by S. Morayla
Sadness slams into my heart, but as quick as my next heartbeat, I’m shaking, I’m so mad. I look up at Shorty, who is still staring out the window.
“She had me fooled. I thought she cared. I thought when Rhys died and she held me, she was being a good mom. Turns out, she’s the reason he did it. She made him go further into his depression. He tried so hard to play it off. I remember that day he came home from detention. The sadness in his eyes. It looked like he had been crying. I asked him what was wrong, he said he was tired. I tried to hug him, but he pushed me away. In his last few months, he turned into a completely different person. I thought it was me, that he wasn’t happy with me, but all along, he held this secret that ultimately pushed him over the edge.” Her tears fall freely and she makes no move to remove them. I still sit here dumfounded. This explains why she was afraid of trusting again. The one person meant to protect her betrayed her worse than anyone ever could. She smiled to her face, but stole Natalee’s happiness behind her back.
“When Dad read that, he took it to the police, but they had no actual proof Rhys was the one who wrote it. She was not charged with molesting him and driving him to kill himself. We stayed in our other house, but soon, my old friends were texting me, telling me my mom was a whore. She was the reason Rhys was dead and the whole school knew it. They would text me saying I was going to turn out like her, a child molester. I was run out of the grocery store one day by people telling me I was sick and not to come near their children. I hadn’t even done anything, but I was blamed for my mother’s sins. Dad moved us here for a fresh start, but the damage was done. Her case was all over the news. My name was splattered everywhere in the music business. I changed my name because TMZ, E! News, and various other media outlets wanted interviews. My last name is Martello. I changed it to my Nana’s maiden name for privacy. That way, if people googled Natalee Rodríguez, there would be no trace to link me to her.”
“Were you going to tell me this soon, Shorty, or did you tell me this now because the cat was let out of the bag?” I sit, waiting for her response. She never turns from the window to look at me.
“I was going to tell you today. I needed to say goodbye to Rhys before dropping all of this on you.” I stand from my spot and walk over to her. She turns to me.
“I wish you would have told me before today. Did you think…” The breath is stolen from my lungs as a realization settles over me. She lifts her eyes to mine. “Did you think I was going to walk away from you if I knew who and what your mom did?” Natalee looks away. She closes her eyes, but the tears still fall down her cheeks.
“Yes,” she whispers, “I thought that.”
My heart aches for her. “How could you ever think I would walk away from you? Shorty, you are not her. She is an adult who knew what she was doing.”
“Everyone thought I was like her. You don’t know the things they said about me.” Her sobs come fast and hard. I pull her into my arms.
“No, baby, I don’t know what they said, but I promise you I don’t care. If they knew you, they would know you are not capable of such things. You want to make the world better, not tear it down. I know this was hard for you. I understand why you felt like you couldn’t tell me, but I don’t think the way others do. I’m glad you trust me. It all makes sense now. Why you pushed me away, not wanting a relationship, how hard it is for you to trust others, why you stayed in that bubble. You’re remarkable. Most people would have given up, but you fought for your happiness.” She shakes her head and pulls back, revealing the tears marring her beautiful face.
“I didn’t. I stayed home and hid from the world. If it weren’t for my dad and uncle, I don’t know where I would be.” I softly put my palm on her warm wet cheek, turning her head, making her look at me.
“Yes, but you could have said no at any point. Deep inside, you knew Rhys wanted you to live again. You took those steps even if others were guiding you. You found a way to make it and I’m so proud of you, my little fighter.” I sit down on her bed and pull her into my lap. I let her cry as I rock her. Exhaustion sets in. I lay her down, kissing her forehead as her breathing evens out and she slips into sleep.
“Thank you for that, Zayne.” My heart drops hearing his voice. I turn to Natalee’s dad standing in the doorway. I’m sad for both of them. They lost people they love in this fucked up mess. How a wife could do that to a husband is beyond me. His sadness is tangible.
“For what?”
“Being here for her. You don’t know how hard it was. As her father, I prayed I could take her pain and make it my own. The deeper she fell, the more impenetrable her walls became. When she told me about you, I began to hear glimpses of the old Natalee. Right now, seeing the way you comforted her and cared for her, shows me the man you are. Thank you for that.”
“No need to thank me. I love her. I will do anything to help her through the bad. I’m sorry this happened to you.” I close my eyes, letting out a sigh. I reopen them as he shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“It’s life. We all experience heartache, sometimes it’s greater than others. The true test is what you do after you have been hit with tragedy. Do you cry? Sure, but eventually you wipe your tears and see that there is still a bright future ahead. Do you scream that life's not fair? Yes, but once you calm down, you plan a way to make the heartache dull and focus on the happiness around you. I’m glad Natalee found her sunshine in the darkness. One day, I will too.” He claps me on the shoulder and walks back down the hall. I go back and lay with Shorty, pulling her to my chest. Now I understand why she says her father is the smartest man in the world.
Home
Weary.
Fatigued.
Exhausted.
This weekend has been emotional and cleansing. Not to mention, the bad news that was delivered. To think that monster only spent a year in jail. While what she did to Rhys happened two years ago, it took them a year to find out about the other boy.
