(Graffiti) Grandview, MO July 2012

Part 1


     Nights like that, I don't remember how they started. I found myself in a car with Joy and Sabrina.  I was restless and wild, wishing for trouble, looking for some way to prove I was young and reckless. I brought my spraypaint, and jammed all seven cans into Sabrina's ragged backpack. Frederick was grounded or something. 
     "Let's go. We're getting him out." I announced. I texted him and told him we're coming to spring him out. He wrote back saying it was impossible: if he even tiptoed too loudly in the living room the dog would bark and wake his parents. But we had to. 
    We drove to his neighborhood, circling like vultures, only a little bit lost. Sabrina sped by his house and parked three doors down. 
"Hmmm. I'll think of something. We HAVE to get him out." I said. "That's my goal for tonight." I hatched a plan and texted Frederick again. 
    If he tried to leave through the front door, his Dad, who was sleeping on the couch, would wake up. If he left through the back door, the dog would bark and wake Mr. Schneider either way. I had the perfect plan. I told Frederick I would ring the doorbell, drawing attention to the front of the house, while he would escape out the back. Not stealthy, but pretty clever.
     I told Sabrina to be ready to drive as I hopped out of the car. I ran in the dark, up two cement steps, and rang the doorbell six times as fast as I could. Cole barked loudly, and I could see movement in the living room immediately. I sprinted to the car, grinning and barely breathing. The dog was going berserk while Frederick busted out the back door, and ran into the street. 
     The silhouette of a boy with skinny jeans, wearing his hood up, sprinting in the dark, was wild and youth. I had that feeling you get when you're young, like everyone is crazy and adults are after you and all you can do is run. 
     He jumped in the back seat and slammed the door and we were all laughing. The windows were down, and I heard a yell from down the street. "Hey kid!" and all of the sudden his dad was in the van, chasing after us, and adults really WERE after us. We ducked our heads and Sabrina sped like the devil and it was glorious. 
     "Why me!" Sabrina yelled. "Why am I always driving!" I laughed at her and said it's a good thing I wasn't driving, because I would probably kill everybody. Joy was doubled over with laughter, we were sliding across the backseat squishing each other while Frederick shook his head. 
   "What on earth!" Freddy laughed, "Does he know it's me?"
   After a couple of quick turns, we shook him off our tail. We followed the curves of Blue River road, and drove to main street, to the bat shack. Some nights (most nights) we did not care and didn't hide very well. We parked on the side of the road a couple streets over, grabbed the backpack, and frolicked in the dark. 
     "I'm dead!" said Frederick, "I'm so dead. But I'm about to be 18, so I mean I have to sneak out one last time, while it still matters."
     "True." Joy said. "What's the point of rebelling without parents to rebel against?"
      I was 19, living on my own, with no rules, no curfew, no nothing. I lived in the same house as Carol, but she never tried to parent me or give me rules. Carol is 60 years old, wise and young all at the same time. She was like my weird aunt. Carol has a burning curiosity that lives in her bones, fueling her questions and conversations. But she was my friend, and she respected me in a time where I felt that no adult respected me. She didn't question why I came home at 3:00 or 4:00 am most nights or who slept in my bed. She didn't ask why I walked on eggshells in her house, but sometimes I wished she did. And that night, it was funny to think about the fact that no one knew where I was. No one cared if I was safe. It wasn't as fun because I didn't have parents to rebel to. It was ironic to think that I kind of wished for the thinks I hated. I didn't have any structure, which is exactly what I wanted, right? No rules, no cage to be kept in. No parents (sort of) to worry about me. But for a minute, I wished I did.
      The Bat Shack was a tiny building, use for literally we had no idea what. Maybe something electrical. It was just a small spot we chose to tag and to use the roof for stargazing. I grabbed my can of black paint, which was continually running out, and went over the bat sign. It had been there for ages. I remember seeing it when I was 6 or 7, and as soon as I was old enough to drive, I made it my job to retrace it. The sound of paint spraying was like music to me. I put the cap back on, climbed up a pipe, and onto the roof. After helping Joy, Sab, and Frederick up, we laid on our backs on the roof and looked at the few stars we could see. 
   "Sab, you know that wall we painted at the baseball diamond? They literally covered it the next day. Who has time to make sure the ghetto park bathrooms look good?" I scoffed.
   "Damn, they move fast." she laughed. "We need to find some more spots."
     "Hey." I suddenly had an idea. "I know a good spot down main street, behind the Haas' apartment. It's not very lit. And I don't think there are cameras, we just need to watch for the landlord dude. He's pretty nice actually." 
     We climbed down, speeding down the swooping dips in the road that led to Grandview. 
    Main Street, Blue River Road; these roads felt like home more than houses did. I spent two years longboarding, walking, and biking those roads, day and night. Miles and miles of music, thought, prayers, and conversation. 
    We found a spot to park close to the cafe, and walked to the apartment. The building was some sort of small art center, used for dance classes and local art projects. Sabrina had brought our stencils, which I was stoked to use, and Joy was excited and panicking because she had never tagged before. I gave Joy a short rundown on what to do and told her she couldn't mess up. She painted some gold anchors and some free hand stuff, while Sab tagged the traditional "Sauerkraut." 
     I held up the stencil I made. It was an outline of Austin and his friend Josiah, and it was the cover of their album.
     I painted the boys in black, and wrote free hand in bright red beneath it: "The Siren" which was the name of their music project. I hardly spoke to Austin. I thought the cover was cool.
     Oh the thrill of tagging. Nothing is more fun than paint, and when you add "illegal" to it, it's the greatest thing in the world. I love art. My only point was to paint beautiful things, or poetry, or make a statement. I've never painted something ugly, or profane. 
    "Ahhhh. Guys. We're going to die." Joy was freaking out. 
     "Joy!" I laughed, "Isn't it the best? Come on. Why is it different than trespassing at a pool, or you using conditioner at the store?" 
   "It's not the saaaame, I need conditioner after we swim or my hair will die." she smirked.
    "Omigosh, nice Joy." I breathed. "I love the anchor in gold like that."
   Frederick paced nervously. "Okay dudes. For real we gotta go. I am NOT getting arrested." He glanced at his cell phone. "Whaaaat?" he started laughing and shaking his head. "My mom just texted. She said I have to pay a fine because I broke curfew and broke my grounding." 
I laughed. "What the hell?  There's nooo way." 
"A big fat fine." Joy laughed, "Frederick has to pay a fine just for living." 



