Magnolia's Fall From Grace

by Zara Teleg

  “Do you believe that? Have you ever tried to pray?”

  Vincent shook his head and moved a little closer to me.

  “How do you know you won’t get anything from it if you don’t try it? I have spent my entire life submerged in religion. I even considered becoming a nun.”

  “What? A nun?” Vincent’s finger slid up my arm, giving me goose pimples until he lifted my chin. “This face was not meant to be hidden away.”

  “I wanted to travel the world and help people, like Mother Theresa. But as I got older, I realized what it meant to be a nun, and I knew I could still find a way to help and experience everything on my list.” I flipped to the ever-growing list in the back of my journal, regretting it as Vincent’s eyes took an interest.

  “You have a list?”

  “Yes. I have been writing it over the past few years, but I have crossed off several things since being here. Every time I learn about something that interests me, whether it’s a place or something to try, I add it to the list.” I smiled like it was the most normal thing in the world.

  “Can I see it?” he asked. I hesitated, but Vincent’s hand was outstretched, waiting for me to hand it over. “A quick glance.”

  I cocked an eyebrow, remembering what I wrote about an epic kiss. “I’ll read a few. Swim with dolphins, visit Lourdes in France, see the Eiffel Tower, go to a drive-in movie, volunteer in Guatemala, go down a waterslide, and more stuff like that.”

  Vincent passed his cigarette in front of me. “Have you ever tried to smoke?”

  “Gosh, no.” I leaned my head back, waving the smoke out of my face.

  “How do you know you won’t like it unless you try it?” He pointed the filter to my lips, using my words against me. He had a point. “You said this was your summer to try to live your own life and try new things, didn’t you?”

  “I went to your party, didn’t I? That was an experience.” I raised my eyebrows and pointed to the item crossed off the list before taking the cigarette from him, awkwardly holding it between my fingers. “Well, maybe you should try opening your mind too. I’ll make you a deal. You let me teach you some things I know, like how there is more to death than being worm food, and I’ll make an effort to have some life experiences.”

  I took in a breath the way he did and immediately began coughing uncontrollably. Tears filled my eyes. “That’s horrible. Yuk.”

  Vincent tried to hold his laugh as he took back the cigarette and stubbed it out with his boot.

  “Challenge accepted.” He put his hand out for me to shake. My heartbeat quickened as I placed my hand in his. What have I just agreed to?

  Venom

  “Dude, you should have come back last night. Things got out of control. You know that little blonde with the big tits?” Viper was holding his hands out in front of his chest.

  “Tara?” I quirked an eyebrow.

  “No, fuck that bitch. I’m done with her. She would have let Mongo die if Magnolia hadn’t stepped up. I have to find that girl today and give her a proper show of gratitude.”

  “No, you don’t. A simple thanks will suffice.” I gave him one of the death glares I was known for.

  “Jealous, brother? You getting anywhere with that? I was surprised she wasn’t wearing a chastity belt over those granny panties.”

  I jumped in my twin’s face. “Don’t talk about Maggie disrespectfully. She is a good girl, not like anyone we’ve known. As cute as she is, I ain’t going there. She deserves way more than I could offer her.”

  Viper’s face inched closer to mine, then he leveled his gaze at me. “Did you just say you aren’t good enough for her? We may not be home now owning the streets, but you and I are Kings. The Cajun Kings demand respect. We answer to no one but our Prez. She would be lucky to warm a King’s bed.”

  His hand then landed on my shoulder as he changed his tone. “I do like the girl. I would have never expected her to jump in and take action for Mongo like she did. I just don’t want you losing sight of who you are—who we are.”

  “Well, I’m glad you like her because she’s going to be around a lot.” His eyebrow raised in question. “I promised Maggie I was going to introduced her to some of what she’s missing in life. So, expect to see her around and treat her like a friend. Got it?”

  “Are you going to treat Maggie like a friend?” He crossed his arms.

  “Yes. We are only friends.”

