Small Problem -9- Car Trouble!? by Melanie Brown

Small Problem

Part 9

I was trying to enjoy watching some music clips from The Sound of Music (yes, I still enjoy show tunes) when I felt someone lightly slap my arm. I turned around, and it was Cathy, of course. I paused the video and removed my headphones.

Before I could ask her what she wanted, Cathy frowned at me and said, “Why are you watching that crap? I want to hear about last night.” She commandeered the mouse and closed YouTube.

“I was watching that!” I complained.

Cathy shook her head at me. “You’ve seen it a billion times. Now tell me what happened last night!”

I set the headphones down on the desk and folded my arms. “You’re very rude. And outside of watching a movie, nothing happened last night.”

“Bullshit!” Cathy pulled the spare chair closer to me. “You two obviously hit it off.”

“It was just a date. Dinner and a movie,” I shrugged. “Pretty standard.”

Cathy frowned. “Seriously? That’s it? What did you eat?”

“We had pizza with some of Chad’s friends,” I said. “One of the friends was Wendy.”

Cathy nodded. “I’m glad you got to meet her. She’s a lot of fun. What movie did you see?”

I had to think for a moment. I said, “Oh. It was that Tommy Kincaid movie Shoujo Commando Izumi.”

Cathy said, “I heard that’s pretty good. How did you like it?”

I gave Cathy a wry smile. “Well, I didn’t see all of it.”

Cathy suddenly grinned. “Ah ha! I knew it! I have to say, Amanda. You took a deep dive into being a girl last night. I don’t think there’s any going back for you.”

I laughed. “I don’t think there’s any going back anyway! But yeah, I’m definitely into boys now.”

“So, no sex?”

I frowned at Cathy. “I’m only fourteen. I’m not that into boys!”

Cathy giggled. “So he didn’t show you his thing?”

I frowned. “Don’t be gross.”

Cathy giggled again.

Mom stuck her head in my room. “Hey girls. I’m leaving for work for a bit this morning to do a little catch up. Listen. I’ll only be there until noon. Be thinking what you want to do for lunch.”

Cathy suddenly blurted out, “Can we go shopping after lunch? Amanda really needs her own make-up.”

Mom nodded. “Good idea. Especially if she’s going to have more dates like last night. By the way, Amanda. You need to tone it down some. You’re only fourteen.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Okay, I get it.”

Cathy giggled.

*  *  *

Sitting in the backseat of Mom’s car, I looked through the shopping bags that held our make-up purchases. “Do I really need all this? Some of this stuff I doubt I’ll ever wear. Like this.” I pulled a very red lipstick from one of the bags. “I’m not going to wear this! I’m not crazy about wearing lipstick anyway, and this is way too red.”

Cathy frowned at me. “Mom wears red lipstick almost every day.”

I frowned back at Cathy. “Well, she’s Mom. She looks good in it, and it goes with her business attire.” I dropped the lipstick back in the bag. “And, as a former male, I can tell you there ain’t no guy who wants to kiss a girl with that red of lipstick.”

Cathy shook her head. “Whatever. The bottom line is that the cheerleaders will require you to wear it sometimes. So chill. It’s not like me or Mom is going to hog-tie you and force you to wear it.”

Mom chuckled. “That’s not a bad idea.”

Cathy said to me, “She’s joking. Right?” She looked over at Mom.

Mom just shrugged.

Cathy grinned at me. “Anyway, you’ll have some time to practice with it before the pizza party tonight.”

Mom drove her car into a parking space at a Whataburger. “Anybody hungry?”

Cathy and I both shouted, “Me!” at the same time and started to get out of the car. We ran to the entrance while Mom followed at a more normal pace. We waited for Mom and then pushed open the door for all of us to enter. A few minutes later, we’d placed our orders and sat down to wait.

A group of boys near the back of the restaurant finished their lunch and started walking towards the front. They stopped, and one of the boys stepped up to our table.

“Hey Amanda! I just wanted to congratulate you on making the cheer squad.”

