Sticks and Stones: Stories 1-9

By Kimberly Vogel

The collection starts with a new student arriving at the high school in Lemoyne and it ends with another student transferring out. Between those times a set of students go through daily life. The social dynamics make for interesting events, whether or not the students get along. (Sticks and Stones Stories 1-9)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781300654858

Book preview

Sticks and Stones: Stories 1-9

Sticks and Stones: Stories 1-9

Copyright

Copyright © 2013 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-300-65485-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

CONTENTS

Sticks and Stones

Story 1 – The Sinking Stone

Story 2 – Like a Rock

Story 3 – Ripples of the Skipping Stone

Pebbles are Important

Story 4 – The Groaning Stone

Story 5 – The Twisted Stone

Story 6 – The Cracked Stone

Collecting Stones

Story 7 – A Balancing Stone

Story 8 – Counting Stones

Story 9 – A Settled Stone

Sticks and Stones

Story 1: The Sinking Stone

CA Card SAS 01 edited 2.png

Chapter 1

With a yelp, the young man ran across the street. Hands over head, he ducked as the rock whizzed past his head. He knew the other didn’t mean to hit him. If he had, he would be bloody already. Once on the other side, he glanced over his shoulder at the jeering teen.

I’ll get you next time!

With a shiver, the young man shoved his hands into his pockets. He knew it would be true. He glanced over his shoulder again then hurried around the corner. His house wasn’t far away. Happily he skipped up the front steps.

His hopes were soon dashed as he fished around in his pocket for his key. His heart sank. I've lost it! Panic set in while his brown eyes scanned the stone steps. His hands patted the front of his pants then went to his backside. The rollercoaster of emotions went up again as he felt something jab his finger through his black jeans.

He tucked his fingers inside his back pocket. Pulling out his key, he shoved it in the lock of his front door. He twisted it then yanked it open. He scooted inside and slammed the door.

With a sigh of relief, he slumped against the door. His hand went to his messenger bag. His eyes closed while he took out his music player. Just barely he’d managed to get away from the bully before he took it. The teen put the ear buds in then turned the music up high. His head bobbed as the rock music screamed through his ears.

He opened his eyes and wandered through the front room to the hallway. Once he found the stairs, he went upstairs to his room. His family was new to the city of Lemoyne, but not new enough that he couldn’t find his own little bit of solace in the new room.

He’d gotten it just the way he liked it. The walls were painted dark blue. On the ceiling were splashes of silver paint. It looked more like stars than random splatter. A heavy curtain was over the bay window to keep the room dark. When he wished, though, he could hide in the space between the room and the window so no one inside could see him. Only the wood in the room was bright, a white oak. Then there were the usual things. A bed was opposite the closet, both adjoining the walls with the window. A desk was on the wall adjoining the bed, which was also the one for the door. A massive trunk was at the bottom of the bed so the window couldn’t be immediately accessed.

Once the youth was inside his bedroom he tore off most of his clothing. In place of the uniform-like outfit he pulled on a black t-shirt with charcoal gray sweatpants. He kept his ear buds in, listening as the rock turned to grunge. He bobbed his head while he clipped his player to his waistband. Then he dove into his bed with the heavy comforter wrapped over his head. He buried his face into the navy sheets, trying to blend in though some of his spiky black hair poked out from under them.

In his office, the teen’s father pulled his head up from his work at the noise. He chuckled faintly then returned to his work. It seemed to be a normal day, so he didn’t see a reason to rip his blue eyes away from his computer screen. He would keep working until it was time to make dinner.

Around the time dinner was prepared, the teen’s mother returned home. With a yawn leaving her lips, she wandered into the front room. She pulled off her scarf as she called, Anyone home?

In here darling, the father replied.

The mother wandered into the kitchen. She chuckled, hanging up her striped scarf and white coat in a closet. Only you, James?

Yes, only me, Shannon. He chuckled and pulled the pink apron off his waist. It matched her dress.

I take it Ricky is up in his room again?

Yes, replied the teen’s father. He hung the apron on a peg then wrapped his arms around her waist. Have a good day at work?

Yes dear, replied the teen’s mother. She smiled while she wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him lightly then continued, How is he?

Shrugging, James replied, The same.

