Title: Black & White Rose
Type: Original Short Story
Rating: PG-13 (Violence, Sexual Content)
Disclaimer: I own the characters, plot, and story itself. Everything in this story was created by me. Don't take.
Summary: A girl tells the story of her corrupt P.E. coach, her best friend, her P.E. coach's son, and a plan gone terribly wrong.

Writer's Note: I wrote this story in November, 2004 for English class. We were writing short stories, and this isn't all that short, but it's not that long either. I'm more proud of this story than most any other story I've ever written. This one is my baby. It somewhat mirrors American Beauty, but not to the point where it's too noticeable (i just noticed it when i finished writing it). Some of the inspiration comes from two best friends and our P.E. coach at my school, but I have an overactive imagination, so ignore me. Anyhoo.. read!

Black & White Rose

It’s at this time, when the leaves begin to change, the wind blows cold through my window, that I remember Eli and the murder. Every time I try to forget, something reminds me of that horrible night that everyone swears I made up. Eli had been my best friend freshman year of high school. We were inseparable, or so it seemed.

Our names were originally Victoria Burnham and Elizabeth Cates, but everyone we knew, and those who knew us, called us Vicki and Eli. The first two weeks of high school were the roughest, and even that was pretty easy. The only class I completely loathed was first period, which was Biology. The only way I got through it was remembering that after that I had P.E., which I had with Eli. It was three weeks into the school year and we were feeling a little rebellious.

We were sitting on the bleachers in the gym, talking. We never did anything during P.E. That was our way of getting back at the whole educational system. We didn’t need it anyway. We were completely healthy and we seemed to rule second period. As we talked, I noticed Coach Lenin approaching us.

"Girls," Coach Lenin began. I knew he was going to lecture us. "I’ve tried being nice, but if the two of you are going to sit and talk in class instead of doing something worthwhile, I’ll have to start deducting from your grade." We only stared at him, until I spoke up.

"Honestly, Coach Lenin, I can’t think of anything more productive than talking to Eli," I stated. Coach Lenin looked confused. Apparently we had never used our shortened names with him.

"Eli?" He guessed, pointing to her. She nodded, then smiled. We both pleaded with our eyes to just keep talking, and he eventually let it slide. That was the first of many times ahead.

Coach Lenin had only been teaching for three years, but he was about thirty-five. His son was Adam Lenin, the man I swore was the love of my life after he spoke two words to me. Those words, "look out", came too slow, as I was hit in the head with a Frisbee after school once. There were only two problems I had with asking Adam out. One, he was a senior, and two, he was my P.E. coach’s son.

Adam looked nothing like his father. Coach Lenin had blue eyes, a big nose, and brownish hair; but Adam took after his mother. He has big, hazel eyes, blondish-red hair and a voice that poured out like honey every time he opened his beautiful mouth. There was something wrong with Adam, though. He didn’t seem to care about what went on around him. It was as if he was in a daze and had no point in existence. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I had my theories. I had been hearing rumors that Coach Lenin and his wife had been going through some marital problems.

It was at the time that Coach Lenin had passed us by that Adam entered the gymnasium with a piece of paper. He walked past me and Eli, handed the paper to Coach Lenin, and began to talk to him. I couldn’t quite hear what he was saying, but I noticed Coach Lenin looking over toward us. He pointed at us as Adam nodded. My heart thumped. I was in an almost complete moment of bliss until Coach Lenin broke my thoughts.

"Elizabeth," He called to her. My thumping heart fell to a normal beat, and I frowned. What did they want with Eli?

"Yes?" Eli replied, walking up to Coach Lenin and Adam.

"Mrs. Gunderson needs to see you in the office right away," Coach Lenin told her. Eli wrinkled her brow.

"Why?" She wanted to know. Coach Lenin simply shrugged, but Adam spoke up.

"She saw you at the scene of a fight this morning and needs you to help clear some things up. She told me to come get you," Adam explained, his voice monotone.

"Vicki was there with me, shouldn’t she come?" Eli wanted to know. Adam only shrugged. Eli turned to Coach Lenin.

"I don’t know -- Mrs. Gunderson only called for you, Elizabeth," Coach Lenin answered. He was obviously thinking about it.

"Coach Lenin, you are so out of the loop. Everyone calls me Eli, you know," Eli informed him.

"I’m not everyone," Coach Lenin replied, looking Eli straight in the eyes. It was the first time that had happened, and when I look back, I don’t see why it didn’t scare me. For some reason, I was always comfortable around Coach Lenin.

