Hope For Garbage

by Tully, Alex

  Trevor shrugged his shoulders. He had really never considered selling any of it. “Yeah, probably.” He walked over to the workstation and fiddled with some drill bits. “I guess giving it away just…feels right, you know?”

  He knew that probably sounded lame but it was the truth. He would never forget the look on Frank’s face when he brought that bike back to him. Trevor worked his ass off on that thing. It looked brand new—painted fire engine red with yellow flame decals on the frame. As it turns out, Frank had an eleven-year old son with an upcoming birthday. From then on, Frank was all too happy to show his appreciation. He became Trevor’s inside guy to the best stuff on the garbage routes.

  “Come over here,” Trevor reached out and grabbed her hand again. He led her over to the workbench. Sitting under the lights was one of his current projects, an old wooden rocking horse. “I actually found this at a garage sale on my way home from school—they only wanted a dollar for it.”

  “Awe, it’s adorable,” she ran her hand over the unfinished wood.

  “I’ve been sanding it. Then I just need to paint it and get a new rope for the reigns. I’m taking it to the Haven House. They call it a crisis nursery. It’s one of those places where kids go before they’re placed in foster care.”

  She looked up at him. They were so close, he could smell her citrusy perfume again. “Wow. Isn’t it sad seeing all those kids?”

  “You’d be surprised. The kids there are amazing. Most of them have experienced some pretty awful things, but you wouldn’t know it. I’ve only been there twice so far, but I definitely plan on going again.”

  The Haven House was affiliated with the same hospital as the Crazy Kids Center. After Trevor’s first session with Dr. Fisher, he noticed bright green flyers hanging all over the walls in the lobby. They were announcing a fundraiser to benefit the Haven House, which it turns out, was located on the outskirts of Westwood. It was only a few minutes from his house by bike. That’s when he had the idea of fixing up the toys.

  “This is really amazing Trevor.”

  Hearing the admiration in her voice made him excited, but nervous at the same time. He was letting her into a part of his world that only Mr.T had seen. Still, he couldn’t stop talking, “The best was when I delivered the toys. The kids came running up to me like I was Santa Claus. It was awesome, really.”

  God, he hoped he didn’t sound like an egomaniac. He wasn’t trying to come off as some kind of saint. It was just so nice to share it all with her.

  “How did you learn to fix all this stuff? I mean, I could never learn to do all this.”

  “Yes you could. You would be surprised how much you can learn from the internet. Another one of my favorite places is the library because they have free internet access. I spend a lot of time there.”

  Then he added, “And of course Mr.T helps me a lot. He used to be an electrician so he’s taught me a ton.”

  “Is he the one who bought you all the tools and stuff?” she asked. “I mean you said your uncle was pretty much a jerk, so I was just curious.”

  “Yeah, Mr.T’s a pretty cool guy.”

  “Wow, he just gives it to you?”

  Trevor had no intention of telling Bea about his deal with Mr.T yet. He just wasn’t ready to go into the whole Crazy Kids Center and his sessions with Dr. Fisher. Hell no. “Well I help him around his house a lot.” He stopped there and looked her in the eyes. “What is this? Twenty questions?”

  She looked embarrassed and Trevor immediately followed with, “Kidding… I like the questions, really.” He had no clue how to act around girls.

  “I’m sorry. I think it’s awesome—all of it. You know, I would really like to go with you next time you go to Haven House.”

  Trevor turned to her, but she immediately looked down at the floor. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He felt her arms wrap around his back. Good sign. He was being pretty forward, but they were alone, and he really wanted to kiss her. This was the perfect opportunity.

  Trevor had been thinking about kissing Bea since they first met. Sadly, although he was seventeen, he had never come close to kissing a girl. Mr.T was always asking if he had met any girls or gone out on any dates. Honestly, he just never had any interest in girls, until now. God, he hoped he didn’t screw it up.

  He started to lean down, closer, closer…

  “You know what—” she abruptly pulled away from him and looked away. “I better get going.” And just like that, she turned around and dashed out the door.

