I Don’t Know, So I’ll Just Be Sarcastic Instead

Quietness, that’s all I heard. It was the kind of quietness that if a pin dropped, it would have sounded like an explosion. I strained to listened, to see if I could hear anything, even the tiniest scratch-scratch. Nothing. On normal days, I would have found this blissful, but today, I felt a shiver creep up my spine. Fear surged rapidly through my body, and I could feel my bones beginning to stiffen as my blood thickened. I shot up on my bed and began to take in deep breaths, wondering of what I was so afraid of. There was no reason for it, it made no logical sense why I was feeling this way. Then again, I couldn’t make any logical sense out of any of my emotions. I looked out of my window and saw warm Florida sunlight flowing in, and a striking blue sky to match. I turned to look at my clock. 9:30.

Supporting both my slim arms under me, I pushed myself out of my bed. Flipping on some music I began to get dressed, shoving my fears in the back of my brain for the moment.

“HEY ALI!”

I spun around towards my window, meeting eyes with the owner of the voice. I smiled wryly as I saw Mikey waving franticly outside his bedroom window. He had a stupid smile on his face that made his freckles bounce along his nose and cheeks. I giggled softly as I walked over to the window and sat on the window seat, resting one leg underneath me.

“Morning Mikey. You do know you look pretty stupid, right?”

“Yeah.” He replied smiling, not truly caring of what I said. Of course I was joking, but there was some truth behind what I said. He did look pretty silly leaning out of his window and waving like he was on a float in the Macy’s Day Parade. But, Mikey was always happy; you couldn’t change that about him. Not like anybody would want to, everybody loved Mikey. He was just that kind of guy, had his sleeve full of jokes and would be the first to admit that even at age fifteen he still acted like he was three. On the other hand, he was also very serious. When he took the moment to grow up, he could be the best person to seek advice from.

“So, what’s going on?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing much,” Mikey began. He pulled out his sling shot and began shooting off what looked to be like fish bowl pebbles towards the center of the street, “I’m unsuccessfully trying to wake J.W. up.”

It was by the grace of God that the three of us, Mikey, J.W and I lived on the same street. Not only living on the same street, but besides mine and Mikey’s house being right next to each other, J.W’s was right across the street from mine. Izzy, the fourth of our bonded little squad, lived just a little way up the street from us. The four of us had grown up together, spending after school and weekends trampling through the forest, playing secret games that to this day we won’t tell anyone. As we grew older, we did more of the teenage stuff, pizza, mall, movies, skating. It was pretty hard to mess that order up.

I started giggling as I shot a glance towards the Williams house, “He sleeps pretty heavy, and it’s only 9:45 now. I wouldn’t count on waking him up until 10:30 at the very earliest.”

“Eh, you’re probably right.” Mikey said, putting down the sling shot. He smiled sheepishly at me, his piano teeth shooting off a glare. I just rolled my eyes and giggle some more. What a goof.

“What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing really,” I sighed, staring off into the early morning clouds “Just the same as you.”

“You’re plotting on how to wake J.W up?”

“No,” I groan, rolling my eyes once more “I’m sitting around waiting for the day to start.”

A silence came from his end, and I began to wonder what he was doing. It was very rare that Mikey would ever be this silent. In fact, the quietest he had ever been was when he got sent to the principals office in third grade, and even then he was mumbling on about something under his breath. I glance nervously at him, and I honestly thought he might have died for a moment. But, he was just sitting there, his hazel eyes looking at me, and then turning themselves towards the ground. I shrugged my shoulders and closed my eyes. He’d talk again sooner or later.

“You look like you’ve been thinking.” Mikey said suddenly.

Once those words had penetrated my ears, I could feel myself scream with anger on the inside. The one thing about living next door to Mikey and him being one of your best friends is that Mikey has the gift to know when a person is troubled. I normally talk to him without a fuss, but this wasn’t one of those moments.

“Yeah, so what? Thinking isn’t a crime.” I snapped, immediately regretting my tone the second I heard it.

“True, but the pupils of your eyes always seem to get bigger when you’re thinking of something substantial.” He answered back.

“So, you want to talk?” Mikey’s voice rang in my ears, bringing me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him and sighed, allowing just a few more minutes to pass before we began.

“It’s just this feeling-“

“J.W!”

“Mmerm?” I mumbled, hearing my sister’s voice behind my door. Evelyn sounded annoyed, and with the little consciences I had, I tried to figure out what I might have done to put her in such a mood.

“I want my book!” She stated, the annoyance becoming even clearer now. I opened my eyes to look at the clock. 10:00.

Groaning, I picked my body out of the bed. My feet came in contact with the cool, wooden floor and a riveting sensation was shot throughout my body. Picking up The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I opened my door, seeing Evelyn’s bright blue eyes. She smiled at me as I handed the book over to her.

“Thanks Little Brother.”

“Mmm.”

She smiled at me again, ruffling my hair. I gave her another “Mmm” before she skipped off down the hall way to her own room.

