(Carl)
"Hey look it's him"
"Who is he?"
"You haven't heard"
"Heard what?"
"Seriously? Don't you have a phone?"
"No, my mom took it"
"I can't believe you haven't heard"
"Can you just tell me already?"
"Well he's the guy that got caught sleeping with his best friend's mom"
"No way"
"Uh-huh."
"How do you even know it's true"
"The party I went to last week Friday. He and the mom were there and they flat out admitted it"
"Oh my god, that's so gross. What kind of person would sleep with their best friend's mom? He's not a very good friend"
"Oh you know that guy James"
"The guy really hot genius guy. Yeah he's in my former Chem class"
"Well, you know Sophie right?"
"Uh huh they're lab partners"
"Well what if I tell you they might've been a thing"
"I'd totally believe you. I mean I've seen them in class. They are way too close to be 'just lab partners' and that flirty way they look into each other's eyes. It's totally obvious"
"I heard he cheated on her and dumped her for Betty-Ann"
"The girl that's always in detention? No way, he seems like such a nice guy"
"I also heard they had sex all over the school..., especially in the janitor's closet"
"Him and Sophie or him and Betty-Ann?"
"Betty-Ann. Sophie's way too classy for that"
"From the good girl to the bad one. Wait a minute wasn't Sophie dating Nick"
"Yeah yeah. They broke up. Rumor has it she left him for James"
"That would make sense. I mean he did whisper something in her ear in September"
"Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that fight. Wait I have even told you the best part"
"What is it?"
"They live together now"
"Betty-Ann and James?"
"No Sophie and James, keep up"
"Get out. There's no way. How?"
"Well remember the mom that guy slept with"
"Yeah"
"She's James's mom"
"Doesn't she own Trudy's? The place with the great pies"
"Uh-huh. After finding out he decided to move out"
"So why did Sophie move out?"
"Oh I'm not one hundred percent sure but there's a rumor going around saying that James's Dad and her mom were actually having an affair"
"I'd like to be at that Thanksgiving table next week" one giggled
I sighed as I listened to them.
'Great, everyone in school knows now.' I thought to myself as I sat by myself.
It's funny how everyone seemed to be talking about me but none even bother coming within six feet of me
"I kinda feel bad for the asshole"
"Seriously" her friend laughed
"No" the girl laughed before a third voice joined in on the laughter gaining the other two attention
"Excuse me, I just find it so funny that you uninteresting bitches find someone else's misfortune entertaining. But that's probably the only entertainment you can get in your boring life besides sitting on your phone trying to watch other people's stories. It's quite a shame you guys aren't interesting enough to even gossip about"
"Hmph what's your problem?" one of the girls said offended
"Nothing I just don't like you," she said before walking over to my table and sitting across from me
"What was that about?" I asked
"That was my good deed for the day and you looked like you need it"
"And as for why you're sitting here?"
"You also look like you need some company. I'm guessing not many people wanna talk with the school pariah"
"Looks like you're willing to"
"Well I find you interesting," she said before I smiled
"I'm Carl"
"Britney," she said before looking at my plate
"Are you actually gonna eat all of that by yourself?"
(Sophie)
Walking down the crowded hall I noticed multiple eyes on me. Every day since the party everyone at school seemed to be talking about us. I tried to ignore and keep my head down and I was honestly just patiently for something else to happen so that it could blow the hell over. Until then I plan to just keep my head down
"Yeah Sophie, just keep walking," I closed my eyes and sighed to myself
"Wow, Sophie are you that tired to see me?" A familiar voice chuckled
Snapping open my eyes again I saw the familiar face
"Nick?"
"Hey Soph" he coolly smiled
"It's really you," I said
"Been a while Sophie" he said
"Well we didn't exactly end things on a high note," I said
"Yeah sorry about that. I guess I got too carried away the last time I saw you"
"You think?"
"Yeah sorry I took so long to apologize. I was out of town for a while"
"Is that all you have to say to me?"
