Nate developed anger issues that grew worse and worse. There wasn’t anything he could really pinpoint it to. His father was always working, and his mother was nice, but she never showed the public that she had a back bone. Until that night. Nate was drunk, he was threatening him. He had no choice but to fight him he thought. So, he did.
F reaking out, Nate paced back and forth. “What did I do? What did I do? Fuck!” He runs his hands through his orange hair. “Nate!” Lucas ran down to the dock. “Woah. What happened?” Lucas asked. “I didn’t mean to. I… I…” Nate couldn’t find the words. “Stay here!” Lucas ran into the party.
Moments later, Lucas returned to the dock with some of the team. “Rose, get in the water. Wash off and then wait in my truck. Go around the house and do not be seen by anyone. Don’t touch anything with your hands. Boys. Get me the tarp from the shed and use your shirt as gloves. Roll him under the dock.” Carl orders. He took the initiative and hid the body. “Let’s go. Now.” Carl casually gets into his truck and they take off back to his house.
Nathaniel, now traumatized, sat on the floor staring into space. “Take a shower.” Lucas tossed a towel at him.
Turning on the waterfall shower, Nate stood there and cried to himself. This was supposed to be his new start. His family’s new start. He let his anger take control. He’d killed a man. He’d killed a man. He’d killed a man. He tried to breathe through the thoughts, but it kept getting worse and worse.
The eight-ball rolled into the pocket. “You are really good. Maybe we should have bet on something else.” The guy stated. “Maybe you should be better at betting.” Danielle winks, gloating. “Alright. Alright. My name is Sanford, but my friends call me Dice.” He smiles. “I hope that’s because they are being cute. Because you're not lucky.” Danielle laughs. The other girls are flirting and drinking and dancing all around still. “Be right back.” She steps away.
Danielle steps into the bathroom to fix herself in the mirror. Pool stick guy strutted in. “Unlucky and illiterate. This is a women’s bathroom.” Danielle says. “Oh please. Don’t think you weren’t teasing and not going to get anything.” Pool Stick guy grabbed her hips. “Get off of me.” Danielle yelled, trying to push him off. “Shut up!” Pool Stick guy pinned her against the wall. His hand over her mouth. Her dress started lifting. And then the door broke open. George rushed in and pulled Pool Stick guy off her. “Get off of her.” He yelled. Danielle ran out of the bathroom and clung on to the pool table. She witnessed George pull Pool Stick guy out of the room and beat him up. She ran over to them and pulled him off. “You need to get out of here.” She orders. George stood up, ran to his car and sped off into the night.
Danielle gathered the girls and headed back to the car. “What’s wrong? What was that?” Crystal asked. “I just want to go home. It’s getting late. I wanted no part of that drama.” Danielle flipped her hair. The car headed back to the H where Danielle knew she would be safe. “You literally had two guys fighting over you!” Crystal says with excitement. “That was terrifying. He followed me into the bathroom.” Danielle shut her down. “People just really need to chill the fuck out. We are all on this floating rock and can't escape. Why can't they go do something productive?” Danielle added.
When they arrived back to the apartment, Danielle went straight to her bed and hid under the covers. The girls all crawled into their beds and went to sleep peacefully. One little tear slid down the cheek of Danielle’s face. As she silently cried. Now she knew what she went through.
Nate sat at the edge of the bed still thinking about the man in the tarp. “Listen to me. We are a brotherhood. We stick together no matter what. As captain of this team, I will make sure anything that will ruin this team gets taken care of quickly.” Carl says, sipping his bud light. “Coach didn’t pick you.” Lucas commented. “No, but Natey boy over there will make sure he does.” Carl smiles at the team. “A simple price for the favor I just did.” Carl adds on. “It’s only a favor, if I asked you to help me. I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t ask for any of this!” Nate exclaimed. “You represent our team when you are in and out of that fucking jersey. We as a team will always help each other out no matter what. If that’s too much for you.” Carl lowers his tone and holds Nate against the wall. “Then get off of my fucking team. Your choice.” He throws Nate down.