Shannon pursed her lips. I thought the change of scenery would do him some good.

I suppose he’ll be better once he’s been here a while.

I hope so.

Maybe he’ll make some friends.

She sighed, resting her cheek on his chest. Her pale fingers brushed along his tan skin. I hope so.

I bet he will. He’s a good kid. James nodded. He brushed his fingers through her auburn locks.

Right, I’ll go get him.

James tilted his head down, lightly kissing her lips. He was two inches taller than her. It didn’t matter, though; she had a bigger presence than him.

Shannon squeezed him. Then she turned and left the room. Once upstairs, she knocked on her son’s door. Ricky? No response came. She was used to it, though. Shannon opened her door then slid inside. Ricky!

What, mom? The teen pulled his head out of the comforter. Ricky blinked, pulling the ear buds out of his ears.

It’s dinner time. Shannon watched her son. She wrapped her arms across her chest. How was school?

Ricky groaned and buried his face into his pillow. It sucks. I hate it here.

Well we’re not moving anytime soon if I can help it. Shannon stepped over, pulling away his comforter. You’ll be fine. Now come down to dinner.

Mmph... Ricky muttered, sitting up on the bed. He turned off his music player. He knew he couldn’t take it to the table, so he left it on his bed. He climbed out, yawning. I’m coming, mom.

Okay, Shannon said then left.

Ricky ran his hand through his hair. His eyes scanned the room. Then he sighed and his eyes caught a mirror. He wasn’t tall, but he wasn’t all that short either. With his father’s black hair and his mother’s pale skin, he looked sick most of the time. He probably would look better if he got more sun, but usually he tried to avoid it. With a shake of his head, Ricky left his room.

Downstairs, the meal was spread over the table in the kitchen. There were only three of them in the family, so they all fit around the corner table. It was a round wooden one, since the son in the family seemed to be accident prone.

Look who is up, James said. He smiled, ruffling his son’s hair.

Cut it out dad, Ricky said, ducking out from under his hand.

How was school?

Ricky grumbled, I’m glad tomorrow is Friday.

That bad, eh? James shook his head. He sat in the corner chair, sideways from the island.

Shannon sat in the seat adjacent from him, on the other side of the table from the island. There was a window behind her. The light from outside made her auburn hair glow red.

With a sigh, Ricky wandered to the seat adjacent from his mother. He stared across the table at his father. I don’t want to talk about it.

Fine, said James. He looked at his wife. So how was work?

Shannon spoke, Oh it was wonderful. I’ve got a lot of contracts for new marketing schemes. We’re doing soda now.

Anything you can tell me about?

Of course not, Shannon chuckled, But you might be able to write some lyrics for the jingle.

Ricky poked at his pasta while he listened. He knew they would ask him to help, but as usual he would refuse. It just wasn’t right to be one of their agents. He didn’t want to be that. After a few bites he stood up. I’m going to bed.

Night, son.

Night, Ricky, the mother added. She sighed, shaking her head as he left.

He’ll be fine, the father said. He patted her thigh.

While she nodded, the son made his way into his bedroom. Ricky sighed while he shut his door. Slamming it would just earn an earful about how it wasn’t safe to slam doors. He rolled his eyes, remembering it. He walked over to the desk and sat down. There was homework to do, but he wasn’t in the mood. Sighing, Ricky pulled out a piece of paper and pencil. A mix of words and doodles went around the outside edge. When he ran out of things to do, he returned to bed.

Chapter 2

Groaning as he dressed in his uniform, Ricky stared at the awkward teen in the mirror. The green suit jacket over black pants didn’t look good on him. The top was entirely too big. At least the pants fit, since they were another pair he had in his closet beforehand. Ricky grabbed his messenger bag, slinging it over his shoulder as he left. With a faint wave of one hand, he grabbed the waffle off the plate in the kitchen with his other. Bye dad.

See you later, son.

Ricky sighed while he stepped down the stair outside of his house. Already his dad was at work in the home office, even if he’d temporarily set up on the kitchen table while eating breakfast. His mother was gone off to work as well. He wouldn’t see them until late in the evening, if at all.

