Rebel Soul (18 page)

They soon got a blanket out of the car and set down together looking up at the sky and the stars above them. Then the fireworks begin, beautiful colors of red, white and blue opening up into the sky then falling down toward them. Emily felt as if she could reach out and touch them at times. Billy pulled her down beside him and held her in his sweet loving arms as they drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Thurs 5th July

The morning around the breakfast table consisted with the discussion of the upcoming trial of Billy’s brother Jr. This was becoming unbearable to Emily as she listened, keeping her eyes on her eggs and bacon. She stirred them around on her plate, playing with her food keeping her mouth shut, staying out of the conversation. That is until Josh spoke without looking at her.

"What are you and Billy going to do, avoid the trial?" Emily and Billy hadn't discussed the trial, instead they had kept their minds numb with pot and liquor. She knew it troubled him as much as it did her, but she knew they would soon have to talk about it. These things couldn’t be left under the table forever.

She had loved Joe and, Billy of course loves his brother Jr. This would be their test, if they could get through this trial and remain civil they could survive anything.

Without answering Josh, Emily got up to leave and was heading out the back door, as Josh's voice trailed behind her "Hu Emily, what are you going to do about it?" This angered her, she couldn’t keep her mouth shut any longer.

That’s when she turned around and looked into the eyes of her brother Josh, staring him down, their eyes meant like daggers stabbing each other. “Josh, why would you even think you have to ask me that question? You know I loved Joe with my whole heart, of course I will be there, Asshole.” Then she slammed the back door and left.

She marched out to the cemetery mad and set down next to Joe's grave, she hadn't been there in a while.

“Your new tombstone looks nice Joe.” She admired it as she picked up one of the many joints that had been left for him and the jar of shine then took a drink. She laid back on his grave and lit the joint.

"Well Joe, the trial is coming up. Billy and I haven't even talked about it.” She took in a deep breath, “I don't know what to do. Was it an accident Joe?"

Emily and Jr were the same age, in her heart she really did think it was an accident, but she didn't know, it could have happened to any of them, they all carried guns. Laughing she thought, well it did happen to me.

“I killed a man myself the other day Joe.” The horror of the man’s blood entered her mind, as she tried hard to sweep it away. “Oh Joe I wish you were here, I miss you.” Her phone vibrated, it was a message from Billy. Where are you? His message read.

Sitting at Joe's grave, she send back.

Do you need me to come to you? He ask. She smiled at his thoughtfulness, and the risk he would take for her.

Let’s meet by the cave she send back.

K be there soon. He text her

Emily got up and headed toward the trap door, then she remembered she didn't have her flashlight. She had left it at the cave the last time she had been there. So she turned and headed back to the cellar. Rummage around, for a while till she found another one. Then headed back through the cemetery stopped, grabbed another joint from the piled up stack and the shine, and then headed out to meet Billy, making her way through the cave with ease.

Billy was waiting on her outside the cave. She danced up to him holding the jar out in front of her. As she showed him the jar of shine, in her hand. She laughed as she leaned forward and kissed him.

"Hey baby, you are my dream girl" Billy emphasized with his voice and eyes. But at the moment Emily’s thoughts were on the trail, she was worried.

"Oh Billy, what are we going to do? This trial is coming up. I love you and I am so torn up about this.”  The words flooded out of her mouth as her tears ran like the river they had swam in.

"It will be ok," he said as he held her and ran his fingers through her hair.

"We both love our brother, I know that" her words continued to flow. “I just don't know what to do or how to feel, on one hand Joe. Joe he was my childhood friend, you know, my brother. I feel angry, but on the other hand, I also feel like it was an accident because I can't imagine anyone shooting him on purpose.”  She looked up at Billy, his eyes held her gaze as he placed his hands on both sides of her face.

"We don't have to worry about it Babe, Dad said this morning that Jr. was making a plea bargain. He was going to do some time but we don't have to worry about a trial.”

Relief washed over her “Oh, thank God, that’s good, I'm sorry that your brother will do time though, Billy.” Still holding her face he smiled a caring smile and shook his head.