Nate looks at the other players for back up. Silence filled the room. None of them would be on his side, not with this. Then he forced out a sigh. “Fine.” Nate gave up his alpha role.
Felton and Hazel returned home to the quiet apartment. Checking on the sleeping girls. Relieved that the apartment wasn’t a wreck. “Maybe moving here wasn’t a mistake after all.” Hazel smiles. Walking over to Danielle and kissing her forehead. “I told you. We don’t have to worry about them. They are taking it easy. They are staying out of trouble and most importantly they are safe.” Felton hugged his wife. “We raised them right. Even with everything that happened.” Hazel started spinning Felton in her arms. Slowly dancing. No music, just love.
Danielle is woken up by her buzzing phone in the middle of the night. “ Lobby .” She reads. Putting on her pj’s, Danielle makes her way to the elevator. “Where are you sneaking off to?” Hazel asks. “Lobby real quick.” Danielle tucks a piece of her hair behind her ear. “Okay. Hurry back up.” Hazel stood in the kitchen, pouring her Moscato.
The elevator doors opened and there he stood. His eyes lit up. She stepped out of the elevator as he rushed up to her. George held her in his arms and kissed life back into her. “I couldn’t get you out of my head. Are you okay?” His accent was strong. “I couldn’t either. I am fine. Thank you for saving me.” Danielle smiles. She pulls him into the outside patio. They sit, kissing on a bench. “I will always be there for you. I think I am in love with you. If I have to keep this quiet or leave the school I will.” He confesses. “I can’t let you do that. Teaching is what you’ve always wanted to do. But if keeping quiet will be better. It won't be forever.” She whispered back. “I have to go now. I will see you on Monday.” Danielle gives him one last kiss and heads back to her home.
Tip toeing through her room trying not to wake the girls, Danielle sees Bethany covering herself quickly as if she didn’t want to get caught. Danielle gets back in her bed and sleeps as if nothing was wrong. All wrong.
The New York sunlight entered the windows of the Rose fortress. The girls sat around the table eating the beautiful breakfast the chef made up. “Did everyone have fun last night?” Hazel asks, chewing her food. “Yeah we had fun. Maybe we will do it again sometime.” Danielle answers. “So, tell me about your night.” Felton pushed the conversation. “Oh, well we had massages and did each other’s make up and just hung out around the town. That’s all.” Danielle kept out a few parts. Nate stormed in and went to his room without a word. “I think I left my phone in your room. I will be back.” Crystal says, leaving the table.
Three unanswered knocks, Crystal decided to barge in. “If I didn’t say come in it means don’t come in.” Nate yelled. “Oh. Sorry. I think you have the wrong room.” He added, finally turned around seeing Crystal. “I think you just need to destress. You’re so… tense.” She creeps over to him, caressing his arm. “No thanks. I’m not interested.” He pushed her arm off of him. “What? Are you gay or something?” She asked. “I don’t want you. I get it, fat girls are good at sex because that’s all they can get. But I’m not interested.” He says walking past her to open the door. She grabs his arm causing him to push her out of his room and onto the ground.
Crystal gathered her things and started to leave. “Girls. My ride's here. See you at school.” Crystal lied, and Danielle knew it. “See you at school.” Danielle flashes a smile. “Someone got rejected.” Bethany laughs. “Gosh Beth. They did such a great job. No one should ever know.” Danielle commenter. “Know what?” Bethany snapped at her. “That you’re a dude.” Danielle laughs with the rest of the girls. Bethany threw her fork down and stormed out
of the apartment.
Dani : I know we are great friends, but stay away from my brother.
