Chapter 18: Consequences of Uncommitted Crimes

I’d changed a lot in the year that preceded that moment. I’d gained my full height (Never made it past 6’0’’ even) and the cheerleader workout routines (with a bit of weight training newly added) had moved me from skinny as a rail to looking like a male dancer or swimmer. At this particular moment I was standing in a store in the mall trying on a suit.

My sister smiled and looked me up and down in a less than familial way, “It looks good. You should get it.”

“I’m going to.”

“You know I probably won’t be around to help you with school clothes next year.”

“I know our expiration date is coming. I’m not happy about it.”

I popped into the changing room and switched back into my normal clothes. I’d probably made Robert’s credit card company quite happy as I’d bought fall and winter clothes in one go this time as I had no desire for another shopping spree when the first leaf fell. I paid for the suit and a couple of shirts and then followed Mindy to the food court.

She came back with two slices of pizza and I took my turn settling on a soft pretzel and an Italian sausage on a bun. I was halfway through my pretzel when she asked, “You ready to talk about the eye?”

“It’s a black eye. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Jealous boyfriend?”

“Group of douchebags calling themselves ‘the dragons.’ It’s about the sixth fight we’ve gotten into with them.”

“You and the twins. Do they know how stupid that names sounds?”

“Obviously, I was with the twins. Yum-yum isn’t going to be throwing punches and I don’t have any other ‘guy friends.’ As for the name, I don’t know. It’s absurd, but they don’t seem that self-aware.”

“Did one of them get in a lucky shot?”

“No. I tried to get one of them off Daniel and he accidently punched me.”

She laughed, “You really need to stop fighting.”

“Sorry, sister-mine. I’m a fifteen-year-old boy and Moira and the Grandmother already vetoed the ‘drop out and get my GED so I can start college’ idea.”

“Are we done with the shopping at least?”

“For the school year? Yeah. I was hoping you’d let me pick you out an outfit for the trip.”

“What kind of outfit?”

The food court was on the fourth floor of the mall and there was a massive hole in the center of the floor where you could see the lower floors. It also had dueling glass elevators, a massive waterfall, and on the bottom floor a ‘play area’ for the kids. From where we were seated I could barely make out the store in question, so I pointed.

She followed my finger and stood to make out the store name, “You think Robert’s going to pay for lingerie for our vacation?”

“I think I will.”

“You keep burning through that money you stole you’ll be poor soon.”

“I have an ‘allowance’ now. I figured I’d spend a month’s worth on making the most beautiful girl in the world have appropriate attire.”

“Give me the cash and then meet me at the bug.”

“I wanted to help you pick it out.”

“You wanted a free fashion show, that isn’t going to happen. Remember I want you on your game tomorrow.”

“Yeah, fine.” I dug out the cash I’d set aside for the task. It was the equivalent of two months allowance, but I’d got it from what remained of my stash. I estimated it would be enough for about four outfits based on the pricing in the catalog Scott kept by his bed. I took a deep breath, “Can I at least pick the color?’

She shook her head and gave me a teasing smile, “Sorry, baby brother. I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.”

After we’d finished our food, she headed towards Victoria’s Secret and I headed towards the car minus a trip into the record store for a few CDs. One of them was music GG had turned me onto called, “In the court of the crimson king.” I also picked up two jazz albums and a rock one that sounded interesting on the in-store headphones.

I was almost back to the bug when I realized I didn’t have the keys...

Later that night:

I was still trying to figure out the correct distribution of clothes between home and Robert’s. I slept here more often, particularly since my lessons with Susan ended. That would likely have to change with Mindy’s departure. I would be fine on the nights Alex slept over, but without a guaranteed ride ... it was another story. If I stayed in the Heights, I’d be able to beg a ride off Alex, Scott, Beth, Lis, or Jill (at least half the time.) The grandmother drove, but I didn’t really want to put her out.

Whether I liked it or not, I was going to have to be mostly at Robert’s till my next birthday anyway and that assumed I could find a cheap used car with my remaining funds.

I smelled strawberries and heard footsteps across the roof. The window slid open, “Hello, Alex.”

“How do you do that?”

“How many other people are going to be coming in through my window?”

“Half the cheerleaders.”

She glided over and slid onto the edge of the bed, “Speaking of which ... have you thought about trying out for the opening? We’re going to add a spot in addition to replacing Angie.”

She blushed, “I really don’t think I’m up to all that spirit.”

The blush was confusing, but I moved on, “C’mon, Beth, Lis, and I are already on the squad. That’s like all your friends. It won’t take you long to catch up on the physical stuff. I can show you the gymnastics bits.”

“I don’t think it’s for me. What do you want to do tonight?”

“Bought a few new CDs today.”

“No Jazz. You’re spending way to much time with my mother.”

“I like your mother and Jazz is awesome.”

“Stick to the last two decades.”

“Fine.”

“I got you a present by the way.”

I decided on Blood Sugar Sex Magik and flipped into the stereo, “Cool, what did you get me?”

She dug in her bag and pulled out a couple of packages of glow in the dark stars, “I know you like to go out at night when you’re here, so I thought these would make your other room a little homier.”

“You’ll have to help me hang them next time we’re there.”

The next night:

I was waiting at the top of the stairs. Mindy had coached me about how she wanted to play this and what my role was going to be. I’d ignored the girl squeal and chatter till I heard my cue, “Baby brother, can you come down here?” I quickly pranced down the stairs. I took in the two sisters. Emily had five years on Sally. They both had vaguely Italian looks with deep black hair and hairs. Sally was shorter, while Emily was nearly as tall as my practically amazonian sister. While Emily’s hair was kept long (something I found I preferred), Sally’s was cut short and frizzed.

Emily snarled, “Why are you inviting him down? I thought you were going to reveal the guy who’s been rocking your world.” Sally just smiled.

“You trust them, sugar-spun?”

Mindy was quick to answer, “Yeah, got a mission for you, baby brother.”

“I’m listening.”

Emily blustered, “What are you talking about? You were supposed to bring your guy, the one who isn’t Mickey?”

“She really is the dumb one, isn’t she?”

Emily protested, “I’m not dumb!”

“Yet, you keep saying dumb things and are really defensive about it. The lady doth protest too much. One, both, or all three of you?”

Mindy played dumb well, “Just Sally. You can do all three?”

Emily remained oblivious, “What are you talking about?”

“Yes, I can. You should’ve been there for the overnight or my birthday party. I’m the one you’re talking about. My sister wants me to fuck your sister. Sorry to talk about you like you’re not there, Sally Cinnamon, but your sister is a bit dense.”

Sally chirped, “Don’t worry about it. I was wondering if you were the one.”