Chapter 6
I woke up in the morning, rolling over and finding Brad had already left for school. I sighed and sat up, my eyes diverting to the wastebasket near my bed. The note was still crumpled up in a ball, waiting for me to pick it up. I sighed, flattened it out and read what it said.
Your presence is requested tomorrow at 12:00 noon at the County Jail to speak with Zachary and Victoria. Presence is mandatory.
I looked at the clock. It was 10:30. I rolled out of bed and got into the shower, taking my dear time. I wasn't going to hurry for them.
I was ready soon enough, and I headed out the door and over to the County Jail, waiting for an officer to escort me back to the visiting areas. Mommy and Zach were sitting in the same room, the phone attach to their ears. I sat down, stared at the two of them before picking up the phone.
"Hello Skye," Zach said first. Mommy had yet to say anything. She just stared back at me.
"Hello," I muttered to the both of them, propping my elbow up on the table. "What did you want me here for."
"I was hoping that I could talk to you about the house," Zach said.
"I don't want to move in," I said simply.
"Why not?" He asked curiously. I glared at him.
"Because it was the house that we once lived in, and the house that all of this is based on," I growled.
"That's a stupid reason to give up a million dollar house. It's in your name now. I can't do anything with it." I raised my eyebrows.
"Why is she so quiet?" I asked. He turned in her direction.
"She's just a little mad."
"Why? Is it because that I caught her in the act?" I sneered. Her eyes darkened.
"This is all your fault Skye. You are the only reason that I'm in here."
"No, YOU are the reason that you're in here. You were the one that hated your child so much." I took a look at her. She looked pathetic in her bright orange jumpsuit with her hair pulled back and no makeup or jewelry on.
"Please take the house. You can have everything inside of it."
"I don't want it!"
"Then you are in charge of selling it. It's not in my name anymore," he repeated. I stood up.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm leaving. If that was the only reason you wanted to talk to me, then I'm leaving."
"Wait! We wanted to tell you that we're sorry," Zach replied. I spun around slowly.
"You think SORRY is going to make it all better?" I asked, then cradled the phone. Zach pounded the glass, and the officer standing in the back of the room pulled him out of his chair and led him back to his cell. Mommy followed. I sighed and left the jailhouse, going back home to an empty house. I cleaned up a little bit and relaxed, watching some afternoon TV. Finally, Brad burst into the apartment, throwing down his backpack and rushing towards me.
"Hello Darling," he boasted, sweeping me into his arms and crushing his lips on mine. I giggled and pushed him away.
"And how was your day?" He asked. I shrugged. He tossed the stack of mail onto the kitchen counter and kissed me again.
"All of my friends are excited for our engagement, and they're dying to meet you. Why don't we have a party in the downstairs lobby? We could rent it out for a few ours and formally announce our engagement to everyone we know. How about it?" I shrugged.
"Sounds fine," I said, smiling. I hadn't felt this happy in a long time. He spun me in a circle and let go of me, reaching over for the stack of mail, mainly bills. He looked at one letter curiously, cocking his head to the side.
"What?" I asked. He handed it to me.
"It's from the local TV station," he said. My heart pounded as I tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. I knew what it was going to say.
Dear Miss Lawrence:
Our TV station has heard about your recent ordeal, and we find it very interesting. Many rumors have been circulating around the story, and has become such a controversy, that local viewers of the station are calling to inquire whether we are going to do a story about you.
We would truly love it if you could come down to KYWB's station and have one of our main anchors interview you.
Sincerely,
Karen Cook
Director of KYWB channel 3
I sighed. It was a brief letter, but it said all that it needed to say. I looked at Brad, who was waiting eagerly.
"What?"
"They want me to come down to the station and talk," I muttered, chewing on my lower lip.
"Well, it's up to you if you want to or not," he said softly, slinging his arm around my waist.
"I don't know if I want this out in the public though," I replied.
"Well, it's already in the newspapers, and from there, lies upon lies will build. I highly recommend it." I shrugged.
"I'll think about it." I declared and sat down on the couch. He sat next to me.
"Why don't we start planning the party?" He asked cheerfully. I nodded.
