Silent Song

by Jaci Wheeler

  I run over to my desk and get my phone. I quickly scroll through my messages.

  “Zeek, how could you go into my phone and message him? I can’t believe you!”

  “How can you not have it password protected? It’s like you wanted me to break in and message him.”

  I quickly scroll through all the messages and groan out loud, piercing him with my deadliest scowl.

  “‘What’s up, bro?’ You seriously texted him that? I’d never say anything like that.”

  “Something which I pointed out,” Jodi pips up, looking smug.

  “I thought that’s what that type of guy texts,” Zeek adds defensively.

  “To each other maybe. I also pointed that out. But keep reading. I fixed it,” Jodi says, proudly. This is seriously not happening to me right now. I just stare at the texts, hoping they will magically morph into something else.

  Presley: What’s up bro?

  Barrett: NM. U?

  Presley: Sorry, ignore the what’s up bro. I must have been on drugs. I’m just hanging out and thought I’d say hi.

  Barrett: um…OK.

  “Not much of a talker, is he?” Zeek says as he peers over my shoulder.

  “What’s up, bro? Really…and what is he supposed to say to that? Wax poetic? Lord, Zeek!” I now turn my scowl on my roommate. “I’m on drugs! Really, Jodi? How was that fixing it?”

  “Well, people tend to say weird things when they are—oh, that was rhetorical…right.” Jodi looks thoroughly chastised and looks down at the ground.

  I wasn’t expecting to ever talk or see him again or anything, so I don’t know why I’m so upset by this. It must just be the violation of my phone. I take a deep breath and look at my friends.

  “I’m sorry for snapping at you both. I appreciate that you were trying to help, but never go into my phone again, okay?”

  “But what if you have a seizure or something and my phone is lost and Jodi’s is dead and they only way to save yo—

  “Enough, Zeek! No more going into my phone unless I’m in medical need. Promise?”

  “Promise.” They both cross a finger over their hearts and chant at the same time that I can’t stay mad at them. We all start to laugh and the tension breaks easily.

  “Sorry, girl. We were only trying to help. But if you want to try to fix it yourself, I think I know how you can see him.” The idea of facing him again sends dread down my spine, especially after those messages. But I can’t let him think it was me, either. And texting more will only confuse matters. I don’t say anything but motion for her to continue.

  “My brother is his brother’s best friend and they play football together. He’s never missed a game as far as I can tell. I’ve seen him whenever I’ve made it to one. He has a game next Friday if you want to go.”

  “It looks like we are going to a football game, people.” I sigh and throw myself on my bed, wondering how much more of a disaster one day can become.

  “Yes!” Zeek fist pumps.

  “You like football?” I ask, surprised, and he looks affronted that I would even question it.

  “And why wouldn’t I like football, Ms. Presley?”

  “Well…I mean...I’m not saying you shouldn’t…I was just surprised because, well...”

  “Oh, stop it, Zeek, you are so cruel. Of course, he doesn’t like football, Presley, his love affair is with the nachos at the concession stand.” Jodi saves me from my stuttering and I turn my glare on him.

  “What? It was funny, you should have seen your face. I might not like sports but I got to give it to the sporting events…they sure do have all the good stuff. If I have to sit through a boring sports event just to get some decent nachos, well, then that’s what I have to do.” Zeek winks and grabs his jacket off the back of Jodi’s chair.

  “Time for me to jet, ladies, Miss Presley, I will see you Friday.” He swings his jacket over his shoulders in a move that only he could pull off. He tosses me a wink before he saunters back out our door.

  CHAPTER 9

  Barrett

  I can’t help the pride that fills me as I watch Codi on the field. Every week he comes out and rocks whatever J.V. team they play. A confidence fills him as soon as he emerges on the field and I pray he doesn’t allow anyone to steal that from him. He is worth any sacrifice because he is really going to be something. If only our dad could see his worth. I remind myself again that Codi doesn’t need him. We don’t need him. He has me and Randy. I look over at my uncle, who jumps up and cheers him on. He has us, and he will make something of himself.

