(James)
A week had passed since the video was posted and I had been watching it non-stop ever since.
Letting out an exhausted sigh I replayed the video again watching the comments fly up the screen.
"You know that can't be good for you," Betty-Ann said suddenly wrapping her arms around me from behind
"I know but I really can't stop watching it." I forced a smile
"I get it. I mean I thought my mom was bad but that was a little too extreme" she said resting her head on my neck
"Yeah, I keep hoping this is all just some really long nightmare but every day I wake up to the texts and awkward stares and remember this is all very real"
"Maybe I can help get your mind off it for let's say five or ten minutes?" she asked moving her hands from my chest to my shoulder so she could spin around my seat and climb up on my lap
I smiled as she kissed me for a short intervals
"We shouldn't be doing this. Sophie might wake up any second" I protested but still participated nonetheless
"It'll be fine. It's not like she doesn't know about us" she said kissing me
"But-" I said before she took off her shirt
My words of protest got lost as I stared at her breast jiggling in her bra then I grabbed unto her thick thighs before lifting her and placing her on the kitchen counter knocking over a few things
I began kissing her neck as she took off my top then my kisses started to lower.
It felt great as she reached for my pants button opening it before touching my family jewels and in return, I would squeeze her ass she let out a seductive moan in response
"I want you" she sexily whispered in my ears
(Sophie)
"Hello" I answered my phone still half asleep as I rubbed my eyes
"Hey, girl. You up?"
"Yeah..." I said before letting out a yawn, "I'm up"
I laid my head back on the pillow
"What can I help you with this time Libbs," I said forcing my eyes to stay open
"Just checking up on you"
"Like you've been doing all week" I yawned wondering why she kept calling at three in the morning
"Girl I'm just worried. You know new place, new roommate, old boyfriend"
"And old boyfriend's new girlfriend" I added
"It's not like she lives there"
"She's here so much she might as well do," I said
"How's that going by the way?" Libby asked
"Fine," I said a little too quickly
"Really?"
"Yeah, they're surprisingly considerate," I said getting off the bed
"I guess they're better you and Nick," she said before I rolled my eyes
"Yeah, they won't even kiss in front of me. Honestly, I feel kinda bad about it. I mean it's not like it bothers me" I said
"I totally believe you," she said sarcastically
"What was that?"
"What?"
"That sarcastic tone"
"Nothing"
"There it is again," I said before I heard something fall unto the ground
"What was that?" she asked
I don't know I'll go check. It's probably just Taylor" I said before I went downstairs
(James)
Betty-Ann smiled after saying that before she pushed me onto a chair then walked seductively over to me and climbed unto me kissing me deeply then suddenly we heard someone clear their throat so we both sighed
This is awkward
"Good morning Sophia," Betty-Ann said looking over my shoulder
"Good.....morning. Um I'm just gonna get some orange juice" she said but she didn't move
Yep definitely awkward
"Can you give us a second to get dressed?" I said
After that awkward moment we got dressed and sat down we ate breakfast
The room was so awkwardly quiet and stiff. No one made a sound we just sat awkwardly eating
"Um about a while ago," I said catching their attention but as I looked into their eyes I just lost all the courage I had built up so I ended up just eating my eggs
Shortly after the door opened and Aiden charged in
"Sup guys," he said
"Aiden you can't just barge into someone else's house," Ro said before apologizing to us
"It's fine we're glad to have you," Sophia said and we immediately agreed
"See Ro, they don't mind," Aiden said sitting beside Sophie to her right
"Wow something smells good" Tevon, youngest of the trio, said sitting on Sophie's left
"You want some. I made it myself" Sophie said giving Tevon some of hers
"Thank you," Tevon said before he started eating then he started devouring everything
"Didn't you just eat breakfast Tev?" Ro sighed before Tevon started speaking with his mouth full
"Swallow bro," Aiden said before Tevon swallowed
"Yeah but it's so good," he said before starting again
"So guys, what brings you here?" I asked
"What? Can't we visit our neighbors? And walk with our friends" Aiden said
"I mean we are friends right," he said playfully with a grin
"Sure," I said
"Great, since we're such great friends shouldn't you throw us a welcome to town part," Aiden said
"What?" Sophie and I asked
"He's been trying to get permission from Jake to throw a party all week"
"But.....he keeps getting shot down," Tevon said as I handed him my plate
"So I thought I have such great friends, who just happens to live in the apartment right next door and Jake just happened to be out tonight"
"Okay we get it"
"And..?" he asked impatiently
"Taylor?" Sophie asked
"I don't think it's such a good idea. I mean with all that's happening"
"Honestly James, I think it's a good idea. I mean it could get you to take your mind off things. At least for a little while" Betty-Ann said
"I agree Taylor"
"Totally agree. I knew these two beauties were smart" Aiden said before I thought it over and sighed
"Fine," I said
"Awesome, I'll handle everything"
"Like hell, you will," Britney said walking in
"Sorry for the intrusion," Jennifer said
"Aiden, this is our first party in a new town like hell I'll let you turn it into an excuse to meet girls," Britney said
"Is that how little you think of me?" he said pretending to be hurt
"I would never do that" Aiden continued
"Huh-uh. We'll handle everything" Britney said
"Jennifer."