Munching on the waffle, Ricky walked down the sidewalk. He went to the crossing. As he stopped, he glanced up and down the street. There was only one person who had given him trouble so far; he didn’t see him. A little bit of happiness took his heart. It died as soon as he noticed the white spiky hair of the much taller bully. Ducking his head, Ricky hurried down the sidewalk to the school.

It was a straight path inside, so the only way to hide was to use the bodies of other high school kids. It was easy enough for Ricky, since he was five feet five inches tall. The teen boys in his class were all taller, especially the popular athletic ones. It didn’t matter that they were all the same age at sixteen. Ricky was just shorter.

With a relieved expression, Ricky ducked into the room for his first class. He slid into the nearest chair. Sighing faintly, he took off his messenger bag. He put his notebook on the desktop. He shoved his messenger bag out of the way under his chair. Then he slouched, waiting for class to begin.

Around him other teens filed in to take their places. There were a total of fifteen including Ricky. Then the teacher walked in.

Mrs. Morris stepped inside. She wasn’t the tallest in the room, but she was fairly close at five feet ten inches high. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Whenever she went outside, a newsboy cap went on her head. It matched the school uniform, which she wore a jacket for. It was green plaid. A black skirt and brown boots completed the outfit. All right class, it’s time to begin.

As he watched the teacher, Ricky sat up straight. The woman had just turned thirty, so she wasn’t even double their age yet. He could tell that she was fresh out of school. With a faint smirk, he doodled in his notebook as he pretended to pay attention to the lesson.

About an hour later, the bell rang. Many of the students groaned. The next class was Gym. It was a shared class, since the year above made up for the difference in number once the genders were separated. The alternate to Gym was Health.

Ricky didn’t want to go to either class, but there was no way to become exempt. With a sigh, he gathered up his things and trudged along with the other stragglers. As he glanced around, he searched for the bully. His heart sank when he noticed that the white-haired teen was in the adjoining class. Ricky ducked his head and changed into the white shirt and black shorts. The best he could hope to do was to stay out of the way.

Listen up! The male gym teacher yelled out. We’re running drills today! Everyone pair up!

Ricky’s head went up quickly. With a panicked expression in his eyes, he scanned the gym for a partner. He didn’t really know anyone. As he considered whom to pick, the other teens paired up.

Hey.

Ricky’s head turned at the sound. He blinked at the brown-haired teen behind him. That guy was one of those in his class, but he fought to remember his name.

It’s Eddie. Wanna pair up?

Ricky’s head bobbed. Sure, it’s Ricky.

Nice to meet ya, replied Eddie, grinning at him. So I noticed you’re new in school.

Yes, I am, Ricky replied. As the gym teacher called out for them to jog around the outer part of the gymnasium, he started off. You?

This is my second year, Eddie replied with a shrug. He jogged beside him. They were the same age, but Eddie was two inches taller. He had a ruddy tone to his skin, which only seemed to grow as their exercise time went on. New in town?

Yeah.

Eddie nodded. His green eyes turned from his partner to down the line. He knew the drill from last year, his freshman year. They would run around the court five times. Then the class would stop for pushups, sit-ups, and other such things. After that would be a sport. When the group paused for the announcement of which sport it would be he muttered, I hope it’s not dodge ball.

Me too, Ricky replied. He rested both hands on his knees while he was hunched over. Though he did a fair bit of running to escape, he wasn’t exactly in shape.

Eddie nodded. He craned his neck, watching the gym teacher go for the objects used in his planned sport. With a groan, he put his hand on his forehead. I see dodge balls. At least we’re an odd number so someone has to sit out...

I’ve picked the teams! The gym teacher yelled while he gestured to the bully. Rocky, you’re captain. Then he pointed at another teen. Steve, you’re another. Then he gestured back and forth at the rest. You go that way and you go that way. He repeated the phrase until only one person was left. He gestured at the other side of the gym. Kenny you go on the other side and help me count the strikes.

Well, I’ll see you, Eddie said. With a faint smile, he waved and walked over to Rocky’s side.

You too, Ricky replied. He swallowed, walking over to Steve’s side of the dodge ball court. He hung back, just barely within the field of play.

Okay, go!

When the gym teacher yelled, the teens scrambled for the balls. Even those who weren’t enthused about participating went in. The best defense was a good offense. That meant having a ball to block with.

