Gwendolyn Brooks

Well, school ended for the day. All the students carrying their phones from hither to tither, nod my head at Fiona as she dashes to her bus. She waves a huge one, smiling with her pearly teeth glowing.

And I silently waited for my brother Jake, Hart beside me, he keeps texting his phone from his delightedness delivered grin into a smirk, so smugly.

I barely use my phone, but still pondering to myself about the plan.

Ah, yes.

The plan.

Hart slightly laughs, a soft chuckle mix with a snort.

Everyone knew that there's going to be a party tomorrow afternoon. From 8:00pm to almost dusk which is at 4:00-6:00am. When everyone literally drops out the party mood.

But, I'm not sure where it's located at.

So I turned to Hart, and suddenly hear a loud blare, apparently from Jake's car.

He grins catlike, lowers down the windows and unlocks the doors. Allowing us to go inside.

I sat next to Hart, and we then drove off.

Jake taps the wheel with his hands, nodding to the bass-booted music.

I despise listening to such bass-booted songs, it creates a vibration around the seats, and it's like Hart and I are sitting on a massaging chairs, feeling the deep vibrates from our shoulders to our toes.

Somehow, Hart falls asleep. His snores were loud, annoying me so much.

But it's better than listening to Jake's playlist songs.

We arrived at home, went inside and marched our ways to our separate rooms.

Jake slams his bedroom door, and grabs his guitar, creating a soft beat.

Lucky I can hear through the walls, his hums were a gut feeling, letting out his breaths as he strums the strings rhythmically.

He should become a musician, a great singing career.

I remember when Mom and Dad and us were sitting under the nightlight skies, infront of the glimmering lake. Lily pads from one side to another. It was clearly the perfect sight to watch, and Jake softly singing, the campfire crackling with a mighty blow from the wind.

That was last year, it's been almost two weeks since they've left.

And every night, I pray that they'll come back safely. I hope.

Anyways, I walk out of my room, tiptoeing carefully into Hart's room. Where he's sleeping deeply.

My heart beating crazy, with a hesitation that Jake's going to come out.

I slowly let out a quiet sigh, approaching the mindless zombie sleeping his butt off.

So, I began to rattle Hart's heavy body out of the bed, he lands with a thump.

But not awake.

What a deep sleeper.

And then, he wakes up, snorting with a puzzled glare.

I fold my arms over my chest, tapping my foot patiently for himself to get up. Hart yawns, rubs his eyes, and stands up on his feet.

Now, was that hard?

"Why'd you wake me up Gwenny?" That's what Hart's calls me ever since childhood. So, I won't have the irritation to strangle him whenever he pronounces my name wrongly.

I just don't like how substitute teachers call my name "Gwendolyn Brooks?" I find it cringing.

That's when everyone looks at you.

I love to be the center of attention to my family and friends, but not others.

Hart repeats, "Why'd you wake me up, Gwenny??" I snap back to reality, giving out a confused "what?" and he sighs tiredly.

Oh yeah, the plan.

All I have to ask is where's the party located at, surely Hart and I'll think of a general strategy for it.

And yes, it's going to be easy.

Don't worry about it.

I ruffle my hair, and grabbed his hand and we sat down on his bed.

"I have someone to get to the bottom of it, and I need your help." Obviously he'll say yes, accorded to my convincing skills.

"First of all, who is it? A guy? A girl?" Hart raises his perfectly arched brows up.

I shake my head, not able to tell him.

But, I do feel sorry.

"It's someone I'm meeting at anyways, are you in?" I let out a hand, waiting for a shake from his.

"Not until you tell me whom exactly." Hart's quite the hard one to convince.

You see, I always convince Jake and surely, he falls into my blackmailing.

Like, hiding his favorite stuff like the special guitar he's playing. Recently I gave it to him, hoping of not getting my favorite stuff taken away as a result.

But, it's kind of fun seeing your siblings suffer terribly. No offense.

"Well, I will. Until you tell me about the party." I say with a squint.

Hart's eyes widen, closer to my ear and whispers, "you're going there?" He says with an exciting hiss.

I nod.

"But, you never go to parties! What if Jake notices that you're gone?" He half exclaims but silently whispers.

