Worthless and Other Teens Coping in a Crazy World: 24 Short Stories

By P. S. Marrow

Colton learns about healing when a trip to the train trestle doesnt end well.
Kelsey finds a maze of difficulties when she runs away from home to spite her
sister. A horse named Beamer helps Ryan heal after a tragic accident. Aria witnesses
her brothers horrifying psychotic break that sends him to the psych ward. Salinas
magic spell bites back. A.J. is tested when hunger drives him to commit a crime.
In the title story, a teen befriends Worthless, a beaten and abused child, who
desperately needs help. Many of these stories are based on true events.
From a fishing village in Maine, to a military base in Alaska, these brilliantly-written
tales of private struggles show that even in lifes worst hardships, there is
always hope. Suspenseful and gripping, the authors skillful gift of storytelling
portrays vivid images, which engage readers from the first page and entertains
with memorable characters who cut to the core of the teen experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483679631

Book preview

Chapter 1

Colton and the Train

Hey, guys! I have an idea. The boys stopped their bikes and turned to Colton. Let’s go over to the old castle.

Yeah! Let’s do it! Riqui yelled excitedly and the boys headed to King’s Castle. The castle was an old abandoned haunted house, or so they had heard. They had always seen it on the bus ride to school and heard about how haunted it was, but they’d never explored it for themselves. As they turned up the castle’s old driveway which was cracked and sprouting assorted weeds, the boys looked ahead at the ominous, strange mansion. It wasn’t terribly huge, but it was strange. Two tall peaks towering over boarded windows gave it a ghastly, formidable look. The boys raced up to it, set their bikes down and tried to find a place where they could take a peek inside. All the windows were boarded up tight and the doors were solid and locked.

Here! Colton yelled from the far-right end of the castle. Back here! The other three boys ran around the side of the castle to see the open window that Colton had discovered. Help me up! he said to Billy. Billy locked his fingers together, bent down and Colton stepped on. With a quick thrust, Colton jumped to the window ledge and slipped inside. I’ll unlock the front door, he said and disappeared. Billy, Riqui and Garth ran to the front door and waited. Seconds later, they heard a loud click and the door slowly opened. I vant to drink your blood! Colton said in his best vampire voice and the boys streamed inside. They looked around the large entrance. It was dark inside except for the light coming in the front door.

Watch your step, Garth warned and the boys all went in separate directions to explore. Colton went into a huge kitchen. Slivers of light beamed through gaps between the boards on the windows. He could see there were no appliances, just dusty counter tops, old broken cupboards and an interior door. He opened the door and discovered a stairwell. It was too dark to see, so he walked back toward the front door. He remembered a story he heard about a well that was in the basement where a boy had fallen to his death.

Guys! Come here! he yelled. As his buddies arrived, he shared the story. Rumor has it that his skeleton is still at the bottom of the well. Let’s go down in the basement and see if there really is a well.

Where’s the basement? Garth asked.

This way, Colton said and they all followed him. As the boys crept down the stairs from the kitchen, their hearing seemed to intensify as they swept cobwebs from their faces. They felt their way down the rickety steps and huddled together at the bottom.

We need some serious light, Garth whispered as he opened his eyes bigger and stared into the abyss of the basement.

What the hell are you whispering for, asshole? Riqui asked and Garth shoved at him. A chorus of laughter broke the spell and the boys had a look around themselves as best they could.

I see what looks like a window over there, Billy said. The boys carefully inched their way deeper into the darkness, feeling everything in front of them along the way. Billy felt a hard jolt and heard a scream. He dropped down to his knees in fright as Colton broke out in laughter.

Scaredy cats! Colton teased. The boys began to centipede together again toward the tiny crack of light. There was a basement window about seven feet up which was painted black. With one quick motion, Colton jumped up and pulled the latch, drowning the dank room with fresh sunlight. There! Colton said, feeling proud of himself for solving their light issue. Let’s look for the well.

The group slowly split up and moved away in different directions carefully searching the massive basement.

Did you hear that? Riqui asked as he froze. Upstairs! Footsteps!

