Bell Bottom High: Book 2: Sophomore Sorrows

by B. J. Williams

  I felt sympathy for my friend and remained quiet. Seeing Joyce that way was tearing my heart apart. In all the years we had been friends, I’d never seen Joyce carry on like this. Her whole body was shaking as the tears continued. I wish there was something I could do to ease her pain. Maybe if she cries long enough, she’ll feel better. I hope so.

  *

  “Hey, hey, hey, look who made it home today,” I chimed. “How’re you feeling, big brother?” I asked, bending down to hug Tyrone.

  “I’m doing okay. But being in this cast really sucks,” Tyrone replied. He was seated at the kitchen table with his casted leg elevated on one of the chairs, sipping from a soda can.

  “I just thank God you’re home,” Mama said, smiling down at her oldest child. “At least we don’t have to worry about you going off to war anytime soon. That’s all I care about.”

  “Yeah, it’s not like I was looking forward to that, either. But I hate not being able to get around on my own. I can’t believe I have to wear this stupid thing for at least six weeks. It’s going to be pure torture,” Tyrone uttered, fidgeting in his seat.

  “Oh, stop complaining, and please be still. It could have been worse,” Mama stated. “In fact, it could have been much worse judging from the condition of your car.”

  “Ah, man, I’m going to miss my ride. I can’t believe my car was totaled. I could shoot myself for wrecking that car.”

  “Tyrone, I agree with Mama. You can buy another car. Just be thankful that you got out alive and they were able to save your skinny leg.”

  Tyrone didn’t respond at first. He just shook his head at the two of us. “Y’all don’t understand. It’s a black man thang. The most important thang to a brother is his car.”

  “Yeah, right, I understand you’re mad because you won’t be able to ride around your girlfriend, Sherry.” I teased, puckering my lips.

  “Ha! Ha!” Tyrone faked a laugh. “You’re too funny. Sherry and I been broke up for months and you know this.”

  “Stop it, you two,” Mama said, interrupting our horseplay. She wiped her hand on her once white apron. “Reecy, watch dinner for a second, please. I have to run to the bathroom real quick,” Mama said.

  “No problem, Mama. What are you cooking?”

  “I’ve got a pot of pinto beans on top of the stove and a pan of cornbread in the oven. I’ll be right back,” she replied, exiting the kitchen. I loved me some beans, so I was happy to watch them.

  I sat down at the table across from Tyrone. I had a million questions I wanted to ask him about his hospital stay. But the burning question in my mind right then related to what happened before the car accident. I was ready to put the rumors to rest once and for all when I asked, “Tyrone, were you racing with Jeremy Smith?”

  The second Tyrone released a heavy sigh and dropped his head, I knew the vicious rumor had turned into the hard-to-accept truth. “What were you thinking?” I asked, looking at him with wide eyes.

  “That’s the problem, sis. I wasn’t thinking. Jeremy flew by me in that little red Corvette, and I threw caution to the wind. The next thing I knew, I couldn’t move my legs. Then, I was being pulled out of my car and loaded into an ambulance. It didn’t even seem like it was real. I thought it was just a bad dream or something.”

  “I wish it was, because that’s how I felt when I got home and Joshua told me what had happened. I was scared to death thinking that something was wrong with Grandma. Then when Joshua came home and told me you were in the hospital having surgery, I just freaked out.”

  “Well, I’m sorry for upsetting everybody. But I’m paying for my mistake now. I should have let Jeremy fly on down the road. Now, I’m going be laid up like a newborn baby for weeks, and that scoundrel didn’t even get hurt.”

  “I know. He drives like a bat out of hell. I’m surprised he hasn’t killed himself by now,” I said, giggling with Tyrone. I heard the telephone ringing in the hallway and leaped to answer it.

  “I’ve got it!” Mama yelled.

  “All right, Mama, I’ll check on the cornbread.” I slid my right hand into an oven mitt, pulled down the oven door, and pulled out a pan of golden brown cornbread.

  “Boy, that smells good. Mama made my favorite meal today, pinto beans, cornbread, and fried chicken,” Tyrone said, taking in a deep breath while rubbing his stomach.