I looked up and sighed. Five boys were grinning at me. I said nervously, “Thanks, Owen.” I looked over at Mom, and she started to look pissed.

Owen said, “Congrats to you too, Cat. But everyone knew you’d make it.” Owen looked over at Mom and grinned. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Moore. You have two very lovely daughters.”

Mom didn’t smile. She folded her arms and frowned. “Thank you. Now, this is the last time I’m going to ask you. Stay away from my daughters.” She pointed at Owen. “I’m serious.”

Owen smiled. “Okay. I get it. But I’m not a threat to anyone.” Owen grinned at me. “Hey. See you around.”

About that time, our food was brought out to us.

I looked worriedly at Mom. “That’s not my fault.  I didn’t even know he was here.”

Clearly miffed, Mom took a deep breath. “Just stay away from him, Amanda. Can you do that?”

Feeling exasperated, I said, “I’m trying to!” Cathy just grinned at me.

Cathy then said, “Come on, Mom. You can’t get onto Amanda for this. It’s not her fault Owen happened to be here. And she can’t help it if he likes her.”

Mom scowled at Cathy. “I understand that. I’m just trying to impress upon her that she needs to stay clear of this boy.”

Cathy shook her head. “I think she gets it, Mom. If you don’t stop badgering her, you’re just going to make Owen more appealing.”

Mom took a bite of her fish sandwich. “Thank you, Dr. Phil.”

*  *  *

Cathy gave me an approving nod. “You got it, girl. Unless you just want to, you don’t need to practice putting on make-up anymore.”

I frowned at Cathy. “Good. I was getting tired of doing it. Why bother, though? There won’t be any boys at the party tonight. Supposedly.”

Cathy stood up from sitting at my computer. She’d been watching videos while I practiced with make-up. She said, “You don’t just wear make-up for boys. You do it for yourself, too. You want to look nice just because.”

I stood up to step away from the table with cosmetics scattered across the surface. I shrugged. “I guess so. Cat. Why do you think Mom picks on me so much? I mean, I just don’t get it.”

Cathy leaned up against my desk and folded her arms. Shrugging, she said, “I’m not sure, but I’d bet it has to do with the fact that she didn’t raise you and you used to be married to her. You’re unpredictable to her. So she exerts some force on you by saying you can’t see Owen. She knows it’s bullshit to say Owen’s too old for you because, really, you’re older than he is. She’s trying to impress some authority on you and make you know your place now as a teen.”

I studied Cathy for a moment. “That’s an impressive guess.”

Cathy grinned and said, “And I asked Mom about it last night while you were on your date.” She chuckled at me. “She wants you to know she has parental authority over you. Owen really is too old for a fourteen-year-old girl, and Mom wants you to know it.”

I frowned. “She can stop. My mental state isn’t at fourteen. And Owen isn’t going to talk me into anything. Inside, I’m still a mature adult.”

Cathy laughed out loud. “I wouldn’t count on that, Amanda. You’re more teen than you seem to realize.”

I stuck my tongue out at her.

*  *  *

“Who’s picking us up?”

“Sandy,” said Cathy. “She’ll be here in about an hour.”

“Have I met her?” I asked as I applied my lipgloss.

Cathy narrowed her eyes. “You haven’t met her, met her. You saw her at the try outs.  I don’t think anyone introduced you two. She’s dating Marcus, our quarterback. He’s hot.”

As I checked my make-up, I asked, “Is there a cheerleader who’s not dating someone on the team?”

Cathy whacked me on the back of my head. “Me!  Doofus.” She looked at her fingers as if she was counting. “Oh. Ariel’s boyfriend is on the gymnastics team. He’s pretty buff.”

Mom stepped into Cathy’s room, where we were getting ready. She said, “I know this is a girls-only party, but listen, guys. Your curfews are still in effect. Are you listening?

Cathy rolled her eyes. “Yes, Mom. We have to be back by twelve-thirty.”

Mom frowned. “Excuse me?”

