Bell Bottom High: Book 1: Freshman Fears

by B. J. Williams

  “Wow, I’m going to miss Grandma. The house won’t be the same without her around.”

  “You’re right about that. Now grab your coat. The bus will be here any minute,” Mama stated, drying her hands on a faded yellow dishtowel.

  I dashed down the hall to Grandma’s room. I wanted to wish her well before leaving for school.

  “Good morning, Grandma. How are you?” I asked, entering the room.

  “Hi, Reecy, I’m doing fine. I’m getting ready for my doctor’s appointment this morning. Can you hook this ole bra for me in the back?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, easing the door closed. I sat down on the side of the bed behind her. Looking at her wrinkled skin, I worried about my grandma’s overall health.

  “Are you all ready for school this morning?”

  “Oh, yes, I’m just waiting on the bus. There, you’re all set,” I announced, after snapping all the hooks on the bra.

  “Thanks, baby, I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Grandma replied, slipping a black knit top over her head.

  “You’re welcome, Grandma. I hope your surgery goes well, and I’ll come see you tomorrow when Mama brings me to the hospital.”

  “Okay, sweetie, you have a good day at school,” Grandma said, turning to face me. Her eyes stared deep into mine as if they were looking into my very soul. Taking my hand, Grandma said, “And listen, I’m very proud of you, Reecy. I can’t see too well with these eyes, but I can see real clear with my heart. You’re a smart girl, and I can always count on you to do what’s right.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I stated. I tried shaking off an uncomfortable feeling. Grandma held my hand for another second before releasing it. “Good-bye, Grandma. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I looked back at her as I exited the room. Grandma Gladys was still staring at me with those penetrating eyes like maybe she had something else to say. Only I didn’t have time to ask her what it was, because the bus driver was blowing for me to come on. I rushed out of the house, because I knew that mean ole Mr. Otis didn’t mind leaving anybody behind.

  CHAPTER SIX

  I had forgotten that the very first dance of the semester was being held at the high school’s gym tonight. When I met Joyce during our lunch break in the cafeteria, it was all my best friend wanted to talk about. “Hi, Ree, are you still going to the dance tonight?” Joyce asked, placing her lunch tray on the table.

  “Yeah, I guess so,” I replied, looking over at her. “Did anyone ask you to go with them?”

  “No, but I’m not worried about that. I just want to go with my girlfriends and have a good time. Why? Did someone ask you to go?”

  “No way, I just thought maybe someone had asked you.”

  “Well, I was thinking maybe someone named Henry had asked you?”

  “And why would he do that?”

  “I don’t know, maybe because he likes you?” Joyce giggled.

  “And what makes you think that?”

  “Come on, Ree. He’s a junior, and the boy goes out of his way to speak to you every chance he gets.”

  “He’s always asking me about Josh. He’s not interested in me,” I replied, shrugging.

  “Yeah, right, he and Josh are classmates. Why does he have to ask you about Josh?”

  “I don’t know. They’re classmates, but they don’t have a lot of classes together.”

  “Um huh, I’ll let that one go. By the way, are you coming over after school so we can go to the dance together?”

  “Oh, girl, I forgot to ask my parents about that. But it shouldn’t be a problem since Grandma is in the hospital. I don’t have to worry about staying home with her until my parents arrive,” I said, remembering my conversation with Grandma this morning. I always had a strange feeling that Grandma knew more than what she said. “How about this—why don’t you get off the bus at my house, let me pack a bag, and then I’ll walk you to your crib?”

  “That’ll work. I’m going to call my mom at work right now. She knows that we normally stay at one another’s house before a ballgame so this shouldn’t be a shock. But I need to let her know I’m getting off at your house and coming home later,” Joyce replied.

  *

  Joyce and I entered the dance hall looking just like two active members of the Black Panther Party. We were both wearing black bell bottom pantsuits, psychedelic blouses with dog-eared collars, and long, black pleather jackets. Our jackets looked like leather although they were made of plastic. So we called it pleather.

