(Sophie)
"What the fuck?!?!" I yelled, looking at the disgusting sight of Mister Taylor naked on top of my mother. I couldn't believe it even though it was happening directly in front of my eyes
"Sophia," Mom had let out a surprised yell as Mr. Taylor jumped off her.
I stood there in shock at the horrid scene of them scrambling to put on their discarded clothing
"Sophia," Mom called again snapping me out of my horrified trance before I slammed the door and ran to my room closing it behind me
"Sophia, wait!" she called out chasing after me soon she came knocking on the door
"Sophia, let me in," she said, but I didn't answer
"It's not what you think," she lied
"Oh, so what is it? He tripped, fell, and landed in-between your legs?" I sarcastically yelled at her
"I can explain Sophia just open the door," she said, but I didn't move.
She continued trying to get me to open the door, but kept on failing until she finally left.
I fell onto my bed immediately after, I was mentally exhausted and confused as of what the hell to do. Just as began to close my eyes to think about my thoughts, my door open and she came in
"How did you get in here?" I snapped at her
"It's my house Sophia; I have a key," she said, jingling her keys in front of me
"Fine, what do you want?" I glared at her
"I'm here to talk about what you saw. There's no need to look at me like a monster," she sighed
"I don't want to talk to you; Get out of my room," I said
"Come on, I'm sure you have some questions," she nonchalantly said
"Just one. How could you? " I asked
"It's not as simple as you think. You should know I never planned on falling for Hugh"
"What! Fall for him!! That's your friend's, your best friend's, husband. What do you think she'd say if she finds out? "
"Trudy already knows," she said calmly
"And you're still doing it." I said, staring at her in disgust
"What about Taylor? Does he know? " I asked even though it was unlikely. Taylor wasn't known for his temper in situations like this. There was no way he'd be so calm today
"No he doesn't and you won't tell him," she ordered
"And why wouldn't I?" I asked
"Because it would break his heart," she stated
"So you two know this and you still do it. That's it, I can't hear anymore of this. Get out! Get the hell out of my room!! " I yelled, jumping off the bed and pointing to the open door
"Lower your voice," she said sternly
"You seem to have forgotten your place, Little girl, so let me remind you. This is my house and who I bring in has nothing to do with you. You have a problem you can leave"
"You know what Mom, fine," I said, picking up my phone and purse and walking out of the room calling an Uber
"Sophia, where do you think you're going?"
"I'm getting out of your house," I said, slamming the door behind me as I walked out onto the lawn with her following me
"Sophia Aurora Vortex, get in the house right now," she said, grabbing onto my arm pulling me in
"Let me go," I said, struggling to break free from her grip Taylor's car pulled up in front of us.
"What's going on?" he asked
"James," Mom said, letting me go but keeping her eyes on me fearing I'd say something
"Taylor, give me a ride now" I demanded getting into the car
"Um," he said looking at my mom, but I glared a warning at her, causing her to sigh and nod
"Alright. Where to?" he asked
"Um..." I wasn't actually sure where I was going. I hadn't even thought about that. Whatever right now I just need to get out of here so I could only choose the one person who wouldn't turn me away
"Libby's," I said before he drove away
"So mind cluing me in on what's happening?" he asked
I thought about it for a minute. Should I tell him? Taylor wasn't the best in these kinds of situations so against my better judgment I decided not to
"We are just having a little disagreement about her new boyfriend. I really don't want to talk about it" that lie seemed to take everything out of me
"Wow, I never thought your mom could date after she and your dad separated. It's been what four years ago"
And that's when it hit me. Something just cross my mind. A memory once long discarded
(Flashback- Freshman year Sophie)
Nick had just drop me from school and had followed me all the way to my door
"Thanks for the ride Nick," I said
"No problem, I'll always pick up my favorite girl," my boyfriend said making me blush
"Thanks, boyfriend" God I loved saying that. Nicholas King was my boyfriend. I still wasn't able to believe it. Well, secret boyfriend. Only Libby knows and maybe Carlos. I hadn't told anyone else about it since we decided to take it slow
"You want to come in? My dad's back in town" I said
"Sorry babe, my brother, and his girlfriend invited me to come to hang out with them. Plus isn't it a little too early to meet the parents," he laughed at the last sentence
"Yeah, you're right. I guess I am jumping the gun a bit. So can I come? Hang out I mean"
"Sorry babe this isn't the type of crowd you want to hang out with," he said kissing my lips
"I can handle myself," I said
"Yeah, I know from experience" he chuckled
"So I can come?"
