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Post by Free on Jan 24, 2012 17:15:25 GMT -5
Desiree woke up to sun streaming through her windows. She cursed and rolled over. She’d forgotten to close them on her way in. She reached out in front of her for Logan, but the bed next to her was empty. Did he get up without me? How’d he manage that? Desiree was a light sleeper, and usually noticed if Logan got up. She opened her eyes. The curtains were different. The yesterday came down like rain. Oh. Guilt seeped in.
She picked up her phone. It was off. She turned it on and waited for it to power up. The clock on her nightstand informed her that she had class in about one hour and thirty minutes. Damn! Getting to school from her house took a little over an hour. She jumped up from her bed and quickly showered and dressed. Someone handed her a breakfast drink on her way out. It was some of meal replacement health shake that her trainer had her on for breakfast. It was supposed to be super healthy: all minerals, vitamins, protein, fiber and everything that you needed for breakfast without the sugar spike, all in a delicious chocolaty shake. Well, delicious might have been a stretch, but it wasn’t bad.
Her car was waiting for her in the driveway, keys in the ignition. There were perks to be being intolerable. She never had to wait for anything. Even though she didn’t live at her dad’s anymore, the help there still kept on top of things.
She glanced at her phone before pulling out of the driveway. There was a text from Logan: something about a bubble bath. Maybe she’d been overreacting. Maybe everything would be just fine. They didn’t have to hang out every second. He’d been out with girls before; she’d been out with guys. She tried to ignore the nagging thought: But we always told each other about it as she raced toward school.
She arrived at class a remarkable fifteen minutes late. Could have been a lot worse given that she and Logan usually used his alarm on his phone to wake them up and hers had been off. She breezed through the door with her usual nonchalance and sat down in the empty seat beside Logan.
“Hey,” she whispered, winking at him.
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Post by J on Jan 25, 2012 11:29:00 GMT -5
Logan waited until later that night to talk to Desiree about her 24 hour absence. The two of them were sitting on the sunporch of their house enjoying dinner together. She had said nothing of yesterday but he was dying to at least mention it. He set down his fork and took a sip of wine.
“Hey, about our fight yesterday. If you want to have lunch with your father I think you should. It’s been a really long time and if you want to get close to him again I think it’s important for you to do so.” He paused before saying, “And if you even want to make amends with Leo, I would understand... I know you love him too. I’m just not even close to being ready to be nice to him. I kinda feel like he should be the one to reach out like your dad has.” He took another sip of wine waiting for her response. He couldn’t imagine being close with his dad again. it didn’t seemed another life time that he had followed his dad around the house mimicking his every breath and movement. Once upon a time he had adored his father, after his mother died Logan had separated himself from his entire family.
He had felt his father should have had enough money and resources to save his mother, Layla, from Leukemia. Even now he felt a bitterness towards him, he knew it was irrational. People died from cancer everyday from all walks of life. Money couldn’t save anyone, at least not yet. Desiree had been extremely close with his father, Leo, as well. Leo and Layla had said multiple times how they viewed Desiree as the daughter God had forgotten to give them and was no making up for lost time. Logan wasn’t sure how he would feel about Desiree and Leo being buddy buddy again. It would be difficult to watch and odd to deal with; a tiny part of him hoped it might force him to deal with his father again. Maybe this was just the violent push he needed to make things better between the three of them.
He wasn't sure he really believed the story about going to lunch with her father. It was an excuse out of left field and he was a little perturbed that she was using it. Honestly, the only thing the excuse told him was that whatever she had gone to do yesterday she was desperate to hide it from him. He watched her slowing picking away at her food, he'd struck a nerve, this could go either way. She would either decide to tell him everything or clam up and he would be sleeping alone again. Most men would be upset about losing the fun part of the evening but he valued her more than for her body. His best friend was not only lying but hiding secrets from him. They had never done this before, what was she doing or who was she going off to see? Was she ashamed of it or them? Shame was so unlike her, she was the type to flip the bird at anyone who disapproved her life. She was quiet long enough that he couldn't take it anymore. "Dez, what's going on? Why are you hiding something from me?"
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Post by J on Feb 1, 2012 20:48:09 GMT -5
“Wow, really?” Ryan raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “Thanks...” She couldn’t believe it. It had been years since any guy had treated her with even an ounce of respect. She smiled, “I can’t tell you what a relief that is! I mean, I was gonna do it, but woo!” She said laughing a little. “Okay, I guess I’ll go get dressed.” She headed back to her room and changed into the school clothes she had packed in her bag. Wow, James Silver, gorgeous guy AND a gentleman. She headed back into the living room and grabbed some pop-tarts from the pantry. Now I have time for breakfast, this is so nice.
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Post by J on Feb 7, 2012 23:32:07 GMT -5
Desiree lies.
Logan doesn't believe her but doesn't want to upset her further.
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Post by J on Feb 8, 2012 0:37:00 GMT -5
Westley rolled his eyes, “Alright fine.” Logan was still in the shower and the caterers and DJ had arrived for the party he and Desiree were throwing. Logan was insisting Westley go downstairs and yell at them the way he would if he was already dressed. Westley headed down the hall and down the winding staircase towards the “servant’s entrance” of the huge mansion Desiree and Logan owned. “Hey guys, Logan sent me to give you directions on where to set up everything.” Westley said walking up to one of the male caterers, Logan had drawn out a very complex diagram on how he wanted everything to be set up for the party. Westley didn’t really believe Logan care where anything went as long as the food was great and the drinks kept coming. However, being obnoxious and cruel to the people Logan considered to be “below” him was one of his favorite pastimes. “Okay here’s the diagram of where Logan wants everything. Follow it exactly and you’ll live to see tomorrow. Oh and by the way, if he asks, I said that in a terrifying voice filled with rage and authority.” He said handing the caterer the diagram Logan had printed out from an hour ago. The caterer nodded, “Okay, I’ll give it to my boss...” Westley smiled a little, “You have ten minutes, fifteen if I can stall him a little. I’d say he’s not as mean as he sounds but then I’d be lying. Good luck.”
Westley rushed back up the stairs and headed into Desiree’s room, she and Brooklyn were getting ready in her bathroom. “Man entering!” He called out, “I pretended to scare the caterers and by the way two of them are very hot, Brooklyn.” He said sitting down on the edge of Desiree’s zero-edge bathtub. He had known Logan and Desiree or over ten years but he still marveled at the sheer size and quality of everything they owned. Even Desiree’s soap dish was filled tiny soaps in the shapes of D’s, and custom made to the scent she had created. He picked one up and sniffed it, while he watched Brooklyn apply blush to her cheeks. An entire week has passed by since his break up with Hayley and ever since then he had been sticking close to Brooklyn. It was a lot easier to deal with the absence of Hayley when he had Brooklyn to hold, cuddle and shower gifts with. He had even slept in her bed every night for the past week something he didn’t see ending any time soon.
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Post by Free on Feb 9, 2012 1:48:46 GMT -5
It had been about a week since Derek had taken her out to his special spot. She smiled at the memory. It was easy. She hadn’t seen him that week, but they’d been texting quite a bit. She’d had class and he’d had work. His schedule was always changing. Made things difficult to plan. Of course, sometimes that meant that it didn’t matter if he was out late. There was something nice about that, not knowing. It could be so spontaneous. Most things in her life were planned. She scheduled her business and fashion classes, planned out parties and other social events, and she would one day work at Logan’s father’s company when she and Logan moved in and eventually took it over. That was set. It had never really bothered her until now. Were she and Logan set?
Desiree glanced at herself in the large, full-length mirror in the bathroom where she and Brooklyn were getting ready for the party. She definitely needed this. Time to chill.
“Man entering!”
Brooklyn giggled as Westley made his way through the bedroom she shared with Logan.
