(James)
My first night at Betty-Ann's house had come and gone. The sunlight shooting through the window hit me dead in the face waking me. Looking to my right I smiled at the sight of Betty-Ann snuggling up in my arm. The smile on my face faded as I remembered what I had told her yesterday. Wanting to avoid that awkward conversation I tried to slowly get off the bed being careful not to wake the sleeping Betty-Ann. I crept towards the door but the minute I put my hands on the handle to open it I heard her voice
"Going somewhere?" she asked. I awkwardly smiled before turning towards her and saw her rubbing her eyes as she sat up
"Just gonna change my clothes and go get ready for school," I said sheepishly rubbing the back of my head.
"Oh, so you're going to school today? I thought you'd be too busy moving in with Sophia," she said as I smiled nervously
"So you remembered that, huh," I sighed
"I said we're gonna talk about it tomorrow"
"And talk we shall...just not now," I said about to leave
"Start talking or else," she said before I sighed and moved to the bed sitting beside her
"First, I want to know how and why you are moving in with Sophia, or is she moving in with you? Also, you said alone so does that mean your parents won't be there?" she started asking a flurry of questions
"Yeah, we got our own place and I'm moving out because as I told you yesterday I got a lot of things on my mind"
"So what do your parents have to say about this? I really don't think they'd just let you move out" she asked
"Well, I don't really care whether they let me or not."
"Why?" She asked
"Betty-Ann there's a lot of things I should explain"
"So why aren't you?"
"I need some time. Can't you just give me some time to process this...I just can't say it right now," I said. Her face soften before she hugged me
"It's bad, isn't it?" she asked and I could only nod
"If I say it out loud I would have to face the fact that this is actually happening and I'm just not ready to"
She sighed before smiling at me
"Go," she said
"What?"
"I'm sure when you're ready to tell me you will, so you can go"
"Thank you," I happily kissed
"So are you still sneaking out or do you have time for a shower," she said
"Maybe a shower won't hurt" I smiled at her cheekily before we headed for the shower.
After getting dressed I drove her to school and went to class only to be greeted by curious Sophie
"Good morning Soph" I yawned sitting beside her
"Good morning, where did you go?" she asked
"Huh?" I asked
"You left after dropping me off yesterday"
"I went over to a friend and stayed the night."
"Carlos?"
"No"
"Then?"
"Betty-Ann's"
"Turner? You slept at Turner's house?"
"Yeah, there's something I have to tell you before we move in"
"Okay" she cautiously said
"I'm dating her...Betty-Ann I mean" I said
"Oh," she said taken back
"What about what happened?" She asked
"I decided not to dwell on it. With all that happened, I don't even remember what she even said" I said
"Okay then...congrats," she said
"Really? You're okay with it?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"It's just I thought you didn't like her"
"I admit Turner might not be my favorite person, but if you like her then it's not my place to tell you not to date her," she said
"Okay," I smiled
"But you should have at least told me you were going over there. I was really worried you went to do something stupid" she said
"Like what?" I chuckled before the bell rang and Mrs. Jones walked in.
"Good morning class, I am sorry I'm late I had to finish grading your results," she said before Sophie groaned putting her head on the bed
"Something the matter Ms. Vortex?"
"No Mrs. Jones," I said
"Then raise your head I have to hand out the test paper but before that, I have to introduce two new students," she said before two people walked in.
A boy dressed in a blue sweater jacket with straight jeans and blue vans and glasses and a girl dressed in a short purple dress with jeans and a pair of purple Canvas Sk8-Hi vans
"You two introduce yourself," she said
"I'm Roman Sanders but you guys can call me Ro"
"I'm Jennifer White," the guy said
"Um, Mrs. Jones isn't the class full?" Sophie asked
"It seems you haven't noticed the pair of missing students," she said before I looked around the classroom
"You two be seated. You two will be partners for the rest of the year or however long you're here" she said before they sat beside us
"Now it's time to hand out your result," she said before she started walking around the room handing out the papers
"Congratulation again Mister Taylor," Mrs. Jones said before walking away
"Look another hundred" I showed Sophie but she didn't seem to be paying me much attention opting to look at the new duo beside us
"Yo Sophie," I said regaining her attention
"Huh, yeah?"
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just I feel like I know those two"
"Really?"