“I'm sorry that your brother is dead Emily, Joe seemed like a good person.” Their lips met for a brief second.

"He was, but enough of this talk, let’s finish this jar of shine” She took a drink as her phone vibrated, "Dam, It's my mom", Emily said "I'm supposed to help her with the house, she’s pissed about me disappearing for days, I'll just text her and tell her I will be their soon, lets finish this.” Emily laughed with frustration and watched as Billy lit a joint, and laid back on the grass pulling Emily with him in his arms.

  The birds where singing in the tree's and the sun bored down on them. Billy bend down and kissed her on the head, and she felt him breath in, the smell of her hair.

"I love you Billy, what we are going to do, I think we should leave Chestnut, live somewhere else," she wanted to be with Billy forever, and she wondered how right Cheryl was. As Emily remembered the conversation with her and the words she had said.

"We will but I thought you should finish school first" he kissed her on the neck, it felt good but she wanted to talk.

"I can finish school anywhere" she looked up at him, and pulled his arm around her tighter.

"You could, yes, but is that what you want?" He kissed along the nape of her neck, and she closed her eyes, yes, no she thought.

"I want you, Billy," she said as she felt his tongue in her ear. She laughed, he was distracting her. She laid her head over more to the side, giving him, more ear, to kiss. Her body aching for more of him.

"I want to marry you, Baby, and I want your wedding to be big with both our families there." He whispered, she could hear his breathing, deep in her soul. She wanted all of that also, a wedding, their families happy to see them happy, but this was all hard for her to imagine, when both family’s was out to tear them apart.

"I want that to Billy, but would our families come, to a Canton, Johnson wedding?" she ask, almost laughed at the thought. He stopped kissing her and set up, a look of surprise on his face.

"So you will marry me?" His eyes shined with a happy glimmer.

"Of course I will. How could you doubt that?" She exclaimed and set up. The subject had become serious for both of them. She could hear the excitement in Billy’s voice.

"I think we should set the wedding for next June after you graduate. That would give me time to buy us a house, and we could plan the wedding." Emily didn’t want to wait, she wanted to marry and leave now.

"That’s a long ways off, I want to be your wife now, and I can still finish school anywhere.” She told him, as she heard the words that left Cheryl’s mouth as if she were standing in front of her, at that very spot, at that very moment. He’s a homeboy, he will never leave.

"I want to buy us a house first. I don’t want you having to move into an apartment.” She knew he was right, it was better to plan, but she couldn’t help but to feel the urgency to leave now, and swallowed hard.

"Ok, your right," she agreed and rolled on top of him, pressing her body hard to his, and kissed him. Her phone vibrated again and she turned it off, as she kissed her future husband. They spend some time making out, then made love, as their young hormones lead them.

I have to help my Dad, today and tomorrow, but do you want to go to the movies tomorrow tonight?" He ask her as they still lay naked on the grass. Billy twirled her hair around his finger.

"Sure, I’d love that, but I really need to go help my Mom now. She is going to be mad as hell as it is." Emily stood and begun putting her clothes on. Billy reached his hand up and pinched her butt.

“Stop that Billy,” she squealed, laughing.

"Let me walk you home, my future wife." He smiled then stood and dressed.

Emily smiled pulling his face to hers as she glowed and Billy took her by the hand and walked her home then kissed her good-by.

Emily could see her Mom looking out the window watching them and she kissed Billy even harder, just to spite her. She loved her mother, but Emily felt, she had been texting her because she knew Billy was with her. Then she walked on to her house, slowly, taking her time. Her mom met her on the porch. Emily could see the anger in her face.

"I thought you were going to help me with the house" Judy yelled at her. Emily didn’t look at her, she was so tired of this.

"I'm here ant I?" Emily challenged her, she felt so frustrated, and felt like she should be able to date and see Billy anytime she wanted.

"A little late, Emily you have been gone for hours."