"Sure," I mumbled. He grabbed a pad of paper and a pen and started to jot things down. I threw out idea after idea, suggesting what we should eat, wear, drink, anything imaginable.
"So far, this is a good start," Brad commented.
"It's going to be the event of the year!" I cried. My mood had brightened more since I had read the letter.
"Well, I'll get on the phone and start calling. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll be there in a sec," he said, picking up the phone and calling the lobby downstairs. I went into my room and changed into my pajamas and combed out my hair. Suddenly, a flashback popped into my head.
In the morning, I awoke, thinking I was in my room. But when my eyes opened, I remembered what happened, and I had leaped out of the bed, and screamed. I looked down. He had apparently put a nightgown on me. Zach jolted up.
"What?" he mumbled, scratching his head. He turned to me, and smiled.
"Ah, darling Skye." He reached out to take me into his arms. I scooted farther back.
"I hope you slept well," he muttered. Actually, I did, but I didn't tell him that. He stood up, and grabbed his boxer shorts, and slipped into them. I bolted for the door, but he noticed, and he ran faster.
"No," he sang, wagging his forefinger. He grabbed me and hugged me.
"You didn't like it?" he pouted. I shook my head vigorously. "Oh, well I'll just have to fix that." He brushed his lips against my cheek. I tore away from him, and folded my arms across my chest. He shook his head, and walked out of the room, shutting and locking the door behind him, locking it. Tears spilled over my eyelids, as I walked over to Mommy's old vanity table. I sat down, staring into the mirror blankly. I picked up a brush, and started to brush my hair, making long strokes. I noticed my looks, how much I had changed. My eyes had grown darker. They almost looked like they were black than brown. My skin had become a little paler. My cheekbones were coming out beautifully. My lips became redder, like crimson. I also had a hypnotized stare, concentrating on one significant thing. I brushed my hair more, staring back into the mirror.
I immediately dropped my brush and stepped back from the mirror. I wasn't going to let him ruin my life! I sighed, picked up the brush and put it back onto the counter and walked into the room, pulling back the covers and crawling in. I sank into the bed and pulled the covers up to my chin, and then Brad walked in.
"Comfy?" he asked, kissing me. I nodded and smiled.
"How did the call go?" I asked. He shrugged as he lifted his shirt and changed into his pajamas and crawled into bed.
"OK, we've got the lobby rented for 4 hours two weeks from today," he replied, leaning over to turn off the light. I curled up next to him, yawning.
"Tired much?" he asked. I nodded and he put his arms around my waist.
"Goodnight," I whispered, and drifted off.
In the morning, I was greeted by the smell of eggs being cooked in a skillet. I smiled and threw back the covers, heading into the kitchen where Brad was standing over the stove.
"Good morning," I said, yawning and sitting at our table. He kissed my cheek as he put eggs on my plate.
"Sleep well?" he asked. I nodded. For once in a while, I had a good night's sleep. He sat down and served himself.
"You don't have work today?" I asked. He shook his head.
"No. I put in a lot of overtime and they gave me a day off, for once," he muttered. I poured some milk and gulped it down.
"We need to work on invitations tonight. If we want anyone to attend, we want them to know ahead of time," he said. I nodded.
"I'll go to the store later. I need to buy groceries anyway," I muttered. I finished my breakfast quickly and put the dishes in the sink. The paper was on the counter, and I looked through it quickly, skimming the headlines. There was an article about me and Zach, but I ignored it and closed the paper back up.
"I'm going to get into the shower," I said and walked into the bathroom, shedding my clothes and getting into the shower. When I had first gotten in, it was boiling hot, and the first thing that came to mind is when I had tried to rid of the things that Zach had done to me. I immediately turned down the water temperature and washed my hair. Brad walked in and started to shave.
"Where are you going today?" I asked.
"Got to pick up my paycheck and see a few friends. I won't be gone long."
"Who are you going to see?"
"Just buddies. Bobby, James," he replied. I nodded even though the couldn't see me.
"Where do you have to go?" he repeated to me.
"Just to the store, and I might pick up a new dress for the party," I explained.
"Ah, that'll take forever," he muttered. I grunted and turned off the shower.
