Chapter 7- By the Sea

Ding!

Flight 302 to Tampa, Florida is now boarding.

"Are you sure about this?" Nalyne asked.

My eyes scanned the people around me, seeing parents crying, wives or girlfriends hugging their loved ones tightly. I looked back at Nalyne and nodded, before looking down.

"Yea," I replied softly, looking back up at her, "Nay, you don't have to tag along,"

She twisted her lips to the side, before clicking her tongue, "Your right, I don't have to go. Especially with the way you acted last week," she paused.

"I am so sorry for that. I shouldn't have acted that way," I began to apologize for the 100th time that week.

She held her hand up, stopping me, "But then who am I going to go out partying with? Whose going to make work fun? Who am I going to bug and cause them to mess up their drinks? Who am I going to smoke out with? Eat munchies when we're stoned off our asses? Whose going to buy those weird rainbow chips ahoy! Cookies I love stealing from you?" she smiled.

"So your the cookie monster. Here I thought it was Artemis," I tilted my head over to the pet carrier.

She cocked a brow, "Really...the cat...that's what you came up with...you've been smoking to much."

We busted out laughing.

"Hey, don't underestimate. She's smart," I chuckled.

The laughing died down and Nalyne just stared at me.

"Your my best friend E. Granted, I did deserve last week, and I can't pronounce your name, " we chuckled, "but you've helped me, and even though I don't know what happened Sunday, which I know you say nothing, but I know it's something, and I hope I can help you with it," she rubbed my arm.

My bottom lip quivered, looking down, I felt my tears ready to spill. I look back up, pulling her into my arms, hugging her tightly.

"You have no idea how lucky I feel to have a friend like you," I whispered, sniffling lightly.

"Miss?" we heard.

We both turned, seeing the boarding lady.

"Are you boarding the plane?" she asked, brows raised.

I gave her a small smile, nodding, and looking back at Nalyne.

"OK...let's go," Nalyne grinned, shrugging.

We picked up our carry on and walked onto the plane, after giving our ticket.

I sighed.

"Feels good to be back," I whispered to myself.

"Its very beautiful...did you miss it here?" Nalyne asked, as she stepped up next to me, getting off the cab, at a very familiar neighborhood.

"Yea. I didn't grow up here, but it became my home when I moved here," I explained.

"So..." she started.

I looked around, trying to remember everything.

"Where do we go? Are we staying at a hotel...or something?" she asked.

"Um, yea. Just have to make a stop first," she stared at me, wondering, "Someone who can help us get an affordable place. He knows this place well. An old friend," I explained. I stepped forward, walking down the street. Nalyne ran after me.

Reaching a two story house, I turn, and walk towards the front door.

"Who lives here?" she looked at me, panting.

I knocked, not answering her question. Seconds passed and I knocked again.

"E?"

The door opened.

"Can I help you?" the tall blonde, bare chested guy asked.

Nalyne eyed him quickly, before snapping her gaze back at me, leaning lightly, whispering in my ear "Your getting help from a Carter?" she sneered.

I moved my eyes off him, then at Nalyne, looking down, clearing my throat.

"You guys fans? Um, listen right now is not a good time. I'm having a few problems and-" he began.

"Aaron," I cut him off.

I looked up, seeing him stare at me. I took a hard swallow.

"Hey," I chuckled nervously.

"Do I know you?" he shook his head, as if trying to clear his mind.

"Um, I...its me...Estrella," I whispered.

"Estrella?" his head tilted.

"Star," I rolled my eyes lightly.

His eyes widened, "Holy shit Star," he pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh my god, I thought you were dead," he breathed in my ear.

I laughed lightly, "Well, I'm alive and kickin'. Sorry to disappoint," I shrugged as he pulled away slowly.

Lifting his hand from my shoulder, he lightly smacked me at the side of my head. I pouted, rubbing the area, messing up my short hair, which was covered by my hoodie, which I had cut once again, this time bleaching it to white.

