Susie Q

The sun was setting as the Quincy girls just finished up their dinner. Their mom turned and said to all of them, “It’s time to clean up; help each other to get all the dishes done.” All auburn haired girls moaned at once. “I will wash!” The oldest sister quickly exclaimed. “Why do YOU get to wash?” The youngest sister Susie pouted to her. She proudly retorted with, ”because I’m the oldest, so I get to choose first.” She went on, “besides, since you two are not jumping in to help, I can also tell you to grab dishes, and Shelly can dry.” Immediately the middle sister, Shelly, rolled her eyes. She thought her older sister was being obnoxious. In reality, Susie and Shelly were horrible at keeping up with any type of chore. Especially if they didn’t like it. They certainly did not like dishes. They would rather be goofing around.

After not too long, Susie and Shelly started to get in each other’s way, and stepping on each other’s toes. “You’re doing it wrong.” Susie cooed as she was bringing some plates over. “I am not!” Shelly defended herself. “You are too!” Susie exclaimed, and then went on some more to explain. “You don’t put the dishes away while they are still wet!” “You are also not drying them enough; you need to switch out your towels once in awhile.” Susie added, “you should let me do it.” “I can do it better.” Shelly, who was offended by her remarks immediately told her “no way!” The two girls went on to argue for a little while. Their older sister tried to get them to focus on their tasks, but in the long run, it didn’t work.

The two girls’ bickering went on for awhile. Eventually, the two started pinching and shoving. Susie then stepped back and sort-of offered a solution. “How about we continue this in our bedroom in the form of a wrestling match?” Susie then went on, “if I win, I get to dry the rest of the dishes.” “If you win, then you can finish.” Shelly immediately agreed. The agreement was actually a funny, and smart one. Neither girl realized that this solution would actually get them both out of the dishes completely. The two of them soon disappeared into their shared room; leaving their older sister to herself.

A couple minutes passed by, and their mom entered the kitchen. “Where are your sisters?” She asked suspiciously. Her oldest daughter replied, “where do you think?” “They’ve left me to the work as usual.” There was a short pause. Silence was suddenly broke as they both broke into simultaneous laughter. For Susie and Shelly to get into little squabbles all the time, and to conviently disappear when any chore needed tending to, was a common thing them to do.

Sometime later, Susie and Shelly were still wrestling in their room when their mom informed them it was time to get ready for bed. “School’s tomorrow!” “Time for bed you two!” She warned. The two of them reluctantly stopped and started getting ready. Shelly ran off to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Meanwhile, Susie put on her absolutely most favorite blue, paisley, footie pajamas. Shelly peeked her head out and looked at Susie. “Aren’t you a little old for footie pajamas?” “Come on.” She teased. Susie burst out laughing. Shelly joined in. They were laughing so hard that Susie started snorting. That made them laugh even harder and before long, their stomachs hurt. Susie was the first to put on a serious face. She then said in a serious tone, ”no.” “I don’t care what you think.” “They’re comfortable, and I love them.” Shelly decided to leave the conversation at that. “Okay.” With that they switched places since now Susie needed to use the bathroom.

Shelly just snuggled into her covers when all of a sudden she heard her pleasant silence broken. “God Bless America!” Susie happily sang to herself. Shelly was startled. “Can’t you be quiet for once?” “Maybe shut the door when you’re in there?” Shelly said quite annoyed. Susie laughed and gave a small snort before she replied. “You know I sing to pass time!” She also added, “the door being cracked open is just a habit!” Shelly rolled her eyes as another verse was belted out.

The next morning proved to be hectic. Susie finished her breakfast, then ran to to get her books together for school. She was almost ready when she had to use the restroom. She was also waiting for her friends to show because they ride together for school. They had not arrived yet, so Susie was sure she had plenty of time in the bathroom.

The doorbell rang when Susie was still in the bathroom. Shelly had not left yet, because she was waiting on her boyfriend. Shelly trudged over to the door hoping to see her running late boyfriend, but instead, opened it and there stood Rochelle and Lilyana (Ana), Susies best friends.

“Hi guys.” Shelly greeted them. ”Susie should be done in a minute.” “How are things?” Rochelle, Ana, and Shelly went on about life for awhile as they waited for Susie. They were deep in their discussion, when all of a sudden they were interrupted when they heard a song being belted out. ”God Bless America!” It was recognizably Susie, and the three girls burst out in laughter. Shelly ran over to the bathroom’s cracked, open door and warned Susie, “I hope you know that your friends are here, and they can hear you.”

Susie finished and ran out to Rochelle and Ana red-faced. “You better not tell anyone about this!” Ana very loyally replied, “of course I won’t.” Rochelle was still stifling a giggle though. Susie turned to her. “What?” She practically yelled, even though she didn’t mean to. Rochelle got serious and replied. “I won’t tell anyone about THAT, but. I might just tell everyone about THIS.” Susie looked to where she was pointing, and there it was. A big stain on her last clean tee shirt. “O my lands.” She hadn’t seen that she had spilled earlier at breakfast.

