《August Wind》Chapter 14. The Drive In
Advertisement
Mama left the room. Maggie pulled off her clothes and put on her jeans and the blouse. She brushed out her hair. She put on some mascara and a little eye shadow. Not too much because she didn't want Don and Skeeter to tease her.When she walked into the living room Bill put an arm around her. He whispered in her ear, "I don't know why my boy is taking that Brenda girl along. I'd have more sense if I was him."
Maggie grinned at Bill.
Fifteen minutes later, she was sitting beside John Carl in the cab of his truck. He kept looking at her. She tried to ignore him but she couldn't. He smiled at her. She blushed.
Don jabbed Skeeter in the shoulder, and said, "Sure is amazing the way Maggie turns red every time John Carl looks at her."
Skeeter said, "Shut up, Don."
Don started humming under his breath.
When they pulled up at Brenda's, John Carl honked. Brenda came bouncing out of the house smiling until she saw Maggie sitting by John Carl. He got out to let Brenda in. She slid onto the seat beside Maggie and said, "I didn't know we were taking a crowd tonight."
"Three extra's not a crowd unless you're one of them," Don said.
Brenda frowned at him.
Don started sniffing the air. "Something stinks." He leaned over and looked at Brenda, "Oh, it's you. Bit heavy-handed with your oudee toilet."
"Don," John Carl said.
Don shrugged and pinched his nose closed. Skeeter slapped his hand over his nose and mouth. Maggie turned her face away from Brenda and smiled. She thought, Tonight might prove to be very interesting. When she turned back she saw Brenda put her hand on John Carl's knee. Suddenly Maggie felt ill. Brenda's perfume really was a bit too strong. It was close and hot in the truck cab. She wished she could sit in back. She wanted to go home. She should have said no.
Skeeter touched her arm. "Are you okay?"
She shook her head. Her stomach churned. She felt like she was going to throw up. Skeeter pulled her head down to his cupped hand. He whispered, "You're lot's prettier than her."
"Thanks," Maggie whispered back.
Brenda said, "It's not polite to whisper."
"It ain't polite to kill people with your oudee toilet either." Don clutched his throat and gasped for air.
"Why did you bring him?" Brenda asked.
John Carl shrugged.
In a high pitched sing song voice Don said, "He bringed me cause he loves me."
Maggie couldn't stand the near proximity of Brenda a second longer. She asked Don, "Can I sit by the window."
Don leaned over and looked at Brenda. He said, "For you Maggie I would do anything. But what about poor Skeeter? He is sure to die of suffocation sitting so close to her."
"Don, that is enough," John Carl said. "You can go ahead and switch Maggie."
Maggie hopped over Don and Skeeter. She stuck her hand out the window. The rushing air made her feel calmer. Her stomach settled down.
Advertisement
When they got to the drive-in's pay booth Don pushed Skeeter into Brenda. "Hey, watch it," Brenda said.
"Don's doing it," Skeeter told her.
Don leaned against Skeeter digging in his pocket for his money. He handed John Carl the rumpled bills ramming them right under Brenda's nose.
"That's okay Don," John Carl said. "Tonight's my treat."
"Oh, wonderful," Brenda said. "I guess this means you'll be broke until pay day."
*
The movie, HIGH SCHOOL HEAVEN, was boring. Brenda seemed to think it was hysterical. Halfway through, Don and Skeeter disappeared. They claimed they needed to go to the restroom, but they hadn't come back. Maggie told John Carl, "I better go find Skeeter and Don."
Brenda snuggled up against John Carl and said, "That's a good idea. Take your time."
Maggie could tell by Brenda's expression what she meant. At this point Maggie didn't care. John Carl was stupid and she was having the worst time ever. She should have stayed at the house.
Slowly Maggie threaded her way through the parked cars. She found the boys staring wide-eyed at one couple. In a low voice she heard Don say, "I think he is trying to eat her." Then he burst into a chorus of smacking noises.
