Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

There’s a corner in my guest room upstairs with the most magnificent view of my neighbor’s backyard, replicating an oasis.

The trees are leafy, green, and spread throughout the manicured garden enhancing the main feature—the Olympic-size swimming pool. On a warm day like today, I’m really trying to suppress the urge to strip off and jump into the pool. The pool may have been the main attraction but superseding that would have to be the young pool boy. He’s easily in his early twenties, a tan to die for, and snake hips which will get any libido up and dancing. The first time I saw him, I knew Eric would be all up in that like an ill-fitting swimsuit, so I call him immediately.

Never in my life have I ever known Eric to be on time for anything, so you can imagine my shock when the doorbell rings fifteen minutes later. The profanities Eric can think of for a man-part never cease to amaze me.

Much to my disappointment, pool boy’s off duty today. It doesn’t stop me enjoying the view, though, and with my headphones on, the shuffling of my music drowns out the silence allowing me to work on some new designs for beachwear I’ve been playing around with. Somewhere during ‘Footloose,’ I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. At first, my imagination does that ‘you’re cuckoo,’ and I ignore it, but it becomes heavier, and I turn slowly to see Lex standing behind me. Startled, I pull off my headphones and drop my papers and pencil on the floor.

Crouching down, he assists me in picking up my papers as I mumble under my breath. “What are you doing here? You scared the shit out of me, Lex.”

I place everything on the side table and walk away, ignoring that he’s following me downstairs to the kitchen. He stands in the archway, and I open the dishwasher and start unloading.

“I’m here to pick up Andy.”

I don’t look at him, taking the plates out one by one. “Well, he’s not here.”

“He has soccer training in half an hour,” he points out.

“They changed the time. It started an hour ago, and besides, Julian took him.”

The earth may just have shaken with the rage flooding Lex’s veins. This is mainly my fault. Early this morning, I suggested Julian take Andy to soccer. Once Andy had it in his head, he wouldn’t let up, even getting himself dressed as best as he could. Soccer for little ones mainly consists of running around and tantrums. It isn’t competitive and a great way for them to learn how to play sports.

Lex always takes him to soccer, except for last weekend, and that’s his own stubborn fault for using Andy as a pawn in this twisted situation.

Amongst the clink of the dishes, I can hear the sound of him grinding his teeth, his eyes are closed and fists clenched tightly against the wall, and he lashes out, “Why the hell aren’t you with them?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, the smoke alarm is faulty, and someone is coming over to look at it.”

He is glaring at me, eyes blazing trying to intimidate me, and I ignore him much to his annoyance. That used to work on me, but I’m not ten anymore. The doorbell rings on cue, and I walk past, knocking into him on purpose.

Thank God, the electrician is here.

“There’s my beautiful daughter-in-law!”

Mary Jean pushes past me, carrying an overnight bag. Oh, fuck no. She places it down and hugs me so tight my body is mushed into her boobs. The cheap scent of her drugstore perfume invades my nostrils as I struggle to break free.

“I bet you’re shocked to see me so soon?”

“Yeah, shocked would be one word for it,” I respond plainly.

She pulls my arm toward the kitchen, and the second Lex is in sight, she lets go of me so fast, smothering Lex in an over-friendly hug which is borderline dry humping.He’s uncomfortable and awkward, trying his hardest to pull away. Sucked in. Serves him right.

“What brings you to LA, Mary Jean?” Lex asks politely, using his arm to create a respectable distance.

“Well, I haven’t seen my grandbaby in almost two months, and every time I try to call this lady, she’s busy and can’t talk.”

Dammit. We could’ve avoided this if I had just called her more often. Too bad you were thinking with your vagina rather than your head.

Mary Jean scans the room. “So, where’s Andy?”

I shoot a glance at Lex who’s obviously relishing in my awkwardness, waiting for me to respond. I’m about to open my mouth when Andy comes running through the house. Covered in mud, his blond hair is almost brown, and his face is streaked with dirt. Grass stains cover his knees, but he couldn’t have looked any more pleased with himself.

“Mama! Mama!” He stops in his tracks when he spots Mary Jean. With a wide smile, she beckons him. Quick to run into her arms, she smothers him with kisses despite being covered in dirt.

Julian soon follows, walking into the kitchen, spotting Lex first. Immediately, his face drops, his smile is soon replaced with an arctic glare, and the room temperature rises as the tension hits an all-time high.

