Little Things

by Madison Street

  The movie finishes ten minutes later and we begin our assignments. Mr. Cerillo passes out worksheets and advises us to complete our work in groups. Rob, Raya, and I dive right in. Raya grabs the sheet and states the first question. “Okay. Male, age unknown, body and limbs are stiff, no signs of maggots. What do you guys think?”

  “I think this is some fucked up gross shit and I’m going to be sick. That video was nasty.”

  Rob does look sickly and I slap him on the back. “Suck it up. We have to finish this.”

  Rob grunts and lets out a loud sigh. “Fine, let’s hurry up before I puke up my breakfast.”

  Raya and I laugh as we focus on the remaining questions. Before we know it, class is over and we head over to Calculus. Jose isn’t in class today—lucky for him. Mrs. Robinson passes out the unit test which I completely forgot about. Fuck my life. I need to pass this class and can’t lose my scholarship. I finish the test in under an hour and hope that it’s good enough. Hey, I did my best—that’s what matters. As I gather up my things to give Mrs. Robinson the test, I realize I am the last one in class; even Raya is gone. Damn, I wanted to talk to her.

  I exit the classroom and begin walking toward the locker room and suddenly Raya and Melanie call after me. “Hey, sweetie. How was class?”

  I give Melanie a quick hug and a kiss. “It was okay, another test. I hope I passed.”

  She turns to Raya and smiles. “Looks, like you are feeling better. So, I wanted to ask you…do you want to come to Austin’s costume party with us tomorrow?” Raya’s eyes grow big and bright as her face shines.

  “Seriously, you’re inviting me to a party?” Her voice is ecstatic and high-pitched. She’s definitely excited about this.

  “Of course, Raya. Why not? You’re our friend.” She gives Raya a small hug. “Come on, you should come with us.”

  Raya frowns and looks down at her feet. “I’m not sure if I can. I’d have to ask my mom and step-dad.”

  “Do you want me to come over and talk to them with you?” Melanie is so sweet and nurturing.

  Raya steps back away from us. “No! Don’t come over.” Melanie and I look at each other and then back at Raya. “Everything alright at home?” I step toward her, hoping she understands I want her to open up and let me in.

  “Yeah, everything’s fine. Sorry, it’s just the house is still a mess; you know, moving, and we haven’t finished putting all of the stuff away.”

  Melanie seems to buy her excuse but I don’t. “Oh, okay. Well, find out and let us know. We can pick you up and drive you home afterward.” Melanie gives her a quick hug and kisses my cheek. “I’ll call you later. Okay, babe?”

  “Yes, see you later, sweetie”

  Melanie heads off to her next class, leaving me and Raya in the halls. “So, you want to tell me why you’re lying to me?”

  “Duke, trust me. Everything is fine. I’ll ask about the party and let you know. Give me your phone.” She reaches out her palm as I give her my phone and she plugs her number into my contacts list. She takes a quick selfie and gives it back to me as she offers a small smile. “I’ll text you.” She walks off to class and glances back at me, just as she turns the corner. I look at the picture she took and she’s absolutely breathtaking. Just a hint of a smile, but it’s stunning. All I see are her precious blues and I can stare at them all day. I press the call button and listen to the ringing until she answers it.

  “Duke?”

  “Good, now you have my number. I’m assuming you needed it if you were planning on texting me.” I hear her laugh through the phone and I laugh in return. “Oh, yeah! Ha-ha! I’m a dumb ass.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re brilliant.”

  “You’re so sweet. Melanie is very lucky. Okay, I’m almost at English class. I gotta go. Bye.” She hangs up before I even have time to respond. Hearing her smile makes my heart beat a little faster. Suddenly, I’m looking forward to the party and I really hope she makes it.