"Sorry Mom, I went to see Joe at his grave, I miss him, and the only person in the world that will comfort me, is the brother to the guy that killed Joe. So yes Mom, I am late, but I am here now.” She thought for a minute and laughed as she turned to her Mom with a smile, "By the way, I’m engaged, to the enemy." Emily watched as her Moms mouth dropped. How much further could it drop, Emily thought, as Judy turned pale and set down in the swing? “Are you ok Mom” She was becoming concerned, Oh Jesus what’s wrong, Emily thought, as Judy opened her mouth to speak.

“I’m fine Emily. It’s you I’m worried about, and the future of this family.” Then she stood and took Emily by the shoulders and shook her. Emily was speechless, unable to open her mouth, unable to say anything, she wanted to. “What is wrong with you? You know what you have started, what this little rebellion of yours can cause.”

“Jesus Mom, chill out.” Emily finally spoke as she walked into the house her Mom behind her. “Mom just give me the list of house work, I’ve heard enough.” Emily said as she held one hand out as if to say stop.

Emily went to her room to get her IPod, her Moms words playing heavy on her mind. She had been rebellious lately but that wasn’t the reason she was with Billy, but this could start something bad and it could tear up two families, “But why?” she spoke out loud. “Why should it? This is stupid.” She picked up her IPod and walked back downstairs.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Fri 6th July

Billy spend the day picking tomatoes in the garden with his Dad for the week-end sale at the local Flea Market. It had been a hot grueling day, the sweat dripping in his eye’s causing them to sting, and all he wanted to do was see Emily. He wondered how her day had went, if she had argued with her Mom all day, or if everything had went smoothly.

“Not much rain this year” Andy said as he stood up, stretching his back, “But I believe we will have enough to get through the winter.”

Billy was only half listening. His mind was on Emily and the life he wanted to give her. He had some money but he believed they would need more, and had decided to ask his Dad to help him get a loan, but he didn’t know how to bring it up. His Dad could be hard to deal with, and it being a Canton, Billy thought it might be impossible.

“You listening boy” Andy ask, as he bend down to pick some more tomatoes. He wasn’t sure if he did or not but he answered,

“Yeah Dad. I heard you. Mind if I take a break.” He had needed to be alone a minute to pull his mind together and think about how to ask his Dad about the loan.

“No go ahead.” Andy told him. Billy walked toward the house, he thought he could fill his Dads stare on his back, and wondered what he was thinking. Billy walked to his room, set down on the bed and rolled a joint. He smoked part of it and took a couple drinks of shine, trying to get up the nerve to talk to his Dad about this.

He looked at the time on his cell phone. It was starting to get late, and he had to shower before going to the movies with Emily. “Here go nothing,” he whispered then walked back to the garden.

He stood a minute watching his Dad work, then started picking tomatoes again. It’s now or never, he thought,

“Dad I need your help with something”

Andy continued working “What is it son.” Billy suddenly found his self-speechless, and had to force the words out of his mouth.

“I want to marry Emily” That got his Dad’s attention and Billy watched as Andy stopped working in the middle of pulling a tomato off the vine. “And I need you to help me get a loan so I can buy us a house and some land.” Billy added as Andy stood. Billy didn’t know whether to run or duck at the look on his Dads face, he was red with anger all the way down to his chest, and Billy hoped he wouldn’t have a stroke right in front of him. Andy’s mouth opened and no words came out as he raised his arm pointing his finger. Billy watched for what felt like minutes, before his Dad shouted,

“Where’s your head at boy?” Billy ducked as Andy swung to hit him “First you bring that girl over here to eat now you want me to, help you get a loan, so you can marry her and buy some land. No Canton is going to be an in-law of mine.” Billy watched his Dad closely, he wasn’t sure if he needed to duck again or not, he looked like he was calming down, but Billy was upset. He needed to provide for her. He knew he couldn’t bring her home to live with him, and if he couldn’t give her a nice life, he didn’t feel like he was worthy of her.

“Why Dad, I love her, why won’t you help me?” He was getting tired of all this shit.

“Son, she’s a Canton, and she ant going to bring this family nothing but grief.” Andy picked up the box of tomatoes and started walking toward the house. Billy picked up the other box and continued talking as he followed his Dad.

“Dad, I love her, are you hearing me, I won’t live without her.” Andy stopped, and Billy almost ran into him.