Maggie grabbed his arm and said, "Shh." The couple in the car didn't even notice them. Maggie led the boys away from the car.
Don whined, "This movie is so dumb."
"Well, you're the one who wanted to come."
Don rolled his eyes. "What do I know? I'm just a kid."
Maggie took the boys over to the concession stand. At the counter she placed her order then turned to ask the boys what they wanted. They were gone. The woman at the counter waited. Maggie said, "Never mind."
As she started back toward the truck she noticed the light in the women's restroom flickered on and off, on and off. Surely they wouldn't be in there. Maggie went into the restroom.
Don whispered, "Quick, someone's coming." The room went dark.
Maggie heard a stall door slowly creak as it opened. She could make out the shadowy form of her brother riding the stall door. She reached up and grabbed his foot. Skeeter screamed. The lights flashed on. Skeeter muttered, "Its just you."
From the over turned trashcan by the light switch, Don grinned down at her and said "Skeeter screams like a girl."
"Get out of here now." Maggie marched the boys to the concession stand and stayed behind them so they wouldn't run off again. As they walked back to the truck, Don and Skeeter tossed popcorn into the open cars.
When they got to John Carl's truck Don climbed up on its roof. He sat down cross-legged. The car behind them beeped.
"Aw, knock it off," Don yelled. "You can see over me. I'm a short kid."
John Carl jumped out and pulled Don down.
"You wonder why I don't take you anywhere." He tossed him in the truck bed. "You stay put." John Carl got back inside.
Advertisement
Maggie and Skeeter joined Don in the back. They threw popcorn into the air and tried to catch it with their mouths. Skeeter was the best.
Finally the movie was over. Don jumped up and yelled, "Praise the Lord."
John Carl turned and frowned at him. Then he looked at Maggie and asked, "How about coming back up front?"
She shook her head. "No thanks."
John Carl's truck rumbled. Slowly they drove out of the Drive-in. The truck turned on the highway, then accelerated. The wind pulled at her hair. Maggie looked up at the sky. There were so many stars. The night air felt wonderful as they zoomed down the open highway. It felt like flying.
When they pulled up to Brenda's house Brenda got out on the opposite side of the truck. John Carl didn't get out at all. Brenda slammed the door and then stomped to her front door. Just before she slammed it closed Don yelled, "Good night, oh woman of great odor."
Maggie clamped her hand over her mouth to keep from giggling.
With great satisfaction, Don said, "She ain't too fond of me."
John Carl leaned out his window and tugged at Maggie's shirt sleeve. "Will you ride up front with me now?" he asked.
Skeeter nudged Maggie and nodded.
"I guess," she said. She crawled over the boys and climbed through the opposite window.
John Carl started the truck. As they pulled out on to the road he said, "I'm sorry you didn't have much fun."
"That's okay," Maggie said. She didn’t know what else to say. Silence hung heavy between them. She wished she was in back with Don and Skeeter. John Carl rested his right arm on the back of the seat. His fingers were just inches away from her shoulder.
She took a deep breath. The silence was unbearable. In a shaky voice she asked, "Why did you ask us to come along? Brenda obviously didn't want us around."
John Carl glanced at her. Maggie looked away. She couldn't meet his eyes.
He said, "I figured you must get tired of being stuck at the house. I knew if I asked you I'd have to ask Skeeter too. I took Don along for Skeeter."
Wasn't that nice of you, Maggie thought. Aloud she said, "Oh, I don't mind being at the house. It has been a little lonely since Daniel, well you know. He used to play cards with me or I'd read a Zane Grey novel to him. He didn't go off all the time like you and Billy do."
"He didn't have a girlfriend," John Carl said.
Maggie didn't respond. Inwardly she groaned.
"Daniel and me were talking about you a couple weeks ago," he continued.
"You were?"
John Carl stretched his arm out further behind her and touched her shoulder with his fingertips. "He told me you've got a crush on me."
