Blackburn Lane

By Toni Carroll

Dee and Lexi escape a dangerous situation. Mary runs from an abusive and racist father. Becky turns her back on a privileged life she no longer wanted. Steve had no where to go. Lee needed to find somewhere outside of their tiny town. Six teenagers ready to face the world and find who they are. A fictionalized memoir following these men and women through twenty years of growth, heartache and joy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Toni Carroll
• Release date: Mar 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005607074

Toni Carroll

I grew up in Alaska and have lived in many places since then. I have raised a large family and love helping with grandchildren now. Nothing brings me greater joy than to be with them all.I write what I see others live through and what I have lived through.

Book preview

BLACKBURN LANE

Toni Carroll

Copyright 2021 Toni Carroll

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.

This book is dedicated to Pat, who gave me the courage to go for it.

And to the Carroll clan with all the in-laws and grandkids. Who would I be without them?

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Epilogue

Bonus Chapters

About the Author

Chapter 1

1979 MARCH

DEE

Is it English or math tonight? Lee shuffled his books on the table, Isn’t the math test tomorrow?

No, remember, Charter moved it to Friday. I said, checking my notes to make sure.

Oh yeah. Forgot to mark it down. Lee tossed his math book back into his pile.

Okay, then. English. What’s the assignment? Becky asked while she picked a cookie from the plate that Steve had just set down.

We met twice a week at Steve’s house for our study group. Mrs. Carpenter, his mom, always made sure there was some sort of treat.

MaryAnne brought out her notebook, Shakespeare. We’re to write a poem in iambic pentameter. We need at least 50 words or as a group then at least 30 words more per person. She set her pencil and pad gently on the table and folded her hands in front of her.

So. No limericks? Steve asked, picking up his pencil.

Sorry. Not this time. Reynolds thinks we need to know this to get on in life. Becky sarcastically sneered.

I can’t remember what we came up with, I can’t even remember what iambic pentameter is. But it was something about walking backwards with a hat on each hand. Not very sophisticated, total nonsense, but fun anyhow. I do know that by the time our two-hour study time ended, we were getting a bit silly.

Okay, quite a lot silly.

At 8:00 pm sharp, Mrs. Carpenter saw the headlights through the side window and gave a warning. We had a set pantomime to end our twice weekly meetings. When MaryAnne’s father drove up, we bent over our books and seriously ended the session in front of the dining room window so he could see the seriousness of the situation. This was because Mr. Rivera would never allow MaryAnne out at night unless it was for her studies. Heaven forbid she would actually have a good time.

She left with a polite thank-you to Mrs. Carpenter and a slight wave to the rest of us. Her warm, gentle smile was erased only to be replaced with a blank expression.

Lee waited until the Rivera’s left before he too got in his car and drove off home. It was best not to be seen by Mr. Rivera.

Mrs. Carpenter slipped me a bag of the left-over cookies while I woke my little sister up to drive the three blocks home.

Alex is nearly 14, but I never left her home alone if I could help it. The group adopted her as our mascot and the boys acted as big brothers. We never talked about why she was my shadow, but I’m sure they suspected. My mother’s boyfriend of several years, Freddy, was a bit overly friendly to her. He didn’t like me, I was too bossy, he says. Too assertive is what he meant. I fight back. Alex on the other hand is more quiet and socially awkward. Just his type.

As we neared the steps to our kitchen door, I could see Mom and Freddy in the kitchen smoking and drinking a beer. Good, it should be a quiet night. We exchanged a look and sighed in unison. A step through the door told me that I was wrong. The tension was heavy and sharp. They probably just had a fight. They were getting more common.

We mumbled hellos and tried to slip past them and into our room. I made Alex go first. I followed close behind, but my arm was caught as I passed Mom.

Hold on there, Missy. She glared at me, Take care of your mess. She pointed to the pile of dishes that had grown throughout the day.