Cathy feigned being embarrassed, “Oh, Sorry. I meant eleven. It’s a Saturday, Mom. We should get to stay out until two or three!”

Mom laughed. “In your dreams! How do I look?”

Cathy grinned. “You look beautiful, Mom!” Mom stepped back into her bedroom.

We were both wearing high school t-shirts and shorts.

I narrowed my eyes at Cathy. “So, Cat. What’s up with Mom? She’s more dressed up tonight. She’s wearing a skirt. And more eye make-up than normal. And she’s wearing those diamond stud earrings I got her for her birthday two years ago. Is she going somewhere?”

Cathy bit her lower lip and sighed. “Mom didn’t want to tell you. She has a date tonight.”

I felt like I got hit by a brick. “She what? I mean, seriously? She had a date? Like with a man?”

Cathy smiled. “Yes. With a man. She knew it would upset you. That’s why she didn’t tell you.”

I sat down on Cathy’s bed. “Shouldn’t she… I mean… Isn’t it kinda early? Shouldn’t she still be in mourning or something?”

Cathy laughed. “You’re not dead.”

“You sure?” I asked. “I mean… I read it in the news. There’s a service for me tomorrow! Shouldn’t she wait until I’m in the ground and all?”

Cathy frowned at me. “Your company is putting out a press release. Not much of service if you ask me. Besides, you should be happy for her. I mean, you’ve already been on a date before you were buried. Why can’t Mom?”

I huffed at Cathy. “That’s different. She’s wearing jewelry I bought her. For another man!”

Cathy shook her head. “You’re dead, Dad. You can’t dictate what she can and can’t wear.”

I sat up straighter and scowled. “Do I even know this son of a bitch?”

Cathy scowled back at me, placing her fists on her hips. “He’s your ex-best friend. They’ve been plotting this moment for years.”

I stood up and almost shouted, “Seriously?”

Cathy shook her head. “Of course not. Don’t get your panties in a wad, Amanda. You don’t know the guy. He’s from Mom’s work. So chill.”

Before I could say something else, the doorbell rang. After a moment, Mom shouted, “Hey guys. There’s a girl here to pick you up.”

Cathy looked excited. “Must be Sandy. How do I look?”

I chuckled. “Gorgeous as ever. How about me?”

Cathy grinned. “You look gorgeous too. Grab your purse and let’s go.”

We ran out and got quickly into Sandy’s car. “Hey guys!” Sandy called as we got inside, Cathy riding shotgun.

A flash of light distracted me, and I looked behind me. Pulling up into the driveway as Sandy drove out into the street. It must be Mom’s date. Holy shit! It’s a Porche! My WIFE is being picked up for a date in a Porche that’s not being driven by me!

“Cat! Cat! Do you see the car of Mom’s date?” I almost shouted as I pointed behind us.

Cathy grinned. “That’s pretty.”

*  *  *

I stewed all the way to Marcia’s house. She’s with another man right in front of me! If I wasn’t considered to be dead, I might consider a divorce. Oh, wait. We already are.

Cathy looked over the seat at me as we stopped by the curb of Marcia’s place. “Are you still moping? Be happy for Mom. She cried when you were out with Chad!”  Sandy gave Cathy a curious look.

I sighed. “You’re right. You’re right. That past is more than dead and buried.”

Cathy jumped out of Sandy’s care. Turning to me, she said, “Come on, you old party pooper. Let’s get some pizza!”

I grinned at Cathy. “Let’s go.”

We each got a hug from Marcia as we entered her house. Wendy and Ariel were already there looking through DVDs. Marcia’s mom was filling cups with soda in the kitchen. I’m sure Marcia’s dad was where I’d be… at some bar waiting for the coven to clear.

Marcia took my hand and pulled me into the kitchen. “Mom. This is Amanda. She’s our newest cheerleader. She replaces Janet.”

Marcia’s mom smiled at me. “Very nice to meet you.” She then looked from Cathy to me. “Oh my. Are you two twins?”

