Bell Bottom High: Book 2: Sophomore Sorrows Read online

  “That’s good!” Tyrone shouted through the open window.

  I walked back into the living room to check out the improved picture. “That does look better. Who’s on the show tonight?” I asked, standing by the television set with both hands on my hips.

  “Oh, they have that group from England that was really popular a couple of years ago. They sound just like The Beatles,” Tyrone replied, sounding uninterested.

  “Okay, I think I’m going to bed. I’ll see you all in the morning. Good night.”

  *

  Monday morning was clear and cold. I got on the bus wearing boots, a scarf, and a plaid wool coat with a hood. Noticing that most of the students were trembling, I took a seat next to Joyce. “What’s going on? Is the heater out again?”

  “It sure is,” Joyce replied, rubbing her bare hands together. She was seated next to the window.

  “Ah, man, can’t they keep these raggedy buses running decent?” I mumbled.

  “I guess not. That would be asking too much, I guess.”

  “Anyway, how’s it going? What did you do last night after we left your house?” I asked.

  “Not much. I finally had a long talk with my brother.”

  “How did it go?” I asked, giving Joyce a curious look. She sounded strange.

  “Well, he actually told me a lot about his experiences in Vietnam. He shared some moving stories with me. So, I told him everything that I’ve been going through with Rodney and all.”

  “Really, how did he respond to that?” I asked, widening my eyes. My brothers wouldn’t take news like that very well.

  “Well, it felt funny talking to my brother about sex. You know, he seemed angry at first once he realized I wasn’t a virgin anymore. But we just kept talking and after awhile, he seemed to calm down. He only asked me a few questions, and then he said he had to go out for a few minutes. Anyway, I was sound asleep by the time he returned.”

  “I think it’s good that he knows. If people are talking about you behind your back, he’s bound to hear something. It’s better to hear it from you than from some nosey person in the street.”

  “That’s what I figured. Anyway, it feels good to have everything out, and I’m so glad that Alfred’s home. Now, I have my whole family together. We’re not perfect, but I know for sure we all love each other.”

  “And that’s the most important thing, Joyce. I know my brothers and I have had some huge arguments. I’ve physically fought with them, but in the end, we’re still close.”

  “You’re kidding me. You’ve had fist fights with your brothers?”

  “Not really, I wouldn’t call them fist fights. I’ve just punched them a few times when they got me upset. But one time, Tyrone made me so mad I started swinging on him with both arms.”

  “What did he do? Did he hit you back?”

  “Nope, he just wrapped his arms around me and held my arms until I calmed down,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. “Finally, when I stopped fuming, he apologized. Now, Joshua is a different story. If I punch him, he’ll punch me back.”

  “I don’t blame him,” Joyce said, laughing with me.

  We continued talking until the bus arrived at the school grounds. I stepped off the bus first and noticed Rodney Payne waiting at the bus stop. His head was moving back and forth like he was searching for someone. When he turned to the side, I noticed that his right eye was almost swollen shut, but he was seriously hunting for someone with that one good eye. Oh, no, I hope this fool don’t come asking for trouble. I’ve just about had all of him that I can stand.

  I glanced back at Joyce and saw her worried facial expression. When I turned back around, I saw Rodney heading towards us wearing a gray puffy jacket over a pair of dark jeans. Thinking that my best friend had been hurt enough, I stepped in front of Joyce.

  “Hold up, Rodney,” I declared, raising my right hand. “You’re not coming near my friend again. Haven’t you hurt her enough?”

  “Look, Reecy, I need to speak to Joyce for a second.”

  “No, you’re not hurting her again. Now step back.”

  “It’s okay, Ree,” Joyce said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll talk to him.”

  “No, it’s not. I don’t want you talking to this fool.” I eyed Joyce like she was crazy.

  “Look, I just want to talk to Joyce for a second. Believe me, I’m not trying to cause no trouble.” Rodney stood his ground, but he didn’t seem angry.

  “Reecy, it’s really okay. I’m not afraid of Rodney.”

  “Thank you,” Rodney announced, waving his hand towards the right side of the school building. “Can we talk in private for a second?”

  Leading the way, Rodney looked back at see me following closely behind Joyce. “I thought I asked for privacy.”

  “Whatever. I’m not leaving you alone with my friend,” I retorted, poking out my bottom lip.

  The three of us walked to the side of the building for privacy and stopped. “Okay, Rodney, say what you got to say and leave me alone,” Joyce stated, rotating her head.

  “I don’t blame you for your attitude, Joyce. I just want to say I’m sorry for everything that I’ve put you through,” he mumbled, shifting his stance.

  “Oh, so now you’re willing to admit that you gave her chlamydia,” I blurted out. I really wanted to jab him in the arm.

  “Yeah, I admit it, and I’m sorry. I can’t help it if all the girls want to be with me. It’s hard to turn down free stuff, you know what I’m saying?” He sniffed. Rodney was still full of himself.

  “Whatever, Rodney Payne. Why are you apologizing to me now? What changed your mind?” Joyce had her arms folded across her chest, watching Rodney’s nervous movements.

  “Nothing, I can see you’re a good girl. You’re different from the rest of them. I’m just trying to be a man and apologize for taking advantage of you. That’s all I got to say. I’ll see you around,” he said, walking away.

  “Well, what do you think of that, Ree? Joyce asked, grinning at me. “I guess a leopard can change his spots after all, huh?”

  “I still wouldn’t bet on that, Joyce. But I would bet that your brother had something to do with this sudden change in Rodney. He looked like he had a gun pointed to his head or maybe it was a hook at his throat,” I replied, bobbing my head.

  Joyce stared at me with her mouth open. “What are you talking about?”

  “Chile, didn’t you see that black and blue eye he had? Come on, we need to get to class,” I said, jabbing her in the side. “Just be thankful that you got a big brother to look out for you.”

  The end for now…

  About the Author

  B.J. Williams is a new young adult author, who grew up in the 70s. This is her first of four books to be published in the Bell Bottom High series, which is loosely based on her life as a teenager growing up in Arkansas.

  Stay tuned for:

  Bell Bottom High, Book 3, Junior Jewels

  July 1, 2017

  Bell Bottom High, Book 4, Senior Sins

  August 4, 2017

  Contact on social media at:

  Email: [email protected]

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