The uncomfortable silence is soon broken by Mary Jean’s flirtatious flick of the hair. “Who’s this fine young gentleman?”

There’s no better time than now to reveal the truth. “Uh, this is Julian, my um… boyfriend.”

Mary Jean is crestfallen. Her cloudy eyes stare back at me in disbelief. “Excuse me, your what?”

“Julian, this is Mary Jean. Elijah’s mother.”

Julian greets her politely only to be ignored. He isn’t fazed. Moving toward me, he rubs the small of my back to ease my worry.

“Andy, go upstairs to your room, and I’ll be there in a minute to give you a present, okay?” she tells him.

“Kay kay, Grandmama.” Andy doesn’t leave immediately, hopping from foot to foot, then bolts out of the room announcing he is Superman, prompting Mary Jean to focus her attention back to us.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too soon to be moving on? Did Elijah mean that little to you that you can move on so quickly?”

“Elijah meant everything to me. But it’s been almost three years,” I stutter.

Julian reaches for my hand, placing it in his. “I had the pleasure of meeting your son a long time ago. He was a great man. Adriana and Andy were blessed to have him in their lives.”

Mary Jean’s face softens. “He was a great son, too. I don’t know why they had to take…” She breaks out into sobs. I grab a tissue from the counter and hand it to her. With a gentle smile, she settles down.

“You know what else, Mary Jean? Julian is Charlotte’s ex-fiancée,” Lex tells her.

Mary Jean stops mid-sob, the thirst for gossip an obvious distraction.

“Nice introduction, Lex. It’s always fun to reminisce,” Julian bites back.

Mary Jean starts asking questions. I’m annoyed at Lex for bringing it up and extra annoyed with Julian for his insensitive comment.

Does no one at all care about me? It’s always about fucking Charlie!

I let go of Julian’s hand and move toward the cupboard, grabbing myself a much-needed drink. With my back facing them, I close my eyes to calm myself down.

Lex announces he is leaving and reminds me about Rocky’s birthday tomorrow night. I don’t respond, nor do I turn around, wishing they would all disappear and leave me the fuck alone.

Mary Jean grabs her bag, complaining about her sore back. Julian, being polite, offers to take it upstairs. They disappear for a while, presenting a perfect opportunity to raid my cupboard and take a Valium.

“What’s tomorrow night?” Julian creeps up behind me.

He doesn’t touch me like before, leaning against the opposite counter.

“Remember I told you about Rocky’s birthday party? It’s being held at one of Nikki’s client’s homes in the Hills.”

“Oh, right, the costume party? I don’t feel like going,” he responds flatly.

“But it’s the first time we’re going somewhere as a couple, and I thought you already had your costume which Andy helped pick out?”

“Yeah, of course, he had to pick Batman. It’s a given, isn’t it?” The bitterness to his tone catches me off-guard as does the sudden change of heart.

He doesn’t say anything, and I continue on, “Is it because Lex and Charlie will be there?”

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow, but I’m not riding in the car with them.”

“But a car’s coming to pick all of us up, so we can drink.”

“You’re coming with me, or I don’t go.” He walks over, and just when I think he’ll change his mind and apologize for his odd behavior, he kisses my cheek and tells me he’s leaving.

As the door clicks shut behind him, I try to make sense of the conversation. I’m not quite sure why all of a sudden, he is demanding and fighting me. The change in personality has left me baffled and questioning our relationship. He always said that Charlie and Lex wouldn’t be an issue, yet he seems to be going against what he said, and it feels like they are the biggest hurdle in our relationship when realistically, it should’ve been Elijah and Chelsea.

Mary Jean makes a humming sound as she saunters into the kitchen. Grabbing a cup, she pours herself coffee and leisurely takes a seat at the table. Her company doesn’t allow for me to brood any longer and pouring myself a cup, I sit beside her and start chatting.

“Darl, I came here to ask a favor from you. I don’t like to ask these things, but something has come up, and I’m short of cash.”

I hate conversations about loaning money. They are always awkward and create unnecessary tension. “How much do you need?”

“Five,” she says. “If you’ve got it.”

“Hundred?”

“No, thousand. Look, if it—”

I raise my hand, interrupting her. “Mary Jean, it’s fine. I’ll transfer it tonight.”

“Darl, how did I get so lucky to have you as a daughter?”