  I turned around to see Mama standing in the kitchen doorway with a somber look on her face. “What’s the matter, Mama?”

  “That was Deloris Campbell on the telephone. They got a call today saying that Alfred would be home this weekend.”

  I clapped my hands together, and said, “That’s great news! Joyce is going to be so happy to see him.” Then, I realized Mama was still looking weird. “What’s wrong, Mama? Didn’t you just say that Alfred was coming home?”

  “Yes, baby, he’s coming home, but he’s been wounded.”

  I snatched off the oven mitt and threw it on top of the counter. I jetted over to Mama’s side. “What happened?”

  Mama stumbled over to the kitchen table and slid into a chair. “It’s bad, sweetie. It’s really bad. His right arm was blown off during combat.”

  “Oh, Jesus!” Tyrone yelled, spitting out a mouthful of soda.

  “Oh, no!” I cried, sinking to my knees. My mind was in a whirlwind as the tears spilled down my face. I can’t believe this is happening. Please let this be a dream. First, Tyrone hurts his leg in a car wreck, and now, Alfred has lost his arm in a senseless war. Please let this be a joke or something.

  Mama used her apron to wipe the tears from my face. “Calm down, Reecy,” she said, patting my back. “Try to calm down, sweetheart.”

  “Mama, maybe we should go over there to see how they’re doing.”

  “No, I offered to do that already, baby, and his mother said no. They’re not taking any visitors. They just want to be alone as a family until he gets home.”

  “Well, can I at least call and talk to Joyce just to see how she’s doing?”

  “Sure, I don’t think that’ll hurt anything. But don’t talk long, because you don’t want to tie up their telephone line. I know Deloris is probably trying to call other people, too.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I won’t talk long, I promise,” I said, placing a hand on the wooden table and pushing myself up.

  Standing in the hallway, I dialed the number to my best friend’s house. Oh, God, I can’t imagine how Joyce is feeling right now. I freaked out when Tyrone had his accident. I bet she’s doing the same thing right now.

  “Hey, Joyce, how’re you doing?”

  “I guess my mama called you all with the bad news, huh?”

  “Ah, yeah, my mom just told me. I can’t believe that Alfred’s hurt.”

  “Me neither. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I hope I don’t lose it when I see him again. Man, I was looking forward to seeing my brother again in one piece and then this had to go and happen to him.”

  “I’m so sorry, Joyce. I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear this tragic news. I know my mama said you all weren’t accepting company, but can I come over?”

  “I’m sorry, Ree. My daddy is taking it really hard. He don’t want to see nobody, and he told us not to let nobody come to our house today. I’m sorry.”

  “But I’m just like family, Joyce. I hate for you to go through this alone. I’m sure my mom would drive me over there for a few minutes.”

  “Thanks, Ree,” Joyce replied, struggling to respond. I could tell from the sniffling sound that she was crying. “But I have to follow my parents’ rules. Maybe you can come by after Alfred gets home. I’ll call you tomorrow evening. He’s scheduled to get home at ten o’clock in the morning. I won’t be in school tomorrow, and I’m happy it’s a Friday.”

  “Okay, you do that. I’ll see you tomorrow then,” I said. We said our good-byes, and I hung up the telephone.

  *

  It was after six o’clock Friday evening when Joyce called my home. I had been standing right
by the telephone and answered it on the first ring.

  “Hi, Ree, I just called to let you know that Alfred made it home safely this morning.”

  “That’s great, Joyce. How’s he doing?”

  “Well, he seems to be in good spirits. He and Daddy are talking and carrying on like they’re best buddies. I haven’t seen my father this happy in a long time. And Mama just can’t stop staring at him. She stayed up most of the night cooking all of his favorite dishes. We have enough food to last for the rest of the weekend for sure.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” I said, chuckling. “When can we come over for a visit?”

  “Mama said that you all could come over Sunday afternoon. She wants to have Alfred to herself for two whole days before she shares him with anyone else.”

  “I understand. I’ll see you on Sunday. I guess I’ll let you have some family time. Is there anything you’d like me to bring you?”

