MY+MEMOIR

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000168 EndHTML:0000036212 StartFragment:0000000489 EndFragment:0000036195 Verushka Bedi __**Memoir**__ “ CLOSE THE DOOR!!!” I yelled out, hoping that one of // them // would hear me. My mother’s loud chanting woke me from my dreamless sleep. Normally, I wouldn’t have heard it, but my dad always opens my door on weekend mornings, like the evil man he is, knowing full well that her booming voice will wake me. No one seemed to hear my cry, so I got up angrily, with a stream of profanities spluttering from my mouth. I banged my door shut, and jumped back inside my bed. Unfortunately, now that I was awake, even the muffled gradient of my mother’s voice wouldn’t let me go back to sleep. Although, her new found acceptance for the Buddhist religion was doing wonders for her, it still pissed the crap out of me. First of all, since I was forced to sit with her and chant for forty minutes and think about the goals I wanted to achieve in life. I had nothing against the religion, I had actually begun to embrace it myself, but it was hard for me to switch beliefs over night like she did. And the whole chanting thing didn’t really work for me. I never had any of those self realizations while doing so, and somehow hunger always conquered my thoughts and I couldn’t stop thinking about steaks and French fries. Again, angrily I got up from my bed, and stomped out of my room. My mother was in the study, where she had set up her own religious station, and she prayed to her gods there. She was sitting on the wood floor, literally screaming, and vibrating from her chants. Her eyes were closed shut, and the top half of her body was slightly revolving. It was mildly scary to watch, so I gave her the dirty look which she did not see and went into the bathroom. I took a shower, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and rushed back into my room when I heard my cell phone ring. I checked the caller id and saw that it was Jean. “Hello.” I said. “Hey we’ll be there in ten minutes. Be ready.” She commanded, and hung up before I replied. Crap! I had completely forgotten about our trip to Dorney Park today. I checked the time; It was 10:45. I threw my cell phone across the bed, and changed into blue jeans, and a sweater. I brushed my hair, and did all the other crap I needed to do until I was ready. Fifteen minutes had already passed. One thing about my friends was that they were always late. I took my wallet, along with sunglasses, and a baggy sweatshirt in case it got cold, and threw it on the couch. As I rushed into the kitchen I devoured my breakfast in minutes. I shoved the cereal down my throat and emptied the rest into the sink when my phone started vibrating in my jeans pocket. I wiped the milk off my face, sprinted towards the couch, while I tried to pull out my cell phone. One thing led to another and I was on the ground. The fall was hard, as my hip hit the wood floor. What the hell had I slipped on? But I had no time to investigate. I pushed away the ache in my left hip and took out my cell phone. They were already outside. “I’m coming!” I yelled into the phone, and hung up. I had all my things in my hands and was almost out the door until my dad came downstairs to do the whole 20 questions. “Are you okay? I thought we were hit by an earthquake.” My dad laughed at his corny joke. “ Very funny, and I’m fine. They’re outside, I have to go. Bye.” I muttered. My parents were already aware of my plans, and gave me hell about it all week until they finally decided to let me go. They had major trust issues, and I didn’t // completely // blame them. “Wait, when will you be home?” “Like six or seven.” I answered quickly. “Do you have your phone?” he asked again. “Yeah.” “Okay, don’t lose it, be careful, and have fun.” I slammed the door shut, and ran towards the old, bottle green minivan parked in front of my house. It was quite warm for late October, and the sun was burning brightly in the sky. Its golden rays beat on my face, as I paced to the car. I purposely stepped on all the autumn leaves on my way there to hear the satisfying sound of them crunching under my feet. I first spotted Jean’s monotonic face through the windshield, and then Mrs. Choi’s smiling one. I jumped into the back of the van, since Jess had already opened the door for me. She was slightly bouncing on the beige seats, with a big grin on her face. Jess of course looked like a train wreck if you’ve ever seen one in her sweat shirt, and sweat pants, and the stray frizzes of her hair escaping from her short pony tail. She always limited herself to the potentials of her beauty. Her ever changing steel blue eyes widened as she grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me. “Dorney!” she screamed as she tried to suppress her true maddening excitement. As if I didn’t know. “I know Jess, I know.” I replied trying to calm her down. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Hey Verushka, how are you?” Mrs. Choi cheerfully asked me. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">I’m good, and you?” “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Fine, fine.” She answered, a detached expression on her face. The car started moving, and the blur of houses, cars, and trees lay behind us as we raced our way to the park. The air was cool, pleasant and the sun seemed brighter than usual, I had a feeling today was going to be a great day. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Turn on the radio.” Jean commanded her mom, while trying to enter the back seat by shoving herself between the two of us. Both, Jess and I moaned and pushed her to the side causing her to have barely any room at all. