(James)
After my morning jog to cool my head I went back to the hotel where I saw Sophie sitting in front of the TV
"I'm back" I said.
"What no ice cream this time" she said sarcastically
"Actually I did get ice cream" I said throwing her an ice cream sandwich
"This is my favorite" she said
"I know" I accidentally said out loud
"Um I mean don't think too much of it. I was just thought Wendy would like it" I said
"Still thanks" she said
"I should go get a shower. We still have to go over to Trudy's" I said trying to rush to the shower so I could avoid the absolutely bewitching smile Sophie was sending my way.
"Yeah me too" she said
After our showers we came back to the living room and smiled at each other
"You look nice" I said
"Thanks you too" she said.
"Um I think we should get going" I said
"Yeah but before we go to your mom's I want to make a quick stop"
"Where?"
"Carlos'"
"Carlos'?"
"Yeah Libby found out he and his father were going over to your mom's so she wanted to go too" she explained
"That's cool I guess. I was gonna stop over at Betty-Ann's anyway" I said
"Turner's?'
"Yeah I invited her last night"
"Oh that's.... good" she said
"Are you okay with her riding with us?"
"I'm fine, we should probably get going" she said
So we begun our trip in silence until we came to Carlos' house where he and Libby were waiting for us on the lawn
"Hey guys" I said as they got in
"Happy Thanksgiving" Carlos said wrapping his arm around Libby in the backseat
"Yeah happy Thanksgiving to you too" Sophie and I said from the front seat as we drove off
"So how you feel Jay?" Carlos asked
"Huh?" I asked
"Are you okay?" Libby asked
"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked
"You're going back there" Carlos said
"I'm fine Carlos, you don't have to worry about me. Let's just get going" I said before we drove off.
"You guys wait here I'll be right back" I said parking in front of Mrs. Jones house
"Where are we?" Libby asked
"Who's house is this?" Carlos asked
"It's Mrs. Jones'" Sophie said surprised
"Your chemistry teacher?" Libby said
"Yeah. What are we doing here Taylor? I thought you were picking up Turner" Sophie asked
"Can you guys just wait here" I said before getting out of the car. I walked up to the door and pressed the doorbell.
Eventually the door opened and Mrs. Jones walked out
"Mr Taylor, what brings you here today. Your last homework should be turned in tomorrow if I remember correctly?" She asked
"First off Happy Thanksgiving."
"Same to you"
"Second, didn't Betty-Ann tell you she's having Thanksgiving dinner with me today?" I asked
"Oh I seem to remember her mentioning something like that before I went to bed."
"So is she ready?" I asked
"Wait here, I'll go see" she said before closing the door. After awhile the door opened again and she came out
"She says give her a minute"
"Okay" I said before we stood in awkward silence. Neither of us said anything. She looked directly at me while I tried looking anywhere else constantly trying to avoid eye contact.
"Is that Ms. Vortex in your car?" She asked
"Huh uh" I nodded quickly and awkwardly
"How are you two doing?"
"Uh?"
"You two live by yourselves at such a young age. I'm sure you find it quite difficult. Things like paying bills, making dinner and worrying about rent must be quite much for teenagers like yourselves"
"Um...not really"
"I see" she nodded not saying anymore. We turned back to the awkward silence
"Sophie is a good cook and she does most of the house work"
"And what exactly do you do?" She asked before I gulped
"Well I'm the one that pays the bills and buys food and stuff I guess." I said nervously
"I see. You two are like a sixties married couple" she said
"Um..Not really I would try helping but she says I'd help more by staying out of her way"
"I see. Despite your genuis brain you're lacking when it comes to common stuff like household choirs" she said
"I guess you could say that" I said nervously rubbing the back of my head silently praying Betty-Ann would walk out and thankfully she did
"Hey guys I'm ready" she said. She looked great but I've come to expect that.
"You look amazing" I complimented
"Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself" she said
"Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving by the way" I said smiling
"Same to you" she said giving the same smile
"Anyways we should get going"
"Okay. I'll be going Debby" she told Mrs. Jones who smiles at her
"Be back here by ten"
"Midnight"
"Ten" she said firmly
"Eleven fifteen"
"Ten" she repeated firmer
"Ten thirty" Betty-Ann said
"Or you can just go back to your house" she glared still smiling
"Fine I'll be back by ten" she said
"Mr Taylor make sure she's back by ten" she said
"Um...sure. And I hope you and your husband have a Happy Thanksgiving" I said before her smile disappeared completely as if it was never there
"Um I think we should get going. See ya later Debby" Betty-Ann said forcefully pulling me away from the door
"Um did I something wrong?"