“That’s up to you son, you’re a man now, but I’m not helping put you in the ground.”

The conversation was over, Billy knew his Dad wasn’t going to help him, he would have to find another way. He carried the tomatoes to the porch then went to get ready for movie night with Emily.

* * *

Emily pulled back the living room curtains to look out. Billy had sent her a text some time ago, he had been helping his Dad and was running late, but should be there soon.

     Dan was watching one of his favorite shows on TV and Emily had noticed him glance at her a few times. She knew he wasn’t going to let her get out the door without an argument, and wasn’t surprised when he ask, during the commercial break, 

"You going somewhere?"

She decided, there wasn’t any sense in lying so she just told him the truth, "Yeah to the movies.”

"Billy's running late isn't he?" Dan was being sarcastic and Emily knew it.

"What makes you think I'm going with Billy?" She ask as she looked out the curtain again, and was relieved to see the headlights turn down the driveway, then headed for the door, as Dan stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

"Wait a minute" He said as he pushed her back.

"Move out of my way" Emily pushed him and he pushed her back again, pointing his finger in her face.

"I've kept my mouth shut so far little sis, but I'm telling you now. You need to break it off with him before one of you gets hurt."

"Are you threatening me Dan?" She ask as she pushed him again then slipped out the door and ran to the car, to her relieve Dan didn’t follow her.

"Sorry I'm late," Billy leaned over and kissed her as she opened the car door and climbed in. Emily seen the living room curtain move, she stuck her hand out the car window and throw a bird at the movement.

"That’s ok I'm sure you had things to do, I’m just happy to be with you,” then she planted a long kiss on his lips, just in case Dan was still watching. Then threw another bird toward the window as Billy started the car and they pulled away. Emily couldn’t help but to notice Billy’s mood. He was quieter than usual as they drove toward Chestnut and one of the few Drive in theaters left in the U.S. She knew something was bothering him. "Something wrong Billy?'”

"No, I'm just disappointed, my Dad said he wouldn't help me get a loan for a house.” He shook his head, “It was stupid of me to ask anyway. I really didn’t expect him to, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing" He floored the gas pedal, speeding up.

She could see the tension on his face, "Well, we will just have to rough it and get ourselves one the hard way, like thousands of other couples in the world." Emily didn’t feel the urgency to buy a house right now, she just wanted to leave.

"That’s not the point Emily." Billy snapped.

She could tell he was angry, and placed her hand on his leg gently. “I don't care about a nice house, Billy, I just want to be with you. It will work out.” Emily was becoming upset to, upset with Billy at the moment, and what she felt was a negative attitude, one she hadn’t seen before with him.

"But I want to be able to provide for you, Emily.” He looked at her, and she thought, he looked apologetic. “What the hell do you see in me anyway? I’m just a no body, and you, will your Emily Canton, one of the smartest girls around.” Billy slapped the stirring wheel, she thought he looked hurt, like he was wounded. He laughed “You” He pointed toward her, “could have anyone, and you don't even see it. Emily, our families don't even get along. But yet here you set in my car, with me, the no body.” He stopped talking, licked his lips, and then wiped his hand across his mouth and chin. “I have to wonder if your attraction for me is a rebellious thing, just to anger your family.” Emily though she saw his eye’s water, this whole conversation had angered her, as she thought about, Joe, her family and all that she had gone through just to see him, and he has enough nerve to think, this is all just to anger her family. She felt like hitting him. Bastard she thought.

"Dam-it Billy If you remember, I tried to break it off with you, and you’re the one who came to my house, drunk out of your mind, begging me back.” She shouted at him.

“Yeah that wasn’t too smart of me was it?” He chuckled and shook his head.

“No it wasn’t Billy but I do love you and I don't care if we have a big house or lots of money, as long as I am with you, and Billy you aren't a no body, you are wonderful. My love for you is so real and I don't think, I could live without you, Billy Johnson. You’re a part of me now and I feel like we are meant to be together.” She moved over next to him, setting on the middle part of the front seat. She thought he was the most handsome man in the world and she was proud of him. “I’m proud to be with you Billy.”

