(Trudy)
I just stormed out of my kitchen to see 'him' standing there in front of the counter
"Trudy's what can I help you with?" I passive-aggressively asked
"We need to talk," he said
"Sorry, that's not on the menu," I said
"Then I want to speak with the owner" he sighed
"Speak," I said rolling my eyes a bit
"In private" he added before we walked out of the restaurant not missing the customers' gazes as we walked out
"What do you want?" I asked when we reached the alley
"You need to stop," he said
"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," I said
"You know what I mean. Stop messing with me in the morning; I have work to do and you're consistently making me late. How do you feel that makes me look"
"How you look?" I scoffed
"Do you have any idea how you made me look...and that's on video. Haven't you seen my bakery? It's practically barren. Do you have any idea what people are saying about me.... because of you" I said angrily
"That wasn't my fault. You made the decision to have that conversation in public"
"Typical shifting blame unto me," I said with an eye roll before he sighed
"You're right. Look I know I did some of this but you can't put all the blame. I didn't tell you to sleep with a child. You're just lucky I convinced the Stewarts not to press charges"
"Wow thank you very much" I sarcastically said rolling my eyes
"Listen Trudy I'm not asking you to forgive me. Just..."
"Just what? Forget about it? Forget that you destroyed our family?"
"Don't do that. You don't get to act innocent...don't forget that you were the one that started this"
"And I apologized"
"And that's supposed to make it better," Hugh said
"Whatever Hugh so I kissed someone four years ago does that justify you having a damn affair"
"What?"
We were both shocked when we heard his voice
"James," we both said looking at his furious face
"Is it true?" He asked
" I can explain. I didn't mean t-"
"You know Mom. Not only did you sleep with one of my best friends and basically started all this you even fired Rebecca for telling me. Are you kidding me?" he said
"James, it's not what you think"
"You know what Trudy. You two deserve each other I can't even bother with this anymore" he said before walking away
"James" Hugh called out but our son simply drove off
"I think I should head back to work," he said leaving me.
I stood there in the alley all alone processing what just happened for fine minutes before I walked back into the store
"I'm sorry to say this but the stores are closed for the rest of the week. Please leave after you've finished your transaction" I said flipping the sign to closed
After closing shop, I went back home, and the first thing I did and go for the wine bottle but as I started throwing it into the glass I stopped myself.
I looked at my reflection in the glass and saw myself from a week ago. I don't want to do that again.
So I threw it out. Poured every last drop from the bottle down the drain before heading upstairs.
As I passed James's room I stopped and tried reaching for the doorknob but the second I put my hand on it my knees started shaking then I fell to my knees crying in front of the door I was unable to open
(Carlos)
After confirming with Jay I had called an Uber and made my way over to Carl's
I took a deep breath before knocking on the door. After waiting a while it opened
"What do you want?" Mr. Stewart said with a half-empty bottle of vodka
I looked at him and it immediately reminded me of my dad.
'what happened to him?' I thought to myself
"Whatcha want?" He asked before taking another sip
"Um...is Carl here?" I asked
"Carl, whatcha want him for?"
"Um nothing I ju-"
"If it's nothing then there's no reason for you to be here," He said about to close the door
"Honey, who is it?" Mrs. Stewart said running towards the door
"Oh Carlos, are you here to see Carl?"
"Yeah, is he here?" I asked
"He's upstairs in his room. I'm sure he'd be glad to have one of his friends over" she said inviting me inside
"It's cool, I'll just head up," I said before going up the stairs
I opened the door and saw him writing a note to put in a boutique of flowers
"That better not be for who I think it is," I said
"Carlos!" He jumped from the computer chair
"What are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you"
"What are you doing Carl?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. What are you doing?"
"Shouldn't you be with Libby?" Carl passive-aggressively said still fixing the bouquet of roses
"She's with Sophie...but that's not the point. Let's talk"
"Depends what you want to talk about"
"You know what I want Carl. I want to go back to how it used to be. You, me, Jay in the lab. Jay working on some new project telling us not to touch anything. I also miss us arguing about something stupid"
"I want that too but you really think James will ever forgive me"
"We can try. I talked to him today"
"And?"
"He wants to but"
"But?"
"First thing first. You gotta apologize"
"I tried"
"Sincerely. You can start by not doing what I think you're going to do"
"What?"
"Don't send this to her. Don't make this go any further. Stop"
"I can't"
"Why not?"
