Summers Over

 

 

Summers Over

 

Summer was officially over and I was ready to begin my senior year at Mangum High School. I jumped off my bed like a little girl and looked into the mirror.

 

“I, Quinn solemnly swear to be confident and beat up any girl who ticks me off or makes my day horrible,” I said holding up my right hand.

 

I practically ran over to my closet searching for the perfect ensemble. My eyes glowed as I saw my favorite yellow blouse and got out a snug pair white skinny jeans. I went through my jewelry box and saw pretty silver accessories. All were delicately used silver earrings, bracelets, and headbands.

 

I looked through my closet for my ballet flats that were studded with a silver rose petal on the tip. Finally after about 5 minutes I found them. I raced as fast as my long legs could carry me to the bathroom. Living in a house with only two bathrooms, only one was available because one was our parents. If I didn’t get there first I’d be late for school.

 

I opened the door and quickly locked it. “Quinn!” My younger sister Heather shouted. Angry, I had gotten there first. I made sure to take my good old time in time in the shower. Then I got out applied a little lip gloss and got dressed. All together it took me about 20 minutes.

 

When I was finally done I opened the door and found that Heather had been lying against the door and had fallen in the bathroom back first. “Finally,” She groaned sleepily. Heather had gone into the bathroom and locked the door. Maybe I could get away with not driving her to school. I went to the garage grabbed my yellow and silver purse and hopped in my car.

 

I cranked up my old car slowly and the garage doors sensing the car opened up. I drove the street way instead of taking the highway. As soon as I was five minutes away from the school I heard my phone ring. I looked at the caller id and saw it was my sister. I declined the call and parked my car.

 

Serves her right for eating my sausage and biscuits I made yesterday. I made them so I could warm them up today for breakfast. I got out of my car locked it. And saw my friend, Sera standing on the curb by herself. I walked up to the curb and joined. I gave Sera a quick hug. While we waited for Jennifer aka Jenna had to ride with her boyfriend Robert wanted to drop her off. He was secretly arranged to marry her she had only told me when she first got here. She only moved here because his family lived here. I thought that arranged marriages were limiting your heart to just one person. I didn’t like the idea of my parents making me get married to some guy.

 

Man that would suck!

 

Jenna and Robbie finally arrived and Robbie being a gentleman as always opened the door for her and took her bag.

 

Jenna and Robbie made the cutest couple everyone thought that they would get married one day. If only they knew what I knew they wouldn’t always be saying that. Oh and there the lovebirds were matching. Robbie wore blue and white polo shirt with khaki pants and she wore a white shirt with a blue handbag and a khaki mini skirt. They were a match made in heaven.

 

He had black hair and blue eyes and she had blonde hair and hazel eyes. He had pale skin and she had nice toned olive skin. If my parents set me up with my perfect match I’d marry him no questions asked.

 

It was crazy how the only person that knew of there arrangement was me. At first, Jenna was unsure about having to marry a strange boy. But then she got to know him and had found herself falling for him.

 

Jenna and Robbie had finally reached us.

 

“Hey girl,” She said to me.

 

“Hey,” I said side hugging her.

 

“Do you know I’m here too?” Sera asked in mock-jealousy.

 

“I can’t forget you chatterbox,” She said laughing and hugging her too.

 

“Hello Quinn, so nice to see you,” He said bowing his head in my direction he still hadn’t gotten used to shaking my hand.

 

“It’s nice seeing you too,” I said holding out my hand for a shake. He took it bowed and kissed my hand. I looked up to Jenna who to my surprise smiled.

 

“Hello Serend-,” He started.

 

“Oh, no you don’t Sera… I’m Sera,” She said holding out her hand for a kiss but he shook it instead.

 

I chuckled and looked at Jenna who shrugged her shoulders. The morning bell rung which meant we had10 minutes until we were officially late. I checked my phone 9:05 I decided it would be a better idea to check out of our little ‘Hi nice to see you again’ sermon Robbie had prepared.

 

“Guys… I got to run,” I shouted as I ran off. I knew how upset Mrs. Flores got when I was late. She was my aunt by marriage. I put on my student id badge and opened the front door. I ran to make locker and got my binder then I rushed to class. I heard the bell ring as soon as I reached the main hall. “No!” I cried. The door to my Spanish class closed and I had been locked out.

 

I ran to the door. But Mrs. Flores couldn’t see me. I couldn’t knock on the door she would have a fit. I sunk against the floor. I heard the snitch Mr. Gary the janitor the one who would snitch on anybody “skipping”. I felt my heart thud and I hoped he wouldn’t see me.

 

Unfortunately, he looked in my direction not letting me explain he yelled, “Skipper, we got ourselves a skipper,” He said into his wireless radio. I walked away maybe I could get away before the principal got here.

 

Sadly, I was caught now I had OSS for the week and given detention for next week and. I thought that was ridiculous for such a measly thing. And that’s exactly what I told Principal Earl more or less so. Eventually he got tired of my mouth running and called my parents who weren’t exactly happy to see me at the moment. The whole car ride was silent.

 

“Go to your room,” My father said angrily. And I went with no argument.

 

After being trapped in my room for two hours I took a quick nap. I could smell dinner and my mouth watered eagerly.

 

“Dinner’s ready,” Mom said. I rushed downstairs.

 

“Thank you, that was delicious,” I said thankful for the food. I smiled at her and she smiled back at me. My dad glared at me. My sister wasn’t home yet, so I wondered about her.

 

“Mom, Where’s Heather?” I asked her curiously.

 

“Wait honey where’s Heather?” She asked hoping that dad knew.

 

Mom said she didn’t know because they were so worried about me she forgot about her.

 

“She skipped school today she’s in her room,” He said gesturing to her bedroom.

Great! Just what I needed- NOT

Great! Just what I needed-NOT

 

 

The phone rang which broke the silence. Dad picked it up.

 

“Hello?” He asked.

 

Silence.

 

“Oh. Hi Onslow, what led you to call?”

 

Long silence.

 

“You can’t possibly be serious,” He said alarmed. He looked at me alarmed.

 

Another long silence.

 

“She’s not going to be happy about this. I promise you. You will pay for this,” His eyes watered. “I didn’t have any intention of giving her up right now and now you bring up a stupid deal I made years ago. She wants to go to college. It won’t be a problem… will it?”

 

More silence longer this time.

 

“Ok. Let me speak to her about it. How about you come over tomorrow?”

 

Mini silence.

 

Dad walked up to my mom and whispered barely audibly, “Remember what I told you.”

 

Mom gasped hugging dad. “Tell her now!” She shrieked walking away as tears welled in her eyes.

 

Dad looked at me sadly.

 

“Dad, what’s wrong?” I asked quietly.

 

“I’m so sorry. There’s this man. He’s about my age and he has a son. Me and Onslow thought it would be a great deal to keep us at peace.” My dad said. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Sorry. You’re sorry. Is that all you can say? I can’t believe this. Don’t you think I should have a say in this? You know how badly I wanted to go to college, what now? I mean with a freaking arranged marriage I won’t ever get a chance to fall in love. How could you?” I asked so many questions I knew I wouldn’t get all the answers.

 

So I was to be wed to some guy over a deal. I couldn’t believe it.

 

My dad looked at the ground. He picked up the phone and dialed some numbers.

 

“Hey Onslow, my daughter is not taking this well I don’t think-,” He started. I used sign language to tell him to stop. I don’t know why I did this but I did.

 

I grabbed the phone from my shocked dad.

 

“Hello?” I said.

 

“Hello?” He repeated.

 

“You’re Onslow? Um- hi I’m Quinn,”

 

“Yes I’m Onslow,” He asked. “I mean I am kind of forcing it upon you but-“

 

“Perfect. Sure I would like to meet him. But just because we meet doesn’t mean we’ll marry,” I said amiably.

 

“We’ll be there tomorrow; may I speak with your ba?” He asked.

 

“My… what?” I asked thinking I had heard him wrong.

 

“Oh I forgot you’re not from here, I mean your father,” He said catching the difference in country.

 

“Oh where is ‘here’?” I asked curiously.

 

“You will find out soon enough,” He said gently. I blushed. Well, he wouldn’t be a bad father in law.

 

I gave the phone to my “ba” and went to my room to call my Jenna.

 

“Hello?” She answered.

 

“Guess what?” I asked her.

