How To Rock a Basement

How To Rock A Basement

It was a hot spring day at Brewster High School the first week of May. Gravity 5 and The Perfs were moving boxes in the school’s basement. Everyone had gone home for the weekend, but the seven students received detention for disrupting class that day. Kacey and Molly for arguing, Nelson and Grace were too loud, Kevin was eating, and Zander and Stevie were late. Since the school was being cleaned all the boxes had to be sorted. Everyone seemed to have a problem with their punishment except Stevie who was sorting boxes quietly. too quiet. “This is your fault Kacey!” Molly snapped. Kacey turned toward the dark haired girl with unsettled rage like before. “My fault!? You’re the one who tripped me!”

***

Kacey had walked into Mr. March’s classroom with Andy behind her. She had told him he could carry her books so she could read her magazine. “Good. Scarves are back in.” She grinned with her own approval. “Want your books m’lady?” Andy said smiling. “Please don’t call me that Andy. I told you we’re not a couple. Just put them on my desk.” Andy set the books on the desk behind Molly, who saw an opportunity. Since Kacey’s were glued to the page, she didn’t see but felt Molly’s foot discreetly come out from under her desk and collide with Kacey’s designer flats and before she could react she found herself on the floor with Andy’s backpack saving her head. “Kacey don’t be so clumsy. You got scuff marks on my shoes.” Molly whined with fake innocence. Kacey got up furious and smacked Molly in the head with the magazine. “Molly, you tripped me. You made me fall.” Molly rubbed the back of her head. It didn’t hurt but it didn’t feel pleasant. “I did no such thing.” The two girls began talking with raised voices at the same time and continued as Mr. March walked in seeing and hearing them. “Girls. What happened?” He said when he finally got them both to stop. “She tripped me.” Kacey said. “I did not!” Molly shot back. “Kacey hit me in the head with her magazine.” “I only did that because you tripped me.” The girls began arguing at the same time again. “Stop. Stop!” Both girls stopped. “Enough!” Mr. March said. “There will be no arguing in this class unless it has to do with debate. You remember this is American History, right? And not to mention you both are being disruptive and childish. Now both of you have detention.” “What!?” Kacey and Molly said at the same time. In the next minute a loud burp echoed through the room. Molly scrunched up her nose and picked up her perfume bottle to spray the air. “Eww.” Kacey said. “Who ate a meatball sub and pickles?” Kevin sunk back in his chair blushing. Mr. March walked up to him. “Kevin, we have a rule against eating in here. Detention for you as well.” “But Mr. March.” “No buts. Now then…” The sound of beeps from both of Grace and Nelson’s phones were heard. “Alright then.” Mr. March approached their seats. Detention for you both as well.” Both students put their phones away in silence. The bell rang. “Now let’s begin.” Mr. March, with his back to the class, began writing on the blackboard. In the next minute Stevie packed in the door and began to tiptoe in. She was followed by Zander who was tiptoeing as well. They made it to their seats in total silence. When they were seated, they each let out a silent relief. “I saw you come in Zander and Stevie.” Mr. March said without turning around. “If you ever want to sneak in let it be to someone without peripheral vision. Detention for you both. Now as I was saying…” Kacey looked at Stevie who had been blushing ever since she walked in. Anyone might have said embarrassment, but Kacey knew her secret. She peaked at Zander who was sitting in the desk next to Stevie taking notes. She then made sure that Mr. March didn’t look in her direction and scribbled a small note on a piece of paper and passed it to Stevie.

K: You have been nervous and jittery all week. I know you’re in love with Zander so you might as well admit it.

Stevie shot Kacey a ‘don’t you dare’ look and scribbled a note she passed to Kacey.

S: I am not in love with Zander. That’s ridiculous Kacey.

Kacey didn’t buy it. She scribbled another note to Stevie.

K: Oh, don’t deny it. You too are always so close and smiley. When he hugged you the other day you looked like you would faint in his arms.

Stevie sent a small glare. The notes kept passing.

S: Okay. Mabey, I do love Zander but it’s not a big deal.

K: You’re right. It is a HUGE deal. You and Zander would make a great couple. He’s awesome and SO hot.

S: I don’t eve know if he feels the same way.

K: Trust me. He loves you.

S: Please don’t tell anyone.

