Children

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RR-III-NNN-GG!

The school bell rings at the end of the day. As students exit their classes at Booker T. Washington Middle School, they create noise and commotion within the hallways. The conversations are all loud and spoken hastily. A few students even run throughout the hallways to grab belongings from their lockers before they burst out of the building.

As the doors open to exit the middle school, a crisp, cool, autumn breeze whisks throughout the school corridors. Posters displayed on the school walls flap in the gust of wind. These posters announce the first home football game of the semester. The advertisement reads, ‘Booker T. Washington Spartans are scheduled to play last year’s Middle School champions, the Robert F. Kennedy Trojans on September 30th… come one, come all’.

The heavy school doors slam shut as more students escape the building.

A student photographer, Mel Frankel, aims his digital camera at a group of middle school cheerleaders. In the middle of the bevy of youthful beauties is Brianna Morgan. Her thick, strawberry-blonde hair is set neatly past her shoulders before she tosses back her hair. Brianna plays to the camera with a photogenic smile and piercing blue eyes for her photo opportunity. She places her arms around two of her co-cheerleaders. To Brianna’s left is Julia Grady, a petite, curly-haired, brown-skinned girl with a smile that practically radiates a room.

Standing to the right of Brianna is Donna Collins. Donna stands nearly a statuesque 5’8 and is blessed with a clear, ruddy complexion. Her long, dark brown hair and restless, intelligent eyes complement her refined, understated beauty.

“On the count of three, shout, ‘Go Spartans’ for me,” Mel requests.

Brianna and the rest of the cheerleaders pose for their photo opportunity.

“Alright, ladies, one…two…three…”

“Go Spartans for me!” The cheerleaders shout with gusto.

Mel clicks his digital camera before he displays the “okay” sign with his right hand. He shakes his head slowly and grins at the girls.

The white sweater clad cheerleaders giggle with youthful giddiness as they prepare for another photograph. They quickly arrange a pyramid formation with the smaller cheerleaders kneeling on the backs of the other cheerleaders while Brianna remains in the center with her pom-poms above her head.

“Ladies, are you ready?” Mel asks.

“Yes, hurry,” demands Donna as she kneels on the floor with Julia on her back.

“Wait…I’m not ready,” cries Brianna.
She turns around and glances at her co-cheerleaders before she flashes a mischievous grin.

“I’m just playing…let’s do this.”
Brianna snickers while the rest of the cheerleaders murmur under their breaths.

“We’re not amused, Morgan,” Julia complains.
Donna rolls her eyes and glares at Brianna. Her face appears flushed.

Brianna faces Mel before she tosses back her hair and plays to the camera.
“The same cheer, ladies… alright, one…two…three…”

“Go Spartans!” the cheerleaders shout.
Mel clicks his digital camera and thanks the girls.

The cheerleaders break up the formation as they sigh in relief. The girls get on their feet and complain about the long pose. They stretch their upper bodies and rub the backs of their necks while they wince in pain.

Mel waves to Brianna and the others. Brianna waves back to him. She and the others eventually strut down the hallway.

Brianna and the girls giggle while students pass and gape at them. Several of the boys whistle at the girls. Brianna smiles at them and whispers in Julia’s ear. The other girls crowd closer to Brianna to find out what she said.

Meanwhile, the lanky, serious Donna remains in the background. She glances at a few passing students before her eyes widen.

Approaching the cheerleaders from the other end of the hallway is the Booker T. Washington football team, the Spartans. A few students cheer the blue and white uniformed football players while they swagger down the hallway.

Brianna grabs Julia tightly and they both giggle again. Brianna tosses her hair back and regains her composure while Julia smiles at the other cheerleaders. Donna appears apprehensive as she stares at Brianna.

Among the football players is the star quarterback, Craig Downey. Craig stands barely 5’6, but with his muscular build and handsome, chiseled features, the blonde and blue eyed Craig already looks like a high school athlete.

Craig seems to be in a deep conversation with a teammate, Eric Burke. Eric stands about the same height as Craig, but with a thickset build.

Students cheer and call out Craig’s name, but he barely acknowledges them. Eric glances at them before he elbows Craig. Craig smiles as he waves to the students briefly. He then resumes his conversation with Eric.