"Can you hand me a towel?" I asked, poking my head out from the shower curtain. Instead of Brad standing there, Zach was. I jumped back and nearly slipped and fell in the tub.
"You OK?" Brad asked, handing me a towel. I steadied myself and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just scared myself," I breathed and wrapped the towel around my body. I grabbed another for my hair and got out of the bathroom. I dried off and dressed in a pair of jeans and a navy blue T-shirt. I blow dried my hair and put some sandals on and was ready to go. I grabbed my purse and my keys and kissed Brad good-bye.
"I'll see you later," I said and headed down to my car, getting in and sighing happily.
I loved this car. Everything inside of it. The interior, the radio, just the smell of roses put a smile on my face. Sure, Zach had bought it for me, but why waste a car like this? I started up, hearing the roar of the engine and sped off for the store. My cellphone rang, and I rummaged through my purse to find it. I didn't recognize the number, but I answered it anyway.
"Hello?" I cradled the phone with my shoulder.
"Skye?" I instantly recognized the voice.
"Ian Buchanan!" I cried. "How did you get my phone number?"
"You gave it to me a while back, remember?" He asked. I laughed. I couldn't help it. Ian was a good school friend of mine back at Winston. We had really connected.
"What have you been up to? Why haven't you called?" I asked, stopping at a light.
"I've been around. Touring Europe and France and studying art, you know, stuff like that." I laughed.
"Sure Ian. You were probably building a ramp," I replied.
"No, I really was. Seriously," he defended.
"How was it?"
"It was really a beautiful place. I heard what happened to you. I knew you step dad was creepy, but I didn't think anything like that would happen to you." I sighed. I really didn't want to think of Zach today, but I was going out in the public for the first time in weeks. I had to show my face sometime.
"Yeah," I said softly. I didn't know what to say. "But it's done and over with."
"Good, good for you. You're OK, right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, yeah," I said quickly. I pulled up into the parking lot of the grocery store and parked.
"What have you been up to Skye?" I sighed.
"A lot of things," I said as I grabbed a grocery cart and walked through the aisles. "Just . . . stuff. Brad and I are getting engaged," I told him excitedly.
"Wow, congratulations."
"We're having a party on the 25th. You have to come. It wouldn't be a party without you."
"Should I bring a few kegs?" He asked. I laughed.
"No. This is a formal engagement. But you can't tell anyone," I said, looking around to make sure that no one had heard me. I wanted this to be announced at the party. "Promise?"
"Yes, I promise, Cross my heart, swear to die, all that crap," he muttered, and I giggled.
"It's so good to talk to you. What did you do after graduation?"
"Well, not much really. I hooked up with that one chick, Maggie Carson, you know?"
"Oh, really?" I hadn't talked to her in a long time, she used to be my best friend.
"Yeah, but that didn't last long. She went for someone else."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't even know that she was interested in boys," I joked, both of us going into a peal of laughter. I smiled. I started to count how much this was going to cost.
"Where are you now?" Ian asked.
"I'm at the grocery store."
"Ah, being miss Betty Crocker are you?" I rolled my eyes.
"Hardly. I was supposed to come here and get invitations for the party, but somehow I decided that I was also going to go shopping for food," I muttered.
"Well, I gotta go. I gotta get ready for a hot lunch date with Lacy Dodger." I gasped.
"That girl? Please, don't even waste your time on her. She'll dump you faster than trash," I warned.
"Ah, so what. I hear that she's working the streets now. After high school, her Mom died, her father went bankrupt, so she had to go live out on her own. She couldn't find a stable job, so that's what she's doing now." I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing.
"Well, I have to be going now. Got a lot of things to do," I said and hung up after saying good-bye. It was really nice to talk to him. I finished up my shopping and hurried home. Brad was waiting for me and helped me unload the groceries.
"Buy enough for the whole penthouse?" He asked sarcastically. I smirked.
"Just unload. We have a lot of stuff to do."
The two weeks passed quickly, and it was the night of the party. I had bought a new dress, a black spaghetti strap dress. I bought a new diamond necklace and a pair of shoes. Brad rented a nice tux. The apartment wasn't as decorated because we weren't really up to it. I waited anxiously by the door for our first guests to arrive. It was Ian. I threw my arms around him and kissed his cheek.
