Where We Begin

Chapter 5 - You'll Be Out Of There In No Time

July 3rd, 2002 - Busta

(Who the fuck left this mess all over my kitchen table? I don't care if it's homework, Marie, I want to sit down and have a fucking beer, not clean up that little shits mess! Don't tell me what I need and don't need, when I say I need a fucking beer, I want a fucking beer! When I get back down here it better be poured, it better be ice fucking cold and you better be out of my sight. Where's that little shit? Patrick, get the fuck out here! BANG BANG BANG. Right now, don't make me ask again. BANG BANG BANG. Get the hell out of my way, Simon. What? You want a piece of this? Haven't learned your lesson? Is that hair dye seeping into your brain, faggot? SMACK, SLAM, CRASH...)

"No!" I woke up gasping for breath and pushed the covers of me. 

I was drenched in sweat, my hands in fists, ready to fight... until I came around and saw the dark shadow of a palm tree outside the window, not the neon glow of signs and headlights down a busy Chicago street. My clock read 2:30AM. It was just a dream. 

My dad was still in Chicago. I was in California. I was actually happy to be in California at the moment.

* * * * * 

At 6AM, I was in Carl's driveway with the rest of the crew.

"Alright boys, tomorrow is a holiday, so of course we'll be taking it off. Today and the 5th will be short days though, I promise." 

Carl started barking out the days assignments but I was in a daze, staring at the half eaten jelly doughnut in my hand. I hadn't been able to sleep after my nightmare last night, and even scarier, I didn't really feel like eating either. 

"...and Jose, Craig, Simon, you're coming with me to the Johansen's on Hollywood."

I immediately snapped out of it. As the crew scattered and starting, I went up to Carl. 

"Man, could someone else go to the Johansen's? I was just there yesterday, can I get a change of scenery?" I pleaded.

"Seemed like you enjoyed the scenery there just fine." Carl winked. "Besides, I don't trust you with those ride on mowers without me around. You're coming with me. It'll be an easy day, just have to make sure all the hedges and flower beds look nice and neat for their party. You'll be out of there in no time."

I groaned. Well, it was early. Maybe I could actually get out of there before running into Taylor.

* * * * * 

Unfortunately, Mrs Johansen had a couple more "small requests". Skimming the pool, laying some more mulch in the front yard, and of course, fixing the lights I spent 3 hours on the day before. Apparently I didn't hang them low enough. Of. Fucking. Course. 

So there I was, back up on a ladder with my head in the palm fronds. I looked up at the sun, high in the sky. It had to be getting close to noon, I was really pushing my luck.

Right on cue, I suddenly heard the porch doors open and a wave of girly chatter. I looked down to see Taylor and all three of the girls from the movies last night. She was in a hot pink bikini, skin glistening from tanning oil, looking smoking hot. Of. Fucking. Course. 

Her friends, also ready for a day by the pool, stopped talking and followed her gaze up to me in the tree. We all just kind of stared at each other for a second.

"Oh. My mom said you guys would be finished by now," Taylor said flatly. Behind her, Amber rolled her eyes, muttering to herself.

"Going as fast as I can, trust me," I called down. 

"You know what might be fun? A beach day," Kiki suggested with a nervous laugh. "C'mon Tay, we can get out of here."

"No way, I am all greasy already, I don't want to get in a car. This is my house, this is my pool, and if I want to get a killer tan for my party tomorrow, I need to start laying out now," Taylor huffed. "I'm sure my 'butler' won't mind."