 

“What?” She asked her curiosity wading fast.

 

I heard a mumble of Roberts’s voice in the background.

 

“You busy?” I asked her.

 

“A little Robert is getting agitated yet I haven’t a clue why,” She said. “So… what’s happening?”

 

“I’m getting an arranged marriage,” I said nervously.

 

“Oh my gawd. That is so great. I have to be your maiden of honor,” She bubbled excitedly.

 

At least she could be excited.

 

“I have yet to meet him so I’ll meet him tomorrow,” I said plainly.

 

“Well you don’t sound excited about it,” She said.

 

“Thanks for stating the obvious,” I snapped.

 

“Well what a way to treat a friend,” She said hurt.

 

“I’m sorry Jenna I just have a lot of stress,” I said sadly.

 

“Well… that’s nothing new. It’s always about you. Have you ever thought about my marriage? How I feel about it?” She asked angrily. “I have to marry some guy I just met in what a month then move in with him back to wherever the heck he came from and have his children in the future.

 

“And you know what’s even worse my best friend can have one problem in comparison to my whole freaking messed up life and think it’s life ending. You don’t know how it feels to be cherished, and loved by another person unconditionally. But I do Robert loves me not by obligation. And you know you could love him, right? You could fall in love, have children, be happy, and later in life die. But you know fate set this up… and you… you need to accept it,” She said then she hung up, leaving her word engraved in my thoughts.

 

I then heard my dad call the school and I was dropped from OSS but not detention.

 

I lay back in bed and thought, how could I be so selfish? No one could ever love me. I was an 18 year old girl who hadn’t thought to grow up, because everyone took care of me. No one wants a stupid immature girl for a wife.

 

I fell asleep quickly and found myself in a beautiful dream.

 

I woke up to find my mom looking at me like I had 3 heads.

 

“What?” I asked.

 

“You-” She started. Then mom and I heard the piercing ring of the house phone. She went into the living room to figure out who it was. I followed her into the living room and plopped down on the couch.

 

“Yes hello,” She answered.

 

There was a brief pause.

 

“W-Wait what do you mean?” She stuttered.

 

Mom waited for a response she looked kind of queasy.

 

“You mean at the airport now?” She asked.

 

Mom motioned for me to scoot over. I did.

 

Now that she was closer I could hear a voice say, “Yes, Kiara we are.”

 

“O-Oh did you have a nice trip?” Mom asked politely.

 

“No, I didn’t they ran out of spots on the first class and we had to sit in middle class such a bustle of baboons there are. They didn’t care for our money either,” The woman on the other end said. I loved how she had gotten into a hushed tone when she said “middle class”. It was hilarious.

 

“Well won’t you feel better you’ll be with us for the rest of the month,” Mom said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

Living With the Elton’s

 

I looked at my mom shocked as she hung up the phone.

 

My heart ached. Was I getting nervous? Was it hot in here? Did I forget to breathe? What’s my name, again? I shivered like it was freezing in here.

 

“Quinn, are you okay?” She asked nervously.

 

I wanted to say something so bad. She didn’t know how much it was killing me not to say anything.

 

I nodded instead.

 

“Are you sure?”

 

I nodded again.

 

“You can stay home from school today. If you want to,” She offered.

 

“No!” I nearly shouted. Realizing my tone I said, “I can’t, I um have a project to work on at school about Sicily.”

 

“Oh well, I’ll see you later then,” She said caringly. Then she hugged me. I smiled enjoying the brief embrace.

 

“Well go get dressed put on something nice,”

 

I just sat there and stared at her.

 

“Well what are you waiting for?” She asked.

 

“Mom, I don’t have anything “nice”,” I said placing air quotes on nice.

 

“I’ll have to help you,” She said grasping my hand and pulling me along.

 

We went into her room and into the closet.

 

She ripped her key shaped clip of her belt and unlocked a door that was normally hidden by her huge wedding dress. I gasped. And then I saw it, a closet full of gorgeous. I thought I was about to faint.

 

I saw a pretty green silk blouse the cuff was covered with white swarovski crystals. A matching silver necklace decorated the front of the blouse. I saw a cute pair of knee high brown boots and a crystal studded bracelet. It looked like the stuff was put together just for me. There were about 20 more outfits to choose from but I chose this one. I dressed quickly applied some sparkly eye shadow and black mascara that made my eyes pop. I skipped out on the book bag today and just carried my new binder with a big Q outlined with small gems.

 

My mom opened the garage and I freaked. I saw my dream car. I shrieked.

 

“Mom, where’s my old car?” I asked nearly hyperventilating.

 

“It’s at your new house with your future husband. This is the temporary car,” She said.

 

“Are you for real?” I asked.

 

She tossed me the keys. I smiled so hard my lip was twitching. Mom hugged me again.

 

“Get to school, get home early, here’s money to buy lunch out,” She said practically shoving me in the car. I took the money.

 

“Okay bye,” I shouted driving away.

 

I got to school 15 minutes late because I almost got pulled over twice.

 

I unlocked the door and rushed inside. I ran to homeroom as fast as I could go in heeled knee high boots. I knocked on the door of her classroom. Surprisingly she opened it smiling.

 

“Have a seat, Quinn,” She said inviting me in. She hugged me and whispered in my ear, “Oh an congratulations on your engagement.” I blushed pulling away. Did everyone in the family know?

 

I pulled away and headed toward my seat Sera eyed me curiously then she looked me over. I sat next to her.

 

Class was going by in a zip until Sera said something. “What happened to you?” She mouthed.

 

“What do you mean?” I asked whispered.

 

“Um- Your clothes,” She said grimacing. “I mean… you haven’t bought new clothes since our junior year, why the change now?”

 

I gasped I couldn’t believe she had the gut to say such a thing.

 

“I mean don’t act all surprised Ms. Richie-Rich,” She snickered.

 

I looked at her and realized she didn’t care anymore.

 

“I don’t know who the heck peed in your cereal, but I sure as heck don’t want to get in touch with them,” I snapped grabbing my binder and going up to Ms. Flores. I turned back around and said, “Oh and one more thing those yoga pants you borrowed I think you can keep them, there outdated and so are you.”

 

I saw Sera getting laughed at and then hearing the comments shot in her direction ‘You had that coming for you’ and ‘You should’ve been prepared’ and other things like ‘Such a shame.’

 

I was shocked to find she said something barely audible; she had called me the b-word. I walked back to the desk and got very close to her face.

 

“What was that?” I asked condescendingly I was taller then her by a good three inches.

 

“You heard me,” She said weakly placing her hand on her hips.

 

“Today is not my day and you Ms. Bitch need to get your freaking attitude straight. I didn’t come out on top off the knockoff hobo bags from Wal-Mart. I came off the Prada side sweet pea. And you I really don’t know. I can’t see you over my last season purses,” I said smoothly. People ‘oohed’ at the burn she just got.

 

My aunt had already started writing a pass for me to the office. Everyone thought it was a write-up and no one knew she was my aunt and that meant I could get away write-up free.

 

“Quinn Laxly please report to the office immediately,” She said in mock-seriousness. She pulled me over to get a pass and whispered, “Nice burn, you’re a Laxly after all.” She gave me a quick wink and I stormed out the door like I was angry. I ended up faking sick in the nurse’s office all day. I had skipped all other six classes. At the end of the day the bell rang and I rushed out.

 

A bunch of girls followed me to my new car. Oohing and Aahing asking if they could ‘come over’ or if ‘I was okay’ or if they could ‘borrow my clothes. I answered all questions with a simple maybe. I started up my car. There were about 2 other girls that seemed different and I would make friends with that might replace my old ones. There names were Melanie blonde hair green eyes, Keri hazel eyes and brown with a blonde streak in it. The two were satisfied with my maybe and got into there own cars.

 

I drove home slowly and got there 20 minutes late I thought for sure mom was going to kill me. I opened the garage to see a black Mercedes and two Lexus’ parked behind my moms and dads old car.

 

My hands started shaking. Then they sweat. I was officially nervous. I was almost an adult I could handle this. I realized then I was lying to myself. I was acting clammy because I was nervous about meeting a boy. How stupid does that sound?

 

I parked my car and turned it off. I stuck into the back of the house to avoid being seen. I unlocked the back door. I closed it as gently as I could but it still managed to slam.

