Where the White Rose Withers

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Where the White Rose Withers Page 1

by Harell Smiley




  W here

  The W hite Rose W ithers ©

  H A R E L L S M I L E Y

  W here

  The W hite Rose W ithers ©

  Unapologetically beautiful, Explicit and Wild

  Spin-off of the trilogy Beautiful Wicked.

  Warning: This novel is inspired by real experiences and stories using heavy drug use.

  “Ms. Rose. This is serious. Someone was killed amongst other events that happened. What do you know about it?” The investigator asked. Danielle sat in the chair, arms and legs crossed. “His body was found in the river. Given your recent relationship with the victim, it is important for us to discredit any possible suspects. Please.” The investigator slides a picture of the corpse in front of her. A tear fell from Danielle’s puffy red eyes. “I want my lawyer.” She demands.

  1 . The spark of a flame.

  ew York was very different from Savannah Georgia. The people were different. Snobbier than the people down south, but this is exactly where Danielle fit in. Leaving their home, friends and loved ones in Savannah Georgia behind was hard. This was a new world for the Rose family. There she is, Danielle Rose. At the front desk of The H Hotel. Her finger twirls around her orange hair. The concierge hands her a copy of the golden elevator key to the penthouse. “Send up the bag boy.” Danielle orders, walking to the elevator. “Don't you mean the bags, Miss Rose?” The concierge asked. “I know what I said.” Danielle smiles and winks as the elevator closes.

  She sits at her vanity, admiring the beautiful image that the Rose lineage has passed down. Her smooth, creamy skin. She moves her long, fire orange hair behind her to put on mascara. “Dani, let’s go!” Nate Rose; her twin brother rushes her. They are spending their last free day in Manhattan before they start their first day of junior year. “Okay, I am coming.” She replies, now applying her famous matte, rose red lipstick and then dabs a little powdered foundation on her lips.

  “Mother, we are leaving.” She yells in the apartment. “Okay be safe you two.” Their mother; Hazel Rose, says looking over paperwork. “Dani. Play nice.” Felton; their father smiled. Nate and Danielle hopped in the black town car and headed for the big city.

  “Dani, we have been shopping all summer and we have yet to make any friends. Well you haven’t anyways.” He says, focused on his phone. “And who the hell would be friends with you?” She laughs, fixing her makeup. “I don’t need friends. I have brothers. I am on the football team.” Nate gloated “Oh so you’re still a jock head, but I am proud of you.” Danielle smiled. As twins, they had to do everything together. They shopped together, ate together, and went out together. They even ruled The Savannah Grove Prep School together. “So, are you going to change or still try to rule over the school?” Nate asks with a sinister smirk. “I guess we will see. Expect the unexpected.” She returns the smile.

  They finally arrive in the Upper East Side. Danielle starts in Bloomingdales and works her way to Barneys, Jimmy choo, Louis V, Burberry, Lord and Taylor even had her nails done.

  Nattie : I am done with my shopping. I will be at the Garden on Madison.

  Dani : Okay I am finishing up now.

  She finishes her shopping at Saks and heads to The Garden to meet her brother. Danielle struts through the doors and sees him staring at a group of girls. “Pay attention.” She snaps her fingers. Her perfectly black claws got his attention. “Woah those are a lot of bags.” He says, eyes getting wider. “Well I had to make sure I have nice clothes.” Danielle smiles. “You have enough nice clothes Dani.” He takes a sip of his Corona. “Well I also have makeup and accessories.” She argues playfully. “Who are you looking at?” Danielle turns to get a good look at her face. “This girl just rushed out of the bathroom with the barista guy.” Nate whispered. “Which one?” Danielle snuck a peak. “The one that doesn't belong in that group.” He whispers, talking about the big girl. Hmm, Spanish, short dark hair and bangs. She wore a diamond “C” on her necklace. The other girl was black with long black hair. She wore a beautiful floral blouse that was tucked into a black pencil skirt. The third girl was leaving. She was a cute innocent girl, blonde. Obviously trying to fit in or lead the group. “Don’t be an ass. You asked me if I was going to change or try to take over the school...” Danielle saw an opportunity and strutted over to the girls table. Nate sits back and throws his arm over the seat.

