Trailer Park Princess (11 page)

“I may need to sleep on the sofa, Rome; I don’t want to hit you in my sleep.”

The bed gives as he sits down and turns to me with a smirk.

“Princess, you are not sleeping on the couch. We have done this a hundred times. You barely move in your sleep, and there is no way in hell I will be this close to you and still be so far away.”

I don’t think much of it; I can’t let myself. I just pull the covers up high, tuck them in around my neck, and turn my back to Rome. The bed shifts as he snuggles in and buries his head in my hair. As always, he keeps his hands to himself. I feel warm, safe, and cherished. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, especially when I’m curled up next to Rome on mine and Toby’s one-year. Jacked up? Yes. Do I care? No. He is my best friend
.

Graduation Day

Another week under our belt, prom is long gone, and school is officially over. My life hasn’t changed much; it never does. I need to finish up this shift and get home. Toby and Mando both walk tonight. I am so proud of them. Amandolette will be going off to a fashion institute in Cali soon, and Toby will be heading down south to sport that purple and gold. I will be left behind as always, but for once in my life, I will not be left alone. I cannot be bitter; I am grateful for the time I’ve had with those two. Making my last round, I check on my customers, refill the napkin dispensers that need it, and check all the supplies. I wipe my hands on a dishrag and untie my apron, ready to go. It’s a first for me in a while. Because Toby and Mando are both getting ready for their special night, neither will be picking me up. Even though it caused a huge fight, I won, and I get to walk myself home. Saying my goodbyes to the other employees, I open the door and walk out smiling because it’s a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and I have this short walk to clear my head and mentally prepare myself for tonight.

The parking lot is almost empty. I stretch my arms up over my head, reaching to touch the shadowed sun and praying I make it home before the bottom falls out. I am taking my first step when I hear, “Hey, Princess, a little bird told me you needed a ride home.” My smile is instant, and I can guarantee it reaches my eyes. Rome is sitting atop his shiny black bike watching me. “Come on, you got to get ready, and I have to get you to the field, crazy girl.”

I am going to beat Mando. I should’ve known she wouldn’t let me walk. It’s all good; I bet the sun feels just as good on Rome’s bike. He doesn’t get to ride it much because of the boys. He has even talked about selling it. He has his mother’s old junker, but I always tell him ‘no way.’ He can’t sell it.

“Rome, did you know it has never rained in Calama? That is a little town in the Atacama Desert of Chile.”

He chuckles and pats the seat. “Come on, pretty girl, we don’t live in Chile, and we definitely don’t want to get caught up on this if it starts pouring.” As I start to climb on, he whispers, “And Aurora, you don’t have to act all nervous around me. The bike’s safe, I promise.” Then, he hands me a helmet and turns around to grasp the handlebars. It’s not the bike that is starting to make me nervous; it’s him. But he doesn’t know that, of course.

The ride is short, and we beat the rain. “Where will they hold the ceremony, if it rains tonight? Will they call it off?” he asks as I dismount. Handing him the helmet, I try to fix my hair.

“Nah, they won’t call it off. I’m pretty sure they’ve decided to set it all up in the gym. Those clouds look way too dark to fuck with.” He pulls a tarp over the bike.

“I’ll be taking you over in the clunker mobile, just in case.” He grabs my hand as we walk towards my trailer, chatting about the changes coming.

“I won’t ever leave you; you know that, right?” he says as he pulls me to a stop. I hadn’t even realized I am crying a little. Rome pulls me into a hug. “I’m serious, Rory. Unless you tell me to walk away, I will always be here for you. Serious as a heart attack, you are as much a part of me as my brothers.”