 

“Quinn dear is that you? I told you she would be here any moment,” Mom asked from the living room. I squeaked across the floor in hopes maybe just maybe I could get away.

 

Mom got up and dragged me into the living room but before that she whisper-asked me, “What was the hold up?”

 

“Traffic,” I answered. I smiled I had got away with lying but not from meeting Antony and his parents.

 

“Hi, my name is Hana Elton, Antony’s mama,” She said introducing herself. “You look more beautiful in person then in a picture.”

 

Hana had blonde hair and blue eyes like the sky.

 

I guess that could be taken as a compliment.

 

“And this is my husband Ethan Elton” She said introducing her husband. Ethan rolled his eyes in annoyance.

 

“Hana I can introduce myself,” He said. I laughed lightly.

 

“Ethan Elton. Your laugh must sound as beautiful as your heart,” He said taking my hand and kissing it. I blushed. Ethan had gorgeous blackish brown hair with green eyes brighter then my moms. Hana had a French accent and Ethan faint British accent.

 

I looked expectantly at the little girl with a small brown bun pinned to the back of her head. She looked like a pretty ballerina except for her clothes. She had on a white chiffon shirt with pretty gold intricate designs at the bottom and some cute skinny jeans that were made exactly for her. She had on the best Louis Vuitton pumps on her small feet. I almost squealed. The heels were next season. How in the world did she manage to get those?

 

“Oh my god,” I shrieked.

 

Everyone turned to look at me alarmed.

 

“I absolutely love your shoes, how in the world did you get them?” I asked admiring her shoes once more.

 

“Oh you haven’t got them here? Oh I forgot this is North Carolina, not- I love your hair and your shoes. I can’t believe your admiring my shoes did you put something in your hair to make it that wavy?” She asked. I felt so awkward I started combing through my hair with my hands.

 

“Oh it really wasn’t that hard. I just put in a few minutes of my time to straighten and crimp it,” I said. “But your shoes are priceless.”

 

“I mean you can have them if you want I’m going shopping later on to buy new shoes,” She offered. “You can come with, take the shoes as an early wedding present.”

 

I smiled at her. We really were going to hit it off. Shopping is a thing in common. I realized I didn’t know her name.

 

“So what’s your name?”

 

“Oh sorry my name’s Lana, Antony’s innocent little sister,” She said batting her eyes.

 

Then I heard a very handsomely familiar voice say, “Switch that innocent to evil and you’ve got her description perfectly.” She stuck her tongue out at him. I turned around to see it was my dream guy literally and figuratively.

 

“I-Its you,” I breathed.

 

I blinked my eyes like a hundred times to make sure I really wasn’t seeing things.

 

My mom looked at me curiously. My dad just stared blankly at me. Hana smiled warmly at her son. Lana hugged me goodbye and went to sit down on the couch.

 

“How about you two go out to dinner together, to get to know each other. Is that alright with the Laxly’s?” Ethan asked.

 

Mom nodded. Dad didn’t move an inch.

 

“Dad,” I called to him.

 

He looked me in the eye.

 

“Let me go,” I pleaded.

 

“Fine, but if you have any problem call me on your phone and I’ll be there faster then you can say ‘I can’t stand him’,” He said reassuringly.

 

“Okay, can I leave now?” I asked.

 

“One second may I speak with Antony?” He asked.

 

I nodded but regretted doing so as Antony followed my dad into the kitchen. Then I heard there whisper of a conversation.

 

“Antony, bring her back by 10, she has school. She comes back with so much as a bruise It will personally be your head. If I see tears in her eyes, I will come after you, do I make myself clear?” He spat.

 

“Crystal,” Antony said sharply. I gasped at the heat in my father’s voice.

 

“Now if you take things to-“Dad started up again.

 

I burst into the kitchen.

 

“Dad, leave him alone. After your sermon he won’t ever want to take me out again. Do you want me to be happy?”

 

“Yes, but I need to break him into shape for you, so he wont hurt you,” He tried to reason.

 

“But that’s not the answer to the question. Do you want me to be happy,” I asked again.

 

“Yes I do but-“He started.

 

“If you want me to be happy you will let him go, actually let us go,” I said.

 

“Leave,” He said. I smiled and gave my dad a quick peck on the cheek. I grabbed Antony’s hand and pulled him out the house grabbing my purse.

 

“Where to?” I asked.

 

“Do you always stand up to your dad like that?” He asked curiously.

 

I wanted to lie and say ‘Yeah, I do all the time’ but I felt the need to tell the truth.

 

“In all honesty no,” I answered.

 

“Why now?” He asked.

 

“Because of you, you were being grilled like you were taking me on a singular date not getting ready to marry me. I mean if you were any other guy I would have let you been grilled but your different,” I said unable to lie to him.

 

I twiddled with my hair. He pulled out his phone and clicked the call button.

 

He walked away then after five minutes of talking he hung up.

 

“Who’d you call?” I asked honestly curious.

 

“Mark Robertson, our driver for tonight. Only because I want to spend the night in the backseat with you,” He answered. I blushed then quickly covered my face.

 

“Don’t cover up your cute, when you blush,” He said. The moonlight danced on my tan skin. I blushed again.

 

I saw a big burly man with little no hair wave to us. He unlocked the Mercedes and helped me into the SUV

 

“Thank you Mr. Robertson,” I said kindly.

 

“I’m at your service Madame Elton,” Mr. Robertson said instead of ‘your welcome’

 

I blushed again. I wasn’t married yet. What did Madame mean again?

 

I got in the car he closed the door, as Antony got in the car I noticed how broad his shoulders were and how handsome he really was. I would be looking at a work of art for the rest of my marriage. He was wearing a gorgeous watch and he was wearing a pair of white shoes and grey polo shirt coupled with a pair of khakis. The grey polo matched my eyes. My green blouse matched his greenies. He looked so laid back and I looked like a stuck up rich girl at a tea party. I felt a little overdressed.

 

“What’s wrong?” He asked interrupting my silence.

 

“What do you mean?” I asked him.

 

“I mean, the glimmer in your eyes is gone. What happened?”

 

“I d-don’t know I feel a little self conscious of-“I stammered then in the middle of the sentence I stopped myself. I couldn’t lie to him and I didn’t have to say a word to him either.

 

“Of what? Self conscious of what? I can see that you’re upset,” He asked caringly. “But I’m not a mind reader, please let me know what’s bothering you?”

 

“Why do you care?” I asked stubbornly.

 

“It’s my job. I need to know your okay so we can be happy together,” He said amiably.

 

I folded my arms.

 

“So it’s your job your not just doing it to be nice. Not because you genuinely care. It’s your job,” I huffed. He touched my arm trying to sooth my temper.

 

I knew I was being stubborn but bad choice of words on his part.

 

“Quinn, I know we’ll get through-“He started

 

“I know that you’re going to say that I need to chill my nerves but I can’t,” I said honestly. “I lost my best friend today because of my big mouth. And yesterday I complained to Sera and she said I was basically being selfish.”

 

“Quinn-“

 

“I don’t want to see you hurt; it seems anywhere I go I hurt the people I care for. I’m sorry. I can’t do this,” I said tears forming in my eyes. I reached for the door handle on my left when he grabbed my arm. I looked up at him alarmed.

 

He tilted my face to him.

 

“Quinn Marie Laxly, I care for you. Even though I have yet to understand your ways and your faults I still think- actually I know you won’t hurt me,” He said looking into my eyes. I wanted to say something but I thought better of it. He hugged me tightly. I soon found myself hugging him back.

 

I let out first straightening my wrinkled blouse.

 

“So, Mr. Elton where to?” Mr. Robertson asked, I had forgotten all about him being in the car.

 

“To Susyll, I heard the food was really good then after to the mall I must pick up a purchase there,” Antony said to Mr. R.

 

I nearly burst out laughing; he couldn’t possibly have enough money to reserve a table at Susyll. Susyll table reservation was about 15,000 dollars not including food expense. The place was so expensive you had to insert a credit card to use the restroom. Literally you had to insert a credit card instead of just opening a stall and using it. The food might be delicious but the prices weren’t.

 

I must’ve fallen asleep. I woke abruptly; I sat up to see a very handsome guy. I nearly freaked out until I realized it was Antony. I caught glimpse of myself in the mirror and saw a frazzled girl her curls faded and fuzzy. Her clothes wrinkled. One side of her cheek coated in drool, I noticed a curl was sticking to drool. I looked horrendous. I nearly screamed. Hot boy looking at my face must think that I’m a horrible sleeper. How horrible!