"Oh, you'll see Hart." I smile with a devilish smirk.

"Where's the party at?" I ask.

"Well, the party is located at this guy's place, I think Brian?" He whispers. I write the name on my hand, with a pen. To my responsible self for keeping essentials. I do, but not paper materials. Only like books and bags.

I'm an irresponsible person, with a short term memory of remembering where to put. I lose stuff easily, even important things. Last year, my Mom handed me a family heirloom that we always bring to our occasional dinners, annually with our Aunts and Uncles. So, I place the precious heirloom somewhere I'm sure I was going to remember at. And when it was time to go, it wasn't there.

It was a terrible experience to imagine, my other family members scolding at me with squints to frowns.

So, we bought an antique, that replaces our heirloom. Silly thing, huh?

"Will you help me out?" I blink my eyes with a pout.

He looks at me, honest and serious. Something that sets a glow of heat inside.

I swallow thicker than water, likely my bile.

Hey, I get nervous, y'all do too.

"Okay, but I'm coming with you." His hand shook with mine. Perfect.

Now, Fiona is going there since she's falling for Mr. Green Eyes. Well, other girls too.

Fiona never stepped a foot in a party before, it's like a new experiment for us to actually get use to.

But faithfully speaking, parties don't end well.

So, Fiona and I'll prevent ourselves from drinking even thought we've never drink any harmful substances before. It's like we're children......

Forget what I've said earlier.

On the second thought, I'm going to find out if Mr. Blue Eyes going to be there.

I ask Hart. "Hey, is Noel gonna be there?"

Crossing my fingers that he'll not figure out that's the "someone" I'm looking for.

"Yeah he'll be there! He's a terrific guy!" Hart slightly chuckles.

"So, I'm sure he's gonna be there. Why you're asking me 'bout him?" Hart cocks his brows.

"N-Nothing." Was all I can say. I shouldn't asked him that.

Hart's older than me by six months. Quite early, yeah? But he still counts as a Junior.

I was born in December, the worst month to possibly happen. The bright side of being born in December is the last month before a whole year ends.

And I'd like myself to start a fresh new page, a greater impact that'll help out for my wishes.

Let's not explain about my resolution wishes, okay?

"Why?" I shake Hart back and forth like a milk carton in a bumpy car ride and I let him be, all confused about my gesture.

"Okay, let's talk about this tomorrow then?" He raises his brows. Feeling knots in my stomach, I walk away with a nod to Hart and mark my way to my room.

As the closet not organized lately, I decided to clean out the unwanted things to riddance.

I'm the kind of capable person when it comes to organizing. I clean out anything which troubles me. Like smelly bags of chips or trash.

I check the watch, almost 9:00pm, instead of taking a daily shower, I changed into my fluffy sleeping wear. Obviously yellow.

And fall into deep slumber.

****

It was morning, I immediately woke up with a smirk on my face.

Rushing to Hart's room, I slam the door wide open with a crack! and saw Hart all jolt up with his phone lightly landed on his bed.

He's talking to her again.

"So, is your lady coming with you?" I ask, with my arms folded.

The embarrassment on Hart's innocent face is priceless to watch, blushed as hell.

All I need is some materials, to "decorate" the whole house.

"Yeah, everyone's going." He scratches his wet hair, looks like he took a shower earlier than me.

Hart's always the last one to wake up and unfortunately he woke up before me, and decides to take a long shower. How smart.

"Even Jake?" I said worriedly.

Hoping that he won't come.

"No, I'm not sure 'bout that." Hart turns off his phone, staring at me with his brow arched.

Jake never goes to a party in his entire life,

Well...

Only once.

When he was a Sophomore back then, and that didn't end quite well.

You see, our parents are strict about having good grades, never allowed us to go to parties. Even me.

They were so overprotective on me especially.

"Don't act like those rug rats who desires a horrible choice Gwenny." Is what my Mom always say with a worried glare. Her being the strict one, along with Dad. I don't go.

Fiona as well, whenever there's a party. She comes to my house and we practice our assignments with speeches and yeah, school stuff.

Our parents wants us to have a successful graduation—hence, having great applications to honorable Universities like Harvard or Yale.

But that's not gonna happen.