“I’ll be right out.” Susie called from her bedroom. She realized that she didn’t have any other clean shirts. At that moment, she saw her sisters brand new, pale green sweater folded neatly over a chair. “This will have to do.” She said as she pulled it over her head. ”Luckily I’m the same size as Shelly.” She thought to herself as she glanced in the mirror.

Rochelle and Ana were getting ready to leave when Susie came running out. “Nice sweater.” Rochelle retorted. “You look good in green.” “It matches your eyes.” Susie was really more of a tomboy. She doesn’t normally wear sweaters of any kind. Ana, amazed at her look, asked, “you’re going to wear THAT for softball practice today?” “It’ll have to do.” “I don’t have anymore clean shirts.” “I’ll just push up the sleeves if I have to.” Susie stated matter-of-factly. Nothing would stop her from playing softball. Not ever. She loved it. “Let’s go, I can’t be late,” Susie glanced at her watch. With that, all three of them left for school.

The school day went by fast, and it was time for Susie and Ana to go to softball. It was nice out, and it felt good to be outside in the fresh air. The coach called everyone over to the bleachers for their ritual pep talk before the practice. Susie was only half listening when she spotted the boys baseball team walking over to the next diamond to also get in their practice. That’s when Susie first spots HIM. Bryce Adams. The cutest guy in school ever. Also the best baseball player ever. He happened to be the pitcher of his team. He was walking over to the diamond with two friends. One, Susie recognized as Rochelle’s boyfriend, and the other guy, she didn’t personally know. “Yo, Susie.” Ana snapped her fingers. “Earth to Susie!” “Time to start!” Susie snapped back to reality. “Sorry Ana, I’m back.” “Quit drooling, and grab your bat.” “You’re on deck.” Ana informed her.

Susie walked over and grabbed her bat; which had her name on it. It read “Susie Q.” The girl before her had unfortunately struck out. It was Susie’s turn at bat. Susie was at the plate for awhile. It was full count, and she was trying her best to get a hit. Then it happened. Susie made a connection and hit the ball with all her might. The outfielder tried their best to get to the ball on time, but couldn’t. Ana yelled, “go Susie!” At that moment, Susie started running, but she heard a chant coming from the distance. It came from the boys’ diamond. “Susie Q, Susie Q, girl it’s you, Susie Q.”

Susie slowed her running, and looked over to notice it was none other than Bryce’s friends singing. Bryce was just smiling at her. Susie was so happy she smiled to herself. After, she noticed she wasn’t going to make it to second base unless she were to slide in. She knew it would be a risk, but sped up with all she had in her; and made it just in time as she slid in. She was met with thunderous applause after. Everyone loves a good slide. “Way to go Susie!” Ana encouraged from home base. Ana was up next. She also got a double, and sent Susie home. It was a victory; the game was over.

Susie was happy. Unfortunately, her sister Shelly was waiting for her at the end of the game. She was NOT happy. “Susie!” She bellowed. “You wore my brand new sweater without asking!” “Oh, yeah; sorry.” Susie said half-heartedly. “You got it so dirty in softball!” Shelly was annoyed. “It was already ugly; besides, I had nothing else to wear.” Susie explained. At this point, Shelly’s blood was really boiling now. She was mad. “I have not even gotten to wear that sweater yet!” “Now I have to try and fix what you have done to it!” “Don’t ever take my things again!” Shelly finished yelling. Frustrated with her sister; she turned to walk away.

Susie called after her, “love you.” Shelly paused for a second to turn around and glance at her, but immediately turned back and continued to walk away. They eventually met at home; and were best friends again by the end of the night.

The following week everybody was receiving progress reports. Pictures were also being taken on Friday. That meant two days for Susie to put together her look. She took her progress report happily to her parents since this time she had received all A’s. She knew her parents always rewarded their children for such accomplishments. “Hi, dear.” Susie’s mom greeted her as soon as she came through the door. “Shelly told me you got your grades today; let’s see them.” Susie was too happy to even be mad that her sister blabbed about her report. “Take a look.” She said with a wide smile across her face. “It’s true!” Her mom nearly shouted as she lost her balance. “I am so proud of you Susie.” “You deserve a gift for such effort.” “What can I get for you dear?” “Now it must be reasonable of course.” She added. “No car or anything like that I’m afraid.” She left at her own joke, and let out a small snort. Shelly laughed also and said, “that’s where Susie gets it from!”

Susie broke the laughter and said, “no mom.” “I don’t want a car.” “What I’m going to ask is more simple.” “Can I dye my hair blonde?” She asked. Her mom stared at her for a minute as if trying to decide whether Susie would look good as a blonde or not; and then replied. “I’ll make a deal with you.” “If you let me do it, it won’t cost a thing; and it will still be high quality since I’m a beautician.” “Deal?” She asked. ”Of course!” Susie excitedly exclaimed. Susie’s mom continued, “okay, then I will do it tomorrow night for you.” “That’s perfect!” Susie said. Her eyes got big as she added, “That will be just in time for my pictures Friday!” “Thanks mom!” She said, giving her a hug. “Okay, go get ready for your confirmation; I believe you’re graduating tonight.” With that Susie let go, and ran to go get ready.