Meanwhile, Brianna seems starry eyed as she smiles at Craig. Eric glances at her before he whispers something to Craig.

“How’s it going, Craig?” Brianna greets him.

Craig doesn’t acknowledge the cheerleader. Instead, he looks past her and gazes at Donna.

Brianna’s smile slowly disappears and her mildly freckled face reddens. Julia and the others stare at Brianna and Craig before they whisper amongst themselves.

Craig slightly smiles at Donna as he walks past her. Donna glances at him before she looks away with a blush on her face.

Donna’s blush quickly goes away as Brianna stops in the hallway to look in Craig’s direction. The other cheerleaders stop to surround Brianna.

“I can’t understand why Craig’s still not talking to me. This has gone far enough,” mutters Brianna.

“We’ll get to the bottom of this,” a cheerleader, Phoebe Darin, tells her. “He can run, but he can’t hide for long. We’ll corner him.”

“I sure hope so. I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” Brianna says softly.

Julia and the others look amongst themselves for a moment while Brianna stares in Craig’s direction.

Donna stares at Brianna with a blank expression. Brianna glances at Donna and slightly smiles. Donna quickly smiles at Brianna before she continues to walk down the hallway. Brianna and the others eventually follow Donna down the hallway.


Meanwhile, Craig and the rest of the football team meet with Mel in the hallway for their photo opportunity.

A tall, well-dressed student, Dash McHenry, strolls down the hallway with two students, Monica Sanchez and Tyler Harrison. They talk amongst themselves before they greet the cheerleaders. Dash appraises the cheerleaders before Monica elbows him lightly to get his attention. Dash and Tyler grin at one another as they continue down the hallway with Monica.

Dash is slender and athletic with smooth, dark-brown skin and short wavy hair. The well-groomed Dash has a bright smile and a twinkle in his eyes as he communicates with his friends in the hallway. Monica has long, dark, thick hair and a set of big, brown eyes that complements her tan skin and pixie features. Tyler has long, brown hair and calm, hazel eyes that hide behind a pair of thick eyeglasses.

They turn the hallway before they meet up with Mel. The slender, black attired Mel greets his friends while the football team poses for a photograph. Mel clicks his camera as the boys appear tough for the photo opportunity.

The Spartans’ tough exterior quickly vanishes once Mel completes the photo shoot. They relax and talk amongst themselves. Craig smiles and greets Dash.

“What’s up, McHenry?”

“What’s going on, Craig?” Dash greets the football player.

“I’m getting psyched up for the big game,” says Craig.

“We’re all getting psyched up for the game. We’re ready for victory,” cries Eric Burke.

Craig and the rest of the team join Eric in a chant.
“Two, four, six, eight…who will we defeat today? Trojans…Trojans…down with the Trojans…”
The Spartans hoot and holler as they trot down the hallway towards the gymnasium.

“What a bunch of Neanderthals…how can Coach Brodesser even stand them?” Monica asks.

“He’s probably the man responsible for their barbaric ways,” says Dash with a smirk.

Monica shrugs before she walks down the hallway with Dash, Tyler and Mel.

Down the hallway, a few students still gather belongings from their lockers. In the direction of the band room is the sound of marching band drums.

In the hallway, a pretty, neatly groomed co-ed with shoulder length dark hair in a pony tail, April Hinton, grabs belongings from her locker while she chats with Lauren and Kelly.

Lauren and Kelly laugh while April glances down the opposite end of the hallway and shakes her head. April puts on her jacket and places a few books in her knapsack. Lauren, a tall, stocky, blonde girl with small, pale blue eyes grins at April.

“I don’t how long he’s been staring at you, but he and that skinny geek have been at it for quite awhile,” mutters Lauren.

“I’ve no idea why he would even express interest in me,” says April. “I did nothing to encourage it.”

“You know, it’s probably the unattainable private school persona that April possesses,”
Kelly suggests.
April and Lauren stare at Kelly with blank expressions on their faces.

“Without meaning to appear dumb…what on earth are you talking about, Kelly?” Lauren asks.

Kelly, a lovely brunette with medium-length curly hair and cunning, blue eyes, stares back at April and Lauren with her mouth opened.