“I pretended to scare the caterers. And by the way two of them are very hot, Brooklyn.”
Desiree smirked and looked over at Westley, “You know I’m going to have to Logan you didn’t carry out his orders. He’s going to be very disappointed that no one’s pissed themselves yet.”
Westley gave her a look like he wasn’t entirely sure whether or not she was kidding.
“Yes, that was a joke.”
Brooklyn stuck her tongue out at Desiree. “Be nice to him! He’s had a rough week.” She then proceeded to stroke his shoulder as she couldn’t quite reach the top of his head. “So…tell me about these caterers…”
Desiree stopped listening as Westley and Brooklyn gossiped like middle-schoolers about the caterers downstairs. Desiree had never considered the caterers before. They were like furniture: there when you needed them, but otherwise they didn’t enter your mind.
[[Don’t know if it’s the fact that it’s been a week or if it’s the fact that I’m tired, but that’s all I’ve got for now. Sorry it’s not a little more interesting.]]
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Post by J on Feb 9, 2012 15:23:42 GMT -5
Westley wandered around the party people watching. Logan had mentioned that he had accidentally invited Hayley to the party through one the mass texts. Was it wrong that he was partially hoping that she might show up? He had broken up with her and for good reason, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t miss her. They had been together for a little over five months and he missed her friendship. She got along with his friends really well and understood how close he was with them. Or at least, she had seemed to understand. He had been caught off guard with her sudden jealousy of Brooklyn. They had never fought about it before. Hayley was always kind and friendly with Brooklyn. Brooklyn of course was friendly to everyone, that was just her way.
He wandered around for a while longer before he realized he was looking for Hayley, not good. Frustrated with himself he sat down on bench near the swimming pool. It was a little darker out here with only random Tiki torches lighting the pathways in the yard. He gazed at the pool, huge mongolia blossoms floated in the water each holding a small tea candle discouraging people from jumping in. His phone buzzed again in his pocket and he sighed, it was Maddie. Again. She was so persistent lately. He wasn’t sure how to feel about that. He tried to keep his answer short and avoid her calls as much as possible. He was a little too vulnerable for her games right now. He opened the message and closed it before reading anything. What he really wanted to do was shut it off completely. Every time he tried to he just couldn’t do it. What if she really needed something? He had always promised to be there for her if she ever needed him. Maybe that was the problem. He shouldn’t have to do all of that when he wasn’t her boyfriend anymore. Hadn’t been with her or over a year. Not officially anyway.
“Hey.” Westley looked up, Ryan was walking toward him from deeper in the yard.
He nodded, “Hey.” He didn’t really have anything else to say to her. Ryan had been MIA all week, supposedly at school or work. It didn’t really bother him, he preferred it actually. It was so strange having an extra person in their apartment. It was their inner sanctum, outsiders unwelcome. “Mind if I sit?” She asked, he shrugged. “Sure.” She sat down beside him leaving a comfortable amount of space between them.
“Man of few words, huh?” She said smiling, he turned to look at her and cocked his head. She really was pretty, James had good taste even while intoxicated.
He shrugged again, “Sometimes.” Honestly he didn’t talk much around those he wasn’t close to. He was plenty talkative and loud around his core group of friends. Otherwise he preferred to sit back and take everything in silently. “That’s cool,” She said and settled back against the bench. She was quiet for a little while and he wondered how long he should wait before getting up. He had come out here to be alone for a while, not sit have awkward silences with the new roommate. Stop it, that’s not fair. She’s cool, you’re just grumpy because Hayley’s not here. And why do you care anyways?
“Um, I know this is totally lame to bring up, but I just want you to know, I’m not a sl*t. I don’t sleep around. That night with James, it’s not something I normally do.” He had been staring out at the pool during the silence but now he turned to look at her. She was staring straight ahead, blue eyes wide. He was a little surprised that she was worried about what he thought of her. “I don’t think you’re a sl*t.” He said finally, making her turn and give a short sigh of relief. “Those things happen sometimes. Especially when people start drinking. One of the big reasons why I don’t do it.” I make big enough mistakes sober, I certainly don’t need alcohol to help me make things any worse. An image of Maddie appeared in his mind and he blinked it away.
“Really? You don’t drink at all?” She asked in disbelief, it was a normal reaction he got from most people. Hayley was actually the first girlfriend he had who felt the same way about alcohol. She had made a huge mistake while intoxicated and never wanted to be as she put it “out of control” again.
He shook his head, “Nope. Never have, never will.” He said plainly, waiting for the inevitable words of peer pressure: “Oh well, you have to try it at least once.” or “C’mon, only one drink is not that bad.”
“Wow, I really admire that.” Ryan said she was watching him, her intense gaze made him a little uneasy. She admired him? She shouldn’t. If she thought he would think she was a sl*t from a mistaken one night stand; what would she think of what he had done to Hayley?
“Okay, well, I’ve gotta go find Brooklyn. I’ll see you later.” He abruptly rose from the bench and took extra long strides to get away from the conversation faster. Once he was back inside the house he had to squeeze through the crowd to get to the center of the dance floor. Brooklyn would be here and if not she was only a text away.
He walked up to the bar to order a coke when a tall brunette caught his eye. Hayley. She turned around as if sensing him nearby and froze upon seeing him. “Hey.” She said, he could barely hear her over the loud music. She was holding a glass of sprite in her hand, her drink of choice. She smiled hesitantly at him and he returned it. They stepped closer to each other moving a little ways away from the crowded bar. “I know my invitation was probably a mistake but--”
“No, I’m glad you came. I’ve been wanting to call you.” He interrupted making her smile again and the tension in her shoulders eased a little. “Yeah, me too.” She said, “I wasn’t sure if you would wanna talk to me.”
He shrugged, “I would have answered. I mean, we don’t belong together but it was nice while it lasted.” He said taking her Sprite and sipping from it. A sad look darkened her hazel eyes, “Yeah... listen um, did Brooklyn tell you what I told her? The other day at the restaurant?”
He handed her back the glass, “I heard it. I don’t agree, but I heard it.”
She frowned in confusion, “Agree with what exactly? You’re a great guy...”
He shook his head and looked to the floor, “No, I’m not.”
Hayley took a step closer to hip removing the gap between their bodies. She was a touchy-feely girl, something he had always appreciated. Maddie wasn’t much for outward displays of affection, especially in public. She reached up and cupped his cheek, “Who told you you’re a bad guy?” She asked her voice quiet and serious. A part of him wanted to stay right here with her, it was safe and comfortable. If she only knew.
“No one had to tell me.” He said quietly wrapping his hand gently around her outstretched wrist. She still smelled the same. A spicy sweet rich scent that followed her everywhere and was still lingering on a few of his t-shirts. They were quiet for a minute before he pulled her hand slowly away from his face. “I want to still be able to hang out with you. I understand if that’s too hard for you considering...” He let her fill in the rest. It was simple really, she was in love with him and he was still in love with Maddie. Being around him would only make it harder for Hayley to get over him. He knew from experience.
“It would be harder not to see you.” She said offering him her glass again. He nodded, “Okay. So we’re friends then.” She smiled weakly, “Yeah, friends.”
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Post by Free on Feb 11, 2012 21:28:09 GMT -5
[[I’m changing the time of this party to two or three weeks into the school year instead of just one.]]
Brooklyn sat in front of the bar, a slightly alcohol-induced smile on her face. She hadn’t been drinking a lot, just enough to have a little bit of a buzz, with most of her dignity intact. She didn’t need it to dance like it seemed like Desiree did. It was just part of the fun. She’d talked to a few guys so far, but at the moment, she was scanning for Westley. There were so many people on the dance floor, it was hard to tell if he was there or not. It was packed like a popular club, mostly standing room, despite how big the room was.
