Protect Ya Neck

      Short Story

  The enormous front door swung open of the perfectly white, colonial-style sorority house. Surrounded by matching homes stretching down the road, or terrace or lane or whatever the hell this sorority jungle is called. Two duffel bags ripping at the seams flew out, plopping on the porch. Brian swears he saw dust fly up, but then again, this place was too perfectly clean to have a single dust bunny. Tim trotted up the steps and path to the house and went to greet his sister. Brian sat on the hood of his car. His mind still on dust bunnies. He imagined their life under beds and in the corners of the house. Hopping around enjoying their laid back, go with the flow life, letting the breeze take them in any direction until the feared dust buster came to crack down on the law—no dust bunnies on these premises.

"Hey cool guy!" Brian's black hole of a mind snapped back to reality as Samantha came running down to give him a big hug.

"Hay is for horses," Brian said with a shy grin.

"Oh cool, thanks mom." Her hug was warm, it's been too long since Brian has seen Samantha.

"Yeah don't worry, guys. I'll get the bags!" Tim shouted, struggling to lift the massive amounts of clothes that were somehow strategically stuffed into the two bags.

Packing into the already full '98 Jeep Cherokee, Tim took shotgun as Samantha hopped in the backseat. Tim sat straight up eyes focused on his phone, looking for his directions home. The three were headed back to their hometown for the break, eagerly awaiting the chance to stuff themselves full while raiding their parent's pantries. Tim and Samantha lived in the house right next to Brian's. Childhood best friends Brian and Tim did almost everything together. From kindergarten to now living in the same house on the edge of campus, now sophomores in college. They had driven a couple hours up the tree infested highway to pick up Tim's older sister from the university she attended. Samantha was the oddball of their family but had no problem enjoying her own quirkiness. Tim being only two years younger, had become the more responsible poster child in his parent's eyes. Brian, on the other hand, was an only child, so he often spent his days at their house with Tim and his other two younger siblings. Brian always felt like he was just another member of the family, severed from his own parents.

"Sorry, there's no seat belts back there." Brian said, noticing Samantha searching for any kind of security as the car sailed through the green daze of douglas firs passing by.

"Big spender." Samantha chuckled. 

Brian's smile grew. He kept glancing back in the rearview mirror. She was mesmerizing. Her golden hair draped over her shoulders with a feathery touch. Her sharp green eyes gazed out the window now, showing just a minimalist contour of her face. Each crease and crevice more tantalizing than the previous.

She noticed him noticing her. A sly smile grew on her face. He quickly looked away, nervous he was caught peeking at the goddess in his back seat. He tried to focus on something else, anything else. He fixed his eyes on the car's bumper in front of him. The affordable sedan had only one bumper sticker, it read "Oprah For President, America's Aha Moment!" Brian peeked back once more, he couldn't help it. Her eyes now focused on her phone.

"Another hour and thirty-seven minutes, and we'll be at the motel." Tim interrupted Brian's thoughts. Tim's punctuality could never be tested, which, in a way, Brian enjoyed, since he often found trouble getting to places on time. Tim was sort of a personal alarm clock.

"Okay Dad," coughed Samantha. "Look at you, little Timmy! You've grown up too fast." She noogied his short straight brown hair. "Wow look at that I can already see grey hairs growing, that's pretty early for a twenty-year-old." Brian couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't call me Timmy," Tim said, glaring over at Brian.

"Relax for once, it won't kill ya." Samantha beamed from the back.

"I'm gonna get a little sleep," Tim said, refusing to participate in the conversation anymore.

Silence drowned the car as the sun began to set over the endless hills of green. Samantha went back to her phone, and a new song came on the radio. Brian's thoughts were only focused on driving now as he began to hum to the rhythm of the Wu-Tang Clan's Protect Ya Neck. 

The car's headlights swung around, illuminating the front of the motel. It was old, reminding Brian of a scene from a cheesy horror movie. As if Mrs. Bates was lurking around the corner, waiting to pop out and stab you with a kitchen knife. The sign read: The Sleeping Toad Motel, with vacancy written in neon orange glowing underneath. Of course, they're vacant, Brian thought, this is the cheapest option in town. The motel was surrounded by looming evergreens giving off the impression that maybe Bigfoot was out their squatching around. As Brian reminded Tim of his younger sibling's obsession with the northwest monster, almost on cue, it began to rain. Crows perched on nearby branches began to cry out. Beware! Beware! The darkness is coming! The three quickly grabbed their essentials for the night, trying their best not to be doused in the cats and dogs that fell from the darkening clouds. Brian imagined actual cats and dogs falling from the sky. Tabby's, Bulldogs, or maybe even a couple Great Danes and Chihuahuas barking and yelping on their way down as they landed safely on the ground, melting into puddles, or, poodles of fur.

* NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS DAYDREAM.

         Struggling to open their room door, Tim muttered G-rated cuss words at the motel key as the small toy frog attached to it dangled in his way.