"Because I love her and she loves me"
"She's married and twice your age"
"It doesn't matter"
"Seriously, if all that didn't matter what about the fact she's your best friend's mom," I said clenching my fist
"I know," he said looking down at his feet
"And you're still planning to do this?"
"I...."
He didn't answer so I took that as a yes
"Carl I really want things to go back to how they were. So I'll give this only one shot; Jay's having a party"
"I know, James hasn't taken me out of his contacts yet"
"Anyway, I got permission to bring anyone I want so-"
"You're inviting me?"
"Only if you promise to stop this obsessive shit. I want things to go back to normal. If that's what you want too you should come to the party" Carlos said before turning away
"Don't call it that"
"What?"
"It's not an obsession," he said.
I could tell he was adamant about his decision
"See you around Carl" I sighed before walking out of the room.
I walked down the stairs frustrated when I saw Mrs. Stewart
"Oh, Carlos are you leaving already?" She asked
"Yes I got to meet my Shinning one," I said
"But I brought all these snacks. Can't you stay for a little while"
"Um sorry can't," I said trying to go around her but she blocked my path
"Just five more minutes," she said before my phone went off.
"I've got to take this," I said running past her and out of the house
(Rebecca)
James had left some time ago ad I had been questioning what he was doing as I was sat in a coffee shop
I was nervous. I had no idea what James was doing but it must have something to do with Mrs. Taylor.
I had heard the rumors going around town about her husband and couldn't help feeling bad for her. I knew it must have hurt when she found out.
'Why do guys do this to good girls' I sighed to myself.
"Hey here's your latte," Rose said putting down the coffee shop and sitting across from me
"Thanks, Rose. Still don't know why we didn't just buy these on campus, don't you have an assignment to do" I said as she took a sip of her coffee
"Yeah, but I thought you could use some fresh air. You've been in that room for a week. Besides from classes you haven't left the room," Rose said
"Well I don't really have a reason to leave the room anymore"
"Can't you just get another job?"
"I tried. No part-time jobs mostly unpaid internships and full-time"
"You're telling me there's not one job in this town. Well, whatever I always thought you worked too much anyway. Now you can go out with me"
"Really Rose? If I don't work I won't be able to pay for next semester. Plus I really enjoyed working it took my mind off you know who"
"Well, you know what they say. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else" Rose said
"I'm not gonna do something so childish," I said before she sighed
"Whatever girl, I'm gonna use the bathroom. We can leave when I come back" She said getting up
"Sure," I said before she left.
I sat in my chair until suddenly I saw a familiar face walk into the coffee shop.
Jason, having just entered the shop didn't notice me so I didn't call out to him.
It's not like we were friends or anything he's probably even happy I got fired
"Rebecca!" Rose called out and then he turned his head towards me
Soon Rose came running over to me
"Rose, why were you screaming my name like that?"
"I have something really cool to show you," Rose said before Jason walked up to us
"Well Hello there handsome," Rose said
"Hi," he said before looking at me
"Rebecca," he said with a smile.
"You know this guy"
"I'm Jason her manager"
"Ex-manager" I added
"Well I'm Rosalia but you can call me Rose"
"Nice to meet you Rose"
"Nice to meet you too. I got to say I can see why Becca liked working there" Rose said
"Not even close," I said with an eye roll
"Wait Becca is this the guy you keep complaining about?" Rose said before he looked at me
"Um.."
"I'm pretty sure I remember you calling him the worst boss you've ever had"
"Don't you have a project to do?" I said
"Oh right. I'll be right outside. We'll leave after you finish your convo" she said picking up her coffee and walking out
"So I'm the worst boss you've ever had huh?" He asked
"Well no since you weren't technically my boss," I said
"Fair enough but was I really that bad," he asked
"You always seemed to single me out, finding a reason to argue with me no matter what I was doing. Plus you seem to want me to work the busiest times. To be honest I'm sure you're happy I got fired since you've got such a problem with me"
"What? I don't have a problem with you"
"So why do you keep bothering me and no one else"
"It's kinda embarrassing to say this but I actually did that because I like you."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah I know it's childish but I wanted to make sure you noticed me"
"You know I would notice if you were just nice"
"Well most people don't talk about that guy that says hello every morning but everyone complains about that boss they hate," he said making me chuckle at his reasoning
"Well you're not wrong" I laughed
"But if I really hated you what makes you think I'd go out with you"
"Hadn't thought about that" he said before going into a moment of silence
"Any way you were right about one thing" he continued
"And what was that"
"I was kinda glad you got fired"
"Why?"