I…I. How could I have left a mess, I haven’t been home since 7:10 this morning. Well, logic never worked on her before. I heard Alex click the lock on the bedroom door, so I only nodded. Yeah, yeah, I’ll take care of it. I flung my school bag onto the floor in the corner and turned to the sink. I was grabbed by the other arm and was swung around to face Freddy.

Don’t you talk back to your mother like that, you lazy slut. He sneered.

Uh, right. Sorry Mom. I’ll get started. I had learned to give in early. Otherwise, the fight could last all night.

That’s better. He flung my arm away and stomped off to the front room. Another bruise to join the rest. Mom shook her head and followed Freddy out. Lazy brat. I heard her mumble.

It only took me a short time to do up the dishes and empty the water bucket from under the sink. The kitchen pipes leaked, and no one was going to fix them.

Freddy was a handyman for an apartment complex. Yeah, he repaired other people’s homes, but not ours. When he did inside repairs, he had an interesting knack in ‘finding’ and ‘liberating’ certain prescriptions from the places he worked in.

I tried to report it, but the police said that since I was an adult living in the same house, I could be arrested for abetting.

A glance into the living room showed Mom and Freddy sorting out some pills, so I knew they should be out of the way soon.

I knocked on our door and whispered her name before Alex opened it up. I slipped in and locked it tight behind me. She had already gotten the box from the closet. Inside were the makings of our dinner. There was a loaf of bread and jars of peanut butter and jam. I noticed that the bananas were too ripe to eat, so the cookies will be our breakfast in the morning. Mrs. Carpenter usually gave us some snacks, but snacks meant meals to us. My pride wouldn’t let me say how hungry we were.

On study nights, eating in the kitchen was too risky. Last year, I had five stitches in my arm when Freddy thought I slighted him by not cooking his meal too. The broken beer bottle cut a slice just below my elbow that looked like the coast of California. LA still itches sometimes.

DEE

Thursday night we met again, this time to go over the notes for math.

Hey, I need to say something. Becky said, uncertain of where she should start. When we all quieted, she spoke again. By now, you know I got into Harvard. She paused, I don’t want to go. She said simply. It’s not what I want, it’s what my folks want. The silence turned serious.

Becks? Tell them what you mean. Steve spoke up, What you want. He looked over at his mother, who normally hovered nearby. With a nod, she walked away, giving us privacy.

I want to get a real life. You know, more than studies and status. That’s what I want. Not only that, I don’t want to leave you guys. Becky was embarrassed. The Walker’s only dream in life is that their daughter would be one of them, head of a big company, earning big money, own a big house, drive fancy cars. In other words, a Yuppy before the term was coined. Becky had the talent, that’s for sure. But that wasn’t what she had in mind for her life.

She was pretty, just not in the cheerleading sense. Her mousy blond hair was thin and she had to work at getting it fashionably curled. She was average in height, but about twenty pounds heavier than what was considered fashionable. For some reason, she never wanted to be in the popular groups and she was happy about that. We loved her.

I should have said, what will you do? Steve asked seriously. He ran his fingers through his bright red hair, a habit he had when he had deep thoughts or concerns.

Becky shook her head, I don’t know. I just don’t know.

I sat silently, I had my own ideas, but not sure what or how it could happen. Then Alex spoke up from doing her homework on the sofa, I know what I want. I want out of here. I want to go where I’m not afraid. I don’t want to be left behind when you guys all leave. She wiped a tear from her cheek.

MaryAnne held out her hand and drew Alex closer into the circle of friends around the table, We all want out. MaryAnne sighed then continued, I don’t care where or how. I don’t want to spend one more day in my father’s house than I have to.

Steve again asked, What about you, MaryAnne, where’re you supposed to go?

Father said something about going somewhere. He’s taking care of it. She looked a bit afraid, something usual. She also looked stubborn, something unusual.

But University? Job? What? I asked. Will he let you learn how to drive or anything?

No. He said I didn’t need to. I don’t know his plans and he said I didn’t need to know. She looked to Lee, Please. I need out! A dry sob escaped.