"Yes"
"Get Jessica on the line. Tell her we need to get everything by three today" Britney ordered before the trio walked out
"I guess we should head out too" Ro sighed
"Um...Betty-Ann can I have this?" Tevon said pointing at her plate
"Knock yourself out," she said before they walked away but Ro stopped at the door and turned back to us
"Sorry about that" Ro said before he closed the door
We looked at each other and let out a laugh. The awkwardness of a while ago was forgotten about
"I think we should get ready for school," I said before we all went to a bathroom
(Sophie)
Taylor had just dropped the three of us off at school.
"Thanks for the ride James," Turner said kissing him on his cheek
"See you at lunch," Taylor said before she looked at me
"See you, Sophia," Turner said
"Can you just call me Sophie," I said before she smiled and left
"Shouldn't you walk your girlfriend to class?" I asked
He looked at Turner and then back to me, "No she's fine. I just wanted to talk to you about this morning"
"Oh. That's nothing" I said awkwardly fast
"So you're okay with it."
"Yeah totally. It's normal right. I mean she is your girlfriend and I'm just you're roommate so why would you care what I think"
"Yeah....wait I mean I do"
"I mean it's not like I haven't done it"
"Oh..."
"Yeah Nick and I were pretty wild ourselves" I tried outdoing him
"You wouldn't believe all the places we did. At his house sometimes we wouldn't even make it to the-"
"I get it," he said sounding a little angrier than I'm guessing he meant it
"Um I should head to class," he said before leaving
Was he jealous? As the thought cross my mind I smiled a bit
"Hey girl!" I heard Libby call out before she walked over to me
"Hey Libbs," I said
"Was that James I saw walk away?"
"Huh-uh" I nodded
"What were you talking about?" she asked curiously
"Nothing," I said
"Huh-uh. Now tell me what you were talking about" she said before I sighed.
I knew it made no deference to even try hiding it. She'd just ask Taylor so I told her everything
"So they were really gonna do it in the kitchen. Remind me not to eat on that counter again and remember to clean it with bleach, hydrogen peroxide"
"Oh please, that's just overreacting. It's not like I didn't expect them to be having...doing that. I mean they are dating. Honestly don't even know why Taylor even bothered asking me if I'm okay with it. I mean did he expect me to just go crazy or something?"
"You didn't?" Libby suspiciously asked
"Well I kinda maybe sort of... made up a wild crazy sex life between Nick and me," I said before Libby burst into a fit of laughter
"So much for not bothering you" Libby laughed
"Libby it totally doesn't. I mean I might have told a small lie"
"Sophie, have you ever even seen a guy shirtless?" Libby cackled
"Does seeing Taylor in a towel count"
"We'll discuss that later. And you lied about having sex. That's a pretty crazy thing to do" Libby said before Britney thankfully walked up to me
"Oh, Sophia just the person I wanted to see. I need a key to your apartment"
"Um, why?" I asked
"So I can see where I plan on putting everything. The party is in only a few hours"
"Excuse me, what's going on here?" Libby asked, "You're throwing a party?"
"More like hosting. The party is being planned by yours truly" Britney said
"Oh you know Britney I'm known to throw a pretty rocking party myself," Libby said
"Oh really now," Britney said not even bothering to look at Libby
"And what's that's supposed to me"
"Listen Liberty-"
"Libby"
"Yeah, whatever. I've done plenty of events for even top superstars and models."
"So?"
"So I can handle a small-town party," Britney said taking my key card as she walked away
(Trudy)
The morning sun had just risen and I along with it. With a smile on my face, I made a coffee and went out to my balcony. With my legs crossed and a sip of my coffee, I looked blissfully across the street as the show was about to begin
"What the hell!!!"
"My tires again!!! Really Trudy?!!" Hugh yelled angrily
"Good morning Hubert" I chuckled. The anger in Hugh's eyes softened at seeing my laughing before he sighed and walked back inside. Not long after he and his side piece came back out
"Oh good morning Tasha" I passive-aggressively said.