"She doesn't like talking about her husband" she said
"Why not? Did he leave?"
"Something like that" she said
"Oh shit he died, didn't he?" I asked immediately realizing my mistake
"Huh uh car accident. She doesn't like talking about it but she and her husband wanted to celebrate their daughter getting into college. So they decided to take her to see Niagara Falls. But on their way there a truck swerved out of nowhere and they got hit. She was the only survivor. Some time after that she packed up and moved out here" Betty-Ann said
"Oh god, I really messed up"
"It's fine, she'll be fine after a while" she said
"I was just so nervous I ended up running off my mouth. It was like I was meeting your parents" I groaned before we stopped I'm front of the car. I went to open the passengers seat when I remembered Sophie was riding shotgun. I looked at Betty-Ann before sighing and tapping the window
"Hey are you ready to leave now?" She asked after wending it down
"Yeah, I just have a favor to ask?"
"What is it?"
"Can you move to the back?"
"Why?" She asked before looking at Betty-Ann
"Oh" she said
"So please?" I asked
"No" she said turning back to the road
"What?"
"I'm not moving. Why should I get out of the car and go to the back. It's not like she's your girlfriend or something" she said and I could see the looks of confusion Libby and Carlos gave each other
"Vortex" I said
"James, Sophia's right. She was there first. It'd be rude to ask her to move"
"Thank you" Sophie said
"Fine whatever" I said before getting into the car
(Rose)
"Hey Rose I'm leaving" I heard Rebecca say as I laid face first on my bed
"Ugh" I groaned fanning her away without getting up
"Please don't lay in the bed the whole day" she said
"Ugh" I groaned again giving her a thumps up.
"Okay I'm leaving" she sighed walking out the door.
"Finally" I heard a voice surprised me
"I thought she'd never leave" he said causing me to immediately jump off the bed
"AIDEN!! What the fuck are you doing here?" I asked seeing him sitting quietly on a seat in the corner
"To get answers of course. Did you really think I'd be satisfied with you just running out without explaining anything?" he said standing up and walking over to me
"I don't know what you expect to hear" I said backing away
"Why did you come to my house? Why did you ditch your party? Why didn't you sleep with that guy?" He said still moving closer
"I don't know. I was just drunk" I said backing back
"Drunk?" He smirked
"Yes" I nodded backing into the wall
"I think that's bullshit" he said slamming his hands against the wall trapping me in place
"I think you do know. You just don't want to admit it" he said leaning I'm closer
"I don't know what you're talking about...." I said my breath becoming heavier and my heart beating faster
"Why can't you just admit it. You like me" he said leaning in closer
"Aiden I...."
"Just admit it....you like me" he said just as our faces were about to kiss
"Maybe I...like..." I said closing my eyes.
"Nooo!!" I yelled immediately jumping up. My breath was messy and I was breathing heavily. I frantically looked around the room and saw that I was alone. No Aiden. it was a dream. Thankfully
"That's enough sleep for today. I think I need to get some fresh air" I said calming down.
"Maybe I really should take Rebecca up on her offer or maybe I should go to my cousin. I know she wouldn't mind her little cousin dropping by for Thanksgiving. I hope she isn't already obsessing again. What am I talking about. It's Isabella of course she has a new crush" I sighed as I started taking off all my clothes and entered the bathroom.
After a quick shower I brushed my teeth and got dressed. I looked at myself in the mirror and blew a kiss
"Beautiful as always" I smirked winking at myself before leaving. Closing the door behind me. I hopped in a taxi and went all the way to the Palace. As soon as I stepped out I was greeted by the sight of a tall muscular red head looking at the entrance
"You looking for something handsome?" I asked walking over to him
"Oh hey it's you. Rose right? You're Britney's brother's girlfriend" he said causing a smile to unknowingly form on my face
"Glad to see you remember me. If I remember correctly you're Britney's boyfriend"
"Yeah...I guess" he sighed
"You guess? What's that suppose to mean" I asked
"It's nothing." He said brushing it off
"My name is-"
"Carl I remember and I must say I'm impressed with your work" I said
"My work?"
"Britney, you're the one she had sex with last night right" I clarified
"Oh" I said before he turned crimson
"I'm guessing you're a man with experience" I said winking at him
"No no. It's nothing like that. She's actually only the second person I've..." He said about to say something embarrassing
"Then you're either a natural or you had one hell of a teacher the first time" I said
"Umm...are you mocking me right now?"
"Why would I?"
"It's just practically everyone in town knows about.....that"
"That? Sorry I don't listen to gossip much....too busy with being awesome. Most of it is bullshit blown way out of proportion. I've had my fair share of rumors but most mines were true though" I shrugged thinking about all the sex scandals my name had been called in my four years of high school
"So how did you deal with that?"