         "Today, junior!" Samantha shouted. Tim couldn't help but laugh as the three of them bumbled through the door. It felt like the old days. Back when they were just kids and had nothing to do but goof off and run around the neighborhood. Tim set up his laptop on the desk and began working on his classwork. Brian hopped on one of the two beds and began watching TV on what seemed to be the smallest television that was still in production.

        "I'm gonna jump in the shower, Brian you decide what we should eat, I'm fine with anything." Samantha said, gathering her things.

"You don't mind what we get?" Brian asked Tim, making sure the two siblings wouldn't fight over meals.

"Yeah it's fine! I'm good with whatever you choose." Tim said, focused on his computer screen. Samantha's gaze seemed to pierce Brian as he looked on in horror at making an executive decision for the group.

"Don't jump in the shower Sam," Tim chimed in, "Just stand there and let the waterfall on you."

         The Bathroom door creaked open, waking Brian from his half-asleep zombie state. Steam flowed out slowly. Brian could feel the heat of the air, he could only see bits and pieces of Samantha moving about in the bathroom. Suddenly she emerged, the earth had slowed, and time stood still. Brian tried not to stare but was captured in the moment. Samantha walked out with a flowing summer dress that could have only been made for this exact moment. The makers had only this intention when creating the dress, this exact moment was all the thought about. Brian was sure of it. Only fate could put this girl and that dress together at this exact moment as she walked out glowing in the angelic fog that surrounded her.

"Brian? Brian? What'd you decide on to eat?" Samantha said, trying to bring Brian back to the present time. 

         Remembering he had a decision to make, he quickly muttered out, "There's a burger joint down the road."

         "Sounds good to me." The siblings both said.

         The three piled back into the car and headed off towards the drive-thru. Was spelling out the word "through" too much for these restaurants? Did they pay by the letter? Was it just too big of an investment?

         "Yo, welcome to King Burger, whatchu want?" The cashier's voice crackled through the microphone.

         "Could we get three number twos with curly fries?" Brian said after some debate in the car.

        "Yeah... no problem..." The cashier said. After some rustling noises that could have only been her trying to cover the microphone, the three could hear her muffled voice in the back, "Yo, what's a number two?" She asked one of the other employees in the back. "Hey! What the fuck is a number two?" She said a little louder. "Oh never-mind, I got it; there's just a button that says number two." The three in the car couldn't help laughing as the voice came back on, telling them their total and to pull up to the window.

        After a strangely intimate exchange of coins with the cashier, Brian nervously raced back to the motel, happy to eat in peace. They sat on the floor of their room, discussing all their stories from school this year, the rain continued to patter the windows, and the wind rustled up the bushes outside their door. Samantha grabbed one of her bags and unzipped carefully, not allowing a single article of clothing to escape, and pulled out a bottle of whiskey.

       "No, no, not tonight, Sam." Tim cried out. Already knowing what was coming and unwilling to even touch the bottle.

       "C'mon Timmy, just a couple sips." Samantha said, trying to reason with him as she passed it to Brian, who was very willing to take a couple.

       "Alright alright, one sip." Tim said.

       After a couple hours of this, all three were dancing around, Tim noticeably more intoxicated than the other two.

       "Tim, Tim, slow down a bit," Samantha laughed, watching her little brother dance on top of the bed, shaking his hips side to side and doing who knows what with his uncoordinated arms swaying in the air. "That's enough for you." Taking the bottle and offering more to Brian.

       "No thanks, I don't wanna reach that level." Brian said, pointing at Tim, who was now making his way around the room, touching every object possible. "Hey Tim! You're too drunk, man!"

       "Noooo I'm not." Tim said slurring his words

       "Can you tell the time?"

        Tim turned to the clock hanging at the wall, he walked over and pointed at it. "Hey time, I'm not too drunk, get off my back, okay?"

        One by one, they slowly began to fall asleep, first Tim, then Samantha. Brian stayed up for a bit. Content with the moment. He looked down at Samantha, her face as beautiful as ever, even with the occasional snort and snore. He chuckled and gently picked her up, carried her to the bed, threw a blanket on her, and then one on Tim. Brian lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, listening to the sound of rain hit the tin roofing above. One of his favorite small pleasures in life. His eyes slowly but surely sealing for the night.

        The next morning was clear and warm; the sun shined brightly through the windows hitting Brian's face like a nice solid right hook. Tim was the first up and was finishing schoolwork while mapping out the rest of the trip, hoping to arrive home by tonight. Samantha was out at the car, trying to rearrange the suitcases to save more space. Brian rose up, a headache flooded his brain. In pain, he begged Tim for some water.

        "Shhhh, too loud. Quiet down, it's in the car." Tim complained as he rubbed his head, feeling the same and maybe even double Brian's pain after the night he had.

        Brian made his way out to the car. Stumbling with each step, reaching out for objects along the way to keep him balanced. The sun reflected off the wet pavement, blinding Brian for a moment. He reached the front door of the car and slowly managed to pull it open. It seemed a lot heavier than usual. Samantha popped out from the other side of the car, surprising Brian, making him smack his head on the vehicle's roof.

       "OWWW!" He cried out.

       "Oh sorry! I didn't mean to scare you."

       "You can't scare me." Brian chuckled, he could never stay angry around her.