Part 2

      In the middle of a hot July day,  I was inside, taking a nap. Hours of working in the sun really was draining, but it was rare for me. I only nap once or twice a year when it sneaks up behind me and pounces like a cat. I was drained because I was dehydrated, and probably because I hugged Luke goodbye a few nights before, when I left the Castle. He moved to  New York this morning, to live there. To live there. Not stay there. "How is that real? "  I was thinking, imagining how spread out our family would be someday. Emotion has a way of tiring you out. It's not work, it's not challenging, but it drains you. From that deep sleep, I heard my phone ring and was surprised to see the screen read, "Aut." I'm not sure if he had ever called me. But I knew why Austin was  calling. There was only one thing it could be about, unless it was some sort of emergency. But I knew it wasn't because I didn't get that terrible vibe I get when bad news is coming.

      "Hey." I answered. "Hey Hope, how are ya?" he asked a few things to be kind, rambling and sounding a bit nervous. I rolled my eyes and waited for him to cut to the chase. "Well, I was contacted by IHOP security, and some 'art was found on their property, the building across from Cafe Main.  It matches the cover art of my album. So I wanted to ask you if you did it. I understand, I've done a lot of crazy stuff." he said. "Yeah, I did." I answered quickly. I felt like laughing but didn't want to have a smile in my voice. I don't lie very much, and I am pretty unashamed of my scoundrelly ways, no matter the trouble it gets me in. "Okay." he said. "Thanks for telling the truth." Austin explained that unless the person who did it came forward, he would be charged for it. He was on staff and part of the ministry, so it would definitely be bad for him. He told me he would set up a meeting with the head of security.