“I can’t believe you don’t understand my point.”

April smirks at Lauren before she takes a clarinet case out of her locker.

“This is taking a lot longer than I anticipated, Kelly. What are you talking about?” Lauren snaps impatiently.

Kelly exhales before she closes her eyes. As she slowly opens her eyes, Kelly slowly shakes her head.

“April recently transferred from private school. The whole 8th grade is aware of that. The fact that she’s unattached and highly unattainable is alluring to the boys. If a guy can get a date with her, then he will be considered ‘the man’.”

April and Lauren stare at one another again. As the sun illuminates the hallway, it glistens on April’s smooth, dark-brown skin. She grins and pats Kelly gently on the shoulder.

“I understand what you’re saying, Kelly. I am a challenge for the boys to date.”

Kelly claps her hands softly while she jumps up and down. Lauren stares at her and rolls her eyes.

“It doesn’t take too much to please you, does it,” snaps Lauren.

April laughs along with Lauren while Kelly slaps Lauren playfully on the back.


Down the hallway, two boys, Brad Riley and Herschel Winters, stare in the direction of the girls. Herschel quickly moves toward the staircase. He begins to whisper before he looks over his narrow shoulder and realizes that Brad is still staring down the hallway. Herschel, scrawny with slick black hair and twitchy, beady dark eyes to contrast his pale skin, places his left hand on his forehead and closes his eyes.

Brad, burly with unruly, thick, brown hair, a ruddy complexion and penetrating blue eyes, looks behind before he joins Herschel.

Marching band drums continue to beat in the background.

Meanwhile, Dash McHenry walks down the hallway with Monica, Tyler and Mel as he greets a few students.

Monica and Tyler murmur while they look into their notebooks. Mel lags slightly behind and fiddles with his digital camera. Dash glances around the hallway and smiles before his oval, brown eyes rest on April standing by her locker with her friends.

April does a double take and stares back at Dash passing her in the hallway. Lauren and Kelly smile at Dash while he walks by with his friends. Dash’s and April’s eyes are locked on to one another for a moment.

Monica looks up from her notebook to witness the moment. She stares at April briefly before she glares at Dash. Monica glances at Tyler and shakes her head. She walks faster before Tyler and Mel follow quickly behind her.

Dash still smiles at the smitten April while he walks slowly down the hallway. A brief moment later, Monica calls out to him.

“Mr. McHenry, we do have a football game to attend. The sport news is not going to write itself.”

Dash waves to April before he joins Monica, Tyler and Mel down the hallway. April and her friends stare in their direction before Dash and his friends exit the school. A crisp, cool, autumn breeze whisks throughout the corridors again. A moment later, the heavy doors slam shut and echo throughout the hallway.

April covers her face with her left hand while Lauren and Kelly giggle. Kelly claps her hands softly and jumps up and down again.

“Kelly, have you ever seen such a display of middle school romance between a girl and boy?” Lauren asks.

“April, I can’t believe that Dash McHenry is interested in you. I always thought that he and Monica were going out,” says Kelly.

April still blushes while she smiles at her friends.

“Monica Sanchez wants people to think that she’s going out with Dash. What just happened here not a minute ago proves that’s so not the case,” Lauren explains. “It was something sublime and special. Frankly, April…Dash McHenry is a cutie and he’s hot for you, babe.”

“I’ve seen love at first sight before, but honestly, April’s lovelorn eyes locking with the handsome Dash’s stare is a moment to behold,” Kelly adds. “That was without a doubt… a digital moment. Where’s the camera?”

Lauren and Kelly giggle again before they wait for April to respond. April closes her eyes and leans on the locker next to her.

“I can certainly bet that you’ve seen nothing like that at private school,” says Lauren.

“I went to a predominately girl’s private school,” April says while she looks toward the ceiling.

“Even so, it only proves my point,” continues Lauren.

“Which is?” April inquires.
Lauren glances at Kelly and sighs impatiently.

“It proves that now is the time for you to seize the day.”

“Carpe diem…” adds Kelly.

“Yes, anyway, I’ve known Dash since last semester when he was a new student. Dash has always been popular with the girls and he’s certainly not shy around them,” Lauren explains. “But, frankly, I’ve never seen the guy look at any other girl the way he gazed at you.”

