Stealing Bradford

3

DJ FELT EVEN MORE FOOLISH after she got outside. What was wrong with her anyway? Why did she let Taylor get the best of her again and again? So what if Conner didn’t like her. She didn’t have to let the whole world know that she cared. DJ kept walking until she reached the girls’ locker room. She had no idea why she went there. Maybe it was one of the few places in school where she’d felt comfortable last year—almost at home. Stinky sweat socks and all. She stood in front of a sink in the bathroom and just stared at herself in the mirror. Despite the lightened hair and haircut, touch of makeup and expensive clothes, DJ knew that the same girl lived underneath. The same insecurities, same fears, same worries. Despite the pretty veneer, DJ was just the same as always.

Or perhaps not exactly the same. Suddenly she remembered that she had changed last night…she had given her life to God. But if that was real, if that was true, why did she feel so miserable right now? Shouldn’t life be going a little more smoothly? Or maybe she just needed to be patient. She took in a long deep breath, said a little prayer, and then went back out. Then just as she was walking through a breezeway that went around the west side of the gym, she heard girls’ voices, loud and angry. DJ paused at the corner and just listened.

“You are such a loser,” said one.

“What a total freak.”

“What makes you think anyone wants you here?”

“What makes you think I care?” DJ recognized this voice—it belonged to Casey.

“You better care, loser. We can make you care.”

DJ stepped around the corner in time to see three girls surrounding Casey. These weren’t mean girls like Tina and Madison, the kind who try to look good, but say cruel things and simply walk away. These were the tough kind of girls who dwelled somewhere low on the high-school food chain, the kind who thought physical violence was an acceptable form of social interaction. DJ had actually wondered if Casey might’ve tried to fit into their group, although that didn’t appear to be the case here—unless this was some kind of creepy initiation.

She quietly approached them now, wondering what she could possibly do to deter them. The thug girls’ backs were to her and Casey’s back was up against the wall. And, although her expression was fierce, her eyes looked frightened. And that’s when DJ felt a chill of fear shoot through her as well. No way did she want to end up in a street brawl with these girls, or anyone else for that matter. Not only would it be painful, it would be extremely humiliating. It was one thing to get beat on the tennis courts, but it was something altogether different to get beat up behind the gym.

She swallowed hard and pulled out her cell phone, opened it up, and pretended to be in the midst of a conversation. “Yeah, I’m out on the west side of the gym right now,” she said loudly, and the girls all turned around to see her. “It looks like my friend Casey Atwood is about to get beat up—yes, right now, even as we speak, Mrs. Seibert. There are three girls…no, I don’t know their names, but hang on, I can take their photos. That should be solid evidence.”

Then, as the girls stared at her with surprised expressions, she directed her phone at them and pretended to snap their pictures. Of course, she still had the cheapy phone that her stepmom had “splurged” on for her last year. Naturally, it wasn’t equipped with an actual camera, but what these girls didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. She put the phone back by her ear. “Yes, they’re still here…no, they haven’t hurt her yet, but you better send help now or this school is going to have a lawsuit on its hands.”

The three girls took off, heading around the corner of the gym that led to the street, as DJ continued to have this fake conversation. When the coast seemed to be clear, she went over and grabbed Casey by the arm. “You’re coming with me,” she said firmly. And to her surprised relief, Casey didn’t even resist. “What on earth are you trying to do?” demanded DJ when they were walking through the courtyard outside of the commons, safely away from that isolated place by the gym.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, why are you hanging in places where you’re making yourself an easy target for girls like that?”

“Having a smoke.”

“Oh, Casey!” DJ sat down on a cement bench now, pulling Casey down next to her. “You are such a fool. If you really need to smoke, go out on the sidewalk in front of the school where the other smokers go. It’s not like anyone cares when you’re not on school grounds. And at least you won’t get beat up out there since it’s in plain sight of the office.”

“Oh.”

“I just do not understand you.” DJ could hear the exasperation in her voice. She knew it was partially due to the adrenaline which was still rushing through her, but she didn’t really care. Maybe Casey needed someone to yell at her just now. “You were never like this before.”

Casey frowned at her. “Neither were you.”