As they played, Ricky happily noted that Eddie didn’t try to hit him. It evened out as Rocky tried to smash him with the dodge ball. Ricky did his best to avoid the strikes, but a few left painful welts on his back and legs when the ball connected. Finally at the end of class he limped off to the locker room.

Man, Rocky really has it out for you.

Ricky glanced at Eddie. While they changed side by side, he did his best not to move too much. I don’t know why.

Eddie shook his head. He ran his hand through his scraggly hair. It has to be something. He’s usually not such a jerk.

Maybe I just rub him the wrong way. Shrugging, Ricky straightened his jacket. He walked away from the locker.

Right... Well, whatever, Eddie said. He shrugged and followed the rest of the group out of the gymnasium.

Ricky was quiet the rest of the day. He did his best to avoid being acknowledged. It worked well until the very end.

As they headed out of the classroom, Eddie said, We should hang out sometime.

Ricky blinked at him. When?

I got stuff to do this weekend, but maybe Monday?

Sure, Ricky said. He walked over to his locker. Talk about it then?

Yeah, Eddie replied. Waving, he walked out of the building.

Ricky smiled faintly. As quickly as it came, it left. He opened his locker and grabbed his stuff. He had to get out of there as quickly as possible.

When he turned to go, Rocky was there. Glaring down at him, the year older teen put his hand on Ricky’s locker. What’s your deal?

I don’t know what you’re talking about. Ricky collapsed his shoulders, scooting away.

You know darn well what I mean. Rocky pulled his arm off the locker. He continued to loom over the other teen. As he spoke, he glared. You’re a simpering sack of puke.

Yeah? Ricky glanced up at him then lowered his eyes. He stepped away, hurrying along the lockers to the door. What are you bothering with me then? He muttered.

What was that?

Ricky didn’t answer. Instead, his pace broke into a run. He darted through the other teens. When he got outside he skipped down the steps.

Behind him, Rocky followed. He glared at the black-haired teen. You’re not getting away, he muttered. Once they were far enough away from the front of the school, Rocky caught up. He shoved Ricky down an alley.

With a yelp, Ricky crashed into a set of garbage cans. He almost went head over heels. Even so, the tops of the garbage cans broke open. The stinky mess coated his school uniform. Yuck, he gagged, pulling bits of coffee grounds out of his hair.

Now you smell like your attitude, Rocky said. He scoffed and walked away.

Ricky sighed. He hoisted himself out of the mess. While he brushed his clothes off, he glanced out of the alleyway. To his relief, he watched the older teen return to the school.

Chapter 3

As another student in Ricky’s class passed by the disheveled teen, she stopped. The teen girl had a black vest over a white shirt. The rest of the uniform was a green plaid skirt and brown leather boots. She cocked her head to the side while she watched him. Whatever are you doing in there?

Composting, Ricky retorted.

That’s a funny thing to do, she said. Her fingers went up and twirled through her shoulder length brown curls. She fiddled with one as she spoke, You can do whatever you want, though.

Ricky looked up confused. Then he froze. He couldn’t think of a thing to say, so he just stared.

While she watched him, the girl pursed her lips. She was an inch taller and a year older, though the number of years only came because her birthday arrived before Ricky’s did. Her blue eyes narrowed slightly. If you need help then ask for it. Don’t just stand there gawking.

S-sorry, Ricky muttered. He stumbled out of the garbage cans. Then he crouched down. He might as well pick them up again. Whoever lived there didn’t deserve to clean up again what they’d already had perfectly placed.

I’m Moonshine by the way.

Ricky nodded. Then he blinked, replying, I thought it was Aster.

At school I’m Aster. Outside I’m Moonshine.

That sounds confusing.

With a shrug, the teen girl replied, You can call me Aster if it’s easier.

Well, I don’t want to insult you or anything. What’s your full name?

Aster Moonshine Adams.

I’m Ricky Sheckle.

No middle name?

No.

Oh, Aster said with a nod. She thought then spoke, Anyway, Ricky, I think you should come with me.

Where? Ricky eyed her with suspicion.

Aster laughed, waving her hand. I’m not going to do anything evil to you. Do you want to go home looking like that? If you do, fine. I was just thinking you might want to wash up a bit first.