 

“Oh my gawd. I can’t go anywhere looking like this,” I shrieked horrified. I took out my pocket mirror and looked at myself. Mascara ran from my eyes. I should’ve put on the waterproof one. My eye shadow smeared. I turned away from Antony. Now after about 45 minutes, he had seen me at my best and worst. When I’m getting up from sleep was the worst and my best was my impression to the public.

 

“I promise you look okay. We’re skipping out on Susyll today. We’re going to the mall,” He said.

 

Why, because I looked like a hot mess? Or he didn’t want to take me anywhere? Or was he just ashamed of my appearance?

 

“Hey, I promise I’m not ashamed of you. I just have to pick up and important box at the mall,” He said comfortingly. “I’ll take you to Susyll tomorrow, promise.”

 

“How did you know that?”

 

“I just figured that’s how you would react to me saying that,” He said.

 

“Oh. Pinky promise,” I said jabbing my pinky in his direction.

 

“What?” He asked.

 

“Pinky promise, to take me to Susyll tomorrow,” Then he did. And I bubbled with happiness.

 

“Do you happen to have anything so I can fix this?” I asked gesturing my hair, eyes and drool.

 

“Yes, we do,” He said snapping his fingers. Mr. Robertson stopped the car. Then he passed a makeup bag; that was found in the glove box to me. I grabbed it quickly, “Thanks.”

 

“You’re very welcome Ms,” He replied.

 

We drove away slowly. It only took me 10 minutes to fix myself. Then another 5 to fix my hairs which I had braided to the side so when I got out I could take out and my hair would be wavy. I smiled at the finished product. I didn’t look awful anymore, I looked gorgeous. This makeup was much more expensive then the one at my house. I put in a piece of strawberry gum. I loved strawberries and chocolate anything. After the gum I plopped a piece of chocolate in my mouth, it was so good.

 

“What was that?” Antony asked me.

 

“What was what?” I asked him, confused at first.

 

“The thing you put in your mouth,” He said.

 

“It was a piece of strawberry gum and chocolate. It was good. I love chocolate with anything. And strawberries too,” I said smiling that because he had taken interest when any other guy would actually have tried something on me by then.

 

“May I try?” He asked.

 

I gave him a piece and some chocolate I popped the chocolate in his mouth. Then after 3 seconds he groaned.

 

“Are you okay?” I asked frantically. Was he allergic? Had he choked? Does he need CPR, I’m so not certified.

 

“I’m fine,” He said.

 

“You sure?” I asked to make sure.

 

“Yes, I’m definitely fine,” He said.

 

“We’re here,” Mr. Robertson said parking the car.

 

Mr. Robertson hopped out the car and opened the door for me.

 

We looked at each other. Maybe we were supposed to be after all. His eyes pierced into mine. My heart pounded in my chest. He was about to kiss me when, Mr. Robertson coughed.

 

“I think it be best if you handled this inside the store not out in this parking lot,” Mr. Robertson said gesturing them to the entrance.

 

We had followed Mr. Robertson silently until Antony started making me giggle by imitating Mr. Robertson’s stern face and expressions. The he stopped when Mr. R turned around curiously. I blushed in embarrassment as Mr. R looked down at us suspiciously.

 

“Your laugh is beautiful,” He whispered in my ear making my ear tickle.

 

I blushed again.

 

He smiled.

 

“Your package is here you need to pick it immediately,” Mr. Robertson interrupted yet again. We entered the mall. I didn’t have much money to shop but I liked to window shop sometimes.

 

“Meet me at the food court when you’re done with your package,” I said as I walked away to window shop.

 

 

I was looking for a sweater that maybe I could buy my mom for her birthday.

 

 

“Big Sweater,” I read the store name. I found a beautiful sweater that scooped a little lower then expected. It was a pretty cream color. It had a thin brown belt on its waist. And it stopped right above my knees which was perfect so I could just where some leggings underneath. But I was here to shop for my mom and that sweater dress was 200.00 more then I expected. I thought it was to be 100$ at most but I was stunned it was a 300$ sweater dress. Since I didn’t have 300$ to spend only on myself I thought, Well hey I wasn’t even here for myself.

 

Behind every other sweater I saw a pretty lavender sweater dress it had a set of pearls on top; real ones, a thick black belt, and a purse that matched. There were some black boots to go with if you paid and extra hundred dollars. 150$ is what I spent on my mom. I got a box wrapped for moms stuff. Then I went in search for little gifts for everyone. I paid 20$ for a nice scarf for Hana, Antony’s mom. It was a blue that matched her eyes. I got a matching set of friendship bracelets for Lana and I, 15$. I bought 2 ties one for my dad one for Antony’s dad. Then I got a watch that was 87$ for Antony and a platinum edition collectors tie to match. Then with the rest I bought a 50$ gift card for Mr. R. to anywhere.

 

Everyone had something for a sum of 350$ except me. I was happy I got something for them. The dress would’ve been the only thing bought if I didn’t care about them all. I realized I had spent my whole 2 months salary on them. At the end I only had 35$ left in the bank. I was nearly broke. I had to leave 25$ in the bank so technically only had 15$ left.

 

Everything I put in separate gift bags. I headed to the food court. I didn’t see Antony or Mr. R I sat alone at one of the crummy tables in the food court, I nearly cried it was so awful to sit in a booth alone, and with a dirty table. After about 15 minutes of waiting. I started getting annoyed. I pushed off and went towards the direction Antony went in but was knocked down. I fell on my ankle hearing a quick snap I cried out in pain.

 

“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry about that,” a deep voice said similar to Antony’s said. He tried to help me up but I fell back down moaning at the horrible pain in my ankle.

 

“Are you okay?” He asked caringly.

 

“Fine,” I mumbled stubbornly. I tried to help myself up but fell back down.

 

“You don’t look fine. If you would just let me help-“ He started.

 

“I don’t need your help for anything,” I snapped. I looked up at him and saw he had silky black hair and icy blue eyes. He looked similar to Antony.

 

“You needn’t be so stubborn Ms….” He paused waiting for me to fill in the blanks.

 

“Ms. Laxly, soon to be Mrs. Elton,” I said confidently. I looked up at his alarmed face.

 

“You mean…” He started. His breath heavy.

 

“Yes, to Antony do you know him?” I asked my eyes stated curiosity.

 

“Know him? Yeah I know him he’s my brother,” He said looking into my eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brother???

 

 

Brother?

 

“Brother?” I chuckled. “You’re his brother. I’m supposed to believe this how?”

 

“Yeah and I’m supposed to believe your going to be his wife,” He said his voice dead.

 

I helped myself up wobbling a little.

 

“Listen buster-“ I started jabbing him in his hard chest.

 

“Its Jacque but family calls me my middle name Liam,” He interjected,

 

“Whatever, I don’t care who the heck you think you are but Antony and I were arranged, to marry. I didn’t fall in love and choose him he chose me. I don’t like your dead tone. I don’t like your attitude-“

 

“Yeah, princess I get it you don’t like a lot of things,” He said interrupting me.

 

“Don’t you dare call me princess. And you know what I missed I don’t like you-“

 

“Well get used to it,” He interrupted again.

 

“Don’t interrupt me, I am-“ I started then stopped as he turned his back to me. I grabbed his shirt and twisted him around. We were mere inches apart. He pulled me to him and kissed me. I was about to punch him and realized to the public it must’ve looked like something else.

 

I pulled away.

 

“You talk to much princess, otherwise you’d be my type,” He breathed. Then I saw a very angry Antony storm in front of Jacque. I then compared the two. Both had black hair. From a distance they looked like twins but had different eye color and a slight difference in height. Jacque was about an inch taller.

 

“Liam, you pigheaded as-“

 

“Hey. Hey. Hey. Not in my presence,” I said interrupting Antony. They both turned to look at me. Antony glaring at me and Jacque smiling at my comment. I felt my lips curl into a smile. His smile was infectious but Antony wasn’t catching on.

 

“What was that little brother?” Jacque asked.

 

“I don’t know what came over you. You’ve been here for a year and your already smooching up to my fiancé, how dare you?”

