Chapter Two

The weeks away from the guys has me feeling like my heart is stuck in a vice and each passing day it gets tighter and tighter. I hate feeling trapped in a house I should remember but don’t, with parents who feel like strangers, and a brother who acts as if we are best friends. I smile and act polite, yet they seem to tiptoe around me. My father Ellis is hardly ever around, always seeming to make himself scarce. I noticed there are cameras in the house and the yard, but when I asked my brother Carter why there were so many, he said some shit about the value of the property. I’m not sure I fully believe that. The house is huge, larger than anything I’ve seen before. I thought Rory’s house was big, but this makes it look like a regular sized home. The outside is made of varying shades of grey bricks, it gives off an old English castle vibe from the outside, but inside everything is modern. My bedroom doesn’t feel like me, it’s foofy, and pink. That might have been Bristol’s style, but it makes me want to puke.

“Bristol, hurry up or we will be late for school!” Carter yells from the bottom of the staircase. My parents decided it was time to send me back to school, keeping up appearances has been stressful but to them it was completely necessary. I had a last minute visit from Lissa while my parents signed me out of the station and she thinks it’s best that my memory stays gone. Even if it comes back, she said to call her from a pay phone as soon as I can, especially if I remember why my parents committed me in the first place. Not that I have had any new memories, just the same ones running through my mind. I want to contact Rory, I need to know how he knew me, and why he chose not to tell me. It takes all my self-control to not reach out to him or my other guys. I have a new phone or maybe it’s Bristol’s old phone but I don’t trust it isn’t being traced. Everything about these people screams sketchy.

“I’m coming.” I yell back, closing my bedroom door behind me. Carter has now joined me on the second level in the east wing, yep we children reside in the east wing. “It is hard work having to look like this.” I gesture to the straight blonde hair, my mother insisted I have done almost the second we stepped into the house. My fake ass nails are back, along with the fake tan that I was glad had gone away during the time I was with Beth. I feel ridiculous but I need to do this for Rory, I’m his only hope at staying out of jail.

Carter hands me an apple as we head down to the garage. If I thought the house was huge, the garage is absolutely ridiculous. The entire space is filled with all the latest models of the most expensive sports cars on the market. The bonus of all of this is I have a car, though everywhere I go Carter is right there with me. I don’t know if we were close before this, my Spidey senses tell me not to believe anything he says until my memory comes back.

I follow Carter to his black Lamborghini which is backed in on the far left wall of the garage, tucked in between a red Porsche and a blue Maserati. It blew my mind that a kid would have a car like this, he laughed it off saying our father is all about people knowing he has money and if he gets to drive a car like that he doesn’t care. He also thought it was amusing watching me figure out how the doors opened. They open upwards which is stupid if you ask me.

“Can you give me a rundown of everything I need to know-past history, friends, do we hang out together?” I ask, getting into the car, reaching over for my seatbelt, securing it snugly across my lap.

“You have a boyfriend, he has given you space because of the situation.”

“I don’t want a boyfriend.” I declare with conviction. I have five perfectly fine ones waiting for me or at least I hope they are waiting.

“You don’t have much of a choice – Sebastian William Michael the third, is about as douchey as his name sounds. Our families have this arranged, you just go with it. We are top of the food chain at Westview Heights Academy. You will see the buildings are ancient just like our house, the kids are as rich as we are, well almost,” he says with a grin. “We are in the same group of friends, pushed together by wealth and connections over actual friendships.”

Westview Heights as I have figured out is a relatively small town, those who live here are extremely wealthy. I would hazard a guess that they all fall into the top ten percent of the entire country. If you live in Westview Heights, you also go to school at the academy. There isn’t even a public school here like there was back in Canary Bay. Even though the guys all went to a private school in Green lakes where Rory lives.

“Sounds like hard work.” I mutter as I rest my head against the seat.

“It is and don’t forget you were in rehab, no one knows you went crazy.”

“I’m not crazy. Do they know about my memory loss?” I ask as he pulls into the most lavish looking parking lot I have seen. A valet steps out in a red coat, opening my door for me, then rushing around to the other side to open Carter’s door.

“Sebastian does and some close friends, I’m sure it has gotten around by now.”

“Great.” I huff stepping out of his stupid car.

“Do you have your iPad? I will show you how to bring up your class list, beyond your bitchy exterior you were actually really smart. You used to say it was your ticket out of an arranged marriage.”

We walk side by side as I take in all the trees, or more so shrubs sculptured into shapes. The lawns are massive but impressive, not a blade out of place in lines of dark and light green. The school looks like an old castle, very similar to what our house looks like but just on a bigger scale.

“Let’s stop past our lockers, they’re assigned by last name so ours are next to each other.”

Stepping into the building, I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. The floor is marble, a grand staircase adorned with an arch that has carvings directly in front of us.

“Quick rundown. To our right through those doors is administration, to the left is access to the sporting facilities, swimming pool, sauna. Up these stairs leads to lots of hallways that connect to more hallways that go in a loop to more hallways. So finding your way around is going to be super fun. I emailed you a map, it should help. I have labelled all your classes, the dining hall, since meals are provided, and other areas you might need to know how to find.”