***

When Nikki said the party was at a mansion, she failed to mention the mansion belongs to an A-list celebrity, and the house is insanely huge. It looks like it goes on for miles, every room exceeding the next. It’s newly built and surrounded by glass with a gorgeous view of the city skyline. People are crammed everywhere, making it quite difficult for us to stay together which is probably for the best.

Guests in their costumes keep Eric and I entertained, laughing to complete embarrassment for the man dressed as a tampon. Our group theme was superheroes and villains. I was first to claim Catwoman, the extra tight suit a struggle to get on, and it probably isn’t the smartest idea since peeing isn’t an option.

“Do I look gay in this costume?” Eric turns to ask me.

“Eric, you’re Robin, isn’t that a given?”

“I’m going commando,” he almost yells into my ear.

“Why? Honestly, don’t go busting a move, or you’ll get sweat patches on your ass like that Spiderman over there.” I point to the dance floor, and Eric looks mortified.

“Look at my hunny, doesn’t he look gorgeous?”

Tristan is standing with us dressed as Thor. His muscles are exposed, and with a mallet in hand, Eric looks like he is ready to combust on the spot.

“He does look yummy.” I grin, raising my glass as Eric follows, and we clink to cheers.

Julian is standing by my side, drinking gin. Dressed as the Dark Knight, my lady parts are drooling as his eyes are shadowed by the mask, and the idea of having him fuck me in that costume is the only thought running through my head. My body moves into his as my lips move close to his ear.

“Is there a clause in the rental agreement that does not allow for sexual activity in the suit?” I whisper.

With a tight grip, his hands slide to my backside and slip just underneath my ass.“I’m happy to lose my deposit.” The delectable sound of his words travels way down below. Holy Batman, how the fuck do I get this suit off.

I move my mouth to his and lock him into a kiss. All seems to be forgotten. The tension has finally passed, and knowing he is relaxing, is having the same effect on me. Eric clears his throat as Charlie and Lex are walking toward us. Dressed as Wonder Woman, Charlie looks sexy as hell. The costume fits her perfectly, showing off her naturally round breasts. I’m surprised Lex allows her to wear that—she’s an image of every man’s wet dream, including your man. Don’t go there. I wait and watch Julian’s face as he notices her attire, my stomach doing backflips as I see his eyes move down her body. He is quick to turn away, downing a glass of gin in one go.

It was bound to happen, I suppose.

And the jealousy rains in, marking its territory once again.

I wrap my arms around his waist forcing him to touch me. Underneath the painted face, Lex is dressed as the Joker, grimaces at my affection toward Julian, totally oblivious to his wife being gazed upon by her ex-fiancé.

“The birthday man is here,” Rocky roars, flexing his green arms as he gets into character. With his bulky frame, he looks so much like the Hulk, and Nikki beside him does her part as Poison Ivy. She looks amazing in her short green dress and long ginger-colored wig.

Rocky gets the photographer to come by and take snaps as we pose in comical positions. Eric starts to complain again that he should’ve dressed in something more comfortable like the tampon man.

“Dude, I guarantee you, that guy ain’t getting laid tonight,” Rocky reassures him.

Tampon man has attracted ladies, purely for selfies and comical relief. His attempts to get phone numbers look far-fetched. No lady wants a reminder of Aunt Flow.

“What a shame Kate can’t make it.” Eric pouts.

Kate had a last-minute family emergency in the UK and had to fly out last night. It means the office in New York will be without her, and Lex will need to step in. According to Charlie, he isn’t exactly pleased about having to go to New York for a week and leaving the family behind, but Kate is also family to them.

Tristan announces he has found us a great table, right in the middle of the action. We take a seat, and I make sure Julian is as far away from Lex as possible. Countless waiters are circling the party.

Eric, as always, is quick to stop the cute young one and grabs us glasses of champagne. I need more of these if I want to get through the night. With the music blaring, people start dancing around us. Charlie pulls Lex away, both of them disappearing into the crowd. I catch a glimpse of them dancing. Charlie probably has had too much to drink, allowing Lex to practically fuck her on the dance floor.

Julian takes a drink, draping his arm around my shoulder.

“So, Morocco in two weeks, Uncle Jools?” Tristan asks.

“Watch your mouth, kid,” he chastises. “Still undecided.”

“Would a certain hot lady have something to do with it?”

“Maybe… depends if she starts behaving or misbehaving.”

