A Penny's Worth (The Cephas Bourdon Series) Read Free Page A

persistently.
    “Yeah, I think it’s super cute,” I replied with a smile. She would just be wearing a sweatshirt anyway. But I must have been thinking quite illogically — clearly. After all, what if she had to remove her hoodie for thirty seconds? I rolled my eyes at the thought and an exasperated sigh escaped my lips as I finally relaxed in the seat. I could n’t wait for high school to end. I openly hoped, though secretly doubted, the world might hold something more than superficial and vain people. I breathed in the familiar smell of musty seat covers and watermelon scented car trees to clear the depression from my mind, then made a mental note to vacuum the floors when I got the chance. The car slowed as I pulled up next to the cracked driveway.
    “Alright, girl — I’ll see ya tomorrow at the party. But hey, call me ‘k. I need to help you find something to wear.” Marian flashed a perfect smile and grabbed her bag. She jumped out and waved as she walked backwards, holding her pink and thumb up to her right ear and mouthing ‘call me’ as she turned to walk up the front steps. I rolled my eyes with a small laugh and slammed the car into first gear. The old, blue car’s tires spun as they struggled to grip the gravel beneath them. Dust flew up in a cloud of smoke as the back end of the small car slid across the ground with force. I sped away, accelerating as fast as possible. The little four - cylinder pushed harder and harder, the speedometer increasing with every second. My small hand gripped the stick, manually switching the gears . A drenaline pumped faster and faster through my heart with each gear change. A slight smile crossed my lips as I reached to turn up the music. I cranked the volume knob and tapped my right hand to the beat, making up lyrics to the familiar tune. I moved the stick into the last gear and my foot switched in sync.
    Out of the corner of my eye, red and blue lights flashed behind me. Great — here we go again. If I was driving a nice car, they wouldn’t pull me over, but since I was driving an old beater . . . Hitting the radio in frustration, I slowed the car and eased over to the side of the road. White sunglasses covered the look of disgust in my eyes as I watched the oversized, blue uniform step out of the white Ford car and slowly meander over to my window.
    “How’s it goin’ today, officer?” I asked sweetly. A forced smile crossed my face as the officer leaned on the open window and peered in.
    “Goin’ a little fast, weren’t ya’?” the man in blue inquired in a drawled voice. He was chewing a toothpick, which he promptly removed from his mouth to point towards me.
    “How old are you, little ‘miss?” His lips elongated with every word, spit attempting to make its way out of its disgusting cage. I tried to visibly move away from the flailing toothpick of spit and wood.
    “I’m seventeen and a half, sir.” I smiled and tilted my head. “You know, officer, I was just a little frustrated — that’s why I was driving so fast.” I lifted my sunglasses to the top of my head.
    “My boyfriend is being so awful, and I just wish somebody understood. But nobody does, and I . . . I . . . ” I allowed short sobs to erupt from my mouth. “I’m sorry, officer. I just . . . ”
    “Oh, don’t you worry yer purty little head,” the uniformed man relied. “Just . . . just don’t cry.” He stood up straight and looked around, a look of worry on his face as I let out a short sob.
    “Ah, shoot,” he murmured, kicking the gravel with his worn cowboy boot. “You just slow down a mite, and go talk to yer mother about it,” the officer stammered as he backed away from the car. He tipped his hat and walked quickly back to his own car. He tipped his hat and walked briskly back to his own car. I smirked as he walked away, my white teeth glinting in a victory grin. Pulling my sunglasses back into place, I eyed my rear view mirror before pulling out onto the highway.