        "Oh really?" She said, taking it as a challenge. "Well I've wanted to talk to you now that we're alone for a bit." Now Brian was scared. A blank expression grew on his face.

       "What about?" He said, acting as normal as possible.

       "Well I've been noticing the way you've looked at me this trip. As if you've seen a ghost." She said with a hint of worry. "Is there something you wanna tell me?"

       "Haha what are you talking about?" Brian played it off.

       "No, seriously, what's going on?" Figuratively pushing him into a corner.

       "It's nothing." Brian said, grabbing the water. "I gotta go to the bathroom."

        Confused by the words coming out of his own mouth, he walked away quickly, trying not to trip over his own feet. He slammed the bathroom door suddenly and looked in the mirror. Splashing water on his face, he turned his head to look at himself. The cool water dripped off his face. What are you doing, Brian? Grow a pair. Just tell her how you feel.

        "Brian! You ready? We've got to get going." Tim yelled through the door.

        "Yeah Yeah I'm coming."

        Back on the road, trees whizzing by, winding through the endless hill. The trees seemed to hover over the road. Looking down on Brian with disappointment. Brian couldn't look in the rearview mirror. He couldn't bring himself to face those piercing green eyes again. This drive seemed to be getting longer and longer, not shorter. Sweat started to drip on his forehead, Brian had to roll a couple windows down. 

        Hours pass. The car sped through small towns and local gas stations like they were distant relatives you don't want to engage in small talk with.

        "I've got to stop at the next gas station to fill up, anyone gotta go now would be the time." Brian said, looking over at Tim. Tim shook his head.

        "I've gotta go." Samantha said. Brian finally looked back just in time to see her turning her head from him. Catching the smallest amount of eye contact possible.

        The car rumbled into the station, and Samantha hopped out as soon as she could. A beyond overweight attendant came over and began to fill the tank. His orange muddy Crocs squeaked as he stumbled around, waiting for it to fill. He lifted up his camo trucker hat to scratch his prominent bald spot he tried to play off while Samantha passed him on her way to the store.

       "Hey what's up with Sam?" Tim asked Brian now that they were alone.

       "She's upset with me because I wouldn't tell her what was wrong earlier."

       "What do you mean? What's wrong" Tim said, raising his voice.

        "I like her man, I have for a long time, and I got too nervous to tell her." Brian said, showing a little confidence now that he finally said it out loud.

        "Are you serious?" Tim said, turning to face Brian. 

        "I really do, man. As your best friend, I wanna be honest with you."

        "She's my sister, MY sister. I won't just let you mess around with her and then move on."

        "I don't plan on moving on from her." Brian reasoned. Tim slouched back in his seat.

        "To be honest, she told me the same thing last night. I just want to be sure you guys are sure. This isn't easy for me."

        "Really?!" Brian almost jumped out of his seat. "She actually said that?"

        "Yeah but don't bring it up now, this is private I don't wanna hear all of it." He said, turning to watch Samantha walk back to the car.

         Brian could barely keep himself from grinning ear to ear. As they got back on the road, close to home now. Brian couldn't wait to be back. Samantha still sulked in the back. Brian wanted to tell her. He had so much he wanted to say. He felt like the suitcases in the back, budging at the seams begging the zipper to break so they could be free. Brian wanted to be free.

          The sun was low, not a cloud in the sky, there was a slight breeze, but it was warm enough to keep the windows down. Brian looked back to see that she was looking back at him too. Their eye contact held for a second. He smiled, wanting to shout to the world how he felt. He had to be patient, though. Almost home now, his fingers were tapping on the steering wheel. The car stopped at a red light at the edge of town, he glanced back again. She was smiling, she reached out her hand and placed it on his shoulder. He was watching her in slow motion. She was about to say something, her neck was slightly stretched out, her shoulders back. Brian couldn't look away. Her eyes glowed, he held his breath. Her head tilted upward, she sat on the edge of her seat, feet were arched on her tippy toes. His fingers shook, faster and faster, mimicking his racing heart. The light turned green, and he looked forward at the road. His ears perked back like a dog, anticipating her voice saying everything he's ever wished. All of a sudden, the car was flooded with a bright light. Brian's head turned just in time to see an enormous truck inches from his car door.

Brian's eyes slowly opened. His vision fuzzy, his ears ringing. He couldn't feel much. The sky had become concrete, and the ground was blue. He started to hear muffled screaming. He saw feet racing towards him, the smell of gasoline and beer stung his nose. Glass was everywhere he looked. His door swung open, men began prying him out of his seat. Still upside down, he made out Tim, limping off with two men under his shoulders. Sirens filled the air as Brian was being carried off. He could only see the sky now. Birds flew by chirping songs of sorrow, and a cloud of black smoke appeared in his view. A distant plane way up in the sky flew by. Just a white dot sliding across his view. Brian lay there, trying to move anything he could. He managed to turn his head back towards the car. The only thing he could see was Samantha, lying on the ground, motionless. All color left the world, the plane was gone, the bird's songs were replaced with deafening silence. His eyes became fuzzy again, they began to shut, darkness crept in, closer and closer.