Tinsley, close to tears, rushes through the halls to class. Maybe a few music lessons would get her mind off Gossip Bee. She bit her lower lip and enters the room. The only class where she was safe, where no one would point and laugh about her insecurities.
Jasmine incense filled the air, warm and heartening. She threw her Lanvin handbag into a chair and staggers to Bryn, casually humming something sung by Iggy Pop and plucking the resounding notes on her Gibson. She smiles when Tinsley slumps across from her. Her smile wanes when she notices her expression. "What's wrong, Blondie? You're usually never down in here."
Tinsley wanted to shake her head, to reassure her, but couldn't muster the courage and hung her head. Chose an acoustic Stigma off the rack and looked to Bryn. Tears shining in her eyes. "Vena," she manages breathlessly, shoulders and fingers trembling. "she … she's ruining my life and I ... just don't know what to do. Harper even believed her over me."
Bryn leans to plug the amp into her guitar and rose to her feet. She looked like a doll unlike Vena, who she imagined to be a witch disguised as a ballerina fairy from the books her father read to her as a child. "You know, my brother's really stupid when it comes to chicks," Bryn begun, untangling the wires and cracking her gum. "you don't have to worry. Vena's a bitch. We all get it. So you, me, and Claire are gonna take her down. And that'll leave you some alone time with my bro."
Tinsley blinks and let her words sink in. Who knew Bryn would say something so comforting? Harper grounded Bryn after the whole cigarette fiasco. Even though now, she considered that extreme because she wasn't hurt when that cigarette died on her shoulder.
She was only upset the ashes wouldn't wash out of her favorite shirt.
After letting the words subside, Tinsley murmurs. "Wow. Who would've ever thought you'd say something so … deep."
Bryn smacks her gum. She laughs and ran her fingers around the frets of the guitar. "Funny," she stats in empty humor. "Don't think anything of it but …" She strums feathery notes, turning to a smiling Tinsley. "How's that? I'm kinda working on a new song for me and the guys. It's called 'Midnight Music.'"
Tinsley nods, smile blossoming. "It's great so far." she says. It's nice to see Bryn's attempt at lighter music. But what would've made her try something daintier than her usual hardcore rock? "What makes you want to try your hand at a brighter sound, anyway?"
Bryn blinks and drops her shoulders in a casual shrug. "Just thought I'd try something new for the guys," She watches Tinsley's eyelashes flutter in inquiry. "I didn't tell you? Ha, sorry." She couches her guitar and slicks her fingers through her tangles. "A few days ago, the girls left me after I joined a few guys for some songs. They considered me two-timing and ditched. I joined the guys and now I'm a Raw Rose."
Raw Rose? That sounds like a pretty interesting name but she'd always imagined Bryn as a heartbreaker, the one-and-only Bryn "The Heartbreaker" Blackwell. Raw Rose was nice but it'd take time to fit. "All guys?" Tinsley asks. "That's pretty cool. Almost like Hayley Williams."
Bryn spits her gum into the trash and lit herself a cigarette. "Guess you could say that," she replies, watching Mr. Man walk around and help students prepare their instruments with a beam for a smile. "By the way, you goin' to the shit Claire is hosting? She's practically asking everyone now."
Claire and Tinsley were good friends but it was surprising to finally find out about this. Claire usually had to make a big entrance before she announces her galas with the honeybees but what could she be hosting this month? A party dedicated to good ol' Halloween? She usually has something each month. What could she be doing now?
Tinsley, now attentive, leans in. "What's she having? It's almost the end of October."
Bryn tilts her head to the glass ceiling, exhales smoke rings. "Somethin' … a masquerade party, I think." She lowers her head and blew a jet of smoke over her shoulders. "Just an early party for Halloween, I assume. She always had a thing for it."
Maybe because she's half-witch herself?
Tinsley only remembered one thing Claire loved about Halloween and those were the princess dresses they wore when they once ran the streets of the UES, gathering as much candy as they possibly could in their silk bags. But now Claire throws a party before Halloween each year. No longer wearing the blossomy dresses she wore as a child but Prada pumps and a flowing Oscar De La Renta.
I'd trade a frumpy dress for an Oscar De La Renta any day.
Tinsley bobs her head in a silent nod. "Yeah," she agreed. "we should go shopping for dresses. When's the party, anyway?"
Bryn stubs her cigarette on the armrest of her leather seat. "Tomorrow evening? The 24th? She didn't tell anyone else because I think she's gonna announce it at lunch or sometime later today."
In shock, Tinsley ran a nail under a string, causing it to screech and pop. She didn't even have a decent dress! She would've worn the one she had at Rodney's but red wine had ruined the fabric enough to not come out in the wash. She observes her forefinger and winces. "Ow," she mumbles, applying pressure. "that really hurt …"
To her surprise, Bryn was grinning and barely hiding laughter. "Nice!" she bellows, catching attention. "You're officially a guitarist now!"
X
Harper gathers his French books after the bell rings, shuts his eyes, and slides fingers through his choppy bangs, scuffing them before he's out the door and bidding a foreign farewell to his teacher. He was barely halfway out when he noticed Vena. "Oh … hey, Vena. Aren't you supposed to be in Constance?"
Vena shook her hair and giggles, a confused Harper gazes her down doubtfully. "Of course not, silly! I always skip first period! I really missed you."
Harper raises a brow and nods. "Um, thanks," he responds, withdrawing a clutter of French work into his schoolbag. "you didn't have to …"
Vena swung her arms around his waist, staring into his eyes. He stares over her shoulder, where many jocks and athletes laughed at him. Pointing and jeering like he was their biggest laugh since the STD rumor about Tinsley. Why'd she have to act so weird? It was starting to get annoying. He should've known she'd turn into a girl like that. It was one reason he and Bryn left Italy.
Though there were many more.
Despite Italy sounding good with its handsome citizens and delicious pasta and Roman architecture. It was hell. Especially with their snooty mother, who dragged Bryn along for Dior fashion shows she always felt like shooting herself at. Their mother always said she never liked spending time with Bryn and actually admitted it to her face.
You know what Bryn did? She threw a butter knife at her, the blade just managing to miss as Bryn stormed out, grabbing the first flight to Manhattan with Harper (who wouldn't dare leave her.) Their mother couldn't care and as long as she had her new husband, an oil tycoon's youngest son. She'd be fine.
And I thought Eleanor Rose was messed-up.
It was hard to believe Bryn was even related to him.
But honestly, he didn't know what to say.
"Don't worry about it!" she sang in faux-excitement. "I wanted to, silly!"
Scott grins at Harper, waving a gloved hand. He winks dirtily at Vena and his toothy grin widens at Harper's bewilderment. "Get 'em, man! Get 'em!"
Harper flushes and bit the inside of his cheek, glancing at Vena. She wasn't that attractive. She'd look better with someone like Matthew but not him. He only liked Tinsley but after what he'd done to her today she'd rather spend time with Bryn.