“Yes, but my changes are mostly on the surface, and they’re not the kind of things that put me in harm’s way. I cannot say the same about you.”

Casey just shrugged. “Hey, it’s my life.”

“But your life affects others.”

“So…”

“So, don’t be so selfish, Casey.”

Casey laughed in a cynical way. “Yeah, right. Look who’s talking.”

“Fine, I suppose I do seem selfish, but I’m just trying to get by.”

“Me too.”

“Yeah, well, you almost got beat up just now. That doesn’t sound like you’re getting by too well.”

Casey shrugged again, and this made DJ seriously irritated.

“Well, thanks anyway,” said Casey as she stood.

“Would you be a little more careful?” asked DJ as she stood. “At least go out in front of the school next time you have a nicotine fit.”

“Yeah…” Casey’s voice broke slightly now. Like maybe DJ had actually gotten through to her. In fact, she looked on the brink of tears—now that could totally unravel her tough-girl act!

Suddenly, DJ felt genuinely sorry for Casey, and she did something that she probably should’ve done on the day Casey had arrived in Crescent Cove; she reached out and hugged her old friend. At first it felt like Casey was pulling away…and then she sort of gave in to it.

“I do not know what your problem is,” said DJ as she continued to hug her, “but I still love you, Casey. You were like a sister to me, and I’m not willing to just let that go now. When you’re ready to get real and talk, I’m ready to listen.” When she finally released her from the bear hug, DJ noticed that Casey’s eyes were glistening with tears.

“Yeah, right,” said Casey in a gruff voice. “Thanks, DJ.”

“Get a load of the lesbians,” said a slightly familiar girl’s voice. DJ looked over to see Tina pointing at them now. “Why don’t you two dykes get a room?” she teased, making Madison and several others laugh.

“Why don’t you get a life?” DJ tossed back in anger. As Casey slipped off, DJ noticed that some of her friends, including Conner, were also in the crowd of onlookers. Well, it just figured. Still, DJ held her head high as she turned and walked away. What difference did it really make what they thought of her anyway? Why should she even care?

Her next class was drama, which seemed appropriate, although she wondered why she’d taken it—probably because it sounded easy. Now, despite the ravenous growling in her stomach, she kept walking toward the auditorium where the drama class was supposed to meet. Too bad she hadn’t had the sense to take her cheeseburger with her when she’d made her hasty exit from the cafeteria.

“Hey, wait,” called a voice from behind her. She turned to see Rhiannon jogging to catch her.

“What’s up?” asked DJ as they walked together.

“That’s what I was wondering,” said Rhiannon. “How’s it going?”

“You mean you didn’t witness that last little episode?”

“In the cafeteria?”

“No, I’ve managed to embarrass myself twice in one day.”

“I actually meant how’s it going on the inside?” clarified Rhiannon.

“You mean the God thing?” DJ shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”

“I mean you, DJ, how are you doing?”

“I’ve had better days.”

“Sorry.”

“But then I suppose I’ve had worse ones too.” She forced a smile for Rhiannon’s sake. “So, you didn’t catch that little scene with Casey and me in the courtyard just now?”

“No, what happened?”

So DJ gave her the condensed version. “I probably would’ve been more cautious if I’d known I had an audience.” She shook her head. “But then again, maybe that was for the best. Maybe it helps Casey to see that I really do care about her…no matter who’s looking.”

“That’s totally cool that you connected with her like that, DJ. Casey really needs to be loved.”

Then DJ told her about Casey’s near-mugging incident.

“Wow, you’re having a busy day.”

DJ kind of laughed. “Yeah, if the first day is any indicator of how my year’s going to go, maybe I should quit while I’m ahead.”

Rhiannon pulled an apple out of her bag and handed it to her. “I noticed you didn’t eat your lunch. Want this?”

“Thanks.” DJ took a bite of the apple. “Are you going to drama?”

“Yeah. You too?”

DJ nodded as she munched. “I hope it’s not a mistake.”

“No way,” said Rhiannon. “Drama is cool. And Mr. Harper is a fantastic teacher. He’s funny and smart and really good looking too. You’ll be glad you’re taking it. Eliza and Taylor are in the class too.”