Coach Lenin continued staring at Eli, who stared at him. Adam and I just watched them, wondering what was going through their minds. At that moment, we heard a whistle. Coach Moses, our other P.E. coach, had noticed the time and blown the whistle to get changed back into our school clothes. Eli and I hurried off into the locker room. We didn’t go to the office that day.

When we exited the locker room, we saw Coach Moses talking to Coach Lenin. Coach Moses seemed the type of person who could counsel anyone with any problem. I listened in on part of their conversation.

"I just think you should talk to Lillian," I heard Coach Moses tell Coach Lenin. I wasn’t sure who Lillian was at that time.

"What should I tell her, though? Should I dance around the subject or should I just come out and tell her?" Lenin asked. Moses looked as if he didn’t know what to say.

"That depends on if you told me everything," Moses explained, looking skeptical. Lenin nodded.

"I don’t think I left anything out," Lenin replied, replaying their conversation in his head. I watched them closely.

"You’re not in love with someone else, are you?" Moses wanted to know. My eyes widened. They were talking about his wife.

"No! I’m not in love with anyone else. If I were, I wouldn’t have let this marriage go on this long," Lenin replied. The bell rang, and I hurried into class, pondering on what I’d just heard.

I sat beside Eli in class and she excitedly revealed her latest quest. The thing about Eli is that she always had to do something for someone.

"Get this," Eli began, "I ran into Adam in the hall just a few minutes ago and I asked him why he’s always so droll, right?" I nodded, smiling. Adam was so hot. "Anyway, he told me that he didn’t see a reason for life to be exciting or happy or anything like that. I sarcastically recommended Prozac, but he told me that it didn’t work out for him, ok? So then I asked him if there was something wrong in his life and he said that Coach Lenin isn’t the greatest guy to have for a father. When I asked why, he showed me a scar that he has on his neck where Coach Lenin hit him with a whip a couple of years ago; and get this, Adam’s coming over to my house tonight and we’re going to talk. You’re welcome to come." She finished her story with a smile, and I only stared at her. Coach Lenin had beat Adam? That was not cool. With that and what I’d already heard, I wasn’t sure if I was big fan of Coach Lenin anymore.

The rest of that day went on normally. The next day at P.E., everything seemed strange. I knew something that I shouldn’t, and I didn’t know how to react around Coach Lenin. I didn’t even want to speak to him. Unfortunately, he found me.

"Victoria!" Coach Lenin called from right behind me. I jumped, then turned.

"Coach Lenin, you scared the crap out of me. Don’t do that!" I demanded, catching my breath. He smiled. It was like he loved to torture me. I didn’t understand it.

"Victoria, or should I call you Vicki?" Coach Lenin wanted to know.

"Vicki is fine. That’s what everyone calls me," I replied, "What is it?" I tried to remain cool, but the information that I had made me a little uncomfortable. It wasn’t so much that it was horrible, but that I knew it when I wasn’t supposed to. Secrets killed me.

"I was just wondering if you were willing to make up for when you missed running the mile?" He asked. I nodded. I wasn’t in the mood to run, but I didn’t have the energy to say no.

"Sure. Is anyone else running it?" I asked, looking around. He shook his head.

"Not today, but I if you want some company, I can run with you," Coach Lenin suggested. At the time, I could think of nothing to say. I know now that I should have said something, but I didn’t.

"Sure," I answered, "Should I bring my jacket?" I was wearing a tank top and tiny, red shorts; I didn’t want to get cold. He shook his head quickly.

"It’s not really that cold," Coach Lenin assured me, then led me outside. We walked in silence for a few minutes; it took awhile to get to the track. Coach Lenin seemed to be walking extra slowly, though.

"Can you walk any faster?" I asked, almost demanding him to speed it up.

"Why do you care?" Coach Lenin asked. I stopped where I was and crossed my arms. I was often difficult, especially with teachers. He turned to me. "You know, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to."

He was talking almost as if he were seducing me, and failing miserably. I had already given my heart to Adam, even if he didn’t know about it yet. Suddenly, as I was just standing there, Coach Lenin leaned down and kissed me. I didn’t pull away. I felt frozen where I was. The thought of Coach Lenin being interested in me was amusing, but the fact that he actually was alarmed me and every possible thought one could have raced through me head at that moment. Luckily enough for me, Coach Lenin pulled away quickly and turned away. For the first time in my life, I was completely speechless.

"I-I’m sorry," Coach Lenin stuttered. A tear escaped my eye and I darted it away as quickly as it had come with my hand. "I don’t know what came over me."