Whoa, scary thought.
Harper sighs and heard the minute-bell ring. He'd be late for his next class. "Um," he began. "As much as I'd like to stay, I kinda have to get to class. I can't be too late or I'll get detention."
Vena smirks, lip curling in an indifferent smile that made her look like the devil woman. "You could always skip with me." she suggests, slithery fingers tracing patterns on his arms. "You could always write yourself a fake note that 'excuses' you from class. Logical, right?"
Harper wasn't Bryn. Bryn skipped classes and smoked joints and drank until she was unconscious. He'd never do what she does. Plus, he wasn't one to skip class. He actually wanted to graduate, so he'd never see any of those annoying underclassmen again.
Harper jerks his arm free. "No thanks," he answers, ice on his tongue. "I really have to go." He didn't even allow her a reassurance. He wasn't too pleased after he ditched Tinsley in a laughing crowd when she was believed to have an STD. He wouldn't be surprised if Claire was the one to set that up.
Without another word, he passes her, rounding the corner with his sternest face.
Vena glares at Harper's back as he abandons her. She fought the urge to curse him off there. How dare he embarrass her in this damn school.
Vena lit herself a cigarette, meeting the security cameras to point both of her manicured fingers to it. She struts down the hall, taking an orange envelope from her Hermès bag, and walks past the lockers.
Lucky for her each boy's initials were engraved in the front.
MS was the only one she was searching for and within a minute she discovered the very one.
She smirks and begun pushing the envelope through the window. She cleans her hands and pushes through the ivory doors back to Constance.
Oooooh! What could she be doing? Giving a special someone a secret love letter? Call me when you elope to Buenos Aires!
X
Claire files her nails in the back of the room, where she was joined by the few members of her clique. She unfortunately shared this class with Vena and the idiot spent half the period daydreaming about trying to take over Claire's clique or destroy Tinsley, no doubt.
She barely had a chance. Claire knew her minions would never ditch her for some low druggie that just returned to school. Especially with such an ugly face and a horrid manicure. Claire smirks and shook her bangles to alert the girls, almost-automatically all their eyes drew to hers. "What is it, Claire?" Margaret Cullen questions, hazel eyes wide behind Kate Spade frames. "Do you want us to get you a soy latte after class?"
They knew her so well. "Well, yes." she answers, putting her nail file away and lifting a pencil, having the sudden urge to throw it. "I'm hosting a gala tomorrow night. I'll announce the rest in the lunchroom."
Florence Jaffe chews the eraser of her pencil and directs her eyes to Vena as she continues to stare into space. Other girls laugh and point at her dazed face. Florence simply smirks, her purple braces gleaming in the ceiling lights. "Are you inviting that idiot?" she inquires, interlacing her fingers and sustaining her chin on them. "She'll be the death of the party."
Claire shared the same smirk. "I wouldn't dare. She's just here to ruin Tinsley's and maybe … Bryn's life. I wouldn't want someone as dark as that." The queen jabs a thumb at Vena. "This is my party and I choose who I want as I always do."
Florence grins. "Good," the minion claims, the bell rang and Vena snapped out of her trance, wiping her mouth with a grimace. Without meeting any eyes, she flew out of the room with a chorus of giggles following closely behind her.
Claire stood, dusting off her skirt. "Come," she told her group. "let's go embarrass the bitch."
A few nod and the others giggle as they tail their rightful leader.
Go take your cameras to the Constance café. There's gonna be one hell of a bitch fight!
X
Matt and Steven head to their lockers as Steven swings a lanky arm over his best friend's shoulders. "Shit, this has to be the longest Thursday in the history of the world." he moans into Matt's back before squinting down the hall to find their lockers. His hair was completely mussed and his tie dangled from his neck lazily.
Matt flings Steven off his shoulders. "Don't exaggerate." he advises, lighting himself a cigarette only when he was in safe distance of teachers and security cameras. "Yes, it's been a long day but you've barely gotten out of the hospital. That's why you're so worn-out and stupid."
Steven yawns when they finally reach their lockers, plummets against his, and wishes he could light himself a cigarette. He promised Bryn he'd never drink or smoke again and they sealed it with a kiss that none knew about.
It was nice kissing Bryn. Warming to see her passion compared to her hard-rock exterior. He knew someone could've seen because no act goes unseen but he was relieved. Knowing Matt hadn't. Matt cared for Bryn more than anything. Like she was the sister he never wanted.
The kiss meant nothing. Despite liking Bryn, it was all he needed for his feelings to vanish. He would always be close to her but it felt nice to not like her as much. He still wished he knew what he had said to her when he was all loopy.
Matt denotes his locker combination and pops open his locker, a creased envelope flies out and falls flat on the floor. He raises a brow, knelt to the marble tiles, and seized it. "The hell?" he asks, his name typed in French calligraphy. "Yeah, really."
Steven smirks and claps his shoulder stupidly. "Apparently, you got a fan, Matt."
Matt smiles and rips his thumbnail through the tape, fishing out a pile of blue Post-Its. He slowly unfolds them, curiosity budding rapidly. What was this the 1988? Who would actually send a letter these days? Texting works much better in his mind.
Steven approaches Matt, noticing his silence and reads the Post-Its along beside him.
Hey, Strad. Never thought I'd actually write you. I just don't really know how to express my feelings to you, so I figured writing them would be second best. You have no idea how many jokes I could make with the thought of being second-best.
If you didn't realize by now it's me Bryn. Hah, hope you aren't that stupid, you hot guitarist. I can actually write neat. You know, I don't write at all like those prissy bitches like Claire or Tinsley with hearts and angels all over the margins. Shit, that's suck ass.
But anyway, I just wanted to try admitting my stupid love for you since I never really told a guy I loved him. Even if you don't have the same feelings, be sure to meet me at Claire's masquerade tomorrow night and I guess we'll talk, then?
Always,
Bryn Blackwell
Steven chuckles and took off his cap, waving it like a fan. "That's some hilarious shit, Matt – I mean, you hot guitarist." he claims before propping his hat back on. Matt smiles coldly. "Bryn must be playing a harsh prank on you. I sure as hell know she'd never admit to liking someone in a girly letter."
Matt blinks and folds the Post-Its together, lobbing the envelope in the trash. "Yeah," he deducts. Why would Bryn write him a letter? She wasn't one to express feelings in writing and who knew she wrote like an actual girl? He'd have to confront her about this and certainly knew he didn't have feelings for her. But, she was supposed to be at that ball tomorrow evening, so he'd meet her there. "Steven."
"Um, yes?"
"You going to that thing Claire's hosting?"
Steven searches his bag and eventually found himself a pen, setting it to his mouth. Blinks at Matt's bafflement and grins. "Sorry, it's the closest thing that'll come to a cigarette." he replies and chews it like a straw. "And … uh, yeah. She invited most of us already. Are you?"
