The Earth Painter (6 page)

“So you’re not from Chesnee either.”

“No way.
We moved here last year after my dad…left. The only thing decent about this place is the cosmetology program at school.” She giggled.
“Well that and Brad, my boyfriend.”

“So that’s why I haven’t seen you at school, you go to the vocational center. Do you like it?”

“I love it,” Shelby said, her brownish eyes grew wider as she smiled. “I had no idea what I wanted to do before. We’d just moved to Chesnee. I walked in, bummed to be there, you know?” She glanced at me as though she knew I could relate. “I stood by the water fountain dreading the presentation by the people from
Swofford
Vocational Center. I got some water then walked in and saw Ms. West, the cosmetology instructor. As soon as she explained the program, I knew that was what I wanted to do.”

I looked out the window. “I still have no
clue
what I want to major in or do with my life. You’re lucky.”

Shelby shrugged. “I’m not living with my mom one second longer than I have to, so I need to be able to step out into some kind of career as soon as I graduate. I’ve never even hung a picture or poster in my room at home. I live for the day when I get to leave.”

We pulled into Chesnee where a million cars inched along the main street. “What in the world?” I looked over at Shelby. “I know there aren’t this many teenagers in Chesnee.”

“No. The mall banned cruising along with some other towns. Now they all come here.”

It took us forever to circle the two miles of the city. Boys and girls sat on their hoods along the sides of the road too. Shelby was texting as we inched through Chesnee.

“I’m going to park and go talk to someone for a minute. I’ll be back in a few.”

“That’s fine,” I shrugged.

She parked in the high school’s parking lot and ran over to a large pickup truck. I sat in the car for a while, watching the bumper-to-bumper chaos. When it got a little warm, I stepped out to lean against the car. A guy yelled my way from the street, but I pretended not to hear him and looked toward the school. Theo was there, leaning against the brick watching the street and me.

I glanced over to Shelby. She was now pressed up against the truck, being kissed by a boy. Someone from the street yelled, “Get a room!” But they didn’t seem to hear or care.

I walked over to Theo, who’d been smart enough to stay in the shade of the covered walkway.

“Are you stalking me?” He took a moment to think and then said, “I did say that right didn’t
I
? That is what people say when someone keeps showing up where they are…right?” He smiled so I knew he was kidding.

“No, I’m not stalking you. I’m here with her.” I pointed over my shoulder to Shelby who was still occupied with her boyfriend.

Theo’s brow’s raised as he looked her way. “I see a lot of that here at the school. I think it’s more popular than football.”

I laughed. “So, what are you doing here?”

“Hanging out, like everyone else.”

“Oh.” I couldn’t think of anything profound to say.

Theo kept looking at me. “Have I been doing anything noticeable?”

My brows furrowed. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”

“You keep noticing me. As far as I can tell I’m not doing anything new or different than I’ve always done.” He glanced around nervous as if to make sure no one was listening.

“I didn’t do anything that I can think of to cause you to notice me. No one ever notices me painting at the fish camp, but you did. And now, you’re over here talking to me. I’m out here every weekend and no one notices me or talks to me.” He glanced around again. “I need to make sure that I’m not doing anything to make you notice me.”

I suddenly felt like I was intruding. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you.” I turned to go back to Shelby’s car.

“No! Come back.”I turned and saw he was pleading with his eyes. “I like you here…talking to me. I just…” He looked around again. “I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t done anything to make you notice me.”

“Holly!” I heard called from behind. I turned to see Shelby by her car.

I didn’t know how to respond to him, so I was happy to excuse myself. “I guess she’s ready to go. I’ll see you Monday.”

He nodded and smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”

I walked back to the car. Shelby had her hand on the driver’s door. “What were you doing over there?”

“I was talking to Theo.” I pointed back to the school where he stood.

“Sorry I interrupted. I didn’t see him.”

“No big deal. We were just talking. I’m guessing that was Brad.”

She grinned at me. “Yes it was, but if you don’t mind, don’t mention him to anyone. My grandma would tell my mom, and she doesn’t approve.”

“Ok.”

We cruised a little longer before Shelby drove me home. “Would you like a ride to school on Monday?” She asked as I was getting out of the car.

“Sure, thanks.” Things were looking up for me. I had a ride to school and a cute guy who liked talking to me. Maybe Chesnee wasn’t going to be so bad.

Chapter 6

Sunday night I stayed up late reading the whole play online. It wasn’t the kind of play that entertained you. It was more like one that made you think.

I poured myself a cup of coffee when I came out of my room and added tons of cream and sugar and a drop of my mom’s hazelnut syrup.

Mom watched me sit down at my spot with the giant coffee mug.

“Since when did you start drinking coffee?”

“Since I got my license and discovered that there was a Starbucks on every corner.” I sipped my coffee and took a bite of my toast. “I used to go through the drive thru before school after a long night of studying.” I pulled out my monologue to look over it a little more.

Dad walked into the kitchen. “I have to get to work early today so hurry up and eat.”

“Oh, I’m riding with Shelby. Her grandmother lives next door. I met her yesterday. She’s going to pick me up on her way to school.

Mom looked over at me. “Shelby?” Mom looked out the window at the house next door. “That must be Maggie’s daughter.” She looked at me. “Just be careful around her.”

I didn’t even bother to look up from my script. “I’ll do my best not to embarrass you. I’ll remember who I am…
yadda
yadda
yadda
.”

“No, Sweetie. This isn’t about embarrassing us. Don’t say anything about her dad being in prison.” Mom got up and poured herself another cup of coffee.