  “Well, that’s stupid, but whatever self-torture you want to endure.” He slapped my shoulder. “Sissy will be glad to have her around. The girl wouldn’t stop talking about her last night. She almost beat the shit out of Tara. She was really impressed with Maggie Grace.”

  That week I spent every morning meeting Maggie at her spot. I gave her some alone time before my insomniac ass invaded her space. Maggie had a deep respect for nature and her religion. She decided to start at the beginning by telling me about her beliefs. The Garden of Eden story had me intrigued. I totally got the snake. We argued about it for a while. But she said that belief is in the soul and that I had to be more open to it.

  It was Friday, and I had planned on taking her out. She asked if Shannon could tag along, and since she was cool for a nerdy chick, I agreed she could come. I was eager to take Maggie on her first adventure.

  “So, where are we going tonight?” Maggie asked as she sat on the blanket, closing her notebook when I joined her.

  “It’s a surprise, but you are going to love it.”

  Maggie was lying on her stomach, ankles crossed with her bare feet in the air. “Vincent, what do you know about angels?”

  “Angels, you mean the cute little baby with the bow and arrow?”

  “That’s Cupid.” She tossed her pen at me. “I’m not joking. Have you ever heard of the archangels?” she asked.

  I thought for a moment. “Ah, there’s an MC named like that in Florida. Voodoo hates those guys.”

  “Well, today, I’m going to tell you about the angel that reminds me of you. His name is Michael.”

  “Why does he remind you of me? I’m far from angelic.” I let my finger run down her arm, causing her to shiver.

  “Oh, I know.” Maggie huffed. “Anyway, Archangel Michael is a protector. He cast the Devil back into hell, and he protects the gates of heaven.”

  “So he’s a badass. I see the resemblance,” I said with a cocky tone.

  “Yes, Vincent, he is a badass.”

  Our conversation lingered on as I was fascinated by the stories she told me. “Wait, so the Devil was an angel?”

  “Uh-huh. Lucifer was beautiful and beloved by God, but he kept challenging God. Lucifer was a narcissist and eventually defied him, leaving God no choice but to banish him.”

  “That seems harsh.”

  We bantered awhile longer before we both had to get back to camp and do our jobs. During our lunch break, Maggie Grace brought us a container of cut-up fruit and used it as a way to probe for more information on tonight.

  “How will I know what to wear if you don’t tell me where we’re going?” Maggie’s arms crossed as she nervously shifted from one foot to another.

  “Trust me, you and Shannon will love it. Sissy is excited to see you again.”

  “She is?” Maggie looked like she didn’t believe me.

  “Of course, but I’ll warn you, once that girl is your friend, she’s tough to shake.”

  “So, what should I wear?” she asked again almost flirtatiously so I would give her a clue.

  “Whatever you want. I’m not saying another word.”

  Chapter 8

  Magnolia

  “What am I going to wear? Shannon’s eyes scanned the pants, shorts, and sundresses laid out on my bed.

  “None of them.” Shannon closed her eyes, shaking her head before she sat on the edge of the mattress.

  “I know you keep saying how you and Vincent are just friends and that’s all it’s ever gonna be, but I think you’re in denial. No guy agrees to listen to you talk about
God and provide you new experiences unless he’s interested. You know I’m right, and I see the way you look at him.”

  “Shannon, you know I can’t. He’s too…” I picked up the cargo pants, folding them as I searched for the words. “Wild, experienced, intense, I don’t know, we’re too different.”

  “That’s ridiculous. If you like him, go for it.” Shannon reached in her bag and handed me a pair of black shorts that would expose more than I was used to. Then, she found a V-neck white tee and paired it with my little white canvas sneakers.

  “This should be fine. We know it won’t be somewhere fancy or he would have told us to dress up.”

  A knock came at the cabin door. Viper called, “You all ready?”

  “Yup, let’s go.” Shannon grabbed my hand, dragging me out the door.

  We walked to the parking lot where an old pickup was waiting. Sissy sat perched on the tailgate, swinging her legs and singing to the music. Vincent looked at a map, standing next to Mongo, who towered over him.