"Now, I am."
It felt like he really didn't have a choice anymore.
X
Vena examines her locker. She searches for any spare joints or cigarettes, finding nothing. Only permission slips, extra notepads, and dirty napkins with purple lipstick stains. Shallow memories. All which she didn't need to waste her valuable scheming time over.
Clique girls and trashy punks lumber past her in swarms of perfume and dirty leather. Bryn and Claire's followers. Losers, she knows. Her old friends would be in disgust.
Old friends was the definition of Javier and Tinsley. Her past memories of them: sneaking out of class, renting suites from the Waldorf-Astoria and drinking malts, having fake bonfires during the weekends. They were so lame back then …
And, who'd she have now? No one really. Javier to a certain limit, Claire she never cared for, Tinsley isn't even anything now but a disgrace. A fake, who masks her past-self in appropriate clothes and spearmint breath. It's all a game. She's a pawn in the Manhattan Monopoly. Always a has been. They all are. Including the pretend-rock star, Matthew.
She smiles to herself, shoves a barrage of books into her locker before freezing when she hears a clonk clonk clonk. "Mind telling me why you're bothering my friend?"
Vena slides two steps backward. Bryn holds a cigarette in one hand, a notebook with a collage of rock legends in the other. She's unfashionable to her, wearing their uniform and fishnet tights and ugly moonboots. She's almost like the old Tinsley and for that, she almost admires her. Almost.
Counterattacks always work against enemies. "Mind telling me why you were flirting with my ex?"
According to rumors, she heard Javier working his magic on her. Almost succeeding until Matthew intervened. Javier could've had a perfect punk in his bed, if he attempted more. Good thing he didn't.
"Because he came to me." Bryn leans against the locker beside hers. "Now, answer my question. Why were you bothering Tinsley?"
She smiles over Bryn's defense. "Just when I thought you could care less. What a sweet rocker you are."
Bryn counters her with a smirk. "I'm plenty more. And this sweet rocker could easily make you suffer."
"I bet." She seemingly waits until the last Constance girls disappear. No need for them to overhear and spread false stories about her and Bryn fighting to the death. "Unless, you want beautiful stories to be spread about another STD given to Harper."
Bryn points a menacing finger at her. "Say shit about my brother and I swear –"
"You'll make me suffer, I got that." Vena nods and checks her manicure. "I'll do my best to keep secret about that and Javier seducing you. As long as you don't bother me again."
"The feeling is mutual." Bryn decides and slams Vena's locker shut, almost severing four of her fingers. "Keep quiet or I will be back."
Vena lifts a hand and sickly smiles. She waits until Bryn is halfway down the hall. "And Bryn?"
"What now?" She doesn't look back.
Smirks, narrows her eyes. "Happy birthday."
This time, she keeps walking and for once she wishes she'd say something.
X
Bryn slams her tray beside Tinsley in the cafeteria, sliding into a chair while she eyes her meal. A thin salad with a polishing of ranch dressing and sliced carrots and tomatoes, one peanut butter cookie, and natural tea. What was this a fucking hippie yoga class? Where were the steaks and beef? Bacon and eggs? Subs and sausage? It was almost like the girls had to stay skinny in this school.
Tinsley seemed perfectly content. "Tins," Bryn calls, wanting a light but not wanting to suffocate Tinsley this period. "How can you eat this? It's disgusting." Bryn pushes her tray away and took the cookie, taking a bite. It wasn't as bad as all the other crap but the cookie-limit was one each. She saw her friends stealing extras when the lunch ladies were turned away.
She could buy two bags of cookies on Lexington and nobody would give a damn.
Tinsley smiles, something opposite of Bryn. "It's not so bad." she advises, squeezing some lemon into her tea. "And … sometimes you get used to it. Some days, it'll be meat, like a few times a week. But mostly it's vegan."
Bryn sighs, steals her tray, and dumps it before reappearing back at Tinsley's side. "Where's damn Claire? I just wanna hear her announcement before I'm out."
Tinsley looks around. The room wasn't at all bad despite Bryn. They recently renovated so it was larger to fit all of the girls. The tables were a shiny redwood, the mirrored walls gleamed, and the food was made by the finest chefs.
It was a combination of the Saw films to Bryn.
Tinsley wipes her mouth with a napkin before twisting around. Claire and her minions entered, the members scattering, handing each girl an envelope emblazoned with the Larson family crest. Every girl received one.
Everyone but Vena.
Vena looks around, using innocence to her advantage as she raised an arm toward Claire, who immediately locked eyes with her. "How come I didn't get one, Claire?"
Claire shrugs and hands invitations to Bryn and Tinsley (which Bryn swiftly tossed.) "Because I don't like you." she advises. "Maybe when you get rid of your Herpes, we could talk but nothing till then. Sorry." She glances at Bryn and Tinsley, lowering her voice. "You're welcome."
Bryn continues smiling at Claire while Tinsley notices their connection she never knew of. "I fucking love you."
Claire shrugs, twisting fingers into her hair. "Doesn't everyone?"
Tinsley smiles through their conversation of Vena-torture and suddenly remembers the 24th was Harper's birthday. How great was that? The party almost seemed like it'd be for him. She had to get him something. Who knew Claire actually had a heart and wasn't Bryn's the same day? They were twins after all. Something must be up.
And I could assure you I'll be first to find out.
Because nothing stays a secret forever.
X
'Welcome home, honey bees!' – The awesomeness of Gossip Bee herself.
And that is my new slogan. You know, like the ones for McDonald's and Burger King. Despite my disliking of their greasy fries and syrupy milkshakes, hidden in the parking lot in the McDonald's downtown is the best dealer, who makes one hell of a pepperoni pizza. Nothing like cheesy pizza to go with some cola and a nice baggie. Ah, good times, good times.
Aside from that, have you all heard of the huge party Queen C will be accommodating? As far as I know, it's gonna be a wonderful masquerade and the one-and-only, Gossip Bee, will be in attendance. I never got on Queen C's nerves through the years, so I got a clean slate and my old friends, Rocker B and J were invited, which makes it all the more epic because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be seeing a specific pair on the roof later. Anyone wanna make bets along mine on how long A will last without cigarettes?
And note to you, A, never chew on pens. It rots teeth.
At least someone will learn something new today. Compared to how stupid S is for … nah. I'm just gonna go rot my teeth on gel pens. Anyone care to join? But I have a free bonus, I'm getting my teeth whitened for Queen C's ball, so I'll see you, then!
Sightings:
Rocker B smoking in rapid succession while she waits for Harper outside St. Jude's, she eventually gives and heads to Barneys' with Sweet T … wait what? I hope they don't start a catfight inside because I don't want any of the D&G dresses torn. H at a lacrosse game with a few guys, at least he ditched Vena. V buying hair-dye to likely disguise herself and crash the party and steal everyone's guys like the slut she is.
