Keep Your Head High Eyes Wide Open You Will See All

By Bryce Bland

It was a cold night when Allie went to the barn to see Miracle. Miracle always seemed to make Allie feel better. "Miracle, what am I supposed to do?" Miracle nudged Allie with her nose. "Miracle, please, I need your help. I never thought about being with a boy until later in life, but these feelings I have for Jake...I can't help it. I wonder if Jake feels the same way?" Miracle stomped her foot in frustration. "Oh, come on Miracle."

"Allie?" Allie turned around in shock, for Jake was standing there. "Oh my God, how long have you been standing there and what did you hear?" "Well, I heard enough." Allie's face went beet red, she could not look at him. Allie could hear him getting closer until Jake was right in front of her. "Allie, listen please. I myself cannot stop these feelings and if you leave your family and friends that you love so much...have you really thought what it will do to them? Not even including me."

Allie looked up into his eyes. "Allie, I would be so lost without you, you are part of me, my soul." Allie went to say something, but before she could, Jake's lips were on hers. A light came from deep down within her. Allie couldn't pull away even if she wanted. Jake slowly backed off, smiled and said "Does this kiss tell you all you need to know?" Jake turned and walked out of the barn...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781648015922

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Keep Your Head High Eyes Wide Open You Will See All

Bryce Bland

Copyright © 2020 Bryce Bland

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2020

ISBN 978-1-64801-591-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64801-592-2 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

About the Author

To my best friend Mureen Pyke. And to my son Danny L. Bland Jr., may you rest in peace. With all my love

When I was born, my parents would look at each other with love in their eyes and a smile on their face and say I was a special surprise. My parents had me when they were ready to retire; I guess I ruined that for a while. I have two other siblings much older than myself. I have two brothers; they have gone through high school and college. One of my brothers is a lawyer and the other is a CEO of his own company. I see them on holidays. My parents talk with them on the phone every so often. As for me, I have to concentrate on finishing my last year of high school. Sigh. Cannot wait. My parents did not meet in high school. My grandparents arranged their marriage from the day they were born; my parents were married at the age of sixteen. Wow! I know. I would not be able to do that; my grandparents did not come from a different country. It was just the way my grandparents wanted.

I mean, now you see on TV how parents of adults want to pick their spouse, so it is not that weird to me anymore. They have grown to love each other so much. We are not rich people—far from it; what we lack in money we have so much in love. Okay, my parents are not that old, but old enough. I mean, to me, if you are old enough to retire, you must be really old. My oldest brother is thirty-six, the one who owns his company. His name is Leon.

My other brother who is a lawyer is thirty-three; his name is Leland—ya, big age difference from them to me. We live on a farm ranch with cattle, horses, chickens, pigs, you get my drift, and me being such a sweet good daughter that I am, I help my dad and the farm hand on the weekends once my homework is done. I do not have time during the week for cramming for final exams.

Do I have friends? Sure. Do we go out? Not a lot. The three of us are called the goodie-two-shoes or the nerds of the school. I really do not care what they call me because I know that when high school is done, I will go to college, not using my mommy and daddy's money. I know I got there through hard work and being smart.

First, I want to travel with my best friends. Now to let you know about them, we became friends in public school. I was supposed to be in grade 2, but they bumped me up to grade 4. I was advanced for my age, yet they did not care, and neither did I.

My friend Maureen, she is so funny yet she can put you in your place with a smile a calm voice and very polite. My other friend Joan, we call her Joanzie for short. She is a wild card; you never know what she is going to say or do, but we love her. We decided that once we finish high school, we will travel before going to college, we promised each other that no matter how far we are from each other when we go to college that would always make plans to spend time with each other on our breaks. Sorry, getting ahead of myself, back to my family.