Westley had been spending a lot of time by himself lately, and Brooklyn was a getting a little worried about him. He slept with her every night, but he wasn’t around as much during the day. She didn’t mind the space, but it made her wonder if something might be wrong. Usually, she was the one who needed to figure out a way to spend time with her other friends. It wasn’t usually this easy. Maybe that’s why it’d taken her more than a week to notice.
I shouldn’t care that much. I’m at a great party. Let’s have fun! Brooklyn turned around, just as a handsome young man approached her, carrying a tray full of stuffed mushroom. Yay! Edible food! Desiree and Logan had been known for their eclectic tastes.
He bent at the waist, and wordless offered her one. The music was pretty loud. Classy. Brooklyn smiled at him. He’s so cute!
“Hi, there!” she said with a laugh.
He smiled back at her. It was warm like he meant it. “Hey. Are you enjoying yourself, ma’m?”
Brooklyn laughed. “Do you always talk like that, or was that one of Logan’s absurd demands?”
He paused for a moment. Maybe he thought it was some kind of test.
“Oh, it’s okay. You can tell me. I’m one of his best friends and I think he’s nuts.” She laughed again. “Of course, I think he only does that because he thinks its amusing. Speaking as someone who’s actually worked before, I can say that it is not.” She winked at him.
“Yeah, this is one of the toughest jobs I’ve had all year. I kind of like it though. The music’s good. Sure beats working the senior center. My buddy Charlie got stuck with that gig tonight.”
Brooklyn leaned in a little, “So for all the parties you have to work, you ever miss out on being a part of them?”
He looked around for a moment, maybe he was checking to be sure his boss or Logan wasn’t around. Brooklyn glanced around a bit for him too, but she wasn’t worried. Logan might yell at him for no reason, but he was safe talking to her.
“Actually, it’s not as bad as you’d think. Sure, I can’t sit back and grab a drink like everybody, but I’m still technically a part of something. And sometimes, it gets really exciting, like when we catered one of those Grammy or Emmy parties and there were actual celebrities there. Admittedly, they weren’t anyone I’d hear of, but it was kind of like being part of their world for a moment.” He looked happy, peaceful.
“I bet you’ve got a lot of really great stories…”
“Do I ever! There was this one time –“
Movement in the corner of her eye caught Brooklyn’s attention. Desiree was waving at her from behind a large decoration they’d gotten just for the party. Hiding? What the–?
“Hey, sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but a friend of mine seems to need me. She’s another of those people you’d better not piss off. She’s Logan’s…best friend.” Yeah, sort of. What do you call it? As with stories about her, James and Westley, there were stories about Logan and Desiree too. Even she didn’t really know what their “status” was. She couldn’t blame them though. It was fun to keep people guessing.
“Maybe I’ll see you later,” she said with a wink before she started off toward Desiree’s “hiding place.”
When she finally made it over there, Desiree was completely behind the decoration. “So…do you mind if I ask why you’re hiding at your own–” Desiree grabbed onto Brooklyn’s wrist and yanked her behind the decoration also. Okay, wow. What’s the deal here?
Then she stood there, looking irritated for a moment like Brooklyn was supposed to be guessing what she’d done wrong.
“What the hell are you doing?! They have a job to do, you know.”
Brooklyn wrinkled her eyebrows. “Excuse me?” What is her deal?
“You hear me. Let them do their jobs.”
“What?” Brooklyn raised an eyebrow.
“What part of that was unclear? We don’t pay them to sit around and talk to you.”
Brooklyn put her hand on her hip. Other people may be scared of Desiree, but she didn’t have to take that condescending attitude. “Look, I know this is your party and everything and I don’t know what’s been up with you lately, but I’m gonna talk to whoever I want.” She didn’t wait to see what Desiree would say, she just turned and left.
Desiree was a good friend of hers, but she didn’t need an attitude like that ruining a great party. Brooklyn couldn’t possibly believe what was wrong with her talking to that guy. She didn’t exactly keep track, but she was sure she must have talked to caterers before.
She walked back over to where she’d been sitting and stood in the back waiting for a stool to open up again. I guess this is why they always have like three bars… Brooklyn been about to hit the dance floor when she’d seen the guy with the mushrooms, but now she didn’t really feel like it. She needed Westley or James. Her hands were shaking.
When Brooklyn finally found her seat, she ordered a water and glanced around the room of Westley or James. Neither of them were anywhere to be found, of course, but she knew that scanning a crowded room was like playing “Where’s Waldo” video version. She was never going to find them.
She grabbed her water as soon as hit the counter and began walking around. After a minute or two of trying to walk directly through the dance floor, Brooklyn opted for a less direct route, and sort of scanned things in sections as she walked along the outside of it. There were still too many people, even for her. No one likes having to brush past guys with her hands held up so that they “accidentally” graze your boobs, and then they pretend not to notice.
After several minutes of searching, she finally saw Westley near the center of the dance floor. Yes! She made her way over to him, but it was like swimming up river, everybody seemed to want to go in the opposite direction. Before she could get to him, he ran into Hayley. What’s she doing here?
Brooklyn couldn’t hear them from where she was standing, but after talking for a little while, they put their arms around each other and hugged. Yes…that’s a getting-back-together hug if I ever saw one. There was a little uncertain happiness and relief mixed in there. Brooklyn sighed and turned herself toward outside.
Outside was much quieter and there were far fewer people. The same music played outside, just not as loudly. It was beautiful. The pool was lit up a sparkling blue with candles and flowers floating on the surface. The waterfall was lit up and little torches lit a path through the lush garden of blooming trees and flowers. Where on earth did Desiree and Logan find blooming trees this time of year?!
She sat down at the bar and ordered a Jamaican Tease this time. Somehow she’d lost her water. She drank it quickly, didn’t actually taste this one and then looked around to see who was outside. Surprisingly, there was Mohawk guy taking in the moonlight. She laughed half-heartedly to herself. Ah…the flirting continues. One of these days, one of them is going to have to give in and admit his feelings for the other. And no one was around to get that joke!
Then Brooklyn spotted Ryan. Oh! Brooklyn left her empty glass on the counter and sat down next to Ryan on a bench over-looking the pool. “Having fun?”
Ryan shrugged.
“Might help if you danced a little…if you like dancing. I love dancing so much, I can’t imagine how people don’t. I mean I’ve never had dances lessons or anything. Couldn’t afford them, but still I think it’s fun.”
Ryan smiled a little. “I bet you’re good at it.”
“Yeah, I know, I’ve been drinking.” Brooklyn looked down at her lap. Stay away from the dark side! There was a rule she had about drinking after one unfortunate night after one of Logan and Desiree’s parties where she’d bawled until she feel asleep: don’t think about anything serious while you’re drinking. It’ll ruin things for sure. But she couldn’t help thinking about the fact that Westley was back with Hayley and Desiree was inexplicably being a much bigger jerk than usual.
Ryan didn’t look like she was having a particularly fun time either. She didn’t like it when people were upset and usually tried to do something to cheer them up. You know, there’s something I’ve always wanted to try…
Without warning, Brooklyn leaned in and simultaneously planted her hand on Ryan’s left cheek and her lips on Ryan’s lips.
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Post by J on Feb 12, 2012 15:56:02 GMT -5
Ryan watched Westley leave wondering what she could have said to send him off like that. He was so closed off. It was hard to tell whether his mood had anything to do with her at all. She sighed and stared out at the water, a gentle breeze made the blossoms move slowly across the water. She had lived with the Triplets for nearly a month and she felt as though she knew less now than before. Everyone talked about the Triplets which is why she felt it wouldn’t be too hard to get to know them. She already knew a lot without them having to say anything directly to her. She knew from rumors that Westley and Hayley had broken up, it was unclear why. Of course everyone had their own theories, all of them sounded ridiculous. She had expected to find out just from living in the same apartment with them. All she knew was that Westley had stayed in Brooklyn’s room every night since then. This little tidbit of knowledge drove her mad with curiosity. She couldn’t help it, she was born nosy. She loved knowing things about people, it made her feel close to them. Growing up she had always been alone at home but at school she knew everybody’s secrets. She was trustworthy and had a strange gift that caused people to open up to her for no reason at all. She in turn would share her secret’s right back, not always a good decision. She knew how to keep a secret locked up tight, but others rarely felt the need to keep hers.