I'm thinking about my choice right now, and follow my own way. Not by commandments from our parents.

Maybe out of America, in the coastal countries. Because I hate snow and the gloomy weather.

I walk into the bathroom, taking a quick shower and brushing my teeth.

Who eats their food before brushing their teeth?

Then goodbye, get outta here you nasty demon.

Gross, first of all.

And second of all, it's harder to get rid of food stuck between your teeth.

Your teeth needs delicate care, you know, give it a little shower in there.

Scrub those germs outta there.

After putting lotion on myself, I dress up into my casual cropped yellow sweatshirt with black jeans. My favorite thing to wear.

My hair into a proper bun; yellow sunglasses; sandals.

You know, it's a lot of descriptive things to talk about my outfit.

But I like to keep it brief.

Taking a sip of tea and a small bite of toasted bread, I suddenly saw Jake wearing his pajamas, walking lazily over to the kitchen.

Smiling evily to myself, I slide a plate of oatmeal with a cup of orange juice to him.

"Hey, Jake. Want some breakfast to fuel you up?" Hart sits down next to me, looking at the food with his eyes widened.

Jake suddenly daggers Hart and I a suspicious glance. "Why you're talking like that?" He says lowly with a glaring expression.

"Huh?" Was all I say, with a fake surprised gasp.

"Um—why are you talking like that?" Jake repeats flatly.

I smack my head lightly and laugh with a smirk. "Nothing! There's nothing wrong. Right Hart?" I nudge Hart harder than before, so he nods nervously.

"Okay then, so. Why you're dressed all like that?" He points with his spoon at me and continues eating. "Oh, I'm going to Fiona's house." I said.

"And Hart?" Jake grumbles.

Silence.

I cough loudly, "he's coming with me." Hart nods along with me.

"With homework? I can help you guys with it." Jake cocks a brow.

"Nah, you need rest! Just relax today. You've helped us a lot and now it's your day." I lie.

"Oh, okay then.." Jake mumbles.

The plan's surely going to end perfect.

And hoping that Hart won't eat any of the oatmeal.

So, I waltz over to the counter, wiping some almond butter onto Hart's bagel and gave it to him, the plate clatters.

Cutting some fruits for yogurt, I add a bunch of peaches into the bowl and began to mix along with the freshly cut fruits.

Eating a spoonful, I hand it to Hart.

After we ate, we sat for a moment. Going through our phones silent and peaceful, hearing the wind whistle a subtle rustle.

And now, the show begins..

We hear a loud grumble coming from his stomach, so he excuses himself.

"I'm only hungry for a snack guys, don't act like it's a problem." Jake chuckles.

But my dear loyal brother, it's going to become a major bummer for you sooner or later.

So we act all causal, but kept staring at our phones.

His stomach grumbles again, only louder than before.

And his face turns green, uncomfortable and suddenly stands up with his phone tightly gripped.

"Excuse me for a moment." Oh, how polite.

Hart smirks, So was I.

And he storms away into the bathroom, locking the doors quick.

Now it's time to decorate the house.

Recently, I told Hart look for any kind of pills which can affects Jake. Only allergy pills and other medicines that we don't know were only there. Luckily, I had a box of laxative pills in my closet.

The quicker the better, I pound those bad boys into smithereens, mixing with the warm oatmeal and also poured the rest into the juice.

What's surprising, he never suspected such a pill which anyone can sense it out.

What's not a surprise is it only affects him for three hours or so, we need to get going with the plan as soon as possible.

Hart and I immediately grabbed any material that connects to the house backyard. Wires and hammers, rakes and an old hose.

Gathering them together, I wrapped anywhere that could possibly fall over, like a sudden trap.

And crossing my fingers that he'll wouldn't notice around the house.

****

We cleaned up and put the sofas, chairs, you name it back to where they belong.

I check the time and it's around 7:10pm.

What's surprising was it wasn't an hour.

More like half the day.

Thank God, the pills took him the whole time to be stuck in the bathroom. I'm so proud of myself.

But before my victory dance, let's get to the plan.

Organized the house the way it was before, but with hidden parts which unlocks to a major trap.

The hose and wires are connected to the lower floor, where it's nearby the bathroom. Closely the basement.