“We can’t even bring our own lunch?” I raise a brow, that seems crazy.

“I think the poor kids do, unless their scholarships pay for it. We are not poor, do not bring your own food. Our mother will know within a few minutes and rain down hell on you for letting others think we are poor. They have eyes and ears throughout the entire school. It’s a way for them to keep us in line.”

“Damn.”

He leads us down a hallway, one that leads out to a massive balcony with tables, and a small staircase that leads down to a grassy area built in by shrubs.

A group of maybe ten kids is seated, their chatter can be heard from the door, but when they see us coming they all go quiet and stare. A preppy looking guy with blonde hair parted off centre gelled down so not one strand is out of place, stands, smiling widely at the sight of us. “Babe, you’re back.” He says, causing me to freeze in my tracks. His smile drops. Damn it I need to play along. The tight feeling in my chest rears its ugly head, but I imagine Mercer's voice telling me to just breathe.

“Sebastian. I’m sorry my memory still isn’t the best.” As I step forward, he takes my hand interlacing our fingers together. I want to let it go so badly, but Carter gives me a pointed look as if to say don’t even think about it. I smile at him feigning innocence and let Sebastian drag me to the table, pulling me into his lap as soon as he sits down.

“So bitch how was rehab?” A carbon copy of myself asks. Same blonde hair and fake nails. I give her a pointed look, trying to remember what Carter told me about the people we associate with.

“Clarissa.” Sebastian whispers in my ear.

“I don’t remember rehab, from what I was told though; I went on a bender, somehow escaped and got myself beaten up pretty badly. My memory is slowly coming back, but most things are still a little fuzzy.”

“Shit, trust you to get your hands on the good stuff in rehab.” She laughs and so do the others.

“Sounds about right.” Carter adds. “Everyone introduce yourself so we can refresh her memory. It comes back as I take her places we used to go.” The lie rolls off his tongue effortlessly. He filled me in on a few things yesterday and showing weakness isn’t advised, especially in a shark infested tank such as this school.

“Ambrosia.” A brunette says with a snarky smile.

“Baron.” A dark haired guy says.

“Quinn.” A pretty girl with red hair says, not bothering to look up at me.

“Linus.” A dark skinned boy says, he has a slight accent.

“Oliver.” He winks at me from across the table.

“Victoria.” A girl chirps from his lap.

“Lydia.” Another blonde chirps.

“Oscar.” The last boy says.

“I’ll try my best to remember everyone. I’m sure in a few days the foggy memories will go away and everything will be back to normal.”

“I hope so, you sound too nice.” Clarissa remarks.

“I was a bitch?” I ask Sebastian, turning slightly in his lap to look at his face.

“Bitch is putting it nicely babe. Kids cower when they see you coming.” I don’t reply, I just don’t understand how anyone would be scared of me. I’m not exactly intimidating to look at, as my guys would say I’m pocket sized. I don’t have any height.

“Are you all straight now after rehab because I really need you to hook me up with that contact of yours.” Clarissa asks.

“As soon as it comes back to me the info is all yours.”

“Good because he is fine, I wouldn’t mind giving him a ride.”

“OMG Clarissa, you’re like a damn community bike.” Lydia snipes.

“More like an assorted box of creams.” Carter adds. I look back and forth between them as they talk.

“I didn’t hear you complaining last weekend.” She throws at Carter.

“I can second that, I heard you going at it.” I pretend to make myself puke. Even though I didn’t hear anything. Carter pulls out my ipad and shows me how to pull up my class list, surprisingly it’s one of those muscle memory things.

A bell sounds echoing across the balcony. Carter gets up at the same time I do and leans in to hug me but hesitates, unsure how I will react to him touching me. I quickly pull him in for a hug, it’s one of those awkward bro type hugs, with a light pat on the back. I’m trying to get him on my side after all, so if he wants a hug, it’s the least I can do.

“If you need me just call. We can take our phones in class and now that you’re back you need to snap pics and update your social media account. Your followers have been awaiting your return.” He pulls away and is gone in a blink of an eye. Sebastian grabs a hold of my hand before I can get too far away from him. It feels weird, foreign and makes my skin crawl. I think about what Mercer would do if he saw this guy touching me. I can guarantee it wouldn’t be pretty.

Sebastian takes the lead and walks me to class. At least it’s one less I have to try to navigate and find.

“Let’s take a selfie for our fans #Bristian #Relationshipgoals.” I don’t know if he is being serious right now. Oh damn he is. He pulls out his phone and plants a kiss on my cheek, taking the picture as soon as his lips brush my skin. “There, post that and tag me in it.”

“Tag you?”

“Yeah Da Only Sebastian.” I have to refrain from rolling my eyes at his ridiculous name.

“Okay, see you at lunch.”

I walk into class, looking down at my phone, the thought of the world seeing me with this dick makes me sick. I reluctantly type out a new post and attach the picture he just took.