"God, it's so good to see you," I said. He smiled. He had grown so much more handsome. He got taller, he was about 6 foot now, and had a professional look to him. Ian and Brad shook hands, and the guests started filing in afterwards.
It was a steady stream of people, close friends, acquaintances, people from Brad's work and school. They all questioned what the party was for, but I couldn't say a word until Brad had made his announcement. Lydia Becker was invited, and she pulled me aside to give me some news.
"Before I came here, I was talking to David Arnold, Mr. James' lawyer, and he said that he put in his plea-" before she could say more, I held up my hand.
"Lydia, tonight is supposed to be a good night. I don't want any news about Zach," I said. "I really don't need to hear any more bad news." She sighed and nodded.
"I'll call you tomorrow and tell you," she said. I nodded and thanked her kindly.
I circled around the lobby, greeting people and saying hello to long lost friends. Brad circulated with me, but pulled me aside for a moment.
"What?" I asked. He took the engagement ring from my finger. "What are you taking that for?"
"I meant to do it earlier, but I just remembered."
"I don't think I get it," I said, giving him a curious look. He grinned.
"You'll see," he said, and hurried through the crowd. He raised his wine glass and tapped on it gently with a fork. He ushered me over and I stood by his side. The crowd was quiet.
"Ladies and Gentleman, you all must be wondering why we had a party like this," Brad began. "And now your question is finally going to be answered." He pushed the crowd back and got on one knee. I blushed furiously. He swiveled to the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I'd like to announced that Skye Lawrence is to be the future Mrs. Brad Collington." He slipped the ring on my finger as the crowd gasped and cheered.
"To the newly engaged!" Ian cried, raising his glass. Everyone clinked glass and cheered. I looked at Brad.
"I love you," he whispered in my ear. The band began to perform a slow song, and Brad took me out onto the dance floor and I threw my arms around him and danced.
"This has been a pretty successful night if I do say so myself," Brad mentioned. I nodded and looked into his eyes. Eyes that were troubled because of me. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes for a moment. This would be a night I would remember forever.
I woke up in the morning, rolling over and finding Brad had already left for school. I sighed and sat up, my eyes diverting to the wastebasket near my bed. The note was still crumpled up in a ball, waiting for me to pick it up. I sighed, flattened it out and read what it said.
Your presence is requested tomorrow at 12:00 noon at the County Jail to speak with Zachary and Victoria. Presence is mandatory.
I looked at the clock. It was 10:30. I rolled out of bed and got into the shower, taking my dear time. I wasn't going to hurry for them.
I was ready soon enough, and I headed out the door and over to the County Jail, waiting for an officer to escort me back to the visiting areas. Mommy and Zach were sitting in the same room, the phone attach to their ears. I sat down, stared at the two of them before picking up the phone.
"Hello Skye," Zach said first. Mommy had yet to say anything. She just stared back at me.
"Hello," I muttered to the both of them, propping my elbow up on the table. "What did you want me here for."
"I was hoping that I could talk to you about the house," Zach said.
"I don't want to move in," I said simply.
"Why not?" He asked curiously. I glared at him.
"Because it was the house that we once lived in, and the house that all of this is based on," I growled.
"That's a stupid reason to give up a million dollar house. It's in your name now. I can't do anything with it." I raised my eyebrows.
"Why is she so quiet?" I asked. He turned in her direction.
"She's just a little mad."
"Why? Is it because that I caught her in the act?" I sneered. Her eyes darkened.
"This is all your fault Skye. You are the only reason that I'm in here."
"No, YOU are the reason that you're in here. You were the one that hated your child so much." I took a look at her. She looked pathetic in her bright orange jumpsuit with her hair pulled back and no makeup or jewelry on.
"Please take the house. You can have everything inside of it."
"I don't want it!"
"Then you are in charge of selling it. It's not in my name anymore," he repeated. I stood up.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm leaving. If that was the only reason you wanted to talk to me, then I'm leaving."
"Wait! We wanted to tell you that we're sorry," Zach replied. I spun around slowly.
