Childhood Fiends

By Dennis Coleman

Its The Big Chill meets Lord of The Flies as a group of childhood friends reunite after twenty years at a luxurious mansion in Pacific Palisades, California. Quickly they regress to their childhood selves and resume all those childhood fights and squabbles. Charles brings along his wife, Barbara, but wonders how hell feel about his old flame, Tammi and his former rival, Rex. He finds that his feelings for Tammi are just as strong as ever, shaking the foundations of his marriage. And he and Rex come to blows as they both try to assume the leadership of the group.

Adding to the confusion are Tammis devious twin sister Toni; shy and complex John; Fat Patty, who used to be the brunt of everyones jokes; and sad-eyed Eve, their hostess with a deep, dark secret. Eves husband Edouard and his children Freddie and Maria start as bystanders, but soon are sucked into the madness.

As tensions mount, each member of the group chooses sides, changes sides, chooses new sides. It seems funny at first, but becomes deadly serious as their battles become violent. At the same time, they all begin to question all the decisions theyve made as adults, wondering how theyve messed up their lives so badly. Rage fuels their fights and by the end, one of them ends up dead. Who lives, who dies and the choices theyve made that make up their lives thats the story of Childhood Fiends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 4, 2004
• ISBN: 9781465331687

Dennis Coleman

Dennis Coleman is a writer and director for the hit television series ‘Entertainment Tonight’. He has written several screenplays that have won awards, including “Destroyer of Worlds”, “Flowers of Evil” and “My Real Story”. He lives in Glendale, California with his wife and two cats. This is his first novel.

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Copyright © 2004 by Dennis Coleman.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

This is dedicated

to my wife, Donna.

Without her

I wouldn’t have written word one.

And this is dedicated

to my childhood friends,

none of whom are depicted

in this work of fiction.

TUESDAY

1

DOCTOR, DOCTOR, WE need help!

Chuck gripped Tammi’s hand tightly, knowing this was his big chance. He smiled at her as they began the game. At thirteen, he knew his feelings for her were those of a grown-up.

The others started moving, pushing themselves under and over arms and legs, through openings, twisting themselves into one chaotic mass. Chuck looked over and could see Tammi laughing uncontrollably. He liked to see her laugh. A white flash blinded them.

Charles stared at the faded photograph, his thumbnail drawing an oval around Tammi’s laughing face. He could still smell that autumn day, feel Tammi’s hand clenched in his sweaty palm. She’d felt like satin. (He didn’t know that at the time, had never felt satin, but he remembered it as satin.) His thumb traced a pattern along the other faces in the photo, ending on his own. The eyes are the same, he thought: desperate, wild. Rex used to call him wolf-eyes, Chuck the wolf-boy. It was an insult but he took comfort in it; he was wild as a wolf.

At least once a week he’d take the photo from its hidden place beneath his desk blotter and pore over it. But today was special.

He put the photo down, picked up the invitation. The Gothic-script You leapt out at him. He held the invitation to his nose—was that perfume? Then he read it again.

You are cordially invited to spend New Year’s Eve with New Year’s Eve and her childhood friends on the event of her 30th birthday.

He took the photo up once more, sought out the sad-eyed dark-haired girl.

Whatcha looking at, Charles? Darwin loomed in the doorway. He wasn’t really named Darwin, but they all called him that. His Evolution Square One game was the biggest thing to hit the market. Anywhere else, his large/greasy form would cause revulsion; here he was a god. Charles thought for a moment about how much he should reveal to Darwin.

A memory.

Good one?

Yes. Good.

He looked at Tammi’s face again.

Big guy wants ya in the conference lounge. About marketing. Your game. A smile, not a usual thing from Darwin. Conspiratorial. Charles was one of the boys, one of the team suddenly. He grinned back, wolf-eyes gleaming.

2

Tammi laughed loudly as her Mom snapped the photo. She knew Chuck was staring at her, but she turned to Toni, as always. Her own blue eyes reflected back at her; Tammi & Toni; Toni & Tammi. Never apart. Toni had contorted herself around Eve to be right next to Rex. Tammi took that as a challenge, moved herself under Chuck’s arm to spring up on Rex’s other side. Rex pushed and pulled his body, forcing them even closer to him. Another white flash as Mom snapped again.