I go to open my mouth as Charlie and Lex stumble back to the table. Instead of sitting down, Lex pulls Charlie onto his lap, parading an open-mouth kiss. I turn away, and notice Julian’s face is blank.

“Hey, Eric, I forgot to thank you for Clarice. Who would’ve thought some old lady would control my sex life?” Lex deadpans.

“Geez, Lex, you can still have sex and not get pregnant,” Eric informs him.

“Wanna make a bet?” Lex challenges him.

“Well, you know you don’t always have to enter the house via the front door, don’t you?”

I burst out laughing, almost snorting out my champagne. The laughter doesn’t subside—it’s classic Eric! Even Tristan is unable to control himself, both of us near tears.

“I’m entering every way possible.” Lex places his hands onto Charlie’s face and kisses her deeply, unable to keep his hands to himself.

This is getting old.

Yes, we’re all adults, and yes, on more than one occasion our sexual quirks have been talked about in an open forum. This, however, is dangling the carrot in front of the rabbit.

Julian drinks his gin along with several others and calls the waiter over once again. Grabbing two more glasses, I expect one is for me, but he is quick to down it in one go.

Tristan looks over to me with a worried expression. Something isn’t right.

“Dude, that’s hot.” Rocky is distracted by some ladies who walk past wearing short latex dresses. They wink hello, and he winks back causing Nikki to pull him onto the dance floor.

The champagne is settling nicely, and with my body already swaying of its own accord, I grab Julian’s hand and pull him onto the dance floor. The DJ mixes in the songs as Rihanna’s ‘Only Girl in the World’ starts to play. With his body against mine, he presses against me and moves his hips to the sound of the beat. I’m buckling underneath his touch, weak and full of desire. It only feels like us on the dance floor, and for once, for just a split second, I feel like the only girl he’s ever loved.

But illusions are distorted, and reality is like a giant slap to the face.

Lex and Charlie aren’t far from us, and once again, Lex is devouring his wife like no one else is watching, sliding his hands to places that should be left for the privacy of their own home. If it were anyone else, I’d continue staring, but I’m disgusted at their behavior. I know it’s just a giant pissing contest rather than just PDA, and plus, it’s Rocky’s birthday party, after all.

A few songs later, Julian asks to excuse himself leaving me with Nikki. Rocky has abandoned her to go dance with a group of his friends, and surprisingly, she allows it. Being with Nikki takes my mind off things. We dance for fun, copying moves from our favorite movies like Grease and Flashdance. Even Tristan and Eric join in, and with all the laughter and fun, I forget about Julian leaving.

I tell the guys I’m going to take a break and head back to our table to grab a drink. Water would’ve been the best option, but I stop the cute waiter and grab two flutes of champagne, almost chugging down the whole glass by the time I’m back at the table. Charlie is jumping around and begging Lex to dance again. He declines as she pouts, leaving him to join everyone else on the dance floor.

“I think I’m going to go find Julian,” I say.

“Why bother? He didn’t want to be here in the first place.”

“He’s just going through some stuff.” I’m not sure why I’m defending him. Even I don’t know what he’s going through.

“The same stuff he was going through when he was stalking Charlotte?”

“It isn’t like that, Lex. You don’t understand.”

“I understand perfectly clear, Adriana. It’s you who won’t listen. He came to LA because of Charlotte. It wasn’t a coincidence that he turned up at that gala and professed his undying love for her.”

“Well, okay, maybe back then—”

“And then he started following her, and, I swear on my life, he has entered our house.”

“Lex, you’re crazy, you know that? Okay, so maybe he followed her, but to break and enter? And for what reason?”

“Things started going missing. Things that belonged to Charlotte.”

Has my brother had a lobotomy? The lengths he will go to break us up is absurd.

“Is this some kind of sick joke? Julian wouldn’t stoop that low.”

“Think what you want, Adriana. He’s not the man you think he is. I bet every cent I have on that.”

We’re interrupted by Lex pulling out his cell. It’s some business emergency, and he motions that he is heading to a quieter area.

Nikki pushes her way through the crowd and asks me to help with the cake. Still worried about Julian, I look around but can’t see him anywhere. Nikki drags me toward the makeshift stage where a few waiters push out a cake. It’s on wheels, and on closer inspection, isn’t a real cake, and my gut feeling is that something is about to pop out and wish Rocky a happy birthday.