Leon's company is one where it's all types of technology from the smallest microchip to the biggest. I guess brains run in the family. My brother Leland, who is the lawyer, will soon become one of the youngest judges. Leland fights for the good people—all different cases from divorce to being schandeled. I am so proud of them. I know I will never get rid of the nickname little sis, but that's all right; it lets me know they love me, yet they can be a pain in the ass. Leon and Leland told me that when I start dating, they will have eyes everywhere; that scares me because I actually believe them, yet little do they know that boys are the furthest thing from my mind. I have other priorities first. I am not even thinking of marriage.

I hope and pray my parents do not do to me what my grandparents did to them. I think of that and it makes my heart speed up, find it hard to breath, and I tell myself to slow down because I am sure that would not happen.

Oh, by the way, my name is Allie Wilkins. I have long raven hair, eyes are a bronze color. Sometimes I wonder if I was not adopted, for my brothers' eyes are blue like our dad's and our mother's are green. Leon has brown hair like my dad, and Leland has dirty-blond hair like our moms, so where did the bronze eyes and raven hair come from? Our skin has a natural tan tinge to it, like we always been in the sun, but we don't. My mother was a bombshell when she was younger. I take after her in that department, proportionate in all the right places. No, I never bothered to be a cheerleader. My interest are books, poetry, history, biography of people, music. My parents made sure that the three of us learned three instruments. I play the piano, flute, guitar. Leland plays drums, violin, cello, and Leon plays the trumpet, drums, base—not bad for a poor family. The farm hand work for free for my grandfather and father built with their own hands houses for them and their families.

My grandfather left the farm ranch to my father for he was the only one who had the passion and worked hard on the farm to make it the way is now. I only have one uncle, which is on my father's side; he is a person who is not pleased with anything. We do not see him that much at all. My mother could not be happier about that. I wonder sometimes why my uncle is always so unhappy. I asked my father one time.

He said, Sweetie, some people just do not open their eyes wide enough to see what is around them or in front of them.

So that is why my uncle is the way he is. My father also said, Sweetie, no matter what, walk with your head high, your eyes open, for you will see all.

I have done what he asked of me. I am still learning of what he meant by that, yet I am understanding little at a time. When my brothers would come home for the holidays, they would tell me stories about my grandparents, like what they were like, from what they have told me and the pictures. It seems like they were very nice people, yet strict—tough love, they would say. I know I am the baby of the family. My brothers and parents never spoiled me. I guess that is the reason I understand my elders more than the kids my age, due to the fact of age difference from my brothers and from when I was born, I have more questions than answers. My parents and brothers would say that I have the gift.

The gift? I have no idea what they mean by that. I guess time will tell. I am up in my room studying for my exams when I hear my mom call to me.

Allie, Maureen and Joan are here.

I yelled back, Thanks, Mom, please ask them to come to my room. I started to laugh because I knew the both of them were racing up the stairs to see who would make it to my room first, and hearing my mom yell, Easy, girls, before you hurt yourselves.

They yelled back to my mom, Sorry Mrs. Wilkins, as they laugh. They finally reached my room out of breath, shoving each other to get through the door first.

Now, kids, slow down. There is enough room for both of you to come in, I said, laughing.

They both stop in their tracks, looking at me with narrow eyes. All of a sudden, both at once jumped on my bed. Maureen said, What's ya doin? as if they didn't know.

I asked, What is this honor of mine to have such company?

Maureen said, We just wanted to come and see you. Do we always have to have a reason?

With you two, yes! For they never drop by without some suspific reason. I looked at them with a straight face and said, Okay, what are you two up to, and no, I do not want to be a part of it.

Joan groaned and said, She knows us too well, Maureen. I guess we have to fess up.

Maureen looked shocked and said, What us? Up to something? I am offended by this, Allie, as she puts her hand to her heart.

We all laugh. So what's up?

Well, since you asked, we wanted to know if you wanted to go to the school dance with us.

I knew about the dance and I told them I wasn't going because I knew the music would be too loud and because of all the drama. I said, Did you both forget why I said no to the dance?