Hey, Babe. You say what you want, I’ll be there. Harley, or Lee as he likes to be called, rubbed his hand over his very short black curls (A habit he had picked up from Steve), You say when, and I’ll be packed.

You mean that?

Just say the word. He leaned over and kissed her gently. MaryAnne and Lee had been together for over a year now.

The sad thing is, MaryAnne’s father is very traditional, very controlling, and very racist. If he saw his daughter kissing a black man, he would kill her, after he killed him. We all worked hard to protect them.

Steve, why are you asking? I asked.

He sighed. Because, like she said, Becky doesn’t want to go. He started.

I got into a delayed entry program, I have one year before I start so I need to decide what to do for the next year. Becky continued, I’ll need to decide soon, or my folks will decide for me. I’ve had enough of that. They hinted at an East Coast prep school.

Steve shook his head. He and Becky had been together since eighth grade. You rarely saw one without the other. I’ve been thinking. Dee, you and Alex just want to get out, correct?

I nodded, unsure where he was going with this. Yeah. So?

So, I remember you said your grandmother has a college fund for you. I nodded again, I’ve saved up everything I can and have a decent balance at the bank. Mom’s been adding to it when she can. Well, she just told me she wants to sell up after graduation and move back to her family in Georgia. She knows there’s no way I would go with her. He looked at Becky intently, I have a proposition…

DEE

He did have a great idea. We all agreed. We would do it together, planned and packed and ready to go. Right after graduation, we’d be off. The important thing would be to get Alex, myself and MaryAnne out. Lee’s grandparents would have no problems. They want him to find a school anywhere other than this little county.

My Grandma Foster has some of money in a trust for me from when my dad died. My mom can’t touch it. Neither can I until I get into some type of college. I just couldn’t figure out how to do it. I had Alex to protect. I mean, I’m only nineteen. How can I take a thirteen-year-old over state lines? That would be kidnapping, right?

Thank goodness we still have a few months to figure it out.

Two weeks later, before everyone else showed up for our Tuesday night session, Steve spoke to me, Hey, Dee, I did some asking. I think I know what you can do. Sorry.

First, you’re forgiven. Second, do about what? And Third, asking whom? I was feeling snarky and happy because I had just gotten an A on a science paper, and I suck at science.

Remember that Mr. Brown studied to be a lawyer? Well, I asked him hypothetically what you could do.

Okay. How can I? I looked over at Alex. She had stayed home today with a sore throat. She told me that Freddy came home at noon and tried to open her door. She was so scared that she peed in an empty peanut butter jar rather than use the bathroom.

Easy. Well, not really easy, but doable. Possibly. He said there might be a way. He was pleased with himself. He alone of the whole study group knew the full story. We’ve known each other since first day of second grade. There could never be anything between us, He was my brother in all ways but blood. He was the one who stopped Freddy from raping me a few years before. He was the one who installed the extra-thick door and the locks. Unfortunately, the fear Steve installed into Freddy didn’t seem to cover Alex.

I gave no names, but he knew I was talking about you. Mr. Brown wants you to come talk with him as soon as possible. He was afraid I would be angry. I couldn’t be. He was trying to find a way to help us.

Did he say when? I asked, feeling hopeful. Becky and Lee walked in. MaryAnne will be here soon.

He said fourth period, in the staff room. He accepted the kiss Becky planted.

Fourth period was study hall. I can do it.

MaryAnne and her father drove up and the mood of the room moved back to books.

Wednesday, right after lunch, I knocked on the staff room door. At a muffled ‘enter’, I went in to see Mr. Brown and Mrs. Maran, obviously waiting for me. I wasn’t expecting to see the middle school counselor along with my high school civics teacher behind a table. Uh, Hi? I wasn’t very eloquent. Steve said you’d like to talk to me. I inched further in, afraid I would be in trouble.

Come in, Miss Foster. Have a seat. He gestured to a chair facing them.

I sat, probably with a terrified look on my face, because Mrs. Maran laughed, Don’t worry Dee. You’re not in trouble.

She leaned closer, I’ve been filled in on your situation. But first I need to tell you what Alex told me at the beginning of the year.