The lights surrounding the area dim, and the DJ remixes the birthday tune as Rocky takes to the stage. With a cheesy wide grin, he takes his place in the center as the crowd goes crazy singing. Eric and Tristan are front row, cells out, taking selfies.

My eyes go searching for Julian, and after scanning the area, I see him standing beside Charlie. Unable to peel my eyes off them, the jealousy is growing and seeping into my skin as Julian leans in and whispers something in her ear. She tilts her head back laughing, not looking the least bit worried that Lex will see her, and all hell will break loose. Julian looks jubilant, his eyes dancing while he continues interacting with her.

He doesn’t look at me that way. Why is Lex not stopping this?

I’m torn, jealous, and hurt by his lack of consideration for my feelings. The way he smiles at Charlie, it’s obvious the way he feels for her, not to mention his mood changed after he started seeing her again.

You’re the idiot, Adriana. Everyone warned you he wasn’t ready, and you pushed and pushed.

The crowd whistles and roars as a barely-dressed woman pops out of the cake and does a strip dance for Rocky, rubbing her ass against Rocky as he laps up the attention. Nikki is cheering him on, nudging me with her arm, pointing out how happy he looks with the lady. She’s way too happy and calm, normally driven by jealousy which leaves me questioning. With a mischievous grin, I know something doesn’t add up. Looking at the lady again, I can’t help but notice how tall she is, and the way her hair glistens against the moonlight. Much like Penny’s wig… uh oh. My eyes zoom in on her throat, and there it is, sticking out like a dog’s balls. The Adam’s apple. Rocky is ignorant, enjoying his moment of freedom.

Oh, I can’t watch.

Yes, you can, this is hilarious!

But I’m unable to laugh, and with a forced smile, I count down the seconds until I can leave the stage and sort out what is causing the anger to swirl like a red tide, choking any rational thoughts and driving me to the brink of madness. My insecurities and animosity are beyond any point of turning back.

Lex’s words play in my head. “The same stuff he was going through when he was stalking Charlotte? I understand perfectly clear, Adriana. It’s you who won’t listen. He came to LA because of Charlotte. It wasn’t a coincidence that he turned up at that gala and professed his undying love for her… and then he started following her and, I swear on my life, he entered our house.”

My fists are clenched into a ball, my steps are hard and fast. The temperature has risen, and my body is stifling hot, consumed with jealousy and doubt. I walk back to the table and interrupt Charlie and Julian.

“Adriana, how funny was that! Rocky has no idea.” Charlie laughs.

I strike, bitter and resentful. “Don’t you think you may have had a little too much to drink, Charlie?”

Julian butts in, immediately defending her, “Adriana, she’s had the same amount as you.”

The blood in my veins starts to viciously swirl. He’s fucking defending her. All this time I was blind and didn’t see what Lex had warned me about. He still fucking loves Charlie.

“Charlie, will you excuse us, please?”

Charlie looks dumbfounded but kindly leaves us alone.

“Adriana, what’s with you tonight? That was unfair to Charlie.”

My voice trembles in anger. “Did you stalk Charlie and break into their house?”

He is taken aback, and I motion for him to follow me to a quieter area where there are fewer people around. “I’ve already told you this, it’s no secret, and I’m ashamed of my behavior back then.”

“You haven’t answered my question. Did you break into their home?”

“Of course, you’ll believe whatever your brother tells you,” he shouts.

“Why won’t you answer my question?”

“Yes, it’s fucking true. All right? I did all those things that he told you. I was high half the time, and the minute I sobered up, I used Charlie as a reason to stay clean.”

“But you…” I can’t even think now. “Why were you angry when we left my parents’ house? Were you jealous?”

“Jesus Christ! What the hell is this?”

“You tell me? I’m not the one who goes silent after they hear their ex-fiancée was screwed in the bathroom.”

“What do you expect from me, huh?” He pulls off his mask, his hair a wild mess and eyes shadowed in dark circles.

“Is it too much for me to ask you not to care?”

“It bugged me, okay? You tell me she’s been fucked in the bathroom just to piss me off. How the hell do you want me to react?”

“I don’t want you to react! In fact, I didn’t tell you to get a reaction, I was just sounding off because I was disgusted. This is what I was always afraid of… you still have feelings for her. What the fuck is it about Charlie? Do you think about her when we have sex?”

“Is that what you think of me?” he chokes, barely able to speak.