They looked at each other then looked at me. Maureen said, We know, but it will not be the same without you. Besides, it could be fun, ya know, let loose a little before your brain overloads.

Joan laughs. I sighed, ready to repeat myself of why not, when I looked at them, they looked pitiful. I chuckled, Okay. I had to cover my ears with my hands because their scream of delight almost deafened me. They jumped off my bed and went straight to my closet. I jumped up when I saw clothes being thrown on my bed. There is no way that I was going to let them pick out what I was going to wear. I yelled at them to stop. They looked at me and said, Well, you have to get ready.

I know, but you both put those clothes away. I will find something.

They both groaned. I looked at them and said, Stop groaning and put them back please. Maureen and Joan started to put my clothes back neatly in my closet as I picked three options of what I would wear. No. 1 outfit: classy white lace shirt, low-cut front with a skirt just above the knee with black and gold sandals. No. 2 outfit: Black blazer with a tank top, pair of jeans, black pair of flat shoes. No. 3 outfit: A red dress that has one arm and shoulder left open with red high heels.

Once Maureen and Joan were done, I tried on all three outfits, and of course they could not pick the same one, so I decided to pick the one they didn't. To me, I do that to them so this way I always pick the right one. I would never tell them that because I love them, and because they have not realized what I was doing, so they would not be hurt. I put on the red dress, put my hair in a dancer bun, with gold earrings, gold bracelet, not too much makeup, and away we went to the dance. As we walked into the gym, of course eyes were on all three of us. Some of the popular girls were whispering and laughing, but we were there to have fun. Maureen and Joan could not get on the dance floor quick enough. I just nodded my head and smiled, thinking to myself what they said just to get me here. I went to get a Pepsi and to find a seat for the three of us. I watched my friends dancing and laughing when two boys came up to them and started talking. I am very protective of my friends and these boys were on the football team, so you can imagine what they want and what I was thinking. All four started dancing, having a good time. I must have been in deep thought because when they came to the table, Allie? Maureen said. You jumped a little, are you okay?

Oh…I'm fine. I was in deep thought. Then I realized that they have the two boys to our table. I was uncomfortable, but I did not let them know that. Maureen introduced them to me. One of them had blond hair, tall, blue eyes, and his name is Ben—cute. Adian who was tall with brown hair, brown eyes, also tall. I smiled and said hi. Joan went to get sodas for them. Maureen and Ben started talking. Adian, though, kept repeating my name; it started to get me angry so I said, Do you have a problem?

The look on his face was partly shocked and partly embarrassed. I guess he was saying my name in his head, so he thought. Adian said, Sorry, then said, You are the girl whom everyone calls a nerd. At that point, I did not know what to say or do. I mean, that is what they say, I mean, wait, let me start over. You are the one who skipped a couple of grades in public school, right?

Yes, so?

Adian continued explaining how he was in the same class. I looked at him, trying to remember but nothing came to mind. Adian must have noticed because he said that he was the boy in the back with braces with glasses, very shy, then it came back to me; he was the boy who got picked on too. I used to feel so bad for him. Adian said, You told me to keep my head high and my eyes open wide, for then you will see all.

I smiled and said, Ya, I remember, and look at you now, on the football team.

He laughed and said that he wanted to thank me for telling him that, But back then, I was too shy. Since we hit high school with football and all, I was thinking all the cheerleaders hanging all over you.

Anyway, he said, I did not think I would see you again.

Did I changed that much? I said.

Adian went to say something, but Joan came back and his attention was back on her. I looked back at Maureen and Ben and they were looking at me. What? I said.

They both smiled—not a smile that was mean or to make fun of me, but a smile that said Aww, you helped him.