Dear G to the B, What's up? I was wondering since I was also invited. What're you wearing tomorrow? We could hang, man! -Airhead81
Dear Airhead81, Um, no, thanks. But, I hope you'll be able to notice me because I'm gonna be the best-looking there. Cue teeth sparkling.
Kisses and disses, Gossip Bee
X
"Why'd you drag me here?"
"Because you need a dress for the ball!" Tinsley says as she ran a hand through her honey locks.
The two girls stood outside Barneys'; land of the superficial and overpriced (as Bryn liked to say). Everything about the famous building gave her chills from the super-extravagant window displays to the old lady walking out with her dog that was wearing the same outfit as her.
"And why couldn't we just go to a vintage shop or something?" Bryn argues and crosses her arms. It was an unusually windy day in New York, so both girls were shivering in their Constance skirts.
"Well, can we at least go inside?" Tinsley asks as she loops her arm through Bryn's and drags the rocker into the department store.
Why had she even agreed to come with Tinsley? It wasn't like her brother and Tinsley were even speaking anymore. After the whole ordeal with the STD rumor going around Harper left Tinsley when she needed him, Bryn had to agree that was a pretty dick move from her brother.
"They have the most gorgeous dresses on the third floor." Tinsley looks back in the elevator as she plays with the ends of her refined hair. "I bet we'll be able to find you at least something studded and rocked out for you."
"We better. Cause I don't want to sit through you trying on three hundred dresses." Bryn mumbles as they reach their destination. The floor was extremely bright (something that hurt Bryn seeing as she only got about four hours of sleep last night), the dresses were modeled on something that looked like a futuristic penis, and all the salespeople had the hugest smiles.
Don't worry, Bryn, it's really not as bad as you think.
"Look, I think Vivienne Westwood has a new collection of dresses." Tinsley says as she hands her coat to a salesperson. Bryn reluctantly gave hers to the overly-happy brunette as she followed Tinsley.
"Tinsley, can I ask you something?" Bryn spoke as Tinsley quickly turns around. "Why are you even here with me? You should be, like, hating me and my brother other than trying to help me find a dress."
The gorgeous blonde smiles. "You know what? What you just said sounds just like every other girl on the Upper East Side. So I might not be on speaking terms with Harper. That doesn't exactly mean I'm going to hate you."
Bryn smirks as she ran a hand through her shaggy hair. Maybe Tinsley wasn't all that bad … damn it! As much as she wanted to hate her, Bryn just couldn't find a reason to.
"Look what I found." Tinsley pulls out a dress that was much to Bryn's liking. It was coal black and seemed to brush over the knees. It had no back and a corset-bodice laced with black ribbons. "I think this is perfect for you and I bet you'll look super-hot in it."
"I guess it's not that bad." Bryn says as she grabs it from Tinsley and held it in front of her. "I guess this hellhole actually sells good stuff."
"Wait, until I take you to the shoes." Tinsley told with a wink as she continues to rummage through the racks of different designers for her dress.
Aw, Rocker B has finally found herself a gal pal.
"Who would've ever thought I'd see you two here." a girl muses from ahead. Bryn knowing the voice, rolls her eyes before meeting the eyes of the Constance queen. "Especially together." She looks as if she just came from school as well, still wearing her plain blouse and skirt. In the hands of her minions were various couture dresses she'd likely host other balls with.
Bryn folds her corset dress under an arm and cocks a brow. "Don't worry, I'm killing her later." she replies with a smirk, inspecting a chain necklace dripping in black gems before turning to Claire. Her crowd shared the same stony gaze. "So why are you here? Thought, you'd already have your dress."
Claire's mouth curves in an obnoxious smile. "I do." she admits, running fingers in her silken hair. "It doesn't matter why I'm here but we must talk."
Tinsley blinks and takes a dress off the bar, observes it with a keen eye before happily taking it with her. "About what?" she questions, a bright smile spreading across her face. Before Claire could answer, she flicked a bangle-clad wrist. A grimace overtook her smile, they caught on and scattered throughout the store.
"Taking down Vena, of course," she responds with her smirk easily reappearing. "is it so hard to understand?"
Bryn yawns and tosses an empty pack of cigarettes under the dresses. "So stupid to understand," she mumbles and slid two ruby-studded cuffs off a hook. "I'll be back, Tinsley. Gonna go pay. Tell me, if you find anything." Not bothering to wait for an answer, she strode to the counter.
Claire narrows her eyes at Bryn's back. "It's like she's taking the bitch's side." she sneers devilishly. "Vena still wants revenge for what happened in the past but I can assure you she won't win."
As much as Tinsley wanted to agree, she was currently feuding with herself. What if Vena won? She already got Harper's vote from what Bryn had told her and was slowly catching Matthew's eye. What would she do if somehow Vena managed to get both Bryn and Claire? She'd be finished.
Tinsley swallows a knot in her throat. "What if she does?"
Claire scowls. "Don't be so negative." she advises. "It won't happen. Plus, we have Bryn and could easily get Javier."
The knot dropped into Tinsley's stomach and lingered as she looked to Bryn, where she could be seen snatching back her leather jacket from the saleswoman.
Tinsley's eyelids flickered. "But … how could we get Javier? You know, he doesn't like to be part of drama."
Claire laughs and threw her head back, adding humor to the tense. "You don't know him like I do. He'd die to be in a Vena-situation. He's practically a drama magnet, Tins."
Tinsley shrugs. "Then, get him as long as he accepts, that is."
Claire's smirk forms and dents appear on her brow. "I know exactly how to."
When Tinsley considered blackmailing, she saw her eyes on Bryn while the rebel trails her fingers upon a ragged leather sleeve with a tiny grin.
Since when did Bryn and Javier get along?
X
"Steven," Matt shouts to grab his attention, stubbing his cigarette on the hood of a stretch limo in Manhattan. Steven continues to chew his pen, a frown on his brow as he pushes his baseball cap down to obscure his eyes. "get that disgusting pen out of your teeth and just smoke one cigarette. You won't die from it. You can maybe if you drink some beer."
Adler didn't budge and shook his head. He twists the pen and continues to chew it as he looks on as a girl lit her boyfriend a cigarette as they strolled into a restaurant. "I promised Bryn I wouldn't smoke, drink or do drugs. I'm not gonna get back into the hospital with lung cancer now. I'm pretty sure she won't be forgiving if I fuck up again."
Matt held out a cigarette with a tempting flick. "Chewing on those pens all day will do nothing but hurt your teeth." he stats, wagging the cigarette. "Just take it. I won't tell Bryn. We've been friends for years. I think I could keep one of your secrets."
That was true. Before they were in William's band and had met Bryn they were best friends, traveling to the ice rink every Friday with their school class. Matt was already the most-experienced skater and due to DNA: best looking. His hair always shiny, courtesy of his mother who'd never let him leave without combing it. He was shy before and on one of those days, he met Steven.
