A few hours pass with Seth and Keri cuddled up on the couch watching a romantic comedy. He was sitting upright, with Keri lying across the couch, her head resting on his stomach. On screen, the two main characters share a long passionate kiss. Keri looked hesitantly up at Seth.
Seth looked down at Keri, and they share a smile. All of a sudden Keri reached up for Seth’s head. She gently pulled Seth’s head down. Their lips met, and they shared a long, passionate first kiss. They were interrupted by the sound of the front door slamming. They resumed their original positions just as Carol entered the living room.
“Hi, kids,” Carol said, entering the kitchen.
Around five-thirty Keri’s stepfather got home, and he greeted his wife in the kitchen. Dinner was served at six. Keri, her family and Seth sat down for a good meal and an interesting conversation, or as Seth would call it years from now, the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Keri’s mother was a sales associate for a local home furnishings company, and Marlon was a security guard for a local mall.
The focus turned to Keri and Seth.
“So, Keri, sweetheart. Have you thought any more about what you’d like to do after you graduate?”
“Well, Mom, I narrowed it down to either a chef or an early childhood educator.”
“That’s great, honey, very commendable. And you, Seth?”
Seth thought hard for a moment. “Well, I’m thinking some kind of writer or filmmaker.”
Carol and Marlon exchanged a look that unsettled Seth.
After a moment, Carol took a long sip of wine and looked at Seth. “Is there much money in that?”
Seth was confused. “In which?”
“Oh hell, for the sake of argument, let’s say filmmaking. Is there much money to be made in that?”
Seth didn’t know if Carol was being serious or joking, so he chuckled.
Carol clearly did not appreciate this. “Say something amusing, did I?”
“Well, if I can be honest, Carol, yes. Everybody knows there’s lots of money to be made in filmmaking.”
Carol seems unimpressed and took another long sip of wine. “Really, Seth? Really?”
“Well how else do you explain Arnold Schwarzenegger’s three million dollar paycheque for Terminator 3. Or the cold hard fact that Steven Spielberg is a billionaire?”
Carol didn’t say anything for a while, seeming to notice how quick to the trigger Seth seemed. “Schwarzenegger got paid $3 million because he’s Schwarzenegger, and Spielberg is worth billions because he’s Spielberg,”
Seth sighed and shook his head. “Yeah? I’m Seth Zimmer, what’s your point?”
“My point, Seth, is that both men are well known.”
“Yeah, now. They weren’t always known. They started off like me, useless nobodies with people bashing their dreams.”
Carol’s mouth dropped open from the insult.
Marlon interrupted. “Lets change the subject, shall we? So, Seth, what kind of music do you like?”
Keri sighed with relief.
“I like Genesis and Phil Collins.”
Marlon’s eyes lit up, and he stood. “Come with me.”
Seth followed Marlon to the basement.
*
After Seth and Marlon disappeared down the stairs, Carol sat there gulping her wine, looking sternly at Keri.
“What?”
“Are you serious about this guy?”
“Why?”
“A filmmaker? God, something isn’t right with his head.”
Keri frowned. “Why, Mom? Because he has dreams?”
“No. Having dreams are fine, but Seth is dead serious.”
Keri chuckled.
“What could possibly be so funny?”
“You’re just sore because Seth knows his stuff and really embarrassed you in front of your family.”
Carol got quiet.
“Just remember, Mom. We’re young and have a few years of school left.”
Carol swallowed her last mouthful of wine and poured another. “What’s your point?”
“My point is that Seth will probably change his mind a lot over the next few years.”
“You’d better hope so. Because if he doesn’t, you’d better start thinking of abandoning ship.”
At first Keri thought it might be the wine talking, but she realized her mother hadn’t had enough of it for a takeover. “What the hell kind of motherly advice is that?”
“It’s a concerned parent’s loving advice to her daughter.”
“Really? Loving advice? At the moment your loving advice is good for shit!”