Cathy grinned. “She’s my adopted sister! A sister from another mister!”

I laughed. “No. It’s not like that. We’re actually cousins.” I didn’t bother to recite the cover story.

Marcia’s mom grinned. “Well, you two are certainly very lovely.”

Marcia said, “Amanda is dating Chad. You remember him? He was at the church picnic in July.”

Smiling, Marcia’s mom said, “Oh yes. He’s a very nice boy. And very handsome.”

Grinning, I said, “I think so.”

Marcia’s mom announced, “Girls, we got soda and paper plates in the kitchen and pizza out in the living room. Help yourselves.”

I followed Cathy out to get pizza after we had retrieved paper plates. I started looking through the pizzas. Pineapple…gak. Avocado…gak. Spinach…gak. Black bean and olive…gak. I turned to Cathy, “Where’s the meatlovers?”

Cathy shrugged. “I think I saw pepperoni over there. You should try the spinach. It’s good.”

I frowned. “I’d rather kiss Owen.”

Cathy giggled. “That can be arranged.”

I found the pepperoni that hadn’t been touched yet. I started to load up, but noticed nobody was getting more than two slices. I sighed. I don’t know if I can survive being a cheerleader. I stopped at two slices and found a spot on the floor next to Cathy.

Marcia opened the DVD player as she inserted a Blu-Ray disc inside. She said, “Okay. My house and my party. And I just love Nathan Adams. So we’re watching Hey! That’s my brain!”

Ariel grinned. “That’s my favorite!”

Wendy wrinkled up her nose. “Isn’t he dating a ten-year-old?”

Marcia frowned. “That a vicious rumor started by that Kincaid guy. She’s really like fourteen or something.”

I laughed. “That’s better? Does that mean I have a chance?”

Cathy laughed.

Marcia pressed the play button. “Here we go.”

Wendy said from the kitchen. “We have popcorn too.”

The movie started, and the girls all cheered.

The opening scene of the movie was the hero, played by Nathan, blasting down a beach highway driving… driving a damned Porche! Just like the one my unfaithful wife was currently riding in. I closed my eyes and slapped myself. I shouldn’t think this way.

Cathy gave me an odd look. “You okay?”

I took a deep breath. “Yeah.” She obviously considers me dead. I guess I am as far as it goes. I’m still here, though. I might look different, but dammit, I’m still here! I shouldn’t let this eat at me. I couldn’t even drive that Porsche since, to the world, I’m not old enough to drive. She’s probably pissed because I didn’t buy a Porsche when I had the chance. I was trying to save money.

Under my breath, I said quietly, “I can’t believe she’d go on a date…”

Cathy hissed in my ear. “Is that still bugging you? I nodded.

Cathy grabbed my arm and jerked me to my feet. “Come with me!” she growled. She pulled me from Marcia’s house to her front yard.  I pulled my hand from her.

Scowling, I growled, “What are you doing?”

Cathy pushed me, and I almost fell. She hissed, “You stupid girl! Look, little sister. Daddy is dead and gone forever. Forever! You might have his soul or whatever, but you are not Dad! Like it or not, you’re a fourteen-year-old girl! Mom isn’t married to you. Not to you. Get this through your thick skull, Amanda! You are not Dad, and Dad isn’t you. As sad as we all are that Dad is gone, Mom is now free to see whomever she wants. Nod if you understand.”

I sighed. “I get it! I get it!”

Marcia’s mom stuck her head out the door. “Is everything all right, girls?”

Glaring at me, Cathy said, “We’re fine. Amanda just had a sudden case of the stupids.”

Looking worried, Marcia’s mom asked, “Are you sure you’re okay, Amanda? Do you need anything?”

I took a deep breath. “Do you have any aspirin? I have a headache.”

She said, “Sure thing, sweetie. Come back inside.”

After knocking back a couple aspirin and washing them down with soda, which I remember my mom telling me not to do, I sat down again next to Cathy. All the girls gave us strange looks. Cathy whispered a growl in my ear, “Thanks for embarrassing the fuck out of me!”

