The NEIGHBORHOOD

CHAPTER 1 The Vacation

       Every summer since age 7, I'd been dragged to a small suburb of Boston to visit my grandparents. Readville didn't have a lot of action, and I was strictly forbidden from exploring on my own. This year, I wanted things to be different. I would be starting my senior year after the summer. I promised to remember all I'd learned about stranger danger. I even bargained with Mother and said I would bring a friend and stay out of the Southside neighborhood that she hated so much. We had driven through it before, and I didn't see what the fuss was about. It looked small and charming to me, with the picket fences and mothers pushing baby strollers on the sidewalk, waving to the neighbors as they went by. But no, Mother said, I was never to go there. It could end badly, whatever that meant.

So here I was, sitting in the backseat, Everlee Jane by my side. She had been my best friend since 9th grade, when we both were thrown into the chaos that is Winsor Academy. I never really understood why the Brooks' wanted Everlee to go there. They seemed much less uptight and elite-y than my own parents. Mother, however, insisted I attend Winsor for the namesake alone. She was forever obsessing over how others would see us as a family and how important it is to be in good social (and financial) standing to get where I want in life. I guess you could say she wanted me to get where she wanted in life. At 13, she was sending me on dates with boys who were about to graduate high school and start law prep. She hoped to marry me off to some rich socialite like she did. 

Everlee had it luckier than I did. Her parents had money but they were respectful of her. I loved to be around her because she was so easygoing. I could become a circus performer and she would still love me. Everlee was my first choice for any adventure, which is why she was coming with me to Readville for the summer. This would make it fun. I'm sure we could find something to do.

   "Bridget, dear, did you remember your Louboutin shoes? The black ones? We have that dinner party tomorrow evening. Don't forget. There will be a few eligible gentleman for you and Everlee to associate with." 

    "Yes, Mother."

This was my life. Forever playing the game of social chess. Introductions, parties, dinners, dates. I'm surprised she hadn't sold me into sex trafficking at this point. Lord knows if she could do so, and benefit from it, she certainly would. Mother had a desire to win at all costs. She would go to no lengths. She absolutely detested visiting Readville but loved her parents dearly so she insisted that we come every summer for a "refresher". 

"Thank you for allowing me to come on the trip, Mrs. Whitaker," Everlee said with her sweet smile and sparkly blue eyes. "I greatly appreciate the opportunity to spend time with Bridget before senior year starts."

"You're welcome, Everlee Jane," Mother said in a reserved tone.  She wasn't one to show emotion, whether she felt it or not. She always insisted on calling people by their full names, if it sounded fancier than their given name. She just called me Bridget, because Bridget Anne didn't really sound good together. My 2 year old sister, Wellesley, snoozed between us in her car seat. I prayed daily that she would not grow up to be like our parents, and that she would miraculously escape their world of money and betrayal. I know I planned to.

When we pulled up to the familiar blue house with the azaleas and wraparound front porch, I couldn't help but smile. Everlee grabbed Wellesley and I got the bags, heading for the house when Mother called.

"Dear, let the maid  get the bags."

"Mother," I said cautiously. "Grammy and Pops don't have a maid." 

She hated when I called them that, but they insisted.  They weren't near as uppity as she was, and came from a slightly lower social class than my father and his family did. In fact, though they did have money, most of it was spent helping those in need and being stored in savings accounts to pass on to Mother, my uncle Richard, and the 5 grandchildren.

Mother frowned at me as if she was irritated. "Surely, they have wisened up by now and hired someone to do the work of lesser...well, you know."

Grammy was heading out of the house to pass around her famous hugs...and cookies. 

"Welcome, Everlee! Ohhh, it has been so long since you've visited! We're very happy to have you with us this summer. Bri! Look at you! You have grown. Ahh, and that Wellesley. Isn't she adorable?" Grammy passed a few chocolate chip cookies to us, right in time for Wellesley to wake up and smile. She took a bite of cookie and reached for more.

"Must you spoil the chil-"

"Stop it, Quinn. This is my home and this year we are doing things different." Grammy gave Mother a stern look. "Your father and I don't have many years left on this earth and we will not waste it with formalities and tension. Now, you can slip off the heels, put on some jeans and enjoy yourself while you are here, or not. Your choice. But don't you dare tell me I can't enjoy my grandkids before I die. Bri is getting older and things could change any day, Quinn. You know...you know things could change."

Mother stood there, looking shocked. I'm sure we all did. Grammy must have something going on, but what was it? There was fear in her eyes, but she didn't look sick. I looked at Mother, and her eyes were full of a silent warning, as if she was telling Grammy not to say too much. What was going on between them? Did Pops have cancer? Were my parents getting divorced? I wasn't sure, but I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. This summer was starting off different compared to previous summer visits....and little did I know, the outcome would change my entire outlook on life.