"Shut up," he chuckled, pushing the hoodie off, over my head. "Your hair!" he exclaimed, running his fingers through my short, white, thin hair.

"My hair," I mimicked, waving my hands at my sides.

"It's gone...and white...when did you get so old" he pulled a small strand.

I gasped, smiling, punching him playfully at his chest. He laughed, blocking my playful attacks.

"I loved your long, brown hair," he ran his fingers through my snowy hair, "but this looks pretty cool," he grinned.

"Yea, thanks," I chuckled, shaking my head, allowing my bangs to fall in front of my forehead.

"Ahem," I hear Nalyne clear her throat.

Aaron looks to my side, over my shoulder, seeing Nalyne. His sweet smile suddenly turns into the very familiar Carter smirk. I roll my eyes, popping my hip to the side, placing my hand on my waist.

"Aaron, this is my good friend Nay. Nay...well...you know," I waved my free hand between them.

"Hi," Nalyne twirled her hair, quickly sticking her hand out, offering it to Aaron, "Nice to meet you," she smiled.

Aaron reached and took her hand in his, shaking it lightly, "Same," he answered, the smirk never leaving his face.

We stood looking at each other for quite some time, well...Nalyne and Aaron did, I just kept looking around, thinking of something to say.

"Uh," I let out, not really meaning too. They turned to see me.

When did Nay get in front of me?

"So what are you doing here? Not that I didn't like the surprise, or anything?" he moved his hands around.

"Um, I...I'm moving back," I sighed. "Just, you know, wanted to see if you know any houses around? I mean, from what I heard, you...get around," I arched my brow.

A goofy grin was plastered on his face, giving a funny chuckle.

I mimicked him, making a stupid face.

"I think that's great. Nick would be thrilled," he replied, excitedly.

My smile fell from my face. "I would like it if Nick didn't know about it," he stared at me in confusion. "Just...you know...I just," my words kept stumbling over.

"Aaron what's taking you so lo-" someone yelled, trailing off.

A long, dark hair, tall, slim girl stepped up behind Aaron, and staring at me intently.

"Who are you?" she asked, with a bit of tone.

"Angel, its Ester...you remember her right?" Aaron pointed at me.

She looked at Aaron then back at me. I gave her a small wave with a small smile. She looked back at Aaron and shrugged.

"You know...Star," he nodded.

"Nick's Star?" her nose scrunched.

I flinched.

"You bitch," she stepped forward.

My eyes widened, taking a step back, Nalyne immediately stepped in front of me, protectively.

"Do you know what you did to my brother. You stupid whore. I knew you were just using him," she ranted.

"Hey!" Nalyne snapped, "You don't know the whole fucking story, so why don't you back the fuck off," she stomped her foot forward, causing Angel to flinch back.

"Who the fuck are you?" Angel growled.

"None of your business," Nalyne gritted.

"What, you turned into a dyke while you were gone? My brother wasn't satisfying you enough or something?" she turned to me.

I stared at her in disbelief. I knew she never really liked me, obviously, but she had never acted this bad towards me.

I felt my eyes begin to well up, getting worse as they stung from the freshly spilled tears.

"Angel go back inside," Aaron swung his arm inside the house, pointing for her to leave.

"Hell no! I'm not going to let this b-," she growled.

"Angel!" Aaron snapped, "Go...Inside...Now," he demanded.

She glared at me, as I dried my tears with the sleeves of my jacket.

I really need to stop crying.

She humphed, stomping angrily away, before looking back at Aaron giving him a quick knowing glance.

"I always knew she didn't like me, but damn," I sniffled, wiping my nose with my sleeve.

He chuckled, "Yea, sorry. You know how she is," he paused, "Nick was pretty heart broken after you had left. Completely dropping off the grid. He had even hired people to look for you. We all thought the worst, he started drinking a lot, and partying more...which of coarse in return made Angel hate you more," he lips scrunched.