  I had taken out my braids to sport a super-sized afro. Joyce had washed her hair and given it a hard press before putting tight curls all over her head. Our black platform shoes were shined and glossy, resembling new patent leather. We both stepped onto the hardwood floor grinning like the dance spotlight was searching for us.

  Passing through the strobe lights in the dimly lit gymnasium, the sound of the Ohio Players performing their top chart hit “Funky Worm” welcomed us from the tall speakers located in each corner of the building. It seemed everybody was getting down dancing funky with their partners. Even the chaperones, Mrs. Phillips, Ms. Kingsley, and Coach Counts bobbed their heads to the jamming music as they guarded the refreshment table.

  “It’s packed in here. Look at these wall-to-wall people.” Joyce and I scanned the crowd for other freshmen. We found several of our classmates snapping their fingers and moving their bodies to the funky sounds. It looked like American Bandstand was recording a show in Clifton, Arkansas.

  “Yeah, this is something. It’s a lot different from our middle school dances.”

  “Yes, it is,” Joyce agreed. “I’ve never seen this many people at a dance in my life. This is going to be so much fun.” Joyce glowed with excitement.

  “Now all we need is somebody to ask us to get down.”

  “Oh, I ain’t worried about that. It’s so many people here they won’t notice if we dance with each other.”

  “They might not notice, but I will. And I’m not trying to get caught boogying with you,” I replied, fanning my face with my hands. “I’m thirsty, let’s go get some punch.”

  “All right, girl, I’m right behind you,” Joyce stated, following me to the refreshment table.

  I picked up a paper cup, and just as I reached for the ladle in the punch, another hand touched mine. “Excuse me. Let me get that for you.”

  “Ahhh,” I stumbled, looking up into Henry’s face. He looked different without the glare of his glasses staring back at me. Wearing a plaid shirt with dark bell bottom jeans, Henry was almost handsome.

  “Oh, hi, Henry. I didn’t see you standing there,” I replied, trying to hide the smile that was bursting from my lips.

  Henry filled my cup with fruit punch, and said, “You probably just didn’t recognize me without my glasses.”

  “I noticed right away that you didn’t have them on. You do look very different without them.”

  “Yeah, I know. I just didn’t feel like wearing them tonight.”

  “Well, your eyes look bigger,” I stated. Then I caught myself staring at Henry and lowered my head. I didn’t want him to see me blushing. It was amazing how those glasses had been hiding his eyes.

  “It’s okay,” he said. Then he leaned over to my ear and asked me, “Would you like to dance?”

  I was hit with happiness and nervousness at the same time. “Umm,” I began, stalling for time. What was I going to do?

  I liked Henry as a friend, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be seen dancing with him, especially since I wasn’t sure if he could boogie down or not. And embarrassment was the last thing I needed that night at my very first freshman dance.

  “That’s okay, I don’t want to leave my friend standing here by herself,” I replied, nodding at Joyce.

  “Go ahead and get your groove on. I’ll be all right,” Joyce stated, nudging me in the side. “You should get down with Henry.”

  I took a second to identify the music by K.C. and the Sunshine Band singing, “Bl
ow Your Whistle.” Deciding to give him a chance, I finished my drink, tossed the cup in the trash, and took Henry by the hand.

  “All right, let’s see if you can boogie,” I said, stepping out on the floor.

  Henry’s face lit up like a hundred-watt light bulb. He followed me, and said, “Okay, I’ve been practicing, and I’m ready to show off my moves.”

  Giggling at his comment, I sauntered through the crowd of sweaty teenagers until I found an available spot for us. We jammed to the beat until the song ended.

  “Wow, that was so much fun,” I exclaimed, leaving the dancefloor. “I didn’t know you could get down like that, Henry.”

  “Oh, I can’t keep up with you, but I can bust a move when I want to,” he replied, laughing with me. I hadn’t noticed before, but Henry had an easy laugh, the kind that made me feel comfortable and secure in his presence.

  Henry and I stood to the side and talked for several minutes before I thought about Lena. “Henry, where’s Lena tonight? Did she come to the dance?”

  “She’s supposed to be here with her friend, Clarisse. At least that’s who she went home with after school today. Why? Are you two best friends now?”