K: I won’t. Why were you two late anyway?

Stevie looked at Kacey with a nervous expression. Then she gently looked around to make sure no one saw what she wrote down. She quickly handed the paper to Kacey and covered her face with her hair.

S: I may have walked in on him shirtless in our practice room.

Kacey then discretely pointed to Zander and gently fanned herself with her hand while smiling and nodding in approval. Stevie gave her a ‘stop it’ glare before a hand on her shoulder startled her. “Can I borrow your sharpener?” Zander asked in a whisper. “Sure.” Stevie said handing it to him. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” Stevie had felt goosebumps at Zander’s touch, and she looked down to avoid seeing Kacey’s giggly expression.

********

Zander walked into the practice room leading down the stairs tugging his shirt collar. Why was it so hot? He thought to himself. He looked around to see if the coast was clear. He put his backpack on the couch and pulled off his maroon T-shirt and set it on the couch as well. He then took a gulp of his water bottle. Stevie walked through the empty hallway towards her locker. She decided to get to school early so she wouldn’t have to listen to the arguing. Her father had been laid off for a week now and her mother didn’t take it very well. On top of that she hid that she had been in love with Zander for the past month, going so far as writing S+Z in an arrow heart in the last page of her songbook. She opened her locker and gently touched the pink ukulele picture representing him on the right wall. Yeah, he’s a little vain but he’s sweet and cute, she thought. He’s always there with a smile, or hug, or something nice to say. Stevie closed he locker and headed for the practice room hoping to study and maybe strum her bass a bit. She opened the door and immediately felt herself blush. Zander was standing in front of the green couch shirtless. “Hey Stevie,” he said. “Hey Zander,” Stevie said trying not look at his abs. She found herself taking a glance. “I should……” was all she could start because Zander looked down at himself before walking towards her. “You like?” He asked teasing. Stevie made a small smile before he threw his arms around her in a hug. He smelled amazing and her stomach got butterflies. He then picked her up bridal style and sat on the couch, her on his lap. “Why are you here early?” He asked. “Parents fighting again.” She responded. He was the only one who knew. “How about you?” He seemed embarrassed. “My house has no air conditioners.” He shrugged. “Ah.” She said. They talked for a bit about regular teenage stuff and with life. They had no idea how good it felt for the other to be that close. Stevie, cradling in Zander’s amazing arms while Zander tried not to drown himself in the scent of Stevie’s short and curly brown hair. After some time, the bell rang. Stevie and Zander looked at each other nervously. He pulled back on his shirt and both grabbed their backpacks and sprinted down the hall to Mr. March’s classroom.

********

“You shouldn’t be so clumsy Kacey.” Molly said. You should keep your big feet away from other people.” Kacey spoke back and then lunged at Molly in an attempt pull her hair. Molly reacted and soon both girls were at it. After some time Zander and Nelson stepped in and pulled them away from each other. “No more fighting.” Zander said. “The sooner we clean up the sooner we can leave.” He turned in time to catch Stevie who had fallen backward trying to lift a heavy box. “I gotcha Stevie,” he said taking the box from her and putting it on the top shelf with no struggle. “Gosh, he’s strong.” Kacey whispered to Stevie. She turned to her for a minute before scanning the room. “Well, I think that’s all the boxes everyone. We can leave.” “Good.” Molly said. “I don’t think my hair can take this dampness.” “I think it’s dark.” Grace said. Kacey walked over to Kevin who was holding something up to his eye like a telescope. “Kevin, where’s the pipe we were using to hold the door open?” Kevin put the pipe down. I don’t know.” He picked it up again. Kacey stood by him for a few seconds waiting. Soon Kevin took the pipe away from his eye and looked at it. “Yes, I do.” He said blushing. “Sorry.” Everyone gasped and ran to the door banging on it and screaming for help. “Okay everyone, stand back.” Nelson motioned for everyone to clear the way. He then backed up as far as he could and ran toward the door, slamming into it and falling to the ground. “Nelson! Are you okay?” Grace shook him by the shoulders. “I am now.” He said, coming back to attention. Grace helped him up and pulled him in for a hug. He hugged her back, smiling. “My turn.” Kevin said. He did exactly what Nelson did and got the same outcome. “That didn’t work.” Kevin said getting up. Zander stepped in. “How about we try the regular way.” He walked up to the door and turned the doorknob only to have it come off in his hand. “Ooops.” He blushed. “Nice going Zander. Now we’re stuck.” Molly snapped. “Well we wouldn’t be if Kevin hadn’t touched the pipe that held our way out open in the first place.” Kacey shouted. “Hey, I was just trying to entertain myself. If anything, that door didn’t make a sound when it shut which means if we didn’t hear it no one did.” He crossed hid arms trying to appear intimidating. “I’m scared.” Grace said, grabbing Nelson’s arm. “Don’t worry Grace, we’ll get out of here,” he said smiling. “Wait guys, I just remembered that the school paper did an article on the basement. It said there’s another door in case of emergencies and this IS an emergency.” Stevie said. “No way. We have a school paper?” Kevin asked which got him an elbow in the ribs. “Farther in this damp and dirty basement. No way.” Molly turned but Kacey grabbed her. “We can’t go that way.” “You’re right,” Molly said in defeat. Zander stepped forward. “Our only way out is the other door. Now as you all know I’m a highly decorated Falcon Scout so I believe our next move is this way.” He pointed down a hallway and started walking, motioning for everyone to follow. “I’m following the Falcon Scout!” Grace yelled running after Zander. “I’m following the hot girl!” Nelson yelled running after Grace. Stevie, Molly, Kacey, and Kevin looked at each other before following. “Wait for us!”

