Torn Apart

by Kayla Myles

  And then I let it rip.

  “What?!” I cried, looking at my parents like they’d lost their minds. “Are you freaking kidding me right now?”

  “Language,” my Mom chided, but I ignored her. Seriously? She was more concerned with my ‘language’ than with my quality of education? And ‘freaking’ wasn’t even a hard-core swear word!

  I took a deep breath, my chest rising, and my abdomen pressing in tightly before I blew the air out slowly, forming my lips in a small ‘O’, and making my cheeks puff out. I did this twice more in an effort to contain myself.

  “Let’s not delude ourselves any further, because we all know what I was going to answer before you even asked the question,” I said, my eyes closed, as I refused to look at my ridiculous parents. “But just for the sake of it, I’m going to go ahead and say it: Why?” I asked, finally opening my eyes to look at them with the tiniest bit of exasperation.

  “You’re father and I just think that there’s no reason for you to be so far away just to attend college. And you said so yourself that everything can be done through the internet these days,” Mother said. I sighed at her poor reasoning. Was that really the best they got?

  “The writing center at UNC has a hell of a lot more comprehensive program than what any writing course online can give me,” I countered.

  “If you’re dead set on going to college, why not just go to the community college downtown?” Dad tried, and I scoffed at him, disgusted.

  “No offense to the community colleges in the world, but I’m still going with my plan,” I said. “Also, community college would mean I’d have to stay here instead of a dorm, and one of my main reasons for going is to gain independence,” I said. From you, I mentally added, but the words didn’t come out loud.

  “But you don’t need to get it all the way in North Carolina!” my mother cried, using the back of her hand to slap the edge of her forehead, and making that ‘woe-is-me’ expression you mostly see in 18th century period movies.

  “Like I said, I applied for a lot of colleges,” –all of them away from here—“And from among those that accepted, I chose the one I thought was best,” –and the farthest.

  “Well, if you’re so dead set on disobeying us, young lady,” Dad said, his eyes glinting in that way they always did when he was about to pull out the ace in his sleeve. “Let’s see how you try and pay for your college tuition,” he declared, folding his arms in front of his chest, his bottom lip jutting out smugly in victory.

  I smirked at him, fully expecting this blow, and opening my mouth to deal my own. “Well then, it’s a good thing I’ve got a full ride scholarship, huh?” I said, effectively wiping the smug look on my parents’ faces.

  “You can’t afford the plane ticket,” Mom blurted out, the desperation clear in her eyes.

  “Already got that covered,” I fired back, rolling my eyes.

  “Regardless, you won’t get our permission,” Dad said, standing up and putting his hands on the table, palms down. “So good luck trying to feed yourself over there.”

  “Irregardless, I’m going,” I said. That was the only hitch in my plan, and I had hoped my parents weren’t cruel enough to cut me off but, since it’s come to this, I’m just going to have to look for some part-time jobs once I get there. Like hell they would keep me hold up in here.

  “Irregardless isn’t a word,” Mom shrieked.

  “Actually, it is. It’s a conversation ender. You should look it up in Webster’s. It’s under the letter ‘I’,” I countered. I watched patiently as Darcy opened up his phone and did as I asked.

  “She’s got you guys again, Mom,” Darcy said, nodding thoughtfully. I looked over at my parents with a smug smirk on my face. I made a grand show of taking another bite out of my dinner, then wiping my mouth daintily with a napkin, before I stood up to leave, but not without one last parting shot.

  “And you call yourselves writers.”

  Chapter 3

  Spencer

  “Morning, Spence. I’ve got a job for you,” Chase greeted as soon as I walked into the office. I slid my headphones off my head, and raised my eyebrows at him.

  “Is this a legit job, or is this another grunt work for Jason’s girl?” I asked.

  “Ye have a little faith,” Chase replied, walking behind his desk to take out a file in one of his drawers.

  “Excuse me if I have so little confidence in you,” I fired, taking a seat across from him. I slumped over my seat, folding my hands on top of my lap as I regarded him with feigned interest. He narrowed his eyes at me.

  “Well, you should. I got you a job that I think is right up your alley,” Chase replied, throwing the file he was holding on top of his desk. “And since you mentioned her earlier, I have to admit, this job was requested personally by Veronica Langley herself,” he added.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, not following.

  “She recommended our firm provide security for them, and they trusted her opinion enough to give us the job,” he clarified.

  “Oh, wow. So does that mean I’m in charge of another celebrity?” I asked, intrigued. I wondered who it is. Was it Emma Stone? Jennifer Lawrence? Please Lord, let it be Jennifer Lawrence.

  “Not exactly,” Chase said, and those two words effectively burst my bubble. I scowled at him. “Spencer, will you let me finish?” I waved my hands, motioning for him to get on with his briefing. The man seriously took forever to get his point across, Jesus.

  “As I was saying, the clients are Veronica’s maternal aunt and uncle. She recommended our firm to them, and they sent in the request to watch over their daughter, who’ll be going to college,” he explained.

  “Hold up a second,” I stated, holding my hand up to stop him. “So you want me to protect a minor?”

