The Bright Effect

by Autumn Doughton

  Daphne, who clearly doesn’t believe this, rolls her eyes. “I’m going to try these things on, okay? Be ready to help me decide.”

  We watch her struggle with the many items she’d found and close herself in a dressing room. When we’re alone, Nancy says to me, “You two have been spending an awful lot of time together lately. Is it serious?”

  I wince in response. This is so not the Saturday afternoon conversation you want to have with your stepmother.

  “I’ll take that as a yes,” she concludes.

  “Nancy, I’ve only been with him for about a month so I don’t think it can be classified as serious quite yet.”

  She sighs as though she disagrees with my assessment. “Are you still getting your schoolwork done?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tennis season is just around the corner,” she says as if I don’t know this. “Soon your time is going to be fully occupied with practices and team responsibilities. Will he understand?”

  “Of course he will. He’s got work and school and plenty of things that keep him busy.”

  “And this boy—this Bash… he isn’t trying to pressure you into anything?”

  I look up as a flood of heat rushes to my face. Pressure me? “Umm… What do you mean, Nancy?”

  “College, dear. Being with him isn’t going to change your plans, is it? Your father and I worry that after all your hard work over the past few years, your decision making might be clouded by this new relationship.”

  “I’m not going to give up on my future for a guy if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “All the same, we’d like to see you finish up those college applications and get them in the mail,” she says with a pointed look.

  “I will.”

  “Hey, what about me?” Daphne shouts through the dressing room door. I can hear her wrestling with clothes in there. “Why aren’t you worried about a boy distracting me?”

  “Oh, Daphne,” Nancy chuckles. Then to me, she murmurs, “I hope she chooses the green for Thanksgiving.”

  “The burgundy was nice too.”

  “Amelia, I’d like for you to put some effort into your appearance as well. Your father has invited his business partners to join us.”

  “I didn’t really see anything that I liked,” I mumble.

  “I saw a fantastic shirtdress made by Tory Burch,” she suggests. “As long as you don’t try to pair it with anything else—” she casts a skeptical look at the leggings I’m wearing, “—it would be very flattering.”

  “Nancy, about Thanksgiving,” I start because I’ve suddenly had an idea. “Sebastian and his little brother don’t have any plans this year. Actually, during our last tutoring session, Carter let it slip that they’re talking about getting Chinese take out and having a Marvel movie marathon this year.” I give an uncomfortable laugh. “But I don’t think that it counts as a Thanksgiving plan unless there is turkey and stuffing involved.”

  Nancy just stares at me, not taking the hint, so I continue. “So... I was wondering if maybe they could join us for dinner? There’s always plenty of food and I thought it might be a nice way for you and Daddy to get to know Sebastian better.”

  “And his brother?”

  “Well, yeah. He can’t exactly leave Carter behind.”

  “And these boys don’t they have any family of their own to spend the holiday with?”

  “They have an aunt and uncle in Charleston, but they aren’t spending the holiday with them.” I honestly don’t know what the real story is there, but the last time I asked, Sebastian told me that they weren’t going to be seeing them for a while.

  She shakes her head. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea on Thanksgiving, Amelia.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s quite a bit of extra work to have more guests.”

  It’s a blatant excuse, and a bad one at that. “I thought… You’re always saying that you enjoy hosting for the holidays.”

  “I already told you that your father has invited his business partners to join us,” she says like this explains everything.

  “And you don’t want Daddy’s partners at the firm to meet Sebastian?”

  The corners of her mouth crease in disapproval. “Along with his little brother? I hardly think it’s appropriate for a holiday dinner, do you, Amelia?”

  I blanch. I don’t know what I’d been expecting but it’s not this. This dismissal from my stepmother feels like a slap to the face.

  Daphne interrupts my tumultuous thoughts by emerging from the dressing room in the burgundy dress. “Hey—what do you guys think?”

  “I love it,” I say, trying to school my expression.

  More frowning from Nancy. “I thought you were going to try on the green one.”

  “I grabbed that one too,” Daphne explains. “And I think you’re right about it for Thanksgiving, but can I get this dress for Audra’s party? It’s perfect.”

  “Of course, dear. Now remind me why Audra is having a party.”

  “It’s a big thing her parents are throwing for her eighteenth birthday,” I explain.

  Daphne nods. “Yep. Her dad rented out the clubhouse and is, like, flying in a whole band or something. It’s going to be the party of the entire year if not the decade.”

  Looking up from where she’d been inspecting the length of Daphne’s hemline, Nancy says smoothly, “That sounds lovely. When is this party?”

  “The weekend after Thanksgiving,” Daphne answers, twirling and watching her reflection in all the different angles of the oversized dressing room mirrors.

  Aiming for casual, Nancy asks, “And will Spencer be there?”

  Daphne abruptly stops spinning. “Um… well, everyone is going to be there so I guess so.”

  “Don’t you know?” she coaxes.

  “I told you that we’re taking a little breather, that’s all.”