"Because now I can ask you out"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah"
"You know Trudy doesn't have a no dating rule, right?"
"Wait seriously?" He asked and I nodded
"I have no idea where you got that from"
"Well I kinda asked a girl out when I just started working there and she told me that. Now that I think about it I'm pretty sure she just didn't like me" He said and I couldn't help but laugh
"So what do you say?"
"About what?"
"Going out with me"
"Um...I don't know if I'm in the right frame of mind to be dating anyone" I said
"Here's my number...just think about it," he said writing his number on a napkin
"I'll be waiting for your call," he said before leaving.
I didn't get a chance to say anything as he walked away so I just took my coffee and went out to see Rose but surprisingly she was waiting with James
"James, what are you doing here?" I asked
"Sorry I was looking for you all over town"
"Why?"
"I wanted to apologize. I really didn't expect Trudy to fire you like that."
"You don't need to apologize I should have just stayed out of your family's business"
"No...without you I probably wouldn't have found out what was going on behind my back"
"Anyways my neighbors are throwing themselves a welcome to town party in my house and I want to invite you"
"Seriously your parents are allowing you to have a party," Rose said
"Trudy nor Hugh have any right to allow me to do anything."
"It is their house though," Rose said
"I guess I didn't tell you I moved out"
"What?" I said
"That's so cool," Rose said
"No, it's not. Is that even legal?"
"I am eighteen so I'm sure it's fine"
"Okay, but where are you living now?"
"I have an apartment. Sophie and I are staying there"
"Wait seriously?"
"Who's Sophie?" Rose asked
"He's ex and the girl he likes," I told her before turning had to him
"So what about Betty-Ann," I asked
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Mission success" he said
"Wait who's Betty-Ann?"
"Apparently his girlfriend" I gasped
"Ooo drama. Does your girlfriend live there too?" Rose said
"Not exactly but she does have a key and she's practically always there"
"You can't possibly think it's a good idea to live with your ex-girlfriend who you still love and also let your girlfriend have a key. What if she walks in on something?"
"Just say it wasn't you," Rose said
"Sophie ad I already made it clear no funny stuff. What are the chances of us breaking that agreement?" he said
"Astronomical," I said before Rose's phone started to ring
"Ugh, it's my partner. We should probably head back to the campus now" Rose said
"Need a ride?" He asked
"Sure," I said getting
"Wow dude your car looks like crap," Rose said hopping in the back seat
"Yeah sorry, it was something I built in middle school but I'm thinking about fixing it up a bit," he said driving off
"Since you've got money to fix your car why don't you think of paying Becca's tuition since it is basically your family's fault she can't pay for the next semester herself" Rose joked
"Rose," I said not finding it funny
"Okay," he said
"What?" we both said
"How much for the tuition," I said
(Sophie)
It's been an hour since we left school and Libby and I were in the elevator on our way to the apartment room
"Can you believe her Soph? Yeah, our town may not be that big but if she thinks planning a part for this place is easy. She must be crazy" Libby cursed
She's been cursing ever since Britney turned down her offer to help with the party
"Honestly Libbs, I don't think it's a big deal. She wants to plan their part herself...let her" I said before the elevator stopped and we got out
"Fine but I hope she doesn't run to me when it doesn't turn out how she wants it" Libby finally said as we walked to the apartment and entered to see a frantic Britney cursing over the phone
"What the hell do you mean you can't make it here on such short notice. Are you kidding me Jackson I've been your number one client since I was twelve what the hell do you mean you're busy?" She raged
"Well screw you then" she hung up
"Need a hand?" Libby smirked
"I'm fine, I've got this under control," She said before Jennifer ran in
"Big problem"
"What is it, Jennifer?"
"Theodore says he can't make it on such short notice"
"Damn it"
"Still don't need my help"
"I admit I met have overestimated the length my people would be willing to go for me."
"So?"
"Fine, I'll accept your help"
"Doesn't seem like you're asking"
"Fine...would you please help me?" she begrudgingly asked
"Gladly, First let me call some people," Libby said going for her phone.
I simply shook my head before heading up the stairs
(Aiden)
School had been out for a while and I heard straight home after talking to Carlos
Ever since I got home I've been on my couch calling every hot girl in my contacts
"Hey Stephanie, it's Aiden. You still coming to my party tonight. I promise it's gonna be awesome" I said before Roman walked in
"Alright see ya there," I said hanging up
"Hey Aiden, have you seen Jen? We have a Chem project to do"
"No, but have you seen a car watching you lately?"