Closing my door, I turned and looked at my bed. Pillows and sheets were strewn everywhere. I didn’t feel like making it, it was too early. Of course, I didn’t want to do a lot of things right now. So, I might as well get it done now. I took in a few deep breaths, letting the crisp morning air seep into my blood before I got started with the day.

Once the bed was made, I picked up a few misplace items on my floor then when off to get dressed. Looking in the mirror, I saw my blonde hair was in a messy array and was in an extreme need for a comb.

Tap… Tap… Tap

I looked around quickly as I heard the steady tapping continue. Looking over to my window, I could see my screen dancing along with the tapping. I walked over to my window and opened it up, just in time for a small pebble to hit me in the face.

“ALI, I GOT HIM!”

“Mikey!” I hollered weakly, rubbing my forehead, “What are you doing?”

“Well, I’ve been trying to walk you up. Its summer vacation and we’re supposed to be gallivanting around the neighborhood like the merry people we are!” Mikey answered, trying to be as serious as his obnoxiousness would allow. I started laughing.

“Isn’t gallivanting suppose to be followed by ‘stealing from the rich and giving to the poor’?” I asked, resting my elbows on the window sill.

“Now who ever said gallivanting was related to Robin Hood?” Mikey questioned, trying to be more serious then ever. As always though, Mikey failed to do so and his face contorted as he stuck his bottom lip out and drew his eyes close together. I could hear Ali laughing heartily, and she soon appeared at the other window of her room, the one that face my house, and waved at me, sporting a bright smile on her face as our eyes met.

“Morning J.W!” She replied.

“Hey Al.” I called back sleepily, returning the smile. Even at a distance, I could see her striking green eyes. They were bold and lively and so… expressive. Joy, happiness, mellowness, serenity, it was amazing to see the intermediate mixture harmonize together. Yet, something else was there, something that didn’t seem to belong, but yet fit in somehow. At first, I thought it was just a bit of grogginess from just waking up, but the longer I looked, the more I saw sorrow; the kind of sorrow that turns into fear. This threw all other thoughts out of the window, and I began trying to figure out was might have been wrong, and what I might be able to do to help.

“Yes, good morning to everyone.” Mikey snorted sarcastically, his impatience becoming quiet evident. I walked back into the moment, allowing the problem to sit contently within me until I could find some time to talk to Ali.

“Ok Mikey,” I began, my game face on, trying to match his obnoxiousness, “What would you like to address, oh superior one?” I gave an elaborate bow that gave Mikey more cockiness and made Ali roll her eyes.

“What I like to address oh servant,” Mikey’s voice became regal as he continued with the flow, “I’d like to retrieve Lady Isabel so that we may go about the Kingdom of Englewood and take part in the summer activities.”

“Yes sire,” I said, bowing once more, “I shall prepare the carriage and meet you in the outer courts within ten minutes.”

“Good man, carry on.”

“Izzy! Izzy!”

I opened my door at the frantic cries of my younger brother. He was jumping around excitedly as he pointed down the stairs.

I sighed, not being quiet ready to deal with my brother just yet. He had just turned six a few months before, and he still hadn’t climbed off the pride horse. Not that I minded him being excited that he turned another year older, but he was demanding to do everything him self now, like cook his own dinner. Not like that was un-normal, but he would carry on with fussing and screaming if he couldn’t have his own way. And I was honestly getting quite exasperated with the matter.

“What Bobby?” I asked, knowing I’d probably regret it.

“Mikey’s here! Mikey’s here!” Bobby exclaimed, jumping around even more.

“What?” I blurted out, wrapping my robe around my pajamas, “But I’m not even dressed!”

“That’s ok Iz,” Ali appeared at the top of the stairs smiling, “We can wait.”

“I really hate to keep you waiting.”

“Are you kidding me?” Ali questioned as she watch Bobby run down the stairs, “They’re sitting themselves down with Jim right now and warming up the X-Box.”

“But-“

“Izzy,” Ali began, “It’s really alright.”

“But-“

“Izzy, go get dress.” Ali giggled, pointing towards my drawer.

I walked over quietly with my head a bit low, feeling a bit of embarrassment burn on my cheeks. I pulled a draw of my dresser so I could collect what I was going to wear. But as soon as I did that, I felt Ali’s hand touch my shoulder.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” She ask, concern filling her voice.

“Oh nothing, just a stupid reason.” I answered, hoping she would drop it, but knowing she wouldn’t.

“I still wanna hear it.”

“It’s really stupid.”

“O.K.”

“I mean, really stupid.”

Ali laughed “Try me.”

“Alright,” I said, finally giving in, “I just feel retarded that I got upset over keeping J.W and Mikey down stairs.” could feel frustration building up inside of me.

“It’s not stupid Izzy. And sensitivity is a really good thing. I mean, come on, I forgot Mikey’s birthday, and you had gotten up at like, what, five in the morning to make him cupcakes? Don’t worry about it.” I looked at Ali and saw her smiling. I smiled back, knowing she was right.

“So are we planning on doing anything specific today?” I asked, sounding brighter. I continued rummaging through my draws, trying to find a pair of shorts.