  Trevor stood there dumbfounded. What in the hell just happened?

  CHAPTER 10

  Lorene was doing her thing in the kitchen. She truly loved cooking. On the center island sat a cutting board and a colander full of fresh vegetables. She was stuffing some pasta shells with spinach and ricotta cheese. Bea walked in from school and dropped into a kitchen chair.

  “Hey Bea, how was school?”

  “It was okay.” She sounded a little down. “What’s for dinner? I’m starving.”

  “Oh just some stuffed shells with salad.”

  “Sounds good.” Bea started digging through her bag for her homework.

  Lorene began chopping the vegetables for the salad. “So, did you talk to that boy over the weekend? The one you were telling me about—what’s his name—Trevor?”

  “Yeah, I actually went over to visit him on Saturday. He’s really sweet.”

  Lorene remembered Bea had mentioned he was from Westwood. “So, does he go to school in Westwood? That’s where he’s from, right?”

  “Yeah. He goes to Westwood High. He’s a junior.” The girl didn’t seem to be in the mood to talk.

  Just then Lorene dropped the salad spoons and ran over to the range. “Oh shoot! I forgot to put on the oven.”

  “Trevor told me he is a vegetarian you know. Do you think that’s weird?”

  This did surprise Lorene. “Really? You don’t see many teenage boys turning vegetarian. But I wouldn’t say it’s weird—more like unique.”

  Lorene went back to tossing the salad. “So what are his plans for after high school?”

  “I’m not sure. We didn’t really talk about that.” Bea didn’t like the question. Lorene could hear it in her tone.

  Lorene placed the bread dough in a loaf pan. She couldn’t help herself. Just one more question, “Do you think—?”

  Before she could finish, Bea was shouting, “What the hell is this Lorene? An inquisition? Like I said, we didn’t talk about it. And what if he doesn’t want to go to college? What if he just wants to be an artist, or a plumber, or a fireman, or whatever. Does it really matter?”

  Lorene had pushed too far. “Honey, I’m sorry. I was just curious, that’s all. Sometimes I just don’t know when to shut up.”

  Bea wouldn’t look her in the eyes. She slumped down in her chair, a pitiful frown on her face. “Sorry. I just feel kind of stressed out lately. On Saturday, I kind of just ran out on him.”

  Uh oh. “You did? Did something upset you?”

  Bea sighed, “Not really. I mean, he didn’t do anything. I guess I just freaked out, you know. Everything was a little overwhelming.”

  An idea popped into Lorene’s head, “You know what? Why don’t you call Trevor up and ask him over for dinner? This is a completely vegetarian meal. Your mom won’t be home until late tonight. And, I’d really like to meet him.”

  Bea’s eyes lit up. “Really? That would be awesome. I just hope he’s not mad about the way I left on Saturday. Talk about embarrassing.” In seconds she was digging in her bag for her cell phone. “Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to call him up and see. I know you’re really going to like him Lorene.”

  Lorene could hear her leaving a message, sounding very casual. Bea must really like this boy, and Lorene was happy for her. She truly hoped she would get to meet him tonight.

  ***

  On his way home from school, Trevor checked his phone. He had a voicemail waiting from Bea. She in
vited him over for dinner, saying her parents wouldn’t be around and they’d have the place to themselves.

  He was surprised. After Bea left on Saturday, he thought she wanted nothing more to do with him. And, dinner was a tempting offer, but the whole situation was starting to stress him out. As much as he liked Bea, he wasn’t used to the drama. I mean, she walks out right when he was about to kiss her? He would never understand girls.

  But the bigger problem was that Bea was living in another world. She hadn’t asked him about the rest of his family yet. She didn’t even ask why he was living with his uncle. What would she think when she found out the truth? How could she ever understand? And shit, what would her super rich parents think?

  Trevor didn’t want to deal with it now. He just wanted to work in his Box and clear his head. He would just send her a text and say he couldn’t make it.

  He typed into his phone: Hey, I’m really tired and not feeling up 2 dinner 2nite. Maybe another time? Thx 4 the offer. At least it was honest.