  I look around at the smiling faces chatting with their friends. I’m in high school yet I’ve always felt light years older. The weariness that has sunk into my bones isn’t normal for someone my age, is it? I look around at my classmates, who look carefree and at ease, and answer my own question. I’ve never really been into extracurricular activities. The only reason I go to them at all is for Codi. I have a handful of amazing friends but they know football games are for Codi, so they leave me alone to watch with my uncle. Randy snaps me out of my musings when he hits my arm and I look over at him.

  “Looks like you have company.”

  “What?”

  “Friend yours?” I look up and see a brunette walking intently our way.

  “No.”

  “Well, she’s not coming for me, and she is coming this way.”

  I’ve never had a problem getting girls. It’s nothing I’ve ever bragged or been proud about. Girls are drawn to me. Randy said it’s the bad boy image I portray. The racing and the silent broody type or something like that. I’ve never really cared about any particular girl, not enough to have a girlfriend or anyone serious. I have a few girl friends who mean a lot to me, but none of the others mean anything but a distraction. I’m used to girls I don’t know approaching me often. It doesn’t matter if Randy is with me or not, the girls don’t care one way or another. But they all know that when I’m watching Codi’s game, I’m not to be approached. The brunette is indeed approaching, and she’s looking right at me. The closer she gets, the more familiar she looks, but I can’t place her.

  “Hi.” That’s all it takes is one sign and a shy smile and I place her instantly as the strange girl from last week.

  “Hi. What doing here you?” I ask rudely. She’s interrupting the game and I don’t feel like dealing with anyone right now. Randy kicks my leg and gives me a warning look. Both my uncle and my mother have instilled the utmost manners in Codi and I, and I flush at him catching me.

  “P R E S L E Y, meet my Uncle R A N D Y.”

  “Nice meet you,” she signs and voices.

  “It’s very nice to meet you too, dear. Don’t mind my sullen nephew, would you like to sit?”

  “Oh, no, thank you.” She smiles at Randy and then turns back to me. “I don’t do D R U G S.” Randy about chokes next to me but I ignore his coughing and raise an eyebrow at her. “Those weird texts were send by my R O O M M A T E. My friends broke into my phone and were playing a j o k e on me. I’m sorry they sent those to you, I just wanted to apologize again and since J O D I brother plays football too and so I thought I’d come and talk to you in person.” She looks so nervous that I cut her a break and smile. It’s not even a big deal, in fact I didn’t even remember it. She was a bit strange when we met, so the text didn’t seem out of place, but I keep that to myself.

  “No problem. Fine really. Worry not you.” She smiles back and then looks over at my uncle. “I’ll leave you guys to enjoy the game. It was nice meeting you, Randy.” She looks back once at me and then walks off. I half expect her to look back to see if we are watching but she doesn’t. She walks right over to a tall blonde girl who is sitting with a guy who also has blonde hair, who are talking and waving their hands around, laughing at each other, and don’t even seem to notice that she’s sat down next to them. My uncle catches me watching her and nudges my side.

  “You going to tell me who that is?”

  “Don’t know
me.”

  “Well, at least we can rest easy that she not do drugs.” He says this with a blank face but then smiles when I laugh.

  “Girl weird.”

  “Girl nice,” he counters, giving me a pointed look that causes me to squirm.

  “You could use a nice girl in your life. And she signs.” I can’t help but laugh at that.

  “Sign bad her. Same you.” I smirk at him and he laughs.

  “I guess it’s a good thing we have a wonderful teacher.” He side hugs me and I can’t help the emotion I feel every time. I can’t remember my dad showing us any affection. Randy is so much like my mom that it almost hurts. She was never stingy with affection, and something tells me that Randy overcompensates for the lack of touch we get at home. I used to feel ashamed for how much I craved it. I’d see a kid fall off their bike and cry and watch as their dad scooped them up and hugged them tight. My dad would just yell at us and tell us if we ruined the bike we weren’t getting another one.