  A breather? What does Daphne mean by that? She assured me that she and Spencer were a thing of the past. Is she beating around the bush for Nancy’s benefit or is something going on?

  “You did say that. I was only hoping you two would work things out. You know how much your daddy and I like him. Spencer is a real catch.”

  Goosebumps of disquiet break out over my skin when Daphne smiles slyly at Nancy and shrugs her shoulders.

  Clearing my throat, I mumble, “I thought you told me that you and Spencer broke up?”

  She won’t look at me. “I mean… yeah, Amelia. But we’ve talked some and who knows what will happen? Never say never.”

  “Always wise,” Nancy says heartily.

  I open my mouth to speak and then close it.

  Now we’re back to Spencer? The druggie? The potential cheater? How does that make any kind of sense?

  I don’t care how cute he is, how much people seem to like him, or what kind of car he drives. Daphne has to know that she’s so much better off without him in her life.

  And why is this just coming out now? How could she keep this huge thing from me?

  I knew she was texting a lot yesterday because I could hear her phone going off all night, but I’d assumed it was Audra or someone from the cheer squad. But I’m starting to think those texts might have been from Spencer.

  “Here’s that shirtdress, Amelia,” Nancy says, pushing something blue and black and floral at me.

  Without a word, I take the dress and turn to escape into the solitude of the dressing room.

  “You could wear it with simple flats,” Nancy calls through the door.

  “Or I could let you borrow my black leather ankle boots,” says Daphne.

  Leaning into the cool surface of the mirror, I close my eyes. I need a second to sort through the sharp and almost painful emotions rocketing around inside of me.

  God, Daphne and I might share a face, but lately, it’s like we are so disconnected. I used to be able to know exactly what she was thinking and gauge her state of mind with just one glance. There was no one in the world I trust
ed more than her. But now… I have no idea where Daphne and I stand or what’s happening with her.

  Every day it’s like the wall of secrets that’s been piling up between us grows higher and higher and I have no idea how to knock it down or climb over it to reach her.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Bash

  Amelia: Unicorns or rainbows?

  Bash: What kind of question is that? I guess unicorns because the whole horn thing is kind of badass.

  Amelia: LOL. Jeans or shorts?

  Bash: Leggings. My turn.

  Amelia: Shoot.

  Bash: I know about your Red Vines addiction, but I have more candy questions. Chocolate or gummy bears?

  It doesn’t take her long to think of an answer that makes me smile.

  Amelia: Chocolate covered gummy bears FTW!

  Bash: Ice cream or fro-yo?

  Amelia: Hello? I’m a southerner. ICE CREAM! Speaking of… There better be ice cream at this party or I am staging a rebellion.

  I laugh as I write her back. I’ve never been much of phone guy, and I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a texter, but with Amelia, it’s fun.

  Bash: Not that I’m complaining about talking to you, but shouldn’t you be paying attention to your best friend instead of texting me? It is her birthday.

  Amelia: Audra doesn’t know I exist tonight. Her cousin is here and he’s brought his college roommate and Audra has determined that HE is going to be her birthday present.

  I drag a hand through my hair. Shit. As long as Amelia isn’t interested in this college kid.

  Bash: But are you having fun?

  There. That doesn’t sound like it came from an obsessive boyfriend who needs to rein in his shit.

  Amelia: Define fun

  Bash: Are you having a good time?

  It kills me to wait for her answer. What if Amelia and I aren’t really on the same page and I’m just deluding myself? What if she decided while she’s at Audra’s party that we don’t mesh? What will I do when she realizes that she can do a hell of a lot better than me?

  Damn it.

  Maybe she isn’t answering my question because she really is having a good time and she doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. Or, I think, my hands involuntarily balling into fists, maybe she actually did meet someone else.

  “Amelia?” Seth asks me. He’s on the broken recliner in my living room, petting Jinx, who’s taken up a sentry post on his lap, and flicking through TV channels. We don’t even have cable so the options are a rerun of Supernatural or Antiques Roadshow.

  “Yeah,” I say, dropping my phone onto the coffee table and scratching a hand down over my face. I have got to get myself under control. “She’s at a party for Audra Singer’s birthday.”

  “Heard about it at school,” he says. “Why aren’t you there with her?”

  “I’ve got Carter.”

  “You know I would have watched him for you if you’d asked.”

  I shrug. “I’ve got work tomorrow.”

  “Still not an answer, Bash.”

  “Audra’s party is not my kind of thing.”

  He narrows his eyes at me. “I’m thinking that wherever Amelia Bright is at is exactly your kind of thing.”

  I swallow hard. He’s got a point but I’m not ready to admit it out loud. “Not tonight. She should be with her friends. I don’t want her worrying about whether or not I’m fitting in with everyone that’s there. I want her to have fun.”

  “Fun, huh?”

  “Of course.” What do you think I am—a shitty and jealous boyfriend?

  “Is that why you look like someone just kicked you in the balls or did I miss something?”