  A couple of minutes later he got a response. That’s fine. She was pissed.

  He texted back, I would like to c u. Just tired 2nite

  Ok I understand. Sorry about the way I left Saturday.

  Now the guilt started settling in. He imagined her sitting there with a pouty look on her face and suddenly he had an overwhelming urge to see her. Did he really want to do this? Screw it.

  I am pretty hungry. Be there in 20?

  Just as he was sending the text, Trevor realized he would have to ride his bike there. Uncle Gary wouldn’t be back for hours. Harbor Village was about twenty minutes by car, so who knew how long it would take on a bike…unless.

  Trevor ran over to Mr.T’s.

  CHAPTER 11

  The damn mail was wet again. That was it—he was going to Home Depot tomorrow to get a new mailbox. Better yet, he would give it to Trevor. The kid could probably make it like new again.

  Tom sorted through the junk mail while Jip lay under the table at his feet. “Well Jip, you and I can hang out a little longer. But then I have to leave you for dinner. I’m going to meet my friend Carol for some real food. Don’t worry though—I’ll bring you home a treat.”

  Just then he heard pounding at the back door. Trevor was peeking through the glass. “Come in!” Tom shouted.

  Trevor burst through the door, “Okay, Mr.T, I need a big favor.”

  “I’ve told you a million times you don’t need to knock kid.”

  The kid was panting like he had just run a marathon, “Yeah, okay. I just need to borrow your car.”

  Well, this was a first. The kid always rode his bike—always. He liked to call Tom’s Grand Marquis, the “Grand Polluter”. He supposed Trevor was like a lot of kids of his generation—wanting to save the planet from ignorant old coots like him. He liked to remind Tom of little facts he had learned, like a cloth diaper takes five years to decompose, but today’s plastic diapers take five hundred years. He had to admit, that one was pretty compelling. But Tom wasn’t in the business of buying diapers—yet. And if God forbid, that day ever came, he sure as hell wasn’t wearing cloth!

  Tom suddenly remembered his date with Carol and frowned, “Hmm…you know anytime I would say yes kid, but wouldn’t you know it, I actually need it tonight.”

  Trevor’s face fell. “Really? No offense Mr.T but why would you need it? You never go anywhere after like four o’clock.”

  That was pretty much true. “I know but I actually have a date tonight with Carol.”

  “The noodle lady? Seriously?” Trevor looked amused. “What if I drop you off at dinner? Then I’ll pick you up a couple hours later.”

  Wow, the kid really was desperate. Tom had a feeling this had something to do with the girl. “Well, maybe I should ask you what you need it for. That would be a start.”

  “Well…I have a date too, sort of.” Was the kid blushing? This was a side of Trevor he had never seen before, and it was refreshing.

  “Really? Let me guess, a pretty little brunette with a fancy car?”

  Trevor started to ramble. He told Tom about the dinner invitation, and how she lived up in Harbor Village. Yes, she was rich, but not snobby. She was smart, nice, and hot. “Or in your language, Mr.T, she’s a looker,” he explained.

  “Okay slow down. How about I drive you to her house and then pick you up later? Carol and I are going to dinner downtown, so it’s too far to be dropping us off.”

  Trevor seemed to relax a bit, “Yeah, I guess that should work. But when are you going, because I told Bea I would be there soon—like around six.”

  “‘Bea’? What’s that short for? Beatrice, Betty? Or maybe beautiful? Huh?” He nudged Trevor with his elbow.

  “Mr.T you can be so cheesy sometimes. Her name is Barbara but she doesn’t like it.”

  Tom chuckled, “I see. Well no worries kid. I will get you there by six o’clock sharp. You can always count on me.” And that was the God’s honest truth.

  ***

  The doorbell rang and Lorene shouted, “Bea! I think he’s here!” Bea had been primping in the bathroom for over an hour. It could be another hour if Lorene didn’t get the girl out of there. She tapped on the bathroom door. “Hurry it up Bea. They’re here.”

