Fractured ( Fractured #1) (8 page)

Chapter Eleven

“Who was that?” Dad’s tone was
sharp.

“His name is Rob Cooper. He’s Eric Bowman’s cousin.”

“Why did he drive you home?” Dad’s eyes flashed me a suspicious glance. He was not keen on strange boys driving me home, not that I had ever done it before. In fact, he was not in favor of any boy even talking to me. My shoulders tightened. I looked away from his parental stare. But then I remembered why I needed a ride.

“Well, if you’d let me have my own car, then I wouldn’t have to rely on other people bringing me home when Bryan leaves me
stranded so he can chase girls. Rob offered me a ride so that I wouldn’t have to walk home by myself.”

Dad readjusted his stance. My pointing out his double standard seemed to have
caused him pause.

“You know, Dad, I could be more independent
, and I wouldn’t have to impose on anyone to take me everywhere if I had my own car. And, it would save me money not buying a new pair of sneakers every couple of months because of all the walking I have to do.” I hoped that made sense to him.

He turned away, just as he had done every other time I brought up the topic. “We can’t afford it right now,” was his defense. What he really meant was, “I can’t
let you be a normal teenager, especially an independent one. Someone needs to be home to take care of Dillon, and to keep an eye on your mother.”

I brushed passed him and
marched into the kitchen. “Yeah, well I’ve saved enough holiday and birthday money to buy my own car, and if someone was around to take care of Dillon when he came home from school, I could get a job to pay for the insurance.”

I didn’t look back, but imagined his shocked expression. By his silence, I knew he realized I was right, but he didn’t want to do anything about our dysfunctional family. Instead, he
wanted to continue to enable my mother, and his excuses for working late to avoid coming home were annoying.

Bryan had two jobs. He was responsible for his own insurance. Dad even helped him with
repairs to his car, free of charge. I had nothing of my own, except new art supplies. It was so unfair… but then, I was a girl.

Banging
the cabinet doors, I rummaged through each one, looking for ingredients for dinner. I hoped it sent the hint that I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Things would never change. Instead, I wanted to remember the nice day I spent with Rob, standing in the ocean, looking at the clouds on the horizon, getting to learn the ripples of his body through my pencil, without actually touching him.

Dinner was the same old routine. Bryan ha
d a knack for shirking any household responsibility. He and Jimmy walked in just as I was serving. Perfect timing.

Dillon separated all of the items on his plate by color
, and ate at his usual snail’s pace. Dad ate quickly. He went into the living room to watch the baseball game on television. No doubt, he wanted to avoid any rehash of our previous conversation. Bryan and Jimmy joined him, which left me, of course, alone to clean up. Although Mom preferred having liquid meals, I made a plate for her and left it on her nightstand. I tried to wake her, but it was no use; she was completely out of it. Maybe it was better; that way I wouldn’t have to duck if she flung the plate at me.

I started a load
of laundry while all four guys sat around the television set. I don’t think Dillon even knew what was going on. He was probably in his own world, but he sat on the couch and stared at the television like the rest of them.

Mid-way through putting the pots away, Jimmy walked into the kitchen. “Need a drink or some chips?” I asked.

“Nah. Came to see if you needed help.”

He c
ouldn’t be serious. “Ah, I’m just about finished here, Jimmy. You should’ve come in sooner. Thanks anyway.”

“Sorry.” He was quiet for a few minutes. “
Wanna talk?”

Continuing with my task, I l
ooked up at him. “About what?”

“
Nothin’ really, just talk.”

“Okay, so talk.”

“Who was that guy you were hangin’ out with at the beach today?”

“Rob Cooper. He’s Eric Bowman’s cousin.
”

By Jimmy’s lack of
reaction, I knew he didn’t know who Eric was. “Oh. I haven’t seen him around.”

“
There was a fire at Rob’s house. It killed his parents. He’s staying with the Bowmans until he turns eighteen.”

That caught Jimmy’s interest. “Why? What happens when he’s eighteen?”

I shrugged. “I guess he’ll move in to his parents’ house. He’ll be legal to own it then.”

“Is that why you like him?” Jimmy ran his fingers along the refrigerator door handle. He bowed his head, his straight blond hair hung in his face.

“No. He’s good-looking and nice. He came over and started talking. I couldn’t ignore him.”

Jimmy looked up. He nodded in agreement, but it was obvious that he was disappointed that I had been talking to another guy
. I guess he’s been picking up my father’s bad habits.