I could feel my face burn; I knew I was blushing. I just smiled and turned my eyes to the dance floor. Time passed, and the music was giving me a headache, and I was getting tired. I wanted to go home, plus I had a curfew and I didn't want to break that or my parents' trust, so I guess you could say I was a goodie-two-shoes. I was not going to leave my friends behind. Maureen and Joan knew they told Ben and Adian that we had to go. Ben and Adian gave Maureen and Joan their phone number and smiled, said their goodbyes. We got up and started to leave. As we were heading toward the gym doors, the cheerleaders we saw as we came in were there. This time, they were not laughing or whispering; they were there with their arms crossed and their eyes were glued on Maureen and Joan.

Great, just great. Here I thought a great night out without drama. Next thing I know, I heard Joan say, Hey, get out of the way.

One of them smirked and said, Make me, nerd.

My heart started to thump real fast, for like I said, you never know what Joan will say or do. Maureen and I stood there just waiting to see what would happen. We could see Joan close her fists by her side. Her breathing was getting faster. We knew what was going to happen next. Ben, Adian, and another boy showed up. The boy said, Is there a problem here?

I looked at Ben, Adian, and the boy. Ben and Adian was watching to make sure Maureen, Joan, and I would get out all right. Adian looked at me as to say Everything is going to be fine. The girl looked at the boy and her whole personality changed. Oh, Jake, everything is fine, right… What's your name again?

Maureen stepped in and said, Darling, we never gave you our name. Plus, you know it, for you said nerd, right?

The girl was shocked and her face turned red. I was only joking.

Jake looked at her with a look that could kill, then looked at us as if to say sorry.

Jake, why don't you come and dance with me?

Jake smirked. Are you serious right now? You tried to cause a fight with these ladies and you…you want me…me to dance with you? JoAnn, find yourself another puppet.

JoAnn stomped her foot, looked at us, saying, This is not over, then walked away with the rest of her groupies.

You didn't have to do that! They all looked at me. Oops, I said that out loud.

Jake smiled and said, You are right, but these are my brothers, and they like your friends, so I felt I had to do something. This way, there would be no drama.

Well, you just caused more drama for us. JoeAnn will not let this slide.

Maureen gave me a nudge in the ribs so hard. I looked at her with narrow eyes—fine! Thank you very much for your help. Come on, Maureen and Joan, we will see you out, Ben and Adian said.

They smiled at me as they were walking. I realized that I was still standing there. I started to leave when Jake said, Hey, I am sorry for what happened and you and your friends do not have to worry about JoeAnn and her groupies.

In my head, I hear myself say, He even calls them groupies.

Jake, thank you, really, for what you did. That was very nice of you, but I have two way older brothers. If anything was or will happen, they can take care of it.

Jake looked at me with sadness in his eyes, then he smiled and said, Well, that is great. Now you have five guys that will make sure nothing happens. Then Jake gestured with his hand, exiting to the school grounds where Maureen and Joan were waiting for me. Jake followed me to Maureen's car, said good night, and walked away. Ben and Adian kissed Maureen and Joan on the cheek said their good nights, and we were on our way. Maureen and Joan were so giddy like two little girls with their first crush, and they are older than me. They are too adorable to being a pain in the ass. Sooo, Allie, about Jake?

I thanked him sincerely for what he had done and that was all.

I could see Maureen and Joan smile at each other but didn't say a thing; it was a peaceful ride home. We gave hugs and kisses, said our goodbyes. As they were leaving, they yelled, See you tomorrow, as I walked to the door. I waved and shut the door behind me.

Mom?

So, sweetie, how was the dance?

I smiled. It was okay. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and went upstairs, took a long, soothing bath, got my PJs on, jumped in my bed, flopped back on my pillow, took a long sigh, turned my lamp off, and fell asleep. I hate mornings; they come too quick.

I was in Math class; our teacher Mr. Patrick got up, and he seemed very unhappy. Is Allie here? Mr. Patrick told this person that we were doing our exams and to come back when we were done, yet the voice seemed urgent and fearful, then it dawned on me it was Jake. Why would Jake want to talk with me? I've only seen him once. Mr. Patrick was ready to close the door when Jake stormed in. He was looking around the room frantically. Finally, he saw me. Jake ran to me, took my hand, and headed toward the door. I was furious at him. I tried to stop him. I jerked back and said, Stop! I have an exam to finish.