“Well, you never deny it, Julian.”

“I shouldn’t have to. You have seen the hell I’ve been through, Adriana, and you want to throw that back in my face?”

“Well, it all makes sense now. I’m just a distraction or even some pawn in your sick twisted game. Why else would you stick around for so long?”

“Because I fucking love you, all right! But what good is that when you can’t get over your insecurities. Elijah didn’t abandon you by choice. He was dying, you need to stop being selfish and realize it’s not all about you.”

I remain quiet, not realizing everyone is gawking around us. Tristan stands close to Julian, waiting with caution.

“We’ll talk about this later,” I mutter.

“What’s the point, Adriana? You’ve obviously painted quite a pretty picture of me. I can’t escape my mistakes, and even when I try, you’re pushing me to make friends and attend parties like I’m invincible.”

Lex moves quickly to my side. “Do not talk to my sister like that.”

“Stay the fuck out of this, will you? You’ve finally got what you wanted.” Julian stands in front of Lex toe to toe, both of them glowering and on the verge of all hell breaking loose.

Lex lowers his voice, “And that’s how it will stay.”

In a swift move, Julian punches Lex in the face causing a hive of activity and Rocky to step in between them. It’s a blur, and the sounds are drowned out, the yelling and screaming as I stand still completely numb for seconds on end. The moment I snap out of it, I see Lex being held back by Rocky, his bloody face mixed with the white face paint is distorted by anger and pure hatred. Julian fares no better. There’s blood all over his face and a cut above his eye, Tristan and Eric trying to calm him down as he bites back at Lex, both of them fueled by rage and jealousy.

“Stay the fuck away from my wife,” Lex lashes out.

“Always about you, Edwards,” Julian spits back.

“You’re damn right. My wife, and that’s how it’ll always stay.”

“Can’t erase the past, Edwards. I’m not the one bringing it up all the time.”

“I don’t give a shit. She chose me, you got it?”

I intervene, pushing onto Julian’s chest. “Don’t do this,” I beg of him.

Julian pushes my hands away from his chest, creating a distance between us. “You always push me, asking me about Charlie… am I thinking about her, do I love her? It’s all in your imagination, Adriana.” He releases a drunken laugh. “So, no, it’s always been about you, but now that you’re bringing it up, I did love Charlie, I wanted to marry her a long time ago, and wait for it, Edwards, this one’s for you. I stopped thinking about how much Charlie loved to be fucked, but always nice to take a walk down memory lane since that’s what you supposedly want.”

Both Rocky and an onlooker try to hold back Lex all the while as I stand there gobsmacked at Julian’s hurtful words. Julian turns to face me, out of breath, eyes wild with rage and hurt as he says the words I’ve dreaded all along. “I’m done. I can’t do this, Adriana, it’s too hard.” He shakes his head, defeated. “I love you, but you’ll always choose your brother over me, and I refuse to go on always being someone’s second place. Even I know I don’t deserve that.”

My voice croaks, and I try to speak to no avail.

With a second attempt, I finally sync my mind and voice. “Julian, don’t do this. Please, I didn’t mean the things I said.”

His eyes have settled, and his brown pupils stare deep into mine, piercing my soul with pain, knowing that the damage is done, and I’m losing the one person who means more to me than anyone else.

The man I love.

Tell him you love him… now.

I want to tell him, but he beats me to the punch. “You doubted me, and I never thought you would do that. It’s over, okay?”

Crushed, he walks away, Tristan running after him.

Dazed and confused, arms wrap around me in comfort, and the moment I realize they belong to Charlie, I stiffen. “Don’t touch me,” I warn her.

“Adriana, but I—”

I turn to look at her, and with mixed emotions, I lash out as the force of humility hits me so hard I’m seeing nothing but darkness.

“It’s always about you, Charlie. He was moving on, but you come here dressed like a slut, and what do you do? Drive my boyfriend away from me.”

Lex moves toward me. “Apologize for calling her that.”

“I won’t apologize for anything,” I scream back at all of them.

I leave, running as fast as I can through the gardens and onto the driveway. My heart is beating erratically, and my breaths are far and few between. In the complete still of darkness, I’m finally alone but stumble on the stone driveway. I fall to the ground amongst the gravel, my hand scraping along the jagged edges.

There is pain.

But I am numb.

The only pain I feel is that Julian walked away.

He has given up on us.

Again, someone has given up on me.