"No, I still think it's too early to meet my brother"
"Fine then be safe and don't do anything stupid," I said
"I won't. See you around babe" he said, before driving away
I sigh as his car vanish down the street before I walked inside just in time to hear my mom say
"So you're really leaving huh" her tone was nonchalant as if she didn't really care
"What did you think was gonna happen! When you decided to do that with that fucking idiot!!" dad cursed.
"Don't you play that game with me, Antonio? You can't pretend like your goddamn innocent. After you slept god knows how many of those sluts, oops I'm sorry, I meant 'business partners',"
"Mom? Dad? Are you fighting again?" I groaned
"Sophia? When did you get home?" Dad asked surprised
"Just a while ago"
"I see, don't you have piano lessons?" Mom asked
"Lessons are canceled; The instructor couldn't make it"
"Why didn't you call? How did you get home?" he asked concerned
"I took a cab," I lied before I remembered my original question
"But that's not the point. Why were you guys fighting?" I asked before they shared a looking as if having a conversation filled with silent glares and head shaking
"Sophia darling you misunderstood," Mom said
"Yeah your mother and I weren't fighting," Dad said before I noticed the bags at his feet
"What are those bags for? Don't tell me about another business trip. I thought you weren't going away Dad"
"I'm not going on business sweetie. I'm just heading over to a friend's out of town. I'm just gonna clear my head"
"Why?"
"Something happened and I just need some time away sweetie. Dad will be back for you okay"
"Okay Dad," I said
"Remember to give your Dad a big kiss before he leaves," Dad said puckering his lips
"Come on Dad, I'm a high schooler now. That's embarrassing," I said before he laughed
"Alright I guess I'll have to settle with a hug now that my baby girl's all grown up" Dad sighed before opening his arms
I sighed before hugging him tightly
"I love you"
"I know Dad," I smiled
"Alright, I have to get going. Goodbye Sophie" he said as he walked past me
"Bye Dad," I said as he walked out of the house
"Bye Sophia," Dad repeated closing the door.
(Flashback end. Current Sophie's POV)
"This is your stop," Taylor said stopping at Libby's driveway
"Thanks again for the ride Taylor," I said getting out of the car
"You okay?" He asked me
"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"
"I don't know. You just seem out of it the whole ride here. I just wanted to know if everything was okay"
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said
"You sure?"
"Taylor, I'm fine," I said closing the door
"Alright then I'll see you tomorrow," he asked
"Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, we still have an assignment to finish. Did you forget?"
"It's been a long night. I'll be there," I sighed
"Okay then sleep well. I hope everything's okay tomorrow," he said driving away
After gathering all my courage I walked up to the door and took a deep breath before going to knock, but before I could knock I heard her say
"And how may I help you today?" she said from behind me
I turned around and saw her and her dad
"Hey Libby, goodnight Mr. Hall," I said smiling awkwardly as she stared at me intently
"Hello Sophia, it's been a while since you came over," Mr. Hall said
"Sorry, I've been quite busy recently" I lied
"Can you cut to the chase and tell me what you're doing on my lawn?" Libby asked
Her dad seemed to sense the animosity in the air and decided to excuse himself
"I'll give you two some privacy," he said going into the house
"Hey Libbs," I said
"Cut to the chase Sophie. What are you doing here?"
"I need your help"
'With what?" she asked her tone filled with her usual sass
"I need a place to stay for the night and I need someone to talk to," I said
"And why don't you go to your boyfriend's?" she said
"Libby you're the only one I can talk to, I need your help. I have no one else to turn to," I said desperately. She took a good look at me, not saying anything before she sighed and walked past me. I had never thought Libby would walk away from me, especially during a time of need, but here she was, walking away. I was about to walk away dejected when she suddenly stopped
"Aren't you coming in?" She asked as I smiled weakly and followed her in
We went straight to her room and she asked annoyed
"Okay, what's the big deal this time? What did Nick do this time?"
"This isn't about Nick?"
"James?"
"It concerns him, but not in the way you're thinking," I said unsure how to even say the words
"Girl, I don't plan on playing one hundred questions with you. Just tell me what's wrong"
"It's my mom Libbs," I said
"What happened to your mom? Is she okay? Is she hurt?" Libby asked concerned
"She's fine Libbs. Nothing bad happened to her... yet" I said
"Okay, so what's going on with your mom?" Libby let out a sigh of relief
"I... I caught her..." I said still unable to say it
"Caught her? Caught her doing what?"