  Raya

  Climbing off the bus, I continue my trek home from school. I need to talk to my mother, and hopefully I can figure out a way to go to Austin’s party tomorrow. I’m really excited about it. I can’t believe Melanie asked me to go. When I met her, I immediately thought she was going to be a bitch to me, but she’s the complete opposite. She has been so great and has tried to break my shell. English class would not be the same without her. I’m happy I can trust her and have a feeling that we are going to be great friends. I can see why Duke is with her. She’s beautiful and so caring for others. Her personality is fresh, smart, witty, and she’s naturally sexy. I wish I had her confidence and poise. One can only dream, right?

  And then there’s Duke. Ever since the first day of Forensics, I’ve been drawn to him. He constantly makes me smile and I can’t help but feel butterflies whenever he’s around. Even during Calculus, I can feel his eyes on me which causes my heart to skip. I know it’s wrong since he’s with Melanie, but I can’t help it. Even when I feel terrible and Craig puts me in a sour mood, Duke’s smile makes me feel a hundred times better. Holy shit! I can’t believe I gave him my number. The thought of him calling me makes me smile and I practically skip the rest of the way home.

  As I walk up our driveway, I notice Craig’s car is not parked in the driveway. He must be stuck at work late tonight. Thank goodness. I cannot deal with him today.

  “Mom, I’m home.”

  I place my bag down in the foyer and stroll into the kitchen to find my mom. She’s in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and I walk up behind her and embrace her in a hug.

  “Hi, darling. How was school?” She turns and kisses my cheek. Just as I’m about to respond, I notice a bruise on her face and my blood boils. I reach up to touch her face and she flinches. “Mom, what did that fucker do to you?”

  “Raya, don’t use that tone with me. Craig and I got into a little argument, but it’s not as bad as it looks.”

  “Seriously, Mom? Your face is bruised. Why do you stay with him? Let’s just leave—right now—you and me,” I plead with her but she doesn’t budge.

  “And go where? We have no money, no transportation, and no other family. Besides, you need to finish school.”

  “Don’t give me excuses, Mom. We can get jobs and I can focus on school once we’re established.”

  She turns back to the stove and continues cooking. “Raya, this is not your decision. Craig provides for us and I will not abandon him.”

  That’s it; now I’m pissed. “Mom, he beats you! How can you stay with him? He does not deserve you.” My words have not affected her; she just continues to cook, which pisses me off even more.

  “Mom, when I turn eighteen, I promise you we are leaving. I don’t care what you say. I cannot stay here for the rest of my life, constantly fearful and cautious of everything we do. It is not living; it’s torture. Mom, I want to take care of you. Don’t you want to be happy?” I turn her around to face me and she has tears in her eyes.

  “Of course, darling. I want us to be happy.” She sniffles and I grab a tissue and wipe the tears from her eyes and face.

  “I will get us out of here and we will never look back. Just give me a few more months to save up some more cash.” I give her a reassuring smile and hug her with all of my love. I can’t live without her and will do everything I can to protect her.

  I see the flashes of headlights and hear Craig’s car pulling into the driveway. Fuck! I’m not ready to face him yet. I finish cleaning my mother’s face and begin to set the table as she finishes cooking dinner. The front door opens and in enters the asshole.

  “Genna, that smells delicious. What’s for dinner?” He enters the kitchen and gives my mom a peck on the cheek. He completely ignores me. Good, keep it that way. He doesn’t deserve my attention.

  “Eggplant parmesan with angel hair pasta and garlic bread. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. How was work?”

  “It went smooth today. I had a meeting
with a new client who can really expand the company’s portfolio, so I’m hoping they sign on to the project.” Craig grabs a six-pack from the refrigerator and sits at the table, opening the first beer and taking a gulp. I hate it when he drinks—can’t fucking stand it. His monstrous personality becomes ten times worse and then he gets physical. Maybe I shouldn’t even bother asking about the party. I don’t want to cause any chaos tonight.

  My mom serves dinner and we eat in silence. As I continue to eat, my phone vibrates in my jeans pocket. It only vibrates for a few seconds so it has to be a text. Could it be Duke? Just the thought of him texting me makes me giggle out loud.

  “Something funny, Raya?” Craig has already put away three beers and his tone is heavy and dark.