 

“How dare I? How dare you. You neglect the prize you have won and I am not about to let the princess fall when her ankles hurt. And guess what little brother I don’t see a ring,” He said. Antony snarled.

 

“You kissed her, why?” Antony snapped.

 

“Because little brother she needed it,” Jacque tried to reason.

 

“Excuse me, how did you magically decide I needed a kiss?” I asked angrily.

 

“Butterfly, you wouldn’t shut up. You needed it because he wasn’t giving it to you. He left you stranded, helpless-“

 

“Sorry, I think I missed that can you repeat that I can assure you I’m not freakin’ helpless I’m a 3rd degree black belt and have other martial arts training, I am not helpless just a tad bit injured,” I snapped. I boiled with anger. I grabbed my bags and grabbed Antony’s hand and said to him, “ I hate your brother.”

 

Then I led him out of the mall. “Did you get what you came here for?” I asked Antony. He held up a small package for me to see.

 

He pulled out his phone and whispered into it. We finally got to the car. The doors were locked and Mr. R nowhere to be found.

 

“Um- Antony where’s Mr. Robertson?” I asked.

 

“Not coming we have to walk,” He said his tone dead.

 

“Me… walk in 3 inch heels I don’t think so. Especially with all these bags, I think your on your own there. I will bust just like a piñata,” I said holding back my nasty tone.

 

“Well we are and we will,” He said his tone remaining dead. He walked ahead of me.

 

“Now first of all what did I do?” I asked walking in front of him. “I mean I don’t get it tell me what was so wrong? I didn’t do anything and my dad will put you through something horrible if he found out.”

 

“Is it worst then seeing your future wife kiss another guy?” He asked I could practically see the steam coming out of his head.

 

Then I snapped my tone nastier then ever. “Now here’s a question for you, why do you have to bring up something that wasn’t even my fault. He kissed me not the other way around. I didn’t tell him too-“

 

“Nor did you tell him to stop,” Antony shouted not looking me in the eye but at the ground.

 

“What the heck do you freakin’ want me to do? Go back in freakin’ time and stop me from twisting my ankle and him from knocking me down. Go on tell me,” I said loudly.

 

He didn’t answer after a minute.

 

“Answer me, Antony,” I shouted tears I didn’t know about were streaming down my cheeks.

 

He was silent.

 

“I can’t believe this,” I pulled out my phone. And dialed the first number that came to my mind, my mom.

 

“Yes honey,” She answered.

 

“Uh mom-“ I started.

 

Antony knocked the phone out of my hand.

 

“Are you crazy?” I asked trying to pick up the back and front pieces of my phone but found that it was no use. The front screen was cracked. The battery had fallen into the gutter and my hand had something in it. I cried out. I took a piece of paper out of my purse and swiped it against the thing in my palm and it came out slowly. I hissed. Ow, I thought. It started to bleed a little. I saw it was glass. I looked up at him angrily. I got up slowly. Letting my injured hand drop. I had no words anymore. The words that would’ve came out would’ve been ones I would regret. My ankle still hurt but I could walk slowly, injured hand and twisted ankle, Great, I thought. Best mall trip ever.

 

I started to limp away from him as fast as my ankle could carry me. I wasn’t running but I wasn’t walking slowly either. I heard him follow me, then I felt him grab my wrist.

 

“You know what? Don’t touch me,” I hissed at him. Shaking him off.

 

“You could be a little less-“

 

“A little less what, Antony, haven’t I suffered enough. You broke my phone. You make me walk. What next?” I asked my eyes watered.

 

“Look at me,” He demanded. “Look at me, Equina.”

 

I turned to face him. He looked awful like his heart had been ripped out and forced back in, he looked torn. I looked at the ground then he lifted my chin to him.

 

“I broke it because all you were going to do was tell your mom then I was going to have to go back to fr- I mean where I came from alone. And I made you walk because I was angry and I couldn’t bare sit in a car with you I needed to cool off and out here its pretty cold. And when you ask what next? What’s next Equina is we move forward together,” He said grabbing my hand and pressing it to his lips. My hand shook. It felt worst then butterflies in your stomach.

 

“Together?” I asked aloud.

 

“Yeah,” He said. He pulled out his phone.

 

“Mr. Robertson please come pick us up,” He said.

 

5 minutes later Mr. Robertson pulled around the curb. Antony helped me in. I put my bags in the car but put Lana and I’s bracelets in my pocket. We drove home with me still upset he made me walk and broke my phone I was silent.

 

“Wait, before we get out this car I want to know if your okay,” He said stopping me from getting out of the car.

 

“I’m fine,” I said through gritted teeth.

 

“Be honest, love,” He said.

 

“No of course I’m not fine I can’t believe you would ask such a stupid question. You broke my phone and my mom’s going to kill me,” I shouted angrily.

 

Mr. Robertson looked back when we stopped at a red light.

 

“Are you okay Madame Elton?” He asked me caringly.

 

I smiled at him he genuinely cared. “ Thanks Mr. Robertson I think I’m okay,” I said.

 

“If your worried about your phone, I can have Mark stop at a phone store and buy you a look-alike so you don’t have to tell your mom,” He said to her.

 

“What?” I asked angrily. “You can’t honestly believe I would lie to my mother, do you?”

 

“Its not lying its just not telling the whole truth,” He tried to reason.

 

“Same thing,” I mumbled. “Would you tell me a partial truth, Antony?”

 

“Um- n-no,” He stammered.

 

“Then why would you have me trick my mother and tell her a partial truth,” I snapped.

 

He was dead silent. Mr. Robertson shook his head. I couldn’t tell what for.

 

“Not to be a bother but I think Madame Elton should be told the truth,” Mr. Robertson said hinting for me to question Antony.

 

“So I have been lied to?” I questioned Antony.

 

“Its not really a lie-“

 

“Excuse me, not telling the truth is a lie,” I shouted to him.

 

“Keep it down,” He yelled.

 

“Mr. Robertson,” I called to him.

 

“Yes dear,” He answered.

 

“Has Antony ever hurt a woman?” I asked.

 

“Don’t answer that!” Antony interrupted.

 

“No please tell me Mr. Robertson, I want to know,” I said to him calmly.

 

“Tell her, and consider your career this your final career,” He snapped.

 

“Well, Madame Elton, the answer to your question is yes, Antony has hurt two women one Madame Jane his ex-girlfriend. And two his first fiancé Chalice he-“

 

“That’s it!” Antony shouted. “Your fired.”

 

Antony hopped out of the car as if to cool off and not have to explain. He started walking in my house direction.

 

“Why’d you tell me this? You just lost your job because you answered my question-“ I started.

 

“Quinn, It matters not me losing my job it matters because you deserve the truth,” He said nicely. He shook my hand. “After all these years of service, I think I finally served my purpose.”

 

“I can’t believe him. He hurt a fiancé he never talked to me about an probably never would. Why did he break it off with his fiancé?” I asked.

 

“Because… um because he had to,” He trailed off.

 

“Tell me,” I snapped. “I’m sorry to snap at you but I need to know.”

 

“He broke it off the day he found out he had to marry you, he d-didn’t want to marry you it wasn’t his-his choice to marry you,” He stuttered.

 

I bolted out the car. Mr. Robertson shouted something to me but I couldn’t understand because I was fuming. Antony wasn’t walking outside anymore he was probably at my house we were going to have a talk. I left my bags in the car.

 

Anger on Heels

 

Anger ON Heels

 

I yanked off my heels. My ankle had stopped hurting but walking in heels stung.

 

I walked faster. I decided to skip my house and go to Jenny’s right now I needed my best friend and she gave me clarity. I knocked on her door.

 

Jenna answered the door. Her look stated she was angry.

 

“Jenna,” I whispered and hugged her. She didn’t hug me back. All those tears I held in came out. “I-I’m so s-sorry.”

 

I pulled away from her. Her expression softened.

 

“What happened?” She asked caringly. Then out of nowhere I broke down. I cried and cried.

 

She sat on the steps and next to me. She hugged me.

 

“Whatever is the matter… I’m sure you’ll be just fine. You always are so strong,” She said gently.

 

I pulled out of the hug.

 

“I’m sorry for being such a… ya know to Sera,” I said to her wiping my puffy eyes.

 

“Oh that’s perfectly fine, she lip locked with my “boyfriend” in her eyes,” Jenna said angrily.

 

I blinked twice. She wasn’t kidding.

“I can’t believe-” I started.