Ryan looked up as Brooklyn plopped down next to her on the bench. “Having fun?” She asked. Ryan shrugged a little surprised and confused Brooklyn had sat down with her. Hadn’t Westley gone to look for her? She felt a little hurt that Westley had wanted to avoid her that badly. Maybe I said too much... She had a frequent problem of spilling her guts to people as a way of getting to know them. It worked most of the time, she opened up and others felt comfortable doing the same. Westley was like trying to break into the Pentagon. Brooklyn was talking a mile a minute and Ryan found herself struggling to keep up. She was trying not to get too excited that Brooklyn starting talking to her first. She wanted so badly to fit in with the Triplets. She knew it was highly impossible that she could become one of them. Triplets only came in threes not four. However I tiny thought always came into her mind when she scolded herself with this fact. The Three Musketeers had a fourth, D’artagnan and he was like the most important one in the story...
“I bet you’re good at it.” Ryan said smiling at Brooklyn who was talking about how much she loved to dance. Ryan loved it too but she was finding a hard time getting a word in. Not that she minded, they were sitting here together and that was a good start.
“Yeah, I know, I’ve been drinking.” Brooklyn said, she looked a little upset now. Ryan watched her with concern. Maybe she should get Brooklyn inside. Should she get Westley or James? No, I’ll help her, I’m a good friend and I want her to see that. Ryan was about to suggest they get some coffee or water when Brooklyn suddenly cupped her cheek and starting kissing her. Ryan froze in shock, she had never kissed a girl before. Brooklyn Masters is kissing me! And she’s good at it. What the hell, kiss her back... Ryan leaned closer to Brooklyn and kissed her back. It was kind of fun, a little strange but in a good way. Great, I’ve slept with James and now I’m making out with Brooklyn. This is getting really weird...
Ryan pulled away from Brooklyn after a while wondering how long they had been kissing. Brooklyn seemed pretty drunk and completely content with making out without an end in sight. Ryan was actually surprised at how comfortable she felt with Brooklyn. Brooklyn was so easy to be with, now wonder so many people loved her. A tiny piece of Ryan was unnerved that she had enjoyed herself but honestly she knew she liked guys, not girls. Girls kissed all the time especially good friends, it didn't have to mean anything. It was just for fun. “So you wanna go dance?” Ryan asked, hoping she hadn’t hurt Brooklyn’s feeling by breaking off the kiss.
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Post by J on Feb 12, 2012 22:23:03 GMT -5
Logan downed another shot and got up from his spot at the bar. The crowded room and all the music was starting to suffocate him. He stood and wobbled a little, he used to bar to steady himself before starting forward. He gazed around searching for one of his close friends. Brooklyn was flirting with a caterer, typical. When was she going to learn to up the antes? There were tons of rich guys at every one of their parties. Brooklyn had dated a few but always managed to find the crazy, poor or just plain middle class. Logan spotted Hayley and smiled, now things are getting interesting. He grabbed his cell phone to alert one of the bouncers that an intruder needed to be relieved of the property when he saw Westley. He groaned as Hayley reached up to cup Westley’s cheek and he pulled her into a hug. “Really? Wes, we talked about this, no recycling!” He said aloud and then realized Westley was too far away to even notice him watching. It was an inside joke for him and his friends. Recycling meant going back to someone you already dated. Whatever reasons you had for breaking up were enough to keep things that way.
He shook his head and then regretted the movement. The room spun a little and his stomach churned. He needed to get some fresh air, that always helped. He waded his way through all the people and stepped outside. Ah, much better. It was nearly one in the morning he was getting annoyed with everybody. Any minute now he wanted them all to get out of his house so he and Desiree could have their own party. There was nothing to say they couldn’t do it with all these people here. It wouldn’t be a big deal to disappear for a while or for good. However, one of the Triplets might try to look for them and that could turn out badly if they were discovered.
He breathed in the crisp night air and smiled, much better out here. He headed over to the pool, glad that no one had tried for a swim yet. That never turned out very well, drunks were not the best swimmers. He sat down on a low bench and leaned back to gaze up at the stars. “Beautiful night.” He said smiling. He was the happy drunk type, not always but for the most part. He usually became very happy, sometimes to the point of giggling. He dropped his eyes back to ground level and waited for the pool to stop swirling in front of him. One of his current favorite songs began to play, Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5. His smiled widened and he began to sing along and after a few seconds was unable to remain sitting still. He jumped up and ran back into the house to find someone to dance with.
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Post by J on Mar 15, 2012 1:46:48 GMT -5
~One Year Ago~
Westley hummed the last few bars of “The Day Before You” by Rascal Flatts as he climbed out of his truck. It was a beautiful summer day. A perfect day for visiting Maddie. He was surprising her for the weekend. She had mentioned that she finally had a weekend off but was so exhausted from her crazy work schedule that she planned on doing nothing but sleeping and pampering herself. She had discouraged him from making the hour drive up here to hang out with her, saying she wouldn’t be any fun. He didn’t understand that, of course it would be fun. They would be spending some much needed time together, what could be better than that? He grabbed his backpack from the passenger seat along with the present he had brought for her. It wasn’t anything special and he really should be saving money rather than buying gifts but he couldn’t resist. When he cared about people he couldn’t help but buy gifts or make things for them. Before he left this morning he had made Brooklyn and James pancakes to make up for going away all weekend. They had both pouted quite a bit, until he added eggs and bacon. He slid the small package into his bag and held the orchid in his hand. He could only afford one, why were orchids and roses so expensive? Brooklyn loved sunflowers and daisies, those were much cheaper. Maddie loved orchids though. Even if he could only give her one at least he made an effort; an area he knew most boyfriends failed in.
He walked up to the door and was about to knock when he scolded himself, she could be sleeping. It was better to wake her gently then jar her out of slumber with his fist banging on the door. He hefted his bag onto his shoulder and quietly opened her door. Her tiny apartment was dark except for the glowing TV, a tiny gasp made him jump a little. “Only me.” He said quietly, keeping his voice low in case she was just waking up.
A curse word was muttered by a male voice as his eyes began to adjust to the dim light. The sound of blankets and clothes rustled and Maddie began to stutter. “Westley... Um...” A dark haired guy was pulling on teal scrubs and rummaging around on the floor. Westley stared at the two of them, Maddie was sitting up in bed, her pink sheets wrapped around her like a cocoon. She was naked, her clothes, a pink shirt and linen khakis crumpled on the floor. She never let her clothes wrinkle. She had always insisted on folding them carefully before climbing into bed with him. At the end of every day when she undressed she always folded her dirty clothes, even socks, before stacking them neatly in her hamper. He swallowed hard and opened his mouth to say something but his throat had gone dry. His mind blank. This couldn’t really be happening. Maddie had cheated on him? Westley’s stomach twisted and he had a slight metallic taste at the back of his throat like he was about to puke. He looked away from the two of them, his mind was swirling and he was starting to feel lightheaded.
“Westley I... I wanted to tell you. I just, I really care about you but...” The scrubs guy had found whatever it was he had been looking for on the floor and was standing awkwardly beside the bed.