"Um, it’s ok. I know you’re having some problems right now. If I gave you the wrong impression, I’m so sorry. I guess I just give off that vibe," I rambled. I was astonished at how shocked I was. I always kept everything in perspective.

"Problems?" Coach Lenin demanded, turning to me. I’d said too much.

"I kind of overheard you talking with Coach Moses about your wife. I know that can be kind of a confusing time for people, I’ve seen the shows," I answered. I was trying my best to sound cool, but my voice was cracking like an egg.

"I’m not confused. Did it occur to you that maybe I actually like you?" Coach Lenin asked, angrily. I was suddenly terrified of him.

"Dude, you don’t even know me! You just found out today that I go by Vicki. I’m a freshman. This is sick, not to mention illegal. If this got out, you could be fired!" I yelled.

"That’s why it’s not going to get out," Coach Lenin replied.

"Oh no? You just watch me walk in there and tell Mrs. Gunderson!" I yelled, and began to walk.

"And who’s Mrs. Gunderson going to believe?" Coach Lenin yelled, "A stuck up, popular, generally picky freshman or a well-respected teacher?" I turned back around.

"Well-respected teacher? To tell you the truth, I’ve never respected you, and you’ll never be able to teach me anything I don’t already know," I retorted. Before he could say anything else, I ran inside, wondering if what I’d done was the right thing. Eli stopped me as soon walked in, a worried look on her face.

"What’s wrong?" She asked, concerned. I shook my head and tears freely escaped my eyes.

"Coach Lenin hit on me. He kissed me," I frantically replied. Eli’s eyes went wide and she took me aside where no one would see us.

"Last night, when Adam came over, he told me that Coach Lenin had an affair with a student at his last job, and was fired, but paid off the school board and everyone involved to not tell anyone. That’s what started his problems with his wife. Adam said that the girl was in his grade and that was three years ago," Eli informed me, "The girl got pregnant and had an abortion." I was suddenly very afraid of Coach Lenin.

"Oh my gosh, Eli. This is bad! A few days ago, Coach Lenin was staring at you and it freaked me out, but I figured I was imagining everything. Coach Lenin is a pervert," I stated, panicking. For the first time in my life, I admitted my fear. "I’m so scared, Eli." I was completely breaking down. A few days ago, my life had been perfect. Everything I wanted was in reach, and everything I didn’t want was far away. I didn’t know how to handle this situation. I was lost, and even Eli couldn’t find me.

"We’re going to get through this, Vicki," Eli assured me, her hand on my shoulder for support.

"How? I’m totally out of ideas here. I mean, if you can think of anything, you had better tell me right now!" I threatened. Eli thought for a moment. Suddenly, her eyes brightened like the sun.

"Ok, I have two ideas. The first one is pretty basic, but the second one is a little more risky," Eli replied. Eli always had the greatest plans. She was probably the best friend anyone could ever ask for. She was so nice, smart, and caring. I loved that about her.

"I’m all ears," I told her, flinching at my own corny statement. Eli smiled.

"Ok, the first idea is that we simply tell Mrs. Gunderson," Eli stated. I shook my head. By now, my tears had run onto my shirt and my face was cold whenever the fan blew on my face.

"I threatened Coach Lenin with that a few minutes ago. He said that she’d never go for it, especially with my reputation. I mean, he’s faculty," I answered. Eli nodded. "What’s your other idea?"

"It’s risky," Eli told me.

"I don’t care. I just want him away from me," I replied. Eli sighed, then took a deep breath.

"We need to teach him that teenage girls aren’t meant to be treated like this by adults. We need to show him that he should treat his son with respect and that he should always value his opinion. I think you should apologize for how you reacted--"

"What? I’d never--"

"Hear me out! Apologize, then flirt with him. Tell him that I’m interested too. Tell him that we should get together this weekend. Make it believable, Vicki. Make sure he really buys it. Tell him you were just freaked out. We’ll take him into the woods this weekend and he won’t come back," Eli finished. I felt as if a ton of bricks had just been thrust upon me. We were silent. I gulped. I knew what she meant, but I didn’t want to believe it.

"Eli, you don’t mean you want to murder him, do you?" I asked, tears coming quickly. A few tears escaped her eyes, as she nodded.

"If he didn’t learn the first time, he never will. A person like that shouldn’t be living on this Earth," Eli answered. We stared into each other’s eyes, trying to find an answer. I looked at the ground for a moment. It was dirty and stained. I’d never noticed that before. The world could be a haunting place. That was something I was just realizing. I looked back at Eli and nodded.

"Let’s do it," I told her. Eli smiled and we hugged. I was never more glad that we were friends. We were in this together. For us, for Adam, and for the good of everyone else on Earth.

