Cruiser Read Online Free Page A

coffee table. He looks so glad for the break—stretches his arms and wipes the sweat off his forehead. He’s not a quitter like me.
    “That was beautiful, Reagan.” Mom scurries over and kisses his cheek, his other cheek, his forehead. I bet he’s the only sixteen year old guy to let his mom do that. “Dad and I are so proud of you. I noticed a few small mistakes at the beginning of the piece. Keep practicing and you’ll be perfect.”
    “Elvis,” Dad says. “Where have you been all evening?”
    Geez. Does he even remember I got a job? Even when I’m doing something right, I’m doing something wrong. “You checking up on me, Dad?”
    “We had a meeting scheduled for this evening. You’re late.”
    Yeah, talk to me like I’m your client . And about the meeting? Screw that. “The name’s Cruiser.”
    “We put up with this Cruiser nonsense when you were a little boy, but you’re not a child anymore ,” Mom says, her eyes not hiding the frustration and disappointment that have gathered over the years. “It’s a new year, a new start. We will call you by the name we gave you.”
    Hm m, did they take into consideration that maybe their kids wouldn’t like to be named after the king of rock and the former president? Wait, guess I can only speak for myself. Rey’s never had a problem with his name.
    “Let’s sit down,” Dad says, gesturing to the sofa.
    I sit down on the recliner. Rey stands awkwardly at the door, probably debating whether he should stick around. I’d rather he did—I don’t like the parents ganging up on me.
    “ Now that you’re back, let’s discus your future,” Dad says, clasping his hands together like this really is a meeting.
    “I told you guys last night,” I say, keeping my voice calm. “I’m joining the Navy after I graduate.”
    “ No,” Mom says. “The Navy is not the right choice for you. I won’t say it again.”
    I grit my teeth. She’s taking on that tone again, that I-control-what-you-do-so-you-better-listen-to-what-I-say tone that made me her little puppet when I was a kid. I’ve had enough of it then and I’ve had enough of it now. “I’m out,” I say, getting to me feet.
    “ You sit right there, Elvis. The Navy is out of the question. Period.” Mom pulls a stack of papers off the coffee table. “I spoke to the guidance counselor this afternoon and we came up with some options…”
    I can’t believe this. “I’m going to join the Navy. Do something brave and honorable.”
    “Joining the Navy requires commitment and responsibility,” Dad says. “Are you sure you can handle that?”
    “Yes,” I mutter. “I can handle it.”
    “We’re not discussing that because he’s not joining,” Mom says, crumpling the papers.
    “Most parents would be proud of their son who wants to serve his country. But you won’t back down until you have the final say, ain’t that right?”
    “Proud, Elvis?” She almost spits the words out. “Reagan’s someone to be proud of. He’s studying for the SATs and his FCAT. He’s involved in extracurricular activities. Where have you been spending your time since you came back? Off gallivanting with girls!”
    My fists clench .
    I stomp up to my bedroom and slam the door, grab a pillow and fling it at the wall. Just when I think they might listen to reason, they tell me what to do, shoot down my dreams and hopes. Just like they’ve always done. When are they finally going to let me be my own person? Rey and I are twins, but that doesn’t mean we have to be the same. I kick my desk’s leg. One. Two. Three. The damn thing caves and my desk tips to the side. My school crap slides off and splatters to the floor.
    “Ge ez, Cruise.” Rey’s at the door.
    “Shit.”
    “Easy, bro.” Rey lowers himself onto my swivel chair and props his elbows on the armrests. Leans back. “Never seen you this angry.”
    “Your parents! I hate them. ”
    “You never cared what they thought before.” He drums his fingers on