I suppose, Ricky mumbled. But where are we going?

My home isn’t all that far away.

Oh, Ricky said, stepping out onto the sidewalk. He glanced up and down the street. I live that way. He gestured west.

Aster gestured east. I live in the other direction.

My parents won’t mind if I take a detour, Ricky said, shrugging.

Follow me then.

Ricky trailed after Aster. At least here, Rocky didn’t know which way he was going. He didn’t think that the bully would go after him again that day, but it wouldn’t hurt to stay out of sight.

While Aster led the way, she glanced behind her at her classmate. His dejected expression made her feel sad. That wasn’t an emotion she wanted anyone to go through. Shaking her head, she wove her way through the other people.

Ricky looked up at the buildings. She wanted to help him. At least, that was the feeling he got from Aster. Hopeful, he walked with her. When they stopped, he looked up at the home on the other side of the gate.

It wasn’t big by any means. A modest two story cottage covered most of the plot. The rest of the land was fenced off. It was more to one side than the other, so a small garden cropped up in the open part of the plot. There were planter boxes along the windowsills. They brought a different color to the cedar siding. The roof was green.

Home, Aster said. She walked up to the front gate. As she unlatched it, she said, Come on Ricky. Get in the yard and I’ll hose you off.

Ricky wrinkled up his nose. He scowled. I don’t like the sound of that.

Fine then, stay in stinky clothes. Aster shook her head. She walked into the gate. She held it open for him to follow.

Ricky hesitated. Then he said, Okay, but I don’t have any other clothes. This isn’t going to go well.

I’ll get a robe for you. Aster chuckled. You didn’t think I’d make you run around naked did you?

Shrugging, Ricky glanced at her. I dunno. How do you know Rocky?

We go to the same school, Aster replied, shrugging. She gestured for Ricky to go into the garden. You can put your bag and stuff on the porch. There’s a bench in the garden to sit on. I’ll get the robe and some soap.

Thanks, Ricky said. He walked along the cement path to the front porch. He took off his messenger bag.

Aster skipped ahead. She went into the front door. When she returned, the teen had a blue bathrobe, towel, and a stick of soap in hand.

While she was away, Ricky piled up his messenger bag and shoes on the step. Farther away from those two he put his uniform’s jacket. His head went up when she returned. So...um, where do I change?

Mom doesn’t want anyone inside without her permission, but anyone can be in the garden. Aster grinned, handing over the stuff in her arms. There are some bushes you can change behind.

Ricky lifted an eyebrow. Beggars can’t be choosers, though, so he shrugged and entered the garden. He found a set of bushes nearly five feet tall. Those he ducked behind, changing out of his clothes.

Ready? Aster called out. She went to the hose set in the side of the house. She smiled while she picked it up.

I guess, Ricky called back. He wouldn’t take off his boxers, no matter what. It was embarrassing enough as it was.

Here comes the water! Aster called out. She turned the faucet with one hand. She aimed the hose with her other hand. The direction wasn’t straight into the bushes; rather it was a foot or so away from where Ricky was.

Hesitantly, Ricky leaned out and stuck his hand into the spray. As he lathered up the soap, he noted that it had a distinct herbal scent. Definitely not normal soap. Oh well... With a slight sigh, he leaned over and stuck his head under the water. He washed his head then his arms. He couldn’t tell if anywhere else stank, but just to be sure he tried to wash his back too. Ricky put the soap in the grass and washed off his hands. Then he dried off from the waist upwards. Done!

Aster turned off the water. She dropped the hose then wandered over. I’ll take the clothes inside to wash them.

Um, thanks, Ricky said. He draped the towel over his head and pulled on the robe. He walked out of the bushes once he had the robe tied up.

Do you want anything to eat?

Nah, I’m okay.

Aster nodded. She picked up the clothes from the bushes. Humming lightly, she wandered into the house.

Left outside, Ricky rubbed the towel over his head. At least he didn’t stink like garbage. He glanced around then lifted his gaze to the sky. His eyes narrowed. It didn’t look like rain. With a slight nod, he walked over to the bench in the garden. He sat and waited for his body to dry.