 

“I couldn’t either girl. She kissed him the day you went missing at the nurse. I guess she can’t keep her lips of any guy. I left them together to go to check into art club and 5 freakin minutes later I find her kissing my future husband and him trying to push her away,” Jenna said angrily and her face got red just talking about it.

 

“Now little sister what’s wrong?” She said ruffling my messed up curls.

 

My eyes watered.

 

“You know about the arrangement I told you about,” I started. She nodded. “Well he d-didn’t really choose me. He broke it off with his fiancé he broke his fiancés heart to be with me. You know how I feel about heartbreakers and cheaters and liars, and ugh! He lied and he broke Chalice’s heart and he broke mine, he just can’t do that Jen-“

 

“Wait did you just say Chalice?” She said interrupting me.

 

“Yeah but that’s not the point, Chalice was his ex-fiancé,” I said.

 

“Chalice is the name of a street, chalice is the name of a highway and Chalice is a name of a person what person, you ask?” She started pulling me into the house closing the door and leading me to her room. She pulled out her magazine and threw it to me. I caught it. “Chalice is a French fashion designer same age as us but she created her first clothing line at age 7. You see this picture.”

 

She said pointing to a picture of a boy picking up a girl while she was picking up a very stylish outfit. She was looking at the outfit and the boys eyes were transfixed on hers. The boy looked like a little Antony.

 

I gasped. “Is this your future husband?” She asked. I nodded speechless.

 

“They grew up together. It was only natural for them to get together. But they’re breakup wasn’t so predictable,” Jenna said pulling out another magazine. The cover had a very angry blonde with green eyes staring daggers at Antony.

 

The headline read ‘What happened? Will they get back together?’

 

So Antony was from France. That explains the name. And the language.

 

“Why couldn’t he have told me?” I asked Jenna.

 

“Hey, give him a chance to explain ‘Kay?” She pleaded.

 

“ ’Kay,” I groaned.

 

“If he doesn’t you know what we’ll do,” She said sarcastically pulling out her toy gun.

 

“Thanks Jen, you’re the best,” I said hugging her.

 

“Yeah I know little sis,” She said.

 

“Secret for a secret?” I offered.

 

“Yeah sure,” She said. “I love Robert.”

 

“Oh my gawd,” I said stunned.

 

“Yeah I know, your turn,” She said nudging me.

 

“Antony made me walk in heels and he broke my phone,” I told her.

 

Her mouth opened but she closed it.

 

“Wait a minute. Where is that as-?,” She started to ask angrily.

 

“Jenna, I need you to meet him bring Robert too,” I said interrupting her.

 

“Okay but I still have my gun if he gives you any trouble. See ya in 3,” She said holding up her plastic gun.

 

“Bye,” I said walking down the stairs and out the door.

 

I walked back to my house feeling lighter. But I looked like a wreck.

 

My eyes were puffy, my curls were faded, my blouse was wrinkled, and “waterproof” mascara was running. I went to our well out back to clean off. I washed off the make up. Then I pulled my hair into a French braid. Water cleared the puffiness and I was ready to enter the house.

 

I reached my house I heard yelling from the outside and I heard things being thrown around. I pulled opened the door unlocked.

 

“What in the world?” I shouted as I looked at the messed up house. I saw a knife go flying into the wall near my head.

 

“Amah,” I screamed. I saw my mom chasing my father who had a very sharp knife inn his hand he was chasing Antony. Antony’s father was also chasing Antony yelling at him about what a failure he was. Mrs. Elton was screaming to herself. And Antony’s little sister who almost got hit with a knife was covering her ears and rocking back and forth on the floor. More knives were thrown. “I’m sorry Sir!” Antony shouted to my father.

 

“Sorry not good enough,” My father panted throwing another knife.

 

“Everyone get down here now!” I shouted. Everyone stopped moving.

 

“But-“ Dad protested.

 

“I’ve had ENOUGH,” I yelled. Everyone but my dad came downstairs. I eyed him angrily, he came downstairs because he wanted to listen to my side of the story.

 

Mrs. Elton stopped screaming this was a bad idea but Antony’s little sister was still rocking back and forth. I knelt down in front of Lana.

 

“Lana, are you okay?” I asked her. I took her hand. She looked at me and stopped rocking.

 

“As long as you can be my fashion forward sister-in-law still,” She insisted.

 

I giggled. “There’s only one way that wouldn’t happen, you know why?”

 

“Because my brothers a total jerk?” She asked.

 

I laughed a little. “No, silly only if I lost my fashion sense.”

 

I pulled out the bracelets I had in my pocket. “I’ve got something for you,” I said.

 

“What?” She asked curiously. I gave her the bracelet. She squealed. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank youuu.”

 

I clasped the bracelet. “As long as you have yours nothing can come between us,” I said smiling.

 

Then I pulled out mine, “Your turn,” I said handing her the bracelet to clasp on me.

 

She clasped the bracelet on me. Then she practically threw herself into my arms for a hug.

 

“I’m so lucky to have you as my sister-in-law,” She whispered.

 

I pulled away and led Lana back to the couch. I turned back around.

 

Antony looked at me with amazement. I looked away from him.

 

“Take a seat, Antony,” I said coldly.

 

He sat down.

 

“Okay we will all speak and we will all share our thoughts, feelings and things we need to say to each other without interruption,” I ratted off. “I will go first.”

 

I took a deep quivering breath. “So first of all I think you Antony should’ve told me the truth in the beginning,” I said. Antony opened his mouth to say something. “Shut up, Antony. You should have told me about your girlfriend, and you fiancé. Oh especially the fiancé . You tried to get me to lie to my mom, how do you think that makes me feel?” My mom glared at Antony. “You even dumped your famous fashion designer fiancé to be with someone you didn’t even want to be with. And yet you come into my life, and for once in my life it feels perfect then you don’t tell me a thing about yourself. I don’t know you and you really really don’t want to know me. I see now you should really just go back to your home place,” I said sadly unknown tears fell down my face and I just looked down.

 

“Antony, go back to France where you really want to be,” I said in French fluently.

 

“Love, I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to make you feel this way. Will you forgive me?” He asked speaking in French also.

 

“Wee,” I said in French he hugged me.

 

“How do you speak French so fluently?” He asked in English.

“I picked it up when my robot nanny started speaking French instead of English as she was programmed,” I said.

 

“How’d you know?”

 

“I have a very good best friend who tells me everything,” I told him.

 

“My turn,” He said.

 

“I’m sorry for being such a jerk,” He started. Lana mouthed “Told you”. “Especially to Equina, and to you sir. I’m so sorry. I hope you can all forgive me-“

 

“So you expect me to forgive you for letting my daughter have her leg nearly sprained with your stupidity?” My dad asked. “Well, If you expect that, I hope you find the father in law your searching for, first you break her phone, then her heart, then our trust in you Antony.”

 

My dad said gesturing between mom and him.

 

“Then you try to sugar coat it with a hug, a kiss are you out of your f-“ Dad started.

 

“Daddy!” I shouted.

 

“And you- you let him run you over. You know your still upset you just let him get away with it. This is not how I raised you Marie, this is not how I raised you at all,” He said. He only called me Marie when he was serious. And I only called him Daddy when I was getting embarrassed or he was about to cuss.

 

I looked down in shame.

 

The doorbell rang. Finally about time.

 

“Yay its Jenna I’ll get it,” I yipped happily skipping to the door. I opened it and found it was Robert and Jenna kissing. “Guys!” I groaned.

 

Robert pulled away. Jenna rubbed his hand. And he took hers.

 

“Another arranged couple has arrived,” I said to the family.

 

“Robert this is Antony, Antony, Robert,” I said introducing them.

“Antony man it’s been awhile,” Robert said.

 

“Yeah it has, what you doing here?” Antony asked.

 

“I moved here with my family. And remember that arrangement it was between me and that sweet girl over there,” He said pointing to Jenna who blushed.

 

“You two, know each other?” I asked.

 

“Yes,” Both of them said in unison. Jenna and I laughed together.

 

“Yeah we were both dating fashion designers, I was dating Chalice and he was dating Rose,” Antony said. I looked at Jenna who looked shocked.

 

Antony looked at Robert who was horrified.

 

“Rob, you didn’t tell her?” Antony whispered.

 

“No and we were getting married in a week,” Robert sighed. “I’m screwed.”