"Huh?"
"I mean didn't everyone alienate you. Or judge you for it"
"Of course they did. It's human nature to hate those outside their social norms and beliefs. People love drama" I said rolling my eyes
"So how are you so...confident" he asked
"Because I don't care what they think. Most of the girls are angry because I slept with their boyfriends and the guys are just upset they can't get me to be their personal girl so they call me slut" I said smirking
"And you're okay with that?"
"I already told you I don't care"
"I know but you can't tell me you didn't even feel slightly hurt"
"Of course I did. I have feelings too. Anyone that thinks words can't hurt you is an idiot."
"I wouldn't exactly be that harsh"
"Why not? Wounds caused by sticks and stone heal but no matter where you go that name that bully called you or that rumor some mean girl spread will stay with you forever" she said
"Yet you seem fine"
"Well not everyone's me. Why should I let people who don't matter to me affect my life" I shrugged
"I guess" he sighed
"Okay enough of the depressing shit. What are you doing here?" I asked him
"Um...visiting my mom...I guess"
"There's the I guess again" I said
"Yeah sorry about that" he said
"It's just I don't know what I'm suppose to expect today"
"And why's that?"
"Because I'm here to convince my mom not to divorce my dad"
"Wait wait. Run that by me again"
"I came here to try and stop my mom from divorcing my dad"
"Okay... Why?"
"What?"
"Is that something you should decide on your own?"
"They're my parents. I can't just stand by and watch them divorce. A child needs his parents"
"Come on now. You're not exactly a child" I chuckled
"What's that suppose to mean?" He asked glaring at me
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen...well actually eighteen"
"You're practically an adult. From my personal experience most people divorce for a reason. I think you should think about that" I shrugged
"Not to be rude but I don't think you have the right to speak on something like this. While I thank you for your words about self esteem and stuff but I think I can deal with my own family" he said
"Whatever" I rolled my eyes
"You're the one that decides to open up to a stranger, no need to catch an attitude. Anyways I'll be going inside. I hope you at least think about what I said" I shrugged before walking away.
I quickly went to Isabella's door and knocked
"In a minute!" She yelled.
I sighed before something hit my leg
"Huh" I said looking down to see a small ball
"A ball?" I said wondering where it came from
"Owe" I heard a little boy yelp as he crashed on the floor causing me to gasp before running after him
"Hello there little cutie are you okay?" I asked helping him up
"Yes Miss I'm fine" he said
"That's good. Is this your ball?" I smiled
"Yeah"
"Here you go" I said handing him the ball
"Thank you" he smiled
"So what's a cute little boy like you doing by yourself"
"I was playing"
"By yourself?" I asked
"No with my mommy" he smiled
"And where's your mommy?" I asked
"Cole!!" A girl yelled as she ran over to the two year old and scooped him up into her embrace
"Mommy" he smiled hugging unto her
"I told you so many times not to run off like that. Look what happened" she scolded concerned checking him for injuries
I had guess this blonde in front of me was his mother. She looked around the same age as me or a year older. She looked like she was a size two so needless to say she had a slim waist but surprisingly enough she had big asset in front and behind. She could totally match the description for an hour glass figure. Most straight man's dream girl. Though I could confidently say I'm still prettier but compared to everyone else she's probably the prettiest girl in town
The boy's good looks must come from her because other than his black hair and eyes he was a carbon copy of his mother.
"Hello thank you for helping my son"
"It was really no problem" I said
"Still thank you. Are you new here this is the first time I've seen you?"
"No this is my second time visiting"
"Really so why haven't we met?" She asked
"I was busy helping my cousin move in. I actually just came to see her" I said
"Wait you're Isabella's cousin?"
"Yeah I'm Rosalia but you can call me Rose. I'm a lot different than my cousin though" I nodded
"Oh thank god. I'm Vanessa I live two doors down. Come over anytime"
"Sure"
"Just don't bring your cousin"
"I get that a lot. Let me guess she's crushing again?" I sighed
"Crushing?" She said confused before the door opened
"Sorry about that I was in the shower" she said water still dripping from her body and hair both wrapped in towels
"Oh Rosalia it's you" she smiled before she noticed Vanessa
"Vanessa" she said coldly
"It was nice meeting you Rose. I have to get going" she said before walking away with her son
"Well aren't you coming in here?" She asked before I walked in
"I see you're still a slob" I said looking at the many empty cups, pizza and ramen boxes as well as clothes all over the floor
"Don't start Rosalia. What has it been five months since your last visit"
"Because I still disapprove. What would your mother think if she knew you dropped out of college for some deadbeat who, by the way, left you a month after getting this overpriced place" I said
"We both know she wouldn't get it. She doesn't understand love. Not like auntie Catherina and me"
"Yeah some love you guys have. How long did it take you to move on. A week?"