  Lorene went to the front door and opened it. To her surprise there were three people standing there—a teenage boy and an elderly couple. “Hello! Come in, come in.” She motioned them in and then focused her attention on the young one, “You must be Trevor.”

  He was a handsome boy with sandy brown hair and light brown eyes. He looked scared silly and just nodded.

  The older gentlemen extended his hand to her. “Hello, I’m Tom Tyminski and this is my friend Carol.”

  “Well it’s so nice to meet all of you. I’ve got a wonderful dinner planned. Bea will be out any minute. You know how girls can be.” Carol nodded knowingly, while Tom and Trevor looked like they didn’t have a clue.

  “Can I get you something to drink? Soda, juice, maybe something stronger, Tom and Carol?”

  Trevor finally spoke, “No, they’re not staying. Well, Mr.T has other plans. But he wanted to meet Bea before he took off.”

  Just then Bea emerged from the bathroom. She looked especially pretty in a light blue shift dress that matched her eyes. They all made their introductions and then Tom took Bea’s hand and kissed it. “You are just as lovely as Trevor told me you were.” At that, the boy’s face turned crimson.

  “I wish we could stay, but we have reservations we don’t want to miss. It was nice to meet you both.” Tom said.

  Lorene showed Tom and Carol to the door and then she got dinner on the table. They sat down to a feast of spinach stuffed shells, garden salad and Italian bread dipped in olive oil. Lorene even offered them each a small glass of merlot. She figured these kids could use something to help them relax. Both Trevor and Bea were quiet, and Lorene found herself initiating most of the conversation. Getting those two to say anything was like pulling teeth. She asked polite questions, and got short answers.

  Thankfully, as the dinner progressed, everyone began opening up a little more. Lorene learned all about Trevor’s workshop, the ‘Box’ as he called it. She heard about how talented he was from Bea, who was overflowing with compliments.

  Lorene had to admit, she was very impressed with the boy. How could she not be? Giving away all that stuff, and visiting the children at the Haven House. Not many kids today were unselfish like that. It seemed like the youth today just wanted more, actually expected more.

  She was a little concerned about his family life though. She had learned he lived with his uncle, and judging from the way the boy spoke about him, Lorene could tell Trevor didn’t care for him much. But there was no mention of his parents, or any other family for that matter. The boy seemed very alone; much like Bea in a way. Maybe Tom was that one person that Trevor counted on, just as she was the one person Bea counted on.

  After dinner they had ice cream sundaes with all the
toppings. Trevor might’ve been a vegetarian, but he certainly seemed to be a good eater. He had two helpings at dinner and one of the biggest ice cream sundaes Lorene had ever seen. They all cleaned up in the kitchen together and Lorene decided it was time to say goodbye. “I hope to see you again soon Trevor.” And she truly meant that.

  “Yea, me too Lorene,” he said smiling.

  All in all, it was a very pleasant evening. Lorene could only hope the best for those two kids. She picked up her purse and her bag of leftovers, and was out the door.

  CHAPTER 12

  Trevor could definitely see why Bea considered Lorene her best friend. She was down-to-earth and very friendly. She really knew how to make people feel comfortable.

  Finally it was just him and Bea—alone. He was feeling things he had never felt before: excitement, nervousness, and anticipation all rolled into one. The more time he spent with her, the more he thought about kissing her, holding her, touching her...

  After Lorene had left, they walked out onto the back terrace. Trevor was amazed again. The stone terrace was enormous, jutting out to the edge of the lake. Wrapped around the banister were thousands of tiny twinkle lights, creating a glowing boundary between them and the endless water. To the west, the setting sun had turned the sky into wild shades of pink and orange. To the east, the Cleveland skyline sparkled far off in the distance. Trevor could never imagine being able to come out here every night and enjoy this view. This truly was a different world.

  A minute of silence passed before Trevor got the nerve to turn and face her. He had been thinking about kissing her all night. What if she freaked out again? He felt like a nervous idiot, but he didn’t want to screw it up. It was now or never.

  He put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. “You’re really pretty, you know that?” Oh God, did he just say that?