 

“Jenna, are you okay?” I asked. I touched her shoulder.

 

“I’m just peachy, does it look like I’m okay, Quinn?” She asked me the tears in her eyes were visible.

 

“We will be right back,” I said to them. Robert grabbed Jenna’s wrist. We stopped walking.

 

“Let me go,” She spat furiously. We both had a thing about lying to people we trusted.

 

“Lets talk about-“ He started.

 

“I will talk to you when I am perfectly ready,” She shouted at him. He let go of her arm and Jenna ran up stairs to the bathroom. I followed quickly.

 

“I can’t believe him, you know I asked him about him being serious with anyone he dated, and I know he was serious unless the magazine lied,” She mumbled.

 

She looked at herself in the mirror.

 

“How can I compete with the famous designer rich girl when I’m nothing but a townie?” She muttered.

 

“Your not just any townie Jenna you’re my best big sister townie the one and the only that I know will stick by me with anything, chicken pox, salmonella, the flu, and allergies, you’re the closest thing I have to a sister,” I said honestly. She cried, I hugged her tightly.

 

“I’ve got something to cheer you up,” I said.

 

“What?”

 

“A makeover, you’ll tease it out of him, it’ll be torture,” I smiled deviously.

 

She smiled.

 

“To the salon,” I said pulling her into my room with a flat iron, brush and some hair oil.

 

I braided the front into a goddess halo around the back. I pulled it into a frenchy type bun in the back then added silver butterfly clips and gave her my butterfly earrings to match. I took out a blue and white gown and white evening purse clasped with a diamond. Then she straightened my hair and she pulled out an burgundy princess gown it was beautiful had come with a silver headband crown thing it snaked around your forehead and the back of head sort of like the lining of a hat. It held my hair in place. I looked like the fire, she looked like the ice. We complemented each other. And we were going to go out and flirt and make the guys jealous. I played the French horn then announced the arrival of Jenna, “Welcoming Lady Jenna Wilhoukem.”

 

She took the horn. “Also announcing “Princess Quinn Laxly.”

 

“You look stunning,” Robert said trying to touch her hair.

 

“Un-Uh, no touchy,” I snapped. “She has to look fresh for her prince.”

 

“What??” Robert asked.

 

I ignored his face and his question.

 

“No you will not, makeup freshly done,” Jenna said waving him off.

 

“Well, we will see you later guys,” I said to my family and the Eltons.

 

“Where are you going?” My father asked.

 

I whispered to Jenna the answer, “We’re going to find guys worthy of our time.”

 

Jenna told my father and my father told my mom and my mom told Mrs. Elton.

 

“Oh okay have fun,” My father said smiling.

 

My mom looked horrified and Mrs. Elton looked sort of upset.

 

We left out of the house without taking one glimpse at the boys.

 

We both took a deep breath, “Whew, that was hard,” Jenna said.

 

“Yeah I-“

 

The boys both came outside.

 

We didn’t say a word to them they walked right past us because they didn’t see us.

 

“I can’t believe this,” Robert said.

 

“Where’d they go?” Antony asked. “My mom told me they went to go find other guys.”

 

“What have I done?” Robert groaned.

 

“Don’t beat yourself up over it,” Antony said.

 

“I can’t help it Ant,” Robert said. “I shouldn’t have lied then I wouldn’t be in this crap in the first place.”

 

“Yeah but..”

 

“I should’ve told her everything!” He shouted. I heard Jenna start to cry. “I love you Jenna,” He whispered aloud.

 

Jenna bolted and ran towards Robert knocking him down. He groaned.

 

“Do you mean it?” She asked him.

 

“Of course I do,” He said kissing her.

 

Antony looked around for me. But I hid under the patio table. Robert should have beaten himself up it was his fault. Antony had no right to tell him not to. Wrong thing to say.

 

“Quinn!” He called.

 

“What!” I shouted. “Now I know I can no longer trust you, you pathetic liar.”

 

“Quinn, your being irrational. Tell me where you are and we can talk,” He offered.

 

“Sorry I don’t speak to liars, or cheaters, or heartbreakers and Chalice’s heart was broken. I don’t even know you but now I don’t even think I want to,” I said sharply.

 

I got up and walked into the house and slammed the door behind me. I slid to the floor up against the door. Tears fell. I heard a car being started and Antony muttering cuss words to himself. I heard Jenna and Robert drive away. Antony coming up to the door. I locked it and ran upstairs I practically ripped off the dress then I threw on my pjs.

 

I took out my diary and read my past entries,

 

11th grade

 

Formal Fall

‘I saw Edward trying to ask me to formal. But he was making a decision to cross the popular border to join us in the loser category. But he didn’t want to make that decision. I knew he planned on it because my friend Meg told me she found out from her boyfriend. But instead of asking me out he accidentally tripped me. Feeling- Disappointed’

 

No Date

 

‘Edward took Kati Brogan to formal. Although from what I heard that I was his back up plan. Better to be second then not a pick at all right? Wrong. I officially hate Edward Withers. And I hope he withers away just like his name. Feeling- Angry’

 

More tears fell as the memories felt so recent. I wiped my eyes, it was no use crying over spilt milk my dad would say. Or in this case a worthless liar Antony!

 

I skipped about ten more entries then read one that gave me and idea.

 

I closed my eyes and thought of my scheme. 

Public, what now???

 

 

You go to public school?

 

I woke up my door cracked open and my head hurting from staying up late. My plans were still stashed away. I looked into my vanity. I didn’t want to see anything I just wanted to stay here, make plans, sulk, and sulk more, not exactly in that order.

 

I closed my door. Someone came banging on it within 15 seconds of me closing it.

 

“What?” I shouted.

 

“I just want to talk,” Antony said to me through the door.

 

“Go ahead talk,” I said not opening the door.

 

“Through the door?” He asked.

 

“Yeah through the door, I am not accepting liars into my room right now and not ever,” I shouted at him refusing to open the door.

 

“I just want to say, I’m sorry and I didn’t mean it what I said I wasn’t think-,” He started.

 

“Oh you do that?” I asked sarcastically.

 

He groaned mildly annoyed.

 

I hesitated what was I supposed to say all is forgiven? Or was I supposed to say I love you so much? What exactly was I supposed to do?

 

“Well okay,” I said.

 

“Are you going to school today the bus gets here at 7:10?” He asked.

 

 

“I’ve lived here all of my life you act like I just got here,” I said rudely. “I don’t ride the bus, stupid!”

 

I heard him walk downstairs and leave through the back door. Eventually I fell back asleep.

 

35 minutes later, I decided now would be a good time to get dressed. I was heading towards the closet when I heard an abrupt knock on the door.

 

Now I groaned.

 

“Who’s there?” I snapped.

 

Lana opened the door and plopped on my bed. My eyes went wide she just invited herself in and plopped herself on my bed.

 

“Oh forgot this wasn’t home, we normally, actually my family does when we want to talk to each other we knock we enter then we sit and talk. So the person will know your coming,” Lana said explaining she got up heading to the door to do it right.

 

“No, Lana its fine I was just going to go take a quick suds and water. What’s up sister?” I asked her.

 

“Well, I was wondering… um- there’s this b-boy across the street he keeps giving me things and its kind’ve weird. He said I was pretty beautiful,” She said to me. “Why did he do that that is a double negative meaning I’m ugly, am I ugly?”

 

“No silly, your not ugly. And by pretty beautiful he means really beautiful. Lana what has Nathan been giving you?” I asked her.

 

“Oh just chocolate, cards…lots of them, more chocolate hearts, oh and special cupcakes with the ILY on it. I have know idea what ILY means?”

 

“Oh my gawd Lana its so obvious he’s got a crush on you,” I said smiling. “ILY means either I like you or I love you, both are good.”

 

“I can’t believe it. I just met him. And he likes me. Oh my gawd. Are you kidding?”

 

“No why would I kid around with this,” I said punching her playfully in the shoulder.

 

She giggled.

 

Her face turned serious. “We also need to talk about something else,” She said.

 

“What?”

 

Someone else rapped on the door. Then entered.

 

Hana. “Sorry to intrude but where’s Antony?” She snapped like she was angry at me.

 

“Um- I have no clue,” I said looking to Lana.

 

“He left a note on the fridge saying you’d know where he’d be and another note for you,” Lana said filling me in.