As soon as I’d dried my eyes, I headed back outside and saw Coach Lenin sitting on the steps outside. I sat beside him and smiled.

"What do you want?" He asked, coldly. I smiled again. He stared at me.

"Look, Coach Lenin, I overreacted a little bit. It shocked me that you would be even remotely interested in me. I wouldn’t think I was good enough for you, with me being only fourteen and so inexperienced. I mean, you could have any girl you wanted. I just didn’t think you’d go after me," I told him, lying through my teeth. My fingers brushed his cheek softly. His glare softened.

"Look, Vicki, I just don’t think this is the best idea anymore. I mean, I’ve been thinking. Maybe I am just confused," Coach Lenin stated. His eyes begged to differ.

"Nonsense," I replied, and began kissing him the best I knew how. The bell rang, and we were forced to halt. I looked at him innocently as I spoke, "Coach Lenin, I told Eli about this and she told me she thinks you’re hot. Do you think that maybe you’d like to come with us this Saturday night? We’re going camping and we can do stuff." I put my hand on his shoulder.

"I have a meeting, but I’m pretty sure I can get out of it," Coach Lenin told me.

"You’d better," I retorted, smirking, "I’ll get your number from Adam." I winked at him, then walked away.

I met Eli at the door and we darted out of sight, skipping our next class to make murder plans. We sat on the bleachers at the football field with a notebook and a pen. At the top of the paper, Eli wrote "Plans" in blue sharpie.

"Number one: Lure him into the woods," I said aloud. Eli wrote it down.

"You told him we’re going camping. He thinks we’re going to go all American Beauty on him, right?" Eli asked. I nodded, remembering how much that movie sickened me.

"I guess we should make sure he trusts us before hand. That may require acting a little inappropriately," I told her. Eli flinched.

"That is so gross," Eli told me. I knew that, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

"Number two: We must sweet talk him for at least three minutes," I stated. Eli wrote.

"Then?" Eli asked. Our eyes met again. I was so scared. I didn’t even want to say it; that meant it was true.

"Number three," I began, my voice shaking, "We murder him." Eli wrote that in all capital letters, then ripped out the page. She folded it in to a small square and put it nicely in her pocket. We stayed silent for twenty more minutes. We didn’t return to school that day.

Sooner than I’d hoped and expected, Saturday came. We were alone at my house and Eli dialed the speakerphone. After three rings, we heard a familiar voice on the line. It was Adam.

"Hello," Adam bluntly stated.

"Adam," Eli greeted him, "It’s Eli."

"Eli! I was going to call you," Adam told her, his voice suddenly brighter.

"Adam, I’m a little scared. You remember how you told me your father had an affair with a girl in your old school a few years ago?" Eli asked.

"What happened?" Adam demanded. He was concerned already. "Did he do something to you?"

"No, I’m fine," Eli assure him, "But he likes Vicki. We’ve devised a plan and you won’t have to worry about him anymore."

"What are you going to do?" Adam asked.

"Tonight, Vicki and I are going to take your dad into the woods and murder him. He shouldn‘t exist on this Earth," Eli explained. We suddenly heard a click. "Adam? Are you still there?"

"I’m here," Adam replied, "I heard that too. We’ve been having problems with our phone lately. It’s nothing. Anyway, I hope you succeed. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the grave. I’ve been tempted to do it myself sometimes. Just be careful. I love you." Eli broke into tears.

"Adam, you don’t deserve any of this. You are so much better than he is. He’s pathetic and you’re beautiful," Eli cried. Tears came to my eyes as well.

"Guys can’t be beautiful, Eli. It’s the rule," Adam joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Everyone has to break the rules sometimes," Eli replied, "Can you promise me something?"

"What is it?" Adam wanted to know.

"At about 8:30, I need you to call 911 and tell the police to come to the Thorn Birch Woods. We’ll be gone by the time they get there," Eli told him.

"Ok. I can do that," Adam agreed, "I’ll get my dad now." We heard him calling for Coach Lenin. A chill ran down my spine. This was real. I was really here. In a few hours, I’d be responsible for the destruction of a human life. Adam’s voice broke the silence. "He’s coming. Good luck, Eli. Goodbye."

"Goodbye," Eli whispered, just loud enough for him to hear. A tear fell onto the kitchen counter. The line went silent for a second. We soon heard Coach Lenin’s dreadful voice.

"Eli!" Coach Lenin greeted her with enthusiasm. I wanted to puke.

"Coach Lenin," Eli spoke calmly, "Meet us at the Thorn Birch Woods. You know where the picnic tables are?"