"Yeah, I don't want to take up too much of your time,"
"So you're going to leave,"
"No, I still have some business here. I wasn't waiting here for you"
"You weren't?" I asked before the door opened
"Nicholas King?" the guidance counselor called
"I'll be in a minute," he said
"Okay," she said before looking at me
"Oh Miss Vortex, I will be with you in a minute," she said
"No problem," I said before she went back inside
"You're seeing the Guidance counselor?" I asked
"Yeah, she's helping me get my shit together."
"Really?"
"Yeah I'm taking classes after school and yes I'm actually attending classes"
"Wow, that doesn't like you," I said taken back
"Yeah, I'm actually thinking of taking the S.A.Ts again"
"That's good for you Nick so I guess I'll be seeing you around more?"
"Well we're in third-period business and fifth-period English together"
"Wow actually remembering your classes this time" I faked a gasp
"I should head inside she's waiting," he said
"Sure"
"Later Sophie," he said walking in
Having no other choice I sat beside the door
Their conversation didn't last too long because Nick came out about half an hour later
"Your turn. See you in the fifth period" he smiled before leaving
I took a deep breath to prepare myself before going into the office
"Welcome Miss Vortex, I heard you want to talk to me. What is it about?"
"Ms. Green, everyone around the school is talking about it and I'm guessing you have social media. Please don't pretend you haven't heard about it. You don't need to beat around the bush. Just be straight with me, is that okay?" I said before she smiled a bit
"The situation with your mom is indeed quite worrisome and I'm sure it affects you"
"Worrisome? Not really. My mom has always been greedy. I just never thought she would go so far. The funny thing is I use to think I had to be just like her. Successful? Living in a big house? Able to play piano? Pretty? That's the core definition of my mom. She has all that but she still wanted more. Everything I do was something she would want. Where I go after school, what I'm supposed to be interested in, what classes I take."
"So your mom had total control over your life"
"No, she wasn't a helicopter mother or anything in fact she was barely around"
"I see"
"I guess subconsciously I wanted her approval so I followed her decision. I honestly thought she was who I was supposed to be. She was the ideal successful woman to me but I didn't know. I didn't know that all the time while I was idolizing her she was having an affair with her best friend's husband" I said
"I see"
"I mean she destroyed my family by chasing away my dad away and ruined someone else's by taking theirs" I scoffed.
"Okay let's put that aside for now. Miss Vortex, you said you were subconsciously seeking her approval. Did you ever felt like you got it?"
"If I felt like I got it? Not really. I still didn't"
"Okay, Miss Vortex if you want my opinion I think you take a moment to think about what you like. Think about what it is you really want to do. I'm sure if you look you'll find something that you would like to do"
"Okay," she said before the bell rang
"Looks like that's all for today," she said
(Rebecca)
"Looks like it's not gonna be a very busy day too" I sighed resting on the counter and looking at the completely empty store
"That's to be expected. I basically admitted to sleeping with a minor. I'm sure everyone thinks I'm a pedophile now"
"You're not a pedophile. The kid is eighteen"
"He is still a kid"
"Trudy, I personally know people who have done worse. You were just caught up in a bad situation" I said
"It was a horrible mistake at a weak moment" Jason agreed
"There's no need to console me, I know my actions were wrong and it doesn't matter the circumstances. I made a choice and now I'm gonna live with the consequences" she said giving a melancholy smile
"Since no one's coming I think you guys should take the day off. I'll close up the bakery"
"Again Trudy? How long are you going to close it this time" I complained
"A week. You guys can just take it as a break" she said
"Trudy you can't be serious" I objected
"I am. I told you that sometimes it's best to leave people to their own choices and the consequences they might have. I am facing the consequences of my choice so please just go home" she said
"Okay then I guess we'll see you next week," Jason said stopping me from saying anything
"Fine" I begrudgingly said before reluctantly leaving with Jason
"I feel bad," I said
"Why?" he sighed
"This is all my fault," I said
"Come on Rebecca no one thinks that especially not Trudy"
"I know that but if I hadn't told James no one would have ever known. I should have just talked to her about it before telling James"
"Come on Rebecca. Don't beat yourself up about it. You know what could get your mind off it"
"What?"