"Yeah, but I don't remember how?" she said before Mrs. Jones put down her paper
"Another disappointing grade once again Ms. Vortex. You should be careful or you might be the next missing chair" she said leaving
"Great I'm wasn't even sure a grade like this existed" she sighed putting down the hilarious F- on the table
(Carl)
From the moment I woke that morning I felt like something had changed
Neither of my parents had made the slightest attempt to wake me which they had done almost every morning prior. In case they had failed to do that my alarm that I had forgotten to set the previous night would wake me. When I woke up and stared at my wall clock I realized I was late for school.
That was a first. I had never woken up so late before
"Crap!!!" I yelled rushing out the door to the shower. A quick shower later I ran back to my room to get dressed. Getting dressed was sort of a problem at that time because most of my clothes didn't fit anymore. My dad wanted to buy me some clothes but I had to go out of town with Trudy. With the way things are now, I doubt Dad will be buying anything anytime soon. It took a while but I found some jeans I outgrew and oversized shirts. Only when I had finished getting dressed did I notice that my bag was empty. Packing my bag was something I normally do overnight but last night was strange. Everything was quiet....too quiet. I had an eerie feeling that something bad was gonna happen and I couldn't shake it. Going downstairs I saw my mother sitting on the couch. She had been there ever since we came home yesterday. Reluctant to move an inch until he came out. Just sitting there looking at the door waiting on...
The door opened and he stumbled in. Mom's first reaction was to immediately jump up and check on him
"Are you okay? Where have you been? I've been worried sick. I've been calling and waiting for you all night. Why didn't you come home?"
"I was busy" he coldly said walking past her almost tripping over his own two feet
I rushed over trying to help him to his feet but he flashed away my hand before standing back up on his own
"Dad," I said surprised. He didn't give me a chance to talk. He just walked past me heading upstairs. The nauseating stench of strong alcohol hit my nose forcing me to gag as I tried not to throw up. When he left I looked at my mom with pleading eyes but she seemed to be avoiding my gaze
"I think you should head to school Carl. I'll deal with your father" she said following my Dad upstairs.
Letting out a grief-filled sigh I threw my bag on my back before walking out then it hit me. I have no way to get to school.
Usually, my parents or James would drop me off but obviously, those weren't options anymore so I ended up deciding to take the bus. Hurrying to the bus stop I pulled out my phone to check the time.
Great I missed the first period. I hadn't done that since the day I met Brittney. My mind strayed a bit and Brittney immediately came to mind when I thought that
"I wonder what she's doing now," I said before quickly pushing the thought out of my head.
"Not like I really care what that cheater's up to," I said as the bus came.
Standing up I tried getting on the bus but I hadn't been paying attention and I ended up colliding with someone who just happened to be coming off while I was getting on
She was knocked back into the bus and my phone was knocked out my hand slamming on the ground. I heard a crack when it landed so I knew my phone needed a new screen.
"Great" I sighed picking up my phone
There were small spider web cracks all over the screen and a large crack running through the picture of James and I. Deciding to forget about it I put my phone in my pocket
"You okay?" I asked
"Yeah I'm fine thank you," she said looking at me oddly
"Something wrong?" I asked before she blushed
"I'm so sorry I just thought you looked really handsome"
"Huh?"
"Familiar...I meant you look like someone I use to know"
"That's a first for me"
"Really"
"Yeah there aren't a lot of red hair freckled kids around here "
"Well I'm from out of town," she said before I noticed the bus was about to leave
"Hey I have to go"
"Where?"
"To school," I said
"Oh yeah I'm sorry for keeping you"
"Yeah, it's fine," I said about to get on the bus
"Wait," she said latching unto me
"Can you not do that?" I said motioning to her hand
"Oh sorry," she said letting go
I don't know if it's because she had blonde hair and blue eyes like her I couldn't keep from thinking about Brittney. That was something I definitely didn't want to do
"Do need something?" I asked wanting to end this conversation
"Um...your name. Can I get your name?" she asked as I noticed the people on the bus getting impatient
"My name is Carlton Stewart, I'm really sorry but I have to go," I said running onto the bus
(Libby)
That day I say in the class with my headphone on. Though I had been listening to my favorite band my mind honestly had still been trying to process the fact that those two are moving in with each other. It was so sudden and Sophie didn't exactly do a good job of explaining how that happened. She just came home told me she was moving in with James before going to sleep
"Hey I got something to tell you," Sophie said running into the class
"Let me guess you and James are getting married now too," I said sarcastically
"Is that sarcasm I hear? I thought a certain something couldn't wait to get me out of her room so she could have more alone time with Carlos" she chuckled
"It's not that I'm not sort of happy you have somewhere to stay but are you sure you moving in with James is a good idea; I can think of one reason it's not"
"Libbs, I already know what you're gonna say but we discussed that and we made it clear that we're just roommates. No funny business" she smiled before I rolled my eyes.
