Chapter 673: 22:00
Sunday, March 12th, Night
(Deb Lee's Beach House)
Avril saw Garvan and Felicia at the door from her spot at the stereo. Two courses of action popped into the tall young woman's head. Being raised to support her friends at all costs and not wanting to make a scene, Avril left the stereo and went to where Brett stood on the landing. Avril had over a few inches on Brett, so she stood behind her to avoid blocking Brett's view.
"You okay, B?" Avril asked.
Brett nodded, took a slow drink from her blue Solo cup, and looked over her shoulder at Avril. "I'm good, Av," she said.
"I could get him kicked out; it's your party," Avril said.
Brett shook her head, "No, it's our party; we're just using my Nana's beach house," she said.
"Are you sure?" Avril asked.
"Yeah," Brett said, with a short laugh, "I did say the usual suspects."
Avril nodded, "You did," she said.
Brett took another sip of her drink. "My Aunt Peyton had a rule at TRIC, everyone's money is good, but as soon as they caused trouble, kick them out. They're more trouble than their money is worth," she said.
"Where did you hear that?" Avril asked.
"Momma Chase," Brett said, sipped her drink, and watched Garvan and Felicia move through the crowd.
"Did he ever tell you it was over?" Avril asked.
"No," Brett said.
"That's some ballsy shit, right there," Avril said.
"He's trying to be the Alpha Wolf," Brett said, taking another drink.
"Okay," Avril said, confused.
"But, Av, never underestimate the Alpha Bitch," Brett said.
Avril chuckled, "Of course," she said.
(Deb Lee's Beach House)
Baylee watched Avril leave the stereo from the great room and head up to Brett. Baylee started to take a step to support Avril with Brett when Parker grabbed Baylee's elbow. They had only just returned to the party from their interlude upstairs. The first thing Baylee noticed was that Garvan had shown up, and he brought Felicia Witt.
Baylee turned to Parker. Parker looked at Baylee with a concerned look. "Avril has this one," Parker said.
"I'm also Brett's friend," Baylee said.
"Bay, don't overwhelm her, as we know B, she's got this under control," Parker said.
Baylee smiled, "How did you become so wise?" she asked.
"Hanging around you," Parker said.
"Ah! You're so sweet, your flatter," Baylee said.
"Do I get a reward?" Parker asked.
"Yes, you do," Baylee said.
"What is it?" Parker asked.
"A kiss," Baylee said.
"I like that," Parker said.
Baylee leaned forward and kissed Parker. Once they finished, they pulled away and looked at each other. Baylee noticed LK was standing by them, eyeing Parker. LK seemed off-balanced but fixated on Parker.
"What's up, LK?" Baylee asked in a calming voice.
LK nodded as Baylee noticed Sawyer and Keir move past. LK stumbled but caught herself and looked again at Parker.
"Can I help you?" Parker asked.
"Are you Sara Gresham, with whom I used to take piano lessons?" LK asked.
Parker nodded, "Yes," Parker said.
"I thought so," LK said, "Excuse me," LK put a hand on her mouth and ran through the kitchen, down the small hall, and into the powder room. Keni noticed LK take off from across the room.
Baylee looked at Parker. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Parker shrugged, "Yeah, Babe, I'm used to it; most people don't understand," they said. Baylee hugged Parker, and Parker rested their head on Baylee's shoulder.
(Deb Lee's Beach House)
In the corner of the main room, Sawyer was talking with Keir. Sawyer laughed at some inane joke. There was something about Keir, a manly animalistic vibe tonight that awakened something inside her.
Sawyer's green eyes took in Keir's steely hungry gaze. She rested her hand on his chest and rubbed her hand up and down. Keir played basketball on the junior varsity team. Maybe she liked him; he played basketball and was the team's sniper, the exact role and position for which Sawyer was being groomed. Perhaps that's why Sawyer felt a strong connection with Keir.
"What are you thinking?" Keir asked.
"A few things," Sawyer purred.
"Like what?" Keir asked and gave a sideways glance to Jackin.
"Many things," Sawyer said, rubbing Keir's chest more.
"Such as?" Keir growled, staking his claim.
"It's better shown than told," Sawyer said.
"When can you show me?" Keir asked, giving Jackin another sideways glance.
