s the last room on the right.”
“Thanks,” I say as we go our separate ways.
As I enter the biology room, I look for her, but don’t see her. However, I do see a middle-aged man at the front of the room.
“Can I help you, son?” he asks.
“Yes, sir. I’m Walker Bentley, and I’m new.”
“I see. Kinda late in the year to be moving schools. Anything I need to know about you or your previous school?” he questions.
“No, not really. We just finished the study of DNA and how it relates to the function of a cell.”
“Impressive, Mr. Bentley. I look forward to having you in class. There is a seat open at that third table on the right,” he says as he points toward it.
Taking my seat, I wait for class to start. Within seconds of the bell ringing, she walks through the door.
“Miss Jackson, you get closer and closer to that bell each day,” Mr. Wall states.
“Sorry! Chorus is across campus,” she states with a pleading apology written on her face as she walks directly toward me. Is she coming to sit with me? Nah. I couldn’t get that lucky. She takes a seat. Well, damn. Must be my lucky day Wait, she said across campus. That means she went out of her way to take me to class.
She sets her books on the table. “I swear he hates me,” she whispers.
“Doubtful.” I smile at her. The next ninety minutes fly by, but I’m sure it’s due to the distraction beside me and not the excitement of science.
Cha
una
When the final bell rings, I grab my books, and as I stand, he speaks.
“Thanks for helping me today.”
“No problem,” I reply.
“Maybe you can show me around town?” Oh my gosh, is he flirting with me?
“Maybe,” I say as I smile, take my things, and leave the classroom.
As soon as I’m in the hallway, I breathe. Something about Walker Bentley has my head swimming. Never in my life has someone made me forget how to form complete sentences. As I walk to the parking lot, I see Logan waving at me on his way to the field house for practice. Beth and Ally are walking from the gym to the parking lot as well, and I wait for them by my truck.
“Oh my gosh, did you know there is an end-of-the-year bash at the lake this weekend?” Ally asks.
“Yeah, I heard several people talking about it during fourth block. I think I need a new swimsuit. Who’s in for a little shopping trip?” Beth says.
“I’m in. What about you, Ally?” I say.
“You know it! Let’s go Thursday right after school.”
“Sounds good to me. Don’t forget the game tomorrow,” I say.
“Girl, do you think we’d miss those hotties in those pants? I mean baseball pants are to girls what yoga pants are to guys. Hello!” Ally exclaims as we all laugh.
As an engine roars to life, we all turn our heads to the right. Walker.
“Holy crap, the new kid’s got a motorcycle,” Beth says.
“Yeah, that’s H-O-T!” Ally squeals.
I begin to laugh, and they both look at me like I’m crazy. “Just give a newbie a motor with two wheels, and y’all totally forget how to behave.”
Walker
Leaving Barber High, I make my way toward the house to meet Dad. Taking in the community as I drive by, I wonder where all the jobs went and what the people do around here for a living. Driving past the shop, I notice the lot is full and hope I can make some money working there.
Pulling up to the shack of a house, I notice Dad and some guys on the porch with either a beer or a jar in hand. I quickly make my way to the house and hope to sneak in the side door.
