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Jack Meadows couldn't understand Enola's irritation. She never smiled at him in that soft way. Their sexual experiences became dull and routine. Her body seemed different. It protruded in places it had never protruded before. Her stomach was rounded, and her breasts hung long and tube-ish. Enola didn't attracted him in the same way as before.
She snapped at him when he made simple statements. He told her he loved her, and she practically snarled at him.
Jack was used to rough treatment. His mother never cared for him. The men she entertained used him as an errand boy. He remembered running to the corner drugstore to buy condoms for them when they forgot to bring them. They always swatted his behind to get him moving.
Granny Girty hated him. She disliked his presence in her shabby home. Girty wasn't the easiest person to get along with. She had her own way, and he interfered with her lifestyle. Jack considered himself lucky to find Enola. He felt welcome in the Kelley household, although he wished he didn't have to sleep on the couch.
Michael believed Jack was Maddox's boyfriend. He never noticed Jack's glare when Michael slept with Enola in the bedroom. That was Jack's place. Jack belonged to Enola. It was his right to sleep with her. Jack wanted to push Michael aside and take his rightful place with his lover.
Maddox irritated him. He accepted the situation Enola imposed on him. As the weeks passed, he spent his sexual appetites on Maddox more frequently than Enola. Although he noticed the changes in Enola's body, he never guessed at her pregnancy. Jack knew how to have sex but had little knowledge about the results.
Enola's irritation was deep-rooted. She cursed the pregnancy she kept to herself. Denial was a real thing for her. Once, when she was at the bank, Harrison Kent greeted her and inquired when the new baby was due. She glared at him and denied her pregnancy.
Sailor's father backed away and apologized profusely. It annoyed her that someone noticed her changing figure. She did her best to hide it behind flowing garments.
"I'll swear she's pregnant," Harrison Kent grumbled at the dinner table. He was taken aback by Enola's denial. He knew what a pregnant woman looked like. He felt positive he had guessed correctly.
"Women's bodies change," Matilda Kent suggested, shrugging off her husband's statement. "Perhaps it's something else. Early menopause, maybe."
Harrison began to respond but his youngest daughter cut him off.
"What's menopause?" Kennedy asked, glancing up from her meatloaf. She held her fork halfway to her mouth. "It sounds funny." She giggled.
All eyes turned toward the youngest girl. She squirmed in her seat awkwardly.
"Never mind," Gabrielle stated, dismissing her younger sister. Sailor shifted uneasily in her chair.
"We'll all find out in about five months," Harrison remarked, readdressing his meal. "I'll bet dollars to donuts, Enola Kelley is pregnant."
"Have it your way, Harry," Matilda replied, passing the potatoes to Sailor.
Sailor took the bowl, holding on to it. The converstion entranced her. She never thought of an older woman becoming pregnant although she suspected it could happen.
"Surely, she'd announce it if she was expecting," her mother continued. "It's a happy occasion for her and Michael."
"Maybe." Harrison helped himself to another meatloaf slice. He paused. "Jack Meadows hangs out there a lot. I hear he moved in. People talk. I hear it in the bank."
"He's Maddox's boyfriend," Matty offered, eating steadily. "I bet he's sleeping in her room."
"Isn't Maddox too young for that?" Harrison's forehead wrinkled. "I wouldn't allow my daughters' boyfriends to move in—not on my life."
Gabby and Sailor exchanged glances. The older sister was considering moving in with Buddy Walker after they graduated in June. They both had good jobs at Happy Burger and could afford a small apartment together. They talked about college and maybe a gap year to save money.
Sailor thought about Clyde. They had years to consider their future. Four years of high school spread ahead of them before they could talk about moving in together. She felt ready to take the next step with him. Their petting was becoming heavier. Soon, they find it impossible to pull back. Sailor wanted a romantic first time. She didn't want it clouded by Maddox's bizarre situation.
Sailor couldn't see Clyde moving into her parents' house or her moving into his. If they lived together, they would have an apartment of their own and the privacy to do as they pleased. She didn't want her parents eyeballing their every move or pondering their lovemaking. She couldn't understand Enola and Michael Kelley letting Jack live with them.
On the other hand, Maddox didn't seem happy about the situation. Her bragging about Jack Meadows ended abruptly. She seemed haunted and somehow afraid. Her relationship, in Sailor's opinion, wasn't a happy one. Sailor wondered what was wrong now that Maddox got what she wanted.
"You wouldn't mind if Buddy and I lived together, daddy?" Gabrielle asked, laying down her knife and fork. Her voice quivered slightly. "We're talking about getting an apartment after graduation."
"Your father and I don't mind," Matty stated, laying her hand on Harrison's arm. "We lived together for four years before you were born, and we got married. You can do as you please once you're eighteen."
Gabrielle sighed with relief, and Sailor ogled their parents. She hadn't realized Gabby was born before they married. Kennedy continued eating mashed potatoes, the conversation going over her head.