"You think SORRY is going to make it all better?" I asked, then cradled the phone. Zach pounded the glass, and the officer standing in the back of the room pulled him out of his chair and led him back to his cell. Mommy followed. I sighed and left the jailhouse, going back home to an empty house. I cleaned up a little bit and relaxed, watching some afternoon TV. Finally, Brad burst into the apartment, throwing down his backpack and rushing towards me.
"Hello Darling," he boasted, sweeping me into his arms and crushing his lips on mine. I giggled and pushed him away.
"And how was your day?" He asked. I shrugged. He tossed the stack of mail onto the kitchen counter and kissed me again.
"All of my friends are excited for our engagement, and they're dying to meet you. Why don't we have a party in the downstairs lobby? We could rent it out for a few ours and formally announce our engagement to everyone we know. How about it?" I shrugged.
"Sounds fine," I said, smiling. I hadn't felt this happy in a long time. He spun me in a circle and let go of me, reaching over for the stack of mail, mainly bills. He looked at one letter curiously, cocking his head to the side.
"What?" I asked. He handed it to me.
"It's from the local TV station," he said. My heart pounded as I tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. I knew what it was going to say.
Dear Miss Lawrence:
Our TV station has heard about your recent ordeal, and we find it very interesting. Many rumors have been circulating around the story, and has become such a controversy, that local viewers of the station are calling to inquire whether we are going to do a story about you.
We would truly love it if you could come down to KYWB's station and have one of our main anchors interview you.
Sincerely,
Karen Cook
Director of KYWB channel 3
I sighed. It was a brief letter, but it said all that it needed to say. I looked at Brad, who was waiting eagerly.
"What?"
"They want me to come down to the station and talk," I muttered, chewing on my lower lip.
"Well, it's up to you if you want to or not," he said softly, slinging his arm around my waist.
"I don't know if I want this out in the public though," I replied.
"Well, it's already in the newspapers, and from there, lies upon lies will build. I highly recommend it." I shrugged.
"I'll think about it." I declared and sat down on the couch. He sat next to me.
"Why don't we start planning the party?" He asked cheerfully. I nodded.
"Sure," I mumbled. He grabbed a pad of paper and a pen and started to jot things down. I threw out idea after idea, suggesting what we should eat, wear, drink, anything imaginable.
"So far, this is a good start," Brad commented.
"It's going to be the event of the year!" I cried. My mood had brightened more since I had read the letter.
"Well, I'll get on the phone and start calling. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll be there in a sec," he said, picking up the phone and calling the lobby downstairs. I went into my room and changed into my pajamas and combed out my hair. Suddenly, a flashback popped into my head.
In the morning, I awoke, thinking I was in my room. But when my eyes opened, I remembered what happened, and I had leaped out of the bed, and screamed. I looked down. He had apparently put a nightgown on me. Zach jolted up.
"What?" he mumbled, scratching his head. He turned to me, and smiled.
"Ah, darling Skye." He reached out to take me into his arms. I scooted farther back.
"I hope you slept well," he muttered. Actually, I did, but I didn't tell him that. He stood up, and grabbed his boxer shorts, and slipped into them. I bolted for the door, but he noticed, and he ran faster.
"No," he sang, wagging his forefinger. He grabbed me and hugged me.
"You didn't like it?" he pouted. I shook my head vigorously. "Oh, well I'll just have to fix that." He brushed his lips against my cheek. I tore away from him, and folded my arms across my chest. He shook his head, and walked out of the room, shutting and locking the door behind him, locking it. Tears spilled over my eyelids, as I walked over to Mommy's old vanity table. I sat down, staring into the mirror blankly. I picked up a brush, and started to brush my hair, making long strokes. I noticed my looks, how much I had changed. My eyes had grown darker. They almost looked like they were black than brown. My skin had become a little paler. My cheekbones were coming out beautifully. My lips became redder, like crimson. I also had a hypnotized stare, concentrating on one significant thing. I brushed my hair more, staring back into the mirror.
I immediately dropped my brush and stepped back from the mirror. I wasn't going to let him ruin my life! I sighed, picked up the brush and put it back onto the counter and walked into the room, pulling back the covers and crawling in. I sank into the bed and pulled the covers up to my chin, and then Brad walked in.