A small thread with mini bells traveled downstairs to Hart's remote controlled cars.

Oil around the stairs, rakes coming out suddenly where Jake's going to slip.

And lastly, the closet which is located at the front door.

It's going to immediately open by the controlling threads that are wrapped to the toy cars which he'll be dragging all the way to the closet.

Also, it's going to lock him in. Unable to get out.

I know it sounds complicated, with the explanation and the sort.

But it's how my plan exactly went and it's fun to let your sibling to help out.

I knock on the bathroom door, hearing Jake's groans and loud sounds from his grumbling stomach.

He says a "hello?" and I quickly dash off, grabbing my small purse with me and dragged Hart out of the house. Closing it with a quiet click.

Hart and I hooted loudly and did a quick high five. A simple treat of trusting each other.

That sure took a long time but we finally did it! Out of the house and to the party.

Standing along with Hart, nearby the porch to Brian's house. I see Fiona sitting at the steps, her phone bright as she scrolls.

And I see Hart's lady friend, which he haven't told me her name!! her hair the exact blonde with oceanic blue eyes.

Again, I never been to parties, better be careful to whatever thing bothers me from weird drinks to grinding couples. And also Fiona too.

So, I approach her and the music playing filling around us the bass, husky voice and whispering.

Not only the party's getting a sexual vibe, also the music too.

Jeez, delusional teenagers.

Fiona gave me a skull-crushing hug, almost collapsing my lungs. She's a strong girl, does also sport activities after school at her local team. Track and field.

She's a fast runner and has the capability of overthrowing everyone to get herself into first place. And a strategic thinker when it comes to finding out problems during Algebra II. Even I can't solve one problem out. You see, I have the brains for AP English Literacy, not for Mathematics.

Doing tough essays so maybe next year I'll try to attend to meetings with an acceptance letter to any kind of University. My kind of thing.

But Fiona and I share the same characteristics, we're always hungry.

Last summer, Fiona and I always study during summer so we won't forget about what we've learnt way before. But, Saturday and Sundays, we go to the local movie theater and watch movies or we go a mini shop for snacks. Her favorite snacks are the sweet candies, the sour kind. And mine are spicy chips, too spicy for her to chew.

Fiona adjusts her glasses to her face, like she does and stares at me. "So, aren't you excited for our first time? In a party?" She silently squeals, jazzing her fingers as if she's tap dancing a finale.

"Eh, I am." I shrugged it off, staring at other individuals drinking and from the sofas, guys and girls making out.

And I hear a cheer, but not any kind of cheer.

So, Fiona and I wondering what's going on, we strolled to the commotion. Where a guy is literally killing it.

Making out with two girls.

Disgusting.

Fiona and I stared at each other, with an unexpected shudder.

I thought Mr. Blue Eyes' here.

Hart's definitely sure he told me earlier that he'll be here.

I'm not interested in him, I want to know information about him. Thinking I'm a creep? I have a notepad, and literally wrote almost everyone who are Juniors and lastly Seniors all of their information about their weakness and skills.

Eavesdrop every nook and cranny from place to place in the school.

But the new guy, Noel.

He's something special.

I don't have a crush on him, yeah sure he's a chick magnet but who knows what he actually does.

Or what his weakness is; or what he's professional at. Maybe he's a womanizer.

Hey! Don't get all fussy about my comment, he dresses okay, but did you see how many girls fall into him? Even Fiona?

What kind of hillybilly shit is making him the center of attention, mostly girls?

Who knows?

That's why I'm doing this.

Fiona and I walk away from the commotion, and decided to go to the restroom.

And we did.

My perspective, I thought the bathroom was crammed, tight. But boy, am I wrong.

It's like a ducking master bedroom. That's the size and width accorded to my hypothetical brain.

And we take pictures, smiling with tight smiles and laughed all the way.

What felt like eternity, we finally got out of the bathroom.

Boy, Brian's house is huge!

A phonecall rings from Fiona's cleared phone.

And she excuses herself.

Trying to get away from the loud music and shouts.

Maybe it was her parents. Hopefully not. And deciding myself to look for a private space to calm myself down.

Going upstairs, there's so many doors. And began to scavenge Mr. Blue Eyes.

****

I have searched for every room, every room.