  “Oh, no, I was just wondering about her. I appreciated her walking home with me last week. Here comes my best friend right now,” I stated, eyeing Joyce walking our way. My happy feelings changed faster than a light being switched from on to off. Time stood still for a second, and I couldn’t blink my eyes even if I had wanted to. Joyce was walking towards us holding hands with Rodney Payne and smiling to beat the band. Rodney strolled through the crowd with Joyce grinning at everyone like he was the new king of the jungle.

  “Hey, Reecy, I saw you and Henry getting down on the dance floor. Look who I found,” Joyce said, raising Rodney’s hand in the air.

  “Hi, Rodney,” I said, glancing at his black outfit from head to toe. In addition to being a star athlete, Rodney was voted “best dressed,” every year. I wondered what he was doing holding hands with Joyce. Had she lost her mind?

  “What’s happening, Reecy? How’re you doing tonight?” Rodney asked, trying to sound cool, leaning to the side.

  “I’m cool, thanks,” I answered, trying to control my emotions. I looked away from Rodney’s gaze. I couldn’t get Lena’s words out of my mind regarding their sexual encounter over the summer. Now he was standing here smiling and holding hands with my best friend like nothing had happened. Rodney was going to be a father, and he didn’t even know it.

  “Hey, Henry, what’s happening, man?” Rodney asked. They did some type of soul man handshake, then resumed their previous positions.

  “Everything’s fly over here. Did you guys dance yet?”

  “We sure did,” Rodney replied, smiling at Joyce. “And let me tell you, this lady right here can sho’ nuff boogie down, man.”

  “Thank you. I love this song,” Joyce stated, bopping to the beat of “Dancing Machine” by the Jackson Five. “Are you ready to get back on the dancefloor?”

  “If you’re ready, then I’m super ready,” Rodney replied, snapping his fingers. He looked at me, winked his eye, and followed Joyce to the dance floor.

  I thought I was going to be sick. As much as I loved the sound of Michael Jackson and his brothers, I was devastated by the sight of my best friend with Rodney. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I stared at their backs walking to the dancefloor. Clearly, Joyce was enjoying the attention of the most popular guy at school. I, on the other hand, couldn’t figure out why chicks kept falling for him when they knew he’d been with almost every girl at school.

  But what could I possibly say? I hadn’t even told Joyce about him and Lena. And since I’d promised Lena that I wouldn’t say anything, what could I possibly do now? It wasn’t like Joyce didn’t know the guy had a reputation.

  It was clear from the expression on Joyce’s face that she was digging Rodney, of all people. God, please don’t let her fall for Rodney. Just because he was cute and the captain of the basketball team didn’t mean that he should have any girl he wanted. Maybe I should have told Joyce about him and Lena. After all, she was my best friend. I should be able to tell her something or give her some type of warning.

  “Hey, Reecy, are you all right?” Henry asked, noticing the strange expression on my face.

  Snapping out of it, I replied, “Yeah, I’m fine. Were you saying something to me?”

  “Yes, I was asking you if you wanted to dance again. I want to show you my robot moves,” Henry joked, imitating the robot dance moves from Soul Train last week. We loved watching the weekly music and dance series featuring celebrity appearances. It was one of the most popular black shows on television.

  “Ah, no, thanks. I’m not feeling well,” I replied, frowning at him. “I think I’m going to sit down for a minute.”

  “Okay,” Henry replied, taking me by the elbow. “I see a chair on the other side of the room. Let me help you over there.”

  “Thanks a million, Henry.” I followed him until I reached the chair.

  Easing down into the seat, I searched the dancefloor for Joyce and Rodney. Then, I spotted them in the corner slow dancing to the music of the great Marvin Gaye singing his new release, “Let’s Get It On.” With both of them wearing black, it seemed as if their two bodies were one moving in synchronization. I could see Rodney’s lips moving against Joyce’s ear like he was singing the words to the song for her. Why was she dancing with him? He’d never shown any interest in her before. What was Rodney up to?