  “She’s 21 years old, Spencer. That’s hardly a minor, and only a few years greener than you,” Chase clarified. He gestured towards the folder again, and I rolled my eyes and picked it up. I looked over the file briefly, fingering the picture of the girl I’m supposedly going to protect.

  She’s kind of cute, I thought to myself as I peered at her copper-colored hair and jade green eyes. Her lips were thin and pale pink, and her nose was thin and-high-bridged. True enough, she definitely had some similarities with Veronica in terms of appearance, but where Veronica tended to have more striking features that caught your attention almost immediately, this girl went soft and innocent, like it begged you to take a second glance, and then her beauty sneaks up and keeps you from looking away.

  “Georgiana Elizabeth Pratt,” I muttered, trying her name out with my mouth. “She sounds like a total prissy princess,” I said.

  “Yeah, well her parents are well-known authors, so that’s probably why their kids’ names are so..,” Chase pursed his lips, trying to think of something that wasn’t remotely rude. “…classy,” he decided.

  “You mean she’s got a sibling?” I asked, and he nodded.

  “Yep. Male, about twenty-eight years old,” Chase replied.

  “What’s his name? Benjamin?” I quipped. Chase winced, hesitating to answer my question.

  “No. It’s Darcy,” he answered, and I lost it. My laughter came out in huge guffaws, and Chase pushed me on my shoulder half-heartedly. He pursed his lips in an effort to try and keep the smile from spreading in his face.

  “Come on, stop it, already,” Chase scowled. I alternated between quick puffing breaths to slow long heaves so I could control myself. “Besides, it’s not that bad once you got the hang of it,” he amended.

  “Okay, back to the topic,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Why wouldn’t they just ask brother dearest to guard his sister?” I asked.

  “The dude is working all over the globe, and word is he was the only one who wasn’t opposed to the girl’s idea of going off to college, and besides, he kept telling them she could handle herself,” he answered.

  “I agree. She doesn’t look like a pushover,” I said.

  “You got al
l that from looking at her photo, eh?” Chase jibed. I said nothing, not taking the bait. “What I’m about to say is off the record, but Veronica was able to give me a bit of personal Intel on the Brady Bunch, and she said that Mr. and Mrs. Pratt kept their daughter on a tight leash. Her cousin is a quiet girl, and always kept to herself. She didn’t have many friends, either, likely because of her overprotective parents. She said this is likely the first time her cousin will be out of her parents’ nose, and they’re not exactly comfortable with the concept,” he explained.

  “Still, don’t you think hiring a bodyguard for her is a little overkill?” I asked, and he shrugged.

  “I’m not the kid’s father, and all I care about is that this is a legit job,” he replied.

  “Well what did this Georgiana have to say about all this?” I asked.

  “Ah, that’s where this mission gets interesting,” Chase said with a smirk, making me narrow my eyes at him. There was a glint in his eye that I didn’t like one bit. “She doesn’t know they hired a protector,” he revealed.

  “She doesn’t know?” I repeated.

  “And we’re going to keep it that way,” Chase said, nodding. “You, my friend, are going undercover.”

  “What? Why?” I stammered, incredulous. “How am I supposed to do that?”

  “Simple: you’re going to pose as another student there,” he said, and my mouth gaped in awe. He ignored me, and started to enumerate his plans using his fingers. “You’re going to take all the same classes, go in the same clubs, and eat lunch at the cafeteria together--,”

  “Wait a second,” I interrupted. Me? A college student? “Why do I have to do that? I mean, one of the reasons I signed up for the military was so I could skip college, man,” I said.

  “Nonetheless, you’re the youngest in the firm, and the most obvious choice,” Chase said. “Besides, you’ve been hounding me to give you a real assignment all summer, weren’t you? Well, this is it!”

  “Yeah, but I wasn’t expecting this! I mean, this is ridiculous! How are you going to enroll me in--,” I looked at her file so I could see which school she’ll be attending. “University of North Carolina? The tuition fee here costs an arm and a limb! And wait--,” I stared at the school again. “North Carolina? This is all the way over the other side of the country!” I exclaimed.

  “You exaggerate, Spence,” he said, shaking his head. “And the Pratt’s are loaded. They have graciously decided to add a little extra so you could be enrolled there. They’ve also explained everything to the Dean, so he’ll be able to assist you once you arrive.”

  “This is a ridiculous idea, Chase,” I hissed.

  “Still, it pays the bills. And as I recall, you need this job. So you either take it, or I give it to someone else who’s willing to do it,” Chase replied.

  “You know, it’s times like this where I hate being related to you,” I said, and the bastard smirked at me.

  “Tell that to our father. And it’s your own damn fault you confide to me about everything like a little girl,” Chase fired back. “So what’s it going to be?”

  I growled ferociously before glaring at the file again, the girl’s face almost taunting me. I clenched my teeth and looked up at Chase again.

  “Where do I sign?”

  Chapter 4

  Georgiana

  “You sure you packed everything?” Darcy asked as he watched me load my suitcase into the trunk. I rolled my eyes at him.