"No why?"
"There was a car outside of school watching me and Carlos. It just drive off when we looked at it"
"Maybe, it's someone from one of those where are they now videos on YouTube. Not like it's the first one of those guys tracked us down."
"Why do those bozos keep showing up"
"We're really easy to find; it's not like we're hiding," he said nonchalantly
"That's not what I meant. Those videos are for the former famous" I said
"And what per se do you think we are," I said before Jake came from downstairs in a white t-shirt and sweatpants
"Oh hey guys what time is it?" Jake asked
"It's fifteen minutes to six" Roman said
"Jake, what are doing?" I asked as he opened the fridge
"Getting some orange juice," he said
"I can see that but why aren't you getting ready to go to the concert? You know we, mainly me, tried hard to get those tickets for you"
"Oh yeah, sorry about that, but looks like I won't be needing them," He said throwing the orange juice into a glass
"Why not?" I asked
"I don't have anyone to bring. Haven't made a lot of friends in this town yet?" He said before drinking
"Seriously this is a great way to make friends. Invite someone to go out...kidnap someone from off the street for all I care. Just go out" I begged
"Why are you so desperate to make me leave the house? Where are the girls? Are you boys up to something?"
"No" Roman and I simultaneously said
"Okay...something's definitely going on here," he said his phone started ringing
"Hello this is Jacob Sanders"
"Hey Jake it's Trudy"
"Trudy? What do I owe the pleasure?"
"I've been thinking about your offer"
"And?"
"I'd love to go to the concert with you...but don't get the wrong idea we'd just be going as friends...nothing more nothing less. Got it"
"Wasn't expecting anything so fine"
"Alright pick me up in an hour"
"Wait, what changed your mind?"
"I decided that I needed a break from the drama that has become my life" she stated
"Good for you, I'll pick you up in an hour" he said before he hung up
Barely able to contend with my excitement I couldn't wait to ask
"So you going to the concert?"
"I'll find out what you guys are up to" he sighed walking away
Once he left I looked at Roman and asked, "Who's Trudy?"
(Rebecca)
"Here you guys are," James said as he parked in front of our dorm
"Thanks for the ride" I said
"Yeah thanks but you should really consider remodeling that car" Rose said still ridiculing the car
"I'm thinking about it" he said before checking his watch
"Why don't you come inside Sweetie so we can talk about it"
"Sorry I can't. I've got to go now. See you guys at the party" he said
"Yeah see you," I said before he drove away. After he left Rose and I made our way to our apartment
"So you really planning on going to the party?" I asked as we entered the dorm
"I don't know. On one hand, it seems like some drama is gonna go down but on the other...it's a kid's party" Rose said flopping face-first on the coach
"Rose you're just a couple of months older than them"
"Yeah but I'm in college and I've been to college parties. High school parties just don't compare" Rose said
"I'm sure you'll find something to do"
"I'll go if you bring someone" Rose offered
"And who would I bring?" I asked already knowing her answer
"I don't know...maybe that super cute ex-manager of yours who's totally crushing on you," she said
"I don't know Rose. I just got out of a relationship and I don't feel like I'm over you know who"
"Listen I know he who shall remain unnamed hurt you but if you don't put yourself out there you won't ever get over he who shall not be named."
"Alright that makes sense"
"Plus he's hot" Rose added before I rolled my eyes unable to disagree
(James)
I had just returned to the house and the suggestion Rose gave me still hung in my mind.
"I'm gonna need some more parts," I thought to myself as I entered the elevator deep in thought looking down at my phone trying to draw up some schematics on the potential car designs as the elevator moved up
"So what got you so deep in thought?" I hear a familiar voice.
Looking up I saw Betty-Ann standing beside me
"Betty-Ann, I didn't see you there," I said
"Obviously" she giggled
"Sorry" I apologized
"So what are you working on?"
"Just some design for the car."
"You're making a new one?"
"Not exactly... I'm just gonna remodel it. It keeps breaking down and honestly, it's a bit small. I'm going make it a seven-seater"
"Family size?"
"You can say that" I chuckled
"James Taylor, father of four" she laughed
"It doesn't really matter to me. Whether it's one kid or five. I just want to be a good father like my d-" I said before stopping.