I give him a reassuring smile, and we resume our walk. As we round the corner, I see Thax lying on the ground, one hand reached out on the first step. Running so hard and fast I almost crash myself, I grab Thax up and check for his heartbeat. Once I find it, I start checking his entire body. I have tears drenching my cheeks, and I jerk his face up close to hug him. “Thaxton, please open your eyes and tell me what happened.” Looking around for Rome, I see him standing by some busted glass. “Should we call the… What’s that smell?” I bend closer to Thaxton’s face and sniff. “OHMYGOSH!” I slap my hand over my face and cry harder. Rome bends down beside me and lifts Thax up to carry him in. I hear the door open and then it slams again. Next thing I know, I am being lifted, too.

“It’s OK; he will be fine. It looks like he got his hands on Carol’s R&R. We can get him cleaned up and put him to bed. Tomorrow you can rip his face off over it.”

I cannot believe I had to change his clothes. He is thirteen years old. In addition, he is puking and pissing all over himself. It makes me sick, both mentally and psychically. The smell of him sends me over the edge, and Rome has to finish cleaning him up while I heave green and yellow bile from my stomach.

“They are going to be so mad at me for not coming tonight,” I say once I have recovered. I tuck Thax in. He is snoring so loud, and each breath he takes is so labored, it brings new tears from me. “I am failing everyone I care about. Toby and Mando will be so pissed. And look at Thax. I have let him down so bad.”

I slam the front door as I walk out and sit on the front step. I wish I could just take off running and never look back. Just like my dad did. I do not know anything about him, but I know he was the smartest person I have never met because he ran from Carol and this life. Rome plops down beside me and pulls me close draping his arm around my shoulder.

“First off, you haven’t let everyone down. Toby and Amandolette will understand this. You couldn’t leave him alone. Thax is young, and he sees Carol all the time lying around wasted. It’s normal. He knows you aren’t here much, but he doesn’t understand it all. You are working to feed and provide for him. It’s time you explain things to him, Rory. He is old enough to understand if you tell him, and we’ll make sure this is a one-time thing. As for me, you have NEVER let me down and you never will. Fact!”

My handicapped phone chirps, and I cringe. I know it is about to be something ugly.

“Where were you?” Toby growls. I just look up at Rome through tear-glazed eyes. I can’t even respond fast enough before he hangs up. I hang my head.

I hear the truck before I see it. I don’t think much about it; no one ever comes here.

“What the hell is going on? Is he why you couldn’t drag your sorry ass to my graduation?” I jerk my head up looking to see Toby standing there. I think the fact he not only stopped, but that he is out of his truck has stunned me completely stupid. I am useless. I wipe my eyes and push away from Rome’s embrace, instantly regretting it because I no longer feel safe. Toby is beyond angry.

“Toby, no! I…we…Thax
. . .” I could not get it out.

“Shut up, Aurora; I don’t care about your excuses. I fight my mother over you, and this is what you’re off doing. I cannot believe I was almost disowned for you. On my most important night, you are out here wrapped up in him, right out here on your porch. I must be the dumbest guy alive.” He kicks his foot out hard, and it collides with an old bucket sitting there.

“Toby, I… it’s not what it looks like. Thax was dru..”

“SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! I am done. I don’t know why I ever messed with such a trashy trailer whore like you.”

Rome stands up beside me from the steps. “Don’t talk to her like that. She’s done nothing wrong, and if you would shut your mouth for a minute you might understand. Calling her names is what makes you the dumbest fucker alive.”

Toby is glaring at Rome with a look that could melt the skin off both of us. He points his finger at Rome. “Don’t you dare take up for her; you’re just as bad, you reject. I call them as I see them. Just ask her how she was screaming my name just barely a month ago. She loved every second I was ramming into her in the back of my pickup on the side of the fucking road. She is just like her mother.” I think he tries to smile, but it’s all happening so fast I can’t be sure.

“Princess, tell me he’s eighteen.” What he’s saying doesn’t register. I am frozen in some weird place between fire and ice. I just nod my head yes, and then all hell breaks loose.

“Do not talk about her like that, you piece of shit!”
POP!
“She is nothing like that bitch! She is a good person with a heart and soul of gold!”
WHAP!
“She brings light to everything she touches!”
POW!
“You never deserved her!”