What’s she been saying? I asked warily.

She talked about what you were doing for her. She looked as if ashamed, My hands were tied. Until something actually happened, I couldn’t call in anyone.

You knew? I didn’t know if I should be angry or relieved. Why didn’t you say something to me?

I’m sorry. It was in confidence. She asked me not to burden you. Then this morning, I talked her into it while she was in the nurses office, I asked if I could talk to you now.

I nodded. Wait! Nurses office? Is she okay? I wanted to jump up and find her.

She’ll be fine. She has a little fever, but the nurse thinks it’s just a virus. I explained that resting at home wasn’t safe, so she’ll be in the office for the day.

I sat back in relief. I looked at Mr. Brown and remembered the main issue. Steve thinks you might know how to help us.

He nodded. Now, remember that I’m only a schoolteacher. I don’t practice law. That means that you can’t take what I say as legal advice. Understood? I nodded. There’s a document you could have your mother sign. It says that you can take Alex with you. It’s called a Temporary Guardianship. It can be revoked at any time, but hopefully, you can be long gone. This form needs to be notarized, like at a bank. Do you think you could do this? He was concerned, really concerned.

I’ll make it work. Where can I get this form? I asked, ready to go forward.

I have a copy here. He went over a few more things about it until the bell rang and he scooted his chair back, Well, ladies, I have class in a few minutes, please excuse me. And Dee, go see your sister first if you want. He stood and lifted a stack of papers.

You think about things and let me know what you need. I’ll do everything I can to help. Mrs. Moran patted my shoulder and walked out.

I snatched up the form. It was quite simple. I needed to put in all our names, make mom sign a section that says I have guardianship of the minor, Alexandra Martin for an indefinite period of time. I rushed to the nurses office, aware that I would be late for civics class. I think Mr. Brown would understand.

The nurse pointed me to the small curtained-off bed that sick kids spent time in. If the nurse had you sit in the chair, you knew you would be sent back to class. If she let you lay down on the bed, you would be going home. Alex looked sick. She was curled up asleep. When I got close, she opened her eyes.

Hi. Decided the aspirin I gave you this morning wasn’t good enough? I joked.

Nah, I just want to skip school. She laughed in a whisper but ended up coughing. The nurse came back in and shoved a thermometer in her mouth.

Her fever has gone up again. Normally, I’d call your mom, but I’ve been told it wouldn’t be a good idea.

How bad do you think this is? If I had to get her to a doctor, I wouldn’t know what to do, but I’d try.

At first, I thought it was a virus. But now I’m seeing spots on her tonsils. She might have strep. We’ve had quite a few cases this week. She saw my worry, There’s a new free clinic in Spring Ridge. Right on Main street. That was only a few miles away. It’s the town where Becky and MaryAnne live.

Strep? I guess, I’d better get her to the doctor, huh? I tried to think how I could do it.

Well, the doctor can’t see a minor without a parent or guardian. The nurse had to turn away to deal with a middle school kid with a bloody nose. Our county school was a twin school. Middle school and high school buildings with the admin offices, cafeteria and gyms joining them. School nurse was shared by both.

Guardian. Hmmm. My thoughts raced to the form that now resided in my bag. Maybe I can turn this into something good.

Alex, just rest, I’ll get things worked out. I peeked around the curtain Ma’am, may I use your phone?

Of course, just dial nine. She said without looking at me.

It was early afternoon. Mom’s liquid breakfast would have worn off by now and she didn’t have her afternoon pick-me-up until around 4. Timing is right. The phone rang several times before she finally answered.

Mom? Dee here. Yes, I had to identify myself anytime I called. Alex is sick, the nurse thinks it might be strep. I want to get her to see the doctor to make sure. I counted to five to give her time to let the information settle in. I can take her to the free clinic, but they need you there since she’s a minor.

Just as I expected, I was interrupted. What? I don’t have time to go galivanting all over creation.

"Mom, she really needs to be seen. But I have an idea. If you sign this form and