  “Nothing, just thinking about something that happened in school today.” I quickly retreat into finishing my plate and avoid Craig’s death stare. Can’t he mind his fuckin’ business?

  Craig doesn’t push any further which is a relief. He must be in a good mood today. After dinner, I clean the table and wash the dishes with my mother. Craig goes downstairs to the basement to watch the Jets game. Another thing I hate about Craig—he’s a Jets fan. Everyone knows New York’s team is the Giants.

  As we are putting away the dishes, I glance at my phone and see that it was Duke who texted me. My heart flutters and I know I have a huge smile on my face.

  “So, what’s his name?” My mom whispers just in case Craig has supersonic hearing. There’s nothing I would hide from her. She and I talk like sisters and I’m so lucky to have a mom like her.

  “His name is Duke and he’s a senior. We share a couple classes and he’s so handsome. All of the girls in school want him. He’s also captain of the lacrosse team.”

  “So, basically what you’re telling me is the hottest and most popular guy in school is texting my daughter?”

  I start to get nervous. Maybe she won’t approve? “Ummm, I guess if you put it that way.”

  She pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. “I’m very happy for you, Raya. Did he ask you out?”

  My joy quickly dissipates as I tell Mom about Melanie. Yes, secretly I wish Duke were single, but I’m glad Melanie treats him right and he’s happy. That’s all that matters. Seeing him happy makes me happy.

  “So, Mom, I have something to ask you.” I figured what the hell; just ask and stop being a chicken shit. “So, there’s this Halloween party tomorrow and I was invited. Melanie and Duke can pick me up and drop me off.”

  “Where is the party at and what time do you expect to be home?”

  “Actually, I don’t know the exact location. It’s at Austin’s house; he’s a teammate of Duke’s. Mom, please. I promise I won’t stay out too late.”

  “What about work?”

  I have a part-time job at the local Barnes & Noble. I love that place; I consider it my second home. Even on days that I have scheduled off, I still find myself there, finding a nice spot in the corner and reading for hours on end until they kick me out.

  “The party starts at eight so I should be done with work by then.” I give my mom a begging look hoping that my ‘puppy eyes’ work on her.

  “Craig has a conference this weekend in Boston, so he’s leaving early in the morning. You can go on three conditions. No drinking, and please, no unprotected sex. I’m aware you’re old enough to make smart decisions. And I want you home at a decent hour.”

  I hold in my squeal of joy, so Craig can’t hear, and give my mom a bear hug. “Please, Mom, I know. And I’m not planning on drinking. You know I hate it.”

  I head upstairs to my room and shut the door behind me. Taking out my phone, I look at Duke’s text.

  Me: So, tomorrow? Yes?

  I quickly respond.

  Raya: Yes. I can go. Tell Melanie. Eeeeekkk!

  I jump on the bed and giggle out loud. My first party ever! I’m freaking out right now. Shit, I haven’t even been to a birthday party, unless I was too young and can’t remember. My phone vibrates a few minutes later with Duke’s response.

  Me: Nice! Can’t wait! What’s your costume?

  Shit! I don’t have one. How can I go without a costume? And I’m sure all of the stores don’t have any more or they only have the crappy costumes left in stock.

  Raya: Ummm…I don’t have one.

  Me: Shit.

  Raya: I know! How can I find one so fast and I work tomorrow morning so I won’t have time to shop.

  Me: Don’t worry about it. I’ll think of something. I’ll call you tomorrow.

  Raya: Oh ok. Duke?

  Me: Yea?

  Raya: Thank you for everything

  Me: Anytime. Raya.Anytime

  Yup, that did it. I have feelings for Duke and they’re strong. But I won’t come between him and Melanie, so instead, I’ll be a good friend to both of them. I hope we have fun tomorrow. God, I have no idea what Duke’s plan will be. Okay, now I’m getting nervous. What if my costume is hideous? I quickly pick out my clothes for work and take a shower to calm my nerves. After I brush my teeth and comb the knots out of my hair, I crawl into bed and snuggle under the covers, grabbing my iPad mini. Reading is my outlet and always will be. I’m a sucker for romance novels; I mean who isn’t? You can never have too many happily ever afters. Maybe one day, I will get mine.