  “Maggie!” Sissy jumped up and leapt off the edge, sprinting toward me before tackling me with a hug. “This is going to be so fun.” Sissy finally released her death-grip embrace.

  “What is?” I asked, trying to get a hint as to where we were headed.

  “Ah-ah-ah! You can’t get me to spill.”

  Vincent’s eyes roamed slowly from my legs straight to my face, giving me chills.

  “What?” I glanced down at my legs, feeling slightly uncomfortable in the shorts that were riding up.

  “I just never saw you in shorts before.”

  “Oh.” I tucked my hair behind my ear. “You said, wear anything.”

  “You’re dressed perfectly. Stop worrying, Maggie.”

  “Before we go, I need a picture of each of you. Just a headshot.” Viper pulled out a disposable camera.

  “Why?” Shannon asked as she smiled wide.

  “No teeth, Shannon, and you’ll see next weekend.” Viper waved her off. Then, it was my turn. “Very pretty, Maggie.” He snapped the photo and then got one of Sissy.

  “I’m not going to ask,” Sissy said as she took hold of my hand, leading me toward the truck.

  “Let’s go.” Viper jumped onto the back of the bed, offering Shannon a hand. Mongo was silent but kept stealing glances at me before he hopped in the back with Sissy.

  “Maggie, you’re riding in the front with me.” He cocked his head to the open passenger door. I swallowed hard, sliding in the seat.

  The crew in the back sang to every song on the radio for the forty minutes we drove, keeping Vincent and me from talking. Even he knew all the words to the songs.

  We slowed down to a stop behind a line of other cars.

  “Any guesses?” Vincent asked, lowering the volume on the radio.

  “Not a clue.” We moved up a car space, and then I saw it. “What?” I couldn’t help my smile.

  Beyond the trees, the light from the enormous screen was visible. Vincent took us to a real drive-in movie! The place looked like it had been around forever with its aged screen and video that was a little fuzzy while playing ads for the snack stand.

  “This is the only one left in these parts, and they only run on the weekends during the summer. They don’t play new movies, but I figured we could check something off your list, and by the look on your face, I guess I did okay.”

  “This is so cool. It’s even bigger than I imagined.”

  Vincent moved the car forward and handed the guy in the booth some cash.

  A handmade sign sat at the entrance, painted on a board: Dirty Dancing, 9 p.m.

  “Dirty Dancing? I never saw it. I wasn’t allowed,” I shyly admitted, remembering how all the schoolgirls raved about the movie and came into school imitating the dance moves. Sister Theresa held an assembly on its moral corruption. I was only in the fifth grade, so I was clueless about what they were talking about.

  “Not allowed? What? I’m a guy, and I’ve seen it.”

  Vincent reversed into a parking space so we could all pile in the back to watch. Sissy spread out the blanket and had a few towels rolled around the sides as pillows.

  “You guys get comfortable. Viper and I will be back in a few minutes with popcorn and drinks.”

  Viper lit a cigarette, passing one to Vincent before they walked to the snack stand. Mongo was staring at me again, and Sissy and Shannon were in a deep musical conversation I wasn’t daring to interrupt.

  “Uh, Maggie Grace?” Mongo’s deep voice called me. I looked up as he pushed back his curls from his eyes.

  “Hi, Mongo,” I said nervously.

  “Thank you.” He struggled for more words. “I—”

  “Mongo, it’s fine. You’re welcome.”

  He shyly looked at the ground before he said, “I won’t forget.”

  My hands came to my ears as the volume to the speaker spiked when music began to play. The area behind the screen had become dark as the day’s final light faded from the sky. Words came on the screen: “The movie will start in…” Then a five-minute countdown began.

  I watched as Vincent and Viper carried drinks, a few popcorn bags, and some enormous boxes of candy.

  “Everyone, take a drink.” They descended on the goodies like wolves, each grabbing their favorites. I chose Raisinets.

  The six of us squeezed in the back, leaning on the makeshift pillows. Vincent moved me in front of him as we waited for the movie to begin.