"For your information it was a month"
"And that's my point. You two meet a guy that shows you even a little kindness or sympathy and he's the love of your life. They become your everything all too fast then you breakup you cry and some other guy cheers you up. Rinse and repeat" I said
"That's bullshit. Give me one example"
"Ian, then Mike, George and let's not forget Adam. Amy, Cassandra, Alex, Brian" I listed off
"So what? I'm just a loving person. My love is bountiful and can be given to all" she said
"Plus I use that for inspiration for my art. That's why I love them even more. Especially Brody if it wasn't for him I would be stuck in boring classes and not have time for my true passion"
"Oh please Isabella since when is painting crappy paintings of your failed relationship and people you've stalked your true passion"
"You wouldn't understand Rosalia. You're incapable of love"
"What?" I said offended
"I didn't mean it like that. It's just everyone knows you're not the loving type. One and move, that's your specialty. You don't get what it means to want to be with someone so bad you literally dream of them. That's what my art represent. The desire to be with a former love. That's what I capture in my art."
"Fine show me" I said
"What?" She said confused
"Show me this damned desire you're talking about"
"Why? You wouldn't understand even if I did" she said
"Why not huh? Why can't I be the one to love someone. Aren't I human too? I have emotions too. Can't I fall for someone too!!" I yelled furious as I emptied my heart.
"Rosalia I...." she said shocked
"I need to get some air" I said walking out to her room
(Martha)
After calming myself down I got up and wiped the tears away from my face
"Everything's gonna be okay Martha. Just bare with it for a little while longer" I said as I forced myself to smile in the mirror. After composing myself I went down to the living room and saw James and his parents sitting opposite to each other staring blankly.
The mother looked at me straight in the eyes and I could practically feel the anger she bore in her heart as her ice like eyes landed on me
"You, Maid, get me some tea" she ordered
"Yes madam" I nodded
"Martha stop right there" James said eyes not removed from his mother
"Is there a problem, James?" She asked slighty glaring at him
"Mother we don't have tea in this house"
"Then get me some coffee"
"Sorry but we don't have your kind of coffee. There's only instant"
"Instant coffee? I'm sure I raised you better than that. Don't you at least have a coffee machine?"
"Yes in fact I do but there's no packets left" he said
"I'm sure she can run to the store and get some." she said and I nodded about to move off but James raised his hand for me to stop
"It's her day off Mother; she's not obligated to do anything today"
"Day off?" She said
"Isn't it Thanksgiving?" He said smugly
"A day off. A job where you barely do anything and still get paid and days off. You must feel so lucky" she said her eyes getting even colder. I didn't even think that was possible but she proved me wrong as I shivered under her freezing glare
"No ma'am, I'll go get you some coffee right this moment" I said
"No need" she said taking out a phone I could never afford
"Evelyn. Would you be a dear and stop by whatever passes as a supermarket in this place?" she said
"Yes I want you to buy it. Pay whatever the owner wants. When we leave you can turn it into a spa or another restaurant for all I care" she said. I was stuck. Just for a cup of coffee she'll buy a whole store
"Well since that is settled I think we should get going" she said looking at her husband
"And where are we going?" James asked
"Back to the house of course. You didn't think we were going to have Thanksgiving in a hovel like this."
"Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't you here to see me"
"Of course darling but you must remember we have an image to uphold and that reminds me I bought a new Burberry suit for you to wear"
"Why am I not surprise" he sighed
"Please James don't be so dramatic"
"Fine whatever. Let's go" he said getting up
"You maid, I hope you this place can be more presentable when he gets back. I know it's your day off but since you're gonna be here the whole day it's the least you can do" she said
"Martha's coming with us" James said fixing his shirt
"What?"
"Mother either she comes or you guys have Thanksgiving without me" he said before walking away
"I guess you'll be joining us" she gritted her teeth before walking away with her husband following beside her
From beginning to end I was just an outsider in the conversation. It's like I had nothing to do with the conversation even thought I was the main topic I hadn't even been able to inject much.
"Martha" I heard James call so I turned towards him
"Since when do I get a day off?" I joked forcing a smile
"Since my mother tried to turn you into her errand girl" he said cheekily
"Isn't that by definition a maid?" I said
"Hmph" he scoffed
"I'm going to get a shower" he said not having anything to say. I smiled at him.