Tammi held the invitation over her head like an Olympic torch. She nearly slipped as she skidded around the pool to where Toni sprawled. Steam rose from the heated indoor pool. Tammi thought she could smell mildew. Then the acrid stench of nail polish hit her full force. Her sister stretched herself forward, showing off her flat stomach, carefully painting her toenails bright red. Outside, snowflakes fluttered to the ground.

Toni affected disinterest, but Tammi’s excitement was infectious.

It’s Eve!

Eve? Not Eve? Didn’t she get married?

Married-plus. He’s rich and he’s in Pacific Palisades, outside of El-Lay. And we’re going!

Going?

We’re invited! It’s her birthday, the big one, the triple decade!

She’s so old, Toni snickered. She pulled her long hair back in a tight schoolmarmish bun. Tammi laughed, held out the invitation for her.

Toni took it, splashing red polish all over. Tammi could tell she wasn’t quite sure.

Who will be there?

Chuck.

Tammi could barely get the name out in a hiccup of excitement.

Oh, Chuck. He’s some businessman now.

And Rex.

Ooooh, Rex. What is Rex doing?

They both spoke at the same time, laughing.

Whatever Rex wants!

3

Rex forced Toni and Tammi closer and closer to him, then zipped his eyes over to Chuck to see if he was getting maximum effect. Chuck’s face clouded over in anger. Chuck tried to pull Tammi back to him, but the twists and turns of the whole group’s limbs made that impossible. Rex knew he’d won, again, even before the game of Doctor, doctor was over. Anything to piss off Chuck.

The invitation lay in a pond of stickiness next to the empty Tidepool glasses. Rex sipped his fourth one, stared out towards the ocean, then back at the laptop on the bar near him. He tapped a few figures into some columns, numbers that were essentially meaningless to him, but they seemed to have some meaning to his employers. He’d love to toss the damn thing in the surf and tell big Boss Harry Hog to take his numbers and insert them in his earhole. But the humidity, the difficulty of the physical effort and the lack of money in his back account combined to restrain him.

Harry’s weasely assistant Boyd skittered his way around the bamboo tables to Rex’s spot at the bar.

Almost done?

Almost. Done.

Great place to spend the winter, eh?

Great. Place.

You stick with Harry and he’ll take you places like this alla time.

Rex imagined Harry impaled by a beach umbrella, a big-bellied sand-vampire thrashing in the sunlight, evaporating to dust; Boyd, his little Renfield, digging fruitlessly in the surf to save him.

Much as I know of you, Rex, you ain’t got a better place to go.

Rex glanced over at the invitation.

Things. Change.

And whadafuck you mean by that?

Rex shrugged and sipped his Tidepool.

4

Doctor, doctor, we need help!

John uncovered his eyes, turned and watched them, ripped and torn out of order, tumbling in their unguided, misguided anarchy. He’d put them back, make them whole; he always did. As John watched them play the game, he felt above it, beyond it. He didn’t care about them; well, only one. Eve. She never seemed part of the game, either. He sought her eyes, the dark ones that always seemed sad. There she was, caught next to Toni and Fat Patty. He’d save her; he’d release her.

CRACK! Cervical vertebrae four through six. CRACK! Thoracic vertebrae one through three. CRACK! John moved up Mrs. Hedison’s spine, first softly then with an imperious thrust as he adjusted her.

How many pillows do you sleep with?

Three.

One, only. Listen to me: one.

CRACK!

You use a cell phone?

Always.

Get a headset. Never hold it with your chin or neck.

But…

Listen to me. I know. It’s part of your problem. I can solve your problem.

Can you really?

Chiropractic has proven that if your spine is in alignment, all your illnesses will vanish. I have the answers. And you can have them, too, if you follow my instructions.

Mrs. Hedison gazed around the office at the charts showing skeletons and spines; in the corner several Bibles sat on dust-free shelves. She could feel order. She could feel guidance.

All right.

Fine. Come back in one week.

He left her to dress, went to the front of the small but tidy office. Christmas cards hung in neat criss-cross patterns near the door. Then a clunk: the mail slot opening and closing. He looked at the red envelope with his name carefully scrawled on the outside; it lay on the floor on top of a pile. He moved quickly to scoop up the mess and organize it. But that envelope, that writing—he recognized it.

Eve. He’d written her years ago when he went away to school; and she’d actually written back. He took that as a sign and soon declared his love in a heartfelt missive. But her letter back was hesitant, cold, saying she didn’t know what love was. Maybe she did now. He ripped the envelope open. Jagged pieces fluttered to the clean carpet.