“April, he’s so nice and he has a lot going for him. He’s…”

“He’s easy on the eyes, that we know for sure,” Lauren interrupts Kelly. “He’s a sharp dresser, with a love for literature and poetry and next semester he’s expected to be ‘the man’ on the basketball team. Dash is becoming increasingly popular with girls and guys alike. He may even give Craig Downey a run for his money.”

“Speaking of which, when you decide to go out with Dash, April, you and I can double date,” says Kelly. “You with Dash and I with Craig…it’ll be so exciting.”

“That’ll never happen, Kelly,” quips Lauren.

“You mean the double date?” Lauren asks.

“No, I mean your dating Craig Downey…it won’t be anytime soon, I’ll tell you that much,” says Lauren.

Kelly smirks before she shakes her head.

“What are you talking about? Craig and Brianna are so over right now. He’s available, well, so I heard through the grape vine.

“That must’ve been an awfully thick vine because I haven’t heard a thing,” Lauren says.

Kelly smirks again and shrugs.

“Now, back to reality,” Lauren continues. “April, I’m telling you, you and Dash McHenry will make such a nice couple. I don’t care what your father thinks about your waiting until high school to date boys. Now is the time and you shouldn’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.”

“But, Dash hasn’t asked me out yet,” April says.

Lauren glances at Kelly before they both snicker. April widens her eyes and stares at her friends.

“What is so funny?” April asks impatiently.
Lauren’s and Kelly’s faces turn red as they snicker for a moment. April rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
Kelly gasps for air before she waves her right hand.

“I’m sorry, April. It’s just that news travel fast around here. It’s no secret that your father is a dictator.”

“A dictator…I resent that. My father is not a dictator,” April protests.

“Please don’t misunderstand me, April, I didn’t mean in the sense of Lenin or Stalin,” says Kelly.

“Oh, thanks a lot, now my father is compared to early 20th century fascists?” April asks.
Lauren still snickers as her face becomes a crimson red. April narrows her eyes and glares at Lauren.

“April, please…we didn’t mean to make fun of you. It’s just that your father is a bit uptight and his reins on you are pretty snug,” Kelly explains. “Dash McHenry is not likely to wait around until your dad gives you permission to date. Maybe it’s time for you to take some initiative.”

Lauren stops snickering while she points to Kelly.

“Ditto…what she said, now’s the time, April. Besides, Dash is a much more interesting conversation piece than talking about that creepy Brad Riley and his nerdy partner, Herschel.”

“Lauren, please, I’m still digesting my lunch,” quips April.
April chuckles along with Lauren and Kelly.

“I think they’re finally gone now,” Kelly says.

“I sure hope so,” adds April. “I better hurry and get to the band room before they stalk us.”

“I don’t think Kelly and I are the ones they want to stalk,” Lauren says.

Lauren and Kelly glance at one another before they snicker again. April smirks with her tongue in cheek and closes her eyes.

“You two are getting on my last nerve.”

Meanwhile, Brad and Herschel peek at the girls from the doorway of the staircase.

Marching band drums are still heard in the background. Herschel places his left hand to his forehead again.

“Can this echoing get any worse? I’m getting a ruptured spleen over here.”

Brad and Herschel move away from the doorway and closer to the staircase.

“Alright, Brad, now pay close attention. I’m going to speak nice…and slow so that I only have to say this once. Now, are you with me?”

Brad stares through his friend and slowly nods his head. Herschel glances around him to assure that they’re alone.

“Good, now, the girls should leave April alone at her locker any minute now. That’s when you make your move. We…”

“How do you know they’re not all going to leave together?” Brad asks.

Herschel closes his eyes again and shakes his head. He slowly opens his eyes and looks toward the ceiling.

“Brad, my corpulent friend, please do not interrupt me. I thought we had a pact that you were going to stay with me.”

“It’s a simple question, Herschel,” says Brad.
Herschel exhales and stares at Brad for a brief moment.

“Alright, fine…I know for a fact that April always remains at her locker for at least a minute after those two busybodies leave. Besides, they’re going to the game early so that they can get a good seat and April will be with me in the marching band. Kelly has a thing for Craig Downey. You know, Brad, you should be more attuned to the latest in current events.”