Toby doesn’t say anything; he can’t. Rome’s on top of him with his fist coming down over and over and over, busting him in his ribs. I find my feet and run over to grab Rome. I almost get punched, but Rome sees me and stops. Standing up, I pull Rome to me; I have to stop this. I wrap my arms around Rome’s stomach and just cry. It works. He picks me up and takes me inside my palace. A few seconds later we hear the truck drive off.

Rome is on the sofa when my phone rings, his hand wrapped up with an ice pack on it. He picks it up while I get us a
glass of water. “Yeah, she’s OK; she’s right here. . . No, he showed up freaking out, calling her a bunch of names. . . Yeah, so I busted his ass like he needed.” He looks up at me over the counter, and I nod my head, giving him permission. I already know he is asking if he can explain what happened to Amandolette. “I picked her up at work, and when we got here, we found Thax passed out drunk…Yes! He is OK. We got him cleaned up, but then she got sick… OK, see you soon.” I hear the phone hit the nasty coffee table. Carol has dried beer rings all over it, an overflowing ashtray, and even a Playboy mag is laying there. She is so careless. She and her boyfriends get off on that mess; then, she leaves it for Thax to pick up.

“So, Princess, you gave away the golden key to the court jester, huh?” He lets out a sad, pitiful laugh and looks up at me. I swear I see his eyes water up. Taking our cups, I head into the living room and slide down beside him.

“Yes. Prom night.” I feel about a foot tall. “It was the most horrible thing ever. I mean I really hated it.” He puts his hand on my knee.

“You can tell me if you want. I may not like it, but you can always tell me. You’re my best friend, and I want to be here for you.” I lay my hand over his.

“Trust me, Rome, you would likely be ready to beat his ass again afterwards, so let’s just not.” We stay like that a while, and I think he’s letting it go.

“OK
, you don’t have to tell me, but I still need to know it wasn’t forced. He didn’t force you, did he?” I shake my head no, but I never look at him. He stands up, and I can see him flexing his fist.

“I’ll be back in a few. Gonna grab the boys from Mrs. Crazy and bring them here. They can crash in there with Mr. Drunkard tonight. Mando will be here in a few, and she’s bringing over bowling and her Wii.” He smiles and walks out the door.

“Oh, you’re the man! Oh, my gosh, that was the best ever.” I can’t believe two hours ago I was crying over Toby walking away from me, and now, I cannot stop laughing. “One more and it’s a turkey, dude.” I laugh again. Maybe the Lime-a-Ritas Mando brought with her are helping. “Rome, do it again!” He throws the controlled fake ball and screams when all ten pins don’t crumble down.

“Ah, Rory, I missed the pocket, but take that; I can give you nine. That’s enough, right?” We all burst out laughing. We have been jumping around like a bunch of crazy folks, the whole trailer moving with us, which isn’t saying much since it’s not tied down; it just sits atop a few concrete blocks. We are all jumping and screaming.

“It’s my turn, Rome. Rory already had her chance,” Mando squeals just as we hear something hit the front door. We all look at each other and walk to the door. When I open it, my heart stops. Lying all over the porch are things I’ve given Toby over the last year: notes we passed at school, pictures from dates, mixed tapes (since I couldn’t afford anything to make cd’s). I look up to see him getting in his truck.

“Toby, wait!” I take off, no shoes and half lit. “Please, Toby.” He stops and looks at me. Then, he looks over and sees Rome and Mando standing on my porch holding the front door open.

“Rory, it’s over. I’m done. I just wanted to bring over your crap. I do not want anything of you tarnishing my future. It was fun while it lasted but this…” he motions between us, “this and you, it’s not worth it.” He looks over at Mando. “You amaze me, Amandolette. You are smarter, richer, and better than all of us, yet you hang out here in the gutter with people like them.” I don’t get it. Why is he being so hateful? I start to tell him to leave before Rome can destroy him again when I hear Mando speak up.