5

Fat Patty tried to hold his balance as he watched John walk towards the group; all of them were giggling by this point—how could you not? Distorted and bent into crazy shapes, some of them nearly upside down. Patty liked this game: it got him as close to the others as he ever could be. He wanted John to be part of it; but John was always the doctor. Then John’s eyes met his and Patty lost his balance, letting go of Eve’s hand, falling to the ground. He spoiled it, Fat Patty spoiled it! Fat Patty, Fat Patty, Fat Patty; the chant built in intensity. He stayed on the ground, wishing he could just sink into it forever. John stood over him, shaking his head sternly. That was the breaking point: Patty could feel the pee trickle down his leg. Tammi and Toni saw what was happening—oh gross—and ran off. Eve helped him up, only Eve.

The weights moved up and down in rhythm, making a harmonious clunk-clunk. Sweat built on Pat’s brow. His gym bag sat at his feet, the invitation sticking out. Kenny swooped down on it immediately.

What’s this, you didn’t tell me about this?

Just got it.

Without asking, Kenny read the whole thing.

You’re gonna go, aren’t you? You’ve gotta go. See what they look like, who’s fat…

Hey, watch that!

You know what I mean, you have to go. Don’t you?

Dunno.

Scared?

Yes.

A lot?

A lot.

But you-know-who will be there.

That’s why I’m scared.

The weights fell with a smash.

6

Eve knew it was her fault. The whole game ruined. If she hadn’t been watching Tammi and Chuck, she wouldn’t have let go. Now Tammi and Toni were taking Chuck and Rex to their yard to play. This was the first time she’d gotten everyone into her yard. She’d spent hours cleaning it up—Dad never did. And now they were gone. Only Fat Patty and John were left. The misfits. John was looking at her funny again.

Eve sat on her bed, waiting. She stroked the satin pillowcase. Somewhere out there they were thinking of her. She’d sent out lifelines to the past. Some would happily grab hold and pull their way back; others would fight. To them the past was dead. But to her, it was the only life that was real. She’d never felt as alive, never felt as sure of the purpose of the world as when she was a child. Things were different then. Now things were the same.

She turned out the light and sat in the darkness.

WEDNESDAY

1

CHUCK CLIMBED THE tree like a monkey, swinging up past dead branches. In the darkness it was impossible to see what was a strong foothold, what was a slight twig. But Chuck knew. He found his spot, cradled in an intersection of three limbs. Light splashed on his face. He smiled and watched. Tammi was in her room, the curtains open as always. The tree was at the perfect height to see everything. Chuck didn’t feel it was wrong; he was just protecting her, watching over her.

Tammi stood in her frilly, very prim nightgown, looking at herself in the mirror, then she started brushing her hair. You brush so pretty, thought Chuck. Tammi stopped, gazed into the mirror distantly, a hint of sadness. Why? thought Chuck. You are perfect, you are wonderful, how could you ever be sad? Chuck swore to himself he’d make sure she’d never have that sad look again.

It was a howl. Charles… She made it three syllables. We’re meeting Anita and Mom in the mountains! Once he thought Barbara’s loudness was cute; she had real personality. Now it was a howl.

We’ve been to the mountains with Anita and Mom and all the kids. This is special. It would be very special for me. She didn’t immediately contradict him. To her credit. She did care.

But I don’t know these people. Bright unnaturally-red hair fanning her face, she stood in her jeans and t-shirt, still dressing like the rock-band-following nymphette he’d first met. He liked that she dressed that way. The guys at work said she was hot.

I’m not sure I do. Been a long time. I’d like to see them again.

It’s not very considerate, inviting us at the last minute. I mean, it’s only five days away! It’s New Year’s Eve!

Yes it is, he thought. New Year’s Eve they called her. First it was New York Eve, because she always said she’d go there and be a model or a designer or something. Her nickname was N.Y. Eve. And somehow it became New Year’s Eve since that was her birthday. She’d been so shy and reserved that it was sort of a joke to call her that. But she took to the name; it made her unique and rare.

You’ll like them.

What about Gwen’s recital? We promised we’d be here for that. The whine was like a drill pressed to his temples.

We’ve been to Gwen’s recitals every month. She’ll understand. We make her self-conscious, anyway.

What will I wear? I can’t go.

Honey, it’ll be good for business. Eve’s husband is some rich entrepreneur. I could talk to him about my own game company.

She snorted. He used to like that, too.

Charles, you’ve designed one game. One. You can’t build a company on that.