I shook my head.

"It wasn't her fault," Nalyne threw her hands in the air.

"I sort of was," I chuckled weakly, looking down, "If you really think about it," I played with my fingers.

She turned to look at me, "Don't defend him,"

"She's right," Aaron piped up.

I looked up to see him, the same time Nalyne turned to stare at him.

"You shouldn't defend him," he added.

I tilted my head slightly to the side, looking at him in confusion.

He took in a deep breathe. "Nick might have mentioned a few times, when he ended up here, drugged and drunk out of his mind, what an asshole he was," he explained. "Some how I knew there was more, but...that's all he would say," he shrugged.

I looked away, "Great," I muttered.

"I'm the only one who knows," I added.

I nodded.

We stayed silent for a while.

"So you need help finding a place?" he finally asked.

"Yes," I answered lightly.

"Where are you staying for now?" he stepped closer.

"Ironically..." I breathed in, "The Hilton," I chewed on my lip.

Aaron stared at me for a few, before bursting out laughing. He doubled over, holding his stomach, laughing hard. "Oh, the irony," he wiped his tears away.

I shook my head.

"I'll see what I can do," he answered. "Can't have you destroying the hotel," he cracked up.

I let out a small chuckle, "Thank you so much Aaron," I hugged him tightly.

"Hey no problem, your the only one my brother has dated that I like," he smiled.

"I better be," I joked.

"Scouts honor. So just give me your number so I'll know where to call you," he pulled out his phone.

Hesitantly, I gave him my number. Giving him one last hug, I turned to leave, Nalyne following suit.

Sigh, "This place is awesome," I gawked, putting down a box on the empty, dark wooded floor.

"The view is beautiful," Nalyne breathed, standing out back on the patio, over looking the ocean.

"Aaron you...I love you," I laughed.

He smiled, giving a small chuckle, walking in with box filled arms. "Love ya too. Anything for a friend," he placed the boxes down, leaning over, and giving me a small kiss on the cheek. "Are you good with a job? I'm currently looking for someone to join my crew," he grinned.

"Maybe. Nay and I found an empty building space when we shopping the other day," I turned to him.

"What are you buying it for?" he asked, intrigued.

"We're planning to make our own small radio station," I smiled. "Maybe even have a club, and the station can be in a back room of something," I wiggled my brows.

Aaron nodded, chuckling lightly. I let out a small squeal, jumping.

"So excited" I grinned.

[Nick]

The music screamed in the air. I had lost count on how many times I had come here every night, sometimes even at opening hour. Yet...nothing. I still hadn't seen her. I asked around, her co-workers and people I had seen come regularly. They all told me the same thing, They hadn't seen her or her friend. I feared the worst. Especially when I had made a quick stop at the local drug store to buy AJ a pack of smokes and a bottle of jack and cigarette wraps for myself, two cops were in front of me, waiting to pay and having a conversation about some phone call.

"Yea man, they just called crying then hung up," officer one shook his head.

"Really? They didn't say anything else?" officer two asked, intrigued.

"Well, according to Macie, this girl called crying...like literally bawling she couldn't understand a word. Poor girl, she was scared," Officer one acted out with his hands.

I stared between them, interested in their conversation, just to pass the time it was taking me to get to the damn cashier.

"Who the caller or Macie?" Officer two smiled.

"Macie. She's new and all, she must have gotten a scare of her life," Officer one chuckled.

"You so like her man," Officer two laughed, patting Officer one on his shoulder.

I rolled my eyes. So easily changed of subject.

"Shut up. Anyways so this girl calls crying, and Macie, of coarse, is trying to get this girl to talk. She's asking her, you know, what her emergency is, and all she hears is 'I've been raped.' So Macie tries to get more information out, asking her where she is and if anyone there can help her," Officer one shakes his head, scrunching up his face, "nothing. The girl hangs up,"

I stared at him wide eyed.

"Didn't even leave a name or something?" Officer two's brows furrowed.