  After his game, Codi showers and changes in the locker room and then joins us in the stands.

  “Game good you.”

  “Thanks. Team easy beat. Challenge not.”

  “All teams challenge not. Coach move you varsity should.”

  “Never move freshman.”

  “Sophomore?”

  “Maybe. Coach say talk next year.”

  I smile wide at my little brother, letting him see how proud I am of his hard work. I slap him on the back. “Soon famous you.”

  “Yeah right. Happy me college football. Pro never happen me.”

  “Dream stop never. Pro you, Codi. Hard work you. Talent you. Can pro.”

  “Same you? Race car driver you? I shake my head no and smile at him.

  “Your dream what?”

  “You happy. You succeed. My dream.”

  I can’t stop thinking about what Randy said about Presley and needing someone good in my life. How he thinks he knows her so well from one short meeting is beyond me, but I just can’t let it go. Randy has a good read on people, and if he saw something in her, maybe I should listen. I’m so tired of the same meaningless crap over and over again. Before I can over think it, I pick my phone off the night stand and send out a quick text.

  Barrett: You only go illegal races?

  I look at the clock and realize she could very well be sleeping. She’s in college after all, so she could also be out at a party. My phone proves me wrong when it vibrates in response a moment later.

  Presley: Yes. Apparently, I like to live on the edge.

  I chuckle at her response because it seems so unlike the girl I met. But then my phone vibrates once again and I can’t hold back the smile when I read her follow up text.

  Presley: That could also be because that’s the only race I’ve ever been invited/kidnapped to.

  Barrett: Hey! You jump in MY car!

  Presley: LOL! I was talking about my roommate kidnapping me to the race. Someone has a guilty conscience. ;)

  Barrett: I like my date willing…sue me.

  Presley: IS this your horrible way of asking me on a date, Barrett?

  Barrett: No. This me telling you Saturday Im drag racing. If want jump in my car again won’t kick you out.

  Presley: Be still my heart. How could a girl say no to that?

  Barrett: She can’t.

  Presley: So where is this drag race on Saturday?

  Barrett: Text info later. Goodnight Presley.

  Presley: Goodnight Barrett.

  Barrett: p.s. crowd can be rough don’t forget your whistle. ;)

  Presley: Never leave home without it! :P

  I put my phone back down and realize I’m still grinning like a fool. I’m pretty sure that was the longest text conversation I’ve ever had. She didn’t even once correct my English. Maybe Saturday won’t be so bad after all.

  CHAPTER 10

  Presley

  “First off, what kind of dress is that? And second, no, you aren’t coming with me if you wear that! It’s a drag race, not a bull fight in Spain, for God sakes, Jodi!”

  “What? I like it, it adds drama.”

  “Sure, if you were the Chiquita banana lady it would be perfect, but you aren’t. Jeans and a t-shirt or you are staying here.”

  “You are such a party pooper!”

  “Yep, that’s me. He just texted me the address, and according to GPS, it’s going to take about thirty minutes to get there, so hurry up. His brother is saving us a seat, so that should be nice and awkward.”

  Jody emerges from the bathroom with a ponytail, one of my vintage Beatles tees, and her tight red jeans. Of course, she looks fabulous and not at all like she just threw it on.

  “Nah, it won’t be awkward. I know Codi a bit, he’s Brian’s friend and a cool kid. Okay, I’m done here, let’s go. I promised Dee we would swing by and get her on our way.”

  “Zeek isn’t coming?” Jodi half laughs, half scoffs.

  “Yeah right. Even the best nachos in the world couldn’t temp him to go to a car race of any kind. Dee’s dad use to race, so she loves it and is a fountain of knowledge on the subject. I figured it wouldn’t hurt for you to have someone who actually knew the rules and not just “fast one wins.”

  “Excellent point! I knew there was a reason why I kept you around.”

  We swing by the Kappa house to pick her up and we are on our way. Once we make it to the race track, we park in the lot and jump out. Dee takes a deep breath and smiles.

  “You smell that, ladies? There’s nothing like race day.”