Carol got up from the table in a huff. “When your stepfather and daydreamer finally come up from the basement after looking at records, tell Seth it’s time for him to go!”
*
A few days had passed before Seth heard from Keri. She called him one night as he was getting ready for bed.
“I want to apologize for my mother’s behaviour the other night. When she gets a little wine in her, she acts all, stupid.”
“Don’t worry about it; it wasn’t your fault.”
Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, and Keri and Seth grew closer. Carol seemed hateful and resentful toward Seth.
On a gorgeous Saturday in July 15, Seth, Vance and Keri planned to meet at the mall. Seth waited in the food court.
Vance happily trotted over to Seth holding his wrist up. “Good day, Seth! Notice anything different about me?”
“Well, gee, it’s not like you’re making it obvious.” Attached to Vance’s left wrist was a beautiful Fossil brand watch.
“It’s beautiful, Vance.”
“For eighty-five dollars it better be.” Vance turned to his right and tapped Seth on the shoulder. “Here comes your woman.”
Keri smiled as she got closer. She walked past Vance, almost pushing him out of the way, and into Seth’s arms, giving him a big kiss.
“Happy belated birthday, babe!” She handed him a small, blue, sparkly gift bag with green string handles.
“Thank you!”
A look of worry struck Vance. “Today’s your birthday?”
Keri groaned. “Yes, Vance! The last month of the year, on the 15th.”
Vance shook his head. “I forgot.” Vance patted his pockets, desperately searching for something to give to Seth. Finally, he looked at his new watch and hesitantly removed it, handing it to Seth.
“Here you go, buddy. Happy birthday!”
“What, are you serious?” Seth hesitantly reached over as Vance gently placed the watch in Seth’s hand. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, sure I’m sure. Enjoy it. Plus, it’s better than that old one you wear.”
“The one I wear has a lot of sentimental value. It was my grandfather’s.” Seth removed the old watch and gently put it into his pocket, placing the new one on his wrist.
“Okay, my turn! Open mine now, Seth.”
He reached into the gift bag, shoved the green tissue paper over to one side of the bag and slowly revealed a DVD: Phil Collins: Finally, The First Farewell Tour.
. Seth’s eyes lit up, and he couldn’t stop smiling. “This just made my day. Thank you, Sweetheart!”
Seth and Keri hugged and then shared a long kiss.
“Just note, Seth, that DVD is only half of your gift.”
“Really? There’s more?”
“Absolutely. But you’re going to have to wait until we get back to your place.”
“How about a hint?”
“I’m going to find the ladies room, and then we’re going to shop.” Keri trots off, and Vance laughed.
“Yes, Vance? What could be so amusing?”
“You lucky dog.”
“What?”
�
��Well, my spidey senses tell me someone is getting lucky tonight.”
Seth thought for a moment. “‘Lucky?’”
Vance laughed. “My God, don’t be so dense. Lucky—you know. Taking the log to the beaver, taking old one eye to the optometrist, taking the skin-boat to tuna town?”
“What the hell are you saying?”
“Sex, you moron! Sex!”
Seth fell silent. Maybe Vance was right. Seth didn’t really know how to read women, and relationships were still quite new to him. Keri and Seth had been dating for nearly seven months.
“Oh my God, Seth. Are you telling me you and Keri haven’t, consummated your relationship yet?”
“Not yet.”
“So you’re still a virgin.”
Seth took a deep breath. Like he’d gotten a kick to the stomach, he doubled over in pain.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I suddenly got pains in my stomach, and I’m a little nauseated.”
Vance grabbed Seth’s shoulders and led him to a table to sit.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. This is just your body’s way of preparing you for manhood. How’re your balls? Tingly?”
Seth looked at Vance. “Well, shut up.” He scanned the mall and spotted Keri returning. “Oh God, she’s coming back.”