Maggie felt like she had been hit. Why did Daniel betray her confidence? She was angry and confused. Was she allowed to be mad at someone who was dead? Daniel promised he wouldn't tell.
"I was real flattered," John Carl said. "A girl as pretty as you." He ran his fingers along the base of her neck.
Maggie looked out the window. Her throat was tight. He was flattered, that was all.
Still touching her he said, "You're going to be starting high school soon."
Maggie managed to mumble, "Yeah, in two more weeks."
John Carl sighed. "I can't believe I will be graduating this year. It's gone by too fast. I'm not sure what I'm going to do next year." He squeezed Maggie's neck gently then let go. He kept his hand on the seat behind her.
Maggie looked at him. He smiled at her. To her amazement, she smiled back. Why?
A few minutes later they were home. Maggie got out of the truck. John Carl came around to her and extended his arm to her. Did he want her to take his arm? "May I escort you home?" he asked.
Maggie nodded. She wrapped her hand around his bicep. Touching him felt good. If only the house were a million miles away.
Don and Skeeter ran ahead of them. Don was spending the night.
John Carl stopped Maggie just before they went inside. "I was afraid you weren't going to come when I got home this evening. I'm really glad you came tonight."
"Me too."
*
Maggie was on the front porch couch reading Zane Grey's novel, NEVADA, by flashlight. She heard Billy's car pull in under the oak tree. His boots crunched across the gravel. "Hey," he said as he swung open the screen door. Maggie rolled over and sat up. She shone the flashlight directly into his eyes. Billy yanked it away from her and flipped it off. He sat down beside her and sighed.
"What did you and Sally do tonight?" Maggie asked.
"Drove around mostly." Billy fumbled with his pack of cigarettes.
Maggie put her hand on his and said, "Don't."
"Okay, Miss Health Police. How was the movie?"
"Awful," Maggie said. "Billy?"
"Mmm?"
"Can you tell me what's so wonderful about Brenda?"
Billy scratched his chin and looked at Maggie. "Well she's built and she knows how to get her way. She has this look that makes guys jump and take notice. She also knows how to flirt."
"I don't know how to flirt," Maggie said. "Sally's not a flirt and you like her just fine."
"That's 'cause I'm the flirt in our relationship." He grinned at Maggie.
"Why do you think John Carl asked me to go tonight?"
"I don't know. Maybe he likes you. Maybe he just likes to be seen at the drive-in with two pretty girls. I can't figure him out," he said.
Billy got up.
Maggie grabbed his hand. "Do you think John Carl's just flirting with me?"
Billy leaned over and kissed her full on the mouth. "I don't know about John Carl, but I sure am."
Maggie pushed him away. "You are awful," she said wiping her mouth off.
Billy laughed. "Tis sad but true." He patted her head then went inside.
Maggie flipped the flashlight back on and continued to read.
Advertisement
- End2276 Chapters
Martial World
In the Divine Realm, countless legends fought over a mysterious cube. After the battle it disappeared into the void. A young man stumbles upon this mystery object, opening a whole new world to him. His name is Lin Ming, and this is his road of martial arts.