She glared at me before simply smiling as she kissed Hugh for three minutes
"Morning Trudy" she mockingly greeted back before they entered her car and left
"That bitch really pisses me off" I angrily sighed before my phone rung
"Hello" I answered
"Hey, Trudy it's Francisco. Carlos's dad"
"I know who are you can I help you with something"
"Sorry, it's been a horrible morning. I'm coming back to town and I'm wondering if you can get a cake ready for me please. Preferably chocolate, it's Carlos's favorite"
"Francisco the shop hasn't been opened in a while"
"Yeah I heard but can you do me this favor please," he said before I sighed
"Fine but you know there are other bakeries in the world right"
"But none have that genuine Trudy Taylor feel that I've grown to love," he said before I sighed again this time with a small smile
"Well it might take a while to actually finish"
"That's alright, I'm still out of town. I'll be back in an hour or two"
"Alright fine," I said
"Thank you, Trudy. I'll call you later" he said
"Drive safe" I hung up
I went back inside to grab the stuff I took from the shop which filled up two large boxes and put them in my car and drove to the bakery. Lifting up one of the heavy boxes I made my way to the door of the bakery but hadn't even fifteen steps before I tripped. Luckily someone caught me and managed the hold up the box before it fell
"You okay?" an annoyingly familiar voice asked
"You can let me go now," I said
"Oh sorry about that," he said letting me go
"Um those look heavy you need some help with that" he offered
"I'm fine no thank you," I said making it another five steps
"It's really not a problem" he insisted
"No thank you" I refused again
"You sure?" he asked as I arrived at the door
"See I made it just fine," I said
"So what about the bigger ones in the car?" he asked pointing to the bigger box
"Fine since you're being so pushy," I said before he took the box out of the car and walked up to me
I almost pitied the poor man as he struggled to carry the box of heavy baking equipment
"You okay?" I asked
"Fine...This.....This is nothing" he huffed beads of sweat running down his face
"Great...then you won't mind holding this while I open the shop," I said giving him the added weight almost causing him to fall
I snickered before opening the store and he immediately dropped the box on the closet counter before dropping himself on the couch
Pitying the poor guy I gave him a glass of water
"Thank you," he said drinking the water
"No problem," I said taking back my glass
"So, you own this place?" he asked
"There's a reason it's called Trudy's"
"You see I wouldn't get that unless I knew your name"
"Touche," I said, "So what are you doing here?"
"Oh, I heard there was an incredible bakery around here so I came to check it out but it's been closed for a week. Now I know why" he said, "I'm new to town by the way"
"I know. It's not that big a town. Well not knowing everybody I know plenty of faces" I said
"So how long has this place been opened?"
"Four years" I answered unpacking
"So what were you doing before?"
"Housewife," I said looking at my watch
Half an hour had passed and I hadn't even started I thought to myself
"Housewife huh"
"Hey, I'm sorta in a rush so-"
"Maybe I could help," he said
"Sure, you know how to bake?"
"Nope"
"Then just clean up the place. Since I'm here might as well open the store" I said before I went to the kitchen to start
Having to make my cake from scratch it took me a while to make the batter
While mixing a memory came to mind bringing me back four years
(Fours Years Ago Trudy)
I was in my kitchen mixing cake batter
"Evening Mom," James said
"Afternoon Mrs. Taylor" Sophie said
"Good evening guys," I said
"Mom, Me and Sophie are gonna do some studying upstairs. Final exams are coming up" he said
"Sure James I'll make sure to knock this time," I said embarrassing the duo before they looked at each other and ran upstairs
I chuckled at their cuteness before returning back to my batter then suddenly I felt two loving arms wrap around my waist
"Good afternoon Sugar," Hugh said as he kissed my cheek
"Hugh what are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be working late"
"I was but I decided that spending three late nights away from you is more than enough to get that promotion and I'm even going on that stupid business trip for the whole summer soon so I enjoy my sugar as much I can before I leave"
"Well, I'm glad to have you home. James and Sophie are in his room" I said
"You think they're...?"
"No," I said before I noticed one of his arms move trying to reach into the chocolate batter in the bowl I smirked before slapping away the hand
"No Hugh this is for the bakery's grand opening," I said
"Aw but it looks so good. I'll be gone for a whole two months soon" he plead his case leaving me only to give in with a sad smile before I gave him a spoon full
"Love you," he said
"Love you too," I said before my phone rang
"Who is it?" He asked
"Ebenezer," I said
"Why does he keep calling you? What the hell does he want now"
"He's helping promote and fund the bakery"
"That's why I need to hurry up and get that promotion so we won't need his help"
"I'll have to take this," I said freeing myself from his grasp but he stood there watching me
"Can you go check on James and Taylor?"
