Page 35 of Unsupervised
A smile leaps to her face and she sticks her foot out, admiring them. “Aren’t they pretty? Kelly got them for my birthday. She’s a sweet girl. I was telling her how Beatrice had shoes that lit up. Now I have some too.”
“Kelly…”
“Yes, Kelly, the student you have no interest in, remember? She came to play piano and chat a couple of times. Everyone loves her.”
Kelly bought my grandmother light up shoes for her birthday. I’m still stuck thinking about that as Grandma continues. “Her birthday is this weekend too. Said she’s having a big party. Oh, that reminds me. I had Mr. Jackson pick this up when he went to get his lottery tickets. You’ll see her at school before I see her again. Give it to her for me, will you?”
Grandma holds out an envelope, shaking it at me when I don’t take it right away. “Here, it’s just a birthday card with a ten dollar gift card from the coffee shop. Figure all college students need coffee.”
“I’ll make sure she gets it.” There’s no way I’m explaining that I probably won’t be seeing her again. I can have Owen pass it along or something. Once we’ve finished eating, I let the orderly know what I’m getting ready to do, and he spreads the word.
“I’ve got one more little surprise for you,” I tell Grandma.
I’m not sure I’ve ever been as self-conscious as I am when I take a seat at the piano. It feels like all the eyes in the world are on me. It’s embarrassing, especially because it’s not like I’m about to bang out some Beethoven. It’s Happy Birthday for fuck’s sake. Children can play this.
With a deep breath, I line my fingers up, double checking I have them correct. Kelly’s voice is in my head, lecturing me about posture, and I sit up straight. Once I start to play, it comes so easily. I remember every note and play it as if I’ve done it a million times. The whole room sings along and the joy on Grandma’s face as she watches me is worth every second of practice I’ve done.
Everyone claps when I’m finished, and I retreat back to the table. “You’re learning to play!” Grandma exclaims, hugging me.
“I’ve taken a few lessons.”
“I’m so happy! You did wonderfully! Just think how good you’ll be by my next birthday!”
Oh hell.
Chapter Ten
Kelly
Wow.
Violent Circle sure knows how to throw a party. Technically, my friends are throwing a party for my birthday, but the whole neighborhood is here. The girls have really gone all out. They’ve taken over the recreation room that’s attached to one side of the laundry room, and the neighbors have all brought food. A long table is covered with grilled meats, sides of potatoes, pastas, and vegetables.
Just around sunset, everyone gathers inside, and Zara reveals a massive chocolate cake. My face heats up as I’m pushed to stand on a chair while everyone sings happy birthday.
Not that I don’t love what they’re doing for me, but I swear that’s the most uncomfortable feeling. I’m never sure what I’m supposed to do or where I’m supposed to look. Once they’re done, I blow out the candles and slices get passed around.
“Hey! I thought you said there was gonna be beer!” an irate voice calls out.
“Barney, shut your flapper before I kick you with my crippled foot!” Vera threatens, wheeling herself over to join me and the girls as we eat.
“The alcohol is on its way, old man. Now, put something in your stomach first,” Gavin tells him, handing him a plate.
I’ve been filled in by the other neighbors about Barney—whose real name is Barry—and his is a sad story, though he seems like a happy person most of the time. He’s earned the nickname from The Simpson’s character, though from what I understand, he could drink that guy under the table.
Barney and Gavin join us and Vera at our table as everyone fills plates and finds a place to eat, some outdoors at the picnic tables.
“How is your brother doing?” Vera asks me. Vera has to be over eighty, but she’s got this energy that is so fun to be around. You never know what might come out of her mouth.
“Trey’s great. I don’t see him much. You know, they have a new baby and everything.” I was a little disappointed when Trey said he and his girlfriend, Sasha, couldn’t make it to the party because my nephew, Rowan, isn’t feeling well. He was fine yesterday when I went to visit and soak up the baby cuddles. I hope I don’t end up sick too.
“Those Frat Hell boys,” Vera cackles. “They were something else. Neighborhood just ain’t the same without them. I don’t even think the cops have been here this summer,” she says as if that’s a disappointment.
“Sure they were. Samantha called them for the guy passed out in her tree, remember?” Gavin says.
Blinking, I turn, sure I didn’t hear him correctly. “Passed out in a tree?”
Gavin turns around to call to a woman sitting behind us. “Sam, tell Kelly about the dude in your tree.”