********

Kevin skipped breakfast so his stomach was growling. He made sure no one was looking and pulled out his meatball and pickle sub. Beaming with joy he took the first bite. It was delicious. He took a second bite letting the flavor dance across his taste buds. He took a third bite, then a fourth, a fifth, he kept eating until the whole sandwich was gone. Kevin leaned back in his chair with relief. Suddenly he felt his stomach churn and without warning a loud belch came out of his mouth. “Eeeww,” Kacey said. “Who ate a meatball sub and pickles?” Kevin sank in his chair blushing and threw his trash in the wastebasket near his desk. Mr. March walked up to his desk. “Kevin, we have a rule against eating in here. Detention for you as well.” “But Mr. March,” he started to say. “No buts. Now then……” His teacher was already walking away on account of phones beeping. Keven accepted his defeat. At least he wasn’t hungry anymore.

********

The basement wasn’t dark, but the dim lighting still made it a bit eerie. The seven of them walked down the wide hallway in a straight line. Nelson was on the far left while Grace was standing next to him, then Molly, Kevin, Stevie, Zander, and Kacey on the opposite side. Everyone stayed alert and jumped at anything that seemed to make a noise or shape whether it was a broom against the wall or a talking plastic pumpkin that literally shouted ‘Boo’ followed with evil laughter. No one knew how long it had been. It felt like the hallway went on forever. “How much farther?” Kacey asked rubbing her arms and breathing a bit heavy. “We’re going the right way.” Zander said. “We’ll keep going and we’ll get there when we get there.” “I hate this!” Molly snapped. “Everything here is old, smelly, or covered in spiderwebs.” “I’m scared.” Grace said. “Nelson, can I hold your hand?” “Sure.” He made a silent ‘Yes’ to himself. Kevin turned to Molly. “Do you want to hold my hand other Perf?” “Eeewww, don’t call me other Perf. Also, I wouldn’t hold your hand if you were the only boy in this school.” In the next minute she swatted a fly in front of her face and felt something web-like meet her elbow. “Eeewww,” she moaned. Kevin peeled off the web and threw it behind him. He then offered his other hand to Molly who rolled her eyes and took it. “Technically, we’re under the school.” This didn’t stop Kevin from smiling and Molly squeezing his hand a little too hard which made him wince. “Point taken. I’ll be quiet.” Zander looked at Stevie and Kacey. “You both okay?” He asked with concern in his tone. “I’m fine,” Kacey said in her ‘I know what I’m doing’ voice. Stevie chimed in, her tone sounding worried. “Yeah, Z, I’m fine too.” As much as Stevie wanted to hold his hand, she didn’t want to admit she was scared. Growing up with four older brothers and crazy workaholic parents she wasn’t expected to be vulnerable, so she kept it hidden as much as possible. Kacey had begun an independence streak since she left The Perfs for Gravity 5 so she always denied help. There were times when her immature ego was a bit too much to bear. A winding noise made them change their minds and each girl grabbed one of Zander’s arms and pulled herself close to him. He glanced at both. “That’s a wind-up toy.” They looked down as a small mouse with a key on it’s back was running into Zander’s sneaker. “I knew that.” Kacey said bending over to pick it up and placing it on a nearby shelf. Zander offered his hand and Kacey took it. Stevie stepped back but Zander offered his other hand and Stevie took it trying not to blush. Kevin took the opportunity to begin to sing ‘Thirty-nine Bottles Of Beer On The Wall’ only to receive a unanimous ‘NO’ from everyone.