"Comfy?" he asked, kissing me. I nodded and smiled.
"How did the call go?" I asked. He shrugged as he lifted his shirt and changed into his pajamas and crawled into bed.
"OK, we've got the lobby rented for 4 hours two weeks from today," he replied, leaning over to turn off the light. I curled up next to him, yawning.
"Tired much?" he asked. I nodded and he put his arms around my waist.
"Goodnight," I whispered, and drifted off.
In the morning, I was greeted by the smell of eggs being cooked in a skillet. I smiled and threw back the covers, heading into the kitchen where Brad was standing over the stove.
"Good morning," I said, yawning and sitting at our table. He kissed my cheek as he put eggs on my plate.
"Sleep well?" he asked. I nodded. For once in a while, I had a good night's sleep. He sat down and served himself.
"You don't have work today?" I asked. He shook his head.
"No. I put in a lot of overtime and they gave me a day off, for once," he muttered. I poured some milk and gulped it down.
"We need to work on invitations tonight. If we want anyone to attend, we want them to know ahead of time," he said. I nodded.
"I'll go to the store later. I need to buy groceries anyway," I muttered. I finished my breakfast quickly and put the dishes in the sink. The paper was on the counter, and I looked through it quickly, skimming the headlines. There was an article about me and Zach, but I ignored it and closed the paper back up.
"I'm going to get into the shower," I said and walked into the bathroom, shedding my clothes and getting into the shower. When I had first gotten in, it was boiling hot, and the first thing that came to mind is when I had tried to rid of the things that Zach had done to me. I immediately turned down the water temperature and washed my hair. Brad walked in and started to shave.
"Where are you going today?" I asked.
"Got to pick up my paycheck and see a few friends. I won't be gone long."
"Who are you going to see?"
"Just buddies. Bobby, James," he replied. I nodded even though the couldn't see me.
"Where do you have to go?" he repeated to me.
"Just to the store, and I might pick up a new dress for the party," I explained.
"Ah, that'll take forever," he muttered. I grunted and turned off the shower.
"Can you hand me a towel?" I asked, poking my head out from the shower curtain. Instead of Brad standing there, Zach was. I jumped back and nearly slipped and fell in the tub.
"You OK?" Brad asked, handing me a towel. I steadied myself and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just scared myself," I breathed and wrapped the towel around my body. I grabbed another for my hair and got out of the bathroom. I dried off and dressed in a pair of jeans and a navy blue T-shirt. I blow dried my hair and put some sandals on and was ready to go. I grabbed my purse and my keys and kissed Brad good-bye.
"I'll see you later," I said and headed down to my car, getting in and sighing happily.
I loved this car. Everything inside of it. The interior, the radio, just the smell of roses put a smile on my face. Sure, Zach had bought it for me, but why waste a car like this? I started up, hearing the roar of the engine and sped off for the store. My cellphone rang, and I rummaged through my purse to find it. I didn't recognize the number, but I answered it anyway.
"Hello?" I cradled the phone with my shoulder.
"Skye?" I instantly recognized the voice.
"Ian Buchanan!" I cried. "How did you get my phone number?"
"You gave it to me a while back, remember?" He asked. I laughed. I couldn't help it. Ian was a good school friend of mine back at Winston. We had really connected.
"What have you been up to? Why haven't you called?" I asked, stopping at a light.
"I've been around. Touring Europe and France and studying art, you know, stuff like that." I laughed.
"Sure Ian. You were probably building a ramp," I replied.
"No, I really was. Seriously," he defended.
"How was it?"
"It was really a beautiful place. I heard what happened to you. I knew you step dad was creepy, but I didn't think anything like that would happen to you." I sighed. I really didn't want to think of Zach today, but I was going out in the public for the first time in weeks. I had to show my face sometime.
"Yeah," I said softly. I didn't know what to say. "But it's done and over with."
"Good, good for you. You're OK, right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, yeah," I said quickly. I pulled up into the parking lot of the grocery store and parked.
"What have you been up to Skye?" I sighed.
"A lot of things," I said as I grabbed a grocery cart and walked through the aisles. "Just . . . stuff. Brad and I are getting engaged," I told him excitedly.