I whispered back, “Sorry.”

Things settled down again as we all got involved in the movie. A couple girls gave me an odd look when I laughed when the Porsche went off a cliff and exploded. We all managed to have a good time watching the movie. It was actually pretty good. Nathan Adams is quite a good action hero.

While the credits were rolling, Wendy stood up and announced, “It’s almost ten. I should probably go. I told my mom I’d be back by ten thirty. Ariel, did you want to ride back with me? I know it’s still kinda early.”

Ariel stood. “Yeah, I should probably go too.”

Sarah looked at me and Cathy. “Sorry, guys. My Mom told me to come straight home.”

Cathy nodded and then turned to me. “I’m calling Jonathan. He can come pick us up.”

Maria said, “Well, this party sure ended quickly.” She giggled. “Thanks guys for coming. Hey. Don’t forget. Monday afternoon, we have our first practice. School starts Wednesday.”

Sarah waved as she went out the front door. “Bye, everyone.”

After a ten-minute wait, Jonathan texted Cathy that he was outside. Cathy and I both gave Marcia a hug before leaving her house.

Jonathan was standing outside his car, leaning on it as we approached. He raised his arm and said, “If it isn’t my two favorite girls!”

Cathy ran up and kissed him. “It’d better be only your one favorite girl!”

He kissed her back and said, “You two look just alike. I thought I’d play it safe.”

As Cathy got into the passenger seat, she shook her head at Jonathan. “You’re goofy.”

Opening the rear door, I asked, “Don’t I get a kiss?”

Cathy shouted, “No!” I just laughed. Jonathan gave me a curious expression.

Jonathan started his car and said, “Marcia lives in a ritzy neighborhood.”

Cathy rolled her eyes. “Sorry that we don’t live in a mansion.”

I frowned. “Yeah. Cat’s dad couldn’t even afford to buy a Porche.”

Cathy scowled at me from the front seat. “Will you stop?”

Jonathan grinned. “What’s that about?”

Shaking her head, Cathy said, “Amanda’s being stupid.”

There was a  sudden bang sound under the hood of Jonathan’s car, and the engine stopped. Several status lights turned on.

Fighting against the dead power steering, Jonathan managed to get his car to the curb. “What the hell?” Jonathan slapped the steering wheel. He popped the hood latch and got out of the car. After lifting the hood, Jonathan shouted, “Shit!”

Sticking his head through the open car window, Jonathan said, “I can’t believe it. The timing belt broke. I’ll have to get a tow. I hope a piston didn’t go through a valve.”

With a gift for understatement, Cathy said, “So we’re stuck?”

Jonathan frowned. “Yep. I would say so. I’ll have to call Dad to come get us. We can’t ride in the tow truck.”

I shook my head. “Perfect.”

*  *  *

We all stood there in the late summer night and watched the tow truck take Jonathan’s car away.

Cathy asked, “How long did your Dad say he’ll be? I don’t like standing out here in the dark.”

Jonathan shrugged. “He said as soon as he finished his bowling game. He didn’t think it’d be long.”

“We’re going to miss our curfew.” I said with a worried voice.

Cathy said, “I’m sure Mom will excuse this.”

A midnight black Chevy Camero pulled up beside us, and the window lowered. A familiar voice said, “Hey guys. What’s up?”

Jonathan bent down to look into the window. “Hey Owen. The timing belt on my car broke so we’re waiting for my dad to come pick us up.”

Owen said, “Man, that sucks. That’s an expensive repair. How long have you been waiting?”

Shrugging, Jonathan said, “Not long. About fifteen minutes I guess.”

Owen asked, “Why didn’t you just call a ride-share?”

Jonathan chuckled. “No money, dude. I don’t get paid until next week.”

Owen shook his head. “Bummer.”

Cathy said, “Owen, I’m going to stay with Jonathan. Do you think you could take Amanda  home?”