Vance reached into his pocket and handed Seth a stick of gum. “Don’t worry about it, buddy. I know what you’re going through. I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that within 30 seconds of entry, the nervousness and shakes will turn into full pleasure.”
Seth sucked in a deep breath. “That’s good to know, but there’s still one thing,”
“You’re worried about your parents hearing you and/or walking in?”
Seth laughed nervously. “No, protection. I don’t have any.”
“Not a problem. We’re at the mall. Just go buy a box.”
“I have no money on me.”
“Well, I have three full boxes. I could give you one—just not today.”
“Why not today? And What do I do then?”
“I can’t today because there’s not enough time. But, one thing you definitely don’t want to do is the pull-out method. You’ll explode like a water balloon before you get the chance to pull out.”
“Yeah?”
“Men are always like a goddamn active volcano our first time.”
Keri approached. “Aww, what’s wrong, Seth?”
Vance smirked. “Nothing that can’t be treated with the tender loving care of a woman.”
Keri gently placed her hand on Seth’s back. “Well then, I’d better get you home, Seth darling, and look after you.”
Vance cleared his throat. “Well! My God. Would you look at the time? I must be going. Good-bye, all.”
Half an hour later Keri and Seth were at Seth’s house, sitting on the couch next to each other, not saying a word.
Keri leaned over and whispered sensuously into his ear. “Why don’t we go up to your bedroom for a while?”
Shivers traveled up and down Seth’s spine, the back of his head filled with a numbing sensation. He could only guess what was about to happen. But like what every man does eventually, Seth caved under temptation. He swallowed hard. “Okay.”
Seth and Keri started toward the stairs.
“You might want to bring your DVD.”
“Why?”
“Because, my love, the sound of Phil Collins will drown out the sounds you and I will be making.”
Seth grabbed the bag from the couch and then followed her up.
The closer they got to his room, the more nervous he became. He desperately wanted to say something to Keri, but at the same time didn’t want to ruin his chances at his first time.
They crossed the threshold of the bedroom.
“Close the door.”
Seth reluctantly closed it. He inhaled deeply and held his breath. He was about to tell Keri how he really felt, but his eyes got wide, his mouth dropped open and he blushed.
“Happy birthday, my love.”
Seth swallowed hard. “Sweet tunderin Jesus!”
Keri was spread-eagle, wearing nothing but a black lace see-through bra and matching g-string.
“Why don’t you put on your new DVD and we’ll, have some fun.”
Slowly, not taking his eyes off of Keri, he turned on his TV. Finally the DVD began to play, and he sat on the edge of his bed. He nervously turned to Keri, and she smiled.
She rubbed his back. “Come on—let the fun begin.”
Seth turned and looked deeply into Keri’s eyes. A smile formed.
Keri suddenly removed her hand. “What, don’t you want me? Aren’t I attractive enough for you?”
“Oh, oh God. Yes, I really want you. You’re very attractive.”
“Is my body not up to your standards?”
Seth sighed. “It’s not like that at all.”
“Then what is it?”
He took a moment to compose himself. “I’m not prepared, that’s all. I don’t have any protection.”
Keri chuckled, and Seth couldn’t understand why. “Is that not a valid reason?”
“Usually it would be. But luckily you have a girl who always thinks ahead. In my purse is a whole box just for us.”
Seth reached into Keri’s purse, pulling out a large box, and he grinned.
“Now, are you going to undress willingly, or am I going to have to use brute force?”
“Oh, no way, Keri. I plan on going down kicking and screaming.”
“Have it your way, Mr. Zimmer.” Keri leaped to her knees and shuffled her way to the edge of the bed. She stood in front of him. Using a little force, she playfully pushed Seth onto his back. Keri sensuously climbed on him, kissing his neck as she made her way to his lips. She slowly removed his shirt.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in bed. Seth and Keri lay under the covers huffing and puffing. Phil Collins still played on the TV, the DVD on a continuous loop. Nothing was said as they lay in the afterglow.