Steven took the cigarette from Matt and after receiving a lighter, stood it to his lips, spat out the pen and inhaled delightful smoke. Bryn didn't need to know. She would never know because Matt had no reason to tell. And, hey, it was just one cigarette? What's the worst that can do?
"Steven?" a girl says from behind them. They both turn to see Floria. Her curls in a severe knot and half-rings darkened beneath her eyelids. She wore purple lipstick and a sweater the color of smoke. "What are you guys doing here? I thought you didn't like coming to Manhattan."
Steven stills his cigarette. "We don't." he admits. "Just decided to pass through, I haven't been here in a while."
Matt rolls his eyes to a billboard across the street with Rodney emblazoned with two girls and in bold letters, it said below: "You wouldn't want to leave town for this."
He thought of calling Rodney but he never answered because he was always preoccupied. He only answered for Bryn since she was one of their lead performer. Compared to Bryn, he knew he was only a lowly guitarist that would never step-up to become a musician in a band like Foo Fighters or Linkin Park.
"Are you going to Claire's thing?" Adler asks. "Everyone seems to be. Don't know why."
Floria scowls at the name. "No." she answers with a hardening face. "It's not my thing."
That just wasn't the answer. She just hated the Upper East Side and Claire and the refined children of the world. She was more boho-chic before classy any day. No one liked her and that was how it'd always stay.
It was a hateful world but someone had to enjoy it.
X
Bryn slid her key into the front door, holding a Barneys' bag and her spiked bag on her shoulder. She pushes the door and tosses them down. Today wasn't really bad. She walked through Barneys' as shocking as it sounds. Tinsley and her both found dresses, jewelry, and shoes for tomorrow, which also happens to be her and Harper's seventeenth birthday.
Their last birthday wasn't so comforting.
"I'm home!" Bryn calls upstairs. She knew Harper had already arrived seeing his messenger bag, raised a brow. Usually when she'd say she was home, he would be down the stairs to embrace her as always. Today, there was nothing. Bryn looks around, lighting herself a cigarette and holds it to her lips, still nothing. She blinks before walking to the stairs. "Harper?"
She ascends some steps and heard Harper in his room, likely on the phone with Tinsley or their mother. She silently rose to the hallways, walking to his door as mutely as she could. He didn't notice her as he spoke, fists on the windowsill, the breeze making the room cold and her shudder.
"Yeah … sorry, I can't tomorrow." Harper smiles and is oblivious to her presence as she doesn't bother to make it known. "Okay, I'll talk to you soon. Love you." He shut his phone and Bryn raps her knuckles on the post, he startles backward. "Holy sh – Bryn, you scared me! Can't you at least say you're home?"
Bryn crosses her arms, holding her cigarette off. "I did." she answers. Who could he be talking to? He didn't even tell their mother he loved her over the phone. Harper didn't like saying he loved her because of her terrorism. She paces in and breathes smoke as she speaks. "Who were you talking to?"
Harper raises a brow and scowls. "No one. No one you like, that is."
Bryn rolls her eyes and set the cigarette to her lips again. "I don't like a lot of people," she said with a growing smirk. "so, who?"
Harper took a step back, tightening his knuckles around his Android. "Bryn," he begun, knowing she wouldn't give until she had the truth. "It was no one, I swear."
Bryn held out a hand. "Fork it, Harper."
Harper backs away again. She could be really demanding when it came to his lying. He wasn't a good liar and Bryn was best at noticing. She didn't have the patience for his bad lies today but he was still trying to keep going. "No, Bryn." he responds as she took another step in. "You're not getting my phone. You never let me see yours."
Bryn sighs and took out her Blackberry, chucking it over. He caught it clumsily and without asking she snatched his phone. Harper lowered hers and tried to get his but not before she saw his incoming calls.
Vena
Vena
Vena
Tinsley
Scott
Mom
Vena
Vena
Vena
Bryn flew over the edge as she threw his phone, sweltering anger hardly keeping the cigarette in her mouth. "Why the fuck, are you talking to that bitch all the time?" she screams, punching him as hard as she could. "Do you realize what she's done? She spread that stupid rumor about Tinsley!"
Harper retrieves his phone and places it on his desk. A dent on his forehead hidden in his bangs. "I can't believe you're hung up on this, too. First, it's Tinsley, then Claire, and now you? Jeez, you girls are so negative."
Bryn's eyes enlarged. Her brother didn't believe her? She had to admit it hurt. Even if she was lying Harper would nine out of ten times take her side. What was happening? How could he be caught in Vena's cobweb of lies? "I'm telling the truth!" she protests. "Why won't you believe me?"
Harper didn't say. "You know, I'm gonna go clear my head. I'm not in the mood to hear you."
Plan B. Bryn fights her fears, marches to the sill, slid open the window and climbs on the cold stone, balancing herself on the heels of her boots. Her shaggy hair blew in the gusts as she gripped the walls like lifelines. This would literally be the scariest thing she's done in a while. And if she did fall she'd be in the hospital with broken bones if lucky.
Harper was about to leave until he noticed her from the corner of his eye. His eyes grew panicked and he sprinted over. "Bryn!" he cries and clutches his chest. "Get down! You'll hurt yourself!"
Bryn shook her head and held the cigarette in her teeth. "Not until you listen to what I have to say!" she demands and his face contorts with fear. "You're my brother, Harper!" Tears blur her vision but none fell. "You're my twin! You're supposed to believe me!"
Trump family card is last resort and always enough to make Harper guilty. It's not that he didn't believe her. It was that he wanted to give the new girl a chance before he actually begun judging.
A tear glistens on Bryn's eyelid. "I swear I'll jump!"
Harper finally went close. "Don't." he compromises, not wanting to raise his voice. "If you jump you'll hurt yourself!"
Bryn rolls her eyes as the wind pained her face. "A broken leg, a fractured arm, a sprained wrist … yeah, I've had it all before. Now, say you'll believe me! Promise me!" The trembling tear descends as she looks him over pleadingly.
Harper extends a hand. "Fine." he surrenders and tosses his hands to the ceiling. "I'll believe you, I promise. I'll listen to whatever you have to say about Vena. Just come down."
Finally accepting his logic, she proceeds until the wind tore up her plans. It builds as she releases the sill and she reaches to plant a hand on her skirt before it could blow up. She shut an eye and whimpers as her hair came into her eyes.
And suddenly she realizes she was falling. Her cigarette slipping and the remaining pack falling from her jacket out the window. Her body twisting as she slings an arm to get the box.
Lengthy arms caught her and she shut her eyes, waiting for the snapping pain but had gotten nothing but her brother's extreme heartbeat. Her eyelids flickered and she met Harper's flushed face. He set her down and slammed his window shut before returning to her feet.
