Kenickie's Girl (UNDER HEAVY EDITING AND RECONSTRUCTION)

•Klunker•

"Hey mom, can you pick up these for me?" I ask, handing her a list of what I needed for my car. She looked over it, "sure honey. How's it coming?" She asked, smiling. I shrugged, "it's almost done, I guess. The guys are coming by today to help finish it, that's why I need these things." I say, before walking to the car.

We drove to school in silence, I think it made her happy that I talked to her this morning, which was good for me, it meant she'd leave me alone. I got out without a word when she stopped at the school and I walked in, my eyes landing on the guys. I didn't really have the energy to deal with Kenickie, today. I spent the night in the car and I was sore, my eyes were puffy when I looked in the mirror this morning. Putzie waved me over and I just waved, before walking to my locker.

I tried paying attention in most of my classes, but I just wasn't there, today. "Hey James, where ya at?" Danny asked, smirking. "I'm here, Zuke." I say, my voice sounded different, even to me. He stared at me, strangely.

"You alright?" Putzie asked, concerned. I give them my best smile, "yeah, I'm fine. I forgot to get the part and paint stuff yesterday, so mom's picking them up for me, today."

I noticed that they weren't convinced that I was okay, but I brushed it off. They only person that really knew what was going on was Putzie, but he only knew to an extent. I didn't even really want to talk about it. "You coming?" Sonny asked, talking about lunch. I shrug but tag along anyway, though I wasn't really hungry.

I chose to ignore Kenickie, which was easy, but his comments here and there were getting on my nerves. I honestly wished I would've played sick and just stayed home, but then mom wouldn't have let me work on the car and I was too close to not finish.

The day seemed to drag and by the end of the day, I was emotionally exhausted. I didn't feel like walking, so I just swallowed my pride and let Cody pick me up.

"You alright, Lilly-Mae? You look sick?" Cody asked. I sighed, "I fell asleep in the car last night." I say, honestly. He nodded, looking to Scott in the front seat. "Don't tell mom, huh? I got to finish that car today and I'll go to bed early and feel fine tomorrow." I say, closing my eyes.

When no one answered, I looked up, "I'm serious, you two." I say, glaring at the both of them. "Alright, fine." Cody said, sighed.

We pulled into the driveway of our house and I got out quickly. I ran into the house, "did you get what I need?" I asked and she nodded, "it's all in the garage. I didn't know if we had the stuff to apply the paint, so they told me what to get and I got that, too."

"Thank you." I say, going up to change. I rush out and grab a bandanna before I enter the garage. I heard the voices of my friends, and I could have swore I heard Kenickie's, too but I was sure I was just going crazy.

They all entered the garage, and Kenickie stood in the back. "What are you doing here?" I ask, directly at him. He shrugged, but didn't answer.  I shake my head and we immediately got to work.

Once the transmission was changed, we got to work on pant, which went by easily because we had three people panting. Kenickie didn't help, but I didn't want him to, anyway.

"Let's test it out." Danny said, hopping in the passenger seat. Everyone else pilled in and I cranked it up, nearly crying when I heard the roar of the beautiful engine. I pulled out of the garage.

We whooped and hollered as I drove down the road a bit. I could nearly hear my dad telling me that it was about time.

We came back and mom wore a smile as I parked in front of the house. Putzie pats my shoulder and Sonny shook me, "nice, James."

I smiled at the beautiful car and mom sighed, "I'm so proud of you." I only stare at her, but was quickly brought into a conversation with the guys.

"So, no more bummin' rides, right?" Sonny teased. "Now it's you guys that's gonna start bummin' rides til Greased Lightning is ready." I wink and they all start laughing.

"Pretty nice wheels, James." Kenickie admits after reminding quiet nearly the while time. I shrug, "yeah, well. Klunker's a special car." I smirked, "better than Greased Lightning."

"Watch it, kid." He snapped and I only smiled. "Well, Thursday, you should give us a ride to Frosty Palace. Group meeting." Kenickie said, blowing smoke. I shrug, "yeah, that's cool. Do I get to attend this meeting?" I tease and he shrugs, "you've been bummin' around long enough."

I smiled at him, this was progress and I had the rest of the guys to thank. "Well, we better get goin', we'll see you later, James." Danny said, smiling. I waved as they pilled into a maroon car.

"They all seem lovely." Mom said, looking down at me. I shrug and enter the house.

••••

{officially edited March 23 ,2018}