Brad smirks and shrugs his large shoulders.

“Anyway, as I was saying before you interrupted me, when those two blabbermouths leave April at her locker alone, that's when you make your move; exactly the way we discussed it. Are you still with me?” Herschel asks.

Brad nods his head.

“Swell, now this is what you need to do. You should play it cool and slowly approach her locker. She will…”

Brad rolls his eyes.

Herschel stops talking and glares at his friend.

“Now what's the problem?” Herschel asks.

“Herschel, we went over this a hundred times. Going over it again will only make me more puzzled and nervous,” says Brad.

Herschel still glares at Brad for a brief moment. He nods his head before he looks toward the ceiling again.

“You’re not going to cry on me, are you?” asks Brad.

Herschel vigorously shakes his head.

“I’m over it. Okay, time is ticking away and in a moment we may lose April.”

“You know, Herschel, I’m not so sure that I’m ready for this,” says Brad.

Herschel glares at Brad again and shakes his head.

“Brad, what have we been talking about since the first day of school? I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of being a zero. I thought that we agreed that this would be the year that we’d move from the non-existent crowd to the A crowd. The only way that we can accomplish that feat, my friend, is to date beautiful girls. April Hinton is a crucial step in our mission. She’s smart, attractive and sophisticated. The fact that she’s new in this school is a plus because she hasn’t picked up any bad habits that plague so many of the other girls. If you snag a date with her, even if it’s one date, then we’ll catapult to the B crowd. In time, word will get around that you dated April and the girls will find out what a sweet, sensitive guy you are. The most popular and beautiful of lovelies will have no choice but to sample a taste of what April Hinton experienced.”

Herschel pauses briefly and glances around him again.

“Brad, we’ve been best friends since the second grade. Don’t you think by now that I’ll have your best interest at heart?”

“We’ve been each other’s only friend since the second grade,” says Brad.

“Alright, since you put it that way, that’s more reason why this operation is of the uttermost importance. Let’s face the music, chum, we’re geeks…of the highest order. There…I said it. As harsh as it may seem, that needed to be said,” explains Herschel. “Remember what we talked about…today we date pretty girls. Next year, when we’re high school freshmen, we go out with alluring, beautiful women. That’s my desire, Brad, and you’re not going to spoil it for me by backing out at the last minute. Now, straighten up and get yourself together. Time is wasting and I need to be in the band room in less than ten minutes.”

Brad stares through Herschel and scratches his head. He slowly shakes his head and exhales.

“Alright, fine…I’ll do it. I just freaked a little bit, that’s all.”

Herschel smiles and slaps Brad on the back.

“It’s a natural reaction, my portly friend. Now last but not least, I need to introduce you to an instrument that you may or may not recognize.”

Brad has a perplexed expression on his wide face as he shrugs. Herschel takes a comb from out of his knapsack and hands it to Brad.


Meanwhile, Lauren and Kelly leave April alone at her locker.

“We’ll see you at the game, April,” says Lauren.

“I’ll be the one gaping at the star quarterback, Craig Downey,” Kelly gushes.

“Well, I’ll be the one sitting in the marching band with the bored expression,” April says flatly.

Lauren and Kelly chuckle as they walk down the hallway and exit the school before the school doors slam shut. Marching band drums continue to echo throughout the hallway.

Down the opposite end of the hallway, the gaunt Herschel uses all of his strength to push his bulky friend towards the middle of the hallway. Brad nearly trips over his shoes before he glances back at Herschel. Herschel peeks in his direction from the doorway of the staircase.

April remains still and pensive at her locker briefly. She sighs before she zips up her knapsack and grips on to her clarinet case.

Brad slowly shuffles down the hallway towards April’s locker. He glances back sporadically in Herschel’s direction. His face seems a bit pale and his eyes appear lost of expression.

April eventually closes her locker shut. From the corner of her eye, a looming figure startles her. April jumps back and drops her knapsack. She grips on to her chest with her free hand while she holds her clarinet case with the other. A brief moment later, April realizes that she’s face to face with Brad.

Brad smiles sheepishly at April.

“Hi, I-I didn’t mean to scare you. I-I only wanted to talk to you.”