“It’s all good, Tobias West; I know EXACTLY what you’re about. You forget I used to be Ashley’s best friend. It’s best you take your high class, honky tonk ass on up outta here before I set Rome on your ass again. Deuces bitch. And in case you forgot, fucktard, my grandmother lives a few lots that way, so be careful when you talk about
people like them
.” She throws up a peace and has this ‘
I JUST BEAT YOUR ASS WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING YOU’
look.

I stare at her
, wondering why she never told me she was friends with Ashley.  Toby gets to his truck and closes the door. I just stand there not sure what to say or do.  He rolls his window down and looks me in the eyes. “I won’t press charges on lover boy as long as you keep your distance from me. I don’t see it being a problem since when I pulled up, it sounded like you three,” running his finger between us, “ had some kind of freaky three-way thing going on in there.” He pulls off, and I just stand frozen again. What the hell just happened? Three way? “We just bowled.” I say quietly to the dusty space where his truck once sat.

I walk out of the bathroom at The Diner after puking my guts out…again…and face plant into a busty, non-apron-covered chest. “Turn around and go back in. Take this, then open the door and let me in.” I open the brown bag and look inside. My eyes go wide. Is she serious?

“What is this? I mean, I know what it is…but why?” She turns me around and shoves me back into the door.

“Because, ho, your nasty attitude sucks, and you are always sick. This has to be the reason. Now go!” She pushes me again and jerks the door shut. I do my business, flush the toilet, and open the door. Mando steps in and waits with me. I wash my hands and fidget non-stop. This is the longest three minutes ever.

“How much longer?” Mando asks, and I check my watch. “One minute,” I say as I lean back against the door, nearly jumping out of my skin when someone pushes it open. “Someone’s in here.” I call out grumpily, but the door keeps opening. I jump back against Mando and just stare at the door.

“Yeah, Mrs. Riaz said you two knuckle heads were in here, and I
wanted to make sure you were OK. You still been sick, and I was worried. You alright?”

I think my eyes are about to pop out of my head, and I glance down at the stick lying on the counter. “Yeah, I am…I think.”

“OK, I didn’t think Mando was coming, so I stopped to take you home,” Rome says and follows my gaze. His eyes pull tight as he sees the stick laying there.
Why is he picking it up?
I bury my face in my hands, embarrassment flooding me.

“Rome, she peed on that. Eww.”

He holds it up and does not seem fazed by the statement at all. “Hmmm…that is interesting. You guys were going to do this alone? Were either of you going to tell me?” The three minutes are up, and I just want to know what it says because, right now, Rome is the only one who knows if it’s yes or no. It has to be no; it just has to be. I would have known. I have only had sex once ever.

“I would’ve told you, Rome. She just showed up here with it.” I pause. “I told you about that night, didn’t I? It almost killed me to retell that horror show, but I told you after the chaos in the driveway.” That was hard. I told Rome all about Toby being confused about what I wanted. He never believed it, but promised to leave it alone after much pleading on my part.

“Well, you wouldn’t be able to hide this very long.” He says, turning the test around to display the pregnant sign on the tiny screen. My heart slams down so hard, I am surprised it does not put a hole in the floor. My legs give out, and then, I’m gone. When I come to, they are both right there with me, just staring at me.

“It’s OK
. You have us, and we will all be fine.” I give a quick one-sided smirk to Rome and look at Mando.

“You are leaving to go almost three thousand miles away soon, crazy.” She brushes it off.

“I’ll be back, Rory, and you have Mama and Daddy; they’ll be here. And Rome will, too. I’ll come home a lot; I swear. I will not move off and leave you. I will do what I need to, and I will come back for you and,” she giggles and starts rubbing my stomach, “this little bundle, too.”

Rolling my eyes, I lay back against Rome on the cold bathroom floor. “Did you guys know that it’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?” And we all burst out laughing because it’s all we can do.