  “She’s joking, right?” I whisper to Jodi.

  “Nope, I wish she was. Racing is in her blood. Lord, I hope you get used to the smell.”

  Once we get in, the excitement in the air is catching. As we walk, I can feel the rumble all the way up my legs. No wonder Barrett loves this so much. The entire place comes alive and it must put him on even playing ground, since nobody can hear a thing. My eyes scan the crowd, stopping on a good-looking kid waving with both hands. He has a wide smile and friendly eyes and I feel bad for thinking it, but there’s no way this is the brother of Broody Barrett.

  “That’s not Barrett’s little brother, is it?” I ask Jodi, nodding over to the kid.

  “Yep, sure is.” She takes the lead and heads straight for him with Dee on her heels. I take my time following, so I can get a good look at him. He is so opposite from his brother that I almost laugh. They have a similar build, but Barrett has a few inches on him. Other than that, he is all light to his brother’s dark. He radiates happiness that I can see even from this distance.

  “Pres, this is Barrett’s younger brother, Codi.”

  “Younger and better looking, right, Jodi?” He jokes with a wide grin and puts his hand out to shake.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Codi,” I say, taking his hand.

  “Oh, the pleasure is all mine. Three beautiful ladies all to myself for the afternoon, it looks like Christmas has come early this year.” Jodi rolls her eyes but Dee and I can’t help but chuckle.

  “Can I get you ladies anything to eat or drink before the races start?”

  “I think we’re good, thanks.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yep, I’m sure we’ll want a break in a bit, so we can get something then.”

  “Okay, I’ll be back. I’m going to check in with the guys and make sure they’re good to go, and then I’ll be back to explain everything.”

  “We’re good, take your time. Apparently, Dee here is an expert.”

  “Oh, be still my heart.” He dramatically clutches his chest, pretending to swoon.

  “Get out of here, you goon, we’re fine.” He sends Jodi a mock salute and then he’s off.

  “You didn’t tell me what a character he is. He’s nothing at all like his brother.”

  “He’s a good kid. I don’t know much about his brother, but you’re right—they’re like night and day.”

  “Shhh, the first pass is starting,” Dee chide
s. Sure enough, the rumble starts in my toes and leaves my teeth shaking.

  “This is just the burn out. They are warming up the cars and tires. See how they are coming back to the starting line now?”

  I nod, watching as the cars reverse right to the line. The smell of burned rubber is in the air and I watch with more excitement than I thought I’d have as these two strangers line up to race.

  “Do you see that there in the middle?” Dee point to the lights up ahead. “That’s called the Christmas tree, it counts down the race by color. Obviously green means go.” As soon as she says it, the two cars are off.

  “Wow, they go so fast!” Two parachutes pop out, scaring the life out of me. Both Dee and Jodi laugh as I jump.

  “Oops, sorry girl, I guess I should have warned you. That’s to help slow the car down since they’re going so fast for only such a short distance of sixty-sixty feet. Those screens right there are the drivers’ times.”

  “So now what happens?”

  “The winner goes on to the next bracket. The winners of each race are bracketed against the other winners.”

  “Oh, very cool. Geez, you really do know all about this stuff, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, my dad has been racing for years. I’ve done his pit crew a few times when I’m free. It’s so much fun, but exhausting work. It’s so much pressure on you, if anything goes wrong with the car, it all lands on the pit’s shoulders.”

  “Um yeah, no thank you.”

  “You do pit too, huh?” Codi snuck up on us without us even noticing since it’s so loud here.

  “Yep. Why aren’t you down there now?”

  “B wanted to make sure you girls were good. They have plenty of guys down there today anyway. We have about fifteen guys total on his pit and usually we have about eight per race. He’s covered, I just went down to make sure they didn’t need an interp.”

  “If he needs you to interpret for him, please go. We are totally fine, Codi.” He smiles wide and shakes his head.

  “Not for B. He’s good. Once he’s in the car, it’s just him and the road. I mean for a few of the other pit guys.”