“Well, Mikey and J.W have been talking about going to the beach, and I thought it would be fun. We’re just waiting for your say.” Ali replied, jumping on my bed and staring at the ceiling. .

“That’s fine.” I responded as I stepped into my personal bathroom.

The house that my family was living in had been in our family for years. So much for creativity. It was an old colonial home that my great grandparents had bought shortly after the depression. I’m still not quite certain how that was possible though, seeing where my great grandparents were English immigrants with no more then eleven dollars in their pockets. The story that my brothers and father have come up with is that great grandfather, Ulysses Richardson, won the deed in a poker game. No matter how the story may go, it was a beautiful home, with red oak floors, spiraling stair cases, and lots of room; which was a good thing seeing where there are nine children in my family. If you go in age order, there’s Alice, Jessie, Kurt, Me, Corey, James, Emily, Rachael and Bobby. There’s twelve years between Alice and little Bobby, and poor Corey is the middle child. What I found to be a huge blessing though is that the house was big; big enough at least for all of us to have our own rooms. Other wise I honestly think we would have killed each other off. Not to say we don’t get along, we do, but you have to imaging what it’s like trying to breathe with eight other people all coming from the same womb.

I stepped out of my bathroom brushing my short, brown hair with rapid speed, trying to excel in my morning routine. Ali still remained on my bed, twirling her hair while clicking her tongue; which soon ceased to be once I appeared.

“Ready?” She questioned, sitting up on my bed. I nodded in response and I watched her silently as she bounced up, her long red hair dancing around her thin shoulders. I smiled at her as I hook my arm in the crook of hers as I said,

“OK, let’s round up the boys.”

“Hey Mikey, you wanna play?”

I turned to see Jim offering the large control. I smiled at him as I ruffled his hair.

“Naw, not this time lil’ dude, you just keep playing.” I replied, settling back on the couch. I felt the little form of Bobby’s start squirming excitedly next to me, as his little head popped out and looked at Jim.

“I wanna play!” He shouted, his front teeth protruding from his upper lip. But before Jim could offer his little brother the control, J.W stepped in, putting his controller into Bobby’s pudgy little hands.

“You go for it bud,” J.W had a smile on his face, a brightness flashing from his eyes, “I’ll sit out with Mikey.”

Jim shrugged his shoulders as Bobby sprang from the couch and planted his butt next to Jim. J.W in turn took Bobby’s seat, resting his head on the back of the Richardson’s leather couch. I heard him sigh as he got comfortable. We watched the little kids playing for a few moments, keeping quiet. I had just laid my head back and closed my eyes when J.W’s voice met my ears,

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” I replied, opening my eyes again. I looked over at him, and I saw instantly that something was bothering him. This threw me totally off guard, seeing where J.W never let anything get to him. I mean, he’d have his bad days, but J.W always brought it to God first, and whatever was bothering him would almost instantly be gone. Poof; gone; never seen again. Yet something was truly bothering him now, and I hadn’t see him this way in a long time.

“Is Ali alright?” He asked; his voice sound heavy. I turned my gazed to the ground, collecting my thoughts. So Ali had a bad feeling about something. She couldn’t explain where it came from, or why it was happening; all she knew was that she had been scared stiff. I had listened to every word she said, and I had giving my best to comfort her. She seemed alright when I met her outside. Yet, her feelings of being frighten were still bothering me. Was it the mystery that hung around the fear?

It’s probably nothing. I reassured myself, trying to perk up and look on the brighter side of the day, it’s probably just anxiety.

“She’s fine,” I said, “Just a little anxiety.”

“Maybe.” J.W murmured to himself, believing my answer as much as I did, and I didn’t. So glad to see that perkiness was still in business.

“Hey, you guys ready?”

J.W and I shot our heads towards the stair case, seeing both the girls coming down. My focus became locked on Izzy though, and I watched her glided the down the stairs, taking soft, graceful steps with her long legs. It was almost as if she was walking on air; then again I could say that because I was in love with her.

I hadn’t told her yet, and even though I wanted to, I could never find the gall to do it. Typical scenario, I know. But I was the typical class clown that turned into the shy little school boy when it came down to girls. Not saying that I acted weird around Izzy and Ali, but whenever I started thinking about pulling Izzy aside to talk to her, I’d always get a little jumpy around her. Go figure.

“So, we’re heading to the beach?” J.W asked. He stood up and walked over to the girls. I followed his patterned, even though it wasn’t gracefully; I had managed to trip over my feet and I fell, hitting the ground with full force. I heard the others roaring with laughter, and I just sat there dumbly, realizing that I wasn’t in any real pain.

“You ok Mike?” J.W asked, reaching his hand out towards me. I smiled sheepishly as I took it, feeling foolish, yet feeling that satisfaction that I managed to make everyone laugh at my expense. It gave me reason to believe that my plan of world domination through laughter would be a success.

“Yeah, I’m good. Let’s just get going before I managed to impale myself with something.”

To Be Continued