"Sure but I get the feeling you don't want me to hear your conversation"
"Hugh it's not that. Plus isn't The World of Birds about to begin. Do you really rather hear my talking about what share of the profit I have to give"
"You're right. I'll go check on the kids" he said before going upstairs
I sighed as I watched him go upstairs before answering the call
(Flashback End. Current Trudy's POV)
"Hey, you okay?" The guy asked snapping me out of my thoughts
"I'm fine," I said
"So why are you crying?" he asked before I noticed the tears running down my face and into the batter
"Um my god, the cake. It's ruined" I said as I wiped my tears
"I think it's fine. A little tear in the batter never hurt anyone" he said
"Plus it would be a shame to waste all that batter," he added
"This is for a customer"
"Well, it's not like they'll know. And tell you what if the person doesn't want it I'll buy it" he said making me smile a bit before pouring out the bake and putting each tier in an oven for itself before setting the timer and going out to the front
"Wow this place is actually really clean," I said after rubbing my hand on the counter
"You sound surprised"
"Hard to find a man who could leave a place this spotless"
"Well when you've got kids like mine you learn a few things"
"Thank you for your help. Now all I have to do is call everyone over and let them know work is back on"
"Well if you really wanna thank me. You can do me a favor"
"What kind of favor?"
"I got tickets to a show tonight and I'm wondering if you'd like to go," he said before I let a slight chuckle
"Not the reaction I was expecting but okay"
"Look honestly you're a nice guy but I'm not in a market for anyone right now. And the fact you can ask me out on a date while this drama is going on right now makes me question your judgment and overall character"
"Wait wait hold up....you thought I was asking you on a date"
"Oh so you weren't asking me out," I said in a condescending tone
"No, I wasn't. I'm just trying to make some friends in a new town and I thought you could really use a friend"
"For your information I have friends," I said
"Sure" he chuckled
"I do!"
"Like the duo, you were arguing with" he smirked
"Right now those two are far from friends. But I do have friends for example-" I said before the door opened and someone walked in
"Hey Trudy sorry I'm late; traffic was a bitch" he said
"Him. Francisco Estevez. My friend" I said
"Um....okay," Francisco said
"So Trudy is the cake ready?" he asked
"It should take a couple more minutes," I said looking at my watch
"So you're her friend," the guy asked
"Yeah and who is this?" he asked me
"Francisco this is um-" I said noticing that I don't even know his name
"Jacob. Jacob Sanders. People call me Jake" he said reaching out his hand to him
"Francisco Estevez. Nice to meet you" he said shaking his hand
"Well, I should get going. Hope you take my offer into consideration Trudy" he said giving me his business card before he left
"How'd you meet that guy?" Francisco asked
"He's new in town"
(Carlos)
School had just ended and it was time to stop avoiding this
"You really gonna try?" My Shinning one
"Yeah wish me the best of luck," I said before she kissed me
"Good luck you're gonna need it," she said as I left
Jay had left his last class and was heading to his car
"Hey Jay," I said
"Why did I sound like that. Was I jealous? Why am I still thinking about this" he muttered talking to himself not noticing my presence
"Yo Jay! You okay?" I asked
"Oh, Carlos. Didn't notice you there. Something I can help you with?"
"No, not really. I just wanna tell you something"
"What is it?"
"I don't know how to say this but yesterday I had to choose between you and Carl. I know what he did was messed up but he's still one of my best friends. He's been my friend for years so I can't just ditch him." I said
"Okay"
"What?" I said
"I get it. Carl really didn't do anything to you. This thing between Carl and me is just that...between Carl and me"
"So you're really cool with Carl and me hanging out?"
"Yeah, to be honest, I should be the one apologizing"
"Why?"
"What I said about your mom."
"Oh"
"I shouldn't have said that. I was just angry"
"I understand but Jay I gotta ask. Do you think there's a way we could ever go back to how things used to be?"
"Honestly I really wish there is but whenever I see him I get reminded of that night. I don't think we're ever gonna really go back to how things used to be. So if you're thinking about us all together again. Please stop" he said before getting in his car
He found a note in it and read it aloud
"To the jackass that parked in two spaces. Move your damn car or whatever this rusty tin can is supposed to be."
"I think I should fix my car"
"Aren't you gonna wait for Sophie and Betty-Ann?"
"Nah Sophie's gonna hang out at Libby's and Betty-Ann's going to her mom for a change of clothes"
"So where you headed now?"