But I can market them, you know I’m killer at that. This could be a break for me. Please.

She let all her breath out. He knew he had her. Then her eyes got that ‘fuck-you’ gleam.

Which one is she?

He felt like she’d kneed him in the balls.

What?

The picture you keep at work under your blotter. She watched his reaction. You think you can keep secrets from me?

So I’ve got an old photo from when I was a kid. I need to keep my mind young to work on these games. That’s my window back to my kidness.

Why were you guys all twisted up like that? Some kinky thing?

A game. You played ‘Doctor, Doctor’, didn’t you?

She shook her head. She might be lying.

You hold hands and get all mixed up, then whoever’s the doctor has to figure out how to sort you out.

That was fun?

It was just one of those kid games. You know. Did she know?

Those girls were very cute. Which one was it? I remember you mentioned that one of them was your first crush.

I said that?

Second date. We were drunk in Reno, talking about first love.

Yours was the drummer in your brother’s band. He nailed you, too.

You remember mine, I remember yours.

That was a long time ago.

And you want to see if she’s fat and ugly now.

She smiled; so did he.

Maybe.

Absolutely.

OK, absolutely. And I want to show off. I’ve got a great job, a hot wife and a wonderful kid. Let’s see ‘em beat that.

OK, let’s.

He thought about Tammi brushing her hair; his body tingled at the memory.

2

The house was dark. Old Mrs. Buxley was supposedly gone for the summer. Rex reached through the hole in the glass and unlocked the door. He turned to the rest of them. Ready? he smiled. They were all scared. Mrs. Buxley might still be home. Or her son might be watching the place; he had a gun and he hated kids. Rex stepped inside the doorway, holding the door open. Come on. But they wouldn’t. Chuck, fearless Chuck, didn’t move. You think we should?

Rex grinned again, grabbed Tammi and Toni, pulled them forward into the house. They squealed and tried to get away. Smatter? Scared? Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. He led them into the empty house. He led, not Chuck. He was braver than Chuck or any of the others, even John who never acted like anything bothered him. He, Rex, proved he was the best.

The laptop sizzled and gurgled a bit as it went under; then a wave picked it up and smashed it into the sand. Rex toasted it with a Tidepool. It was nine in the morning but what the hell, he was leaving and he liked Tidepools. This was usually the way it ended: he took the job as long as he could, then he couldn’t any more.

Following Harry Hog here seemed glamorous, working a racket by computer from a Caribbean island. But Harry Hog deserved some sort of untimely death, the way he treated people, the way he treated Rex. Doesn’t he know who I am? Yeah, he does, that’s why he does it. He drained his glass.

Another?

The waiter was probably used to American tourists drinking this early.

An. Other.

Right. The waiter left.

An other. Somehow he never became the one, he was always the other. Never fit. How did that happen? He thought he’d been the cool one as a kid, even in college. Where did this other-ness come from?

Whadafuck you doin’?

Boyd. Shit. Rex had wanted to get away without seeing him—avoid all confrontation. Arguments made his stomach hurt.

It kept screwing up. I got frustrated. Don’t worry, I got it all on disc. And I’ve ordered another laptop free of charge from the manufacturer. Lies all. But convincing ones.

At’s all right then. I hate those goddam things myself. I never like using ‘em. Good thing you do. That’s why Harry likes you so much. You know he likes you.

I am filled with joy.

Boyd nodded.

Weird fuck, you are. But OK. Harry will be down around noon; you go over stuff with him then.

Rex nodded. Over. Stuff.

Boyd skittered away. Rex put a naked foot on the already-hot sand, letting the pain energize him. Just one foot in front of the other. He put the other foot out. Gotta get back to when I wasn’t an other, he thought.

3

Tammi slid on the ice, making a graceful pirouette. Toni followed, not quite as elegant. Then the boys: they had to make it a competition. Rex barreled down at top speed, trying to go the furthest. So Chuck rushed forward and turned around, doing it backwards. They’d thrown buckets of water on the ground in front of their house, making their own rink on the sidewalk. No skates: just shoes. Let’s do it together—Toni took Rex by the arm and slid with him. Chuck looked at them, shocked. Then he haltingly moved to take Tammi’s arm, but she slipped away laughing and did another solo run. Eve sat on the ground, watching them. Poor Eve—she was afraid to do things, afraid to fall. Tammi shoe-skated over to her and helped her up. Here, I’ll show you. They moved as one, holding tightly. Eve looked up so gratefully. Tammi smiled down at her and thought: Toni never looks at me like that. Why is that?