“You want your clothes babe?” Scrubs asked Maddie, his voice kind and understanding. Westley inhaled sharply. Maddie hated pet names. Who was this random guy referring to his girl as “babe?” Maddie glanced at Scrubs and nodded, “Ben, I need to talk to Westley.” She didn’t exactly tell him to leave... Ben nodded, “Of course, call me when you’re done.” Ben handed Maddie her clothes and then slowly made his way past Westley, shutting the door loudly behind him. Westley watched him go unable to swing at him the way he so badly wished he could. Was this really happening? Maddie was cheating on him? Maddie quickly pulled on her shirt buttoning it carefully. “Westley-”
“How long?” Westley interrupted, his fist clenched so hard around the single orchid his knuckles turned white. He felt like an idiot, all the times she had hurriedly hung up the phone and the vague text messages about when he could come visit her. She had even gone so far as to insist he not visit the hospital where she worked. He had been understanding about it, she didn’t work in a restaurant or retail store. A hospital was a crazy place, lives were being saved and lost. It was an important career. She wouldn’t have time to stop and chat with him or even share a meal.
“Well um-”
He broke her off again, “Maddie, you slept with him?” This couldn’t be real. Maddie had been a virgin when they met. The two of them had been each other’s first. They had dated for almost a year before becoming intimate. Even then there had been a pro/con list on Maddie’s part. It was out of character for Maddie to be sleeping with someone se didn’t love and hadn’t known for a long time. A horrible sinking feeling came over him as he tried to put together how long Maddie could have been seeing this Ben. She had started this job four months ago... We started having a few issues around the time she started her job but I thought it was just the distance and added stress...
“Yes but-”
“No. You can’t do this. We... I... I thought you said we could-” He sighed loudly. “I hafta go.” He said beginning to turn away from her when he noticed two coffee cups sitting on the table. Empty plates waiting for someone to clean them up. For some reason, seeing this felt like the last straw in this awful moment. Who was this girl and what had she done with his Maddie? “Wow, just jumped right into bed before starting the dishwasher. See that’s so funny, ‘cause the Maddie I know had rules about that. I guess you were just burning with passion for him and he just couldn’t keep it in his pants so you just jumped right into bed. Who is this guy Maddie? Is he important? Is he “the one”” Westley used air quotes, before tossing the orchid at her. “Here, you can pretend your new knight in shining armor gave this to you. I’m done.” He opened the door and stepped outside. Ben was sitting in a Lexus right beside his. Westley was burning with rage now, he stomped towards the Lexus dropping his bag on the way. Ben jumped out of his car with a nervous look on his face.
“Hey man, you can’t blame me. I didn’t-” Westley didn’t wait for him to finish he landed a left hook in Ben’s clean shaven face. Ben’s nose responded immediately, spilling blood all over the teal scrubs. “AGH!” Ben cried out, he didn’t sound so manly anymore. Clearly Ben had never been in a fight. This assumption was confirmed by him running back into Maddie’s apartment holding his face in both hands. Westley stood there between the two cars for awhile staring at the ground his mind buzzing. His clenched fists shaking with anger. He couldn’t drive him like this. He had to get away from here, for all he knew Maddie was sweetly nursing Ben back to health. He could just picture it in his mind. Ben leaning against the kitchen counter bloody nose pointed to the ceiling while Maddie filled a towel with ice. All the while speaking is soft soothing tones. Or even worse, bad mouthing her horrible ex-boyfriend who grew up on the bad side of town.
He slowly leaned over to pick up his bag and began to walk. There was a Starbucks about three blocks away. It wasn’t the best place for an angry guy, but anywhere was better than here. When he finally reached the coffee shop he sat down on a green metal bench far away from a group giggling teenage girls. He sighed, his body felt heavy like seeing Maddie with someone else had filled him with lead. He unzipped his bag and pulled out his cell phone. He always made a point of putting it away when spending alone time with Maddie. Out of respect for her he only kept it on for emergencies, but always had it stowed away where it wouldn’t distract him. He dialed the one person he needed most right now. The one person he could always count on. “Westley?”
“Brooklyn, I need you to come get me.” As soon as the words fell from his mouth he broke down. Unashamed he allowed the tears to fall and the sobs to loudly shudder out of him. He didn’t care if the teenage girls had quieted to eavesdrop on him or that a random older couple were walking by with their a small Corgie on a leash. His heart had just exploded, his worst nightmare had come true. Maddie didn’t love him anymore.
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Post by J on Apr 14, 2012 16:39:08 GMT -5
Westley smiled, “Can you blame me?” He asked laughing. It was so good to be with Hayley again. The two of them had found their way into a quiet room away from the party noise to catch up. At first things were a little awkward but Hayley always knew what to say or rather what shouldn’t be said to break the ice. They were lounging on an overstuffed couch drinking Sprite and eating from a tray they had stolen from one of the caterers. Hayley giggled and popped another stuffed mushroom in her mouth. “So...” She paused to take a sip from her glass. He knew this moment too well, she was stalling for time to get her words in order. She was trying to smoothly change the subject, probably something that had been on her mind since the break up.“Did you get back with Maddie yet?” A gutsy move from Hayley, he had expected nothing less. He had hoped the question would be about Brooklyn. Those were much easier to brush away. Talking about Maddie was harder. He shook his head. “That doesn’t change anything though, Hay.”
Hayley nodded, “Yeah I know, but do you want to be with her again?” She was holding a couch pillow in her hands playing with one of its tassels. Westley took a long inhale through his nose. “Y’know, there is a huge hot tub in the middle of the upstairs living room.” He said standing up, “The lights change colors and there’s a button to add bubbles! It’s like a bathtub on drugs!” Hayley shook her head, “You know me and hot tubs! Except... I didn’t bring a suit. Which wouldn’t have been a problem about a month ago but now--” She slowly stood up dropping the pillow back onto the couch. Westley laughed, “Oh I see.” He was starting to get uncomfortable with her. This was supposed to be fun. He had missed the friend he had once had in Hayley. If only Hayley could separate the two they way he felt he already had. “Well, I don’t see how your, um, undergarments are different from the bikinis you wore at the beach.” That was the one thing that Westley never understood about girls. Bras and panties were the same shape and performed basically the same coverage as bikinis, more or less. The only difference between the two was fabric really.
Hayley giggled, “Undergarments? C’mon Wes say it. Panties.” She teased and poked his chest. “You can do it.” Westley shook his head and tried not to smile. “Panties.” He muttered. “What? I didn’t hear you, what did you say?”
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Panties.” He said a little louder, it was a little funny at first but he really wanted to stop saying it. She laughed and stepped closer to him. “Still can’t hear you!” She crowed.
“PANTIES!” He shouted, a group of people across the room silenced and stared at the two of them. Hayley burst out laughing and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go!” His face burned with embarrassment but he followed her anyway. He had missed her a lot. She had a similar quality to Brooklyn, in that she can turn any situation into a game.
Westley pressed the buttons to release soap bubbles into the hot tub and slipped into the water. Goosebumps covered his arms as his body adjusted to the heat. He stared down at the bubbles, the water slowly fading from red to pink to purple then blue. Hayley was taking off her shirt, jeans and sandals across the room. The male in him wanted to watch, but he was trying his hardest not to lead her on. They both loved hot tubs which was why he had suggested it but now he was realizing how “romantic” hot tubs could be. Even worse, this part of the house was off limits to the party which meant it was highly unlikely they were to be interrupted. What was I thinking?
Hayley exhaled happily as she slid into the tub across from him and smiled. “This was such a great idea.” He nodded and then wondered what to say to her. They were alone now and the room was far too quiet. Luckily, the hot tub room had a built in sound system hooked up to music from all of their itunes libraries. He reached for a slim white remote and turned it to “Westley’s Top Rated” playlist; Jay Sean began to sing, “Do You Remember?” He panicked, not good, the words in that song might get Hayley thinking about their relationship. He hit shuffle and a song by Fun. began playing, nice and safe. He set the remote down and turned his attention back to Hayley. She was watching him and not so subtly checking him out through the bubbles.