Brad continues to grin at April while he appraises her. April stares at Brad with a perplexed expression on her face. Brad fidgets nervously before he giggles in an acute high-pitched tone. April rolls her eyes impatiently.

“What can I do for you?”

Brad’s face turns red while he still giggles. April narrows her eyes and bites her upper lip as she glares at Brad. She looks at him up and down as she glances at her wristwatch.

“What do you want?” April snaps.

Brad’s giggle suddenly stops. He clears his throat and still fidgets nervously.

“I-I just want to ask you…w-would you like to g-go out with me? Maybe we can go out on Saturday. Have y-you ever b-been to the Science Museum?”

April stares at Brad with an uneasy expression on her face. She looks at him up and down again.

“Saturday’s not a good day for me. There’s a football game and I’m in the marching band.”
April raises her clarinet case to display it to Brad.

“Right, I-I see…what about after the g-game or Sunday afternoon?” Brad asks.

April passes her fingers through her pony tail and slowly shakes her head.

“Honestly, no day is good for me. I’m just not interested in going out with you.”

Brad stares through April and slowly nods his head.

“I-I see…I didn’t mean to…”

“Please, don’t apologize or feel embarrassed. Frankly, I didn’t want to reject you without an explanation,” April explains. “I’m not one to blow off a guy and leave him hanging. It’s not my nature.”

“Well, that’s good. I-I…” Brad begins.

April lifts her left hand to signal that she’s still speaking.

“Hold that thought, uh…” April says.

“Brad…Brad Phillips…” Brad says.

“Yes, of course…I feel that you went out of the way to ask me out on a date, so I feel obligated to state the reason for my lack of interest,” April explains. “Now, make no mistake, I am not flattered. However, I’m not heartless either.”

Brad still stares through April while she studies him.

“In advertising, it’s important for an individual or corporation to accentuate the features and benefits of a product. The features are the facets or characteristics of a product,” April explains. “In this case we’re not dealing with a material product, but with a personality, which is you. Your desire is to sell me on the idea that you’re suitable enough for me to go out with in public. Do you follow me so far?”

Brad looks toward the ceiling briefly before he slowly nods his head.

“Good…anyway, the benefits of a product, or in this case, you as a personality, are the rewards or advantages,” April continues. “In other words, what’s in it for me? What can you offer me if I go out with you? How will it be exciting or fulfilling to me? In advertising, the motto is ‘to sell the sizzle, not the steak’. I’m afraid that in your case, the steak is still in the freezer, lad. In the near future, when you decide to thaw out, a sweet young lady may consider dating you. It just wouldn’t be me.”

“I-I’m not sure I-I understand,” says Brad.

“It’s natural for someone of your maturity level to be confused…uh…” April begins.

“Brad…Brad Riley…” Brad responds.

“Yes, of course…” April says curtly.

April looks up and down at Brad again before she shakes her head.

“My suggestion for you is to consider your attire and hygiene the next time you decide to ask a girl out. It’s important for you to remember that first impressions are lasting impressions,” April explains. “If you don’t care about your appearance, it’s not likely that a young lady will care about you. Words to live by, my dear boy…they may be free, but they’re still invaluable. One day in the near future, you’ll thank me for this rare moment of wisdom.”

April picks up her knapsack before she walks down the hallway. Brad stares in April’s direction before she turns the corner. Herschel slowly approaches Brad from behind in the hallway.

“I-I don’t understand it. W-what could’ve possibly g-gone wrong?” Brad asks.

Herschel stares down the hallway before he slowly turns to face Brad.

“Your advertising was weak. Didn’t you hear the lady?” asks Herschel.

Brad still stares down the hallway as he exhales.

“That didn’t go well at all. I d-don’t think that I c-can ever face her after that,” says Brad.
“Trust me, Brad, the last thing April Hinton wants is for you to face her again,” says Herschel. “Frankly, chum, if you knew that you weren’t ready for this, why were you in such a hurry to ask her out on a date?”

Herschel smirks at Brad and shrugs before he walks down the hallway. Brad glares in Herschel’s direction with widened eyes for a moment. He eventually follows Herschel down the hallway.

Marching band drums still echo throughout the school corridors.

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