It was the summer of '54 and I was on my way to visit my cousin, Reggie, in North Carolina. I didn't really want to go. Like most 15 year old girls I wanted to spend my summer with my friends back home in New York. But, my parents said that I spend too much time with friends and less with family. "...But, daddy! I really don't want to stay at Aunt Dolores'! She's poor and filthy!" I'll admit, that was a very nasty way to speak about someone. "Alice, you're going, and I don't want to hear another word about it!" My father hollered back. I climbed into the car and pouted. My big brown eyes were like a puppies. I could feel them filling with tears. I tried to hold them back. I didn't want to show my parents I was weak. "Alice, dear, I bet you'll have lots of fun this summer!" My mother always tries to make things optimistic! I snapped back, "Why don't you stay with Aunt Dolores if you think it's going to be so fun!"
You could tell my father was furious I was speaking to my mother like that. "I'll make you move in with them if you keep this up!" My father yelled while looking back at me. I shut up from there. The car ride was quiet and awkward. I just wished the summer was over already!
"Alice, wake up!" My father reached over the seat and tapped me knee. I struggled to open my eyes. We were pulling into my Aunt's driveway. If I had to be honest, their house wasn't all that small. Aunt Dolorous came out. She had her apron on, and was holding a blue washcloth. "Reggie, Jane! Alice is here!" I hopped out of the cherry red Chrysler Imperial. "Alice! Honey!" Aunt Dolores hugged me. "Hi." I said shyly. "You've gotten so big!" She smiled. "Hey, stranger." My mom pulled her sister into a hug. My dad moved my stuff into the house. As my mom and my aunt caught up a bit, I saw Reggie and Jane come outside. Reggie sat on the porch railing and Jane sat on the side walk. Reggie had red/brown hair that was greased back, and blue eyes. He was wearing a white T, and a black leather jacket. He sure looked like a greaser. "Average Alice," Reggie had his arms folded over his chest, "nice to see you!" I blushed as I walked over to him. "Hi ratty Reggie! When did you get so tall?" Last time I saw my cousin, he was so small. He punched my shoulder. "Good 'ol cousin." Reggie laughed. If he weren't my cousin, I would say he's mighty handsome! I looked over to see Jane. Jane had her red hair tied up in a bow. Her bright blue eyes were soft looking at me. "Hi, Jane!" I held my hand out for her to take. "Oh, Alice! I'm so happy you're here! Older brothers can be rats! It would be nice to have an older sister here!" She leaped up with joy and hugged me. Jane was 7 years old and just the cutest. I giggled at Jane's excitement. "Shut it, pig!" Reggie hopped down and pulled her hair. "Reggie, leave Jane alone!" Aunt Dolorous said. She was moving into the house. "Well, it is time for us to leave!" My mother hugged me, and then my father. I of course hugged them back, but I sure was angry they were leaving me here. "You behave yourself, girl!" My father pointed. I waved goodbye and they loaded into the car. As they drove away, I yearned for my friends Katherine and Sandy. I can't believe my only friend is going to be Reggie all summer. Speaking of Reggie, I saw him walking away. His hands were in his leather pockets and he was walking away in style. "Hey Reggie, where are you headed?" I followed him. "What is it to you?" He chuckled. "Well, I have no where to go, nothing to do!" I snapped. He stopped and looked at me. "Okay! You can't tell my mom what i'm up to, if I let you in!" He looked for me to show that I understand. "I am in a gang, and i'm going to my buddies." I expected more. Lot's of boys say they are in gangs, just to get some darn reputation. "Okay, let me come with you!" I said as I raised an eyebrow. He quickly grabbed my shoulders. "Alice, a gal like you shouldn't be hang'n with guys like us!" I knew he either wanted to seem cool or just didn't want me coming with him. "Oh, Sure!" I twiddled with my golden brown hair. "You'll be sorry if you ever get involved with —" before Reggie could finish, a tall, brunette, grease haired, hazel eyed boy walked up to us. "Hey, Rookie," he said. His hands were in his leather pockets. "And who might you be?" He asked as he bit his lip. I looked at Reggie with my mouth open. "Hey, Junior. This is my cousin, Alice. She was just leaving." Reggie scratched his head while looking at me. "We respect family." Junior said as he ran his hand through his slick hair. He held out his hand. "Names Rivera. Joey Rivera." I shook his hand hesitantly. "Yeah, Alice here is staying with us this summer." Reggie explained. Joey nodded. "She sure don't talk much!" Joey chuckled. "I do talk. I just... don't know my way around here." I looked away from him. I could tell Reggie was nervous. I don't know why though. "Well, I think Alice should get going!" Reggie was pulling me toward the house. Then appeared two more. One had black shaggy hair and he was small, and the other had blonde hair and was large and strong. "What's this high class gal doin' here?" The blonde haired one asked as he threw down his cigarette. Reggie looked over at me and shrugged. "Someone to play with?" The blonde one shot back again. The small one just tucked bangs behind his ears. "No, I'm Reggie's cousin." I said as I put my hands on my hips. I for sure didn't like the blonde. How dare he think I'm just some prize doll waiting for someone to pick me up. "Rookie, this true?" The blonde one asked. "Steve, this is Alice." Reggie kind of hid his face a bit. When Reggie would get embarrassed he'd turn as red as a tomato. "Alice, this is Dan."Reggie pointed to the small one. Dan just nodded. He sure was quiet. "Well, anyway, I was planning on hitting the drive-in. Who's coming?" Joey said. They all nodded and shrugged. "I'm in!" Said Reggie. "Me, too!" I added. They all looked at me confused. "You sure a lady like you wants to be seen with us?" Joey raised his eyebrows. "Why not?"
Hey everyone! Hope you like Rivera so far! Sorry this chapter was short! I just wanted you to get used to the characters and what is going on! Be looking for updates daily!! ;)