"Dinner."
"Dinner?"
"Yeah at Midnight tomorrow."
"Isn't that kinda late for dinner?"
"No the restaurant, Midnight"
"Don't you have to have a reservation to go there?"
"Yeah, I made one last week Friday"
"Oh," I said
"So?"
"Um I think I should head back to school"
"I'm guessing that's a no"
"It's not a no. It's just I have a project due on Monday and since I've got free time I should probably do it" I said before suddenly my phone run
I happily answered the blessing allowing me to escape this awkward situation
"I've got to take this," I said
"Okay call me if you decide to change your mind," he said but I only smiled getting in my car and driving away
I placed my phone on the dashboard hitting speaker
"What is it, Rose?"
"Becca I just wanted to ask you a question"
"Okay"
"When do you think James will begin working on his car?"
"Huh, did you mention? Did he tell you what kind of engine he wants or tires"
"No, why?"
"I really wanna help. Is there any way you could get him to let me help? I know guys can be really touchy about their cars,"
"Not sure I'd have to ask him when I have time"
"Okay cool. So how's work?"
"Cancelled"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah no one was coming in so Trudy decided to close the bakery," I explained
"So you got a free day, awesome. So where are you and the boyfriend going?"
"The boyfriend?"
"Come on don't play dumb. Tell me that he invited you somewhere? This is a perfect time what is that moron doing"
"He asked me out for dinner at a fancy restaurant"
"So?"
"I didn't answer"
"You can't be serious Becca"
"I told him I had to head back to campus"
"Wow. Just wow. I swore you guys would have passed the awkward part by now. I mean you guys already had a first date and everything"
"What first date?"
"The party."
"Rose that was horrible"
"The ending might have been awkward but it must have been interested. I'm kinda sad I missed it"
"It wasn't that Rose. Even before that we didn't even do anything except lean awkwardly on the wall"
"Okay fine maybe a party wasn't the idle first date but that doesn't mean you can't give him a chance."
"You're right"
"And let me iterate again he is seriously too handsome to pass on"
"Goodbye Rose" I rolled my eyes hanging up
(Martha)
"I'm leaving" I said but Ebenezer only remained sitting in front of the television with a can of beer in his hand.
He had a blank expression on his face as he sipped the beer and randomly switched the channels
Sighing I took up my coat and keys then left.
I drove straight the pharmacy and opened it up.
After tidying up the place I stretched and sat in front of the counter waiting for customers.
Ever since I found Ebenezer that Saturday morning I told him not to come the pharmacy and that I'd take it over. Because leaving him alone in a place filled with pills was definitely not a good idea. So I've been running the pharmacy at least until he gets on his feet
Sometime after I got there the bell rang and someone walked into the store.
Looking up I was greeted by that disgusting face that I knew all too well. A dirty back stabbing bastard who lived on the other side of town and he was regular in the pharmacy. It really worried me because he was bad news. A real shady individual
"What do you want Dick?" I asked
"How's it going Barbie Doll?" he smirked
"Don't call me that" I glared at him.
He made it sound like a compliment but it wasn't.
"What else would you have me call you. Doll face? Baby doll?" He suggested names
"Martha. On second thought just Mrs. Stewart"
"I didn't even address my teachers as Mr. or Mrs. when I was in school"
"Maybe because you were barely there"
"Never been my cup of tea. Always been more of a fan of the gym" he winked
"Judging from that belly I don't think you've ever seen a gym since college"
"Yeah I let myself go. Not everyone can be as lucky as you and get hot by sitting around. Can't afford that much plastic" he laughed
"Just tell me what you want already" I said irritated
"Here" he said handing me a slip
"Antidepressants" I said glaring at him
"Yeah I gotta take em. Doc's orders" he sneered
"You don't look depressed"
"Looks can be deceiving" he said glaring at me
"Look Dick I'm not giving you anymore pills"
"Come on Barbie Doll" he said but I just continued glaring
"Fine but don't blame for what happens next. You know how dangerous depressed people can become" he said leaving
I watched him walk out of the store to ensure he didn't steal anything. After he left I sighed looking down exhausted until the doorbell rang again. Thinking it returned I looked up and glared
"What do you want now!!" I growled
"Medicine" a familiar voice said
I looked up and was immediately shocked
"James?" I said surprised as I looked at the man giving me his classic charming smile
"I'm sorry" he said
"What?"