Matilda Kent's phone chimed, interrupting the discussion. She answered yes and no a few times, then hung up. A satisfied smile spread across her face.
"It's official. The Langdon Academy is going to open next fall." Matty smiled softly at Harrison. "I told Morgan Langdon that we will enroll Sailor and Kennedy."
Sailor and Kennedy both ogled Mathilda Kent. Morgan Langdon, a retired school principal, had long spoken of opening a private school academy. The three Kent girls always liked Ms. Langdon. She was Gabby's kindergarten teacher before receiving a promotion to grade school principal. Sailor loved her because she participated in fun events, including sitting in the dunking booth at the school fair.
Sailor felt relieved. She did not want to attend high school. Gabby often described fights in the corridors and parking lot between rival factions. A few other middle schoolers felt the same way. Ms. Langdon offered a solution to the problem. The private academy would take them away from the unsafe high school hallways.
Sailor's phone chimed, and she glanced down at a new text message. A smile curved her lips, and she sat against the back of her chair.
"Clyde?" Gabby asked.
"Yes, he's going to the academy too," Sailor replied. "I told him Kennedy and I are enrolled."
The family dropped their discussion concerning Enola Kelley and turned toward the new school curriculum. The students buzzed over the news the next day at school. Bethany Copley, Erik Newell, and Frank Bartley were all signed up. Sailor joined them for lunch to plan their future courses.
Maddox Kelley slammed Sailor's locker door closed and pressed her back against it. Maddox locked her hard brown eyes onto Sailor's blue ones.
Sailor attempted to push her aside, but her best friend stood firm. Whatever was wrong with Maddox was not Sailor's business. The longer her friend ogled her, the more exasperated she became. She hated herself for treating her friend rudely but she couldn't help it.
"What do you want?" Sailor snapped. Her voice sounded too harsh in her own ears. "Get out of the way. I'm trying to get my books."
"Are you going to the Langdon Academy?" Maddox asked, ignoring her friend's attitude. She demanded an immediate answer.
"Yes," Sailor answered shortly.
"Oh." Maddox's shoulders slumped. She would have to attend high school the following year without her best friend. The thought distressed her. Throughout the years, she relied on Sailor. She couldn't copy her homework if Sailor attended a different school.
The new school would separate them during their final years of study. Maddox knew the Kelleys could never afford the tuition. Tuition to private schools was expensive.
The Kelley's lack of finances hurt Maddox. She longed for things they could not afford. Envy filled her heart when she saw Sailor wearing a new outfit or recieved expensive gifts on her birthday or Christmas. Maddox remembered the diamond ring her father gave her when she turned thirteen. It was only a small chip but it capture the sun and glittered. Maddox nearly stole it from Sailor's jewelry box. Her friend caught her before she could deposit the velvet box in her pocket.
Maddox stepped aside, her shoulders slumping. Sailor collected her books silently and turned toward Mr. Willard's classroom. Maddox tugged on her sleeve.
"Don't go." Tears stood out in Maddox's eyes. She suddenly felt desperate. She wanted to cling to her friend. Sailor was her lifejacket--the only one who was steady and reliable in her life.
"I have to," Sailor whispered, her heart sinking. She realized Maddox's distress. She longed to help but knew she had to remain firm.
Sailor wanted to go to the new school. The Kent family talked about it during the winter months. A new school, a fresh start.
"Mom and dad enrolled us already," Sailor stated. "Me and Kennedy, I mean."
"But…" Maddox forehead wrinkled with thought. "Tell them you don't want to go. PLEASE!". She thought about falling to her knees, grasping her friends hand, begging. "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"I want to go." Sailor kept her voice low. The discussion became irksome.
Sailor wished Maddox would go away. Passing students stopped to glare at them. It became embarrassing.
Bethany Copely passed, a smirk covering her face. She despised Maddox. When the Kelleys first moved in, Beth was friends with Sailor. The newcomer joined their twosome, and Beth's mother forbid her to play with Maddox. Since that time, she avoided both girls. If Sailor broke away from Maddox perhaps they could become friendly again. Beth moved on.
Maddox looked crestfallen. Tears slid uncontrollably down her puffy, red cheeks. Losing her best friend forever hurt deeply. She did not equate the loss with her relationship with Jack. Maddox blamed the failure on Sailor. Her friend did not understand. The years they spent together meant nothing to Sailor. It meant everything to Maddox. For once in her life, Maddox could not lose a meaningful friendship.
Sailor patted Maddox's shoulder. A glimmer of hope filled her friend's eyes. It was all she could do to comfort her friend. Her mind raced for ideas. She smiled an encouraging smile.
"Maybe there's a scholarship available," Sailor suggested. "Ask Ms. Langdon. She'll know."
Maddox's face brightened and she swiped away her tears. She would visit the retired principal and ask. She liked Ms. Langdon from grade school. Plans whirled in Maddox's head. Something in her life had to change.