She pled guilty to sexual assault on a child and sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. She was only convicted of one because the only evidence they found were emails and text messages to the one kid. Three other students came forward, but there was no proof, so they couldn’t charge her for those. Since she took a plea deal, they basically gave her an eighteen month sentence in jail, but she only had to do eighty-percent with good behavior. This is why she got out after one year.
Rhys took his life believing he had cheated on me when, in fact, my mother forced herself on a child. She tore apart his soul, his trust in humanity, and she betrayed me. Yet she gets to walk around free.
I haven’t talked to her since her arrest. No words can ever express the pain she’s caused. Not only to myself, but Rhys’ family, my dad, and her family. Dad sat us down and told us what to expect now that she’s out.
I called Uncle Victor, who wanted to fly in to be there for us, but I insisted we were okay.
I cannot let my pain and hurt consume my heart. I left all of that back in Colorado. Once we arrived home to Los Angeles, Zayne and I talked further. We have come out stronger and I can finally see my future a bit clearer.
It is still going to take some time for me to get through some things that happened in my past, but I intend on pushing forward. I intend on living.
“Damn, are you almost ready, girl?” Adriana’s shrill voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“Yes. Oh, wait.”
“Ugh!” Adriana exclaims, plopping down on my bed. “Now what? We need to hurry. The guys will be here soon.” I giggle when she makes a silly face at me.
“Do you like these heels? Do they match?”
“They’re black, so yes.” She laughs and rolls her eyes. “I swear, you and Leslie are crazy when it comes to shoes.”
“Woman, these are Giuseppe Zanotti's lace-up ankle boots,” I mock, putting my hand to my heart.
“Wow, and how much did those ridiculous things cost?” Adriana asks, putting her hand on her popped out hip as she loo
ks down at my shoes.
“They were a gift from my Nona and Dad.” She raises her eyebrows, not buying it.
“Fine, they were on sale for eleven hundred,” I say slowly, then slam my eyes shut, not wanting to see her face.
“Are you fucking crazy?” Her shriek bounces off the walls, echoing. “I don’t get it. You live like a cheap-o, but you want to spend that much on shoes?” My lips kick up into a smile before I burst out laughing.
“Nobody says cheap-o, Adriana. And I didn’t buy them, my Dad and Nona did. What can I say? The perks of being a single child and only grandchild.” I shrug. “They love to spoil me.”
Adriana laughs, shaking her head. “I guess that’s true. Let’s go before the guys send up a search party. By the way, your makeup is on fleek tonight. Wait, let’s take a few selfies to post on the Gram and Snapchat.” We take about twenty before uploading them. Noticing the time, we make our way down to the front of the dorms.
Half an hour later, we arrive at The Corral. We take our usual seats, laughing and carrying on. Out the corner of my eye, I notice Chris and Chance looking in our direction. Wanting to be a bitch, I lean over to Zayne and kiss him.
“Damn, are you two gonna go at it again?” Lennon asks. I smile at Zayne before looking over at Lennon.
“No, I was giving some assholes a show since they want to look.” Lennon’s eyes flick past me to where Chris and Chance are standing.
“I see. Well, then, carry on, just no sex until after the set,” he replies, causing the table to laugh. My cheeks instantly feel hot. I put my head on Zayne’s chest. He kisses the back of my hair.
Before it’s time for him to go backstage to get ready for his set, he tells me, “I really love the shoes, Shorty. I can’t wait to get you home so I can fuck you with just those on.” He gets up calmly and smiles down at me, winking before disappearing backstage.
“Natty.” I turn to see my Uncle Victor and Quinn, along with two of his bodyguards, coming my way. I jump up from the booth and hug him.
“I didn’t think you were coming.”
“Well, I promised, so here I am.” I look over his shoulder to Quinn. He brings her forward. “Quinn, this is my niece, Natalee.” Quinn smiles at me. “We met one time. Hi, how are you?” she asks.
“Good. What are you doing hanging out with him? He’s not even cool.” She looks over at Uncle Vic and laughs.
“Oh, I know. I have to give him a B for at least trying.” His brown eyes light up, causing me to take a step back. Oh hell, I know that look, can it be my uncle is infatuated with Quinn?
I introduce Quinn to the other girls.
Ana and Amaris proceed to swoon over my uncle. They want to see his tattoos and he’s more than happy to oblige. If people could really get hearts in their eyes, these two bitches would have them.
Jeff introduces the guys and they come to the stage. A flock of women run up, trying to get closer. I look over to Vic, who is taking it in. He slides his eyes to mine, lifting a brow. I shrug. What can I say? The women love them.
“How you doing tonight?” Harrison says into the mic, making the women go insane. “We hope you all enjoy the show.” Women start yelling out how they’d enjoy him. They begin their set.
Ana, Amaris, and I are on our feet, singing and dancing along. Soon, Quinn joins us. Zayne’s eyes dance with amusement as he watches us. During their time on stage, Adriana, Amaris, Quinn, and I don’t sit. We jump around, mouthing the words to one another—except Quinn. I forget Uncle Vic is there until he tugs Quinn into his lap, whispering things that cause her to laugh.