I decided to make breakfast and after breakfast I returned to my room. I was greeted by the sight of a magnificent white dress with sparkling silver heels
"Wow" I said
"Glad to see it's to your liking" I heard him say. I turned around to see him leaning coolly in front of my door
"When did you-?" I asked
"I told you I already expected my mom's change of venue. I ordered these directly after they left"
"And how did it get here so fast?"
"I know people. I just needed to pay a little extra" he shrugged
"Wait James how much does this cost?" I asked
"Nuh uh. No way" he said shaking his head
"What?"
"I'm not telling you. I know you Martha. If I tell you how much it cost you'd never wear it"
"How much James?"
"Ten bucks" he said smugly
"James"
"Look I'll tell you-"
"If?" I asked
"Close your eyes and turn around" he said
"And what are you going to do?" I asked putting my guard up
"Just do it" he smiled charmingly before I sighed choosing to trust him
I closed my eyes and he turned me around moved me. I was nervous
"James please remember your promise" I said incredibly nervous
"Alright you can open your eyes now" he laughed before I opened my eyes
"Wow" I said starry eyed before I realized it
"No. No way! I can't wear this. It's too expensive" I said trying to pull the diamond necklace off me
"Can you just wear it. No arguments"
"Fine"
"Really?" He asked shocked
"Yeah fine"
"Did you just agree" he asked in utter disbelief
"I did but there's a catch"
"Of course there is" he sighed
"I'll wear this and whatever else you desire-"
"Whatever I desire?" He said with a suggestive smirk
"Focus James" I said
"Fine what is it?"
"Be on your best behavior" I said
"What?"
"Your mother. No matter what she says please don't explode like you did this morning" I said before all the playfulness that was normally in his eyes vanished and was replaced with a serious stern look
"So I should just let her speak to you anyway she sees fit"
"James, she's your mother"
"Does that give her the right to insult you? Doesn't it hurt your feelings or pride" he said through gritted teeth
"That's not the point James. You haven't seen your mother in four years. I would like you guys to at least have one decent dinner together. It's Thanksgiving James I can't be with my family at least you should try to be with yours" I said before his serious look transform to a loving smile as he gazed tenderly into my eyes
"You're the sweetest you know that Martha. But I know my mother she didn't come here because she misses me. She came here to get me back to the company" he said
"James I don't think so. Every mother cares about their child much more than anything else in their life. A mother wouldn't trade their child for the world"
"Most mother don't know what it means to have the world"
"You're being too cynical" I said
"Trust me I'm not"
"Please James for me. Let me live vicariously through you for today"
"I'll try my best but I make no promises" he said
"That's all I ask" I said trying to take off the necklace
"What are you doing?" He asked grabbing my hand
"James this looks too expensive" I whined
"Too bad. You promise to wear whatever I want. Now I'm gonna get the bunny ears"
"Bunny ears!?" I yelled shocked
"Of course, this is a rare opportunity. Today you're gonna be my Jessica Rabbit" he laughed
"You do know Jessica Rabbit isn't an actual rabbit right" I sighed giving up
"Please don't ruin my fantasy"
"You fantasize about Jessica Rabbit?"
"No I fantasise about you being a rabbit"
"You want me to be a rabbit. Is that your thing"
"No it's not"
"No I'm not kink shaming you or anything" I said
"You know what I'm gonna leave before I dig myself deeper in this hole" he said walking up leaving me to die of laughter.
Not long after he returned
"You're not serious thinking about the bunny ear thing are you?" I asked
"I don't know. I'm letting you decide" he said showing both of his hand. In his right hand were the bunny ears and in the left a beautiful pair of diamond earrings
"You can't be serious" I frowned again.
"Yes you have to choose one" he said
"Ugh" I groaned as I weighed my options. The bunny ears were so embarrassing, just the thought of it makes me want to die. The diamond earrings on the other hand is very beautiful and would go perfectly with my outfit but just the thought of losing it makes me break out in a cold sweat
"Come on time to decide" he said before I sighed and took the earrings
"Good choice"
"I hate to admit but you have an eye for jewellery" I begrudgingly said
"Honestly I don't. I just typically just buy the first thing I see. Those earrings are Eve's" he said as I opened his mouth to say something he spoke again
"Normally I wouldn't tell you that but you made a deal so you have to wear it. See ya I have to get ready" he winked before leaving me.
I sighed before taking off the necklace and finding the safest place in the bathroom to put it in before taking a shower since I was already there. After that I got dressed and looked at myself in the mirror
I looked quite beautiful but the thought of the total caused made me unable to enjoy so I was left sighing until I heard the door. I walked over to the door and opened it only to freeze on spot