  “No, Ree, I’m fine. It’s just going to take some time for me to get used to seeing Alfred with a hook where his right hand used to be.”

  “Oh, goodness,” I gasped before I knew it. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

  “Ah, I have to go. I hear Mama calling me for something. I’ll see you tomorrow, bye.”

  I heard the telephone click and scolded myself for responding the way I had. I feel so stupid. She’s already upset, and I probably just made things worse.

  *

  On Sunday morning at church, I went to the altar and prayed for my family as well as Joyce’s. Father, we’ve both been through so much this first semester. Please continue blessing Joyce’s family and mine. Amen.

  I bolted for my room the second we walked through the front door. I changed out of my fancy church dress into a pair of studded bell bottom jeans and a blue sweater.

  Mama drove me and Tyrone over to Joyce’s house around five o’clock that evening. Joyce greeted us at the door with a warm smile. Holding the door open, she stepped to the side for us to come in. Mama entered first and gave Joyce a tight hug. I walked in behind Mama and did the same. Then, Tyrone made it through the door leaning on his crutches.

  “Man, what happened to you?” Alfred asked. He was standing tall in a long-sleeved shirt over a pair of khaki pants. Alfred looked like he’d always looked except for the hook where his right hand used to be. Mama, Tyrone, and I tried our best not to stare at the extension on Alfred’s arm.

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you that he had a car wreck and broke his leg,” Joyce said, closing the front door.

  “Yeah, man, I totaled my car last week. How are you doing?” Tyrone asked, making his way to a hardback chair. “That’s the question.”

  “Well, I won’t complain. I’m doing better than some of the fellows I left over there,” Alfred replied, staring at his hook. “But it’s going to take some time to accept this change in my life.”

  “Hello, there,” Mrs. Campbell said, entering the living room. “I thought I heard some strange voices up here.”

  “Well, we’re not strange,” Mama responded, laughing. “How’re you doing, Deloris?” she asked, giving her a hug.

  “I’m holding up fine. I’m just glad to have my boy home,” she answered, smiling at her son. Alfred had sat down in a chair opposite Tyrone and was telling him about his experiences in Vietnam.

  “Why don’t you come on back here in the kitchen with me and let these two young men catch up with each other?”

  “That’s a good idea,” Mama responded.

  “Mama, can I take Reecy back to my room and talk?” Joyce asked, interrupting our parents.

  “Sure, baby, go right on. Reecy has seen your junky room before,” she teased, leading Mama towards the kitchen.

  Joyce turned on the radio and plopped down on her twin-sized bed beside me. The sound of the mighty O’Jays filled the room singing, “Love Train.” We sang along with the song to the very end. That Eddie LeVert could really sing.

  “So, what all did you do yesterday?” I asked, facing my friend. “I really missed you at school.”

  “I missed you, too. And I have some news for you.”

  “What is it?” I asked, getting excited. “I hope it’s something good.”

  “It is. I went back to the doctor’s office early yesterday morning for a check-up on the chlamydia, and it seems to be cleared up completely.”

  “Hallelujah!” I shouted, bouncing on the bed. “That is good news.”

  “And they gave me a pregnancy test while I was there, and it came back negative. Thank, God,” Joyce said, placing a hand over her heart.

  “That’s a relief. I was really worried about you for a minute.”

  “Thanks, Reecy. You’ll never know how scared I’ve been the last month. It’s like I’ve been riding on a rollercoaster bigger than the one at the state fair. I’ve been mighty high, and I’ve been mighty low. I just hope you never have to experience what I’ve been through,” Joyce whispered. “This has been one rough semester for me, and it’s not even over yet.”

  “I know. Believe me, I’ve been counting my blessings. And for the record, I’m not in any hurry to do it. After seeing what you and Lena have been through with the same boy, I’ve decided to wait until I’m married for that pleasure.”

  “Sure, Ree, that’s what you say now. Next year when you turn sixteen and start dating, I’ll see what you have to say then,” Joyce said, shaking an index finger at me. “Just make sure you use protection.”