Susie was just about ready to leave with her mom, when the phone rang. “Hi Rochelle, I can’t talk right now.” “You know I graduate from confirmation tonight.” Rochelle hastily replied, “I know, but I have to tell you this right now!” “Okay, tell me quickly.” Susie gave in to her friend’s urgency. “Long story short,” Rochelle started; “I got the best grades of my life, so my parents gave me concert tickets to go see The She-B’s.” “It’s on Friday, and I’m taking you!” “It’ll be a road trip!” Rochelle finished explaining in one breath. Susie shrieked. “That’s my favorite band!” ”I know.” Rochelle answered. At that point, Susie’s mom pointed to her watch. “Rochelle, I gotta go.” “Love you.” “See you tomorrow at school.” Susie hung up and headed out with her mom.

As she got dropped off, Susie’s mom explained to her that her dad would be the one to drive her home. “I have to go to a friends’ house and do their hair; so I must leave early.” Her mom explained. “I promised her tonight.” “You understand don’t you?” “Yes, it’s okay.” Susie nodded her head and headed for the church doors.

It was about 8:30pm when Susie’s dad pulled up in their car. Susie got in the car, and looked up at her dad. He had tears in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” Susie asked him, obviously worried. Her dad just replied, “you were so beautiful up there.” Susie smiled sheepishly. She was a little embarrassed by the comment. Her dad continued on. “Before we go home, I want to give you this to show you how proud I am of you.” He handed Susie a little box. Susie took it and opened it. “It’s a cross necklace.” She stated, wide eyed. Her dad helped put it around her neck, and whispered, “you deserve it.” Susie held the cross in her hand, and replied with all her heart, “thank you daddy.”

When Susie got home, she went straight to the hallway mirror to look at her necklace. Shelly walked up to her. She looked like she had something to say. Susie turned to her and asked, “yes?” After all, Shelly had peaked her curiosity. “I was just thinking to myself how pretty you are.” Shelly replied. Susie, doubtful, raised an eyebrow at her. “No, really.” Shelly went on. “I know we don’t always get along.” “I’m sorry for that; and want to make a positive gesture.” “You know the sweater I said you could never wear again?” She inquired. “Yes, what about it?” Susie asked. “I want you to wear it for pictures.” “I know you don’t have many formal clothes; and you look good in it.” “So, how about it?” Shelly asked. “No joke?” Susie was a little suspicious still. “No joke; I’m serious.” Shelly insured her sister. At that, Susie hugged her; and they both got ready for bed.

The next day, pictures went off without a hitch. Not a hair out of place. It was Friday, the day of the great road trip with Rochelle. Susie had been talking about it all day. Finally, the two were in Rochelle’s car on the way out of town. “I can’t believe we are on our own; and on our way to see the She-B’s.” “I have been trying to get tickets to see them for months.” Susie exclaimed, still in awe of the situation. Rochelle laughed out loud. “That’s because you were trying to get them here; where they are sold out.” “My parents got these out of town.” Susie laughed at herself for missing the obvious, letting out her signature snort. They both started laughing harder. When they finally calmed down, Susie managed to stifle out a response. “That is true.” “Your parents are the coolest.” Rochelle nodded her head in agreement as she turned up the radio. The both of them sang to all of the She-B’s greatest hits the rest of the way to the concert.

When Susie and Rochelle got to their destination, it was already packed. “Guess we should have come earlier?” Susie observed. “We wouldn’t have been able to because of school.” Rochelle answered. “Oh yeah, right; let’s head in.”. Susie suggested, already heading for the doors.

The concert was scheduled to start shortly. The girls tried to squeeze into the best spot possible since their spots were not assigned. When the band started, the girls, among thousands of others clapped hard and screamed with all their might. The girls soon realized that they knew every song that the band was doing. They were singing and dancing so intensely, that every once in awhile it would result in the two bumping into each other. They just stopped, and then laughed at one another; and then turned and started dancing again. It was the best time ever.

After an hour or so, the She-B’s announced that they were going to have an intermission. The first half of the concert was finished. They turned on some of their openers pre-recorded music; and the She-B’s left the stage for a fifteen minute increment.

Rochelle, wiping a drop of sweat from her brow, turned to Susie and asked, “would you mind going to grab us a couple of sodas?” “I’m so thirsty.” She handed Susie a ten dollar bill. “Sure.” “Since you’re paying.” Susie giggled. “Besides, I’m also famished from all of our dancing.”

Susie turned to try to navigate the crowd to make it to the back where the refreshment stands were. It was pretty packed so to do just this was quite a feat. She scanned the crowd, and found a small opening in which she could get through.

Susie started down the small path when suddenly someone dancing behind her stumbled; and ended up pushing her into another person on the other side of her. When this happened, Susie was looking down watching her steps. After the push happened, she felt a gaze on her from above. She slowly raised her head, and then her eyes. Susie froze, and became startled. All at once, she realized that she was staring into the incredibly gorgeous, hazel eyes of none other than her current crush, Bryce Adams.

-STAY TUNED FOR SERIES TWO, BRYCE