Inside, Aster put his clothes into the washing machine within the mud room. Despite the natural look presented outside, her family wasn’t without modern conveniences. A generous helping of detergent went in with them. They really needed it. Then she gathered a platter of fruit from the kitchen. He said he was okay, but she felt that they needed something to help take up the time until his clothes were done.

Ricky glanced at Aster when she came out. He returned his gaze to the sky. Sighing, he said, I never thought I’d end up like this.

What? Aster tilted her head to the side. She walked over to him then sat on the bench.

Ricky shifted over to the far end. Sitting fully exposed with someone I just met...

You’re not fully exposed yet. Aster laughed. She picked up an apple slice then nibbled on it.

Ricky lifted his eyebrow. With a faint cough, he sat up straight. You aren’t planning anything, are you?

If I was, I would have done it already. Aster shook her head. She held the fruit platter out to him. Are you sure you don’t want anything?

Maybe a little, Ricky picked up a cherry, just to be polite. He nibbled the flesh.

Eat as much as you’d like. Aster pushed the plate into his other hand.

Thanks.

Aster nodded, watching him. No problem.

Ricky rested the platter on his lap. He didn’t eat more than the one cherry, though. He tilted his head, watching her as he spoke. So why are you being nice to me?

Shouldn’t I be?

I dunno...I haven’t had the best luck with people.

Aster’s nose wrinkled up. Maybe it’s your attitude. I haven’t known you long, but you sound mopey.

So what if I am? No one can be happy all of the time.

Aster shrugged. I know, but I can try.

You maybe, but not me.

Too bad, Aster said. Shaking her head, she stood. I’m going to check on your uniform. Go ahead and look around the garden if you want.

Okay.

Aster went inside. It felt like a long time, but only about ten minutes had passed. Sighing, she rested her hands on top of the washer in the mud room. I don’t know how I’m going to fix him.

While the other teen was gone, Ricky set the plate in her empty seat. He chucked the cherry pip into the bushes. Sighing, he folded his hands in his lap and dropped his head back. He watched the clouds as they rolled by.

Aster glanced outside every so often. She waited for the washer to finish. Then she put the clothes into the dryer. Once the dryer started humming, she returned outside to the other teen. Your clothes will be done soon.

Good, Ricky said. He lifted his head. He chuckled while he looked at her. I’d like to be in normal clothes again.

Soon enough. Aster picked up the fruit platter. So...I haven’t seen you around before.

Yeah, I’m new. We just moved here.

Oh.

What about you?

Since I was born, Aster replied. She sat on the bench with the fruit platter in her lap.

Ricky watched her. He couldn’t think of anything to say to continue the conversation, so he just said, Oh.

Beside him, Aster nodded. She kicked her feet, looking up at the sky. So, do you do that a lot?

It’s calming, Ricky replied.

What else do you like to do?

Eh, not much.

Oh come on. Are you always this guarded?

Ricky wrinkled up his nose. I’m not guarded.

I’m not asking your deepest fears or anything like that. It’s just basic conversation.

Hmm...fine. Ricky ran his hand through his hair. I like listening to music, writing poetry, drawing...none of that athletic stuff.

Me I like gardening, knitting, and reading. Aster smiled while she watched him. There, that wasn’t so hard was it?

Eh, I suppose not. Ricky dropped his hand. He smirked at her. It was awkward, though.

Tch, Aster snorted, shaking her head. I’m going to check on your clothes. She carried the fruit platter with her into the cottage.

Ricky lifted his eyebrow. Then he shook his head. Chuckling, he stood up. As he glanced around the garden, he decided to head back to the porch. He walked there then leaned over his messenger bag and shoes. He picked up the sneakers, sniffing them. He gagged as the stench filled his nostrils. Shaking his head, he returned to the garden. He leaned over and rubbed the soles into the wet spots on the grass.

What are you doing?

Ricky glanced up as Aster spoke. He shrugged. I’m cleaning my shoes.

Can’t say I’ve seen it done that way before.

Shrugging, Ricky straightened his body. At least they don’t stink anymore.

Whatever works.

Right.

Aster chuckled. At least your clothes are almost done. She walked over to him. You can go home.

You want me to go?

I thought you did.

Ricky laughed. I suppose I should. He smiled faintly, rubbing his hand through his hair. I usually go straight home, or as close to it as I can.