Exhausted by holding my notepad dearly to me, I walk away.

Until I hear laughing.

Not the kind of chuckling nor chortle.....

Something else.

Come out come out wherever you are, Mr. Blue Eyes.

Oh, don't worry. It's only information about you.

So I will notice everything from top to bottom, every weakness of yours and your skilled actions.

So, I walk closer to the last room I haven't been to, placing my ear close at the door. And hear mumbling, not any kind of voices I hear.

It's difficult to listen, gather the information into my notepad.

And decided to open the door a little, juusst a little.

Not noticeable, a slit crack.

Just a cover up.

As I silently open the door a bit. And I see figures, and then a groan.

Oh, this better be good, not like the guy from earlier.

And I hear the name. "Noel."

Gotcha.

Not a deep voice, a light one, more like a feminine.

And again, I open the door a teeny space, so I can see properly.

Suddenly, my stomach drops, into a bottomless pit of shock. She cuddles closer to him. "You know, how's your new school lately?" A girl says, lowly and a glimpse of Mr. Blue Eyes smiling softly at her.

"It's okay." He tucks the girl's hair behind her ear, and stares straight at her.

"Baby, I missed you. Your face, your....gentle smile.." the girl's eyes flutter as she stares at him.

....he's dating??

"I know Jecella." His whispery voice made her blush.

So that's the girl's name... never heard one like that before.

Welp, time to write.

I sneakily bite the cap off the pen, and started to scribble sentences, brief with his nickname I gave him "Mr. Blue Eyes." as I close the pen shut with a small click.

I want to leave, but this is quite interesting to watch.

And as they snuggle together, Mr. Blue Eyes scrolling his phone quietly and his lady friend moving her hand nearer to his thighs. Doing soft circles.

I shuddered uncomfortably as I stuck out my tongue with disgust.

Her devil shaped nails tapping in a rhythmic pattern and she gives a smirk at him.

That little seductive hoe.

And he glances at her hand, clamping his jaws together and shifts.

"Not the time Jecella." He closes his eyes.

My opinion towards this girl, she's a whore—I mean, look at her!

Caressing small circles here and there all over him.

She's desperate, the look on her eyes, filled with lust. She must be his girlfriend... a snarky one.

Heck, even Shrek himself is handsome—er ogre than her.

"Babe, not right now. Promise you." He then held her hips, pulling himself closer to her.

She then perks up, and began to tug the collar of his sweatshirt. "Jecella, please, not now. I told you." He shakes his head, and the glow of his eyes appearing much darker than beforehand.

"Oh, come on." She whispers, and gently drags her tongue across his neck.

What a snake.

I continue writing his weakness. What? Still don't believe me that I'm writing his weakness? Wait and see.

Noel breathes heavily. And Jecella stands up, with a smirk. "We're in a party, in someone's room. At least, let's have some fun like back then?" Noel clenches his hair, glaring at her.

"Just one last time, before I go." She sits on his lap, caressing and slowly starts to trail her fingers down his collarbone and back up to Noel's ears, gently tugging his pierced earring.

What does she mean by "Before I go?"

He then shudders, with his jaws clenched at once. And she glares at him as she cocks a brow.

"Last warning, Jecella." Noel stares seriously at her.

I feel such a creep, watching their sudden moves leading to hesitation, wants or their needs.

I better get going.

Before they see me.

I escape, with my hands sweating, maybe I shouldn't went that far—too far.

And I bolt my way out of the building.

Hart notices me and excuses the blonde girl.

"What's wrong Gwenny?" Hart gains after my speeding pace.

"Why early?" Hart asks me again, with a confused glare. I rolled my eyes, ignoring his questions as the view becomes smaller, all the way we barely see from it.

A/N

I swear my mind isn't okay, what kind of hillybilly shit was I writing?

Anyways, who's Jecella?

And I haven't figured out why I wasted my time for thinking of a good name than rather finishing my homework..

I need help, as soon as possible.

Can you guys say a prayer to me? I think my soul's cursed with pure darkness. Oh how's my mind's dirty af.

By the way, Follow me on Twitter: @OrdinryMe

And make sure to comment by hitting that vote star..thingy.

Goodbye for now 👋🏽