“Alright Wes, spill.” Hayley said, a sly smile on her face.
He glanced up at her and smiled, “Spill what?”
She giggled, slid a few inches to her right and moaned softly as one of the jets pounded her lower back. “I heard all about the new roommate. I hafta say, I was pretty peeved i had to hear it through the grape vine. Did she really sleep with James on the first night?”
Westley laughed, “Oh that. Well, yeah... He didn’t know it was her though, apparently they met at a party, had a few drinks and ended up back at the apartment. Next morning Brooklyn is sitting in the living room and this brunette walks out of James’s room wearing his shirt.”
Hayley burst out laughing, “Oh I love stealing guys clothes.”
Westley smiled and shook his head. “Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t ask about Steve and Jack.” Hayley had a habit of “borrowing” jackets from guys she had had relations with, and then name the article of clothing after it’s previous owner.
Hayley smiled and gazed at the green bubbles, “Well, they both still smell like you...” She said quietly.
Westley paused and cleared his throat, “So then the girl walks outside and comes back in. She didn’t even know it was her apartment! Can you imagine?”
Hayley giggled, “Oh god, I would die. I mean at least circle the block first.”
Westley laughed, “Now I’m up and Brooklyn tells me and we go to wake up James. He’s beside himself. I mean you remember the whole crazy girl fear he has. He still has barely spoken a word to her since it happened. Actually, she has pretty much steered clear of all of us. LOgan and Desiree haven’t even met her yet.”
“Really?” Hayley asked, “She has a guy name right? Dylan?”
“Ryan. She’s pretty cute actually, I don’t think she’ll end up being crazy. Of course, I didn’t think “_____” would be crazy either so I guess we won’t know until we come home and she’s cut up all of our clothes.”
Hayley laughed, “Or starts wearing James’ dirty clothes so she smells just like him.” “Oh gross!” He shuddered and grabbed his cherry coke from the floating table that was moving around the hot tub. He scooped out a whole cherry and popped it in his mouth.
“Hey Wes, what you said downstairs, about us not belonging together, do you really believe that?” Hayley asked as she picked ice cubes out of her Sprite glass and dropped them in the water.
Westley stared down at his drink, “I’m sorry Hay, but you know me. I believe there’s someone out there meant just for me and me for them. I mean, I told you about my parents. Logan’s parents were the same way before his mom died.”
“So do you think Maddie is The One?”
“I don’t know...” Westley shifted uncomfortably, the heat was getting to him. “I-”
“Didn’t you tell me once that when you found that special person, that you would just know somehow? Without a doubt?” Hayley pushed, she had moved closer to him, when had she done that?
“Well, yeah but that doesn’t mean that you can know instantly, it’s not love at first sight or anything it’s just something you just know.”
“So if this “knowing” doesn’t happen right away then maybe... maybe... It’s me. Maybe I’m the one and we just don’t know it yet. We’ve only known each other for five months and the last one doesn’t count because we were apart. Maybe we just need to try again.” Hayley had moved closer again, she was barely a foot away from him, a desperate look in her eyes.
“Hayley, I don’t I mean it’s...” What could he say? He didn’t know if she was The One or if Maddie was The One or if he just hadn’t met whoever The One for him was yet. He had always believed that when he found her he would just know. That every other girl before her wouldn’t matter. She would be it. He would care about her more than himself. He would want her more than food or water or even air. it was strange but he had always imagined that he would know he had found The One if he cared about her more than Brooklyn. He hated to think that way, he loved Brooklyn. He didn’t want Brooklyn to get hurt when the time came but it would someday. He knew it would, it would happen with James too. However, he also knew Brooklyn would find hers also and she would be just as happy.
“Hay... Do you think I’m yours? Your One?” He avoided using the phrase “soul mates” it was so cheesy and he was always embarrassed to say it. No one believed in soul mates anymore. He wasn’t even sure Maddie did. He had been too terrified to ask.
Hayley dunked her head down in the water and resurfaced. She wiped her eyes and wrung out her hair, “I want you to be...” He set down his glass and reached out for her, “C’mere.” He pulled her into his arms and held her for a long time, both of them staying quiet.
He waited as long as he could, wanting to give her just a little while longer to hold on. “Hayley, it’s not fair to you. You’re in love and I’m not.” He murmured in her ear, holding her felt safe, comfortable.
“I don’t care, I just want to be with you. Only you.”
He held her for a while longer before she pulled away a little, still sitting close. Her bare thigh pressed against his leg and he wished his boxers were longer. “Even if I’m not yours, who cares right? We’re young. This is college you’re supposed to date around and have fun. Just look at it like I’m a placeholder for that special girl of yours. I promise things will be better this time around. If you decide that you know that I’m not The One then we break up. Until then we just have fun.” She reached for his hand beneath the water and intertwined her fingers with his.
He sighed and looked away, it was hard to know what it was he really wanted. Sitting here with her was nice and she was right in a way. Why be alone? “When you say “better” what does that mean?” He had though their relationship was great, almost too great. They never fought, she loved hanging out with his friends, they had similar interests and watched the same TV shows. Until the fight about Brooklyn and Maddie things had gone eerily well.
Hayley held her breath and slowly exhaled, “I will keep my mouth shut about Maddie and Brooklyn. I won’t try to get you to tell me about the secret of the “Triplets” or get all cranky when Maddie calls. Honestly those were our biggest “problems”.” She used air quotes around the word “problems” and he tried to smile. This was not where he had expected tonight to go.
He sighed and rubbed his shoulder with his free hand, “Um, I’m gonna need some time to think about this...”
Hayley smiled, “And I’m totally okay with that. See, this is is going so well already.” She beamed up at him.
He gazed at her skeptically, “Okay, but let’s not get too Stepford Wives on this whole thing alright?”
Hayley laughed, “Oh don’t worry you’re not gonna get any special treatment, I still refuse to cook, knit or pick up the kids in a mini-van.”
He laughed and shook his head, “You know I’m going to discuss this with my friends right?”
Hayley nodded, “Yeah, I actually think that might work in my favor.”
He nodded and wondered if she was right about that. What were Brooklyn and James going to think about this arrangement? “So...” She smiled, “We can start having fun right now...” He laughed, that was another thing he loved about Hayley, she was so uninhibited.
An hour later he broke away from Hayley. The sounds of the party below had quieted considerably and he wondered if he should try to round up his friends. He often worried about his friends at parties. He knew they all could take care of themselves but he couldn’t help his need to protect them from certain party activities that had lasting effects on their lives. “It’s getting a little quiet down there. I should probably check on Brooklyn. I don’t want some guy thinking he can take her home.”
Hayley nodded, “See that’s why I love you, you’re so good at being the big protector guy.” She was smiling widely up at him. The two of them had left the hot tub and had found a private room to get reacquainted. They were lounging on a king sized bed, talking, kissing and enjoying more late night snacks the caterers had left unsupervised.
Westley smiled, “Did you just say what I think you said?” He cocked his head and watched her realize she had said the three heavy words they hadn’t quite said to each other yet. Hayley’s hazel eyes widened and she raised a hand over her face.
“Oh my god... I did say that didn’t I?” She sat up on her elbows and sighed. “And I was being so careful not to get all heavy. Agh!” She laughed, “Oh well. It’s okay, you don’t have to say it back. In fact, don’t. Let’s pretend I didn’t say it because it should be during a better more memorable moment.” She smiled and kissed him again. “Go find Brooklyn and James.”
He slowly sat back on his heels and she slid her legs out from underneath him. They hadn’t only made out but he felt that doing so had confirmed his indecision to get back together with her. He had missed her a lot and he wanted more time with her. “Are you...” He didn’t want to make her go but he wasn’t sure it was wise to ask her to stay. He wanted to talk to Brooklyn and James about this before he made any concrete decisions.
