Replacing Gentry by Julie N. Ford

Author:Julie N. Ford
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781937178314
Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Published: 2013-03-13T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

We’re turning fifteen, not five, Marlie,” Bridger reminded me as he shifted his weight to the right. He made a hook with one hand, sweeping the other around to follow the graphic image of a woman in yoga attire on the TV screen.

The boys had been asking me to teach them Tai Chi, but given that we couldn’t get through a practice with any significant degree of seriousness, I’d opted to let an interactive video game (the one thing capable of capturing their full attention) lead us through the steps instead.

“I bet you were planning to have a big cake in the shape of a baseball too,” he mocked as he settled easily down into The Snake Hold.

I straightened into a wide stance, rolling my arms from one side to the other, making imaginary clouds. Usually, I found this motion soothing, but today I felt nothing but frustration and disappointment. I’d always dreamed of having children and throwing grand birthday parties with balloons and cleverly planned games, where sugar-charged children ran through the yard chanting, “This is the best party ever!”

I’d put all things pertaining to missing records and unmarked graves on hold so I could focus on planning this party. And yet, all my ideas had been repeatedly shot to smithereens—dashed against the boy’s hard-earned reputations as two of the cool kids.

Reaching my hands forward with rounded arms, I pulled energy toward my core and stepped one foot behind me as the yin repelled the yang, separating my arms so I could reach out and gather more.

“What about a theme party?” I offered. “Casino Royale or something. Fake gambling and virgin martinis? That could be cool, right?”

“Yeah right. The only virgin around here is Bodie,” Bridger scoffed.

I dropped my arms and turned to him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Means Bridger’s a butthead,” Bodie answered, his rounded arms tightening, along with his jaw. He pivoted to the side and directed a crude gesture at his brother. “You better shut your dumb-ass trap before I shove this ball of energy down your throat,” he threatened.

A come-get-me look crossed Bridger’s face an instant before I decided to intervene.

“Bodie, watch your language,” I reminded him in a stern voice. “And your ball of energy is a source of inner strength; it’s not a weapon.”

“Says who,” Bodie grumbled, aiming another warring look at Bridger.

Bridger returned Bodie’s cavalier stare, then turned back to me. “No theme, no fuss. The only reason we’re letting you throw a party at all is because you’re holding our learner’s permits hostage until after the party. We just want to have a few friends over to swim and hang out. That’s all.”

“Yeah, Marlie, don’t get distracted from the true purpose of this birthday,” Bodie added. He turned his imaginary ball into a steering wheel. “Too bad our father didn’t buy you a cooler car.”

Bridger sneered at his brother. “Just remember, I’m older which means I get to drive first.”

Bodie stepped forward, forcefully bringing his fists together high over his head.

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