  “You girls seem like an interesting group. You all go to school around here?” Danielle asks, taking a seat. “Trish does, the girl that just left. But we attend Oberlin Billard.” The girl with the C says. “I am Crystal by the way.” She introduced herself, pushing up her vintage glasses. She had a tray of apples and grapes and wouldn’t stop Snapchatting, that told Danielle everything she needed to know about her. “And I’m Amber.” The other one says with a faint smile that showed she wasn’t impressed or interested. “Oh awesome. This will be my first year there. I’m Danielle and my brother Nathaniel. Is there anything I should know about the school?” Danielle leans closer to ask, flipping her hair behind her. “Well the school runs off of hierarchy. After Annabella Dayton, there hasn’t been anyone that could take her place. The other girls on the council have to approve.” Amber answers. “I had dinner with her, before everything happened to them.” Danielle bragged. “You had dinner with Annabella?” Amber didn't believe her. “Okay correction. My dad and her dad are best friends growing up, so our families had dinner together.” Danielle corrected. “Well you know what they say, if you want power you must take it. I’m a big believer in expecting the unexpected.” Danielle smiles.

  The girls exchange numbers and the two head back home in the town car. “So, did you get what you want?” Nate asked. “Not just yet, but I will.” She smiles, looking out of the window.

  They arrive back at The H Hotel penthouse. It’s one of the top three nicest stays in the Hamptons. They stayed on the fortieth floor. Two stories, five bedrooms, two and a half baths. The kitchen was huge, and the living room was bigger. “Are you ready for school tomorrow bud?” Felton pats Nate’s shoulder, scaring him a bit. “I am. Can’t be afraid of going to a new school. I’m seventeen.” Nate picks up the remote off of the floor and balances it on his knee. “What did your coach say about your playing?” Felton folds up a newspaper. Felton was actually interested in knowing about Nate’s life for once. “Well he says I play really well and that I can be captain very soon if I put in the work, but he hasn’t decided yet.” Nate couldn't stop the smile from showing on his face. “Hey dad can-” He is interrupted by a sound of something vibrating. Felton held up a finger and answered the phone call. “Hey Al. What? They are interested in selling? I am not sorry for what I did. It was a necessary evil. Look, I will be right there.” Felton jumps in excitement. “I’m sorry. Did you need anything else?” Felton asked, covering the speaker. “No. Go take care of business.” Nate gives him a small smirk and walks off. That attention was short lived. Longer than usual, but still short lived. When it comes to business, family is put to the side apparently.

  Here it is. The depression kicking in. Nate was missing his old life. The south. His friends, he could do everything they used to do. Hunting, parties, girls, drinking, sports. Now he has no one. Even his sister is planning to take over. Part of him doesn’t want to be just another football star. He just wants to live and be happy with his new start while he still can.

  Nate walks into the dining room to find Hazel cooking with the chef. “What is going on here? It smells delicious.” Nate claps his hands together. “We have steak going, and veggies and mashed potatoes.” The chef; Bonnie answered. “I am just helping. And wine of course.” Hazel laughs. “Honey, where is your sister?” Hazel asks. “In her room. Rearr
anging her closet. She has way too many clothes. It’s insane. And dad just went to a business meeting.” Nate explained before she could ask. “I'm gonna go explore the building. I will be back in time for dinner.” Nate starts for the elevator. “Nate. Stay out of trouble.” Hazel yells.