You’re hearing things! Garth said.

I heard it! I did hear that! Billy half whispered and opened his eyes larger as if that would help him hear better.

Boooooo! Colton teased. Colton always had a way of diminishing fear and apprehension. Though the other boys appreciated that in a way, they also resented it because Colton’s personality had a way of belittling danger.

Here! Riqui yelled, not caring if the ghost belonging to the footsteps upstairs could hear him. I think I found it! Garth, Billy and Colton ran to his side and examined the large, round wooden platform. Let’s pull it off! The boys shimmied the heavy lid until it was far enough over to lean it down on the side of the stone circular wall that it covered.

Hello! Colton yelled into the black hole. The deep echo told the boys that it was, in fact, an abyss. Anyone have a flashlight?

Oh, sure! Garth said. Let me get mine out of my purse. No, we don’t have a flashlight!

Asshole! Riqui added and giggled nervously.

What about some rope? Colton asked.

Oh right. YOU are the one who’s going down, right?

No dumbass. What I am going to do, if we can find one, is tie a board or something on the end of it and lower it down to see if it reaches water.

Watch this, Riqui said and dropped a brick into the hole. All four boys leaned over and waited for a splash. Finally, they heard a thud.

It must be a cistern. Like the one my grandpa has! Billy said excitedly as they began to unravel the mystery.

As their eyes adjusted to the soft lighting on the stone wall around the abyss, Colton showed up with a rope. He tied a plank on the end of it and began lowering it. I wonder how deep it is. If it’s not too deep, we can come back with a ladder or something. He continued to lower the rope until he got to the end of it, and still had not hit bottom. He leaned over the edge and called, Little boy! Are you down there? and his hand slipped. He screamed a blood-curdling scream as Billy and Garth grabbed handfuls of his shirt. They frantically pulled him up and away from the edge.

You dumbass! You almost killed yourself! Billy screamed in total panic. Colton fell to his knees before they gave out and put his face in his hands, trying to calm the adrenaline that exploded inside his body.

That’s it. I’m outta here! Riqui said and turned for the steps. Billy and Garth pulled Colton to his feet and the boys hustled up the steps, through the kitchen and out the front door.

What are you boys doing? they heard a man’s voice yell down by the road. Instinctually, they ran to their bikes and high-tailed it away from the castle as fast as their legs could peddle.

Don’t stop! Garth yelled as the boys raced across the baseball field next to their old middle school. Let’s go to my house!

Within minutes, the boys rode up Garth’s driveway, into his backyard and out of sight.

Damn! That was scary as hell! Riqui said as he wiped sweat off his face with the bottom of his striped shirt.

No doubt. I feel sorry for that kid if he really did fall in there, said Billy.

Well, where are we off to now? Garth asked.

I know! It’s a surprise! Come on! Colton said and jumped back on his bike. The foursome rode into the alley, down behind King’s Supermarket and onto a bike path that his brother had told him about. They stayed on the path until they hit the tree line, just as his brother described.

Colton rounded the last narrow, dirt curve and saw the path to the tall, rocky embankment which led up to the railroad tracks. He wanted to be the first one to see them so he threw his bike down and scurried up on all fours to the top.

Where are you girls? he yelled into the woods to his buddies as he touched the hot steel track. Garth was the next to arrive. He ditched his bike next to Colton’s and crawled up the steep, crushed stone ballast embankment and shook his fists in the air and flapped his knees like the pro football stars, as a gesture of his conquest. His skinny knees deflated his image somewhat, but he didn’t care. They were going big this summer. No more marbles in the back yard. It was high time they expanded their world view and that’s just what they were doing.

Next appeared Riqui and Billy.

There it is, right down there! Just like my brother said! Colton yelled and raced down the dark wooden railroad ties trying to land a foot on each one. Here’s the river! Yeehaw! he yelled as he slowed his pace to take in the extreme environment around him. Thundering white water from the left side of the train trestle gave way to rippling, smoother water on the right. He said they dive on this side! The calm side! he yelled with such intense enthusiasm that he had to catch his breath.