I’m taking this dress of yours. Toni held up the Vera Wang knock-off that Tammi had worn to George’s office Christmas party. But I looked great in it, thought Tammi.

You don’t need to look fab, you know. You’ve got your guy, Toni smirked.

What about that doctor, what was his name?

I’m between men at the moment.

When did that happen?

When I said so.

Tammi knew better than to pursue it.

Wonder how Eve looks now.

The same but older—sad and scared.

Toni!

Just being truthful.

Think the guys have changed?

Yeah, they all look like Fat Patty now!

They both laughed suddenly, hysterically, as if someone had pressed a laugh button.

Not Rex, Toni finally gasped, he was always into his muscles.

Not as much as Chuck was into his hair. And when he got a zit, ohmygod!

They both laughed again, clutching at each other. Tammi looked at her sister, her mirror image. Sometimes they seemed so in tune; other times there was no one she despised more.

I wonder if it’ll be the same?

THURSDAY

1

SO SHE’S SMOKING hot?

Len smashed the ball into the wall. Charles moved to intercept it.

She was.

What about this Eve? Was she worth one?

Not exactly. She was cute, but the twins—they were… incredible.

What if they’re not any more?

I’m curious, that’s all.

Their racquet-ball conversations were always about sex and women. Usually the women at work. This reunion had opened up all sorts of fantasies for Len. Bearded and round, he was agile as an elk on the court. The sex talk spurred him on.

And Barbara’s going? That could be trouble.

No trouble. Nothing’s going to happen. We’ll have a few meals, a few laughs, then we’ll come home.

What if she offers?

Who?

You know who, this Tammi—or maybe even Toni. What if they want you? Do you sneak upstairs and have a quickie or what?

Don’t be silly.

Hey,—SMASH—this ain’t silly. It’s serious. I’d go for it. Big time. Wouldn’t you?

He thought of Tammi in her room. Brushing her long hair.

Never. Can’t ruin my marriage over this.

SMACK

You’re an idiot, you know that?

An idiot who’s moving from marketing to development.

Len stopped and bowed low to the floor.

Yes, your majesty. If your game hits.

The boss thinks so. And Darwin loves it.

Then I’ll be so alone in marketing with that new blonde, what’s her name?

Alisha. And she’s engaged.

SMACK

Don’t mean shit.

Chuck whacked the badminton bird into the stratosphere. Rex crouched like a cat on the other side of the net. At fifteen, killer badminton had become Chuck’s game. Elimination matches. And usually it ended with Chuck versus Rex. Chuck, sweating in the summer air, moved closer to the net. Rex leaped backward as the shuttlecock plummeted, back, back, he wasn’t going to get it—and then he did, saving it at the last minute. The girls cheered and clapped their hands. Chuck angrily hit the cock as it came at him. Rex, off-balance from the last maneuver, missed it entirely. Chuck held up his racket in triumph. But the girls ran to Rex, congratulating him on the last-ditch play. Chuck fumed.

Why can’t I go? Her truly red hair hid her pouting face.

You never want to go anywhere with us. We’re not cool.

Cool is not a word I use.

Whatever. We’re old and dull.

You said it. But it’s Pacific Palisades.

Chuck looked at his daughter, a sparkle in his eye.

Hey, we’re in Mill Valley. It doesn’t get better than this.

She snorted. Just like her Mom.

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks live there, she pleaded.

George Lucas lives here.

Not here. Up north. And the houses are bigger down there. Mansions.

Barbara came in and settled things, as usual.

Gwen, you’ve got your recital. You’ll stay with Anita in Oakland, then go to the mountains with Granma.

Oakland is hell-on-earth. And Anita’s a militant pig.

A little discipline might help you.

Dad, don’t let her do this! Charles shrugged. This wasn’t his call. Barbara was tough on Gwen, maybe making up for all the freedom she herself had as a child. He headed for the door.

It was cold and wet outside, but the yard was green and vibrant. Charles walked around to the front of the house, stopped near the oak tree. The new trim looked good. And the second story they put on last year made it tower over their neighbor’s homes. That makes it the best house on the block, he thought. A middle class block, but his house was definitely upper-middle-class. He’d always wanted that as a kid. When he found out about the ‘middle class’, he complained to his Dad: Why aren’t we upper middle class? His Dad rolled his eyes: We’re doing fine. But we could do better than the others. If you made more money. That always pissed Dad off. You have food on the table and clothes on your back—so be happy. And Dad would stalk off to hit golf-balls in the back yard.