  *

  The next day was Saturday, and just like she promised, my mom took me to the hospital to visit Grandma Gladys. When we entered the semi-private room, Grandma was sitting up in bed with bandages over her left eye and the right one closed tight. She was wearing a white, hospital-issued gown over her frail body.

  As Mom and I neared Grandma’s bed, she began to stir. By the time I reached her bedside, Grandma was staring up into my face showcasing a weak smile. “Hi, Grandma, how’re you feeling?”

  “I’m feeling very well, baby, how are you two doing?”

  “Hi, Mama, we’re doing fine,” Mama responded, taking her mother by the hand. “Do you need me to get you anything?”

  “No, I’m fine. I just had lunch a few minutes ago. They’re treating me pretty good.”

  “Grandma, I miss you. I can’t wait for you to come home on Monday,” I interjected.

  “Me, too, baby. I can’t wait to get back to my own bed. How was the dance last night? Did you make it?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, thinking back to how the night had ended. I’d tried my best to pull Joyce away from Rodney after their slow dance, but they were acting like they were joined at the hip or something. What was I going to do if she fell for Rodney’s lies? How could I tell my best friend that I’d been keeping a secret from her without hurting her feelings? I hoped she hadn’t kissed that fool while I wasn’t watching.

  Mom and I stayed with Grandma for almost two hours. We talked about school, work, and the rest of the family. Well, actually Mom and Grandma talked while I daydreamed about the dance and my current dilemma. Finally, it was time for us to leave.

  “All right, Mama. Reecy and I will be back to see you tomorrow,” Mama said, standing up. She stretched out her arms as far as they would go.

  “Bye, Grandma, we’re going to leave now so that you can get some rest,” I stated, taking her hand. I leaned across the bed and gave her a big hug.

  “Bye, baby, I’ll see you tomorrow. You’ve been mighty quiet. Is something bothering my baby?”

  “Ah, no, I’m fine. I was just thinking about school stuff,” I responded, lowering my eyes. “This sure is a nice blanket they have on your bed.”

  “Um-huh,” Grandma moaned. “You be good for me, okay? And don’t take any wooden nickels.”

  “What does that mean, Grandma?”

  “I don’t know, baby, but your Grandpa used to say that to me all the time.”


  I nodded my head and smiled. My heart ached from the idea of leaving Grandma in this place, but Mama had assured me that Grandma Gladys was being well taken care of by the hospital staff.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Mama pulled her red Buick into our driveway and right away I noticed Henry’s blue Chevrolet parked on the street in front of our house. I wondered what he was doing at our crib. He must have been visiting Joshua.

  Daddy met us at the front door with a look of concern on his face. “Hello, ladies, I’ve been waiting for you all to get home.”

  “What’s going on?” Mama asked. “You look like you’re worried about something.”

  “Well, I guess you haven’t heard the news.”

  “Heard what news?” Mama asked, widening her eyes at daddy.

  “Come on in and have a seat,” he said, motioning to the sofa. Soon as Mama and I were seated, Daddy sat down in the plaid armchair across from us. “Lena Turnipseed has been missing since last night. Her brother, Henry, is back there in the room talking with Josh and Tyrone right now.”

  “What happened, Daddy?” I interrupted. I tried to sound calm, but the rapid pounding of my heart almost gave me away. My eyes roamed the room as my mind wondered if they could actually hear my loud heartbeats. My throat was as dry as the Sahara Desert. I tried to swallow as I waited for my father to respond.

  “Apparently, she was supposed to go home after school yesterday with a classmate. And then her parents thought she went to the dance and spent the night with the same classmate. But when they called the girl’s house around midnight, she didn’t know what the Turnipseeds were talking about.”

  “Oh, goodness,” Mama cried. “What in the world do they think happened?” she asked, inching to the edge of her seat.

  “We’re not sure, Mrs. Jones.”

  My parents and I turned around at the sound of Henry’s voice. He was standing in the hallway with his eyes locked on me. This time, he had his round-frame glasses back on and a serious expression on his face. Wearing a striped shirt with both hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans, Henry almost whispered, “My parents have notified the police, and they want to question everyone who was at the party last night. So far, no one has reported seeing Lena there.”