Riqui ran up behind him and was equally taken aback by the scene. Are you sure it’s deep enough to jump? he asked Colton.

Yep. My brother and his friends checked the depth and it’s ten feet. That’s plenty deep to jump alright.

Billy and Garth reached them at the same time, also stopping to gauge the enormity of their surroundings. The strong odor of railroad creosote smelled like hot tar and added to the intensity of this new strange place that the boys had never experienced before.

I ain’t jumping off this! Riqui said and backed up toward the center of the tracks. I’m afraid of heights. It didn’t look this high from back there.

Oh, please Nancy. Since when did you get afraid of stuff? Billy asked him. Riqui felt demoralized but the power of his fear of heights overcame his ego. He didn’t care what the boys said. He was not jumping.

What if a train comes? Garth asked as he looked back at the end of the bridge. He had no idea how long it would take to run back to the embankment to escape if a train did come along. There was not enough edge on the bridge to stand, they would have to run. Garth also backed away, anxious about the idea of being trapped.

You’ll hear the train when it comes through town. Now are you guys ganna jump or what? Colton asked as he pulled his T-shirt off.

I’m in! Billy said and pulled off his T-shirt and gym shoes.

But if the train comes from the other way, we might not hear it! Riqui said, hoping to strike sudden fear in his buddies and shut the whole stupid idea down.

Yeehaw! Colton yelled as he ran and jumped off the edge. All three boys held their breath. They weren’t sure it was safe, but they would know in a matter of seconds. Billy stepped up to the edge and looked over. Come on in! The water’s fine! Colton yelled and waved. Billy licked his lips and looked around. His chest pounded with anxiety, he knew he may only have this one chance to jump if their parents ever heard about this. Billy squatted about three inches, ready to jump, mustering all the courage he had, and as he started to push off, he chickened out. It was just too high. He watched as Colton swam to the shore below him.

What’s the matter, Billy? Change your mind? Garth asked as he looked up and down the tracks.

I didn’t change my mind. But I’m not sure this is a good idea. It’s really high. I’m not doing it, he announced and backed away. He put his shoes and shirt back on, thankful that he had the nads to stand up to something so stupid that he could lose his life. He didn’t care. He wasn’t jumping.

What’s wrong with you guys? Colton asked as he climbed out of the weeds, up onto the trestle.

Let’s find something else to do! Riqui said and began walking back the direction that Colton was coming from.

Geez, you guys. No sense of adventure. Maybe you should go play dolls. Wait till my brother and his friends hear about how you guys chickened out, Colton said with disappointment in his voice.

Okay! I’ll do it! Does that make you happy? Billy yelled as he pulled his shirt back off. He kicked his shoes off just as they heard a train whistle from around the curve in the direction of town. The loud whistle gave Billy the adrenaline boost he needed to go for it. Before he had a chance to second-guess his decision, he ran to the edge and jumped. Yeehaw! the boys heard him yell as Garth grabbed Billy’s shirt and shoes. It was a race to the end of the bridge as they heard the thunder of the approaching train.

Holy crap! I was afraid a train would come! Riqui said and the other two boys laughed, more out of anxiety than anything.

Let’s go down and meet Billy and go for a swim, Garth said and the boys hustled down the weeds to the water. The sound of the train beat in their chests as it approached the bridge. The engineer blasted the whistle and the sound was so excruciatingly loud that for the first time in all their lives, the boys really felt truly alive. The steel train wheels clacked over the hot railroad tracks and the bridge began to rumble overhead.

Riqui yelled, Yeehaw! as loud as he could, but neither of the other boys could hear him. Where’s Billy? he yelled, but the roar of the train drown out his voice. The ground was vibrating beneath their feet as Riqui looked around for Billy. Colton followed Riqui’s eyes and looked for Billy, followed by Garth. Talking was out of the questions, so the boys inched down to the narrow shore and glanced in all directions.

As the caboose flew by, the boys began to panic. He’s just playing a game with us. He’s probably laughing at us right now! Riqui yelled.

I know, right? Garth yelled nervously. Billy! he called out. The game wasn’t feeling funny anymore. He started to get a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as he looked around frantically for his friend.