"The way you snapped at the sight of me I must have offended you in someway"
"It's not you; I'm sorry for snapping at you"
"I was kidding I saw the asshole outside" he said still smiling at me
"So you thought about my offer?" he asked after the brief moment of silence
"James, I don't think going with you would be appropriate. I'm married" I said before his smiled faltered
"So you don't want to?" He asked
"I can't"
"I'm asking if you want to" he said
"I....." I said unable to answer honestly. Noticing my long pause he smiled again
"Is that why seriously you came here?" I changed the topic
"No I'm here for a bottle of flu medicine"
"Are you sick?" I asked
"Why? You worried" he smirked
"Yes, you're my psychiatrist can't have getting sick"
"Then you're lucky because it's Evie. She came down with the flu"
"Oh that's too bad. Tell her I wish her a speedy recovery" I said
"I don't. She's finally not begging me to return home"
"Why won't you?"
"You really want to know?" he asked smirking
"Sure" I said somewhat wryly
"Then come with me tomorrow. I'll tell you anything you want to know"
"I'm going for the medicine. I'll be right back" I said before heading for the medicine
"Here's your medicine" I said handing him the bottle.
He took it putting five hundred dollars on the counter
"This is too much"
"That isn't for the medicine" he smiled
"Honestly James did you really have to come half away across town to buy this? Couldn't you have gone somewhere else" I asked thinking it wasn't an accident we met here
"Are you really chasing away customers?" he chuckled
"That's not what I mean"
"Listen Martha you're thinking too much into it. I was nearby and wanted some medicine and since it was on my way I stopped to buy it; I didn't know this was your pharmacy"
"The name of the building is literally Stewart Family pharmacy"
"Fine I knew but I really wasn't here to see you. Though it's a pleasant surprise" he said before leaving me only to sigh again
(James)
As I walked down the hall to get to my next class I noticed all the stares and heard the whispering of my fellow students gossiping
"Hey there he is"
"Wow he's hot"
"I'd totally date him"
"Me too"
"Oh please he's just a scumbag" some guy said
"I agree. He's just a cheater" some other dude said
"That's bullshit, his best friend slept with his mom he's just a hurt soul."
Ignoring their meaningless opinion of me I continued on my way until I saw her digging through her locker. Stopping for a second I smiled and walked over to her wrapping my arms around her from behind her and kissed her cheek
"Morning Betty-Ann" I smiled
"James" she smiled as she continued looking for her books
"Glad I caught up to you you want to walk to class together"
"Sure just let me get my books" she said putting the Math text book in her bag
"Okay let's go" she said kissing my lips before I grabbed her hand and walk away
"Hey he's with her"
"They look so good together"
"Are you blind. He looks way better with Sophie"
"No way Betty-Ann x James all the way"
"You must be nuts it's totally Jophie that's gonna end up together"
"Wow looks it's like we're in some teen drama or something" Betty-Ann said
"A bad one at that. I'd rather be a side character" I sighed
"Too bad you're the main lead. Wanna guess who's the female lead?" she smiled
"Can we change the topic?"
"Okay fine" she chuckled
"I've got something to tell you" I said when we came to the class door
"What is it?" She asked
"I made reservations at the Midnight for tomorrow night"
"Seriously?" She asked
"Yeah is that okay? I mean our last date didn't go so well so I think we should go out again"
"Okay I agree"
"And since our deal is about to finish we can 'celebrate' after" I said before she rolled her eyes and opening the door
"We made it so far don't push it" she said
"Fine but at least you agreed to the date" I said smiling like an idiot
"Why wouldn't I? We are dating"
"Taylor" Sophie called as she walked over to us
"Um....Hi Turner" she nervously said.