  Viper and Mongo had disappeared an hour into the film. The three of us girls were glued to the screen. The next dance that came on, Sissy and Shannon began dirty dancing together as others did the same. I didn’t want to move from my spot in front of Vincent. I wasn’t sure how much he was watching the movie because I could sometimes feel his eyes burning a hole in my back.

  “Oh my god, I have to pee,” Shannon whispered.

  “Me too,” Sissy agreed.

  The two of them hopped out. “We’ll be back. Maggie, want to come?”

  “I’m fine.” There was no way I was leaving when Baby was heading back to Johnny’s cabin. I could feel my own heart beating in anticipation. When Baby admitted how she felt, Vincent took my hand, leaning me back against his chest. I was so engrossed in what they felt on-screen, I wasn’t registering how close I was to Vincent. I tried not to shy away when Johnny removed Baby’s shirt. I didn’t want Vincent to think I was a prude, even though it was true. Vincent’s fingers filtered through my hair as I held my breath, mesmerized by events unfolding on the screen.

  I could see the parallel between Baby and Johnny and the misfit stroking my hair and how he was treated by people—judged before they even knew him. The morning chats that Vincent and I had been having were deep and meaningful. He wasn’t doing that just so he could get into my pants, like some people thought. I didn’t care what anyone thought. Vincent and I had become close friends.

  Sissy and Shannon didn’t return until the final scene. Everyone in the drive-in was either next to or behind their cars, dancing along with the characters on-screen.

  Vincent leapt off the bed and spun around. He waved to me like Johnny did, coaxing me to jump off the truck into his outstretched arms. I only hesitated for a second before I was in full-blown laughter, then I sprung into his arms and he held me up, spinning me around before pulling me in, not letting me down. His purple eyes found mine, but instead of a smile, there was a look I had never seen before. Desire danced in his eyes and had me curling my toes. No one had ever given me that look. His grasp loosened enough for me to slide down his body before letting my feet touch the ground. I didn’t want him to let go. For a moment, it seemed as if we were the only two people there. Everything fell silent even though people around us were singing and dancing.

  “I forgot how much I loved that movie.” Sissy grabbed me and started dancing and rubbing her body against me and then twirling me. I moved along with her, trying to imitate what we had seen on-screen. I turned back to Vincent and began to shimmy my body a
gainst his. His eyes widened as he moved along with me. Every nerve in my body was on fire at his touch. His one hand was warm and settled on the small of my back, guiding my movement. His other hand was looped around my neck. We moved in sync. I found a new rhythm I didn’t know I had. Letting myself become lost in the music, our bodies ground against each other. It was the most free I had ever felt. The whole parking lot was in a dancing frenzy. All my self-consciousness melted away as my hips swayed. Vincent held me tight as I continued to explore the wild flow that had taken over my body.

  “Wow, look at Maggie move. Hot fucking stuff,” Viper encouraged. “Girl, I think I got a crush,” he sang out before he mock-danced his way between us.

  We kept going until the last of the credits rolled and the music stopped. The screen became black and was replaced with text across the screen reminding us to throw away our trash and keep the drive-in clean.

  “It’s getting late, and my bug spray is going to wear off. We should stop for burgers, are there any fast-food places around here?” Shannon asked, twirling a curl that I had made in her hair earlier.

  “Yes. I need a burger and some fries.” Sissy said, leaping onto the back and tapping the roof to get us going.

  “And milkshakes?” I asked, hopeful.

  Vincent replied in a sexy low voice that had my body turning into an inferno when he spoke against my ear, “Anything you want, Maggie Grace.”

  Venom

  I meant every word. I would give her anything. The look on her face tonight was worth more than any amount of money, and I was not far from broke. It was thrilling to watch her let down her guard and embrace being young and having fun.

  I opened the door for her, inviting her to sit close to me. That was the cool thing about an old truck—bench seats. If I took a turn hard enough, she’d be right on my lap.

  “What are you smiling about?” Maggie broke my thoughts as I started the vehicle heading for the first burger joint I could find.