"As if that's ever gonna happen. I doubt you guys can be just roommates for more than a week or two. Especially when you're both single"
"Then it's a good thing one of us is dating again"
"Don't tell me you took Nick back again. I know things are hard but things left in the past should stay there"
"So you will stop bringing up Taylor and me," she said before I glared at her
"I didn't mean me anyway"
"Wait James," I said
"And Turner"
"Seems like I wasted my time after all" I sighed
"Anyway back to what I was saying. I saw someone today and I totally recognize him from a band you made me listen to but I don't remember which one" she rambled as two people walked in and I almost dropped out of my chair
"Aiden. Britney" I said
"Who?" She asked as I ran up to them
"Oh my god you're Aiden Sanders and Britney White"
"And who are you beautiful?" Aiden flirtatiously asked
"Down boy" Britney rolled her eyes in annoyance
"I'm Liberty Hall, I'm a huge fan"
(Trudy)
"Trudy" I heard someone calling as I felt myself shaking so I opened my eyes only to be greeted by a head-splitting headache
"Owe," I said rubbing my head as I raised it off the kitchen table dropping a few empty bottles
"Trudy," I heard my name so I looked beside me to see that bastard standing there with a worried look in his eyes
"What the hell do you want?" I grimaced
"Are you okay?" He asked
"Do I look okay?" I glared at me
"No," he said.
"What are you doing here?" I asked trying to stand. I made it to my feet but almost fell soon after. Hugh caught me before I did
"Let me go! Don't touch me" I pushed him off me before stumbling out of the kitchen only to fall into the couch
"Did you stay up all night drinking? You smell like a bar"
"I don't see how that's any of your concern. What the hell are you even doing here?" I asked again struggling to get up
"Let me help," he said trying to help me up
"I said don't touch me!" I yelled before he backed up so I stood up and started stumbling toward the stairs
"I just came here to get something that I left," he said following me up the stairs. As we walked past the hall I saw James' door and my first thought was to see if he was there so I reached towards the handle but the bastard grabbed my hand before I could open it
"He's not there. Don't do this to yourself. You're already in a bad enough state. You really wanna torture yourself like this" he said making me snap so I slapped him across of face
"Do this to me. You son of a bitch. This! All of this! Is your fault. You did this!!" I yelled repeatedly hitting him in his chest and he just stood there taking it until he suddenly wrapped his arms around me
"DON'T TOUCH ME!! LET ME GO!!! DON'T TOUCH ME!!" I yelled trying to force my way out of his grip but he only held unto me tighter
"I know, I know this is all my fault. I know I know what I did to this family but I didn't mean to. This wasn't the way I want it to end" he said before he let me go then slapped him again
"Then how was this supposed to end huh. You keep cheating with that bitch while still coming home to a happy little family huh. Is that the way you thought this was gonna end"
"No, I wasn't planning on being with both of you. I wanted everyone to be happy"
"Yet you didn't stop."
"I wasn't gonna stay with you Trudy," he declared and that shattered my heart more than I would even dare to expect
"I know this must hurt, it hurts me to say this, but I was gonna choose her. I realized I need to be happy if I wanted everyone else to be happy" he said before I slapped him again
"Get out," I said
"Trudy"
"Get out of my damn house!!!" I yelled
"Okay I'll leave and sorry again" he apologized as he passed me and got out.
Tears ran down my eyes as I ran downstairs looking for another bottle but sadly I was out so I search for the bottles I already drank. All empty but I still tried to drain them for even the slightest drop. I wanted to get drunk. So I wouldn't feel anything.... especially not whatever I'm feeling right now so I threw on a hoodie before jumping in my car and driving to the nearest supermarket
"Morning" people said to me before screwing their faces as I walked past them and went to the alcohol section and started reaching for three very large bottles of something. I honestly didn't care what it was.
I opened one of my bottles before putting it directly at my head then some idiot crashed into me making me drop a bottle
"Watch where you're going dumb-ass." I cursed
"Sorry about that... Jesus Christ, you smell like a bar" the idiot said
"Thanks a lot, Captain Obvious I didn't notice. Whatever just pay for that damn bottle" I said
"Um sure but I don't think you need another bottle. If you ask me at least"
"Well, I didn't. Hurry and pay for my damn bottle"
"Yeah just do it so she can wash away that guilt," someone said from behind me so I turned around furious. When I saw that it was Martha looking at me with the same furious look my fury left and was replaced with guilt
"Martha," I choked out in a whisper
"I got a few choice words for you, you little bitch. Do you know what you did to my family you little cougar!!"