"Sophia" Betty-Ann flatly greeted
Things had been awkward between the two since last week so the three of us had been keeping a bit of a distance from each other around the house with her not leaving my room
"So what are you so happy about?" She asked noticing my goofy smile
"Betty-Ann and I are going out tomorrow" I filled her in
"Oh congrats" she said
"Hey Sophie" another voice said before Nick appeared
My smile faded from my face as he stopped beside Sophie
"Nick?" I said flatly
"You two look cozy" Betty-Ann said
"It's nothing like that" Sophie said before Nick sighed
"I was just about to say that about you two"
"Well we are dating" I said
"Really?" He asked looking at Betty-Ann who just nodded
"Well that's something. Good for you I guess" he shrugged
"Hey Girl" Libby said walking over to us with Carlos by her side
"Sup Jay" he greeted
"Nick?" Libby said immediately noticing him beside Sophie shooting her an inquisitive glance at Sophie
"Looks like we're all here" Betty-Ann said
"Not quite" Britney said walking up to us with him beside her
"All that's left are your siblings" Libby pitched in
"Left for what?" Tevon asked
"Did we miss something?" Roman said
"Britney where were you at lunch. I thought we were suppose to help Jeanette in the bio lab" Ellen said
"Yeah" Jennifer said
"Oh I was busy having lunch with him" she said smiling at him
"You're in this class?" Aiden asked slightly glaring at him
"Um...do I know you?"
Yep everyone's here. I swear if Rebecca and Rose went to this school they'd probably show up here too
"If you weren't sleeping so much you'd probably recognized him" Roman added
"If no one else is about to magically appear imma head inside" Betty-Ann said as we walked into full class with all eyes landed on us
"Look it's them"
"Nicholas King is back"
"Sophie's ex? He's back"
"And look who's he's standing beside. Do you think they're getting back together?"
"No way Cindy and Jimmy are definitely gonna end up with each other"
"But he's with Betty"
"That won't last"
"Plus is it just me or does Nick and Betty-Ann look so good with each other?"
"I can see it" another said
"Wait who's that so close the bastard?"
"That's Britney. She's a pop star why is she so close to him"
"You think they might be a thing"
"No way, I could have she and Aiden were a thing' another said before Aiden and Britney looked at each other before looking away
"Does this happen a lot?" Nick asked
"It's new but trust me you missed a lot while you were gone" Carlos said
"Like?"
"A lot happened" Sophie simply said
"Um do you intend to go in there or am I suppose to teach class from outside?" the teacher asked slightly annoyed
(Carl)
The class had just ended and I was making my way out when suddenly I saw that Britney girl walking over to me
"You stop" she said walking confidently over to me
"Hey Britney what can I do for you?"
"We're going to dinner" she said
"What?" I asked confused
"Tomorrow night. It's at the Midnight restaurant I heard it's pretty fancy."
"Well as fancy as a place like this could get" she added
"I'm sorry I never agreed to this."
But she only smiled
"Listen Britney. You seem nice but I haven't had much luck with Brittneys lately" I explained
"I'm not your ex"
"What? What do you know about my ex"
"She cheated on you and left?"
"How do you?"
"You screaming out 'Brittney don't leave last week' kinda gave it away"
"So you should know I'm not really in a rush to get into a new relationship" I said but she just smiled
"Don't get a head of yourself it's just dinner" she said walking away
Stunned I watched her as she left
It took a couple minutes before I broke out my stupor going. I stretched when I went into the house and saw my dad sitting in front of the TV.
It seemed like he hadn't moved from that position for the last six days
"Hey Dad" I said before he grunted and took a sip of his beer
"Is Mom back yet?" I asked before he only looked at me for a minute then turned back to the TV
I sighed before the door opened and Mom walked in
"I'm so tired" she yawned
"Hey Mom"
"Hey darling" she said kissing my cheek
"How was school" she asked
"Someone sat beside me at lunch today"
"Oh my god Carl that's so good to hear. I feared you'd be all alone on your last year in high school I'm glad I don't have to worry about that anymore" mom giddily said.