  “Yeah, right, like I’m really looking forward to dating someone at that school. Please, I know all those boys, and I can’t think of one that I’m anxious to date or do it with.”

  “That’s right, Henry won’t be there next year so that puts him out of the picture, right?”

  “Henry! He was out of the picture from the get-go.”

  “Come on, Ree, you mean to tell me that you don’t even like him a little bit, because I know he’s crazy about you. Everybody can see it.”

  I shook my head before answering. “No, I’m not interested in Henry. He’s nice and smart and everything, but I’ve never considered dating him. Anyway, he’s graduating soon and going away to college.”

  “That’s true. He’ll be long gone by your sixteenth birthday. Oh, well, I’ll just have to help you find someone else.”

  “Don’t even go there. I’m not even thinking about that right now. We still have another semester to get through,” I stated, lying back against the pillows on the bed. “So. how is Alfred, really? Does he seem to be handling this okay?” I asked, intentionally changing the subject.

  “Yeah, he is. I’m really surprised at his attitude, though. I was really scared at first thinking he would come home angry at the world. And that’s the last thing we needed to combine with my father’s temper. But, surprisingly, Alfred seems to be at peace with it. He’s even talking about getting a job or starting his own business.”

  “That’s neat. I wish him the best with that.”

  “One thing about it, he won’t have to worry about my daddy trying to push him around anymore. Daddy took one look at Alfred’s hook yesterday and almost fainted on the spot. He was so scared of that thing,” Joyce said, laughing. She clapped her hands, and changed to a different tone. “Seriously, though, I’m just glad my brother’s home.”

  “And I’m glad for you because…”

  I stopped at the sound of someone knocking on the door. “Let’s go, Reecy. I need to get home and get ready for work tomorrow.”

  “Okay, Mama, I’ll be right there,” I replied, sliding off the bed. “I wish we could stay longer, but I’ve got to go. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”

  Chapter Ten

  “Man, I’m through feeling sorry for myself,” Tyrone said, propping his cast up on the sofa. “I can’t believe that after all Alfred has experienced, he still has a good disposition about his future. And he’s even thinking about starting his own barbering business. Can you imagine that, a man with one hand cutting hair? Here I am complai
ning about a broken leg that’s going to be healed in a few weeks, and he’s never going to see his hand again.” Tyrone stared down at his own hands, flexing his fingers as if he was making sure they were still working.

  “I told you it could have been worse,” Mama said, slamming the front door. She walked over to the sofa and sat down beside Tyrone. Taking his hand, she said, “Hopefully, by the time you’re healed, this war will be over and done with. It’s a shame we’re losing so many of our young men to this war. They’re either coming back in body bags or missing limbs, and that’s a disgrace.”

  “That Alfred is something else. The stories he told me made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I’m praying they end this mess real soon. Maybe my accident was a blessing in disguise.”

  “Baby, either way you look at it, you’re blessed. I’m so thankful you weren’t killed and you won’t be leaving us anytime soon.”

  “Me, too. I’m sorry about what happened to Alfred, but at the same time, I’m happy it wasn’t you or Joshua. I don’t know if I could handle it as well as Joyce seems to be handling things.”

  “I know, baby,” Mama added. “Deloris is holding up better than I thought she would. I guess anything that doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.”

  “It seems that way,” Tyrone said. “Reecy’s Cup, turn the TV on for me. Let’s see who’s going to be on the Ed Sullivan Show tonight on channel twelve. Maybe I’ll catch on of the many reruns with the Supremes on it.”

  I walked over to the Zenith black and white television and pulled the knob out to turn it on. It took several seconds for the set to warm up enough to show a decent picture. I turned the channel dial until I reached the CBS station. It didn’t take long; we only had three stations to choose from.

  “How’s that?” I asked, looking back at Tyrone.

  “It’s a little fuzzy. Can you go outside and turn the antenna for me?”

  I sighed; that was my least favorite thing in the world to do. But since I was happy to have my brother home and alive, I relented and walked outside. Grabbing the antenna with both hands, I turned it as hard as I could to the right.