“Besides, you and Bryan were out c
ruising the beach for hot babes,” I reminded him. A rosy color dusted his cheeks, and he looked down at his feet again. I gave him a light punch in the shoulder and smiled at him.

“Yeah, I guess.” Still, he wouldn’t look at me. I knew that chasing girls was mostly Bryan’s idea. Jimmy would rather have stayed with me.

“Yo, Jimmy, You’re missing all the good plays,” Bryan called from the other room.

“We shouldn’t have left you,” Jimmy said
, before walking back into the living room.

What could I say to that?

**
*

Monday morning, Dad practically inhaled his breakfast and placed his dirty cereal bowl in the sink.

“You could have left it on the table. I would’ve cleaned it,” I said, walking into the kitchen.

“You do so much around here, Mandy. It’s the least I can do.” He hesitated, and turned towards me. “I’m glad you’re talking to me again.”

“I never stopped talking to you, Dad. We just don’t agree on
certain issues.”

He patted my hair and gave me the same look he used to when I was nine. Then he took a final sip of his coffee before placing the mug in the sink next to the bowl. “So, what do you have planned for today?”

I shrugged. “Maybe I’ll go to the creek behind the Hanleys’ place. I can always find something to draw.”

“All right. Say,
I was thinking about what you said. Maybe you could help out a couple of days at the shop.” He scooped up his brown paper-bagged lunch and headed toward the front door. “I could pay you.”

I felt a smile stretch across my face. “Really? That would
be great!” I guess he did hear what I was saying.

“Yeah, we can talk about it later, okay?”

“Yes, yes. Of course. Thanks, Dad.”

From where I stood in the kitchen
, I saw him grab the handle on the front door. Just before he opened it, he turned to look at me. “Be careful today, okay?”

“Dad. I’m always careful.” I gave him my best grin.

He smiled back. “I know, but I have to say it.” He tugged the doorknob and walked out saying, “Tell Bryan he owes me three hours.”

“I’ll tell him.”

“Thanks.” And he was gone.

Dillon appeared in the kitchen. I made him breakfast and got him off to school in our usual style. Mom was another story. I pulled her arms until she sat up in the bed. Her hair could have been home to a whole family of sparrows. She
was in the same clothes as the day before.

“Stay sitting up,” I commanded, and she listened until I left the room. Searching through her bathroom cabinets, I found a washcloth. I ran it under warm water before soaping it up.
With a clean towel from the closet, I returned to her bed, where she had slumped over. I put the washcloth and towel on the bed, and pulled her up again.

“Mom… Mom, I’m going to wash your face and help you change your clothes.” I wasn’t sure what her blank expression was registering. Her eyes closed when I put the washcloth to her face.

”Stop! What are you doing? Help! Help!” Her body twisted to break free, but I held her steady as I ran the washcloth over her body.

“Mom, stop struggling.”

“Get off!” she yelled. She swung a fist at my face. She missed at first, but connected with the second try and hit me in my jaw. I let go of her, and the counterbalance of her pull forced her back down on the bed. “Leave me alone. Get out of here!”

I wouldn’t give up so easily.
Trying to secure both of her wrists with one hand, I ran the cloth over the rest of her face, then her neck and her hands. The next battle was to lift her t-shirt over her head. After running the washcloth down her back and stomach, I took the towel and patted her dry. She fought me the whole time.

When she was in clean clothes, I helped her down the stairs and sat her on the living room couch. Maybe a change of scenery would help.

I turned on a talk show, hoping it would keep her entertained. I propped pillows up on either side of her to make sure she wouldn’t tip over. Although I was exhausted from the workout of getting her clean and dressed, I went into the kitchen. I stood at the sink and let the tears stream down my face. I couldn’t hold them back any longer.
Stop this, Mandy. This is the way she is. You know that. There’s nothing you can do, until she wants to change.

With
a deep breath, I squared my shoulders, and poured her a cup of coffee. I placed the mug filled with the black liquid in her hand and commanded her to sip it.

Her face twisted with disappointment when she realized I hadn’t spiked it.
“This coffee is weak,” she said. I knew she wished it had alcohol in it. Her gaze was sharp and impaling.

“I’m going to the creek,” I said, as I picked up my sketchpad and art bag.

She held the coffee mug and looked at me. “So?” Her tone
cut the air. She took another sip of the strong black brew and scrunched up her nose.