He was still panting when he jabbed a thumb in her face. "Goddamn, Bryn, if you ever ... do something like that again. Shit … I'll yell at you later. Glad … you're okay."
"How nice. My children are finally getting along."
The twins shot forward and they found a man leaning in Harper's doorjamb. Dark hair short, dimples marked his cheeks, and a questioning dent carved into his brows. His striped tie and two-button blazer were professional, his eyes sparkled a handsome green as he chuckled. "Did I miss something?"
Bryn jumps past Harper and dashes for the man with an ecstatic grin, hugging his neck. "Daddy!" she shouts like a child. "I missed you so much! How's Switzerland?"
"Great, Kitten. But, what have you done to your hair?" he asks, running his fingers through the knots, inquiry in his eyes. "It's … different. I always knew you had the rock in you. I just never thought you'd cut your hair like one."
Her eyes sadden in a pout. "You don't like it?"
He shook his head. "No. I love it."
Bryn's uncharacteristically sweet to their father. She listens to his every word and if he didn't like something she'd get rid of it. If he didn't like her pierced cartilage, she'd wait for it to close, if he didn't like her addiction to smoking she'd stop on the spot.
Like all things he didn't know.
"Come, Harper." Their father, Jackson Blackwell motions for his eldest. "How've you been? I haven't seen you in so long."
Harper smiles. "Cool, Dad. Thanks. It's nice to see you, too."
Jackson pats Bryn's shoulders and laughs. "Okay, Bryn, I'm sure I won't be going anywhere for a while."
"So, I've figured …" She scowls mockingly and doesn't give until her phone sings an Alice in Chains song. "But Dad, you should definitely stay for our birthday. We could go out for breakfast and sh … stuff like that."
He smiles and ruffles his daughter's hair. "I'd love that."
Aw. Family moment, don't we all want one of those cheesy moments?
Eh, not really.
X
"Are the drinks ready?" Claire asks as she dusts off her Stella McCartney mini. Her tresses settled in an aristocratic knot, curls dangle and tickle her face. A waiter in a white suit nods approvingly. Tangerine curtains rustle in the evening breeze. The tables curtained in white skirts and sprays of pink peonies in priceless vases. Claire whips to her opposite side and looks down another hall that led to the smokers' area. Bryn would likely be down there. She had to get the doors open because most were already waiting in the grand foyer for her flourishes.
Claire turns to give her champagne glass away for a refill. Smiles proudly at her handiwork and turns to the doormen. "Open the doors."
As on cue, they unlock the doors and in came dozens, all in designer suits and gowns. They gape in wonderment while others smirk. Meanwhile, Javier clad in a suit, steps in, looks around. She rose her glass. "To a night to remember!" she announces, the people applaud and scream excitedly.
"My, my," Javier muses as he approaches. Blonde hair tousled and hands tucked in pockets, a sheen black tie in place. Claire narrows her eyes as she takes an appropriate sip. "Who would've thought you would throw such a … ball." Despite the code for masks he didn't have one, Claire held her butterfly mask under one arm.
"I'm still trying to figure out why I invited you." Claire says with a venomous smile. "Oh, yes. I need your help on something, Javi."
Javier blinks, feigning confusion. "Me?" he repeats. "Why? You didn't even want to invite me."
Claire's sweet smile twists into a scowl. "Tinsley and I are trying to work on getting rid of Vena. We could really use your help." Despite Bryn also being a part she didn't want to mention her name until she managed to trap Javier in one of Vena's webs.
Javier took a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, throwing his head back in a swig while Lady Gaga's 'Teeth' boomed on. "No, thanks." he answers with a smirk. "I may not like Vena much but we once had a fling. I doubt I'd want to do something to spite her just yet."
"Liar," she snarls under the commotion. "you want to take Vena down just as bad as I do. You just won't admit it because you're only looking in for yourself."
Taking another sip. "You're the same so I wouldn't be talking, if I were you. You're only after the lowlife from Brooklyn. Dean, was it?"
Claire's frown broadens but she doesn't deny it. Only vanishes into the crowd, she didn't find an answer so second best was to flee.
"Hmm, that's the most intelligent thing she's done all day." Javier muses before heading in the opposite direction.
Cue "aw" here. J didn't mean to make you cry, Queen C.
X
"I can't believe we're finally here." Harper says as he and Bryn arrive, giving the doormen their names. A crowd of uninvited guests had already tried to sneak in. The place was grand and bright with chandeliers, couples embrace and reminisce on the October memories they shared. "Don't you think? I never thought I'd be at one of Claire's parties after our breakup."
Bryn stubs her cigarette. She wore the backless dress from earlier and her hair loose despite wanting it in a ponytail. Ray Bans on her crown as she flings her cigarette. "Claire isn't one to hold a grudge against her exes unless you really fucked-up." she told her brother while he also didn't sport a mask. He wasn't into the whole thing either. Plus, it was his birthday so he had a reason. "But you didn't. So no worries."
Harper ran his fingers into his pomaded hair and tugs his gray tie. "What if Tinsley's still mad?" he asks. "She'll probably hit me."
Bryn rolls her eyes and clicks her heels on the tiles. "Of course, she's gonna be mad," she continues after a lifelong pause. "And I hit you all the time and the worst I've ever given you was a bruise. She's just as harmless as me. Use your charm and you two will be making out on the roof in seconds."
Harper sighs but smiles. "Bryn."
Bryn raises an arms and grins. 'Teeth' ends in the opening beats of Cobra Starship's 'Living in the Sky with Diamonds.' "Yeah, I know." She stole a crystal tumbler from a waiter. "It's not my fault, I'm so honest."
"Bryn, Harper, you've arrived." Claire says as she appears at their side, holding up her butterfly mask to make a point. "Yet no masks."
Bryn pushes down her gray frames and raises a brow. "This is as close as a mask I'll ever have."
Harper shrugs. "I just couldn't find one."
Bryn looks between them, lifting her sunglasses back into her hair. "At least he was honest."
Claire rolls her eyes and smiles at Harper. "You're lucky, it's your birthday." She sees Dean pass, wearing a rumpled black suit. Claire smirks and excuses herself until she catches Winnie hot on his tail in a gold-and-strawberry cocktail dress.
Bryn took Harper by the arm and led him in. "Now, go." she commands, shoving him in the back while mask-clad Upper East Siders mingle all around. "Go find Tinsley. Not gonna stop you tonight."
Instead of stopping and not wanting to leave Bryn since the incident on the sill, looks at her warmly, nods, and disappears into the crowd. Bryn dusts her hands on her dress and slumps in a comfy chair, downing wine casually.
"Never thought I'd see you here." Javier's voice tickles her neck as she places her glass down. "You don't seem like the type to come to one of Claire's many balls."