Dad had been an accountant, so Charles knew that wasn’t for him. He wanted to be creative. And he wanted to be upper middle class. Now he had both his wishes.

Barbara appeared in the front screen door, a shadow.

I booked us on Southwest from Oakland to Burbank. It’s cheaper. He never understood why she was so cautious with his money. They had enough.

Is Burbank closer to Pacific Palisades?

I think so. Anyway, we’ll save money this way.

Make sure you rent a full-size car.

There’s only two of us; economy is fine.

Usually he didn’t care. But this time he did. A lot.

Barbara, I want a full-size. It’s my money. Rent it.

She hated when he did the ‘my money’ thing. So he only did it when he knew it would really get to her.

Fine. Slamming the door behind her.

He looked up at the green birdhouse he’d built and put in the oak tree. Birds never seemed to want to go there, but it sure looked good.

2

The doctor will be out of town for personal reasons over the New Year’s weekend. In case of emergency, please call Dr. Roberto at 424-9733. Have a blessed holiday.

John clicked off the answering machine, an old one, but very reliable. He was torn. He felt bad about abandoning his patients; they might need his touch, his ability to straighten them. But he felt excited about the trip; it was risky; it was different.

He thought of sad-eyed Eve. He could fix her, align her properly; and she’d be happy and healthy. But would she let him? He’d heard rumors of her wild times in New York, then that marriage. An older man; not right at all. She should have stayed with someone closer to her own age.

This trip could change everything. His patients could stop telling him he needed to find a good woman; no more awkward dates with Mrs. Lopez’ plump niece or that girl at the dry cleaners with bleached hair.

Eve had tracked him down; that meant something. He’d trust in God and things would work out. He knew that everything happened for a reason.

John sat next to Eve around the campfire. It wasn’t really a campfire, but Rex and Chuck had decided to have a tent in Chuck’s yard. So they built a fire. They’d all brought sleeping bags. John had made sure to put his near Eve. He wanted to watch her sleep, hear her breathe. Tentatively he brushed his knee near hers. She got up quickly and put her marshmallow-on-a-stick into the fire. It burned fast, turning brown, then black. Chuck teased her about making things too hot and she laughed hard, too hard. For some reason she wanted to impress Chuck. Eve blew on the marshmallow, then bit into it. The creamy white filling dripped on her chin, on her blouse. John watched, fascinated. But he didn’t move from his spot. If he waited, she’d come to him. She laughed at the mess she’d made, then ran over to where Toni and Tammi were catching fireflies. Doesn’t matter, he thought. I can wait; long as it takes. Mother always said patience brings all things.

FRIDAY

1

CHARLES GRIMACED AT the Oakland airport: small and squat and dirty. Something gooey sat in the drinking fountain. He was a manager of marketing at one of the major video game companies in the country. Didn’t he deserve better? Barbara moved on ahead of him, dragging her wheeled luggage. Charles refused to get the kind with wheels; he thought others should be carrying it for him. But Barbara never wanted to use the porters, claimed they’d save the tip money and spend it on something fun. He wondered what that fun thing was.

He watched a family that obviously had less money: four children, a harried wife, a paunchy father—what were they? Latin of some kind. They carried plastic shopping bags as their carry-on luggage. The sight made him feel a pang of panic; could he ever end up like that? Satisfied with little, just breeding and breeding—no goals, no hope for the future. The other father’s bowling shirt was tattered and stained. What was an exciting time for them? A night out for pizza and Coke at a fast food joint? He shuddered. He should never have let Barbara talk him into Oakland. San Francisco International was further away, but much better.

Barbara blazed the trail to the ticket counter. He watched her ass sway as she forced her way through the crowd. He’d always admired that ass. It was the first thing he’d noticed about her. Still good to hold onto. His life wasn’t bad, he thought. Barbara could get on his nerves, but she was better than most. Gwen had turned out well: smart, funny, pretty. Their house was upper middle class. And he’d managed to hold onto his job through turbulent economic times at the company. Almost everyone in his line of vision would have killed to get what he had. But he wanted more. Why not start his own business? He knew marketing and production. It was just a matter of time.

Barbara turned, waving the tickets as if she’d achieved something amazing. Then she pointed to the line they’d have to stand in to wait for seats. Charles frowned. Some day he’d fly first class. Hell, he might even have a company jet.