Oh.

Ricky shrugged. It’ll be fine. Dad probably doesn’t notice the time when I get home. He’s usually working.

What does he do?

He writes commercials.

Cool, Aster said while she nodded.

I guess.

What does your mom do?

She’s in marketing too.

It must be amazing.

Not really. Ricky shrugged. They test stuff out on me all of the time.

Oh. My mom’s a chef. I know how that is.

Ricky nodded. Does she make you share?

Yes. If I never see another zucchini and pumpkin muffin I’ll be perfectly fine. Aster nodded. Her nose wrinkled up. Then she stuck out her tongue. There are some other mixes that have scared away any guests, but now that no one goes inside there’s less chance they’ll stumble across one of mom’s concoctions.

I’m glad I didn’t go in then.

Aster laughed along with Ricky. She stood. I’ll check on your clothes again. They should be done now.

Okay, Ricky said. He hung the towel over the back of the bench. Shoulda done that earlier, he mumbled.

Aster went inside. Happily she found that they were done. She gathered up Ricky’s clothes. She left the cottage in search of him.

Ricky was right where she left him in the garden. With a relieved expression on his face, he took his school uniform back from her. Thanks, he said. He glanced around then darted into the bushes.

Aster turned her back. She wrapped her arms across her chest. While she waited for him to change, she hummed.

When he had finished dressing, Ricky walked out of the bushes. He hung the robe over the back of the bench as well. There we are. All done.

Aster turned around. You look a lot better.

But do I smell better?

Aster stepped over to him. She wrinkled up her nose. After a whiff, she replied, Very much so.

Good, Ricky replied. He adjusted his jacket. I should go home.

Okay, Aster said. She watched him. It was nice officially meeting you.

You too, Ricky said. He walked over to the porch. There he sat, pulling on his socks and sneakers. I’ll see you at school I guess.

Right. Or whenever.

Thanks again, Ricky said. He stood and pulled his messenger bag over his shoulder. He walked to the front gate.

Aster moved ahead of him. She undid the latch then opened it. You’re welcome.

Ricky waved his hand. With a slow step, he walked past the fence. Maybe this place won’t be so bad after all. He thought while he returned home.

Chapter 4

Where have you been?

Ricky looked at his father. He shrugged, dropping his messenger bag from his shoulder. I had a little trouble getting home from school.

James walked over to him. You’re not hurt are you?

No.

Sighing, James ran his hand through his hair. Good. Everything’s good then.

Ricky nodded. Yeah, I’m going to my room. I’ll see you at dinner, Dad.

Okay, James said. He returned to his work. Now that he knew his kid was home safe, there weren’t any other distractions.

Since Shannon wasn’t home to question him, Ricky went straight up to his room. Once inside, he closed his door and did a thorough inspection of his things. There was a bit of a stink on his messenger bag, but it would go away with a cleaning spray. He treated it then left it to air out. Ricky sighed while he changed into his casual clothing. Tired form the day, he flopped down on his bed and went to sleep.

Though the elders tried to wake the youth for dinner neither parent managed to get their son out of his slumber. Finally they gave up. Any conversation would have to wait for breakfast.

Yawning, Ricky got up in the morning. He cleaned up then pulled on a skull shirt and torn black jeans. He stepped downstairs to the kitchen. He felt well rested, more so than he had during the time since the move.

Morning, son.

Hey Mom, Ricky replied. He walked over to the kitchen table then sat. What’s for breakfast?

Bacon, eggs, and waffles, replied James.

Delicious, said Shannon.

Ricky smiled. He ran his fingers through his hair. Sounds good.

Someone sounds happy, replied his mother.

Ricky’s smile faded. He shook his head. Eh, it won’t last.

Come on, don’t be like that, his father said. James walked over to the table with plates in hand. He set them down in front of his son and his wife.

I can’t help it, Ricky said. He shook his head. While he thought about the previous day a faint smile returned to his lips.

So, have a good day at school?

It was the usual, Ricky replied to his father.

Shannon nodded faintly. Make any friends?

I think so...but I can’t be sure.

James lifted an eyebrow. Any girls?

Dad!

Shannon chuckled. Don’t tease the boy.

James chuckled, sitting. Right, sorry.