She slid on her shoes and shook her head, “No, I’m gonna go home. You let me know what all of you decide and we’ll go from there.” She was still smiling; was she really okay with their new arrangement? Or was she so desperate to be with him that she was doing everything in her power to stay in the picture?
“Alright, I’ll call you tomorrow.” He kissed her and then realized he didn’t want to stop. After a few minutes she pulled away. “Hey, I’m fine, I know you’re worried about where Brooklyn might be. Go take care of her.” He smiled, “I think you know me too well.” He kissed her one last time and then walked her to her car.
~ Hours later Westley found Brooklyn sitting on the floor against a wall giggling to herself. “Hey b’bay.” He said scooping her up easily. She continued giggling and hugged him lazily. He smiled and carried her to the bedroom Logan and Desiree allowed them to use when they stayed over. A huge king size bed was already turned down waiting for them. He removed Brooklyn’s skirt and covered her before climbing in beside her. She was in no state for conversation but he really wanted to tell her everything anyways. Her eyelids were slowly drooping shut as he quietly told her everything about Hayley’s idea. “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t wanna hurt her but after Maddie...” He sighed and gazed at Brooklyn’s sleeping form. He felt better getting it all out even if she wouldn’t remember the next day. “I just don’t really wanna be alone anymore. I thought I was okay alone, y’know, I mean I have you and James but... I dunno, maybe I’m just selfish but I like having someone adore me the way Hayley does. I just feel like I’m being a jerk though. She loves me, she really loves me and I... I did a terrible thing, Brooklyn. I wish I could tell you. I want to. Sometimes I feel like it’s just bubbling up inside of me waiting to burst out and then you’ll know and I won’t have to keep it to myself. I wish you knew without me having to say it, that would make it easier.”
He ran his hand through her hair and stroked her back, “If Hayley knew I don’t think she’d loved me anymore. I miss that guy, that guy I was before.” He sighed heavily, he was exhausted, keeping all of this buried deep inside was awful. He felt as though a constant battle was waging inside his heart, mind and even sometimes his stomach. He had nightmares about everyone finding out, the horrified faces, the shrieking and outcries of “Cheater! Cheater!” Maybe that was why he couldn’t tell Brooklyn. He feared her reaction most of all.
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Post by Free on Sept 13, 2020 19:08:59 GMT -5
”Mind if I cut in?” James asked above the music. Brooklyn shrugged and disappeared into the crowd.
He felt bad for the way he’d been acting lately. Ryan was cool, that’s why he’d invited her home and it wasn’t her fault she was an invited guest in their apartment.
James danced with Ryan in silence for a little while. Then he leaned in so she could hear him. Her hair tickled his face.
“Let’s start over. You wanna get a drink?” he asked. Dancing wasn’t exactly his thing and the music was too loud.
They walked over to the bar furthest from the action. He ordered a shot of fireball. After downing it, he said, "So what are you studying?"
It something he really should have asked her the first night, but he'd had other things on his mind then.
It was absolutely ridiculous to be hiding out at your own party. Why did she care if Derek saw her? Why did she care if Logan saw her talking to him? Hadn’t she made out with hundreds of other guys at these parties? Sometimes, a little more than kissing?
It was stupid. The whole thing was stupid. Why couldn’t she just tell him?
She’d been trying to ignore this feeling, pretend it wasn’t there, but there was something about Derek that drew her. There was something about it him that was different. He was honest and open and…free somehow in ways she’d never known. He didn’t plan much, but he always had more than needed, while her entire life had been basically laid out before her since high school.
She found herself wanting to be around him. It was weird. The only person that usually drew her like that was Logan. But things were complicated with Logan in a way they weren’t with Derek.
Why couldn’t she just make him like all the others?
Desiree stared at the back of the large plant that was obstructing her view of the party. She should just go out there and dance and drink and whatever she normally did. If you act like things are fine, pretty soon, you realize they are.
The image of Brooklyn flirting with Derek flashed. She flushed. She shouldn’t care who he talked to. She shouldn’t care.
She stepped from behind the plant and headed for the bar. After downing two shots, she looked out at the dance floor, but her eyes fell on Derek serving bacon wrapped shrimp to a girl across the room. Heat flood her face as an unfamiliar feeling clawed at her chest.
She looked around for Logan. She caught him running in from outside. Perfect. There’s only one way to end this nightmare.
She grabbed Logan’s hand and dragged him upstairs to their suite, locking it so they couldn’t be disturbed. She pushed him against the door as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed him.
Derek’s smile they walked around the lake jumped into her head. She tried to push it aside as Logan swung her over his shoulder and carried her to bed. Normally, that would have made her laugh, but she was finding it harder and harder to stay here.
Brooklyn woke up cuddled against Westley in a giant bed. She snuggled closer to him. He felt so good, better since she was only wearing her top and panties. He had one thing she’d never been able to replicate with anyone else: he felt safe. Whatever was out there in the crazy world, he was her safe place to land.
Unfortunately, he was still hung up on Maddie and based on what she saw last night, not thinking clearly. She tried to think of something to cheer him up. She smiled to herself. Hey, it worked with Ryan…
She stopped herself, inches from his face. No, he was back with Hayley. If it fizzled, she wasn’t going to be the reason. She curled back against his side, wrapping herself more tightly around him.
Behind her, James crawled into bed, his eyes barely open. He moved in behind her, wrapping an arm around her. He kissed the top of her head, nuzzled into her hair and fell back asleep.
Suddenly, everything was perfect. She wished she could stay in this moment forever.
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Post by Free on Sept 16, 2020 23:08:14 GMT -5
~ Age 7/8 ~
Brooklyn looked thoughtfully around the small apartment she shared with her mom. She’d just finished cleaning and was making sure everything was in order. She’d never been much for plans, but this had to be planned.
She took a letter out of her pocket and set it on the counter where her mom would see it when she got home from her 12-hour shift at the diner.
Everything was ready. She walked into her room, touching everything as she went: the school books covered in brown paper on her desk, her tiny collection of horse figurines she’d picked up at flea markets and thrift stores, the pink comforter covered in princesses.
She grabbed her stuffed giraffe, Happy, her mom had given her for her birthday a few years back. Happy’s fur was still soft, even if it was matted in a few places.
She took him with her as she surveyed her mom’s room, touching her mom’s things and then left the apartment, locking the door behind her. She walked slowly. She tried not to think about the next phase of her plan.
She sat on the edge of the roof, holding her giraffe and looking out at the sunset. Her last one. She peered over the edge of the roof. This is for Mommy… Her mom deserved so much better than what he life looked like right now and Brooklyn knew a lot of it was her fault. If Brooklyn wasn’t there, her mom’s life would look a lot better. She wouldn’t need as much money, so she could work less. Maybe she could even do a more fun job.
At least, that’s what her grandma had said. Something about how Brooklyn’s mom was “wasting her life” and how she could “go to college and make something of herself” if she didn’t have Brooklyn. How she wouldn’t have to work so much, how she could even could’ve stayed home, if she hadn't had Brooklyn. Her grandma and she mom had been talking in the kitchen. Both of them thought she was asleep.
“It’s a long way down,” a guy said, startling her.
She whipped her head around, heart pounding. Does he know? Her face reddened.
The boy looked to be about her age. He was lanky and had one of those bowl haircuts.
“What are you doing here?” she asked before she could stop herself.
“Avoiding someone,” he said. He sat down next to her and stared out at the horizon.
“Who are you avoiding?” she asked.
He was quiet for a long time.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me,” she said. “It’s pretty, isn’t?”
When he didn’t answer, she said, “Sunrises are prettier. I love morning. Everything is new and beautiful and you can imagine anything can happen.” She hesitated. Except this morning…
“You talk a lot,” he said.