"I'm honestly not. But I needed somethin' to do." she admits truthfully, couples begin grouping and slow-waltzing to a sweet song. Gag. She's never been so glad she didn't know how to waltz or tango or any of those stupid dances but jump like a rock goddess. "Aren't you gonna take one of your whores and dance tonight?"
Javier smirks, not the least bit offended. "No." He holds out a hand while she stares in confusion. "I would rather honor you in a dance, Miss Blackwell."
Bryn blinks, returning the smirk. "No, thanks, I don't exactly know the number of girls you touched tonight." she answers. "Plus, Javi, I don't know how to dance." She reaches for her glass but his hand caught her wrist and he forces her onto her feet.
His smirk never vanishes when his eyes narrow. "Why don't I teach you?"
Bryn shook her head. She wasn't going to embarrass herself in front of people she didn't know and once he'd see her dance she was pretty sure he'd laugh. The only dancing she did was onstage when in the corset. "No, come on. No! I'll scream, I swear." She tried wrenching free but he kept a firm grip. "Dude!"
"Can't you at least act more like a girl?"
"You're the one wanting to dance with me!"
"Well, wouldn't you want to learn how to dance?"
"I know how to dance. Now, let me go."
Javier helps shift her frame, his arm righting her waist as he locks their fingers, smiling indifferently. That cockiness was still in it but had weakened. "Look, we're here. Put your arms around my neck."
"No."
Javier blinks and he was still. "Why?"
"Because I'm pretty sure you're gonna think something of this."
He sighs. "Just … come on. I'm not. I won't."
Reluctantly, her fingers cautiously met his shoulder and she felt his firmness and knew her heart skipped. He carefully leads back, causing her to stumble but before she could make a complete fool of herself, he caught her. A dent curved on her brow in annoyance. "I hope you enjoy embarrassing me for the night," she murmurs as they slow-dance. "I can assure you, it'll never happen again."
Javier continues about and smiles. "You're not going to be embarrassed. Aren't you, Bryn Blackwell? You're supposed to care less on what people say about you."
Bryn turns away. Why did he have to be so right? Who would've ever thought he'd be right about something.
"Shut up," she mumbles and from behind his steel exterior, a twinge of fear appears and his grip on her tightens as he quickly spun her across the floor, his grip wanes in a smile. "And stop spinning. It's making me dizzy." About a moment later, a burst of glass pops and she blinks. "Did you hear that?"
When she heard no response, she reaches to turn. His fingers caught her chin, keeping her in his eyes.
"Ignore it," he drawls and spins her again, much to her disliking. "probably just someone dropping their martini."
"Whatever."
Javier ignores her as he looks to see Vena on the balcony, snapping her fingers from a failed attempt. An urn's shards scattered across the dance floor and crunching beneath the soles of Bryn's platforms as she moves, unnoticing the danger he rescued her from.
See everyone? J does have a heart.
X
"Damn drinks are good."
"Um, Matt, you just had your ninth shot."
Matt waves him off nonchalantly. He wore a black dress shirt with the sleeves pushed to his elbows and a crooked green tie. Drunkenness glazed in his eyes as he shoves empty shot glasses away. His anxiety consumed him hours ago and he started downing them like morning coffee. "I'm fine, Steve." he slurs and swivels while Steven sat with disapproval. "Wha –? You always seem to look mad all dah time."
Steven shook his head and was dressed in a hoodie over a gray graphic tee, a drumstick hooked to his belt. "That sounds like something I'd say but stop, Matt." he claims, lighting himself a cigarette and looking around to see if Bryn was close. She couldn't know about his smoking that's all he needed. He'd been smart enough to not take a drink and wasn't going to start now. "You're gonna pass out."
Matt shoves Steven in the chest, nearly falling from his chair. "Stop being sucha bitch. Iss annoyin'."
Steven rolls his eyes and coughs smoke. He clearly remembers when he'd drunkenly called a sober Matt a bitch. Let's just say he wasn't too happy and without second thought he'd been punched, knocking him out and dragging him home. He woke the next morning with a ballooned lip and bloody nose.
But if he punched Matt, he would only fall out of his chair, get back up, and give him a black eye.
Ah, friendship.
Steven shut his eyes and puts a cigarette to his lips in silence. Why did he even come here? He didn't have a date. Only a drunken Stradlin on his hands and he didn't want to spend his night leading around a drunk, who was supposed to be the smarter one of the two. Damn.
Two catlike screeches suddenly emitted from the girls' restroom as the signature gossip buzz made everyone's phone volume increase while smokers and drinkers turn to their phones with chuckles and slurs. Steven flips open his phone to see Gossip Bee's page. LIVE FEED alight.
Live feed time! I'm lucky enough to witness the first of the season in person.
Claire and Vena roll across the tiles while the camera recording them fuzzes. The two girls claw at each other's extensions, tearing clumps and throwing them out onto the marble. Jewelry clatters and sparkly diamonds catch the camera in a glare as they continue to yank vicious amounts of fabric.
Claire slaps Vena across the face while Vena heatedly scratches at the queen bee, leaving jagged cuts across her arms. "That'll show you to mess with Harper!" Claire yells, cheeks flushing and updo loosening. "Never mess with my friends!"
"Please," Vena snarls, sponging leaky blood off a scratch on her cheek and launching a quivering fist at Claire in an attempt to get her off. "You could care less about those losers!"
Claire's manicured nails curl around the collar of Vena's blouse, yanking her from the tiles. "If you ever say anything about them again I will have you forced out of New York and shipped off to a crazy institution down in Granada Hills! You psycho bitch!"
Vena smirks and licks her bruised lip. "You only talk, don't attack. Like an animal."
Claire threw Vena back down. "Do you even see this? I'm practically beating the living hell out of you!"
Vena shook her head and shoves Claire, brushing extensions off her skirt like a pretend princess. "Think of this as one of only wins, Clarissa." She jabs a finger at Claire while her own glare forms. "You may have won the battle but you won't win the war."
She smoothes her hair and wipes leftover blood on her sleeve. "Ciao," she ends, exiting the scene and leaving a battered hostess behind.
The bathroom stall slams shut.
"Hope you enjoyed."
Click, click, boom, I've never had so much faith in Queen C in a long time.
"Wow." Steven laughs. "that was interesting." Drunkards around him laugh and agree in gurgled words. He turns to check if Stradlin still resided beside him but he was now gone. "Oh, great." He shuts his phone and pockets it. "All I wanted to do my whole life was search for a drunk."
He left his chair and went searching. As he disappeared, a man holding a pipe and clad in a sheepskin vest and ten-gallon hat, slapped his knee. "Well dayuuum, been a long time since ah seen gals fight like that!"
The man across from him, wearing the identical outfit, agreed. "Ah here ya, partner!"
X
"Tinsley ..." Harper calls, pushing through the masked guests to search for her. She probably left already since his search has been unsuccessful. "Where the hell are you?" Many other blondes were in the area but he already knew they weren't her. She had a specificness to her that no other could compare to.
