Barrett

 

I can’t help the pride that fills me as I watch Codi on the field. Every week he comes out and rocks whatever J.V. team they play. A confidence fills him as soon as he emerges on the field and I pray he doesn’t allow anyone to steal that from him. He is worth any sacrifice because he is really going to be something. If only our dad could see his worth. I remind myself again that Codi doesn’t need him. We don’t need him. He has me and Randy. I look over at my uncle, who jumps up and cheers him on. He has us, and he will make something of himself.

I look around at the smiling faces chatting with their friends. I’m in high school yet I’ve always felt light years older. The weariness that has sunk into my bones isn’t normal for someone my age, is it? I look around at my classmates, who look carefree and at ease, and answer my own question. I’ve never really been into extracurricular activities. The only reason I go to them at all is for Codi. I have a handful of amazing friends but they know football games are for Codi, so they leave me alone to watch with my uncle. Randy snaps me out of my musings when he hits my arm and I look over at him.

“Looks like you have company.”

“What?”

“Friend yours?” I look up and see a brunette walking intently our way.

“No.”

“Well, she’s not coming for me, and she is coming this way.”

I’ve never had a problem getting girls. It’s nothing I’ve ever bragged or been proud about. Girls are drawn to me. Randy said it’s the bad boy image I portray. The racing and the silent broody type or something like that. I’ve never really cared about any particular girl, not enough to have a girlfriend or anyone serious. I have a few girl friends who mean a lot to me, but none of the others mean anything but a distraction. I’m used to girls I don’t know approaching me often. It doesn’t matter if Randy is with me or not, the girls don’t care one way or another. But they all know that when I’m watching Codi’s game, I’m not to be approached. The brunette is indeed approaching, and she’s looking right at me. The closer she gets, the more familiar she looks, but I can’t place her.

“Hi.” That’s all it takes is one sign and a shy smile and I place her instantly as the strange girl from last week.

“Hi. What doing here you?” I ask rudely. She’s interrupting the game and I don’t feel like dealing with anyone right now. Randy kicks my leg and gives me a warning look. Both my uncle and my mother have instilled the utmost manners in Codi and I, and I flush at him catching me.

“P R E S L E Y, meet my Uncle R A N D Y.”

“Nice meet you,” she signs and voices.

“It’s very nice to meet you too, dear. Don’t mind my sullen nephew, would you like to sit?”

“Oh, no, thank you.” She smiles at Randy and then turns back to me. “I don’t do D R U G S.” Randy about chokes next to me but I ignore his coughing and raise an eyebrow at her. “Those weird texts were send by my R O O M M A T E. My friends broke into my phone and were playing a j o k e on me. I’m sorry they sent those to you, I just wanted to apologize again and since J O D I brother plays football too and so I thought I’d come and talk to you in person.” She looks so nervous that I cut her a break and smile. It’s not even a big deal, in fact I didn’t even remember it. She was a bit strange when we met, so the text didn’t seem out of place, but I keep that to myself.

“No problem. Fine really. Worry not you.” She smiles back and then looks over at my uncle. “I’ll leave you guys to enjoy the game. It was nice meeting you, Randy.” She looks back once at me and then walks off. I half expect her to look back to see if we are watching but she doesn’t. She walks right over to a tall blonde girl who is sitting with a guy who also has blonde hair, who are talking and waving their hands around, laughing at each other, and don’t even seem to notice that she’s sat down next to them. My uncle catches me watching her and nudges my side.

“You going to tell me who that is?”

“Don’t know me.”

“Well, at least we can rest easy that she not do drugs.” He says this with a blank face but then smiles when I laugh.

“Girl weird.”

“Girl nice,” he counters, giving me a pointed look that causes me to squirm.

“You could use a nice girl in your life. And she signs.” I can’t help but laugh at that.

“Sign bad her. Same you.” I smirk at him and he laughs.

“I guess it’s a good thing we have a wonderful teacher.” He side hugs me and I can’t help the emotion I feel every time. I can’t remember my dad showing us any affection. Randy is so much like my mom that it almost hurts. She was never stingy with affection, and something tells me that Randy overcompensates for the lack of touch we get at home. I used to feel ashamed for how much I craved it. I’d see a kid fall off their bike and cry and watch as their dad scooped them up and hugged them tight. My dad would just yell at us and tell us if we ruined the bike we weren’t getting another one.

After his game, Codi showers and changes in the locker room and then joins us in the stands.

“Game good you.”

“Thanks. Team easy beat. Challenge not.”

“All teams challenge not. Coach move you varsity should.”

“Never move freshman.”

“Sophomore?”

“Maybe. Coach say talk next year.”

I smile wide at my little brother, letting him see how proud I am of his hard work. I slap him on the back. “Soon famous you.”

“Yeah right. Happy me college football. Pro never happen me.”

“Dream stop never. Pro you, Codi. Hard work you. Talent you. Can pro.”

“Same you? Race car driver you? I shake my head no and smile at him.

“Your dream what?”

“You happy. You succeed. My dream.”

 

 

I can’t stop thinking about what Randy said about Presley and needing someone good in my life. How he thinks he knows her so well from one short meeting is beyond me, but I just can’t let it go. Randy has a good read on people, and if he saw something in her, maybe I should listen. I’m so tired of the same meaningless crap over and over again. Before I can over think it, I pick my phone off the night stand and send out a quick text.

Barrett: You only go illegal races?

I look at the clock and realize she could very well be sleeping. She’s in college after all, so she could also be out at a party. My phone proves me wrong when it vibrates in response a moment later.

Presley: Yes. Apparently, I like to live on the edge.

I chuckle at her response because it seems so unlike the girl I met. But then my phone vibrates once again and I can’t hold back the smile when I read her follow up text.

Presley: That could also be because that’s the only race I’ve ever been invited/kidnapped to.

Barrett: Hey! You jump in MY car!

Presley: LOL! I was talking about my roommate kidnapping me to the race. Someone has a guilty conscience. ;)

Barrett: I like my date willing…sue me.

Presley: IS this your horrible way of asking me on a date, Barrett?

Barrett: No. This me telling you Saturday Im drag racing. If want jump in my car again won’t kick you out.

Presley: Be still my heart. How could a girl say no to that?

Barrett: She can’t.

Presley: So where is this drag race on Saturday?

Barrett: Text info later. Goodnight Presley.

Presley: Goodnight Barrett.

Barrett: p.s. crowd can be rough don’t forget your whistle. ;)

Presley: Never leave home without it! :P

I put my phone back down and realize I’m still grinning like a fool. I’m pretty sure that was the longest text conversation I’ve ever had. She didn’t even once correct my English. Maybe Saturday won’t be so bad after all.