Vincent "This is Lakewood Gardens. Now it's gonna be like finding a needle in a haystack," Caleb sighed."We'll split up and ask around," I stated. Caleb's phone vibrated, and he checked his notifications. We were currently sitting in my car. Xavier was fully on board with finding Aubrey, so he came along. Caleb, Alex, and Blake were also there. Blake was pretty chill, and we got along easily. The rest of the guys couldn't be here, but they promised that they would assist in any way they could."It's a message from Haden," Caleb said."What does it say?" Xavier questioned."He said that he's taking the 'next step' with Ivory in their relationship. They are having an engagement party and we are invited. It's tomorrow, actually." "Huh. I wish him the best," I laughed."So do I. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but doing this is just wrong. Abandoning Aubrey like that is just pathetic. He can't be serious!" Blake exclaimed."Oh, but he is. Mom and dad aren't talking to him because of all th
HadenToday was the day of my engagement party. I got dressed in a navy blue tux and ruffled my hair a bit. After looking at myself in the mirror I smiled and grabbed my phone.Walking downstairs I greeted my guests. There weren't many people, in fact many of the people I invited didn't show up. This was heartbreaking. I texted Vincent even though he didn't want to talk to me. I texted all of my friends and asked why they weren't showing up but got no response from them, Caleb and Alex that is. I wanted them to be here. Only Derek and Nicholas came.Ivory came downstairs in a green sequin dress. Her hair was placed in a neat bun and she wore black flat shoes. She looked absolutely stunning."You look beautiful," I smiled as I pecked her lips."Thanks and you look handsome," She giggled."Is this everyone that came?" She questioned."Yes I'm afraid so," I muttered woefully."This is all my fault. A lot more people came to the party you and Aubrey had. Barely anyone came to this," Ivory
Aubrey"How are you feeling baby?" Anthony asked as he rubbed my back. I pulled away from him and turned my head. I was two months pregnant and I wasn't really showing yet."Can you leave me alone?" I yelled. I don't usually shout at people but he was pushing it."What's gotten into you?" His eyes widened."A life depends on me Anthony. This child is depending on me to survive. Now take a look around at the situation. I'm stuck in a room all day, everyday. I'm not free. When will this end?" "I'm sorry but I need you here. If I let you go you will run back to Haden."I turned away from him and rubbed my tummy. The baby bump was still very small but I could still feel my baby in there."Look, I'm gonna be here for you and our baby. Just tell me what you need," he smiled."I need you to leave me and my child alone please. Your presence is making me sick," I spat."So be it," he left the room with those words.This is not the life I had in mind for myself and now my hopes are wavering. T
HadenIvory and I had an amazing wedding. She wore a beautiful white dress and everything was perfect. Sadly, none of my friends came and neither did my parents. It was an awful feeling but I had to do what made me happy.I woke up to Ivory making pancakes. She smiled as she poured the syrup and slid the plate to me."Morning beautiful," I smiled."Morning handsome. Our dream has finally come true," Ivory beamed as she pecked my lips."Yes it has and I'm so happy we can start our life together." "And soon the baby will be here and we'll be the perfect family." I rubbed her tummy and kissed her forehead. Her phone buzzed and she checked it immediately causing her to frown. "Is something wrong?" I questioned."No, it's fine. It's just a friend. She wanted me to meet her, that's all," she smiled but I could tell something was wrong."Are you sure? The baby could come any day. Do you really want to go out by yourself?" "It's fine honey. I'll be okay. Let me shower and get dressed. I'll
Aubrey I breathed in the fresh morning air. The sun hit my skin as Vincent guided me out of the hospital. I will be staying at my parent's house for some time. I just need to focus on myself. Vincent helped me into my dad's car and made sure I was comfortable."Everything is going to be okay now," he smiled. "Thank you so much Vincent," I held his hand."You don't have to thank me Aubrey. I'm glad you're back. I never stopped looking for you and I'm sorry I took so long. I wish I had gotten to you sooner," He sighed."Hey, I think you got to me just in time. I really appreciate you Vincent." "I appreciate you too Aubrey and you know that I'll always be here for you," he kissed my forehead.A couple seconds later, we were on our way to my parents house."I'm glad you're back little sis. We missed you soo much," Emma squealed as she hugged me tightly."Ribs Emmy," I cautioned as she hugged me. I felt a sharp pain jolt through me because of how tightly she hugged me."Oh, right! Sorr