Once I was out the door, I was sure she’d tear the house apart looking for any and all of
what I poured down the sink. At least she wouldn’t find any in the hiding places that I was aware of. My tears welled up again, but I took a deep breath and stood up straight. Then I flung the bag with my art supplies over my shoulder and marched down the street. Think of something positive, something not my family… Rob.

Chapter Twelve

The
black BMW was parked in front of the third house from the corner. At first, it appeared as if it were empty, but after looking at it more closely, I saw an arm resting out of the opened driver’s window. Brushing away my tears, hope trickled from my brain to my feet. My heart rate increase
d
. Trying to stall and slow my breathing, I
pretended
to search for something in my bag. Why is he parked here? Is he here to see me? Does he know someone else on this block?
Is he just parking here before he has to go to work, like he did before? Even if he wasn’t there to see me, I was happy to see him again.

Be coy
, Mandy. Act like you don’t see him
.
I straightened my shoulders, made sure I wasn’t crying anymore, and held my head high as I walked up the street. My heart fluttered faster as I approached the car. Don’t look! Make believe it’s just any other car
.
I walked passed him and stopped at the stop sign. Looking both ways, I checked for traffic, even though I knew caterpillars traveled that street more often than any cars ever did. I crossed. Not daring to turn around to see his reaction, I was more conscious of the engine. I heard the window close.
Please don’t drive away. Please don’t drive away. Please don’t drive away.
I considered turning, but I kept my steps steady and focused hard to filter out the sounds of nature.

I strained to hear the car again, but the only sounds that filled my ears were the screeches of the blue jays and the rustle of the
leaves of the trees dancing with the breeze.

I continued for another half of a block before giving in to my curiosity.
Quickly, Mandy
,
or you’ll lose your nerve. With a deep breath, I whipped my head around so fast that the tip of my reddish-blonde ponytail poked me in the eye.

Three feet behind me, Rob stood with his arms crossed over h
is broad chest. One eyebrow was arched on his forehead. “I was wondering when you were going to turn around.” An attempt to hide his wonderful smile failed when his dimple appeared to the right of his mouth. The small stubble on his chin was gone. “Why’d it take you so long?”

“I
… I didn’t think you were here for me.” I braced myself for the truth: he was parking before going to work; he was lost; he was waiting for someone else–another girl. I strained to remember who lived on the block. Perhaps he was here to talk to my father about some part for his car, or my brother for the list of hot girls who wouldn’t be as bad at this as I was.

More of his dimple showed. “You said you’d take me to your creek.”

He was here to see me! Tingles raced through my body. My mind went blank. A smile stretched across my face as my spirit floated towards the clouds. I hugged my bag close to my chest to keep my insides from exploding with joy.

“Can I carry that for you?” he asked, pointing at my bag. I handed it to him.
It made me think that part of me was touching him, even if it was only my sketchpad.

“This way,” I said, tipping my head to the left. I waited until his gait was in step with mine
, and we walked towards the creek.

No words were spoken at first. It was awkward. Everything I wanted to say sounded stupid in my head. Then he broke the silence.
“I had a very nice day with you yesterday.”

“
I did too.”

“Will you go to the beach again sometime soon?”

“Um, I’m not sure.”

The
silence returned. I tried to think of something to say that wouldn’t sound stupid, but my self-consciousness sacked everything.

Again, h
e broke the silence.
“Is it far?”

“Just a few more blocks.”

“How’d you find this place?”

I stole small glances
at him while he kept his eyes on the street ahead of us. What could he find so interesting in me that he’d want to spend the whole day with me? He could be with hundreds of other girls–pretty girls
.

“I help Mr. and Mrs. Hanley, doing little things for them. They let me wander over their land, which
happens to be several acres wide. They know I like to draw and suggested the creek. When I first saw it, it was the most beautiful place I’d ever been. I’ve been coming here ever since.”

It wasn’t long before we had to
replace the paved road for the path I had made by wearing down the grass and weeds. Rob followed without a word as I trudged through the brush until it thinned out near the creek. Only a few feet wide, and not too deep, the water streamed continuously. Our arrival startled a small chipmunk that scampered away without satiating his thirst. “I’ve sketched some deer and small animals that come to drink here,” I said. He followed me to the edge of the creek.

Rob stood with his foot a few inches from the w
ater. He looked around, absorbing the nature that surrounded him. He scanned the glittering water, the rocks, and overgrowth. He stretched his neck and looked up at the canopy of trees that shaded most of the area. His eyes traveled over the moss-covered boulders that gathered in one spot. Welcoming calls of the birds and wildlife sang their lyrics to the creek’s harmony.