Ricky shook his head. He picked up his fork. Sighing, he tucked into the meal.

So what are you doing today?

James replied to his wife, I still have that commercial to finish.

I thought you’d be done with that by now. Shannon frowned.

James shrugged. It’s a little harder than I thought.

Oh, Shannon said. She looked at her son. What about you?

Ricky swallowed then mumbled, I don’t know. I don’t have much homework. I’d like to take a look around town.

Here’s some money, James said. He fished around in his pocket. He pulled out a wad of bills then handed them over.

Don’t use it unless you have to, Shannon said. It’s for transport and emergencies.

I know, Ricky replied. He took the money, stuffing it into his pocket.

Remember our rules?

Call before staying over at someone’s home for the night. Be back before dark. And don’t get into cars with strangers.

That’s right, said James. And call us if anything happens.

I know, Ricky said. He returned to his meal. Once it was done, he stood. I’m going to get some stuff then go out.

Okay, said James.

We’ll see you later, said Shannon.

Ricky left the table. He went up the stairs to his room. Once he was inside he gathered his things. He planned to be back before dinner, so he didn’t take his jacket. It would be warm enough during the day. Ricky stuffed his music player into his pocket. He put the ear buds into his ears. Then he left the house.

Chapter 5

Wandering through the city, Ricky spent most of his time just looking at the buildings. He kept his hands in his pockets, every so often changing the tune that piped into his ears. His eyes followed the movement of the people as well. At one time he found himself by Aster’s place. He looked over the fence, but he couldn’t tell if anyone was home so he left. Resuming his journey, Ricky made his way to what seemed to be the popular side of town.

On that part of Lemoyne most of the shopping centers and entertainment buildings were set. It was a hub of activity all days of the week, but increasingly so on the weekends. It was the place to be for teens.

Ricky made his way on a bus to the biggest shopping complex located there. When he stepped out, he looked up and down the sidewalk. Noting the directory, he walked over to it. With his hands in his pockets, he searched over the names of the various stores.

The shopping center had three levels. Escalators as well as elevators and stairs let the people go where they pleased. The majority of the resting places were close by the food court, but there were plenty of other benches spread through the mall.

Ricky smiled faintly. Then he nodded and walked into the closet set of doors. As he walked down the paths between the standing booths, he noted many of the teens from his school around.

At one of the clothing stores, a familiar teen walked out. Eddie sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair. The outfit he was wearing seemed fancy for a casual event. There was a black and white checkered dress shirt over tan slacks. A white tie went straight down to his brown belt. Polished brown leather shoes were on his feet.

Ricky blinked at him. Then he wandered over. Hey, fancy meeting you here.

Eddie turned. He laughed faintly while he ran his hand through his hair again. I could say the same thing.

Yeah, but I did first. Speaking of fancy, what’s with the getup?

Eddie put his hand on the knot in his tie. Eh, I ripped my fancy pants. I only have a little bit of time before I have to make a drive out to a party.

What sort of party? Your outfit isn’t that bad looking to me.

It’s a family thing. Eddie sighed. I wouldn’t go if I could get out of it.

I know how that is, Ricky mumbled.

Anyway, this store didn’t have my size. Eddie sighed again. I’m going up to another store.

What’s wrong with the pants you have now?

Mom’s having a fit because they don’t match. Eddie rolled his eyes. He gestured for Ricky to follow him to the escalator. Dad says it looks fine because I have brown hair, but no, Mom won’t go along with it.

Right, Ricky chuckled. He went with Eddie up to the second level. Then he followed him into another fancy men’s clothing store. She wants black pants, right?

That or gray.

Gray would look better, Ricky commented. He shrugged. Walking farther in, he scanned over the suits. I hate these sorts of clothes.

Me too, Eddie sighed. He adjusted his tie, walking over to a rack. He dropped his hands, going to the pants. He pushed the hangers along the pole, searching for his size. Thankfully few times I have to get into them.

When are you coming back? Ricky watched Eddie’s hands move.

Late Sunday, maybe Monday. I’ll be back for school.

Okay.

Eddie nodded. He scowled while he pushed the hangers. Darn it I can’t find my size.

Which are you looking for?

Twenty-eight regular – slim if you can.

Ricky