Rebels Never Smile

Elvis: The New Girl

I woke up to mama and daddy shuffling around in the kitchen. Like always, Daddy was asking Mama why there isn't enough food on his plate. " Vernon, you know well enough why we ain't got enough food. You eat more and there ain't gonna be enough the whole week." I sat up and put my head between my hands. I was damn near tired of my family being hungry and I'm gonna make sure I get a job within the next two weeks. I got up and made my way towards the bathroom. As I passed by the kitchen I stood in the doorway leaning against it. " Mornin Mama, Mornin Daddy." Mama turned around and walked towards me to kiss my cheek. I returned her kiss, smiled and looked at Daddy. " Daddy, I'm gonna find a job so that we'll have enough to eat." As soon as I said the word job Mama shook her head hard. " No. I ain't hearin none of that, you stay focused in school-" " Mama I'm gonna get a job. Wether you like it or not I'm gonna get one." She stopped shaking her head and looked at me with tears in her eyes. My voice softened and I took her hand in mine and said " please Mama. Let me take care of you two." I kissed her cheek and she wiped a tear out of her eye. " Breakfast is ready, go on and get ready before your food run cold." I sighed and said " Yes ma'am." I got in the bathroom and looked at my reflection. My hair is messy and there was drool on the side of my mouth. I quickly washed up, took a quick shower and walked out with my towel across my waist.

I walked back to my room and told Mama I was almost ready. I quickly pulled out my black shirt and pants. I looked through my closet and found a white belt and the shoes I wore yesterday. I quickly put them on and went to go fix my hair. My hair was something most people judged me about. They think I'm one of them kids that run around at night, making trouble and shit. Well, because of them words, I started listening to them and became exactly what they thought. Only my Mama and my Daddy know who I really am. I walked out and smiled at Mama. I sat down and took a quick bite of my bacon and washed it down with the orange juice. Daddy was at the other side of the table, trying to savor the food. "Mama I'm done eating." She took one look at my plate and she narrowed her eyes. " You didn't even eat, you ain't leaving until that plate is clear young man." I looked down at my food and took a few more bites and said " Mama I'm really done now. Honest." The corner of her lips went down and she said in a low voice " my baby don't even wanna eat, no wonder he's so skinny." I got up and took her face in my hands and said " You stop that now you hear. I'm done. Honest. You just worry bout yourself and then I'll be happy." Mama looked at me with her sad dark eyes and said " alright. You go on ahead. I love you baby." I took her hand and held it on my cheek and whispered " I love you too Mama." I turned towards Daddy, who was still eating but had newspapers in his hands. I said " you can have the rest of my food Daddy." He looked up and said " thanks son." He grabbed my plate " have a great day at school." I walked towards the door with my things in my left hand and as I got to the door I turned and said " don't y'all dare fight, you hear? I promise I'm gonna do my best to make sure you never get hungry."

My mama and my daddy turned around and they both smiled. I smiled back, waved towards my Daddy, and blew a kiss towards my Mama.

I stepped out and looked around. I was on the 4th floor so I had a long way to walk. As I was walking I heard a familiar voice laughing below. There was the new girl, with who I believe is her father walking towards a battered Lincoln. A woman, who must be her Mama waved out the door and they both waved back. They backed out of the parking lot and took the lane to school. She looked pretty today. Her dark brown hair was flowing across her face complementing her hazel eyes and her lips and cheeks were pink. Her dress looked perfect for her. I shook my head and thought about her yesterday. I remember how she tried to introduce herself to me. I had no choice but to tell her to leave me alone. I couldn't be friends with no body, especially girls. I reached the bottom of the stairs and I saw the three old ladies that always whisper about my family. Mrs. Riley whispered "They that Presley boy, just look at his clothes." Mrs. Lennon and Mrs. McCallister nodded in agreement. With my jaw clenched I forced myself to smile and say " Good morning ladies. Have a great day." As I walked past I they whispered more, no doubt talking about how we can barely be able to pay our rent.