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Guys!” Jean whined, as she tried to settle herself in. Jess and I grinned. After a few seconds, Jess started to rummage in her bag for something. “Oh yeah, Verushka we’re using Jess’s families’ season passes for Dorney to try and get in for free.” Jean explained with a devious look in her eye. This probably hurt the crisp fifty lying in my wallet just begging to be spent. Jess pulled out a few id cards, which were surely the passes. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Who’s card am I using?” I asked, feeling quite happy about not having to spend all my money today. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Umm, my dad’s” Jess said, without a second thought. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">What the fuck?” I replied, slightly peeved. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">What?” Jess questioned, confused. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Please don’t insult me by saying I look like a three hundred pound white male with a mustache.” My bewildered expression sent them into a burst of laughter. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">No, its not that bad, the picture is so blurry you won’t even be able to tell, who’s who.” “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">I think when people see me, they can safely presume that my name isn’t Richard Ciemniecki.” I argued. I doubted this would work, but I would just buy the ticket if it did not. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">I’ve done this before, and you’ll be fine.” Jess handed me the card, and I brought it close to my face. The rectangular id was white and blue with Dorney Park written in big bold letters across the top. There was park information along with member information printed on it. She was right, the picture did seem quite blurry as I examined it. Her dad’s face looked quite criminal with its black and white background, and his austere expression. Maybe I could get away with it. “Now, we have to disguise you.” Jess said. Oh no. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Okay... so first, put on your sweatshirt.” Jean told me, and I did as she said. Jess took the sunglasses from my hand and put them on my face. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Put your hair back.” she handed me a hair tie, and after I put my hair up, they pulled the hood of my sweatshirt over my head. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This is ridiculous.” I said. “I look so suspicious.” I was better of with my raven hair blowing in the wind. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Do you want to get in for free or not?” Jess asked. Both of them were having their own fun with this. Jean, who was impersonating Jess's little sister was better off. Since she was short anyway no one would notice. All she had to do was put on her sunglasses, tie her hair back, and walk like an eleven year old. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Now let's practice your walk.” Jean could not say these words with a straight face, and none of us could hear it either. Some how the forty five minutes it took to reach the park flew. I don't remember if it was the practice guy walks, or the script we made so that if I was asked a questions, it would sound like a man answering, but we were finally here. The park looked glorious, as we made our way to the ticket counters. There were screams erupting from the moving rides, there were babies crying, and conversations going. Our excitement was practically palpable. There was a variety of rides, but our eyes were only for the vein busting, adrenaline thrilling roller coasters. We watched as carts flew down the high trails at top speed, contained with howling people who were crazed with excitement and fear, and we started to walk faster. I have to admit, I was a little scared as we parted ways into the ticket lines, but if I wasn't allowed to use the pass, I would just pay right? The thought had comforted me then. And like a banana we split into two directions. I followed Jean, because I didn't know where else to go, while Jess got into a line two down from us. Damn, I felt like an idiot for not being more prepared. My heart started to pound, as Jean moved ahead in the line and I followed. There was one person in front of her, and then it was her turn. Maybe it was just my paranoia, but was everyone staring me. My hood and sunglasses were still on, did they know what I was trying to get away with? I looked left and right, and tried to concentrate on my breathing. Jean was up in line. He asked her something which I did not hear, and she handed him the pass. He gave her a queer expression, scanned the pass, and let her go. Yes! She walked in calmly, perfectly zen. I would be fine, he barely looked at her pass for more than a second. Now it was my turn. My stomach was still in a knot, when he looked at me. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Just one ticket?” he asked. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Yup.” I answered, my voice squeaking. Damn! I forgot to use my more masculine voice. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">How would you like to pay?” I was being tortured! Just fucking let me in already! I didn't answer him, just handed him the pass that was facing down. Time slowed as he turned the pass over, and I swear he was moving in slow motion, the bastard. He looked at the pass, and then at me. Yes! That was it, I had gotten in. No. No. No. Oh crap, he turned to line attending next to him, and whispered something I couldn't here. She turned to look at me, and gave me very dirty look. Oh, hell. “Stand there.” the guy said rudely, and motioned to the pillar behind him. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What the matter?” I asked, but knew perfectly well what was going on. I moved to the place he asked. Then for the first time I actually took in his appearance. He was a scrawny guy, tall, and blond. He had a very rodent like features, or maybe my keen dislike for him at that moment was deluding me into thinking so. But he looked like just the kind of dick head who would do this. My body turned rigid since I knew I was caught, and I got that nauseous feeling, you get after eating five or six hot dogs. I looked for my comrades, but its felt like they had abandoned me. I was wringing my fingers, as I stood on my toes looking for Jess and Jean. Moments later, Jess's skinny figure came towards me. Her countenance was scared, and her posture was stiff. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Whats happened?” she whispered, sternly. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We're fucked.” I replied, sounding tired. Her eyes were wider than usual, and her lips were pressed together in a thin hard line. I explained to her what happened, and she looked quite pissed. Jean was probably inside the park, waiting for us. As we stood there leaning against the pillar, waiting for the consequences to come, a man was walking towards us. He looked about 100 years old, and by the time he got to us, he must have turned 150. He spoke a few private words with the rat like guy, and then came to us. “<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Follow me.” he croaked. It felt quite shameful as we walked with a cop leading us. Many women gave us disappointed, and 'whats happened to girls these days' looks, and young girls laughed. I got a few winks from a couple of criminal types, all of which I ignored. I was too focused on trying to figure out what was going to happen to us. Could they arrest us? Would we go to jail? Would my parents have to bail me out? Oh my god! This would go on my permanent record. I would never get into college, or go to medical school, or law school. All my future dreams are crushed! And all because of what? A fucking free pass to Dorney park! All I had to do was give the guy god damn thirty bucks, and now I was in such a mess. Okay, I knew I was overreacting, but I didn't care, I wasn't good under pressure. Jess and I stayed silent throughout the walk, until the old man lead us into a small club house like thing. “In here.” his rough voice echoed in my head. We walked into the small space, but it was surprisingly big inside. Men in dark blue uniforms, walked around saying codes and things I couldn't understand. I looked at one of their badges, which read: Dorney Park Police. A slight giggle escaped through my lips, but the old guy, and his weak hair filled ears probably didn't hear me. It was quite pitiful watching these guys pace around thinking they were solving a big crime. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">I would imagine that, this would be the extent of the action they saw. The old guy lead us into a small room, with gray walls and two large desks. “Sit.” He said, and we obeyed all the while I was thinking of ways of getting out of this. The clock read twelve fifteen, and we sat on the blue folding chairs. There was another friendly looking guy at the opposite desk, who seemed sad to see us in there. A black guy, along with a heavy white guy walked in and stood against the wall. What the hell did they need four guys for, its not like we were going to run away or anything. But even if we didn't they probably doubted the old guy could catch us. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What happened?” the black guy asked the old one as if we weren't even there. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">These two,” the old one looked at us “tried to get in using someone else's season pass.” Oh no! What a tragedy, please throw us in jail for this horrible crime. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Oh...” the black one said skeptically. He was obviously judging us. “Are you two aware of the seriousness of the crime you have committed?” No you jack ass I don't, is what I wanted to say, but settled for a nod instead. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Where did you get the passes from?” the friendly one asked “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">They're my families' passes.” Jess said. She looked quite upset, and I just wished I could reverse time to fifteen minutes ago. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We didn't know it was going to be that big of a deal. We thought that if it wasn't allowed then we would just pay.” I said, hoping that this would convince them into letting us go. The black one laughed. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Who are you two here with?” the old one asked. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Our friends mom.” both Jess, and I said in unison. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Could you call her and let her know what happened, and also tell her to come to the Security Office.” We obeyed, and used the phone and let Mrs. Choi know what had happened. I felt quite ashamed calling her, but I knew she would think that this was quite stupid. She was on her way in. “Okay, the two of you have to give us some information now.” He was speaking very rudely for a little old guy but we agreed either way. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Name?” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Verushka Bedi.” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Jessica Ciemniecki.” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Age?” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Fourteen.” I replied, and got strange looks from the officers, I obviously did not look fourteen to them. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Fifteen.” Jess said. He asked us for our addresses, and telephone numbers, and we gave them to him. Was he going to call our parents! No! NO! Just then, Mrs. Choi walked in and the officers filled her in on everything. I was pretty sure she knew, since she heard us talking about it in the car. She tried to figure out what was going to happen to us, but they didn't give her a straight answer. She sat in the empty chair next to Jess. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Since you to are not of legal age, I need you to call your parents and let them know what you too have done.” I hated the way he said that : //What you too have done.// Just because they didn't get much crime there they didn't have to blow our minor identity theft out of proportion. But why couldn't he assume that Mrs. Choi was our legal guardian? We could have passed as a family ... sort off. A white girl, a Korean woman, and an Indian girl... it could happen. At the mention of letting our family know, Jess started to cry. It was surprising because she doesn't usually cry, and now she was bawling. On the other hand, I was just staring at the wall looking mad as hell. I just felt so incredibly stupid sitting there, in the Dorney Park security office. You cannot imagine the amount of regret that was containing me. Jess called first. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">D-dad...” she choked into the phone. Jean's mom put her hand on Jess's shoulder. She only cried harder. She managed to explain everything to them, between her cries, and I think they sounded pretty disappointed with her. I doubt she was grounded though, at most they would make fun of her for her stupidity. Now, it was my turn. I took the phone from her shaking hands, and I purposely called my dad, knowing I would not be in to much trouble if I told him. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Dad...” I spoke sheepishly into the phone. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What? What happened?” He was alert at the very sound of my voice. I tried to make what happened sound as harmless as possible. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We tried to use Jess's season passes to get in to the park, but we weren't allowed too, so they're just making us call you to let you know what happened.” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, so what does that mean?” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We can't be at the park anymore, and we're leaving.” He seemed to sound perfectly fine with this. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Are you coming home then?” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not sure, I'll call you and let you know. And can you do me a favor?” I asked hopefully. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What?” he asked. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Can you please not tell mom?” I said. I heard him laughing on the other end of the phone, and I think I heard a few snickers around me also. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Yeah, okay.” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Bye.” “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Bye.” I hung up the phone, and the gave it back to the officer. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, you girls need to understand that this cannot ever happen again. This is a very serious crime.” the black guy repeated. We nodded. I think Jess's crying made their voices a little softer. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We are not going to arrest you this time, but because of this you will not be allowed to enter the park for a whole year.” he said, handing me some papers. The only words that caught my eye were : Order Of Restrain. I folded the papers, and held them tight in my hands. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Consider yourselves lucky.” the old guy spoke. Oh my god, I think I could punch him right now. “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">And if you do enter the park again within the calender year, you //will// be arrested.” the black one warned. OOo, I'm so scared. The only emotion I was feeling right now was regret and utter stupidity. We were forced to spend another five minutes there, awaiting our okay to leave In that time, the cops gave us some bull shit about cutting us slack since we willingly went with them. I should have just run when I had the chance, at least that way I would get to go on some rides. Then we left the office, found Jean and made our way to the car. After we bitched and moaned to her about the cops, and what douche bags they were, we tried to blame someone. I of course blamed myself and Jess, myself for not being smooth enough for this, and Jess who gave us the passes in the first place. But I doubt this would ever be one of those stories where I would look back and laugh, I would just be bitter about my stupidity. Ugh! Why couldn't I just buy the stupid pass. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">So in the end, the perfect weekend was ruined, only I out of the three of us was not able to go to Dorney Park for a whole year, we had driven all the way here for nothing, and we didn't even get to go on any of the roller coasters. This was just super. As we drove to wherever our next destination was, I just prayed for one of those Rage Against the Machine songs to come on the radio. It would be the perfect moment for it. The sky was starting to turn to a dull amber, and pink color and I realized I was still holding the pass, and my restraining order in my hands. I returned the pass back to Jess, and watched the torn up pieces of paper fly in the cold wind as we raced to our next destination.