"Listen, Martha, it wasn't supposed to happen. I was in a bad place and he was there. No one had been there since I found out Hugh was-"
"Oh save it bitch. I know you've always wanted to destroy my family. All those time showing off and the things you've done behind my back"
"When did I ever show off?" I asked
"Oh please bitch."
"I think that's enough name-calling," the real bitch said walking up to us
"What do you want?" I scowled at her
"I think you two should show some class and not argue in public," she said
"Were you showing class when you slept with my husband you little bitch?" I cursed
"Oh please Trudy, don't go there. He wanted to be with me and the three of us know why"
"You betrayed me! You, my best friend, slept with my husband. You were the last person I expected to do this to me. But I don't know why I put you above it because I already know how despicable you are"
"So it's okay for you to kiss other people's husbands though you hypocrite" She spat back
"You know what you two bitches really are best friends. You're two peas in a pod," Martha said
"And who are you to talk ugly duckling," Tasha said
"What?"
"You thought a little plastic surgery would turn you into a beautiful swan. Come talk back to me when you're not made with plastic"
"That's too far Tasha," I said noticing that Martha was about to cry
"But it's the truth. The only reason she hung out with us was that you were being a good person. I always hated that about you always reaching out to people. I can't stand it but I guess neither could you. That's why you were always trying to be like me"
"I'm not that dumb cheerleader following you around anymore Tasha...Thank god for that"
"Whatever, look I saw what I wanted so I took it. If either of you has a problem with that. News flash I don't care. I already have him" Tasha said before walking away then Martha marched off soon after leaving me to be the center of attention for the whole store. I stood there petrified knowing that the whole town would hear about this
"Move along people nothing to see here" I heard the guy say as he pulled me away
After getting away from the crowd I could finally move
"I hope you're not expecting a thank you," I said opening another bottle
"You need to stop drinking"
"You need to stop telling me what to do"
"I know this is none of my business but is that Hugh guy really worth it. Is he worth you dying of alcohol poisoning you over?"
"You're right it's none of your business. And alcohol poisoning? For your information I'm fine"
"Then why are you the one drinking two whole bottles of god knows what," he said.
I couldn't refute his rebuttal so I marched off in a huff
"Who the hell does he think he is? I am fine so I had one or two drinks! Okay, it might be a bit more than one or two. It was just a few...." I said before looking at the bottles in my hands.
"Damn it!" I cursed putting them back.
I sighed before heading toward the counter to pay for the bottle
"How may I help you today?" a young lady asked.
"Yeah..." I said as I stared at the girl. Maybe it was my guilt but I found myself seeing Rebecca when I looked at the girl. Rebecca had been a young girl just trying to get through college
Just as I was thinking about that I reminded myself how I wanted to talk about colleges and Then I thought how I might never have a chance to do that and the guilt disappeared into thin air
"Um Miss can I help you?"
"Oh yes. I accidentally broke a bottle of alcohol and I'm here to pay for it"
"Oh you don't have to worry"
"Why not?"
"Because that gentleman over there already paid for it," she said putting towards the door
I looked and saw the guy walking out. For some reason, it pissed me off so I ran out but he had already it to his car and drove away. I glared angrily at his car as drove away before I sighed and went home to take a shower. I was finished self-destructing. At least that's what I told myself as I looked in the mirror
"It's his turn," I said going into Hugh's closet taking out his clothes heading for the gasoline
(Libby)
"I still can't believe that those guys actually go to our school," I said as we all walked to the parking lot.
"So those guys are really famous?" James asked
"Yeah, they started performing when they were twelve. The guys have 7 gold and 4 platinum. The girls have 4 golds, 2 platinum, and even judged a t.v show. They were a huge hit around the world at the time" I explained
"Yet I still haven't heard of them," James said
"They stopped performing two years after their mainstream debut," I said before Carl ran up to us
"Hey guys," Carl said
"Oh god Carl you look horrible," Carlos said
"Yeah I had a bad day," he said before looking at James apologetically
"I'll see you guys at the car," he said before walking past Carl without even looking at him
"He's still-"
"Don't even say it" Sophie said before walking away
"Her too?"
