Beautiful Lessons

by Rebecca Brooke

  Paul Henderson. Family man.

  Lying in bed, scrolling through Facebook, there’s an email alert. I open my email icon and see something from my dad.

  Seona,

  I am back in Michigan, but this is not over. You will be coming back home where you belong. We talked about this and you know I need you by my side. I am very worried about you. Please do not shut me out.

  I roll my eyes while reading this. It’s probably from his assistant. He knows better than to threaten me. No paper trails.

  Call me soon. I love you sweetheart.

  Dad

  I don’t respond back to his email. Putting down my phone I head downstairs to get something to eat. When I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear the doorbell ring and I freeze. Slowly walking to the door, I look through the peephole and see Kendall standing on the opposite side. Seeing my best friend is the best therapy to pull me out and keep my mind busy so I don’t think about Jayceon. I swing open the door.

  “Kendall!” I jump in her arms as we both squeal. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m gonna be here almost every weekend. Just until things are okay! My dad’s back at the hotel. I thought we could get lunch and talk?”

  I nod my head and let her come in. “Let me get ready and we’ll head out.”

  “Okay!”

  I give Kendall another hug before running upstairs to change. Having her here with me this weekend is exactly what I’m going to need.

  Sitting at the restaurant, we place our orders and I pick at the bread that they served us.

  “What’s going on?” She stares at me, waiting for me to answer.

  “My dad came back and turned my world upside down. Everything I’ve done to be a better person is down the drain. Do you know that NYU accepted me and I can’t tell anyone because I’m so scared my dad will do something to make sure I don’t go?” I play with the bread some more. “I can’t talk to Jayceon and I’ve been pushing him away. He’s so good, Kendall. So good. And I’m breaking his heart, but I’m a freaking mess. He doesn’t need to see this.”

  “But he loves you, Seona. When someone loves you they’re there for you through thick and thin, for better and worse.”

  I let out a laugh. “We aren’t married.’

  “Yeah well, the concept is the same. I know I don’t know Jayceon all too well, but babe, he loves you something fierce.”

  My phone vibrates in my pocket and I look at the text. “It’s from Jayceon.”

  “What’d he say?”

  “Baby please talk to me. I don’t know what I did, but I will do anything for you. Please don’t push me away. I love you so much.”

  I lean back in my chair, wiping my tears from my eyes, “I’m hurting him. I have to break up with him.”

  I hear Kendall sigh. When I look up at her, she has a disapproving expression on her face. “It’s your decision but I don’t agree with it. Pushing him away and breaking his heart so that you can get your shit together isn’t the answer. If he wants to be there for you, then let him. I just pray that you know what you’re doing.

  “I don’t know,” I whisper. “I really don’t.” My stomach drops and I lose my appetite.

  The conversation turns light when Kendall tells me she’s going to Syracuse University in New York so we’ll be somewhat close to each other. She tells me about things back in Michigan and I’m glad to hear everyone’s doing well.

  We finish up lunch and head back to my house. Kendall grabs her overnight bag from the backseat of the rental car. “Okay, so I have tons of movies we can watch and veg out to. The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, The Hangover…”

  As soon as she says The Hangover I break down. “What? What’s wrong?”

  “That’s the movie Jayceon and I watched the night we were at his house. Oh my god, what the fuck is wrong with me?” I whine, heading back in the house and throwing myself on the couch. Travis comes into the living room and props his legs on the coffee table.

  “So, not to make you feel even more like shit but, I have a letter for you from Jayceon.”

  I throw a pillow at his head and stare at the ceiling. I’m a horrible person. Travis places the letter next to me and I can’t bring myself to open it.

  “How about you open this later and we watch movies and stuff our faces with ice cream and chocolate?”

  I nod my head slowly and give her a smile. “Okay.”

  A few hours later, Kendall’s passed out on the couch and Travis is on the floor snoring. I prop myself up on my forearms and play with Jayceon’s letter. I still can’t open it and I’m not sure when I’ll be able to.