“Prison?
She told me that her dad left. Are you sure you’re talking about the same person?”

“Maggie used to live next door to me growing up. She and I were friends, but then she married right out of high school. The guy was into drugs and had all kinds of problems.
Last I heard, he was in prison.
There was a rumor that he nearly beat Maggie to death.”

Dad took a seat at the table. “I had no idea.”

“Poor Maggie,” Mom shook her head.

Then mom turned her attention to me. “Just try not to look down on Shelby for all of that. It’s not her fault.” She said the words, but her tone made it clear she looked down on them.

I put down my coffee mid-sip. “Why would I look down on her? She’s not her dad.” A horn honked outside. I jumped up from the table and grabbed my book bag.

“Shelby’s here. I
gotta
run.”

I ran down the back steps and out onto the gravel, hearing it crunch as my feet made indentions in the driveway. I pulled open the door to Shelby’s car and sat down letting out a loud sigh.

Shelby’s eyebrows creased. “You didn’t have to run. We’re not late.”

“My mom…she…” I didn’t want to get into it. “She was getting on my nerves.”

“Oh, I can totally relate,” she said rolling her eyes then looking back at the road. “If my mom does something, I want to do the opposite. I plan to do everything in my power to make sure I don’t end up like her.” Shelby glanced at me, “You know?”

“I feel the same way.”

Shelby looked in the rearview mirror and pushed her multi- colored blonde hair behind her ear. “I get along great with my dad. I miss him.”

I was surprised to hear that. “Do you get to see him often?” I didn’t want to let on that I knew where he was.

“Once in a while.
Not often enough. It’s a long story. If Mom hadn’t made him so mad…I don’t want to think about it right now. Can we drop it?”

“Sure. Thanks for the ride.”

“No problem.” We were at school and parked pretty quickly. Shelby got out and headed for the bus for the vocational campus while I walked to homeroom.

***

I pulled out my monologue as I walked out of third-period for one last look before drama. I was so nervous that my hands shook. My throat felt dry too. I reached for my water bottle only to realize I hadn’t packed one. I hated to use water fountains. I couldn’t help but think of the germs left behind, but the dry sandpaper feel of my tongue didn’t leave me with much choice.

I walked over to the fountain just outside the auditorium, held my hair in my hand and took a drink. The water was sweet, almost like candy. I’d never tasted water like it. I drank and drank until I was satisfied. I stood back up, and my eyes fell on the auditorium doors. Suddenly my fear was gone. I could do this. It felt like I had been made for this. I wanted to go in. I wanted to be on stage. No, it was more like a need than a want, and it was exhilarating. I shoved my script in my backpack before I opened the door to the auditorium.

I didn’t even pull out a book to read. I wanted to be present, not off someplace else via my kindle. Anthony met me at the door before I could make it to my seat.

“Listen, I have to warn you before lunch.” Anthony shook his head and looked down at his feet before he looked at me to speak. “Wayne is getting on my nerves today. He got the results
back from Clemson University about the water, and there was something unusual about it. Now, I don’t know what he’s talking about half the time, but I’m used to him. I just wanted to give you the heads up.”

My brows furrowed. “Thanks for the warning, but what’s that got to do with me?”

“At lunch, he’s going to want to tell you all about it since you brought up the whole water thing. He even mentioned asking you to help him collect the next sample.”

“Help him get a water sample?
What,
like turn on the faucet?”

“No.” Anthony shook his head. His eyes doubled in size. “He and Mr. Winters are going down to the basement where the well is. Clemson wants a sample that’s not been through the pipes yet. Wayne’s going down into the well.”

“Oh my goodness.”
My mouth hung open at the thought. I turned and continued down the aisle to the stage. Anthony followed. “But why does he want me there?”

“He likes you. He has a thing for redheads, says they’re rare and went on about natural blondes being just as rare but too unattainable and if you can’t afford gold, there’s always copper. I think this is his way of impressing you. I suggested he just invite you to a track meet or something, but Wayne will be Wayne.”

I spun around, pulled Anthony aside and whispered. “He likes me? I’ve hardly spoken to him.”

Anthony shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, the heart wants what the heart wants. I’m not telling you what you should do, but I did want to warn you.”

I looked off into the darkness of the auditorium. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” He walked over to the group he usually sat with while I went to my seat next to Theo.

“What were you two whispering about so intently?” Theo said with a smirk.

“Oh, his friend Wayne wants to impress me by having me
watch
him go down the well and get a water sample.”

Theo’s gray-blue eyes sparkled under his wrinkled forehead. “Why?”

“He likes me, apparently.” I turned my head away, not wanting to see his reaction to that statement.

“But why does he want a water sample?”

“Oh, he sent some to Clemson, and they found something unusual. Now they want a direct sample from the well.

“Interesting.”
He tapped his index finger on his chin then looked at me again. “Can I be there when he gets the sample?” His eyes grew larger, making their brilliant color more visible.

“I guess. You can ask him, but I’m not planning on being there.”

“Why not.”

“I told you…he likes me. I don’t want to encourage him.”

“Don’t girls normally want boys to like them?”

I shook my head. “Let’s just say he is not my type.”

Theo leaned in closer to whisper. “Being the prettiest girl in the school doesn’t make it okay to look down on people. I know that’s the norm, but it’s not right.”

I thought he’d stopped being like this. I leaned closer to his ear. “I don’t look down on people and stop making fun of me.” Why did he have to go back to being the jerk he was on that first day?