Her hyper excitement brought a smile to my face. I hadn't seen her so happy in weeks. I wanted to see her smile more. She always looks better when she smiles
"And we're going out for dinner tomorrow" I said as she smiled brighter with each word
"Okay hurry and tell me what's her name"
"Britney" I said before her smile faded
"Wait mom it's no-"
"Carl go to your room I have to talk to your mother" Dad said.
Wow it's been awhile since I've heard him speak and the first sentence to me is go to my room great
"Dad I-"
"Now!" He shouted scaring me a little
I looked at mom but she only nodded before I went up the stairs
(Martha)
I looked at Ebenezer as he got up from the chair and walked over to me
"What is it Ebenezer?"
"You owe me an explanation" he said
"What?" I asked confused
"Our son isn't the only one going out tomorrow" he said before my phone rang
"Look who it is" he said tossing my phone to me.
I didn't catch because I was still stunned
"What? Not gonna pick it up" he said before I reached down and picked up the phone
I didn't have to look to know the Caller I.D. said James
"Not gonna answer?" he said before I answered putting the phone at my ear
"Put it on speaker" he said and I complied
"Hey Martha, it's James, I kinda need your answer for our little trip. My friend is asking if I'm gonna bring somebody or not. I keep telling him to wait for just a couple more hours but I think he's starting to get restless. So I really need an answer. By tonight be nice"
I didn't say anything Ebenezer terrifying gaze kept me from speaking
"Martha? You there?"
"Your friend is asking you a question"
"It's you. Scrooge isn't it" James said with venom laced words
"I asked if you're not going to answer"
"James I don't think I-"
"Where are you two going?" Ebenezer interrupted me
"Ebenezer....." I said
"Answer me. Where are you going?"
"She doesn't have to answer you"
"Keep quiet when I'm talking to my fucking wife!" Ebenezer yelled
"Oh so she's now your wife. I was confused because everyone in town as noticed you drinking yourself to death. Is that for your wife or-"
"You have some nerve to talk to me like that" Ebenezer cut him off
"What exactly do you two talk about at your little sessions?"
"That's confidential" James argued
"Our marriage doesn't need the involvement of any outsiders" Ebenezer said
"That's funny your marriage already had one outsiders long before I came here. I'm clearly just evening things out"
"Who the hell do you think you are?!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU! I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS SICK" I yelled furiously and Ebenezer only laugh
"You're sick and tired?" he laughed
"Tell me what makes you so tired huh. Did you lose your work? Are you forced to stay in my damn house all frickin day like some fucking child. Well I'm not! I am not a child. If you want a child speak to the one upstairs. The child seems to be a magnet for trouble and can't seem to know how to stay from it"
"I'm doing this for you. I'm doing all of this shit for you. I go to work for you so you don't accidentally overdose on your own supply, I beg you to stay inside so you don't frickin get drunk and drive yourself into a damn tree and all because you're still upset that your son unknowingly got the girl you've been pinning for for over two damn decades. You think it's easy to watch you ruin yourself time and time again. For her! Do you have any idea how much it hurts. Do you know I want to go out? But I don't. I don't because because I'm here ' babysitting' you because I love you. And it hurts even more when I stay here knowing you don't love me. Oddly I can live with that pain; I can live with you loving someone else. Hell I've been doing it for twenty odd years. But I can't and I won't stay here and listen to you insult our son. I'd gladly go on that date before I ever allow you to do that"
"Fine" he said
"What?" James and I said
"If you want to go out so badly. Go on the date that badly"
"You can't really mean that" I asked my eyes starting to water
"Why not? You said you wanted to go. Why should I stop you?"
"What's your problem jackass she clearly didn't mean it like that?"
"You know what it means if I go on that date right?" I asked but he only chose to remain silent
"Fine, James come pick me up" I said before taking my coat and walking out
"Martha are you sure about this?"
"Please just come pick me up" I said
"On my way"