  “Yes, I’m sure. Now will you please be a gentleman and help me out with my stuff?” I said, gesturing down at my bags. He chuckled before taking one of my bigger bags and tossing them inside the trunk.

  When we finally managed to load all of the stuff I was bringing to college, Darcy climbed in to start the car while I took one last look at our home. I had hoped a week would be enough to cool my parents’ heads and accept my decision to leave, but it didn’t seem to have done any good. They didn’t speak a word to me whenever they were home, and I gave up trying to make amends with them.

  I stared at the main doors like a lifeline, willing it to open, and my parents would come rushing out. I wanted, no, needed them to tell me they supported my decision, or at the very least, bid me goodbye.

  But the doors remained shut and there was no indication my parents were coming out of the house.

  I sighed heavily, feeling like a huge weight was crushing my heart underneath. I climbed in the car, fastening my seatbelt, and Darcy took off. I turned my head to the side, looking at our house one last time, and watching it grow smaller and smaller until it was nothing but a tiny speck in the horizon. I twisted back around and looked down at my hands with a sigh. I felt Darcy’s hand rub my shoulder comfortingly.

  “Hey, sis, it’s going to be fine. They’ll come around,” Darcy said comfortingly.

  “I just wish they would try to understand why I have to do this,” I murmured.

  “They do get it, trust me. They were the same way with me, only a lot less dramatic. But that’s probably because I’m a dude, though,” my brother said, as I rolled my eyes at him.

  “Didn’t you go to NYU back when we were still living in New York?” I reminded him. It wasn’t the same thing. He had gone to a university that was a few kilometers away from home back then, while I am now going to a completely different state.

  “Yes, but like you, I had to fight tooth and nail to get what I wanted. They didn’t want me leaving the house, either,” he admitted. I gaped at him in surprise. I didn’t know about that. He caught the look on my face from the corner of his eye and scrunched his nose.

  “Really?” I asked, still not believing him. He nodded, and it made me slump down on my seat. “What is their problem? It’s like they’re so afraid of the outside world or something,” I said. Darcy shrugged.

  “I don’t know, George. But whatever their reason is, they probably thought they were doing what was best for you, for us. Maybe you could just ease up on the judgment, huh?” Darcy pleaded.

  “Okay, okay. I’m not going to hold this against them anymore. But don’t you ever wonder why they’re so hell-bent on keeping us locked up? I mean, what the hell happened to them to turn us into social recluses?” I asked him.

  “Hey, I am not a social recluse. I’m getting married, remember?” Darcy countered, looking mildly affronted at my remark. I giggled and planted a slobbery kiss on his cheek, making him grimace in disgust. “And I don’t know if anything happened. I can try and ask Dr. Feldman about it in our next session, though. I’ll tell you if anything comes up,” Darcy said.

  I nodded, mulling over his idea. Darcy had been seeing a psychiatrist for as long as I could remember, and whenever I asked my parents back then why he had to see a doctor twice a week, Mom would get this horror-stricken look on her face while Dad’s face grew stormy and pinched, then both of them would tell me not to ask too many questions, and send me to my room. As I grew older, I eventually stopped asking my parents why because I learned to accept that it was just another fact of life that my parents were unwilling to share. Darcy didn’t know the reason, either, so he just assumed it was to try and retrieve the memories he had blocked from his mind as a child.

  “Maybe you got lost in a mall for an hour, and they had to call the police to find you,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Oh, you’re hilarious,” Darcy said, eyes narrowed, and his tone completely deadpanned. “But let’s go back to you. Is UNC really the right choice?” he asked.

  “You sound like a commercial,” I remarked, but the serious look on his face didn’t budge. I sobered up and answered him. “Of all the colleges I applied for, their writing center impressed me the most. So yeah, I really think I’m making the right decision, Darcy.”

  “What about that story you’re writing? You making a good headway with that?” he asked.

  “How did you know I was writing a new story?” I asked, raising one eyebrow. “Have you been snooping in my things?”

  “Please, Georg
e. I’m your older brother. Of course I’m going to look through your stuff. It’s just what we brothers do,” he replied, rolling his eyes at me like it was the most obvious thing ever. “And you didn’t answer my question.”

  “To be honest, I’m kind of fighting against writer’s block for a while,” I answered. “I keep trying to write, but I just can’t bring myself to write another sentence. And the stress I get from dealing with our parents isn’t exactly helping, so I’m hoping a change of scenery could inspire me to complete this story.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, you’re story is pretty good,” Darcy complimented. I smiled brightly at him. He’s never complimented me on my work before.

  “Really?” I asked, flattered.

  “Well, up until that sex scene,” he amended, making me frown almost immediately at him. “That part made me want to barf.”

  “I think that’s less because of my skill in writing, and more because you’re my brother, and you read about sex written by your sister.” I said chuckling, and he shrugged.

  “Yeah, you might be right. Which reminds me of a very important question I have to ask you,” he said. He waited until we reached a red light, and then he looked over at me. “You’re still a virgin, right?” he asked.