"Not sure. I can't really head home because Britney and her sisters are getting everything ready for the party"
"Oh yeah mind if I invite someone"
"Sure invite whoever you want I'll see you around," he said driving away
"Yo Carlos was that James who just drive off," Aiden asked
"Yeah, why?"
"I wanted to ask him something about the party" he sighed before two girls walked up to us
"Hey Aiden," they said
"Hey ladies, will I be seeing you two at my party tonight?"
"Sure when does it start?"
"I have no idea"
"So when does it end?"
"Definitely after midnight. At least one o clock"
"I don't think my parents will allow me out so late on a school night"
"Really" he pouted disappointed
"Sorry Aiden"
"It's alright, I mean the party just wouldn't be the same without you two but it's okay. I was really looking forward to spending time with you though" he said with a sad smile
Both girls blushed as they looked at him starry-eyed
"Well maybe we could stay out a little later than usual," one said
"Yeah it's just an hour or two" her friend agreed
"Really you two would do that for me. I'm sorry for being so selfish"
"It's no problem. Well we gotta go" they said before leaving giggling to themselves
"So who were they?"
"I don't know"
"How did you meet them?"
"I don't know"
"So why did you try so hard to get them to go to the party"
"Because they're hot," he said before he looked in a different direction
"What are you looking at?"
"That car. It's been watching us for a while" He said before I looked at the car not even a minute later it drove off but I caught a glimpse of the driver it was a woman with black hair
(James)
After leaving school I didn't have much to do other than cruise around town listening to music on the ride until I came to a stop at the stoplight
I sighed as I sat back in my car tapping my steering wheel and out of nowhere suddenly I noticed Rebecca and her friend um what's her name
"Rose" Rebecca called out as her friend marched over to me
"Hey, guys can help you?"
"Hell yeah you can help us"
"Rose stop" Rebecca begged
"Hey, Rebecca hasn't seen you all week. I wanted to say thank you. I should have probably called"
"I didn't do anything worth being thankful for," she said sadly
"Of course, you did you told me the truth. That must have been hard for you"
"You have no idea," Rose said with an eye-roll
"Anyways shouldn't you be at work?"
"Don't act like you don't know what that bitch did" Rose said
"Rose" Rebecca shushed her again
"What are you talking about?"
"You really don't know?" Rebecca asked
"Know what?"
"Your bitch of a mother fired her," Rose said
"What!" I asked looking at Rebecca for confirmation
"She fired me last week"
"Why?"
"Don't overreact" she pled
"Tell me why?" I asked
"I told her that I was the one that told you about her affair"
"So she fired you," I said before she nodded.
"I'll be right back," I said. The second the light turned green I stomped down hard on the gas.
I now had a destination I was impatient to reach so I drove faster than I think is even legal
(Trudy)
"Thank you next," a cashier said as she gave the last person their order
The store was pretty empty today. It has been around five hours and I could count on my hands the number of people who came in
It made me sigh as I watched from the kitchen door then I heard whispering so I looked and found two cashiers gossiping
"I can't believe she actually opened the store"
"Yeah but honestly it's about time. I really needed the money"
"I hear you but I don't think we'll get paid the usual amount"
"Hey you hear what happened to Rebecca"
"Yeah, I heard she's the one that told Trudy's son"
"I kinda liked Rebecca but I guess she should learn to keep her nose outta superior's business"
"But honestly never thought Trudy would even think about doing that"
"Yeah, Rebecca was the one that worked harder than everyone else despite the short time she spent here"
"To fire her without even the slight regard for her college tuition. That's coldblooded"
Just as I was about to say something someone spoke
"Shouldn't you two be working. You aren't being paid to gossip" he said before they made up their face at him then he made a motion with his head towards me before they noticed
"Oh my god Trudy. Please don't fire us"
Fire you? Why did they think I'd fire them.
"It's fine. Just go back to work" I said before they practically ran away
"Thank you Jason" I told the guy college student in front of me
"No problem" he said before trying to leave
That's how I noticed Even the way he speaks to me has changed. That respect he had seemed to have vanished
"Jason, do you think it was the right decision to open the store?"
"It's your store. You're the boss" he said flatly
"Jason, do you think I made a mistake? Answer me honestly"
"Honestly I don't care about the rumors or whatever" he said before I smiled
"But firing Rebecca for something that wasn't her fault." he said not saying anything after that
But I understood what the silence meant
"Thank you" I said before he left
I sighed before one of the girls came back
"What is it?" I asked
"Someone is here for you" she said nervous
Curious as to why she seemed so nervous I walked out to see him standing impatiently at the counter
I scowled before walking up to him