Please, Allie, I need to talk with you now. It can't wait.

I follow him into the hallway. Jake seemed out of breath. Jake, slow down, breath in and out. You are scaring me.

If I do not tell you now, it will scar me for the rest of my life.

I was dumbfounded; what does he mean? Jake calmed down. I know I only met you one time, but that was all it took for me to fall for you.

I had a surprised look in my face, not for what he just said but the school hall was full of people, including JoeAnn. OMG, this is all I need—the glare.

Allie, I know I am older than you, ya, about four years, but who is counting, yet this feeling is true. I honestly think I love you.

WHAT? WAIT! I said with a stern voice. Jake? Stop! We've only seen each other once. We do not even know each other. Plus, sorry to say this, but I have plans after high school before I go to college, and none of them include boys, men, or romance. I have plenty of time for that. Please, I am flattered that you feel this way, but I do not need drama in my life, and I am sure JoeAnn would not agree.

All of a sudden, he raised his voice. No! There has and never will be anything between us. I can't explain this feeling. I don't want this feeling explained. Allie, I love you, and whatever plans you have, I will wait. I can't lose you, I cannot see my future or life without you. All I am asking is, give me a chance.

I looked into his eyes. I know he was sincere and afraid of my answer. Jake, I cannot ask you to wait. Plus, I really do not want to hurt you in any way.

Allie, you will hurt me if you do not give me a chance to prove to you. I love you and can make you happy.

Before I could say another word, he grabbed me, and I could feel his warm soft lips on mine. I wanted to pull away, but my body wouldn't move, so I embraced his kiss and his strong arms around me, not including his scent. BEEP, BEEP. I opened my eyes, the sun shining in my window and my alarm going off.

Holy shit, it was just a dream. Of course, my mind was spiraling out of control. I have questions. Why would I be dreaming of Jake? If I would dream of him, would it not be me telling him my feelings rather than the other way around? Why of all dreams, it has to be about a boy? It started to scare me, for he did not know my plans, yet in my dream, he knew. Am I the one who has feelings for him? Could the dream I had was actually what I feel yet denying them; would I want him to wait? I told myself to stop thinking about it. I took a deep breath, turned off my alarm, crawled out of bed, took a long hot bath, got dressed, then went downstairs for breakfast.

Hey, sweetie, did you have a good sleep?

I kissed my dad on the cheek then my mom. Sure did.

I did not want to tell them about my dream or what happened at the school dance. My parents trust me I just don't want them to worry about me. I sat at the table, poured myself some orange juice, and started to eat my cereal. In confusion, my mom said, Are you all right, dear?

I looked at my cereal then back at her. I forgot to put milk in my cereal. I had to come up with something quick. I laughed, Silly me. Sorry, just studying too much, I guess.

I poured milk in my cereal, not looking at my mom; if she knew something was wrong, she pretended not to notice. The rest of breakfast was spent in silence. Usually, we would be talking, but I guess sometimes silence is better. We all jumped when we heard this loud honking noise outside. We laughed.

You better tell Maureen to get out of her car and either ring the doorbell or knock from now on. I will end up with a heart attack.

As I giggle, I said, Sure, Dad.

I cleaned my dishes and darted out the door. I am usually helping on the farm, but my parents said that this weekend, I should spend time with my friends due to fact that I always do what I am asked. I was not going to argue with them. I told Maureen what my dad said. She started cracking up. Finally, she said that she would do as my dad said. As we pulled out of the driveway, I asked where Joanzie was.

Oh, we are picking her up.

Well, usually you pick me up last, what's up? Maureen was trying so hard to stay calm from her excitement.

What, tell me?

Okay, okay. Ben asked her out.

I said, Okay. Like a date?

No! Like boyfriend and girlfriend.

I could not believe what