********

With everyone in the classroom distracted Nelson sneakily took out his phone and texted Grace. ‘Hey.’ Grace responded not long after.

G: Hey.

N: They’re at it again.

G: Yeah, they are. I wish this would all just stop.

N: Yeah. I really want to tell people we’re dating.

They had made it official the week prior. The unspoken rule of the “social latter” prevented then from telling anyone. Grace could lose her friendship with Molly, which was a relationship she cherished from the start. Ever since they lost Kacey Grace had been holding onto people as much as possible. She was glad to be Nelson’s girlfriend and wanted to be friends with Zander, Stevie, and Kevin. She didn’t know what to do. She used to think the Perfs were a social group where they could all hang out and talk about girl stuff but when Kacey and Molly started to act like they ruled the school Grace got scared. Bullying, nagging, sarcasm, it was awful. When Kacey got braces and glasses, she was suddenly not perfect anymore. It was only when she switched to a night brace and contacts that Molly wanted her back. The song they sang together was never actually about singing, just looking pretty and rubbing it in other’s faces. Kacey choosing to stay with Gravity 5 was an eye opener. They weren’t just a band, they were friends. Still, both Molly and Kacey were competitive and needed to “win” what exactly? Wasn’t the point to make music and have fun? People only saw Grace as clueless but she had been secretly upset ever since. Nelson had a not-so-secret crush on Grace since the beginning of the school year. He asked her out and she accepted but they made a mutual agreement to keep it a secret until further notice. Nelson took a deep breath and started typing.

N: Let’s get everyone in the practice room and tell them.

In the next minute both their devices started beeping loud. Low battery. “Alright then. Detention for you both as well.” Mr. March stated sternly. In silence, both teenagers put their phones away with red faces.

*******

No one knew what time it was because Mr. March had taken all their cell phones before detention and the basement showed no clear signs of ending. The lighting didn’t change and being underground meant no windows. At first everyone was annoyed, then nervous, and now just plain scared. What if they didn’t find the door? What if they didn’t leave? What if the only escape was if the police eventually found their bodies? No one could take this anymore. Stevie decided to tell Zander she loved him. It was a chance worth taking. The basement gave her a new sense of confidence. Nelson and Grace wanted everyone to know they were a couple despite what everyone thought. The ideas came at the same time because all three spoke at once. “What?” Everyone looked at them confused. Nelson motioned to Stevie to speak, who motioned back to him, who motioned back to her. “Will somebody just go already!?” Molly shouted with impatience. Stevie decided to speak first. She turned toward Zander and immediately locked eyes with him. Her heart raced as she tried to form words. Her thoughts about him began to spiral through her brain. His words that were right even when wrong, his voice speaking or singing was angelic, his laugh, his smile was contagious. His eyes, his hair, his nose, his lips, his arms, his legs, his whole body, his being just made Stevie so happy with butterflies all over her body. She took a deep breath and spoke. “I love you, Zander.” Everyone went silent.

********

Zander put his water bottle down as his phone buzzed. The text was from Kacey.

K: Have you told her yet?

Z: No.

K: You better tell her soon.

Z: How do I even know if she feels the same way?

K: Trust me, she loves you. When you hugged her the other day, she looked like she was going to pass out in your arms.

Z: I would’ve caught her and not let go.

K: You two would make a great couple. You’re both attractive, you both love music, and you’re always so lovey-dovey.

Z: I guess.

K: Plus, Stevie is nice, beautiful, and sometimes scary.

Z: She’s amazing.

K: So, tell her. Don’t make me scold you.