He turned the car into the Drive-In. The movie had already started but it didn't matter to either of them. Billy found a spot near the back roll parked and tuned the radio to the drive in station, then lit a joint.

“I’m sorry Babe, I know you love me. I just want to be able to provide you with a nice place, with nice things."

"I would live with you in that cave in the woods if I had to" she said as she felt his hands massaging her upper leg.

He laughed and pulled the jar of shine out from under his seat “We might have to, let’s have a drink” he said, then ask "Do you want popcorn or something?”

"No I ate before I left the house, the drink sounds good though, pass that over here" she said as Billy handed it to her. "This comes with the honor of being the son of a pig farming moonshiner" they both laughed as she took a drink.

"Oh yeah, I know that honor. Not the pig farming part." she climbed on top of him, giving him a peck on the lips. His eye's seemed to dance with his smile as he looked into her face.

"You make me happy, Emily Canton." He said.

The car door was suddenly jerked open. That’s when Emily seen Josh’s face as his hands roughly grabbed her arm and jerked her out, then Dan grabbed Billy, slamming him hard against the side of the car.

"What the Hell are you two doing here? “Emily screamed at her brothers, struggling to get away from Josh.

"Why we could ask you two the same thing?" Josh snarled.

"Why don't you just leave us alone?" Billy said calm and steady. Emily could see Dan with both hand against Billy’s chest, she knew this could become dangerous and hopped Billy was taking this as serious as her.

"Yeah Josh, Dan, we aren't hurting anyone, what’s your problem?" Emily managed to jerk loose from Josh and pushed him hard. He stumbled but kept his balance.

"You are our problem Emily," Dan snarled "You and your lover boy here."

"Why do you have a problem with us?" Billy ask shaking Dan off of him. Emily could tell he was angry.

"You don't know why Billy, are you dumb?" Josh ask "This relationship will never work, it's not going to end well, someone will get hurt and I hope it's you and not Emily."

"I’ve already been threatened with that bit of info tonight, Josh." She glared at him.

"By who? I will kill them," Billy shouted.

"By Dan, Billy go ahead and hit him." Emily spat, she was mad and also a little drunk but she meant it.

"Is there a problem here?" The drive-in security had walked up. Emily looked to see two of them standing by the front of the car. Shit she thought.

"No sir," Dan answered him. “Everything’s fine here just a minor discussion. You coming with us Emily."

"No, I'm fine were I'm at, you can go on." She smiled, and waved then off. She climbed in the car and Billy shut the door. They watched as Dan and Josh walked away. Emily could feel her nerves jumping, the feeling of fright, her adrenaline pumping she wanted to hit something or somebody, she just so mad.

"You think they will follow us if we leave?" Billy ask.

"Dam-it, I don't know, I just want to find them right now and hit them in the nose, I’m so mad.”

Billy laughed, “Your so dam cute when your mad baby.”

“I’m not going for cute Billy, I want to hurt somebody.” He laughed again.

“Maybe we should just wait a minute and see what they do," she said. "Billy I'm sorry I have brought this trouble to you. Let’s just pack up and leave." She seen him shake his head no.

"Emily I think we should stick with our plans, it will all work out." She wasn't so sure, she wanted to leave and take Billy with her, but couldn't get the words out of her mind. You will get him killed, he's a homeboy, and he will never leave Chestnut County. Cheryl had said or the words many others had said, I don't see this ending well. She laid back in the seat, her hands on her head as she tried to calm down. Billy started the car and they headed toward the river, she looked back several times as they drove down the road to make sure they wasn’t being followed, and seen Billy doing the same, glancing in his rearview mirror.

They slept on the river bank, that night. Emily didn't want to go home, didn’t want to fight with her family anymore, she just wanted to be with Billy. She prayed that night as she laid next to him, and massaged his back as he slept, kissing him on the shoulder. She prayer for everything to work out, she prayed for the courage to let him go if it came to that, she prayed for the courage to stand up to her family, and the courage to stay in Chestnut because she knew in her heart, Cheryl was right, Billy would never leave.