Opposites Attract - ON HOLD

Chapter 8

The next day, Vivian waited at the corner of the block for Harley. She heard a familiar rattle a few streets down and watched Harley as he pulled up next to her on his motorcycle.

"Hop on," he said with a smile.

Vivian threw her leg over the motorcycle and put her arms around him. He revved the motor and drove down the street. They rode towards the edge of town and stopped at the city park. Vivian looked across the playground and green lawn. Everything was deserted and quiet. Harley got off the motorcycle and looked toward the park benches. Vivian followed his gaze and saw a blond–haired greaser.

"Who's that?" asked Vivian as she got off the motorcycle.

"That's my best friend, Kent. I asked him to meet us here so he can explain my situation to you."

Vivian looked at Harley's expressionless face.

"Go ahead and meet him," Harley told her.

Vivian walked across the lawn. The park lights flickered on as darkness crept in. Kent stood up and smiled gently.

"Hi Vivian."

"Hello."

Vivian shook his outstretched hand and sat down on the cold metal bench. She clamped her hands together in worry as she turned to Kent.

"Harley is a little uncomfortable talking about this certain subject so he asked me to explain."

"Did he get in a fight or something this weekend?" asked Vivian apprehensively.

"His mother's boyfriend, Bob, beat him up pretty bad Friday night. Bob is twice the size as Harley and that's big."

Vivian felt her stomach drop. Thoughts raced through her mind but one questions was the most pressing.

"Didn't his mom do anything to stop it?"

"No, she just laughed."

"Laughed?" exclaimed Vivian.

Kent nodded and added, "His mom's a drunk and doesn't care about him."

Vivian watched Harley as he kicked a rock across the parking lot.

"How long has this been going on for?"

"He's been getting beat up by Bob time from time for three years."

Vivian clenched and unclenched her hands against the cold metal next to her legs. She swallowed, trying to wet her dry throat. She never expected Harley to be going through that. And, what was even more troublesome is how much she cared. She never expected to have such strong feelings towards someone she just met. Let alone a Greaser.

"Thanks for telling me," she said quietly.

Vivian stood up and walked to Harley. He turned around and looked at her sad face.

"Don't have a sad look on your pretty face. You're not the one who has to deal with it," he said with a strained smile.

She looked up at him and her eyes fell on the bruise on this cheek.

"Oh, Zach–"

He watched her struggle with words. Harley put an arm around her and pulled her to him. She buried her face against his shoulder and put both arms around him. Harley kissed the top of her head and looked up toward Kent. Kent waved at him. Harley nodded back. He lowered his head and asked Vivian softly, "Where do you want to go now?"

"I don't care."

"I think I know a place."

Vivian let go of Harley and took a step back. He put an arm around her waist and led her to the motorcycle. She felt numb. Vivian couldn't imagine how he must feel if she was struggling with emotions with just the knowledge of what he has been living with.

"So, you've decided to call me Zach?" asked Harley.

"Yes, if it's alright with you?"

"It's perfect with me. I haven't been called Zach since the second grade."

Vivian and Harley mounted the motorcycle. The wind blowing past her soon calmed her thoughts as she enjoyed the drive. He pulled in a restaurant parking lot Vivian recognized. It was the best malt shop in town.

"Take a seat at one of the outside tables while I order," said Harley as he got off the motorcycle.

Vivian sat down and waited for Harley. A few groups of young people passed by sitting inside in the red booths. It was definitely busy tonight for a Tuesday but it was summer after all.

"Vivian?"

Vivian turned around and her eyes met Jean and Amanda.

"Hi, I haven't seen you since graduation," said Vivian.

Jean and Amanda were best friends.  Vivian had known them for years and they were inseparable.

"How have you been?" asked Amanda.

"I've been great."

"Are you sitting by yourself?"

"Oh, no. I'm with someone."

Harley walked up with one milkshake in each hand. He placed them on the table and looked up.

"Oh, hi," he said.

Both girls exchanged a glance.

"Hi Harley," said Jean weakly.

Harley sat down and pushed the milkshake toward Vivian. Vivian smiled at Harley and looked back at the confused friends.

"Well, uh. We'll see you later," said Amanda as she pulled Jean with her toward their car. They whispered and glanced back a few times as they walked to their car.  As they pulled out of the parking lot, Harley laughed.  Vivian relaxed and picked up her milkshake. Everyone was inside the parlor laughing and teasing with each other. Harley and Vivian had the outside deck to themselves. They both enjoyed their company quietly.

"After this, can I show you something?" asked Vivian abruptly.

"Sure."

Harley smoothed his hair back and grinned at Vivian while she finished her milkshake. He looked into the window next to them and saw pairs of people glancing at them. He chuckled as he watched them whisper to each other. He looked back at Vivian and saw she seemed oblivious to the commotion they were causing inside the parlor.

"Ready to go?" asked Harley as he stood up from the table.

Vivian nodded and followed him to his motorcycle.

"Where did you want to go? You said you wanted to show me something."

"Do you know where the stop sign is at the end of Oak Street, about three blocks from my house?"

"Yeah."

"Drive there and go down the dirt road in the woods that's just past the stop sign."

"Okay," said Harley as he started the motorcycle.