"Wow, congratulations."
"We're having a party on the 25th. You have to come. It wouldn't be a party without you."
"Should I bring a few kegs?" He asked. I laughed.
"No. This is a formal engagement. But you can't tell anyone," I said, looking around to make sure that no one had heard me. I wanted this to be announced at the party. "Promise?"
"Yes, I promise, Cross my heart, swear to die, all that crap," he muttered, and I giggled.
"It's so good to talk to you. What did you do after graduation?"
"Well, not much really. I hooked up with that one chick, Maggie Carson, you know?"
"Oh, really?" I hadn't talked to her in a long time, she used to be my best friend.
"Yeah, but that didn't last long. She went for someone else."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't even know that she was interested in boys," I joked, both of us going into a peal of laughter. I smiled. I started to count how much this was going to cost.
"Where are you now?" Ian asked.
"I'm at the grocery store."
"Ah, being miss Betty Crocker are you?" I rolled my eyes.
"Hardly. I was supposed to come here and get invitations for the party, but somehow I decided that I was also going to go shopping for food," I muttered.
"Well, I gotta go. I gotta get ready for a hot lunch date with Lacy Dodger." I gasped.
"That girl? Please, don't even waste your time on her. She'll dump you faster than trash," I warned.
"Ah, so what. I hear that she's working the streets now. After high school, her Mom died, her father went bankrupt, so she had to go live out on her own. She couldn't find a stable job, so that's what she's doing now." I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing.
"Well, I have to be going now. Got a lot of things to do," I said and hung up after saying good-bye. It was really nice to talk to him. I finished up my shopping and hurried home. Brad was waiting for me and helped me unload the groceries.
"Buy enough for the whole penthouse?" He asked sarcastically. I smirked.
"Just unload. We have a lot of stuff to do."
The two weeks passed quickly, and it was the night of the party. I had bought a new dress, a black spaghetti strap dress. I bought a new diamond necklace and a pair of shoes. Brad rented a nice tux. The apartment wasn't as decorated because we weren't really up to it. I waited anxiously by the door for our first guests to arrive. It was Ian. I threw my arms around him and kissed his cheek.
"God, it's so good to see you," I said. He smiled. He had grown so much more handsome. He got taller, he was about 6 foot now, and had a professional look to him. Ian and Brad shook hands, and the guests started filing in afterwards.
It was a steady stream of people, close friends, acquaintances, people from Brad's work and school. They all questioned what the party was for, but I couldn't say a word until Brad had made his announcement. Lydia Becker was invited, and she pulled me aside to give me some news.
"Before I came here, I was talking to David Arnold, Mr. James' lawyer, and he said that he put in his plea-" before she could say more, I held up my hand.
"Lydia, tonight is supposed to be a good night. I don't want any news about Zach," I said. "I really don't need to hear any more bad news." She sighed and nodded.
"I'll call you tomorrow and tell you," she said. I nodded and thanked her kindly.
I circled around the lobby, greeting people and saying hello to long lost friends. Brad circulated with me, but pulled me aside for a moment.
"What?" I asked. He took the engagement ring from my finger. "What are you taking that for?"
"I meant to do it earlier, but I just remembered."
"I don't think I get it," I said, giving him a curious look. He grinned.
"You'll see," he said, and hurried through the crowd. He raised his wine glass and tapped on it gently with a fork. He ushered me over and I stood by his side. The crowd was quiet.
"Ladies and Gentleman, you all must be wondering why we had a party like this," Brad began. "And now your question is finally going to be answered." He pushed the crowd back and got on one knee. I blushed furiously. He swiveled to the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I'd like to announced that Skye Lawrence is to be the future Mrs. Brad Collington." He slipped the ring on my finger as the crowd gasped and cheered.
"To the newly engaged!" Ian cried, raising his glass. Everyone clinked glass and cheered. I looked at Brad.
"I love you," he whispered in my ear. The band began to perform a slow song, and Brad took me out onto the dance floor and I threw my arms around him and danced.
"This has been a pretty successful night if I do say so myself," Brad mentioned. I nodded and looked into his eyes. Eyes that were troubled because of me. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes for a moment. This would be a night I would remember forever.