Chuck ate his pizza and smiled at Tammi. It wasn’t really a date. He was fifteen, she was thirteen. They sat at the plastic table in the mall, sipping their cokes. He’d paid for hers—that must mean something. But they hadn’t come alone. The rest of the group was off hitting the video game arcade. When Tammi said she was tired and hungry, Chuck volunteered to stay with her. Rex hadn’t liked that, but both Toni and Eve took his arms and dragged him away. Chuck gulped; he had to say something; but nothing came to mind. His body, his mind, felt soft, tentative. When he’d been really little, there’d been no softness. He was pure being. He’d just stamp his feet and scream and get what he wanted. Simple. It wasn’t that simple now.

She spoke: What do you want to do, Chuck? He flushed red; it was obvious what he wanted to do: kiss those cheese-stained lips. Huh? was all he could manage. With your life. What do you want to do? At your age, you must know. He had no idea. I want to change the world, cause it sucks, you know? She nodded admiringly. He went on: I’m going to be someone important and do something that makes people realize they have to treat one another better. She smiled. Bingo. He was pleased with himself. Aren’t you finished yet?—Rex burst in on them. Come on, Tammi, your sister and Eve have teamed up against me. I need you on my side. He pulled her towards the arcade, but she threw one last smile in Chuck’s direction. He smiled back, then wondered what he was supposed to do next. He took another bite of pizza.

2

Tammi looked at the ground receding below them, then took out a mirror and checked herself. She liked her new curly look; it made her different from Toni and her sister’s signature long, flowing hair. The snow on the ground beneath them now seemed just like little sheets of white; she remembered Chuck and Rex giggling and calling it ‘earth’s dandruff’ when they were little. Chuck and Rex. Who were they now? Would she know them? And what if that electric spark was still there? She fantasized Rex riding up on a horse and carrying her off; or Chuck flying down in a glider and taking her to the heavens. She needed rescuing. An awful sound forced its way into her fantasy. She glanced at the seat next to her where George snored loudly.

Toni laughed at her. Whichever one you pick, I’m going to get him. They were both thirteen, dressed for the dance. Tammi screamed: Why? You’ve already got Rick, the guy every other girl wants. And you always make Rex and Chuck ignore me. Toni smiled that superior smile that Tammi despised. Because I can. I’m older. You’re two minutes older. Older is older. I’m the first daughter. Tammi screamed again and ran from the room, looking for her father. He was outside getting the car ready. You OK, punkin? he seemed big and warm and powerful in his wool sweater. She threw herself into his arms. Toni says she’s the first daughter. No, her father said definitively. Time doesn’t matter. Choice matters. And I choose you to be the first. He hugged her tightly and Tammi felt safe for once. She heard Toni coming behind her and suddenly she was cold.

3

Charles saw a piece of the ground fall away as they rose. Barbara had the window seat, so he couldn’t see much. She watched his face carefully. He hated when she did that, because she was going to draw some conclusion that made no sense.

You really want to see her.

Who? Tammi? No, I want to see them all, see how they’ve changed.

Why didn’t you stay with her, you know, make her your high school sweetheart, marry her and all that?

I moved. Then came out here for college. Didn’t keep in touch. We didn’t have much in common anyway.

Really? She wanted to hear this, so he gave it to her.

Yeah, she was into her looks and her status and stuff. She’d never be able to recite all the lyrics from every Nirvana song!

He tickled her as he said it; that was their little thing, tickling.

She wanted to keep going at it.

But you loved her then.

Love? What did I know about love at fourteen, fifteen? She was pretty and she lived up the street. If I’d grown up on a different street, it would have been a different girl.

That seemed to satisfy her. But he knew that she might be clinging onto something for later. When they landed or when they got to Eve’s house it could erupt. She liked to hold things back for ammunition.

He looked at her red hair, her hazel eyes and the smudge of mascara around them; he tried hard to remember what she looked like when he first met her. But he couldn’t.

Los Angeles looked like an infinity of streets and houses; where was the beach? Where were the movie studios? At least it was sunny and bright. The airport seemed impossibly tiny for such a big city. Barbara explained that Burbank was small but it was where NBC, Disney and Warner Brothers were. She’d been to the lots when she visited here, back before she knew him. Yeah, he thought, when you were a band groupie. Wonder if she had sex on those lots? Blow jobs backstage at Leno?