“Really?” DJ felt disappointment sink in. Eliza was okay, but she’d had enough of Taylor for one day.

“Yeah, we were just comparing schedules at lunch.”

“It figures.” said DJ.

“Taylor?”

“I think she’s seriously got it out for me.” DJ sighed. “And if it’s about Conner, I don’t see why she doesn’t just give it a break. It’s plain to see he’s not interested in me. For all I care, she can have him.”

“I don’t think he’s interested in Taylor either.”

“Whatever.”

“I just think she’s one of those girls who always wants what someone else has. If it makes you feel better, she’s even been flirting with Bradford.”

“With Bradford?” DJ stopped walking and turned to stare at Rhiannon. “Are you serious?”

“Oh, yeah…even Bradford noticed it. She was all over him during art this morning. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to find out he’s got drama with us as well.”

“Sheesh, why doesn’t she just try to get all the guys? Maybe she’s going after Harry too.”

Rhiannon laughed. “I think Taylor is a little more cautious when it comes to Eliza’s territory.”

“And just why is that?” demanded DJ.

“I think she’s afraid of Eliza.”

“Afraid? Of Eliza?” DJ frowned. “That just does not compute.”

“It does on some levels,” said Rhiannon.

DJ still didn’t get it. Eliza might have her faults, but for the most part she was pretty nice. Why would anyone be afraid of her? Especially someone like Taylor. It made no sense. But then, DJ figured, she had a lot to learn about a lot of things. She took a last bite of the apple and tossed it into the trash can by the door to the auditorium.

Rhiannon’s take on Mr. Harper was pretty accurate. DJ decided she liked him and that he was funny. Maybe drama wouldn’t be too bad after all. Plus he had this easygoing way of making kids feel comfortable. And before class was over, he had several of them up on the stage in a sort of spontaneous audition. Not DJ, of course. She wasn’t ready to humiliate herself in public again. Twice in one day was plenty. But both Taylor and Eliza willingly complied, winning instant approval from both Mr. Harper and the class. And, although DJ would never admit it to anyone, Taylor was an excellent actress—just the way she took center stage with complete confidence, standing tall as she recited the lines in a totally natural-sounding way, tossing in a little tilt of her chin or a hand movement at just the right moment, like she’d been doing this kind of thing all her life. Was there anything that girl could not do? Well, other than being nice—that did not seem to come naturally to her. Even Bradford did a mini audition, and to everyone’s surprise he stole the show. The whole class erupted in loud applause.

“This is going to be a fun class,” said Eliza as they sat in the auditorium seats and waited for the next “audition.”

“It seems like it,” said DJ. She wanted to add, “especially if Taylor continues to keep her distance from me.” At the moment, Taylor was still on the stage, standing off to the side, right next to Mr. Harper. She was probably schmoozing and setting herself up for the lead in the next production, which was aggravating, but way better than hooking her claws into DJ again.

“So, what exactly is up between you and Conner?” Eliza asked quietly.

“Nothing.” DJ slumped down in her chair, crossing her arms tightly across her chest.

“I thought you liked him.”

“I did.”

“And he obviously liked you.”

“It seemed like it.” DJ watched as Taylor actually seemed to flirt with Mr. Harper. What was up with this girl anyway?

“So, what happened? Did you guys have a fight?”

“I don’t know what happened.”

“Maybe I should ask Harry what’s up. He and Conner probably talk about this kind of thing.”

“No,” said DJ firmly. “Please, don’t, Eliza. Let’s just let it go, okay? I don’t think Conner and I were meant to be.” But even as she said this, she felt sad and slightly defeated.

“Okay.”

The afternoon progressed. DJ was relieved when it was time for her final and favorite class. She grabbed her gym bag from her locker and hurried down to the gymnasium complex. She knew from her schedule that she had Mrs. Pandretti for PE this year, and this was a great improvement from Ms. Jones from last spring. Some of the big-mouths, like Tina and Madison, had insinuated that Ms. Jones was a lesbian. Maybe it was true or maybe it was just mean, but it had made DJ feel uncomfortable when Ms. Jones gave her extra attention or compliments for her skills on both the soccer and softball field. It had also resulted in more teasing and being called “Jonesie’s girlfriend.” It would be a relief not to be subjected to that again.

