We nibbled on the sandwiches and snacks I packed with his siblings.Then, we played grape basketball by throwing grapes into each other’s mouths.Whoever won had to pay for the next time we got ice cream at the Peach Pot.I made six baskets, which was an accomplishment for my poor athletic abilities, but Darren still won the game with eight baskets.
“You owe me an ice cream cone, Copper.”
“Yeah, it’s a good thing I still have the money from James.I know you won, so I will pay for your ice cream.But can you go to the library with me tomorrow, like you promised?”
“Why do you even like that place?It’s old and smells funny.”
“I like it because you can read and play board games, and I want to check out a book for the summer.”
He turned on his side.“Fine.It’s a deal.I heard they have some sheet music and comic books.”
“How is drumming?Did you get any better?The last time I heard you play, it sounded like a thunderstorm with no rhythm.”
“Wow, thanks for that.I have gotten better.I will have to play for you sometime.It takes a lot of work to find time to practice.My dad still sees it as a waste of time since he wants me to become a preacher like him.”
“Little does he know you would much rather be a music teacher.Is that still your dream, or did high school change you?Do you know James wants to work in music production?He would be good at it.He is a great listener.Although he’s always working so he’s probably too busy at the lumber mill to make it really work.”
“Yeah, it’s still my dream.You want to be a music journalist, so we are not much different.I think everyone dreams of becoming something bigger.”As rock stars and artists became more significant than life, everyone around me yearned for money, fame, and love.To feel was to live; to be average was to be as good as dead.Being a music journalist to me wasn’t just a dream, it was a lifestyle.
I hoped my skin would tan well while we swam around and drowned out the rest of the world with music.I couldn’t stop thinking about that girl.My mind struggled to understand why I felt embarrassed when she wanted to hit on Darren.By the end of the day, I was drained.The skin on my thighs was reddening, and I didn’t want a painful sunburn during the first week of being in Moose Creek.Darren helped me pack our stuff onto the bike and let me head home without an interrogation.I got Fawn from his house, walked home, and boiled a hot dog to fill my stomach rather than getting lost in my thoughts.
Chapter Five
Books and Hooks
Song: The Book I Read—TalkingHeads
June 16th, 1975
The library was limited but full of knowledge and wonder.Darren did not like the library because it was quiet, and he was used to the chaos of his house.I stalked the shelves, looking for my next captivating read.I was spending my days well and deserved to dive into a book.I wasn’t going to lock myself in to read.I would have time to sit back and enjoy a new story when Darren was at church or was busy.
He was supposed to meet me at the door of the library.When I arrived, he was nowhere to be seen.I waited for a while, until I gave in and went inside.I was standing in the teen section, and I spotted the spine of a book titledAre You There God?It’s Me, Margaret.The title took me by surprise.As I pulled the book off the shelf, a finger reached out and grabbed my wrist.I pulled away, snapping my arm back.When I heard Darren’s memorable laugh, I sighed out of relief.
He stalked around the corner, revealing himself.“You have to admit that scaring you is hilarious.”
“Hilariously mean.”