     The next day, I drove to The Base, which is the term for the IHOP missions base in Grandview. I parked in the back, in the gravel parking lot and found the door to the security office. Austin had told me he would meet me there, for moral support or something, but I hated the idea so I came early. 

     I kindly introduced myself to Laurie, who had a british accent and a concerned look in his eyes. He asked a few questions, and I shrugged as I answered them. "I know it was stupid. We were just having fun. I wasn't trying to hurt anyone." 

    Adults always love when you say that. Admit you're stupid, say sorry, and sound innocent while doing it. He was stern, and warned me about how serious the crime was. "We could get the police involved," he said matter of factly, "We rent that building, and the owners could choose to press charges. I told him all about how innocent I was and how pure my intentions were. 

     Laurie could see I was just a young troublemaker, that I was nothing serious really. "I'll tell you what. I'll make a deal with you." 

    We agreed upon the terms: I had three days. I would buy the paint and supplies, and paint over the wall. He wouldn't press charges or get the cops involved. 

"You will not just patch it, with ugly squares. You need to paint the whole side of the building, a solid white." He looked into my eyes and sneered with that sarcastic accent, "Never, ever do graffiti again. Or we WILL find you, and you will be punished." 

    I let the words slide right off my back and felt like such a teenager,  a hot mess looking for trouble. I saluted him and turned to walk out of the door.

   "But," he added, "It was beautiful art. Not bad at all." He smiled,  a small glimpse of mischief in his eyes, and went back to his paperwork. 

"Thanks Laurie." I said. It was easier to smile. 

     I walked out with that infinite, middle of summer feeling. 

Part 3

     I called the others and gave them the run down. 

"Let's plan on tomorrow after work. Meet at Cafe Main. Is that cool?" I asked. 

"Yep that works," Joy said, "I'll pick you up." 

I texted Live, to see if she wanted to join the fun. Obviously she did. 

   After I got off work, me, Joy, and Live went to walmart to buy a couple gallons of paint, and some brushes. 

   Back at Main, we met up with the boys, and I ordered an iced americano. We sat for a while and talked. Frederick had roped Eli into helping. Sabrina was working. 

    "Okay peeps let's get it." I said. We gathered up the supplies and walked across the street. 

   We laughed and goofed around, getting white flecks on our arms and faces and clothes. 

    "So, how do we paint the whole wall?" Frederick asked. We painted most of the brick, but that strip along the top was a story high. Looking around, I spotted two trashcans in the nearby alley, and rolled them over to the wall. 

    "What the heck." Frederick said, "Watch us get in trouble for that."

     Frederick and Eli climbed on the cans, and struggled their way to the roof. They hung over the ledge like monkeys, and covered the unreachable top. 

   A random woman appeared, coming out of the building and around to the back where we were. She was a mom, I guessed, because she had her hands on her hips and an annoyed look on her face. 

   "Ignore her." I told the others.

   She went inside, and appeared again a few minutes later, with a second woman, who had an amused look on her face. She seemed nice.

   "Um, hi. What are you doing?" she asked. 

     "Hey, we're volunteers! Gosh I heard about what happened here,"  I said, motioning towards the wall. "But we're fixing it." I smiled. 

   "Ooooh," she sighed, "Thaaank you. Oh my goodness you guys are sweet. I know, it's a shame that kids do this kind of stuff. Um, wait. I know they were supposed to take pictures for evidence."

   "Yeeeeah, that's taken care of," I said quickly. "I talked to Laurie. You know, head of security dude. We're all good." 

   "Oh good. Well, thanks again!" she said, smiling at Joy and Olivia. She looked up at the boys, a little amused, "Be careful up there!" she looked down at our feet. "Gosh. Sorry you have to do it barefoot!" 

   Then she turned and went back inside.

      Me and the girls died laughing. 

   "Yep, volunteers." I said proudly. 