"I caught her in bed with a guy," I said before she burst out laughing
"Is that what you're acting so dramatic about? Honestly, it's been four years since your dad walked out on you guys. I think it's about time she moved on," she laughed
"Libby, it's Mr. Taylor," I informed before she stopped laughing
"As in.."
"Yeah, my mom's having an affair with Taylor's father," I said.
"Okay Soph, you're gonna have to explain this to me from the beginning"
"What's there to explain? I came home after Fright Night and saw the two of them... do it. That's why she wanted me to get out of the house so badly"
"Oh shit. Are you kidding me?"
"Because I have nothing better to do than to make up a twisted affair," I said
"This is so messed up Sophie"
"You think I don't know that?" I groaned
"So what are you going to do?" she asked
"I honestly don't know. After the argument, I just picked up my phone and purse and stormed out. If you didn't let me in I have no idea where I would have slept" I sighed
"What about Nick's? I'm sure that apartment of his would have an extra room" she said
"I can't go to Nick's"
"Let me guess? You're embarrassed to sleep in the same house as your boyfriend and his mistress," she teased
"That and I broke up with him tonight. Going there would give him mixed signals," I admitted
"Really? You and Nick broke up?" she rose an eyebrow
"Yeah, I caught him making out with Brittney at Fright Night"
"Well at least one good thing happened tonight," she joked getting me to laugh
"So what about your night?" I changed the topic, before she put on a bright and cheerful smile
"Girl it was the fricking best. I completely killed Fright Night for tonight, Carlos also reminded me that I have the best boyfriend ever," she said before noticing the slightly jealous look on my face
"Sorry," she said
"No, it's fine. I really need to hear something good happened tonight"
"Alright then listen up. For a couple of weeks now my father's been...." she said before we started talking and laughing about something I really needed that laugh
(James)
After dropping Sophie off at Libby's I started heading for home. I took out my phone and decided to check up on Betty-Ann as I cruised down the empty streets
*Hey Betty-Ann* ✅✅
*Betty-Ann❤- Hey James. How's it going? Are you home yet*
*No. I had to drop Sophie off at Libby's.*✅✅
*Betty-Ann❤- oh Sophie huh*
*Yeah I met her on my way home and she asked me for a ride. Are you okay with that?*✅✅
*Betty-Ann ❤- Why would I think about that matter? It's not like we're dating or anything.*
*Because I like you and I want you to know.*✅✅
*Betty-Ann❤- so did you two..... Nvm*
I smiled as I looked at her text. I knew exactly what she was going to ask so I answered
*No. We did not kiss or anything like that* ✅✅
*Betty-Ann❤- I never ask if you did. I really don't care if you did. Anyways you shouldn't text and drive. Text me when you get home*
*Goodnight*✅✅
*Betty-Ann ❤- goodnight drive safe*
*I will* ✅✅
Putting my phone in my pocket I drove home
When I got home I was tired and just wanted to sleep. I walked in and went to the kitchen to see my dad making something in the kitchen
"Hey Dad, I thought you were working late tonight?" I asked
"Yeah, the boss said I could leave early. There was a complication today" he said
"Nick's Dad in town?"
"No, he sent a message"
"Okay, so where's mom?"
"I don't know. Maybe she's working late"
"Okay good I need to talk to you Dad"
"About?"
"Dad, I think you should take Mom out"
"Um....excuse me," he said
"You know Mom's been on edge lately and she's being really paranoid. I think you should take her out. It might keep her from thinking you're having an affair" I said
"An affair," Dad said choking
"Yeah silly, isn't it?" I said
"Yeah.....silly," he said with a laugh that seemed forced
"So what are you making?"
"Just a snack you want any"
"No, I'm really tired. I'm just gonna head to bed"
"Good night, Jam"
"Good night Dad," I said going up the stairs
(Rebecca)
The sun had just risen and I had risen with it. My morning routine had already begun. The first thing I did after waking up was stretch then I look across my bed to see Rose laying beside me. It looks like she had gotten drunk again. Rose was a classic party girl, she would go to any party the sororities were having to drink and sex the night away before stumbling to the dorm and flopping down on my bed as if it were her own in the dead of the night
I sighed putting my sheet over her and got off the bed and headed for the kitchen got a glass of water and put it on the nightstand with aspirin for when she woke up. After that, I head to the shower before getting dressed and then returned to the kitchen to make my breakfast.