“That was amazing!” Keri said, stretching.
“I can’t stop shaking,”
“Don’t worry about it. It’ll pass.” Keri moved closer to him and draped his arm over her waist.
CHAPTER 2
Monday came quickly. Seth and Vance sat in the school’s front foyer eating their lunch. Vance stared at Seth.
“What?”
“Well? Did you?”
Seth smiled. “Did I what?”
Vance frowned. “You know!”
“Sorry, Vance, I’m pretty exhausted. It must be from the sex I had all weekend.”
Vance excitedly threw his hands up in the air and gave Seth a high-five. “All right! You’re finally a man! Okay, give me the details.”
Seth sipped his water. “I’m not the kind of guy to kiss and tell.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I’m not in the mood.”
Vance giggled. “We meet up, I buy you lunch, you tell me you had sex—you’re not in the mood? You get in the mood!”
For the rest of the lunch hour, Seth went into great detail about how he finally lost his virginity.
*
Oh great, Seth thought. New neighbours. When Seth got to the house, his mother was sitting on the couch, looking at him and shaking her head. “What is it?”
His mother crossed her arms. “The new neighbours!” Seth was just about to speak, but she continued. “Assholes! They’re nothing but a family of walking mouthpieces! Loud and filthy-mouthed!”
After dinner, Seth, his mother and older brother were sitting out back enjoying dessert, when out of the blue the new neighbours started arguing. First, the mother started yelling at the son, then the son at the daughter, and then finally the father at the
m all. After the 20-minute mark, things started to simmer down.
Unfortunately, after that, the neighbours decided to dine in the backyard as well. The father was Bart, tall with a bald head and a rattail, 32, with a tattoo on every visible piece of skin.
His wife, Elisa, was 28, average build, with white bleached medium-length hair with pink and blue streaks pulled into a ponytail. Their children were Rihanna, 12, thin with long brown hair and a mean attitude, and their only boy, Bart Jr., was 10, with shaved brown hair with a rattail in the back, pudgy, with bigger tits than his mother.
Just by looking at this family you could tell they were extremely mischievous and just people you didn’t want to associate with. After five minutes of perfect, beautiful silence, the Hyssop family started fighting yet again, this time louder and more aggressive, with every possible curse word thrown into the mix.
Unfortunately, over the next month it only got worse.
One Friday afternoon around four-thirty, a beautiful brown BMW pulled up in front of the Hyssop house. A drop-dead gorgeous woman wearing a gray skirt suit and pink rose-coloured silk shirt, with long, silky, flowing brown hair, got out.
She pulled out a black leather zipped folder and gracefully walked up to the house. Five minutes later, all hell broke loose. Yelling, cursing and loud crying could be heard from the Hyssop house.
Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the Zimmer house. Seth’s father answered the door.
“Good afternoon, sir. My name is Elizabeth Flint. I’m with children’s and social services. We’ve been getting multiple phone calls this past month from concerned neighbours about the Hyssop family.” She reached into her leather folder and handed Seth’s father her card.
“What can I do for you, ma’am?”
“We’re trying to gather as much information as we can about the Hyssops’ relationship with their children. For instance, do you believe they provide a stable home environment for their children? Or have you seen signs that they possibly abuse their children physically, mentally or sexually?”
Seth’s father took a long moment to think.
Elizabeth continued. “For example, have you ever seen them yell at one another? Have you noticed bruises on the children?”
Seth’s father looked in the living room at his wife and Seth. Since his retirement in 2006, he had become increasingly worse and was declining in many ways. His little habits and bothersome mannerisms had gotten way out of hand. The only way Mr. Zimmer could find pleasure in his post-retirement life was to become disruptive. Annoying his family was his biggest pleasure. He knew they hated the Hyssops with a burning passion, so he looked back at Elizabeth and smiled.
Growing Pains Page 2