  * * * * *

  After a day at the spa, Kendall and I meet John for sushi. We’re at the table and it’s nice to be with them again.

  “Kendall told me you’re going to NYU next year. I’m so proud of you, Seona.”

  “Thanks, John. It’s weird you know. Thinking about college and actually getting accepted. I worked so hard this year to better my grades and I’m really happy.”

  “We can see that, honey. Have you talked to your dad?”

  I shrug. “He emailed me, but I’m sure it was his assistant. It was too nice.”

  “Daddy, can’t you do something?” Kendall looks at her dad then me. “I mean she’s almost eighteen.”

  “I know, baby. I know. Just be calm and cool, Seona. If you want to be emancipated you’ll have to prove to a judge you can make it on your own. Do you have a job?” I shake my head. “How do you expect to live on your own? I don’t want to sound mean, but these are the types of questions you’ll be asked.”

  “I still have my inheritance from my mom and money from the summer I worked. I mean, Travis has been helping me, but I don’t need much and NYU is giving me a full scholarship.”

  John shakes his head. “Not good enough. Let’s hope your dad stays busy with his campaign.”

  Our dinner arrives and soon I excuse myself from the table to use the restroom. When I walk out, I feel someone grab my arm, pushing me against the wall. Before I can scream, his hand covers my mouth.

  “I told you this shit is over. We are leaving tonight so do not fuck with me, Seona. I want you to leave the table and meet me outside. Do I make myself clear?” He pushes me harder against the wall. “Nod your head yes if you understand.” I nod my head and he kisses my forehead, “Good girl.”

  As soon as his hand leaves my mouth, John comes to my dad and pushes him away. “Seona go back to the table with Kendall and get to the car.” I’m frozen against the wall. “Now, Seona!” I do as John says and run to Kendall with tears in my eyes.

  “Come on!” I tell her and grab her hand. We run outside and get valet to bring the car around.

  “What happened? Where’s my dad?”

  “My dad’s here!”

  “Oh shit!” When valet brings us the car, John comes out and hurries us in.

  “John what happened? What did my dad do?”

  He drives away and his shoulders are tense. I look at Kendall and we look at her dad. “Seona, I don’t know what to tell you, but your dad is going to fight to get you back. Let me work on the paperwork when I get back to Michigan. For now, please keep low and don’t go anywhere by yourself.”

  The reality of the situation finally hits me.

  Jayceon. I need Jayceon.

  “Can you take me to Jayceon’s house please? Travis is out with his friends and I know you’re leaving early tomorrow.”

  John nods and I give him directions to Jayceon’s. When he drops me off, I tell them it’s okay and I’ll be fine.

  “Go back to the hotel. I promise I’ll be okay. Jayceon’s home and so are his parents.”

  “Are you sure?” Kendall asks, looking at the cars.

  I nod. “Positive. Thank you so much for everything.”

  I hug both John and Kendall and get out of the car. Waving goodbye to them, I turn and walk to his door when I notice Alyssa’s car. We're still together. He wouldn't cheat on
me.

  No. No Jayceon loves me. He loves me.

  I think about ringing the doorbell, but instead I peer through the living room window and see her arm around his shoulders. They're close together. Too close. Slowly backing away from the window, I pull out my phone and call Brendan.

  “Hey girl. What’s up?”

  “Where are you?”

  “Sean’s house. Are you okay?”

  “Can you come get me, please?” I try to hide the desperation in my voice. “Jayceon’s busy and I don’t want to be alone.”

  “Yeah, I’m on my way.”

  “I’m at Jayceon’s.” I look back and think about interrupting their love fest. How could they do this to me? I know I’ve been brushing him off and ignoring him. “Please hurry.”

  “Okay, be there in five.”

  Brendan and I hang up and I wait for him. My phone is still in my hand and it kills me that this is happening. A sharp pain slices my chest and heart. I keep turning around, watching them inside, and I can’t move. I know I’m being ridiculous and I should storm into his house and demand answers.