HadenTwo days later Ivory was able to come home. I took her upstairs and settled her and Damien into our room."I'm so happy to be home but I'm exhausted.""I'll go make you something to eat. What would you like?" I questioned."Spaghetti and meatballs." "Alright but I'll have to go buy some spaghetti. We're all out." She pecked my lips and sat on the chair with Damien cradled in her arms."I'll be back soon," I kissed Damien's forehead and left.I got into my car and dialed Vincent's number. I didn't expect him to answer but he did."Hey man. I need help with something. It's important and it has to do with Aubrey," I admitted, "Please."There was a pause on the line then he answered, "Meet me at Starbucks in 10 minutes."I really didn't expect that. I drove to Starbucks and ordered a latté while I waited on Vincent. A couple minutes later Vincent arrived. He sat opposite me and he had a really calm expression on his face."Haden, before you talk there's something I want to say to
AubreyThree weeks had passed since I was rescued and brought home. I've been seeing the same therapist, and let me tell you, she has been happy to see me. I spoke to her about the time I spent with Anthony. I really opened up to her about it, and it made me feel better.Discovering that Ivory was all part of the plan made me so angry. I can't believe that girl. When Vincent informed me of what happened, I was so upset. How could she be so deceitful and sick? I wanted to slap that bitch. The fact that the baby wasn't Haden's is sad. I actually feel a little sorry for him. But he kind of deserved it. "Aubrey, you have a visitor!" Mom yelled from downstairs."I'll be there in a minute." I tied my hair into a ponytail since it just finished drying from my shower and darted downstairs. Opening the door, I found a guy standing there. For a second, I thought it was Haden because they looked so alike, but he was slightly younger."Hi, I don't think we've met, but I'm Xavier, Haden's youn
Aubrey "So you'll meet me at the park in an hour?" Vincent asked excitedly."Yes, I will!" I gushed."I have a surprise for you." "I can't wait to see what it is," I giggled. It's been so long since I spent time with Vincent, and I missed him dearly."Well, I'll see you in a bit."After hanging up, I squealed with excitement. I wanted to see Vincent and just wrap my arms around him. My feelings for him have grown a lot, and I would love to tell him how I feel."What's gotten you soo excited?" Emma laughed as she entered the room."I'm meeting Vincent in an hour," I blushed, and she winked."I have to make you look amazing for him, and I'll watch Damien for the rest of the evening until you get back," she babbled, which woke Damien, and he began crying.I scooped him into my and rocked him gently."Awww, did Emmy wake you?" I cooed as I settled him down."You're a great mom," Emma smiled as Damien fell asleep."Now go take a shower while I pick out something for you to wear." I took
Damien's POVI stared at the letter on my dresser. I hadn't given it to my mom yet. In the back of my mind, I was tempted to open it, but that wouldn't be right."Ugh, I should just give it to her," I thought out loud as I stood up.I took the letter up and went to her room. As I was about to knock on the door, Mom opened it."Hey, sweetie," She smiled."Mom, some guy gave me a letter to give to you," I passed it to her."Oh?"She opened it and I saw her eyes widen as she read its contents."W-Who gave this to you?" She stuttered."I don't know him, but he had black hair and blue eyes. He looked like he was in his 40s. He was tall and buff."Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought for a moment."Could it be....?" Her voice trailed off."Is something wrong?""Everything is fine, sweetie, but please don't speak to strangers, okay?""Sure."I wonder who that guy was and what Mom's hiding.I didn't have school today, and I just wanted to rest my body.As I was sitting on the sofa watching th
DamienI yawned softly as I got out of bed. Today is the soccer match. I was super excited and nervous, but I'm gonna do my best. Yesterday I got my driver's license, it was such a relief."Sweetie, are you getting ready for school?" Mom called."Yeah Mom. I'm gonna shower. I'll be down in a bit."After I brushed my teeth and showered, I got dressed for school. The game is taking place this afternoon so I still had time.My phone buzzed signaling that I had a notification.Checking my phone, I saw that I received a message from Dad.Dad: Hey, I just wanna wish you luck on your match today. I know that you're gonna play amazing. Always know that I'm proud of you Dami. His message brought a smile on my face as I replied to him.I made my way downstairs and met my mom placing breakfast on the table."Big day today Dami." She smiled as I took a seat."Yeah, I hope everything works out." "It will, you've been working hard for this.""We're coming to see your match this evening Damien."