My typical breakfast was a cup of coffee along with buttered toast or sometimes jammed. If I woke up earlier than usual like today I would make pancakes with eggs, bacon, and cheese. This was Rose's favorite breakfast meal.
I was never the type to spend much so I usually only buy stuff I needed. Leaving lots of spare money. That is usually immediately used on books or to save for next term's tuition
Taking out a tray of eggs and a pack of bacon I closed the fridge and a frying pan before placing two slices of bread in the toaster as I fried the eggs and bacon. Today was a mix of my two main breakfast
The toaster finished and the eggs and Bacon finished soon after and I put them on two plates with two cups of coffee. This was when I began the countdown
"3....2...1," I said and like clockwork Rose came running into the kitchen
"Crap I'm late for class," she said frantically before she noticed me eating
"Oh good breakfast," she said sitting down
"Good morning Rose" I sighed as I got up putting my plate in the sink then throwing my coffee in a to-go cup
"Bye Rose"
"See ya," she said
"Oh by the way. Your hair's a mess," I said causing her to rush to the bathroom before I left.
I got to my car and drove off-campus. The road was always clear this early in the morning, that was one of the benefits of living in a small town like this. The drive to work gave me time to sort out my thoughts. I was usually very early for work so Trudy, tired of me calling her in the morning as well as seeing me on the sidewalk waiting for her, gave me a copy of the key. Today was a little strange though as I put the key in the lock I noticed it was already open. Deciding to not put too much thought into it I went inside to see an unusually messy store. Some of the tables were on the table while some were still under the table. The floor was covered in dirt, juice stains, pie crumbs, and something else.....Is that a condom wrapper? I reached for it when suddenly Trudy appeared
"Rebecca," She said seemingly surprised
"Trudy? What happened here?" I asked showing her the mess
"Um....it must have been a break-in. You know I've been hearing more and more of those have been happening recently" she said seemingly frazzled
"So have you alerted the authorities?" I asked
"I'm glad you mentioned it. I was just about to make my way to the police station. Surely you don't mind cleaning this place before the customers arrive" she asked
"Sure Trudy," I said eyeing her.
Her hair looked like she had hastily combed it as many strands were loose and she seemed to be wearing the exact same clothes she wore yesterday
"Thank you, I'll be sure to give you a bonus for this" she laughed nervously
"Sure," I said heading to the back but she got in my way
"Wait!" she suddenly yelled
"What's wrong?" I asked
"You can't go there"
"Why not? The mops are behind there"
"Um, it's because. Because?...…Because I need you to go buy some ingredients from the supermarket"
"Ingredients?"
"Yeah, those trouble makers must have raided the fridge. There's barely anything in there" she said
"Um sure," I said before she gave me a messily written list and the cash she took out of her purse
"Isn't this a bit much?" I asked
"Nonsense it's fine. If any change comes back you can just keep that" she laughed awkwardly again
"Um.....thanks?" I said confused at her behavior
(Brittney)
"Come on, where is it? I knew she hid it in here somewhere," I said digging through my mother's draw
"Looking for something?" my mom asked suddenly appearing behind me
"Mom," I said shocked as I turned toward her
"You're not getting those keys Brittney," she said
"Please, I really need to go over to Carl's. I made a mistake and I really need to talk to him," I said. I hadn't been able to sleep much at all last night as I was too distraught by the foolish mistake I had made
"Oh really? You spent almost the whole night calling his phone. It's pretty clear he doesn't want to talk to you"
"Please I have to talk to him. I swear it will only take fifteen minutes"
"No, what you have to do is head to the airport. Do you really think you can miss this opportunity? This could make you bigger than we ever imagined"
"I won't miss it, Mom. Just please thirty minutes"
"And what if they decide that they want to see you thirty minutes earlier. You can't mess this up. This is the only thing you're good at" she snapped at me
"Mom!" I said gasping at her bluntness
"Sorry, but you need to face reality. Because of that, you won't get anywhere in school, and you don't have a useful skill and you lack even an iota of talent. Your looks are the only thing you have going for you and beauty, my dear, is fleeting. You have the opportunity to make use of it while it last, but you want to squander it for some guy."