  Should’ve. Could’ve.

  I need to be numb.

  As soon as Brendan parks his car on the side of the road, I run out before he can meet me. Closing the passenger door, I put on my seat belt and lean my head against the cushion head rest.

  "What's wrong?" I shake my head, trying to control my anger and sadness. I can't cry. I shouldn't cry.

  "I'm okay." I turn to look at him. "I promise I'm okay."

  He starts the car, with a nod, and heads back to Sean's house. During the car ride he doesn't ask what's wrong and leaves me be. But his hand resting on top of mine is comforting. I give it a squeeze, letting him know how thankful I am .

  Brendan helps me down from his truck and takes my hand and we walk inside Sean’s house. Everyone’s outside on his deck and in the pool. Claire runs to me and hands me a drink.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t text you. But I thought you were still sick. How are you doing? We haven’t talked.”

  “I’m okay.” I drink what’s in her cup without asking. It’s fruity and strong with vodka. Just what I need. “I wanna swim.”

  “I have an extra suit upstairs. Let’s go.”

  I eye Brendan and he gives me the nod. I’m not sure why I look at him and wait for him to give me the okay. Claire and I run to the guestroom of Sean’s house and I quickly change into her bikini.

  Finishing the drink, I ask for more and we head to the kitchen. Chaz comes up behind me, wrapping his arm around my waist.

  “Damn,” he whispers in my ear, holding me tight, pressing his erection against my back. “You are so hot.”

  “Move,” I tell him and unwrap his arm from me. Claire makes my drink and we clink our cups together and chug. “Again!”

  Vanessa makes her way over to us with Gina. Both girls join us and we’re five drinks in before we head back to the pool.

  Brendan’s in with some of the guys. I jump in and climb on top of his shoulders. “Chicken!” I yell and Vanessa climbs on Chaz’s shoulders while Claire climbs on Sean’s. All of us are laughing and having fun.

  This is what I need to forget Jayceon.

  Chapter 23

  Jayceon

  Saturday night, and I’m sitting here all alone. There’s been no word from Seona since I saw her Thursday morning. My parents have tried to remind me that she’ll come around in her own time.

  The TV is on in the background, not that I can tell you what’s on. Mom and Dad disappeared into the theater room a few hours ago to watch a movie. Alyssa called earlier trying to get me to go out with her, but I’m not in the mood to do anything. I wish Seona would have wanted to come over tonight, then maybe we could get all of this shit worked out.

  There’s knock on the door. With a groan I get up, not really wanting to answer it. The door swings open to reveal Alyssa, with a bag in her hand. I can see the popcorn and candy inside.

  “Hey,” she says. “I figured I’d come over and try and cheer you up.”

  “Look Alyssa--”

  “Stop Jayceon. You can’t sit here and avoid the world. You didn’t even do that when all of the shit with Chaz started last year. Just let me in so we can talk.”

  Scrubbing my hand over my face, I take a step back and let her in. She’s determined and when Alyssa gets like this there’s not much you can do to get her to back down. It’s easier to let her in, than convince her to go away.

  Without wasting any time, she heads to the kitchen. The couch is calling my name as I drop down. It isn’t long before I hear the popping in the microwave. The smell of the popcorn makes me think that maybe hanging out with Alyssa tonight will be a good distraction from all of the shit that’s falling apart in my life.

  Every night, I’ve sat in the living room dwelling on what happened, and what I could have done to stop the train before it derailed. For one night, it’ll be nice to just sit back and watch a movie with Alyssa.

  She steps out of the kitchen with a tray, including a bowl of popcorn, a box of chocolate covered raisins, and two sodas. “Popcorn?”

  “You really are the best friend anyone could ask for.”

  Setting the tray down, she takes the seat next to me and wraps her arm around my shoulder. “I try. Now talk to me.”

  Shaking my head, I drop my eyes to the floor. “I don’t know where to start. Everything was perfect and one visit from her dad and the Seona I met months ago is gone.”