"Nope nothing," Officer one replied, taking a bite out of his hot dog.

I sighed, shutting my eyes closed.

"The call was made from the park, from a cell phone under the name...uh...Estrella Vasquez,"

I froze. Fuck. My heart began pounding. My chest tightened. My breathing becoming short.

"Went by to her house, it was emptied out. Neighbors said they hadn't seen them in weeks,"

I shook my head, swallowing hard. My throat dry.

"Son are you OK?" Officer two turned, a look of worry on his face.

I cleared my throat, nodding, "Yea, just...thirsty," I chuckled nervously.

He eyed the bottle in my hands. "That isn't going to help," he pointed.

I looked down at the bottle.

"Are you planning on drinking that yourself son?" he crossed his arms over his buff chest.

Star would have been scared. She never like buff dudes.

"No. Going to a party. Bring your own bottle you know," I chuckled, nodding.

I closed my eyes at the vacant memory. Hanging my head low, with my hands together, above my head. Every night since, I have thought of what I did. I was truly a fucked up person. How could I do that? I don't even know. I mean...I was drunk...god I'm lame...that shouldn't even excuse myself.

"What will it be son?" I heard someone call.

Lifting my head, I spot a man with a towel thrown over his shoulder, his hands spread out on the counter, staring at me.

"Uh, are you the manager?" I squinted.

He nodded, "What can I do you for?"

"Do you know anyone named Estrella Vasquez? She kind of looks like this, but with short, fire red hair," I asked him, pulling out my wallet and showing him a picture that I took of her at London Eye.

"Oh, E? Yea she worked here," he nodded. "Quit a couple of weeks ago. Her and her partner in crime, who got her the job when she first came here," he chuckled.

"Do you know why they quit?" I asked quickly.

"No. But I figured since E had barely graduated, she would had wanted to expand her horizons or something. Nay just tags along,"

"Do you know where they went?"

"Nope," he answered simply. "Why the interest?" he turned the tables.

"She and I are old friends...before she came here," I smiled weakly.

"Oh, well sorry I couldn't be of any help," He tapped on the counter.

"No, you helped me just fine thanks," I turned and walked away, climbing up to the VIP section, seeing AJ talking into his phone discreetly.

I eyed him before walking over to him.

"I'll talk to you later, bye. Love you," he said quickly, snapping his phone shut.

"Who were you talking to?" my brows furrowed, crossing my arms over my chest.

"My mom, what's it to you?" he scoffed, putting his phone inside his pocket.

"You were pretty quick on getting off the phone with her," I remarked.

"Yea so. Couldn't hear her with the music," he shrugged.

I looked at him curiously, as he kept moving his gaze over at me every second.

He knew.

[Estrella]

"I'm telling you she's like a bank. She knows the money she get's, divides what she is going to use, and saves the rest, and she won't use it until she really needs too," I hear Nalyne explain, as I entered the back porch, holding three beers.

"Who's like a bank?" I ask, seeing Aaron and Nalyne turn around, grinning at me.

I walk over to them, handing them a bottle. Handing Aaron his, but quickly pulling back, "I never gave you this bottle," I pointed, handing it to him, making him giggle like a little kid who just did something evil.

I chuckled, shaking my head, and sitting on the long chair next to them. Sighing deeply, I began to laugh.

"What the hell," Aaron laughed. "How many have you had?"

"None," Nalyne cackled.

I laughed along with her, brows raised, and looking at her, "Whoa calm down. How many have you had?" I joked.

She stuck her tongue at me.

We fell into silence, staring at the ocean waves crash together, and the ocean wind making them higher.

"This feels great," I whispered, feeling like I had too from the silence.

"Mhm," Aaron nodded.

Nalyne looked at us, then held up her bottle, "Here's too...fresh beginnings," she said boldly.

"Here here," Aaron and I said together, clinking our bottles.

Fresh beginnings.

I took a long swig from my beer.