"What did you think was gonna happen," I said walking away
"You too?" he asked Carlos who had yet to walk away
"Carl..." Carlos said
"Are you gonna walk away too?" Carl asked
"Carl you slept with his mom. Your best friend's mom and you knew about his dad. I mean how selfish can you get" I said
"Libby I was talking to Carlos. Please stay out of it" Carl said
"Dude don't talk to her like that" Carlos warned him
"I was talking to Carlos you already made your stand clear you can go"
"Carl, stop talking to her like that or else" Carlos warned again getting really irritated. there was an awkward silence as they stared at each other
"I see....see you around Carlos," Carl said walking away
"Let's go, Carlos," I said before we left
We all went to Sophie and James' new apartment and I gotta say if I were to move away from my parents a penthouse with a view of the town would be the perfect place
"Wow. This place is hot. Hey James can I live here too?" I asked smiling as I went into the kitchen. Everyone followed after
The first place Carlos looked was in the fridge
"Where's the food?"
"Haven't had the time to buy any food yet"
"Looks like you're taking me shopping, Carlos," I said
"And James paying," Carlos said
"Speaking of which how can you afford all this Taylor"
"The college gave me funding for a project"
"You still had that?"
"It was a lot of money" I shrugged before the doorbell rang
"I got it," I said going to see who was at the door and I almost had a heart attack
"Hey, I'm guessing you're our neighbor. We're new to the town and we just wanna meet the neighbor" Ro said
"Oh my god!! You guys actually live here"
"Aren't you the girl from my English class?" Aiden said
"Yeah"
(James)
It had become really noisy and crowded since the boy and girl band came in which really slowed down moving in. Seeing that only Sophie and I were doing anything
"Hey, Carlos I could really use a hand here?" I said struggling to hold two boxes as I walk up the stairs
"Just a minute....so you guys really went to Las Vegas?" Carlos said
I sighed as I walked up the stairs however suddenly I felt a load lighten as Sophie took a box from me
"You know I had that right?" I smiled
"Then maybe I should give it back" she smirked
"Well since you already have it"
She only chuckled in response
"What's in this anyway?"
"Lab equipment I had to pick up," I said before my phone rung
"Hold this please," I said giving Sophie the other box before answering the call without looking at the caller ID
"Hello James Taylor speaking," I said
"Hey, James...." Betty-Ann said before stopping
"Betty-Ann? What's wrong? You sound like something happened"
"I know why you moved" she shocked me
"Hey, Sophie you can take it from here right. Just bring it to the room down the hall"
"Yeah I'll just carry this really heavy and expensive lab equipment all the way down the hall myself"
"Thanks a lot," I said running to the balcony
"I was being sarcastic!" she yelled angrily
"How did you find out?"
"You haven't seen it, have you?"
"Seen what?" I asked
"I'll send it," she said hanging up and sending me a video link
I clicked and watched the video.
Just looking at the video made me want to throw my phone away
"DAMMIT!!" I yelled throwing my phone into a wall
(Carlos)
"Was that Jay?" I asked before we all got up and went up to the balcony to see Jay shaking with anger
"They know," he said
"What?" Sophie asked confused
"The whole town knows," he said before we all understood
"How?" I asked
"I think I can understand that," My Shinning one said before she showed us a video and we all immediately understood
"James," Libby said
"I'm fine. I just.....need some time alone" he said before leaving
"I'll go talk with him," Sophie said
"We should probably go home. Our dad's probably waiting on us" Ro said
"See you in class tomorrow," Jennifer said before they all left
"She looked pretty messed up, didn't she?" I said as I looked out at the town
"Who?" My Shinning one asked
"Mrs. Taylor," I said
"Yeah, I'm sure she'll be fine. The ones we need to worry about now are James and Sophie" she said
"No not by herself. You know what I was reminded of when I saw her?" I asked
"Your dad," she said
"Yeah" I sighed
"Well Mister Estevez is doing fine"
"Yeah because of you and James. And then there's those three"
"Normally I'd say everything would be fine but this is really bad Carlos"
"Hey, Libby do you think we'll end up like that?" I asked
"Define we"
"Not you and me we. I mean Jay, Carl, and I we"
"I don't know Carlos. Carl did a really bad thing"
"I guess he did huh," I said before taking out my phone and looking at the screensaver. It was a photo of the three of us hanging out
"Maybe you can fix it but that's up to you. I mean can you forgive him"
"I'm not sure but I'm sure of one thing... I won't let this be the new normal" I said looking up to the sky