“Wow. It’s
beautiful here.” He sounded sincere.

I pilfered my bag from his muscular shoulder and perched myself up on the rock that I always sat on. I pulled out my sketchpad and began drawing. “Now you know why I come here,” I said, not looking up from my busy pencil.

I stole a quick glance at him. His cool blue eyes locked on me. “What are you drawing?”

“You in nature,” I said.
I hurried not to lose the moment, to capture him on paper so I’d always have him. Since I had drawn him at the beach the day before, I was familiar with his form.

After a few minutes, he stepped in my direction. “No. Stay there. I’m not finished.” His large shoulders dropped, but he obeyed my command. Switching my attention between him and the page, it took a few more strokes before I was done. “Okay, now you can move.”

With four large steps, he came to sit on the rock next to me. Leaning in close, his chest barely rested on my shoulder as he considered my work. . His slight touch sent ripples down my back. The smell of his shampoo wafted in the air between us. It was faint, but masculine, like a salty ocean breeze. Intoxicating. I hoped he couldn’t feel how clammy my skin had become. I had to fight myself to stay focused.

“What… do… you… think?” I
panted.

He stroked his chin with two fingers. “It’s very good. I told you yesterday, you’re talented.”

A nervous laugh escaped my lips. I had to look away from him so he wouldn’t see me blush. My lack of exposure to compliments made hearing his praise awkward and uncomfortable.

He looked at me.
“What?” he asked.

“No one’
s ever told me that before, aside from the Hanleys. They compliment me on everything, but I think it’s because I help them with their groceries and chores around the house.”

“Do you want to do something with art when you finish high school?” His question was serious.

My spirit deflated. “No. I want to be a neuro-scientist,” I said, stealing another glance of his perfect face, before looking away in shame. I knew a good college was not in my immediate future.

“That’s wonderful,” Rob said. “Is that because of Dillon?”

I nodded.

His body altered so that he was facing me. Peering into my face, he seemed interested in my plans. “What schools are you apply
ing to?”

Another nervous laugh came from my lips. “I won’t be able to go to college, at least
, not right away.”

His smile fade
d. The lines in his face melted, his expression serious. “Why not?”

“I mean, I’m going to go to community college at night once
I get a job after high school, just to get the prerequisites out of the way. My dad can’t afford to send both me and Bryan to college at the same time.” Without being prompted, I defended my brother. “Bryan has a shot at a football scholarship, so his tuition won’t be as much. He’s the better choice for college. He’s not just another empty-headed jock, you know. He had a 92 average this year. If a career in sports doesn’t work out for him, he has other options.”

Rob’s body stiffened. “What about
your options? You’re gifted.” His tone was angry.

“Well, I’ll start with the two-year community college
plan, and work my way up. I’m going to apply for some academic scholarships; I have a 98 average. That would take care of the bulk of the tuition.” At that moment, despite my intellectual accomplishments, I felt worthless. Rob shook his head, but remained silent. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized all of the things I was missing, like working on my career, having a non-dysfunctional family, and a boyfriend who cared about me. What could I do? Dillon needed me. Mom needed me. Dad needed me. Even Bryan needed me. But my brain yelled that I needed Rob. At least, I did at that very minute.

Being near him made me feel as if I could accomplish anything,

That’s all that mattered. He could have agreed with how pathetic I was, and I wouldn’t have cared.

“I’m sorry.” His voice was low
, and the lines around his eyes softened.

“For what?”

“It’s none of my business. You don’t even know me and I’m getting angry about your personal choices.” He bowed his head and rubbed his thumb against the boulder beneath us.

“That’s okay,” I said. “I know I have limits to overcome, but I’m trying to get around the road blocks.”

“Let’s change the subject.” His upturned lips altered the mood.

I smiled back. “
Okay, what do you want to talk about?”

“Anything you want to.”

I thought for a moment. “So, what’s your favorite color?”

“That’s what you want to talk about, my favorite color?” His eyebrows climbed high on his forehead. He tried to hold back a laugh.

“Yup, that’s what I want to talk about, at least to start with. Then I’ll move on until I’ve learned everything there is to know about you.” I straightened my back, turned my head towards him, and waited for his reply.

His shoulders relaxed before he answer
ed. “Black. What’s yours?”

I looked into his eyes. Their power took me over. “Blue.”

His laughter chimed like bells.

“What’s so funny?”

“Together we’re black and blue.”

I laughed, too.