  The view from the rooftop is absolutely stunning up here. The city and beach lined up nicely. The ocean waves create a pattern towards the shore. The sun disappeared behind the ocean line. The August air was soothing. “ Just right” He always liked to say. He takes a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “New here?” A girl asks from the edge. “Yeah. Is it that noticeable?” Nate snickers. “Ginger, nice. Don't see too many of you here.” She laughs. “Thanks, well I’m Nate. I just moved here from Georgia. Definitely a change.” He walks over to the edge. “I’m Erica Worthington. My family moved back here too.” Erica says. Erica was definitely the loner type. Short brown hair, short also, but he could tell she had spirit once you really got to know her. “Back here? What happened? And are you going to Oberlin Billard as well?” Nate plops down next to her. “Actually, that school is why we left. My sister was bullied, and it caused us to move. I go to Stanley Prep. It's a pretty nice elite school. Not Oberlin level. But it is nice.” She takes a puff of her cigarette. “Well, my dad is actually trying to buy this building. Since the Dayton family is uh, gone.” Nate informed. “Oh, that would be awesome. You would be living here for free, you wouldn’t have to worry about anything. Hope you guys are better than them.” Erica laughs. "I think we are. From the one time I have met them, I didn't see anything wrong with them." Nate explains. With a flick of his lighter, he lights a joint and takes a puff. "Can I?" She asks holding her hand out. "Sure. Don't trip on me though." He lets out a slight laugh. She took a giant puff and handed it back. "That is some really good stuff." Erica coughs out the words. "Well I hope to see more of you. I gotta go." Nate holds the door open. "Well you know where to find me. Nice to meet you Nate the great." She smiled at him. Those eyes. Something about her. "Nice to meet you Erica the meric..a... bye." Nate rushes into the stairway. "Merica? Come on idiot!" He whispers to himself as he hears the giggle from her.

  Entering the apartment, dinner was placed on the table and Danielle was clicking her way in her heels to the dinner table. "You smell, shower and eat before mommy sees you." Danielle flips her hair. Nate dashed upstairs and showered. When he made it back down. Hazel and Felton joined the table. "Nice to have you. And not smelling up the dining room." Hazel says. "How did you smell it?" Nate asks. "Son, marijuana leaves a very strong-smelling trail." His father explained. "You set me up!" Nate whispered, sitting beside his sister. "You wish you were that important to me." She snaps back. The food smells absolutely delicious. And not because he is high. "What did the sellers say, love?" Hazel asks Felton. "They are putting the process on hold, so we will have a meeting soon with the board and myself. I have nothing to worry about. We will own the hotel and make it legendary." He smiles, chewing his food. "When is Donny coming to visit? I miss him." Danielle asks about her older brother who graduated from Yale. He will be a good lawyer. "I don't know honey. I hope soon. Reach out to him sometime." Hazel sips her wine. "I'm going to get ready for bed. See you guys in the morning." Nate gets up from the seat and heads up to the bedroom.

  Sitting on his bed, boxes still everywhere. Thinking about why he couldn’t get this girl out of his head. He was never into girls like her. She's not someone he would have near him back in Georgia.

  First day of school

  Danielle tucks her white, off the shoulder shirt into her red skirt. Her black stockings slide into her heeled grey boots. Orange hair curls down her back. Clip on her choker and grabs her bag. She followed the smell of waffles. "That smells delish!" She sits next to her jock head brother in his button up and shorts and... are those boat shoes? She studies him. "I gotta meet the guys. See you at school!" He put a waffle into his mouth and swung the black book bag over his shoulder and headed to the elevator.

  “I did what I did because he denied me of my right.” Felton says before seeing Nate. Felton hung up quickly. “Wait son.” Felton stops him in midair. "I think you two are responsible enough for these." Felton held out keys. Nate got a matte, dark copper G wagon. And for Danielle, the black Mercedes Benz c 300 . "No way! Thank you!" Nate nearly jumped into his daddy's arms. "Be safe you two." He says hugging them tight. "Thank you, daddy." Danielle smiles. "This means I have to change shoes." Danielle, now running up to her room. Putting on her thigh high black boots.

  *New Text Message*

  Crystal : Meet us in the courtyard by the knight.

  Danielle makes her way to school. Blasting pop music. Singing along. Driving fast. The long curvy road led her to the parking lot of Oberlin. She steps out of the car and observes the students. All kinds of personalities. All kinds of clothes. All like her. Finally, Danielle enters the outside corridors and sees the courtyard. "Hey hey." She greets, walking up to Amber and Crystal. "You look great. I love those shoes." They complimented. "Thank you. I figured why not impress on the first day right? So why meet here?" Danielle flashes a smile. Nate stands about fifty feet away with his teammates. All so juicy. "That seat is reserved for the Queen and her ladies. That seat could be ours." Amber explained. "Not could. It will be." Danielle corrects. She flutters over to the table and takes a seat. All eyes are now on her. "What are you doing?" Amber asks in shock. "We are taking power." Danielle flashes her famous sinister smile. The girls follow her lead.