Sawyer had a lost and hungry look in her eyes. Her smile became sly, then slowly turned wicked. Her hands rubbed Keir's chest. Suddenly her hand stopped rubbing his chest and slid down his arm to his hand. Sawyer took a firm grasp of Keir's hand. Her other hand also grasped Keir's hand, and with a sudden pull, she tugged him to follow her.
"Follow me," Sawyer said, purring like a cat.
"Okay," Keir said and gave another sideways glance to Jackin.
Sawyer led Keir through the kitchen, down a small hall, and into a foyer. She opened the door to a bedroom, saw it was empty, and pushed Keir in. Sawyer looked around, smiled, and followed, closing and locking the door behind them.
(Chase Adams's Residence)
After being dropped off, Noah went to the side of the house and entered a side door. He slowly walked up the few steps to find his mom standing at the top of the stairs, her arms akimbo.
"Where have you been?" Kristen asked.
"Out," Noah said.
"I see that; you know it's ten o'clock," Kristen said.
"So, you told me to take off," Noah said.
"It's been all day," Kristen said.
"I've done this before, Mom," Noah said.
Kristen nodded, "Does that include harassing your sister?" she asked.
"What? Where did you hear that?" Noah asked.
"Shat called me before she called you," Kristen said.
"So?" Noah asked.
"Noah, you can't get blood from a stone. Your sisters want nothing to do with you, me, or your dad," Kristen said, "They've made that entirely clear."
"It's not just about me; what about Dad? He is always asking for Chase; maybe it will bring him peace," Noah said.
"Noah, I've always known you want siblings; I couldn't give you any, but you can't make people do what they don't want to," Kristen said.
"What about Izzy? She's the family-orientated politician; what if I go to the press?" Noah asked.
Kristen slapped Noah's face, "Boy, are you dumber than a box of rocks? Your sister Izzy is tied in with John McMichael; do you want our lives to be harder?" she asked.
"Mom?" Noah asked.
"Go to your room," Kristen said.
"Mom?" Noah asked.
"No back talk; to your room now!" Kristen said.
Noah nodded, lowered his head, and went upstairs. Kristen watched as her only child passed, then she slumped against the wall. She looked at her hand as it trembled and started crying.
(Jamlyn)
The large house was silent, and most of the lights were out. Ashlyn walked through the house and turned off the various lights. After checking the first floor, she went upstairs.
Walking to the far-off wing, Ashlyn looked into the bedrooms. Buck was in bed, and his low snores reassured Ashlyn he was still alive. The next room Ashlyn looked into was her nephew's. Ab was curled up on his bed, his chest rising and falling in the steady sleep rhythm. The next room belonged to her niece, Joplin. The young girl lay on her bed, a teddy bear that Joplin's mom gave her in her arms. The young girl looked so innocent sleeping there.
Ashlyn shook her head and left the wing of the house that Buck, AB, and Joplin's rooms were in. Halfway across the house, Ashlyn stopped and sighed, clearing her head, then walked to the other wing.
The first room Ashlyn looked into was one of her twin sons, Logan. The young boy was sprawled on his bed, wrapped in Miami Heat bed sheets, sleeping. Ashlyn smiled, walked into the room, adjusted the boy's bed covers, and kissed his temple.
Ashlyn went to the room next door. Her other twin son, Landen. Her other son was curled up in a ball. Landen had kicked his covers off. Ashlyn smiled and fixed the covers. Once Ashlyn was happy with how the covers covered her son, she kissed his temple and left the room.
Ashlyn visited Meaghan's room next. Her youngest daughter laid perfectly, like a sleeping beauty. Ashlyn smiled, kissed her daughter's forehead, and left her asleep.
The next room was Brett's. Ashlyn looked at the empty room of her redheaded oldest. Ashlyn sighed and looked at a room of her near adult. After a moment, she couldn't take it anymore and left the room.
Ashlyn went to her bedroom to shower and get ready for bed.
(Tree Hill Hall)
After making sure all the little ones were sound asleep, they would sometimes fake it. Chase took one last walk around the house. She didn't expect Brett to be home tonight, instead sleeping at the beach house. After shutting off all the lights, she went to her bedroom.
Chase found Huck sitting on their marriage bed with a rose in his teeth as she opened the door. Chase chuckled, entered the room, and closed the door behind her.
"Is that for me?" Chase asked playfully.
Huck nodded.
"Am I to pluck the rose from your mouth?" Chase asked.
Huck nodded.
"When I have plucked the rose, I cannot give it vital growth again. Its needs must wither. I'll smell it on the tree," Chase said.