  Raya

  Waking up to the blaring ringing of my cell phone, I glance at the alarm clock and groan. Eight AM—are you serious? Who’s calling me right now? Nobody has my number. Wait. Unless…I quickly grab my phone off the end table.

  “Hello?”

  “Raya!! Time to get up, girl! Enough beauty sleep! We have lots to do today!” Melanie’s voice is way too cheerful for me right now.

  “Hi, Melanie. I’m assuming Duke gave you my number.” I am nowhere near as cheerful as she is. I can barely get out of the bed without stumbling.

  “Yup, and he said you need a costume. So, I’m here to help. What time is your shift?”

  “I start work at eleven and get off at seven.” I put the phone on speaker and quickly use the bathroom, hoping she doesn’t hear me. I take the quickest piss ever, flush, and wash up. I don’t even know what she’s been saying. All I hear is rambling about costumes, hairstyles, sizes, color…

  I grab the phone and take if off speaker. “Melanie, what is the plan? I have to be at work in a few hours.”

  “What’s your address? I’ll pick you up and we’ll go shopping.”

  I’m not sure how I feel about this. I’ve never gone shopping with anyone besides my mom. I hope Melanie is not one to take forever and has to try everything on. I don’t have time for that shit.

  “Melanie, if we go, we have to be quick. I can’t be late to work.”

  “Raya, I promise. One hour tops.”

  “Okay, fine.”

  I give her my address, get dressed, and head downstairs to grab a quick breakfast. My mother is sipping freshly brewed Columbian coffee while reading The New York Post. “Morning, Mom. I’m going to head out with Melanie and find a costume for tonight.” She glances up and smiles. “Okay, darling. Do you need any money?”

  “No, I’m good. I’m going to work right after shopping and should be off by seven.” I hear a car honk outside. Geez, that was fast. She must have called while she was driving. “I guess that’s her. I’ll see you tonight.” I give her a peck on the cheek and see her bruising has improved; it’s still noticeable, but not too bad. I wave bye, grab my scarf and coat, and head outside to find Melanie in a new Ford Fusion, waiting in my driveway.

  “Hey, girlie. Nice house!” She waves at me and gives me a friendly smile. I climb into the passenger side and sit on warm leather seats. Ooooh, this is nice. “Nice ride, Melanie. I love it.”

  She puts the car into reverse and heads toward the mall. “Thanks, I got it for my Sweet Sixteen.” She touches the dashboard and pushes the Pandora logo and selects the One Direction Radio. “Is th
is okay?”

  I bust out laughing. “Of course! I love One Direction. Yeah, so their pants are too tight and I’m sure their balls suffocate, but I love their music!”

  She laughs so loud to the point that tears fill her eyes. She looks at me and smiles. “Who’s your favorite on 1…2….3.”

  In unison, we scream, “Harry!” and burst into laughter as we give each other a high-five. We continue our journey to the mall singing along to Best Song Ever and laughing until our stomach muscles cramp. We pull into the mall parking lot and Melanie finds a parking spot right by the entrance to the Halloween shop.

  “Do you think they’ll have any good costumes left?” I’m nervous we won’t be able to find anything decent.

  “I’m sure of it. Don’t worry, we can improvise if we need to.” She turns off the car and we head to the store. “You know, you have a really good singing voice, Raya. Do you sing in choir or anything?”

  “Nope. The only singing I do is at home. My mom used to try to get me to sing in public but I would get so anxious and sick. I just couldn’t do it.”

  “Hmm, that’s too bad. You know, Duke sings a little. I’ve heard him sing a few times and he’s pretty good. Last year, he won the school’s talent show, Lehman Idol. He also plays the guitar and he tried to teach me once, but I didn’t have the patience for it.”