"Yeah," Coach Lenin agreed, "At what time?"

"8:30. It’ll be dark by then. We’ll meet you there, then we’ll advance out into the woods," Eli told him, "Sound good?" I could almost see Coach Lenin’s devilish grin from this side of the conversation.

"Sounds perfect," Coach Lenin replied, "I’ll see you then." They hung up. I stared at Eli.

"I guess we should start out; we’ve got a long bike ride ahead of us," I stated. Eli nodded. I opened a drawer, revealing my mom’s sharpest knives. Eli picked up the longest, sharpest one.

"Who’s doing the honors?" Eli asked, holding it toward me. I took a deep breath and took the knife. I could feel it’s sharpness in my hand.

"I’ll do it. This was my mess first," I told her. I don’t know why I always tried to be the hero. It never got me anywhere, and I don’t know why I thought it would this time. I put the knife into my pocket and made sure it wasn’t sticking out. We made sure we were prepared, then headed out.

When we got to Thorn Birch Woods, Coach Lenin was waiting for us. My heart thumped. I stood off my bike and made my way toward him, Eli following. Every step I took was heavier than the last. The knife was in my pocket.

"Coach Lenin! You’re here early. I guess that means you get the worm," Eli joked.

"I guess we should head into the woods, then," Coach Lenin stated. He was rushing things. I wasn’t ready. My hand trembled.

"I guess so!" I exclaimed, then laughed. My voice didn’t crack at all. We started walking into the woods. We walked for several minutes, until Coach Lenin suddenly stopped.

"This is as good of a place as any, I suspect," Coach Lenin stated. We smiled at him. Coach Lenin walked slowly toward Eli and was about to put his arm around her. Instead, however, he grabbed her arm and threw her into a tree. My eyes went wide. Before I had a chance to do anything, he slapped me. Eli had fallen to the ground, but he pulled her up and smacked her again. She screamed in pain. I was crying. I ran to Eli, but he threw me to the ground. He was so strong.

"You think I don’t know your plan?" Coach Lenin yelled, "Coming out here to kill me? You think I’m that dumb? I have more than one phone in my house, girls. You think I’ve never listened in on my son’s phone calls before?" The click. I suddenly understood. Before I could think, he took out his own knife and sliced my hand. I screamed and grabbed it, then remembered Eli. As soon as I looked up, I saw Coach Lenin stab Eli in the stomach repeatedly. I stood up with more bravery than I’d ever had in my life, ran to him, grabbed the knife, and stabbed him in the back.

He fell to the ground and I slammed the knife into his chest. I was screaming and crying. Snot was running down my face. My hand was throbbing and bleeding profusely. I didn’t care. I ran to Eli with all my might. She was laying against a tree. She was still alive. I grabbed her hand and held it.

"Don’t die, Eli! Hang on!" I commanded. She looked at me and gripped my hand.

"It’s ok," She said, staring into my eyes, "We did it. You and I." Her eyes suddenly fell and her grip was suddenly gone. The color in her cheeks faded.

"No!" I screamed. I put my arms around her and cried. I heard sirens. I stared at Eli, who laid lifeless in my arms. I saw flashlights heading toward me. I thought of nothing better to do than run. I ran and ran. I made it to the highway. It was dark. I ran on that highway for what seemed like forever, until I collapsed. I woke up in a hospital bed. My mom and a police officer stood over me.

"Vicki! Are you ok?" Mom asked me. I sat up.

"Eli. Where’s Eli?" I demanded. My mom looked confused.

"Who’s Eli?" Mom wanted to know.

"Elizabeth. Where’s my best friend?" I asked, tears flowing, "She’s gone, isn’t she?"

"Victoria, I need to ask you some questions," The officer stated.

He asked me a few questions, but Eli and Coach Lenin didn’t come up once. They told me that I made them up and that there was no murder. I was sent to a mental institution against my will and I’ve been there ever since. That was two years ago. I guess they thought if they convinced me I was crazy, I’d dismiss the whole thing and be better off. I still have nightmares of that night and, if you look close, you can still see the scar on my hand.

As I sit in my window, feeling the wind of autumn, I remember everything. The wind reminds me of how cold my face felt when I was crying, the golden leaves remind me of the color of Adam’s hair. Every time I see the woods, which isn’t very often, I think of Eli and Coach Lenin. I remember how everything went awry. I wish this had all been a nightmare and that I could wake up and see Eli’s face and laugh with her once more. I know that will never happen. I know I’ll be trapped here in this room with my thoughts forever.

The End