She was the one. He's never felt this when he dated Claire or Floria. He always enjoyed and savored every moment they had because of how she made him feel. When his heart had been destroyed, he was supposed to be the strong one but couldn't stop mourning and that's when Bryn took revenge against the girls he got close to.
As long as they got along, he wouldn't be bothered and would only stay out of their friendship which Bryn didn't consider. She saw it as a simple gesture of forced kindness but he knew deep inside, she found something she liked in Tinsley and wouldn't torture her like she did the others.
And he was such a jerk to Tinsley earlier, choosing Vena when she was rumored to have an STD. He still couldn't believe he did something so terrible.
He needed to ask for forgiveness but knew that wouldn't do it.
What could –?
"Harper, what're you doing here?"
Harper reacts like lightning to see Tinsley. Honeyed waves graced her shoulders, her dress blown out in a twirl of brightly-colored tulle and she held a swallowtail mask in one hand. Her dress was nude pink and strung in intricate black lace. "I … um," he starts and stares widely. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for leaving you and being cruel. I was terrible. Really, I was. And I'm horribly sorry for it. Believe me, please."
When she didn't speak, he continued. "I was stupid and I know you won't forgive me but I still wanted to admit this to you. I've never run from my problems and I won't start now. The least I could do is this."
Tinsley gapes and shortly after, brought her lips together. "Why … did you apologize?"
Harper took in necessary air and looks at her with blue eyes sunken in significance. "Because I ... I love you."
It seemed for both of them all time stopped. Tinsley took his wrist, led him through the halls and spiraling stairs to the roof. The door was ajar, city lights and a variety of streetlamps twinkled, channeling a scene from Midnight in Paris. She wraps her arms around Harper's rigid physique while he stares. She grins and her eyes did close to the same. He cradles her face and they reflexively lean for one another.
And suddenly, they were kissing. Looking as adoring as Scarlett and Rhett. Rose and Jack. Holly and Paul.
They broke off and Tinsley's smile never fell when they continue into each other's eyes. "I love you, too." she confesses against his soft stare, then kissed his cheek gently. "And that was for your birthday."
Harper smirks and arches a brow. "Don't you have to kiss Bryn now? It's her birthday, too."
Tinsley laughs and playfully punches his bicep. "Shut up."
So he did and they were kissing again.
X
Bryn watches Javier and Vena share a waltz. Tedium devastating her as she drank a variety of pungent wines from a tray of wineglasses on the craft-service table. She wasn't jealous. Maybe bombed. Not jealous. She just needed a break from music. Madonna made it look easy.
So she'd spend nearly hours a day in a filthy studio, straining her voice until her throat seared. The record producer was cruel to her and the guys. His insults were meant to be critical but hurt. It made her wonder.
How did these sweet guys meet someone as intolerable as him, anyway? She could only imagine how they were treated before she joined the band. This seemed like a sweet dream gone nightmare. The worst of all was that she couldn't tell anyone of what she suffered. Floria, Steven, Matt, Harper …
Or what? The band would be dropped and disappear off the planet.
Bryn sighs and eats a black cherry, battling the urge for tears when she pictures Scott's glacier hands on her face or his sickening smirk burning into her brain. Adam's wide eyes, Marcus and Landon's frantic begging …
Javier's mouth caught her throat as she swallows the cherry. Vena flees with a slight limp. Despite wanting to shove him off, she enjoyed it. The sensation made her heartache weaken. She chokes on a laugh and felt her eyes hazing. Javier's eyes open and he notices the glisten in her eyes. His lips fled her neck. "What's wrong?" he inquires and suddenly sounded concerned. "You look close to tears."
Bryn shook her head and reclines in her chair. "I'm fine. It's none of your concern."
Javier's hand lingers over hers. "If you're upset, it is my concern."
She sniffles but doesn't cry. "You only care about me because of my slutty stage act. I'm not stupid. Any guy would like a blonde chick onstage in a corset, moaning at them and basically revealing themselves."
"Yes, any guy. I'm not just any guy."
Bryn laughs. "I shoulda figured." She stands and snatches his hand. She'd never noticed the warmth in his grip. As she leads him in the foyer, she halts them halfway and breathes sharply. "I'll tell you about my dramatic life someday. But first –" She took his face in her hands and kisses him as neither decide to break it. His arms encircle her waist as her fingers tangle into his hair. He bumps her against the wall and she's already claiming his tie.
"Wait," Javier breaks their kiss, looks around suspiciously before smirking down at her. "why don't we take this … somewhere else?"
She only smirks.
X
Bryn finally got into the family car, nearly asleep. What an enjoyable night she had. Dad visits for her birthday, Harper spends time with Tinsley, she spends time with Javier, and all was well. She would smoke, kick off her heels, listen to Blondie's Plastic Letters, and collapse into bed with music in her ears and heart.
Damn, life was great.
The limo came to a halt and Harper messaged her earlier while she was with Javier in his suite, saying he may be returning late. As long as Vena wasn't involved she'd get a great sleep. She'd even heard Claire had beat the living hell out of her. She wishes she was there to witness but how'd Vena even get into the party? That was the unanswered.
Bryn grins and grabs her bag. "Thanks. You're dismissed."
The man did nothing but smile and tip his hat. Man of no words. He pointedly unlocks her door and she slid out, noticing her father's convertible. He told them he was going to visit old friends but must've returned early. She could tell him about the partying she had. He'd sure love to hear that!
She was about to push her key in when she shook the knob, it snailed back against the wall. Bryn enters and withdrew her keys. One of the idiot maids must've left the door unlocked. That's all she'd need. Let someone sneak in and rob her family possessions.
She flicks on a light switch, brightening the halls in orange light. It was silent. Her father would be awake around this time, smoking herbal cigarettes and reciting Catholic verses he learnt in college.
"Dad?" Bryn calls, receiving no reply. He probably fell asleep. The flight from Switzerland to New York isn't the shortest. She walks into his room and saw his silhouette in the dark, head and limbs motionless as doll parts. Cautiously, she steps in, not wanting to wake him. "Dad?" She shook his arm. He didn't stir or shift, not a movement.
Not even a breath.
Bryn bit her lip. He was only sleeping, he was like Harper, a heavy sleeper.
She taps his arm and notices the daily newspaper strewn all across the carpet. "Daddy?" she demands, going for a lamp. The stink was terrible and she realized his room smelt like bitter leaves. A broken pipe lay by his foot and she didn't even hear a breath come from him. "Daddy?"
"Daddy? DADDY!"
Nothing. Perfect stillness.
She didn't know whether to cry or scream. She needed someone. They could take him to the hospital. He was probably just knocked-out. He always wore himself out easily. Maybe he had pneumonia. They could give him medicine and he'd be all better in the morning, then take her out for morning breakfast.
She knew that wasn't the answer.
So instead of screaming or crying –
She did both.