“Yeah. People say that. Everyone, says that . My teachers say it all the time. I think it bothers them, but I can’t figure out why. I mean the best thing in world, except maybe getting a hug from my mom, is talking to someone.”
The boy laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
He shook his head.
“My name is Brooklyn,” she said.
“James.” This time, he looked at her like he was studying her. “What are you doing up here?”
Brooklyn’s cheeks instantly heated. “Nothing.”
“Okay, liar.” James laughed.
“I’m not lying! I can hang out up here if I want.”
“But you don’t.”
“How would you know what I do?” she asked, playing with Happy in her lap.
“Because I’m always up here. You’re not.” He sighed and looked out at the world again.
“Why do you come out here so much?” Brooklyn asked.
“My mom is dating this guy then break up and get back together...” He sighed. “I hate him.”
“Is that who you’re avoiding?”
“Yep.”
“Are you close with your mom?” Brooklyn asked.
“We used to be.” He leaned back and lay down against the roof, looking up at the stars coming out from their hiding places.
“My mom is the best,” Brooklyn said, then, “Sorry! I didn’t mean–“
“It’s okay,” he said. “I bet she thinks you’re the best too.”
Brooklyn stared out at the fading light. Her legs were starting to hurt from sitting on the rough roof tiles. They were like sandpaper.
“You think?” she said, after a long moment.
“Yep.” He paused. “My mom sometimes disappears into relationships like this one, like I wonder if she knows I’m still here, but there was this one time when one of her boyfriends hit me? He was gone so fast. She picked me.”
The words echoed in her head. She pickedme.
“You think my mom would pick me too?” she asked.
“I bet she already does. You’re here, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
“My mom had an abortion last year. She didn't want another kid.”
“What’s that?”
“…She was pregnant and then she’s wasn’t. Like on purpose.”
Brooklyn’s mouth dropped open. “You can do that?”
“Yep.”
Brooklyn thought about her mom laughing at her jokes, hanging up all her pictures on the fridge and staying up late sometimes so they could talk. Maybe Mommy already picks me too.
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Post by Free on Sept 17, 2020 10:11:06 GMT -5
[There are big changes in one of Desiree's past posts. It's marked.]
“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me,” Derek said after a long moment of what had felt like comfortable silence.
Desiree looked out at the setting sun and moved some of the food around on her paper plate. She could have laughed. There were so many things she wasn’t telling him. She normally didn’t think twice about lying to someone, anyone, about anything, but this had been different.
She hadn’t told him she was rich because she hadn’t intended for things to last this long and she hadn’t thought that detail mattered. Then when it didn’t end, she told herself she didn’t want him taking advantage of her wealth. But it was more than that. She didn’t want him to see her differently, like she was from another planet, even if that was true.
Derek had simple tastes. He proud of his beat up old Dodge Ram that didn’t look like it was from this century. He was proud of his gigs as a cater waiter and other odd jobs he picked up during off seasons.
That was something she admired about him. Nobody had handed him anything. Everything he had was something he had earned, including his tiny, 900 square foot apartment that he shared with two other guys.
She hadn’t even told him her last name. It was easier to hide if he couldn’t Google her or her family. She didn’t want him finding out about her money that way, and more than that, she didn’t want him finding out about her past. It was easier that he just didn’t know. She wasn’t some tragedy case.
There were other complicated details she may have neglected to mention as well and Logan was one of them. If she was making out with a guy at a party, mentioning Logan was a sure mood-killer, but in this case, she just didn’t want him to know. It didn’t matter why.
Honestly, there so many things at this point, she wasn’t sure what he could be talking about. Maybe it would be best to pick one, a small one and hopefully he’d assume that was it. Either that, or she could lie. Again. But it was getting harder and harder to lie to him¬ about new things. Keeping her lies was getting harder too.
She was starting to want him to know the real her. She was beginning to suspect that he might already know more than she’d intended to share.
He scared her. What if she was finally honest with him and he left? What if the only person in the whole world who accept her was Logan?
She brushed off the thoughts. The sunset was beautiful, Derek was beautiful, and this moment was theirs.
“You’re not getting off the hook his time,” he said, pulling her had off her fork and wrapping it in both of his. “What is it?”
She looked into his dark eyes. He was so sexy some of black hair falling into his eyes. She leaned in and kissed him. He kissed her back for a moment and then pulled away, laughing.
“Desiree! Nice try.”
She laughed too, but something twisted inside. She couldn’t keep this up forever, could she?
“I was going to tell you about my fam–”
“I know you’re a private person, but come on, I’ve never–”
They said at the same time.
sh*t. Had she just given away too much?
“Wait. What?” he asked.
“No, you go,” she said, playing with a blade of grass on the edge of their picnic blanket.
“I’d like to meet your friends.”
Her expression froze. That wasn’t even on the list of things she’d been expecting him to say.
She was a pro at disguising her emotions, but her heart was pounding. My friends? He didn’t care when he’d asked for her last name to add to her contact in his phone she’d said “it’s just Desiree,” but he wanted to meet her friends? F***. This was bad. She couldn’t introduce him to her friends without introducing him to Logan.
He put an arm around her, pulling her into his lap. She dropped her paper plate onto the blanket.
“I know you’re a private person and I’ve been trying to be patient, but come on. You’ve met all of mine,” he said, gesturing to the backdoor behind them, his apartment, where music played faintly from somewhere inside. “I’ve never even been to your house.”
“I’ll think about it,” she said, leaning into kiss him, hoping it’d be enough of a distraction.
He pulled back a little.
“Are you ashamed of me?” He was looking so intently at her now.
“Of course not!”
“Good. Then when can I meet them?”
~
“Hey! Don’t I think I’ve seen you around,” Brooklyn said breathlessly as she paused from her run. There was a guy leaning against a tree.
“That would be accurate,” he said, continuing to scan something in the distance. He was hot: tall, well-built and it helped that he wasn’t wearing a shirt.
“You new?”
“No.”
“I’m pretty sure I’d have seen you, if–” Brooklyn stopped when he finally looked at her.
“Well hello, beautiful.”
“I finally have your attention, huh?” Brooklyn laughed. “I’m Brooklyn.”
“Like the city?” He smirked. “So, Brooklyn, who knows absolutely everyone on campus, what can I do for you?”
“This is the part where you tell me your name,” she said.
“Or, this is the part where I don’t and then you spend the rest of the day thinking about me.” With a wink, he took off in the direction of the senior dorms.
~
Brooklyn dropped her backpack off in her room, then headed to the cafeteria. She hugged people and kissed a few cheeks as made her way toward the line for the salad bar.
She sat with some friends. They chatted about party that weekend, joked, laughed, groaned about upcoming classes. She threw her trash away and was just about to see what Westley and James were up to when she saw him.
There, leaning against a column, was the guy from earlier. He was running a hand through his hair while talking to a pretty girl. His eyes were on her, like she was the only person in the room and he had this smug smile on his face. Brooklyn smiled. Pay back time.
She bounded up to him.
“Hey, Babe.” She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips to his. He looked surprised at first, but he kissed her back. She pulled away.
“Oh, Hey Carmen!” she said, pretending to have just noticed the girl standing beside them, “Did you make it to the party last night? It was a lot of fun.” Brooklyn laughed to herself, thinking of the kiss she’d shared with Ryan.
“Um…I’ve got to get to class,” Carmen said. Brooklyn couldn’t quite read her expression, but she knew she wasn’t happy. “I’ll guess I’ll see you around?” Carmen said to the guy.
“Maybe,” he said with a wink.
“You’re ridiculous.” Brooklyn shoved his arm playfully and giggled.
Carmen took a few steps away, looked back and then disappeared into the crowd.
“And now, you’ll spend the rest of the day thinking about me,” she said as she bounded into the throng of students in the cafeteria. She smiled to herself. He's a good kisser.
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