As fate would have it, DJ’s relief was cut short when she discovered that Taylor was also in seventh-period PE. It just figured.

DJ tried to pretend she hadn’t seen Taylor, as she went over to a corner to dress down. It wasn’t that she didn’t want anyone to watch her undressing—since she’d done sports for years, she was totally used to all that. It was simply to avoid Taylor.

“Why are you over here by yourself?” asked Taylor as she joined her.

“It’s quieter over here,” mumbled DJ as she pulled on her old soccer shorts.

“Mind if I join you?”

DJ shrugged. “Whatever.”

Taylor set her oversized Burberry bag on the bench and dug through it until she pulled out a neatly rolled pale blue parcel, about the size of a loaf of bread. DJ tried to appear like she wasn’t looking, but she was curious. Then Taylor unrolled this little package to reveal a pale blue pair of micro-fiber shorts and matching tank wrapped around a pair of rather delicate-looking sports shoes with ankle socks tucked inside. Okay, maybe Taylor knew how to pack, but her taste in athletic wear was suspect.

“Those shoes don’t look very substantial,” said DJ as she pulled on her T-shirt.

“Looks can be deceiving,” said Taylor as she unbuttoned her top.

“Yeah,” said DJ, trying not to stare at Taylor’s lacy bra that was literally overflowing with what DJ felt certain must be silicone implants. Like how was it possible that someone that skinny could be built like that? “I know.”

“You don’t like me, do you?” said Taylor as she pulled the tank over her head.

“You’re not wearing a sports bra?” asked DJ in sincere alarm.

Taylor laughed in a cynical way as she smoothed the sleek tank top down around her slim midriff. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

DJ nodded and then focused her attention on tying her shoes. Whatever. Why should she care if Taylor didn’t?

“You don’t, do you?” said Taylor.

“Don’t what?” DJ looked up now. “Wear a sports bra? Sure, I do. I may not be as big on top as you are, but just the same I don’t like the girls bouncing all over the place.”

Taylor laughed in a way that actually sounded slightly sincere. “That’s not what I meant.”

DJ frowned. “What did you mean?”

“I mean, you don’t like me, do you?”

DJ put her clothes and things into her basket now, shoved it back into the rack and closed the lock with a loud snap. “It’s hard to like someone who’s always attacking you,” said DJ as she stood and faced her.

“Attacking you?” Taylor looked truly offended now.

DJ scowled. “Like you don’t know what you do.”

“I’ve never attacked you, DJ.”

“No,” said DJ with sarcasm. “I suppose not…”

“I’ll admit that I’ve jerked your chain a little,” Taylor said as she slipped on her shoes and closed the Velcro straps. “But that’s just because you’re fun to mess with.”

“Well, maybe I don’t like being messed with.” DJ put her hands on her hips and glared at her. “Maybe I don’t like being humiliated in front of my friends.”

“For someone who doesn’t like being humiliated, you seem to bring a fair amount of it on yourself. For instance the little love scene between you and Casey out in the courtyard today. Like what was up with that anyway?”

Okay, DJ really wanted to let her have it. She wanted to say something sarcastic and mean back, something hurtful and rude, but instead she paused and considered her response. And for a change she decided simply to speak the truth.

“I’ll tell you what was up with that, Taylor. Casey and I have been friends since we were babies. Casey’s mom was my mom’s best friend. Casey is like family. And right now Casey is hurting. I don’t know what’s happened or why she’s so different now, but I do know I haven’t been very kind to her. I decided it was time to change that.”

Taylor blinked. “Oh.”

“If some people want to make that into something that it’s not, it just shows how ignorant they are. I guess I’d hope that you’re not one of them.”

Taylor actually smiled now. But DJ couldn’t tell if it was sincere or one of those I’m-gonna-get-you-when-you-least-expect-it smiles. Perhaps it made no difference. Maybe what mattered most was that DJ had stood up to her, and she’d done it without resorting to meanness.