I’m back bitches #Bristian #RelationshipGoals

A few other suggestions come up and I click them all adding them to the bottom of what I’ve already typed out. One being: Don’t You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me . This time I roll my eyes at myself, I couldn’t have been this stuck up.. Could I?

I tag Sebastian in it and he comments straight away.

Bae and an emoji love heart. Gross.

“Good to see you’re back Miss Montgomery and as vain as ever. Take a seat.”

“Excuse me?” I ask, turning to face a male teacher, who is sitting at his desk with a pointed look in my direction. He looks to be in his early thirties, pretty decent looking for an older guy.

“Nothing, just take a seat so I can get on with my lesson.” He stands from his desk, a marker in his hand, heading over to write on the whiteboard.

“Sorry.” I apologise.

The entire class, including the teacher, snap their heads in my direction and look at me as if I’ve grown a second head. When I look for a seat, I see a few people avert eye contact with me. I see a girl in the front row that reminds me of Maximus, brown curls, big black rimmed glasses and huge eyes. She looks away when she notices me looking at her. Not one to be deterred, I walk towards her and take the spare seat to her left.

“J...Bristol.” I say offering her a small smile.

“Yo Bris, I think you’re lost.” I look back over my shoulder and a guy waves at me. I didn’t meet him this morning, so I have no clue who he is.

“I’m good here next to...” I look at the girl for clarification.

“Chloe.” She whispers, barely audible to the rest of the class.

“Chloe.” I shout back to the guy.

“Seriously? You’re sitting with the mute?” I stand abruptly, my anger coming to the forefront.

“Shut your mouth, I will sit with whoever I damn well want to. Call her a mute again and I will stitch your lips to your boyfriend's dick.”

Half the class laughs, but I feel embarrassed by my outburst. The teacher shouts loud enough that the entire room falls to complete silence. I apologise again and retake my seat. As the teacher restarts his lesson, I find that math seems to come easily to me and I’m able to follow along with the class.

When class is dismissed, I pack away my iPad in the small side pocket of my bag.

“Was I really a bitch?” I ask Chloe while she packs away her stuff. Her eyes go wide, unbelieving that I would ask such a blunt question. “Be honest because I don’t remember shit.” She looks at me nervously weighing up her options. I can tell she doesn't trust me and I don’t blame her, especially with what I’ve learned about my reputation.

“Yes, you once tipped your iced coffee over my head because you walked in front of me and I was in your selfie.”

“Wow.” I shake my head in disbelief. “ I’m so sorry for that. I guess being beaten to a pulp has seemed to do me a world of good.” She smiles and takes off, not waiting around wanting to answer any other questions I might have. I can’t seem to fathom that I was the mean girl. The more I know about myself as Bristol the more I can’t wait until I get to be JD again.

My phone pings as I leave class, and so does pretty much everyone else's that’s in the same hallway as me. I open my phone and see a video of myself with a hashtag the bitch is back . Five hundred likes in just a few short minutes and rising. Comments start pouring in, some are defending me, while others not. One in particular catches my eye.

MacDaddy01: JD, nice to see that mouth still at work

PrincessBristol: Mac, is that really you?

MacDaddy01: It sure is, my BFF ditched me without a word

KingSebastian: Since when do you have a male friend?

MacDaddy01: Since I’m irresistible : P

PrincessBristol: Still full of yourself.

My phone rings, some girly song that sounds like she’s strangling a cat, as my ringtone. A picture of Sebastian and I kissing fills the screen.

“Hello.”

“Bristol, who the hell is that guy?” Sebastian demands. The venom lacing his tone sends shivers down my spine.

“Hello to you too Sebastian.” I hold my phone between my face and my shoulder as I look at where Carter has marked my next class, English in the next hallway. I start walking as Sebastian rambles on about Mac, clearly he has opened his profile and seen his pictures.

“We met after I was in hospital. He is only a friend and doesn’t look stupid in spandex, he is training to be in the Olympics actually.” He keeps getting angrier at my defense of Mac, and I wish I could let Mercer at him or any of them.

“I have to go Sebastian, I’m at my next class, we can talk about this later.” I quickly end the call. My phone pings again as I start to put it away, this time I have a snap, I open it and it’s Mac.

JD, we need to talk through here. It’s not traceable in any way. The guys filled me in and I tracked you down .

I take a selfie, add a filter and type out a short message .

I didn’t think about that. How are my guys?

As I walk into my English class, everyone stops and stares at me. I ignore them and take an open seat. Clarissa sits down, in the desk next to me and I open a new snap from Mac with a close up of his face with just one word, hurting . My heart physically aches, I promised I wouldn’t do this to them but it’s the only way to keep them safe. I get one last picture of him with the caption they won’t stay away for much longer . I put my phone away, a tear wells in my eye, but I wipe it away before Clarissa has the chance to ask any questions. I don’t know how much longer I can stay away from them either, every day, no, every second I’m away from them kills me. I have a month to remember who I am so I can testify that Rory didn’t kidnap me. I seem to only have flashbacks in my nightmares or in situations I’m uncomfortable with. It’s time for operation reckless behaviour . I need to get myself into something that gives me anxiety. Clarissa may just be the key to that.