 

“Oh, but I don’t know where he is. Nor do I care sorry,” I said angry Hana accused me of knowing something of this importance.

 

Hana’s right eye twitched.

 

“How dare you? How can you say something like this about my son?” She asked furious.

 

“Mom cool it,” Lana shouted stepping in front of me protectively. Trying to hide me from her mothers anger cloud.

 

“Lana stay out of this,” Hana hissed.

 

“Mom no, I will not let you scare her, like you did Chalice, I know what you really did to Chalice,” Lana said. Hana shook her head. “Yeah I know, you told her Antony was cheating isn’t that right.

 

“Just because I’m only 15 doesn’t make me totally oblivious to the fact you made Chalice angry. I will not let you hurt Quinn, you know Quinn was upset with Antony last night. And now how dare you accuse her of knowing where he is, Antony will be back let it rest mom. He will come back safely on his own time. He is an adult, let him be one,” She said countering her mom.

 

Hana looked lost confused a little hurt maybe.

 

“Well then…,” Hana said softly then she walked out of the door.

 

“Now where were we?” Lana asked looking back at me like nothing ever happened. She sat back on the bed. I was shocked. Wow, I’d never even had the guts to go up against my mom because my mom was so cool unlike Hana.

 

“Oh please don’t look so shocked. We’re family now,” She said holding my hand. “Well I hope we still will be. You will try to make it work with my dope of a brother right?”

 

She asked her eyes pleaded with me.

 

“Okay but you have to promise me you’ll go out with Nathan Brody,” I said holding out my hand for a shake on it.

 

“Deal,” She said shaking on it.

 

“Now you go get dressed, we’re about to be late for school,” I said.

 

“School?” She asked like it was a foreign concept.

 

“Yeah, public,” I said.

 

“You go to a school? We either have tutors or we go to private or boarding school. You have all this money and you go to a public school?” She asked shocked.

 

“Yeah, we try to live secretly so people don’t ask questions,” I said. “Well there’s no private’s schools unless you take a plane two cities over, boarding schools are so far away most think it’s a school with a lot of boards in it. Tutors over here suck.”

 

“That’s it I’m quitting school until I get back to home,” She said seriously.

 

“You can’t be serious!” I shouted laughing.

 

“I’m so serious,” She said.

 

“You’ve got to and you need to make friends and meet Nathan,” I said trying to persuade her.

 

I heard the back door creak closed.

 

“Someone’s sneaking in the house through the backdoor,” I told Lana. “Stay here.”

 

“Fine by me,” She said sounding a little nervous.

 

I walked slowly down the stairs to find nothing I turned around in the kitchen looking around. I grabbed my bat.

 

I stopped in the middle of the floor. Was I hearing things?

 

“Looking for me?” A familiar voice whispered in my ear which tickled as he whispered. He was behind me.

 

“Antony!” I couldn’t help but shout. I hugged him on reaction. “Everyone was so worried about you.”

 

“Well I’m glad I got home in time,” He said chuckling.

 

I pulled away from him.

 

“So tell me Antony where have you been?” I asked sharply. Anger radiated.

 

“I was at that girl Janna’s house I crashed at there house,” He said putting his hands up in surrender.

 

“First of all her names Jenna not Janna and second of all, you better not be lying to me, and third of all why?” I asked in a threatening tone.

 

“Because-“

 

Hana came into the kitchen.

 

“Oh Antony, where have you been?” She asked.

 

“He slept at Jenna’s,” I answered for him.

 

“I didn’t ask you-“

 

“You didn’t have to ask me I supplied the answer,” I snapped.

 

“Don’t start-“ She started again.

 

“Listen Hana, there is room for two alpha females in this house one is my mom and the second position taken by me,” I said harshly. “Do you have a problem with that?”

She was silent.

 

“I’m taking the silence as a yes,” I said to her. “Now I will go get dressed it was nice speaking to you Hana, I’m really glad we have this understanding.”

 

Hana was shocked her eyes bulged. Antony’s mouth was wide open. I walked upstairs then stopped.

 

“Oh and Antony its nice to have you back.”

 

I ran upstairs and closed my door to my room. Lana smiled.

 

“I heard that,” Lana said. “I’m so happy you didn’t cower.”

 

She hugged me.

 

I let out of the hug.

 

“I guess I have to go get ready for “school”,” Lana said putting air quotes on school.

 

“Yeah me too,” I said. “I can help you pick out an outfit, if you want me too.”

 

“That would be so great,” She said pulling me to her room.

 

Her room was down the hall and I could tell she redecorated a lot since she got here. She had a chandelier hanging over the bed and she had put a queen size mattress instead of a twin. She also added new furniture.

 

“Whoa.”

 

“Yeah I had this added when I came here,” She said. “Come here’s the closet.”

 

The closet door opened and I was stunned the clothes were way past gorgeous.

 

I gasped.

 

“So will you help me?” She asked.

 

“Yeah,” I said. I looked at the clothes. Her eyes were blue. What goes with those blue eyes? And her personality was innocent sweetheart. So something innocent and she could be red when she’s angry.

 

“Red and white clashed with silver,” I whispered to myself. The blue would make her eyes stand out, perfect.

 

“What?” She asked confused.

 

I got a red shirt the collar was white and a pair of white skinny jeans. I grabbed a black bracelet that had silver links in between the beads. And I pulled out huge silver hoop earrings. The earrings gave a little don’t-mess-with-me vibe. The red shirt said look-at-me-I’m-bold and the white made her innocent to some extent.

 

She showered while I went to go pick my outfit out. I spotted a white knee length dress in my closet. I tied my hair up in a perfect ponytail that expressed my I-mean-business attitude. I found some boots my closet. I got out a belt.

 

I heard the shower cut off. I took my outfit and waited for Lana to open the door. I saw a girl with jet black hair and piercing blue eyes her skin pale looked as if it had been dusted with sparkles. I looked at my work. Red was definitely Lana’s color.

 

“You look great!” I said to her.

 

“Oh thanks you should talk to my outfit designer,” She said although she was talking about me. I laughed.

 

“It was an honor,” I said curtseying in my Pjs.

 

“Would you do me the honor of curling this mess?” She asked twiddling her tangled wet hair.

 

“After I take a shower and fix myself,” I said. She nodded then headed to her room,

 

I went into the bathroom. I dropped my clothes on the counter and admired myself. I had grey eyes and practically black hair. I pulled out the temporary hair dye. It was a goldish dark brown. I highlighted my very dark hair with the brown. In the end it looked great and it only would last for a week. As I looked at the finish product my eyes looked less sharp and more gentle.

 

I took a shower and got dressed. The was white and had a thin brown belt wrapped around the middle. I had knee high brown boots and a brown purse that clasped with gold. I slipped my gold bangles on both arms. The buckles on my boots were gold too. I found a white scarf with Eiffel tower silhouettes in gold, I didn’t have on of these. I looked at myself in the mirror. Dark brown hair shimmered in the light. I approved my appearance.

 

I put my hair in a French braid down my back. I looked professional yet innocently oblivious to my beauty.

 

I put my boots on and walked through the hallway to Lana’s room.

 

I stopped walking when I heard a voice coming from downstairs.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Yes.”

 

I heard whispers of the voice on the other end but couldn’t make out the words.

 

“Yes reservations for two,” He said quickly.

 

Brief pause.

 

“Yes put it in her water,”

 

“No I’m not worried… just make it work Eli!” He shouted through his phone.

 

I walked downstairs to see Antony throw his phone to the ground.

 

“Antony, are you okay?” I asked.

 

He looked up to me and gave me a half smile.

 

“I’m sorry for yelling, and disturbing you.”

 

“You didn’t really disturb me.”

 

“Quinn, I’m so sorry, I haven’t been doing anything but saying stupid things. So please give me a chance to apologize with a glorious dinner, and a 3 day trip to Italy.”

 

My eyes bulged. A trip to Italy. I always wanted to go since I was little.

 

“Are you serious?”

 

“Yes,” He said.

Impressum

Texte: Gabriella Counou
Lektorat: Belamy Counou
Übersetzung: Gabriella Counou
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 27.11.2015

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Widmung:
This is dedicated to my Mom, and Dad who have a wonderful marriage. The two people that told me to keep writing. The two people that motivated me to write, read, write some more. I love you guys, thank you for the encouragement, love, and care.