  “Have you tried talking to her besides calling and texts?”

  “I wrote her a letter and gave it to Travis the other day, but still nothing.”

  “She’s crazy and pretty stupid to ignore you.” It’s hard to miss the underlying anger in her tone.”

  “No, she’s hurting and I really wish she’d let me in to help.”

  Her arm squeezes tighter. “Always remember that I’ll be here for you no matter what.”

  “Thanks, Alyssa. I really need this today.”

  “You bet. Let’s watch a movie and take your mind off it all.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Alyssa knows me so well, she picks the perfect movie Lone Survivor to keep my mind from worrying about Seona and all of the things I might have done wrong. It’s not until the end of the movie that it all comes slamming me back in the face when my phone vibrates in my pocket.

  Pulling it out, I see it’s from Brendan and almost ignore it, until I see Seona’s name in part of the message. Swiping my finger across the screen, I read the text and practically jump out of my seat.

  Brendan: At Sean’s. Seona’s wasted you better get over here.

  “Son of a Bitch!”

  Alyssa jumps out of her seat. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  Unable to even say the words, I flip the phone around for her to see. My mind is spinning and I waste no time heading for the stairs to change into some jeans and grab some shoes.

  When I get back downstairs, Alyssa’s standing at the bottom with her arms crossed over her chest. “Please tell me you are not going to run over there to save the little damsel in distress.”

  This stops me dead in my tracks. “Of course I’m going to get her. She’s still my girlfriend.”

  “Then maybe she should act like it.”

  “Alyssa, please don’t do this now. You came over here tonight to be there for me. To do that you need to understand why I need to go get her.”

  Her brow furrows. “It’s hard, when I’ve seen what she’s done to you over the last week. Let Brendan drive her home, if he’s so worried.”

  “You know Brendan’s probably had a few drinks too, otherwise he wouldn’t be asking me to come get her.”

  She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “True. Fine, go get her, but just be careful. It kills me to watch her break your heart a little more each day.”

  I might be frustrated with Alyssa right now, but I know she only has my best interests at heart. Reaching forward, I pull her i
nto an embrace. “Thanks for caring about me. You’ll always be my best friend.”

  “I know,” she says, and there’s a hint of sadness to her voice, but I don’t have time to analyze it. “I’ll clean this up before I go.” She gestures at the mess of food on the table.

  “Thanks.”

  Enough time has passed arguing with Alyssa, and I run out the door to my truck. Sean isn’t one of the bad guys, although he doesn't try being friends with me anymore. Probably out of fear of what kind of hell Chaz will make his life if he does. It’s why Brendan is still willing to hang out with him.

  The problem is, everyone has a different personality when they drink and to be honest, I’m not sure what Seona is like when she does because I’ve never seen it happen.

  The moment I arrive, I know this is going to be worse than I thought. No one’s in the house and I make my way out the back door to the pool. The sight of her makes my chest seize. Seona’s there is a skimpy ass bikini dancing around the pool like nothing is wrong. It’s as if the downward spiral of our relationship doesn’t bother her at all. Taking the chance that maybe she’ll talk to me now, I walk up behind her, placing my hand on the part of her back and whisper in her ear. “Can I talk to you?”

  She turns to me. “What are you doing here?”

  I lean down to whisper in her ear. “What am I doing here? Have you seen yourself? What are you doing? You never drink at parties.”

  She pushes away from me. “Don’t be like that. I wanna have some fun. You looked like you were having your own fun tonight. Just leave me alone.”

  “My own fun? I’ve been a mess. I’m so worried about you.”

  “Don’t be.” With that, she walks away.

  A part of me wants to go after her, hoist her over my shoulder and carry her ass out of there. Then there’s the other part screaming at me to let her go for the moment. She’s drunk and this is something she needs to work through on her own. Then again, she walks over to Vanessa and Claire. Great. Vanessa is the best decision maker at parties. Yeah, not really. At least I’m here now to keep my eye out. I stand to the side of the room. Watching, waiting for something to happen.