   "Poor things, we've been forced to do it barefoot!" Live said. "What a ditz. Did the cops really get pictures yet?"

   I shrugged. Hopefully not.

   "What the hell." a mans voice said behind us. I turned to see the Haas' grumpy neighbor. "Um, are those my trash cans?" 

   "Yeah, we're just painting this wall and don't have a ladder. I'll put them right back when we're done." I kept painting. He scratched his head and went back inside. 

     The sun was setting, bright orange, lighting up all the rooftops on that summer evening. I felt like Tom Sawyer. The troublemaker, painting with all my friends, absolutely loving it. We laughed at irony. 

"Dude." I said. "We painted, and we got caught, so they're punishing us by making us paint?"

"The fooools." Joy laughed. "What is life."

    

     

The Rebellion of 2012- Part One

     KCMO
    
      After sneaking into a pool for a night swim, me and Joy came back to Carols house, where I was living at the time. The dregs of the night felt cool, and in the dark I discovered that my one and only dangling key was lost. I didn't have a car or any other home, I just had one singular key to Carols door which was attached to a watch chain that lived in my backpack. We stood on the porch, wide eyed and dripping clothes. I checked and rechecked my backpack and decided it really couldn't be there. In fact, I  probably had left it on top of my dresser, forgetting to grab it when I left before, I saw Joy take a deep breath and choose not to be mad at me for losing track of the damn key. All the doors were locked.
     Luckily we had dry clothes in our bags. We tiptoed to the backyard to change behind the pine trees, and laid out on the grass. Carol had just cut it for the 4th of July party, so it was short. It was a little itchy, but comfortable and I laughed at our life and how typical it was. The moon was out, and it lit up the yard so brightly I knew we wouldn't sleep any time soon. "You doing okay?" I asked Joy. Her allergies were always terrible. "I'm all right." she whispered, "Let's try to get some rest."
     I swear it must have been a full moon, because it was like trying to fall asleep with the light turned on. After thirty minutes of tossing and turning, we had enough. 
     "Hope," Joy whispered, "We're supposed to be leaving in like four hours. I can barely breathe...we HAVE to get inside."
      So back we went to the front porch. "Wait here." I told her. "I'll try something." I walked to the sideyard, and saw my blue bike, Crusoe, glistening in the moonlight. It was chained to the fence. Quietly I swung open the gate, and dropped down to crawl behind bushes. I slide past the sharp zebra grass, angling my way through the dog door, and found my feet on the cool garage floor. It was pitch black, and the light switch was inside, so I walked slowly with my arms stretched out in front of me, til I found the steps. Two wooden steps lead to the kitchen door, which also has a dog door. The only problem is Carol kept a tight plastic cover on it at night, so the animals can't get out. It coiud only be taken off from the inside, technically, but my goal was to take it off from the outside. I had done it before, but it was daytime and no one was home to hear it clatter loudly onto the floor. I pulled up the flap, and held it up with my head, while I worked my fingers around the edges to to try to pry it off. "Oh my gosh this isn't real." I whispered to myself. I wanted to kill it. I resisted the urge to kick through it. I could just envision it: the dogs flipping out and barking, and a traumatized, wide eyed Carol, yelling at me in her robe and slippers. 
     After a solid twenty minutes of tedious frustration, and worked it off and it landed on the kitchen floor with only a soft clatter. I winced and waited for movement. Nothing. Praise god. Turnimg sideways, I slid through the door and onto the linoleum. Popping the cover back on, I heard a quiet whine from behind me. I swung around. There was Toby, waiting expectantly. I could see his glimmering browm eyes in the dark. He was like my watchdog. Sometimes he would sleep outside my door at night, maybe protecting me. I never liked dogs that much, but I grew to like him. "Hi buddy. Go to bed." I patted his soft head and quietly made my way through the living room, and unlocked the door. Joy sighed with relief after waiting for eternity. 
At 3:00 am, we hurried into my room and into our sleeping bags in record time, hoping we would really wake up at 6:00 like we were supposed to.