Perhaps the academy would lead her in the right direction. She still adored Jack but the end of her rope was near. She didn't blame him for his unwanted attention. That was her mother's idea. Her hatred was against Enola.
Enola ruined things between her and Jack. Why was her mother so involved with her relationship. Why was she directing it from behind. It gave Enole pleasure to watch them together. The thought made Maddox sick.
Maddox thought about going to the new school and moving in with the Kents. She could share Sailor's room, and they could pretend they were really sisters. Maddox longed for a sister, a companion. Mikey didn't interest her. Not only was he a boy, but he was also much younger too. Sailor would make a good sister. Maddox's dreams took her away from her reality.
Maddox appeared at Ms. Langdon's house the day dressed in her best school outfit. The elderly lady smiled brightly at her ex-pupil, inviting her into the cozy living room. Maddox's eyes roamed over the old-fashioned furniture and crocheted doilies on the tables. She noticed a plate of sugar cookies on the counter with a pitcher of milk. Maddox helped herself.
Kathleen Langdon eyed Maddox suspiciously. The young girl was not a favored student. Maddox spent too much time in the principal office for one offense or another, usually for cheating or menacing another young scholar. She watched Maddox stuff cookies into her mouth and refill the milk glass. Sighing, she offered the girl a seat.
"How can I help you, Ms. Kelley?" the ex-principal asked.
"I want to go to your academy thing," Maddox blurted, cookie crumbs sputtering from her mouth. She gulped more milk. "I want to go with Sailor."
"I see," Ms. Langdon stated tersely. She sat back in her chair, frowning.
"Sailor said you might have a…a…" Maddox struggled with the word. "Scholarship." It finally occurred to her.
"I see," the retired teacher stated again.
Silence fell between them. Ms. Langdon wanted Maddox out of her house. She did not want the Kelley girl in her private school. Her mind whirled, searching for a reason to dissuade her.
"A scholarship only covers a portion of your tuition," Ms. Landon finally said. "There's also your books, uniforms, and special activities to consider. They all cost money. Can your family afford all that?"
Maddox placed her glass down and glared at Ms. Langdon. The situation wasn't going in her direction. It irritated her. No was not the answer she sought.
"I can afford it," she stated. "I'll get a job at Happy Burger after school…or bagging groceries. Anything."
"I'm afraid there aren't any scholarships available," Kathleen Langdon answered, rising. Maddox stood up also. "You must understand this is a new school. We had ten scholarships donated by local businesses. The applicants for attendance were overwhelming. The school is full, and the scholarships have already been taken. I'm sorry. Perhaps you can apply next year."
"I want to go this year." Maddox's voice rose to a scream. "This year. Understand?" She lifted the milk glass and heaved it against the wall. It shattered.
"Get out of my house." Ms. Langdon dragged Maddox to the door. Opening it, she thrust the girl onto the stoop. "Get out of my property before I call the police." The door slammed in Maddox's face.
Kathleen Langdon sat in her easy chair, trembling. Maddox Kelley's behavior disturbed her. She finally rose and, making a pot of tea, settled down. Her eyes roamed around the living room. The shattered glass remained on the floor, and milk dripped down the wallpaper. The little China dog her grandmother gave her several years ago was not in its right place. The ex-principal crawled on the floor, searching for it. She remembered seeing it before Maddox arrived.
Maddox Kelley ran home, tearing spraying from her cheeks. Enola's bedroom door was closed. She rushed past and, falling to her knees beside her bed, pulled out her keepsake box. She looked at the little China dog for a moment, turning it in her hands. She placed it beside the knickknacks she'd swiped from Sailor's room and returned it to its hiding place. Her hopes and dreams were shattered once again.
Maddox locked her bedroom door and crawled into the fetal position on her bed. The doorknob turned, and someone on the other side shook it. The door rattled in its frame. Maddox stared at it but did not move. Enola demanded she come out and play. Maddox knew what she wanted. Jack called through the door, calling her sweetheart in a sugary voice. She shuddered.
"Break it down," Enola called. Jack's shoulder crashed against the door.
Maddox struggled to push the window open. It squealed in protest, but she finally got through. She sprinted into the woods and climbed into the old tree fort.
Maddox huddled in the cold. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she fell into a deep trance. She could not endure Jack's heavy body on top of her or his probing penis searching for her unyielding opening. It disgusted her.
Tears careened down her swollen cheeks. Life became unbearable for the young teen. Maddox discovered an old penknife stuck in a rotted board. She had never seen it there before. Maybe Jack left it, she thought. He ocassionally sat in the old fort. She'd followed him there once or twice but never approached him.
Maddox snapped open the knife and pressed the rusty blade against her wrist. A blood bead appeared. She pressed harder. It seemed the only way out.
Tears flowed down her cheeks. Maddox tried to cut deeper, but she couldn't force herself. Instead, she leaned against the fort wall and sobbed. She couldn't do anything right. She couldn't have a normal boyfriend, couldn't get into the academy with Sailor, and couldn't even commit suicide properly. Her life felt like such a waste.
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