  Students mumble about these invaders. "Who is that?" "Is she the new Queen of Oberlin?" "I didn't hear anything about it on the Dot." Danielle pulls out her phone. "What is the dot?" She asks. "A site where gossip and news flies faster than TMZ." Crystal shows her the page. "This stuff is interesting. Like Gossip Girl . But way more intense." Danielle takes a selfie, blowing a beautiful red kiss to everyone and captioned it New Queen of Oberlin . She added her twitter handle and Instagram name and sent it. Moments pass and everyone sees it.

  Morning Oberlin, I woke up this morning and found a beautiful Rose growing in my garden. Definitely Queen material. We will see if she has what it takes.

  Love TheDot.com

  Danielle stands on the table and looks over everyone. "Hello everyone. I might be new here, but I have plans that will make this school very interesting. The Queen has spoken and by the way. My name is Danielle Rose. Never forget it. It’ll be bigger than any of the Dayton’s." Her short speech is jaw dropping. The bell rings and they make their way to class.

  "Hello class and welcome back, and to some of you that are new, welcome. This year we will be putting in a lot of work so keep the gossip and partying to a minimum." The British teacher introduced himself. "Now. I am Mr. English and I teach English. I was born and raised in England and moved here after college. Now everyone, go around and introduce yourselves." He adds. He was tall and slim and so sexy. His short red hair accented his blue eyes. He had a smile that invited you in with no question. "You, what’s your name and where are you from?" He asks Danielle, now that it was her turn. "I am Danielle Rose. My family moved here from Savannah Georgia. My dad is buying The H. Hotel." Danielle answers. "It is very nice to have you here Ms. Rose." He smiles at her. His eyes were settled on her.

  Unfortunately, the class came to an end and she was packing her things for algebra. "Ms. Rose. I look forward to having you here this year." He comments when everyone leaves the room. "I look forward to coming to your class every morning." She winks, exiting.

  Lunch came, and Danielle sat at the table with her ladies. "What is this?" Danielle asks, as Amber sits the tray in front of Dani. "I got you your lunch. So you don't have to get up." She explained. "You don't have to do that, but thank you. Today is so overwhelming." Danielle starts eating the fries. "One for you, and one for you." A senior girl hands out a flyer. "Cheerleading? I think we should." Danielle sat the flyer down. "That would be so much fun." Amber smiles. "Not to mention it will look good on college applications." Crysta
l adds her two cents. “Sorry Crystal. Maybe next year, when you’re not so… unqualified.” The girl takes back the flyer. “You mean fat.” Crystal puts her head down. “Hey, can I see these? Thanks.” Danielle grabs the stack of flyers and throws them into the wind. At this point phones are out and ready. “Next time you think it’s fun to bully someone, remember, I can be a bigger bully. Now get the hell away from this table.” Danielle threatens. "This Queen stuff is all so new to me, you know." An obvious lie. "It'll take time, but you will get through it. You have us." Amber smiles at Dani. “You didn’t have to do that.” Crystal tries not to smile. “We are friends. No one comes between us. And no one hurts us.” Danielle squeezes their hands.

  "What's up Ms. Queen of Oberlin?" Nate asks, mocking his sister. "I was doing just fine until you came over here. Now scram delinquent." She shoo’s him away to his jock buddies. "He is so hot. Like a fire. You're so lucky to have him as a brother." Crystal fans herself off. "Ew. My brother is all but hot. I mean we have great genes, but ew. Get it together. You don't want to get mixed up with that. The only fire here is my love for firefighters and EMT’S. They lay down their lives every day to save lives, the least I can do is lay down." Danielle warns her. “Does he have like a dark past or something?” Crystal asks. Danielle shoots a look at her brother. “Or something.” She answered. Little did she know. Mysterious was indeed alluring to Crystal.

 

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