Damien"So, are you gonna come to Jonah's party, Phil?" I questioned as we entered the library."Of course not.""Why?""I just don't feel like it." He shrugged."Is it because he's dating Evelyn?" I questioned and he stiffened."No, Evelyn can do whatever the hell she wants. That's not my concern.""Well, you never usually miss a party so I assumed something was up.""I'm just focusing on my studies, I don't need any distractions.""Whatever you say bro."We sat and finished our essay for literature class.Halfway through the essay I heard Phil sigh and drop his pen on the table. He rocked back on the chair, his arms propped behind his head as he look at the ceiling."This is so frustrating.""It's not that hard, we just have to write about any theme in the novel of our choice. Choose a few examples and explain how it was used.""You're actually good at literature, I wish I could say the same." He sighed."I'll help you.""Thanks man." He pulled out his copy of to 'Kill A Mockingbird
Damien"Hold up, Did you say Xavier Vanderbilt?" I repeated and she nodded."I know him. Well, actually my mom knew him. He was a friend of the family." "Do you think she would tell me about him?" "I'm sure she will. Speaking of that I should be getting home and you should come with me. You could ask my mom about Xavier." I suggested."That sounds good." We took the bus and arrived home in 20 minutes."Hello Cassidy. How are you?" Mom smiled."I'm fine Aunty. How are you?" "I'm good darling.""You're home early. Didn't you have practice?" Mom asked me."I did but something much more important came up. Mom, Cassidy and I need to talk to you about something." "Ofcourse." She said calmly but a worried look graced her features.We walked into the living room and mom sat opposite me."Do you guys want something to drink?" Mom asked."I'd like a glass of water." Cassidy said."Me too." I chimed in.Minutes later, mom came back with the water and some biscuits for us."Now, what's going
Damien "Dami, wake up or you'll be late for school." My mom yelled.I groaned as I rolled off the bed. As a sixteen year old I need rest. I've been training a lot as it was soccer season."Damien, I'm not gonna call again." Mom yelled from downstairs.I walked downstairs and sat at the table."Finally, you're awake." Mom smiled as she placed my breakfast in front of me.Dad came downstairs in a hurry with his suitcases. He's going to Italy for a week. "Daddy, do you have to go?" Amelia whispered."Yes sweetheart, I do.""But I want you to stay." She whined. Out of all of us, Amelia spent the most time with Dad. They played a lot together. She is quite the spoilt nine year old but in a good way.He put down his suitcases and scooped her into his arms."Amelia, I'll be back before you know it. I have a surprise for you when I get back.""A surprise?" Her eyes gleamed."Yes, so will you be patient and wait for me?" She paused for a moment and then nodded."Good girl." He kissed her for
Aubrey was now 18 years old. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her beauty held no bounds. People would turn heads as soon as they saw her. Aubrey sat at the table, a frown on her face as she calmly went through the numbers for the party. "Hm? Am I missing someone?" She thought out loud as she looked at the list. Suddenly the door opened and someone walked in. Aubrey got up from her seat and bumped into Blake. She tumbled into him and almost fell to the ground, but he steadied her. "Are you okay?" He asked politely, and she nodded."I'm fine," she smiled as she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes. Blake cleared his throat and stepped at the side. "This is my parents' home. I would like to know who you are?" Blaked cracked a smile. "It's Aubrey silly," she giggled and looked up at him, "Welcome home," she smiled. "A-Aubrey?" He stuttered. "Yup. You're just on time. I was planning your party." "Nothing has changed," he scowled, "I don't want to be around you."
Months had passed since Aubrey's return home. Despite the ongoing tension between her and Blake, life had settled into a semblance of normalcy.As young as she was, she was beginning to understand how things worked and how she would have to live with people not liking her. It might be difficult, but it was still important that she understand this concept. Aubrey had learned to navigate the unspoken boundaries in their home, trying her best not to provoke her brother's anger. She avoided him like the plague. She buried herself in her schoolwork, finding solace in her studies and the close bond she had developed with her parents and younger sister, Emma. Her parents ensured that she still enjoyed her life as she used to before. In fact, they sent Blake away as much as they could. One sunny afternoon, while playing in the backyard with Emma, Aubrey suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of dizziness wash over her. She had been running around, laughing, when her legs gave way, and she stum
"Blake, what are you doing?" An 11 year old Emma questioned as she picked up a tray that was on the table in the study."Nothing that concerns you Emma," He held a stoic expression as he looked through the files. "What do you mean nothing that concerns me? You're going through dad's files and that's wrong! I'm going to tell." Blake's eyes narrowed at her. He was five years her senior and she knew better than to challenge him. "Emma," He paused, "Perhaps if we're outing each other now. Why don't I tell mom and dad that you failed that Spanish test?" He calmly threatened causing her to stiffen and grow pale. "Blake, you can't do that." "Then mind your own business. There's no way that you would think that it's actually okay to be involved in my affairs do you?" "No, I'll leave you be now," She muttered angrily as she left the room. Blake rolled his eyes and continued his search. His eyes lit up as he came upon the delicious truth he was looking for. A devious smirk danced on his
Xavier "Xavier, please. Give me one more chance." "I don't think so." "I'm sorry about everything. It was a mistake." "Fucking that designer was a mistake? Parisa be serious right now. That wasn't a mistake and we both know it." "B-But I love you Xavier." She whispered as she took a step towards me. "Well I guess that love wasn't enough then. You cheated on me. You had no reason to but you did. Do you know how much I love you? Do you know how much I care? Did you ever stop to think about how I would feel? I gave you every single thing I could. I did all I could do for you but it still wasn't enough. I don't know what's wrong with you. I can't say anything else about this." I sighed."Please, let's just talk about this. I'm begging you. I want us to be together. I don't wanna give up on us. I'm so sorry Xavier. Please." She begged as she tried to hug me. I gently moved her away and took a step back. "I think the least you could do is respect me by leaving me alone. Parisa, I wa