I don’t want to even know—because gross!
The cheers, whoops, and hollers are especially loud tonight as the guys finish up.
“Tell me again why you didn’t tell me about them sooner?” Uncle Vic asks me.
I turn to face him. “Uh, I told you weeks ago, but you were ‘busy’,” I say, making air quotes around busy. His rich laughter rises above all the other noise in the lounge.
“Sometimes, Natalee, you find the diamonds in the ruff. I think with a few polishes, they could make it big. They have that “it” factor I’m looking for. You know, you should just work for me as a talent scout, you have potential, kid.” He chucks me in the jaw with his fist. I roll my eyes before a huge smile crosses my lips.
“Are you saying you want to sign them?” I can’t help the excitement oozing from my voice.
“Well, I have to see how they record and a few other things, but I can see it. Excuse me while I go talk to them.” He and his bodyguards stride toward the guys.
“OH EM GEE!” Adriana yells. “Did he just say he’s thinking about signing them?” she asks.
I laugh at her enthusiasm. “He said there are a few things that need to be worked out, so I don’t know, but it sounds promising.”
“Oh God, I think I’m going to cry,” Adriana says. “If this happens—I mean, really happens.” I hug her, trying to contain my excitement for them. I look up and see the guys heading our way.
“‘Ello, Quinn. Where’s Keri?” Nick asks when he gets closer to the booth. My head whips between Quinn and Nick.
“She had to work. You guys were great. Now I know why Keri loves being able to see you perform.”
“How do you know Keri?” I ask Quinn.
“She’s my sister,” Quinn says with a sly smile.
Zayne takes my hand in his, entwining our fingers.
“Whoa, didn’t see that one coming,” Adriana says with a chuckle.
“We need to go, I have plans, but call me tomorrow so we can start talks of what we need to do,” Uncle Vic says to the guys. “Goodnight, Natty. I’ll call you later. Thanks for inviting me. I’m excited about them,” he tells me in my ear. I blink, a bit shocked.
“I’ll call you tomorrow. I think you might be captivated by one woman, I’m shocked.” He laughs again, shaking his head.
“Stop making up stories, Ma would just love to hear all that crap. Call me.” He kisses my cheek and leaves.
“Holy shite!” Leif yells. “This is amazing. We need to celebrate.” We all begin to whoop and cheer. I look at all of them, knowing in my heart they are going to be the next big thing. This is going to be our last night as a normal group of college kids. It’s all worth it, though. To see their dreams come true is the greatest feeling in the world
Our little circle takes our celebration back to the house. I stand back, watching the five guys and two women who all own a piece of my heart. I wish Leslie were here. She completes this little family.
Love.
Devotion.
Friendship.
That is all I see in this house.
My journey was not an easy one. But with the love of those around me, I found my way. Their devotion helped me see that there was more to life. I’ve forged friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime.
“Thank you, Rhys,” I whisper, knowing I wouldn’t be here without his guidance.
This is not the end of our journey, only the end of this part of my story. A story that continues through the years and eyes of others.
Tonight Natalee’s face shined brightly. Her eyes were aglow with love and contentment watching Zayne. A tinge of jealousy radiated through my chest. I clenched my fists, my nails dug into my palms. I welcomed the pain as it knocked the envy out and helped calm my thundering heart. I like my life and don’t need complications. That was until Quinn Sandoval, waltzed in making me feel and want things I never knew, I always wanted.
Author Note
When I began writing this book I had no idea where it was going to go. Soon I found Rhys’ character and what he endured. I have a son who is dealing with a mental illness and depression. There are days that make me cry because I have no idea how deep his hurt goes. Please if you or someone you know is in need and or has talked about suicide, get them help. At the very least give them this number. It’s hard to truly understand their physical and emotional pain.
1 (800) 273-8
255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
With the themes of this book the student/teacher relations aspect was brought forth. While the subject is taboo I do enjoy the subject in most books. Usually both parties in the stories I read are of age. If not they will wait to have sex until the other person is of age and both consent to the relationship. Please understand Rhys was not and did not want or gave his consent, therefore it is abuse. If you suspect that a teacher is abusing a child please call the local authorities.
Acknowledgments
To my husband George, I know many wives say their husbands are the best but you are MY HUBBY. In the face of financial difficulties you have believed in me and let me spend money on a book cover and editor. Thank you for bouncing ideas with me at 4AM. Thanks for never getting upset when I haven’t cleaned or done laundry, quite the opposite you do it so I can write. I just wanted to put this on Wattpad but you pushed me to publish. You made me believe in myself and this story. You have been here for me when nobody else was. Nobody can Drag Me Down and that’s all because you’re Perfect. 17 years and I can’t believe you haven’t run from my crazy ass. I love you so much.
Sophia, my beautiful baby girl, thanks for believing in me and making me listen and go to the One Direction concert. Then showing me the picture that sparked this entire story.
My boys Manny, Isaak and Joel (Joe-L) You guys crack me up and are always referencing vines or youtubers that drive me crazy but without you my life would be boring.
Annabel, thanks sister in law for believing in me. You and Micah are amazing for always having my back.