They’d promised each other that their past lives didn’t matter, only their future. Charles couldn’t help but wonder about it.

Pacific Palisades? snorted the car rental guy. The snort was similar to Barbara’s, but louder. You shoulda flown into LAX—it’s a lot closer. Charles turned his stone-face to his wife; she ignored him. We want to see the sights. Charles has never been here before. Got you a nice mid-size, a Ford… That was too much. Charles put his hand out. What was he planning to do with that hand? Strike the car rental guy? Or Barbara? Grab the little rodent-guy by the throat and tell him how important Charles was and that, no, a mid-sized Ford was not going to cut it? Instead Charles had a great idea and used his hand to brush the flecks from the rental car guy’s shoulder. That made the guy nervous, shaky.

You got a convertible? Barbara started to interrupt, but Charles used the same hand to flap her away. My money, he muttered at her.

Sure, we’ve got one. It’s a lot more…

Doesn’t matter. Barbara started to make some kind of movement forward, but Charles turned and stared her down.

This is my vacation. I’m paying for it. And I want a convertible. She clenched her jaw. He knew he’d pay for this later, but he didn’t care.

He put the top down immediately. It was yellow and sleek and beautiful. Barbara sat silently, so he followed the map from the rental car guy, found his way to the 5 freeway, pulled on. Suddenly they were buffeted by huge gusts of wind; the roar of the other cars was deafening. Barbara finally turned to him and started yelling. He couldn’t hear a word, but he could see her mouth working hard.

He waited for her to finish, then pressed the button to put the top up. Barbara was sweating. He could see beads of perspiration on her forehead, her upper lip.

He smiled. Let’s just try to have fun.

Fun? she spit at him; the sweat flew from her onto his hands. You just want to show off for some whore; she’s probably fat with four kids and some truck-driver husband! What do you care about her for?

He pulled off the freeway, parked the car under a tree and took her hand. I don’t care about her. I care about you. I’m showing off, yes. I’m showing you off. I’m showing off my job. I have things to show off. So let me show off for a few days. Then we’ll go home and be who we are. Whatever that is.

Barbara managed a smile. OK, but we should talk about these things. If you’d wanted a convertible, all you had to do was tell me. We wouldn’t have had to wait forty-five minutes for one. What a fucking lie.

He smiled back at her and squeezed her hand. Be my navigator. I have no idea where I am. She loved that.

4

Eve looked at the rabbit. It seemed comfortable in the pen she’d built for it. Dad never used the garage, kept his truck out on the street, so it was hers, all hers. She made it her private place, even making the dead old Chrysler part of it, draping the seats with chiffon, drawing pictures of animals on the rusted brown paint. Some day she’d bring the others to her garage.

The rabbit munched contentedly. Dad didn’t know about the rabbit. He might kill it if he did, just because he could. Or he’d toss it out in the street, like he’d done with the cat. Better off on its own; fend for itself; doesn’t need you. But what does he know? Can he read an animal’s mind? The rabbit seemed much happier than when she’d found it, cold and hungry. How would Chuck treat the rabbit? I bet he’d like it.

Eve felt them, felt them all coming. It was like one of those hot Jersey nights when it was still and calm, then suddenly the sheet lightning would brighten the sky, making the world exciting and magical. She’d planned this for so long, trying to get them together. Edouard had given her carte blanche.

What would they be like? She could remember them all clearly in her mind from twenty years ago: Chuck, tall and powerful; Rex, short and crazy; Toni and Tammi, the inseparable twins; John the quiet one; and Fat Patty, poor Fat Patty. She missed that part of her life. She’d have fantasies where the boys were knights and the girls were princesses, except for Eve herself: she’d be a knight as well, hiding her hair under a helmet and fighting for honor with the rest of the men. Like Marfisa or Bradamante in the legends; the equal of men. They meant so much, her dreams. She barely had any dreams now. Maybe this reunion would bring them back.

5

Barbara was happy. They’d been driving on the freeway and she looked into the car next to them, some kind of SUV, and there was one of the ‘Friends’ from that old show. One of the women. Maybe Jennifer Aniston. Charles wasn’t sure. When she’d screamed, he turned but couldn’t see through the windshield; and he wasn’t used to these freeways, so he had to get his eyes back on the road. But she swore it was a ‘Friend’. Good, that might keep her quiet about the trip. Charles never gave a shit about ‘Friends’ anyway. He certainly never did identify with any of the guys on