“What are you doing, Cathy? Mom will kill me!”

Owen said, “I don’t mind if she doesn’t. I know your Mom doesn’t like me.”

Cathy said, “She won’t be back home for a while. Amanda’s afraid she’ll miss curfew.”

Leaning across the seats to look out the car window, Owen said, “I’d be more than happy to take Amanda home. Up to her, though.”

“I don’t know…” I said, unsure of what I should do.

Cathy said, “Oh, go ahead, Amanda. Mom will never know.”

Owen asked, “Aren’t you afraid of missing curfew, Cat?”

Cathy laughed. “I’m not in constant hot water like Amanda.”

Owen asked, “Yes or no, Amanda?”

I sighed. “Okay. As long as you take me straight home.”

Owen grinned. “Sure thing. Hop in.”

I hesitated a moment, then got into Owen’s car. I must be crazy.

Cathy waved and shouted, “See you in a bit!” as we drove away.

I positioned myself as far as possible from Owen. He looked over at me and laughed.

“I’m not going to attack you, girl. Hey, I know your mom doesn’t want you to see me. That’s fine. You are just a kid.” We stopped at a red light.

“Then why do you keep bugging me?” I asked, relaxing a bit.

Owen chuckled. “You’re beautiful, and I wanted to go out with you. I didn’t really think about our age difference.”

I grunted. “I didn’t really notice myself. But Mom sure did.” Still in my old mindset at the time, I thought I was too old for him. But I’m hardly forty-seven anymore.

As he pulled away from the red light, Owen said, “Look. Since you’re not interested anyway and your Mom hates me, how about a truce? I like you and still want to be friends. I’ll stop trying to force myself into your life.” He held out his hand. “What do you say? Friends?”

I hesitated a moment. I then smiled and shook his hand. “Friends.” I hope that’s not a mistake.

Owen grinned at me.

A few moments later, Owen’s cell phone rang. He looked at it curiously and then answered it. “Hey dude. What’s up? … Seriously? … Now? Okay, I’ll be there.” He disconnected the call. He looked over at me and frowned.

“Hey baby. I need to make a detour. You won’t miss curfew, I promise.” I immediately started to get a bad feeling.

“What?” I just want to go home.”

Owen turned his car onto Tenth Street, which eventually leads out of town.

Owen said, “I know. This really won’t take long. There’s a race I can’t miss on County Rd Twenty-five in Hereford.

Suddenly feeling worried, I said, “That’s the next county. Can’t you just take me home?”

Owen bit his lip. “Not enough time. Have you ever been to a street race?”

“No. And I don’t want to. Take me home.”

“It’s a blast. Trust me, you’ll love it.” I noticed we crossed the county line while exceeding the speed limit.

Then something started flashing on Owen’s phone. I looked at it and saw an animated image of Admiral Ackbar with the words “It’s a trap!”

“Ah shit!” exclaimed Owen. “We need to get out of here. There’s no race.”

Before he could turn around, the area was lit up with red and blue police lights. A car appeared behind us, and they hit their siren.

“Shit shit shit,” said Owen as he pulled his car to the side of the road.

“What the fuck, man?” I exclaimed. “What’s going on?

Frowning deeply, Owen said, “It’s a setup.”

After Owen had stopped his car, a police officer rapped on my window. “You need to get out of the car, miss.”

I opened the door and hesitantly stepped out. “What’s wrong, officer?”

The officer gruffly grabbed my hand and started putting handcuffs on me. “You’re under arrest, miss. Your boyfriend is charged with transporting a minor across county lines with the intent of having sex. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. You have the right to an attorney…” I stopped listening.

“Are you nuts?” I exclaimed. I later learned they charged Owen with that since they jumped the gun on trying to arrest people on illegal street racing. This road is used a lot by teens for a little hanky panky.

I cried, “No! No. You can’t do this!” as the officer pushed my head down so he could force me into the back of his patrol car.

I wondered if Mom would be upset.

*  *  *

End of Part 9 of Small Problem