Look! Colton said and pointed down the shoreline. Oh my god! he screamed and the threesome took off running down-stream. As they ran closer, they could see it was Billy, face down in the water. Billy! they yelled as they neared him. Colton reached him first, and flipped him over so he could get air. What all three boys saw next was something they would never forget the rest of their lives; Billy’s face and chest were tore open and he was completely unresponsive.

Billy! they yelled and Garth tried CPR on him. It was too late.

####

The boys stood together at the graveside along with Billy’s family and many other guests. The sun beat down on them, and they barely noticed the sweat that ran down their backs. They just stared at Billy’s coffin in silence.

Come on, Colton. It’s time to leave, Colton’s mom said gently as she slipped her arm in his. He looked over at Garth and Riqui who were already on their way to the line of vehicles with their parents. Colton was numb. He was still in shock. He was exhausted because of the nightmares he was having every night, mostly about falling into a well and drowning.

It was days after the funeral until Colton would speak. He didn’t feel worthy of living. He didn’t feel it was right for him to go on living when Billy was dead. He secluded himself in his bedroom and was finally able to weep. He cried for Billy, for that day, and for doing such a monstrously, dangerous and stupid thing.

Sweetie? Why don’t you come down and eat supper, his mom said from outside his door.

I don’t want to! he yelled at her. His mom slowly opened his door and moved to his bed and sat next to him.

Dad and I have been talking. We would like you to talk to a therapist about this. You’re hurting and you’re way too secluded for your own good.

I’m not talking to anyone! Colton yelled and rolled over, turning his back to her.

Well, Mr. Slocum is here. You remember him from church, honey. He’s a really good therapist and he’s come over to help you. Can he at least come in your room?

Colton said nothing. He knew he did need help, but he didn’t know how to get it. So he lay still.

Hello, Colton. Mr. Slocum here. Mind if I come in? he asked gently. Colton didn’t respond, not because he wanted to be rude, but because he was too overwhelmed. I want you to know that what you are feeling and going through right now is normal under the circumstances.

How do you know what I’m feeling? Huh? Colton screamed and jumped up from his bed and faced Mr. Slocum. How can you possibly know what it feels like to be responsible for the death of your best friend? You can’t! You can’t! You just can’t! he yelled and fell to his knees and sobbed into his bedspread.

Let it out Colton. Let the anger out. You’re right. I can’t know what you’re feeling, but if you weren’t so upset, then I would be concerned. You have every right to want to seclude yourself and be in pain. I understand that.

You don’t understand anything! It was my fault! I told them to jump! It’s my fault that Billy is dead! Can’t you hear that? How can I go on living, knowing he’s buried and dead? Fourteen and dead! Because of me! I don’t want to live anymore! Colton yelled and slid down on the far side of his bed to the floor crying. He felt that by hiding his body from Mr. Slocum’s sight, he could somehow hide his guilt and his utter fear of wanting to die.

Colton, we’re not going to ask you to do anything until you’re ready. I think it’s important for you to just rest right now. I’m going to give your mother a sedative and this evening, if you are still in too much pain to rest, I want you to take that sedative. I’ll be back tomorrow to talk some more with you, okay? You’re going to make it through this. I’ve helped others in the situation you’re in right now, and they made it out and so can you. After a couple minutes, Mr. Slocum stood. I’ll see you tomorrow then.

That night, Colton took the sedative and went to bed. He slept through the night for the first time since the accident. He truly was desperate for help, and he needed Mr. Slocum to do whatever it was he could do to help. At 11:00 a.m. he heard the doorbell. He let out a private sigh of relief and sat up on his bed.

Hello, Colton. I told you I would be back today. Your mom told me you took the sedative. Did you sleep well? Colton just stared at a spot on his sock and remained quiet. I brought you a book to read when you are ready. It’s about how to deal with survivor’s guilt. What happened with Billy was an accident. It will take time, but eventually you will be able to start breathing and living again.

I can’t. I just can’t. I don’t know how anymore. Billy was a good kid. He didn’t deserve this. I’m the one who deserved to die, pushing him and Garth and Riqui like that!