She ended to conversation with the smile emoji. Zander exited out of messages and looked at his screen saver. It was of him and Stevie at the talent show taking a selfie and smiling. He was taking the picture while she had both her arms around him. He smiled at it warmly and entered the practice room.

********

“Zander, Zander?” He just looked at her with eyes wide and mouth open. Kevin waved his hand in front of the boy’s face. “I think he stopped breathing.” Kacey poked Zander in the side which brought him back to reality. “Done with your nap?” Kevin asked him which was received by a glare. “Stevie…” Zander began before she interrupted. “I know. You like me as a friend. I understand. I just wanted you to know.” “That’s not what I was going to say.” He took both her hands in his, making her blush. “I was going to say that I love you too. I didn’t mean to freeze up. I was just so surprised. I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time. I love you, Stevie. They both looked at each other smiling before Nelson chimed in. “Oh, just kiss her already.” Zander put a piece of Stevie’s hair behind her ear and then gently pressed his lips to hers. An ‘awwwww’ ran through the group except from Molly. The two parted their kiss and pulled each other in for a hug. Molly’s blank expression cracked into a small smile and she began to clap. Everyone joined in along with cheers. “Zevie is officially a reality!” Kacey shouted. “So is Grelson!” Grace shouted holding up her and Nelson’s interlocked hands. “What!?” Molly confronted Grace. “Grace! How could you do this? Perfs don’t date nerds.” “I don’t care!” Grace shouted getting gasps from everyone. “I love Nelson. He’s my boyfriend whether you like it or not! If you clapped for Stevie and Zander, then you should clap for Nelson and I because we’re all equal!” This was new to everyone. Grace had stood up people before but not like this. She was serious, she was angry, she was scary. Molly was stunned. “Grace, you just talked back to me and you’re…….” she stopped talking, turned to them and gave the same applause as she did before with Zander and Stevie. “I love you do Grace!” Nelson shouted and kissed her full on the lips. “Awww, so much love in the basement.” Kacey said. “Group hug!” They all huddled in. “Guys, I think I see the way out!” Stevie yelled. They all cheered and ran for the door. With one shove Zander pushed the door open and let them out in the backyard. “Freedom!” Kevin yelled. The seven of them walked back to the courtyard where Mr. March sat on a lawn chair tanning. Kacey walked up to him and patted his shoulder, calling his name. He stood up startled. “Who’s there? Oh, it’s you kids. Are you done with the boxes?” All of them looked at him shocked. “What?” “We got trapped and had to leave through the door leading out to the backyard.” Stevie stated. They all nodded. Mr. March looked confused. “Really?” More nods. “Huh, I guess I fell asleep. Anyway, here are your phones. You’re free to go. I will talk to the janitor about that door.” He handed them a blue bucket which they each reached into and grabbed their phones. “Bye,” Mr. March said picking up his chair and leaving. The time said 4:30. They had been gone for an hour and a half. “At least we’re okay.” Zander said. Kacey stepped up. “So many things happened down there. We witnessed two couples getting together. We got along and we worked together to keep each other calm and safe. I think we learned something. High school is only four years and do we really want to spend that time fighting?” Molly chimed in. “We fight because you always needed to be the best. I was able to get something first with the Perfs.” Grace spoke up. “We were nice when we were not trying to impress the entire school. I like things the way it is with the basement. I think that we should try to be friends because we’re great together. What do you say?” Kacey nodded and put her hand in the center. “I’m in.” Zander said placing his hand on Kacey’s. “Me too.” Stevie said placing her hand on Zander’s. “Yes.” Keven said doing the same. “Totes yes.” Grace and Nelson placed their hands in. Molly looked at them with hesitance. Kacey turned to her. “You were right Molly. I was trying to be the best and I let material things get in the way of friendship and I’m sorry. I’m sorry to everyone. You guys were the influence I needed.” Molly spoke. “Kacey, I wanted you to leave the Perfs before you got braces and glasses. I thought that being the boss meant you got everything. If you let me in maybe you could rub off on me too.” Molly put her hand in. Awkwardly they went in for another group hug. “Why don’t we go somewhere and just talk.” Zander suggested. They all agreed and went out for pizza. The evening was spent with chatter, laughter, and a few tears. Hight school was only four years but this was the start of a beautiful friendship.

THE END