Huck looked downcast.
Chase smiled, "Am I supposed to take that from your mouth with my teeth?" she asked.
Huck nodded.
Chase smiled and walked over to the bed. She crawled onto the bed and crawled to Huck. She leaned close and watched him shiver as she exhaled on his neck. Chase dragged her lips along Huck's ear, cheek, and jawline. Finally, she kissed him and plucked the rose from his mouth.
Chase leaned back, removed the stem from her mouth, and looked at Huck. "You know the rose used to be a metaphor for certain parts of the woman's anatomy," she said with a devilish grin.
"I do," Huck said.
Chase smiled, "Well, I like it when you pluck my garden," she said.
"As do I," Huck said.
Chase leaned forward and kissed him; when she leaned back, they locked eyes.
"Happy Birthday, Chase," Huck said.
(Deb Lee's Beach House)
After Avril left the stereo, another Brett Pack member took her place at the stereo. Forrest Nez went through the old CDs that Nathan and Haley probably left. Forrest found a particular CD and pulled it out. He opened the changer put the CD in, and selected the track.
"Yo! Can we get all the ladies we're celebrating tonight!" Forrest called out.
"What for Forrest?" Faye Ambrose asked.
"Just get all your butts in front of me!" Forrest said.
"Forrest, what are you doing?" Brett asked.
"B, I'm about to dedicate to these ladies by playing this swagger song," Forrest said.
"Really, Forrest?" Avril asked.
"Just one catch," Forrest said.
"What is it?" Baylee said.
"When you hear it, you're going to move," Forrest said.
Jade Loyal rolled her eyes. "Whatever, just play it already," Jade Loyal said. Forrest pressed play on the stereo.
You're now tuned into the muh'fuckin' greatest!
(Ugh, ugh, uh-huh-uh-huh, ugh)
(Jigga, uh-huh-uh, uh-uh)
Turn the music up in the headphones (Jigga)
(Uh-huh-uh, Jigga, uh-uh, uh-uh, ugh)
Tim, you can go on and brush your shoulders off, nigga
I got you
(Ugh, ch-ch, ugh, ugh, Jigga)
Ugh, yeah
If you feelin' like a pimp, nigga, go on—brush your shoulders off
Ladies is pimps, too; go on—brush your shoulders off
Niggas is crazy, baby; don't forget that boy told you
Get that dirt off your shoulder
The girls looked at each other, and several started moving out of the crowd.
I probably owe it to y'all, prolly be locked by the force
Tryna hustle some things that go with the Porsche
Feelin' no remorse, feelin' like my hand was forced
Middle finger to the law, nigga, grippin' my balls
Said, the ladies, they love me — from the bleachers, they screamin'
All the ballers is bouncin' — they like the way I be leanin'
All the rappers be hatin' off the track that I'm makin'
But all the hustlers — they love it just to see one of us make it
Came from the bottom of the bottom to the "Top of the Pops"
Nigga, London (Woo), Japan (Woo), and I'm straight off the block
Like a running back — get it, man? I'm straight off the block
I can run it back, nigga, 'cause I'm straight with the Roc
If you feelin' like a pimp, nigga, go on — brush your shoulders off
Ladies is pimps, too; go on — brush your shoulders off
Niggas is crazy, baby; don't forget that boy told you
Get that dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
To his word, the first few girls started to dance. They moved and were moved. There was one lyric where the girls brushed off their shoulders.
Your homie Hov' in position, in the kitchen with soda
I just whipped up a watch, tryna get me a Rover (Woo)
Tryna stretch out the coca, like a wrestler, yessir
Keep the heckler close — you know them smokers'll test you
But, like, 52 cards went out — I'm through dealin'
Now, 52 bars come out — now, you feel 'em
Now, 52 cars roll out; remove ceiling in case 52 broads come out
Now, you chillin' with a boss, bitch, of course; "S.C." on the sleeve
At the 40/40 club, ESPN on the screen
I paid a grip for the jeans (Woo), plus, the slippers is clean (Woo)
No chrome on the wheels (Woo), I'm a grown-up for real, chyeah!
If you feelin' like a pimp, nigga, go on — brush your shoulders off
Ladies is pimps, too; go on — brush your shoulders off
Niggas is crazy, baby; don't forget that boy told you
Get that dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
Baylee left Parker's side and joined the first few girls dancing. She smiled as she joined the girls. When it came time, she brushed off her shoulder.
