Haden"C'mon Haden, you're cheating," Vincent whined."I'm not. I'm just way better at this than you," I retorted.We were currently in my office stacking plastic cups that we found in the storage room. I suppose I was better at it than Vincent."I win!" I shouted as Vincent glared at me."I swear we are so childish sometimes," he laughed."So how are things going between you and Aubrey?" He questioned."Still the same. I'm angry at her for ruining my life. Speaking of that, I miss Ivory. She hasn't spoken to me since she left." "She's probably mad at you or blames herself for what happened to Aubs." "Aubs? And yeah, I guess so. I have to make things right between us.""That's my nickname for her," he said and I rolled my eyes."Just don't tell Ivory about when you were sleeping with all those women." "Damn it. I completely forgot about that. I'm such an idiot.""Right you are," Vincent sniggered which made me glare at him."I really screwed up this time," I groaned."You can tell
Aubrey"Are you serious? Of course, I'd love that," I giggled over the phone."Alright see you in a bit," I hung up.Vincent invited me to the zoo with his cousins. He told me they were quite a handful and asked if I could help him watch them for the day. I had to agree because I loved children and plus I hadn't been to the zoo for quite a while.I took a shower and shampooed my hair. I got dressed in a black sleeveless crop top, denim shorts, grey cardigan, a pair of converse and a black handbag.Brushing my hair a final time, I was ready to go. Rushing downstairs I bumped into a rock hard chest."S-sorry Haden," I muttered without looking at him.To my surprise, Haden walked past me without a second glance. Usually, he would yell at me for bumping into him. Guess he's in a better mood today.A few minutes later Vincent pulled up in front of the house.When I entered the car he introduced me to his cousins."This is Dennis, the eldest. He's 17.""I can introduce myself Vincent. Plus
AubreyI was busy organizing the last few details for the party. The guests would be arriving soon, and I needed everything to be prepared before then. A couple minutes later the doorbell rang indicating the delivery man with the cake had arrived. I thanked him while he along with four other men delivered the cake to the center table in the room. The cake was huge and consisted of many flavors ranging from vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and red velvet.I managed to take a quick shower before the party. I wore a black sequin dress that showed a little cleavage. I matched it with my pearl necklace and earrings my father bought on business trip to Europe. I curled my hair and left it down. Finally, I did my makeup and wore my black suede pumps. I looked myself over in the mirror and was satisfied with the way I looked.I hurried downstairs in time to start welcoming my guests. Haden's parents were the first two people to arrive right on time."Hello dear," his mom greeted."Hi Mr. and Mrs.
HadenMy heart held so much sadness for Ivory. I was hurt because I saw the look in my dad's eyes. He looked at her with disgust and disbelief, like she was worth nothing.Two weeks had passed since the party and everything had settled. But there was this feeling that hung over the air. The feeling that Aubrey is the most hurt out of us all. She hadn't left the confines of her room since that party. She ordered our new maid, Lucia, to deliver food to her upstairs everyday. Lucia was a 45 year old woman with kind brown eyes, black hair with grey streaks. She had a plump figure, which she carried with confidence and a comforting presence.Currently sitting in the kitchen I slowly ate my breakfast, my mind often wandering back to Aubrey. Is she okay? After what happened between her and her brother, she seemed to be in a daze.After eating I strode upstairs and knocked on the door. I couldn't care less about Aubrey but the least I could do is check on her."Aubrey, open up!" I called onl
BlakeHow could this have happened?This can't be true. Aubrey couldn't want to end her life this badly. This is all my fault.It's been two weeks after the accident and Aubrey still didn't wake up.I held the contents of the letter in my hand. I kept reading it over and over. Every time it made my heart hurt even more. Dear Blake, I know that you hate me and I know that you will never accept me but I could never hate you in fact I love you. You are my brother and I look at you as my idol. I always wanted to play with you when we were younger. I always wanted to hang out with you because I always thought that you were so cool. I thought you'd be the brother to defend me from bullies and always save me. But I was wrong you were the bully. Yet I still couldn't hate you. I wanted to keep trying. I wanted to keep trying to save whatever we have. I wanted you to look at me as your sister. Treat me that way you treat Emmy. Now I see that's impossible and you're righ
Aubrey It's been a month since I returned home. Haden's parents were hesitant at first to let me stay with him at the house but they eventually gave in. Haden insisted that him and I share his room because he didn't want an incident like that to happen again. I had gained weight and the colour returned to my face. I was looking noticeably better.It was awkward at first but we eventually managed to work it out. Haden slept on the window bed whilst I slept on his bed.Vincent visited me atleast 5 times a week or whenever Haden couldn't be there for me. I enjoyed his company and our bond grew stronger. He was a really fun person to be with.But there is that thing that looms over me. A feeling that I can't shake. The fact that everyone is being nice to me because I almost ended my life is just a complete turnoff. They weren't treating me this way before. How long will it last?I was currently sitting in the study reading a romance novel. If only reality worked like this things would b
HadenI've been seeing Ivory everyday after work for the last few weeks. I couldn't bring myself to tell Aubrey because I knew it might trigger her again.I called and told her that I had a lot of work to do later and I wouldn't be able to make it home when I was actually wrapped up in Ivory's arms. She gently stroked my hair and I melted under her touch."What are you thinking about?" She inquired."You.""I wish it could always be like this. You being here for the baby and I," she sighed."Soon darling, soon. I promise things will work out in the end," I pecked her lips."Haden, when the baby comes. I'll need you here a lot more." "I know. Don't worry I'll be here." "But what about Aubrey?""Vincent will watch her for me. He wouldn't mind doing me a favor.""But shouldn't you be doing that? What if she tries to harm herself again?" "I doubt she will. I'm sure she will be fine." "Tomorrow we find out the sex of the baby," she informed me."That's great! We should start thinking o
Aubrey I woke up early, slipped out of the house and went for a jog around the neighborhood. The thought of that guy watching me, made me scared but I managed to jog for 30 minutes and returned home.Walking inside I was greeted by Haden."Where the hell were you? I called your phone and got no response," Haden questioned."Sorry I went for a jog.""You can't just leave without an explanation Aubrey." "And why not? You do it all the time," I snapped and pushed pass him. I went into my room and slammed the door.I took a long, cold shower and changed into a floral print dress that reached mid-thighs with a belt at the waist. I paired it with black strapped sandals that reached slightly below mid thighs. I did my make-up and applied a light shade of pink lipstick. After that I curled my hair and let it fall down my back. Satisfied with my look I grabbed my phone and went downstairs.Haden was in the kitchen when I entered. He was eating breakfast while he busily tapped away on his pho
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