And then the thought hit me. Every thought I had of how a good parent should act came from my parents but right now they're the last people I'd call good parents.
"Um...the elevator stopped let's go see if they're done setting up" Betty-Ann changed the subject dragging me out of the elevator
(Ebenezer)
Sitting alone in a bar I drank another glass of vodka as old memories ran through my head.
"I can't believe it. My son and my first l-" I said. Unable to finish my sentence I downed another glass before calling the bartender over
"Another bottle
"That's your fifth bottle tonight," he said
"I didn't ask you to keep count. I asked you to get me another bottle"
"Sorry sir but I'm afraid I have to cut you off"
"What?"
"My boss said I have to cut you off"
"Are you kidding me?"
"Sorry sir but my boss said you've had too many drinks and they would like you to leave the premise."
"Fuck...fine I was just about to leave your crappy bar anyway," I said stumbling off the stool and face planted into the ground
The bartender hurried over to help me
"Don't touch me" I slapped away his hand
He backed off and I got up stumbling out and landing on my car and fumbled with my keys trying to open my car door until some kid ran up to me leaning on my car
"What?" I asked before he reached for something in his coat
"I saw what happened in there and you look like you could use some-"
"Unless you got registered booze in that coat...it's best you move along"
"Come on Dude we both know you need something stronger and I've got just the thing"
"Aren't you afraid I'm a cop?"
"Even if you are...you're way too wasted to arrest me. So what do you say, old man"
"If it gets you off my car...sure," I said taking the packet of white powder and giving the cash
"Thanks for the service, man" he finally got off my car
"You know a kid like you shouldn't be out doing these kinds of things," I said still trying to find my keys
"Well a drunk man like you shouldn't be driving home but you don't see me telling you not to."
"Touché kid, you're pretty smart."
"That's a first...get back to your cheating wife in one piece," he said leaving
"Cheating wife?" I thought to myself before I looked at my ring
Sighing as I got in my car and drove home running over a few red lights and going a little bit over the speed limit but it shouldn't be that bad. I doubt any officers would pull me over just got that.
However, as that thought went through my mind police sirens went off.
I simply sighed before pulling over before I knew it I was sitting in a holding cell waiting patiently for someone to pick me up.
Not even thirty minutes after being arrested the cell opened again and I was told I could leave
"Thank you for being so cooperative Officer," she said
"No problem Ma'am...anything to help," he said smiling like an idiot as he looked at her in her new dress.
I had given her my credit card to buy more clothes since her old ones didn't fit but everything she bought seemed to show off or reveal her body. She swore it was the clerks that suggested them to her but I could tell she enjoyed the attention those clothes brought her
"Still thank you for your help. It surely would have taken longer if it wasn't for your help"
"Just doing my job. I'm glad to help especially with what's going on lately"
"There's no need to mention that," She said
"Oh yes, how insensitive of me. Those rumors must have already given you so much stress. I can see why your hus--"
"Yes he's been taking it hard but he'll recover" she quickly interrupted
"Let's go," I said then we left with her thanking him one last time
As soon as we got in the parked car she sighed resting her head on the steering. Neither of us said anything for a solid five minutes until she suddenly started speaking
"This has got to stop," she said
"What?"
"Look I know what Trudy meant to you but you can't expect to drink your life away like some dumb high schooler. I stayed with you the first time and I would like to think I'd stay with you again but-"
"You don't have to. You have choices now" I said.
"That's not what I'm saying. I just don't want us to go down that road again. Not this time we have way too much to lose. I don't want you going too far" she continued her rant
"I'm not," I said
"Really? So what the hell does this mean?" She asked flashing the newly purchased packet of cocaine in front of me
"It's not what you think"
"Really because I think you were planning on bringing this into our house. That correct?"
"Um..." I said trying to think of a way to defend myself
"What if you brought this home and Carl were to find it. Huh, what would you say then? It was fine when it was the little-" she started before taking a deep breath and continuing
"It was fine when it was Brittney's but this was just bought. How would you explain this to Carl? You know what he's going through"
That son of mine. He started all of this by bringing that blonde nightmare into our lives
"I get it okay," I said before she looked at the time
"Great I'm late for my therapy sessions" she sighed
"You have a session today? I guess that's why you're so dressed up?"
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing. Just bring me home" I said wanting to avoid an argument. She drove home and I walked up to the house alone.
Martha had driven off as soon as I got off the car. I was left alone in the dark house with only a bottle of Jin that seemed to be calling my name from the fridge