  I shake my head in defeat. “Shit, Seth… There are guys at the party who don’t have to worry about finding a babysitter or fitting in. Guys who go to college. Guys with a future laid out in front of them. I can’t help but think what will happen when Amelia finally figures out that’s not me.”

  “I don’t think Amelia cares about any of that, but if you’re worried she does then why don’t you change it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Damn it, Bash,” he groans. “How many times have I told you to look into scholarships? If you don’t want to do it for yourself then maybe you’ll do it for Amelia.”

  “How would we live? Where would we live?”

  “You’ll rent this place and use the money for an apartment or a dorm or however people do it.”

  “I don’t know,” I say, suddenly feeling restless. My thoughts are uncomfortable—veering in so many directions that I’m having a hard time processing it all. “Things are…”

  “Things are what?”

  I throw my hands up and abruptly stand from the couch to pace the living room. Seth watches me without speaking.

  “My aunt and uncle are suing me for custody of Carter,” I tell him finally.

  He blinks slowly. “What?”

  “My aunt and uncle—”

  “I heard you but I thought… How?”

  I dig out the certified letter I got two days ago. “They’re saying that my mother wasn’t in her right mind when she made the decision to make me his guardian. They’re asking a judge to grant them full custody.”

  “Shit.”

  “No kidding,” I say, falling back to the couch. “It’s a bunch of legal bullshit and it makes me sick to read it.”

  Seth is squinting down at the letter in his hands. “What did Amelia say?”

  “I haven’t told her yet.”

  “What the hell, man?”

  I hesitate, wondering about it myself. Why haven’t I told her about the custody dispute? “I guess I’m embarrassed.”

  He shakes his head and holds up the letter. “So are you going to get yourself a good lawyer?”

  “I called a bunch of them but they all cost money that I don’t have.” I stare at him for a long moment before quietly admitting, “Paul talked to me again.”

  Seth straightens in the recliner. “Do not go there, Bash. There has to be another way.”

  I still can’t shake the thought that I’d only need to do it once and Carter and I would be set. I’d be able to hire a real lawyer to look at my case.

  “I don’t know that there is another way. I feel like every damn day I’m fighting a losing battle.”

  “You’re not going to lose anything,” he says confidently. “And, dude, this is even more reason for you to look at schools.”

  “How do you figure?” I ask.

  “You want to impress a judge? Show that you’re building a life. Show that you can take care of a kid, work a job, graduate from high school, and go to college.”

  On the coffee table, my phone lights up and starts buzzing.

  Amelia: This band is so loud it’s making my brain hurt. Everyone is drunk and disgusting.

  Another text from her comes in almost immediately and I stare down at it, thinking of Amelia and how she has her future planned out and wondering where I fit in her plans—if I do at all. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to form some plans of my own—other than working at the hardware store for the rest of my life. I want more than that of course. I just never saw it in the cards for me, but Seth does and so does Amelia.

  Amelia: I miss you. I wish you were here.

  Bash: I wish YOU were HERE

  “Okay,” I say to Seth as I pocket my phone. “Let’s do it.”

  ***

  “This one looks good.” Seth angles the laptop toward me so I can look at the university website he’s got pulled up.

  “Does it have family housing?”

  He clicks around the website. “Hmmm, I don’t think so.”

  “That’s a no go then.”

  “Back to Google I go.”

  “Thanks for helping me do this.”

  “No problem. Hey—what about the University of Florida?” Seth asks. “They have a good art program and I’m seeing a bunch of scholarship options.”

  “Family
housing?”

  “Yeah, the school is huge and it says here that they have housing for students with dependents.”

  “Really?” I lean over so that I can read the information for myself. “Florida. I guess I could live in Florida.”

  “I wonder how the music scene is down in Gainesville?”

  I lift my eyebrows in interest and ask him, “You thinking about tagging along?”

  Seth gives a noncommittal shrug. “I’m not staying in Green Cove—that’s for sure. You know college isn’t on my agenda but I’ve got to play my music someplace. And why not Florida?”

  My phone vibrates from my back pocket, only this time from an actual call, not just a text.

  “That Amelia?”

  “Yeah,” I say, an uneasy feeling sliding around my middle as I watch her name move across the screen. Why is she calling instead of texting from the party? I don’t know what it is, but something isn’t right.

  “Amelia?” I answer.

  “Sebastian?” I can barely hear her over the loud music and commotion in the background, but—shit, is she crying?

  “What happened? Are you hurt?”

  “No…” She fades out for a second and then comes back. This time her voice is clearer so I think she must have moved into a quieter room. “It’s Spencer. He’s completely lost it.”

  I curse under my breath. “What did he do?”

  “He and my sister—I’m not sure… It’s all so confusing.”

  “Amelia,” I say firmly. “Tell me what he did.”

  “He’s freaking me out!”

  My heart stumbles and I squeeze the phone a little tighter. “How?”

  “Daphne was talking to some guy and Spencer got mad. He started saying crazy things and threatening the guy.” She pauses to draw in a shaky breath. “Daphne isn’t taking it very seriously, but I think I’ve convinced her that we need to leave anyway.”