From what I’ve been told, your brother is the one who told you about the bridge. How do you think he feels?

Colton had not thought about his brother and that his brother was in a similar situation as he was. He frowned, trying to send a signal to Mr. Slocum that he heard him and wanted more information, but Colton didn’t want to ask.

That’s right. Your brother is so devastated that your parents have checked him into Pines Hospital. He’s going to be fine, but he just needs time to recover as well.

I didn’t even know my brother was gone.

He just left about two hours ago. You’re welcome to go too if you feel you need it. They have great support groups, grief therapy and group sessions with others. I recommend them.

I don’t want to go. I just want to be able to breathe again. He’s dead. Billy is dead. My heart hurts so bad sometimes that I think it will stop working.

"I have another idea that may be of help to you then. What would you say about doing something extraordinary to help someone else? I mean, really be there for someone in a way that you could make a difference in someone’s life? Your friend Billy suffered a terrible accident, and no one is blaming you but yourself. But, maybe, in order to begin healing, it might help if you did something awesome for someone in need. That might just help you in return.

Colton thought about it and completely understood what Mr. Slocum was saying. Yes, it makes sense. But what could I ever do to offset what I did to Billy? he asked, and tears filled his eyes.

I’ll show you. Tomorrow, 1:00?

Okay. After Mr. Slocum left, Colton had wished that he would have left him some sort of clue about where they would go and what this special need was. He would just have to wait.

####

The next day at 1:00 p.m. sharp, Mr. Slocum pulled in the driveway. Colton was dressed and ready, but suddenly felt tired and vulnerable. He wasn’t ready to leave the house yet.

Colton! Mr. Slocum is here to see you! his mom yelled up the stairs.

Damn! he whispered to himself as he slipped his shoes on and grabbed his phone.

Colton and Mr. Slocum drove to the east side of town. The houses were small and run down. Too many of them were boarded up and others had whole families sitting outside on the small porches, Colton figured they didn’t have air conditioning. Mr. Slocum turned right at a narrow street and drove down four houses and pulled over to the curb.

Where are we? Colton asked as he looked at the old homes.

We are going in to meet Trevor. I have a box in my trunk that I want you to carry inside. They got out of the car and Mr. Slocum handed Colton a large cardboard box, closed his trunk and walked up a short sidewalk to a blue house. A sweet-looking middle aged black lady in an apron and dress came out the front door.

Mr. Slocum. Nice to see you, she said as she dried her hands on her apron. You brought a friend.

Yes, I hope you don’t mind. This is Colton Davies. He’s here to meet Trevor, if that’s okay. Colton, say hello to Miss Betty.

Yes, of course! It’s nice to meet you Colton. Come inside, please. Colton nodded at the woman and wondered what his mission of mercy would be.

Once inside, he saw a young boy, about eight, laying in a small bed in the living room.

Colton, this is Trevor. Trevor, this is Colton. He came to visit you, Mr. Slocum said. He brought you some things to play with. Colton approached the boy and set the box on the floor next to his bed. The boy eyed the box and then Colton. A big smile came across his face as he slowly sat up. It was devastatingly obvious the boy was sick. Colton played along. Trevor slipped to his knees on the floor and opened the big box. He pulled toy after toy out and his smile got bigger and bigger.

Thank you, Colton! I can’t believe it! the boy said as he picked up a box of dinosaur robots. Colton felt embarrassed. He didn’t know what was in the box until Trevor opened it. He looked at Mr. Slocum who winked at him and nodded his head.

You’re welcome, Trevor.

You always wanted a big brother, Trevor. I brought the next best thing, Mr. Slocum said and everything began to make sense to Colton.

But he’s white! Trevor said and picked up a dinosaur.

I don’t care if you don’t care, Colton said to him.

Naw, I don’t care. I’m just glad you came. Can you stay and play? the fragile boy asked.

Of course, Colton said. He felt great pity for the boy and soon he was immersed in Trevor rather than himself. Trevor was entirely too skinny and frail. Whatever was wrong