"It's not some guy Mom, it's Carl. He's a good man and-" I said
"You're right, Carlton is a good kid, but what use does he have to give you. His family can barely support themselves with their small pharmacy" she said interrupting me
"It's not about money, Mother" I groaned
"It is, you foolish child. Do you have any idea how much getting you into this modeling thing cost? Huh? Do you think that money just came from the sky? I had to work to get you those headshots and all those other foolishness. Now you want to tell me it's not about money. Everything is about money in this world. If you had actually gotten Nick, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. No instead that Vortex girl got him as if she doesn't already have enough blessings," Mother berated me
"Can we stop talking about Nick?" I said
"Fine. All you need to do is get ready for that damn photoshoot"
"Fine call Bree. Tell her I want to leave early" I sighed
"Now that's my girl," Mom said brushing back my hair, before she walked away.
Half an hour later Bree came and we got in the car.
"Alright. We should make it to the airport before four. We should land by eight. After we arrive we should get you in hair and makeup," Bree said about to tell me the schedule
"Bree," I said cutting her off
"What? You nervous?"
"No, it's not that. I want to make a pitstop before we go to the airport"
"Carlton's?" she guessed
"Yeah" I nodded
"And your mother?"
"Just drive," I said choosing to worry about that later
We drove to Carl's house and I got out and rung the doorbell and Carl's dad opened the door
"Mister Stewart," I said politely
"What do you want?" Mr. Stewart said making no attempt to hide his contempt for me hidden
"I know it's really early, but is Carl up yet?"
"He's not here"
"Not here? So where did he go?" I asked concerned
"He didn't come home last night"
"So where did he go after the dance?" I asked distraughtly. Oh my god, what if something happened to him? This is my fault
"That's what I should be asking you"
"I actually don't know where he is. We sort of had an argument and my manager picked me up"
"So did he find out?"
"Find out? About what?" I asked
"Your addiction"
"What addiction? I don't have an addiction"
"Don't try to lie. I found a packet in your bag"
"You searched my bag," I said offended
"No, it fell out when you left it in our house" he dismissed me
"It's not what you think?" I asked nervously
"Carl's pills have been going missing. Is that your doing?"
"....no," I said turning my head away from him
"Don't lie to me"
"I-I... Did you tell Carl?"
"No, and I'm not going to"
"Why not?"
"Look Brittney, you're not a bad girl. You just made a mistake and Carl already thinks I'm the one taking it"
"What? Why would he think you took it" I asked shocked
"He spotted me when I was talking to your dealer friend. Everything happened too quickly for me to explain"
"So why not tell him the truth?" I sighed
"I'm his father Brittney he'll forgive me at some point. He can't stay mad at me forever. I wouldn't want this to get between you two. Carl seems really happy with you"
"You should tell him the truth."
"Why?"
"Because we're on the best of terms right now"
"Mind explaining?" he asked seemingly to be genuinely interested
"I made a mistake during Fright Night and long story short. Carl and I are done" I said
"At least you know" I heard Carl's voice from behind me
"Carl," I said shocked
"I'll give you two some privacy," his father said going inside
"Hi," I said awkwardly
"What do you want Brittney?"
"I came here to apologize but your dad said you weren't home"
"Yeah I slept over at a friend's," he lied.
"Oh that's cool, I guess," I said although I knew it was a lie I had no reason....or right to call him out on it
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize and I just want to let you know nothing happened with Nick"
"So that wasn't your lipstick on his lips and you weren't wearing his jacket. If nothing happened why was your shirt off," he said
"It was an accident. There was this jerk and he got punch all over my costume top"
"Accident? That's very likely," he scoffed disbelievingly
"I don't expect you to forgive me"
"Good, I don't"
"But I just want you to know that I'm sorry," I said walking pass him
"Where are you going?" He asked
"Back to work. I was only suppose to stay for a week"
"So why did you stay so long?"
"I guess I had you keeping me here," I said walking to the car but before I got in I turned to him and said
"You're a kind and charming person Carl. It's too bad I missed my chance. Tell the girl you slept with don't make the same mistake," I said tears in my eyes as I got in the car and drove away
"You okay?" Bree asked
"I'm okay,"I said forcing a smile
"Brittney," she said
"It hurts Bree. I really messed up," I cried
"Dear dear Brittney. It happens, sometimes people make mistakes," she said pulling my head unto her shoulder. I cried on her shoulder the entire ride