8 1136 - In Serial206 Chapters
The Infinite Labyrinth
(Story complete - Book 1 "Shanghaied", 2 "Shortcuts", 3 "Secrets" and 4 "Sanctions") It is the 19th century, and war smoulders between England and France. Any hope for a quick end to Napoleon's rampage across Europe ended when the Great Gates opened in 1800. For a fortunate few, the strange world of the Infinite Labyrinth offers opportunities, strange descriptors popping in their minds, informing them of growth, and status beyond that of a mere mortal. The materials and power crystal they bring back foster a new age, both military and civilian. Aether-powered Skyships prowl the skies, as all the great nations blessed by the Gates try to turn the blessings of the Labyrinth into immediate advantages. But for Jonas, an apprentice leatherworker, his friend Ira, and so many Londoners, the fabled ones that walk the Labyrinth are distant heroes, seen from afar. They fell short when their Potential was measured, and they fill their mundane lives with distant dreams. One man wants to break the stalemate. The Tyrant of the Dominion of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, has a plan. Eighteen years after the world changed, he will force it to change again. And when civilians are caught in the fallout, the unthinkable happens. Six people, unqualified, forbidden to ever enter the Labyrinth, find themselves stranded in a distant zone, forcefully turned into Professionals. They know little of what that means, but they have to figure out the rules that are now their lot, for they have little hope to escape their predicament otherwise. They need to understand what the descriptors in their minds mean, what each of the strange piece of gear waiting in treasure chests behind terrible guardians can bring them. They have to become Professionals on their own and rejoin the Empire. They will figure out their new lives one way or another. But will there be an Empire waiting for them when the Gates re-open? Caught in a clash of empires and high tiers, they will do what little they can. They will step up and do their best. One way or another. The Infinite Labyrinth is a slice-of-life litRPG adventure set in a real historical setting. It's a hard, crunchy litrpg. Expect blue boxes everywhere, and the system itself is very mathy. It started life as a serial. I prepared some proper worldbuilding, with enough details and background for lots of different potential story arcs, but as I wrote, I realized the main story needs to have a definitive end. So, there are four books in total, for a bit under 1500 pages, plus additional side stories, and even maybe a sequel one day. The Gore tag was added as a precaution because there are a few scenes with some light gore.
8 179 - In Serial13 Chapters
Shades Darkside
The world got turned on its head. Monsters popping up everywhere, otherworldly systems taking over and powers being giving to a select few. What is Shades to do? Where will the path he chose to walk take him? Will he be the same when he gets there?Will he even care?
8 206 - In Serial20 Chapters
The Magi Magic Games
The planet of Vextel is home to Mana, an essence that can be harnessed and be used as Magic. Not everybody can use Magic, however. Only people born with Stigmas can wield Magic. People with this unbelievably amazing power are referred to as “Prophets”. Prophets from across the world are gathered into various schools to learn and master their acquired arts. Then the best students from these schools compete as representatives in the annual Magi Magic Games. The winners are then sent to the Zone, to fight other magic users from the planets: Craynax, Skyria, and Oeria. The winner then gets their deepest desire granted by the Beings; all-powerful creatures that created the games, and life. Elenore Magnus, a seventeen-year-old girl, a Prophet, dreams big. She wants to participate in the Zone Games to get her deepest desire granted. What is her deepest desire? To have her brother set free, who has been accused and branded a traitor for supposedly rebelling against the Beings. She wants her brother back and the truth. But first, she must win the Magi Magic Games.
8 82 - In Serial34 Chapters
The Meaning of Life
It all started with that voice. One day, a slightly psychopathic teenager named Krey heard a voice in his dream. A goddess's request, a new world, the legacies of the Divine realms, the never-ending storms in the world of Salratia. With the carefree thought of "I shall live as I please~!", Krey sets out to begin his 'otaku' dream. But it is not smooth sailing. Troublesome divine entities, mortal politics and the relationship with his new companions. How could he, a former assassin and former odd-jobs part-time high school student worker (not to mention an otaku), a perfect example of a loner (though he himself doesn't seem to realize it) be able to handle this problem? "Ei! Whatever, there's still a few more centuries! I'll go travel the world in peace!" [Author here. This is my first time writing a story in RRL. Criticism is very welcome as long as it is educational and has some tips and bits of advice for me. I am still learning]
8 106 - In Serial13 Chapters
The Magical Workman
A 41 year old neet finally getting out for the first time in years because of the death of his parents is shot to death walking outside of a grocery store.He gets reincarnated into a world of fantasy only to find out that everything is not what it seems.(As you can see i changed the title because i felt like it, it used to be Just Normal for whatever reason)Website: https://ilightnovel.wordpress.com/
8 99