Your boy back in the building; Brooklyn, we back on the map
Me and my beautiful bee-itch in the back of that 'Bach
I'm the realest that run it, I just happen to rap
I ain't gotta clap at 'em — niggas scared of that black
I drop that Black Album, then I back out it
As the best rapper alive — nigga, ask 'bout me
From bricks to Billboards, from grams to Grammys
From O's to opposite Orphan Annie
You gotta pardon Jay for sellin' out the Garden in a day
I'm like a young Marvin in his hey'
I'm a hustler, homie; you a customer, crony
Got some dirt on my shoulder — could you brush it off for me?
Brett looked at Avril, and the taller woman shrugged. They walked down from the landing and joined the rest of the team dancing. Brett looked over to where Garvan and Felicia were standing. Brett drifted towards where they stood.
If you feelin' like a pimp, nigga, go on — brush your shoulders off
Ladies is pimps, too; go on — brush your shoulders off
Niggas is crazy, baby; don't forget that boy told you
Get that dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
You gotta get (Get) that (That) dirt off your shoulder
During the dance, Brett ended up over where Garvan and Felicia stood. Brett brushed off her shoulder at Garvan and Felicia when that lyric came up. Indeed, following another lyric, the girls laughed; all ballers were bouncing.
You're now tuned into the muh'fuckin' greatest!
Best rapper alive
Best rapper alive
(Deb Lee's Beach House)
Keni noticed LK talking with Baylee and Parker from her place with the cheerleaders. LK suddenly tensed up, covered her mouth, and ran to the powder room. Looking around, Keni didn't see Sawyer anywhere.
"Excuse me," Keni said and took off after LK. Opening the powder room door, she found LK throwing up with her face in the toilet. Keni stepped into the room and closed the door.
"Are you okay?" Keni asked.
LK picked up her head and shook it. "No, I'm sick," she said.
"What did you drink?" Keni asked.
"Bottled water," LK said, turned to the toilet, and vomited again.
Keni nodded, stepped out of the powder room, and returned with a sealed water bottle from the kitchen. LK was sitting next to the toilet, looking dazed. Keni opened the water bottle and handed it to LK. LK took a sip and looked at Keni.
"Keni, I don't feel well," LK said.
"You only drank water?" Keni asked.
"Yes, I only drank water," LK said.
"Did you eat anything?" Keni asked.
LK nodded, "Yes, Keni, I had Jell-o," she said.
Keni nodded, "Yeah, stay here," she said.
"Okay, I don't feel well, Keni," LK said.
"I know, I'm handling it," Keni said, pulled out her smartphone, and texted.
(Deb Lee's Beach House)
As the song ended, Brett found herself before Garvan and Felicia. Brett tilted her head and gave Garvan a yeah, so look. Garvan looked at Brett and sighed.
"What are you trying to prove?" Garvan asked.
Brett looked at Garvan; we're going to do this here. "Nothing," Brett said.
"What was brushing your shoulder off at me?" Garvan asked.
"It's part of the song," Brett said.
"It's more than that, Brett," Garvan said.
"Do you really want to do this here?" Brett asked.
"Yes, why not?" Garvan asked.
Brett gave Garvan a smirk. The smirk could be described as the Scott smirk. Brett was all but in name a Scott. "Let's do this then," she said.
"Let's," Garvan said.
"What is she talking about, Garvan?" Felicia asked.
Brett turned to Felicia, "Do you want to get involved in this? Considering you've been screwing my boyfriend," she said.
"What is she talking about?" Felicia asked.
"Umm!" Garvan said.
Brett smiled, "I see, he never told you we never broke up, and in fact, he brought his side piece to his girlfriend's party," Brett tilted her head, "Oh, honey, you had no clue."
"No, I didn't," Felicia said.
Brett turned to Garvan. "So, why did you cheat? Was it because you couldn't handle me? Was it because we made the playoffs and you didn't? No, no, it's not it, is it, Garvan? It's because you're too beta, with a micro peen, to handle your girlfriend being better and more successful than you. You couldn't be there when we won the championship; never mind, I was split open," Brett said, and pointed to the bandaged side of her head, "Yet, I still lead the team in scoring."
Garvan stayed silent. Brett stared him down.
"Silent, I see, that says it all," Brett said, "Now, Garvan, Felicia, please leave my Nana's property."
Brett turned and walked away.