Crys : I have no idea what you’re talking about. See you Monday. Lol. Kisses***
Nate makes his way downstairs and makes a plate of food. “Nice of you to join us. I thought you were sleeping over.” Felton greets. “Just had a long night. And I did, just came home early.” He answers in a low tone. “Well, what did you do?” Hazel asks, sipping her coffee. “We just hung out. Nothing special.” Nate suddenly was distracted by something on his phone. “I gotta meet someone. Be back soon.” He leaps up and runs to the elevator. “I’m officially worried.” Hazel keeps eating. Felton places his hand on hers. “He is fine.” He whispers.
Nate exits the elevator on the rooftop to find Erica looking over the edge at the city. “Don’t jump.” Nate laughs. “My father jumped off of a building and died you asshole!” She yells. “Oh god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it!” He started to panic. That angry expression started to turn into a laugh. “I’m totally kidding.” Erica bursts out in a laugh. “You’re an ass.” Nate joins in on the laughing. “I had to. So where did you disappear to last night?” She asks. “I was hanging out with the team and… well we just played games and passed out.” Nate lied. “Oh. That’s cool. I was just home, writing.” She lets out a sigh.
There was an awkward silence between the two as Nate leaned over the railing. He noticed her pulling her red long sleeves over her hands as if she was hiding something. “So, you write?” He asks. “Yeah. Ever since my sister died, I was told that writing would be a great outlet. Even on my school’s newspaper committee.” She rolled her eyes. “That isn’t bad. My father has a plan for all of his kids. My brother is to become the world's best lawyer, me a star pro-football player, and my sister a businesswoman. So, moving here, to the state of endless opportunity has enhanced his views.” Nate lets out a slight laugh while Erica studied his face. “You don’t want that?” She catches his eye. “As of lately, I think I want to go a different route in life, but I am stuck.” He looks down at his hands. Seeing the blood on them. He starts to tremble. Erica hesitantly grabbed his hand, snapping him out of the horror. “It will be okay. I am here now.” Erica moves closer, inviting Nate in. Their breathing started to match speed. Their lips almost touch and then…
“Ew! So, this is what you are doing up here all the time. Or should I say who you’re doing.” Danielle approached slowly. “Dani, go away!” Nate ordered her to leave. “No. I need to talk to you.” She refused. Then looking at Erica, judging her clothes. “Alone trollop!” She demanded. Erica rolls her eyes and walks to the other side of the roof. “What did you do to Crystal?” Danielle folded her arms. The August wind blew her orange hair, strands covering her face, getting stuck in her lip gloss. “Nothing. Your little whore friend tried kissing me and I pushed her away.” Nate told the truth. “That better be all. Stay away from my friends. By the way, dad told me to let you know there’s a dinner party Friday so be there and sober.” Danielle stormed inside.
Erica approached him hesitantly. “What was that about?” She asks. “My sister’s friend tried to kiss this morning and I pushed her away and she ran home.” Nate explains honestly. “Well, I mean who wouldn’t be compelled to kiss you you're...” Erica trailed off. “I am what?” A smirk grew on his face. “You are… Handsome.” She rolled her eyes. “And you are beautiful, so now what?” He quickly responds. Erica looks up at him with a warming smile. Then she looks down at her buzzing phone. “I am being summoned home. Same time tomorrow?” Erica yells, skipping to the door. “You got it.” Nate smiles. He walks over to the edge. Rubbing his foot over a burn mark on the floor.
Nate and Erica spent a lot of time together over the next few days. She would show up at his practices and they even moved from their normal spot to hanging out around the city. She sits on the bleachers of Oberlin’s football field. The cheerleader’s practices on the fake grass. Danielle sways over to Erica in a white tank top and black short shorts. “You know, I have seen you around my brother a lot. You guys dating?” Danielle asks, fixing her half up ponytail. “Something like that.” Erica laughs. “Well, just be careful. He is a jock. Jocks are messy.” She plants a seed into her ear. “He's not that kind of person. He is sweet and gentle.” Erica argues. “Hun, I am his twin. I know him inside and out. What athletes do you know that’s gentle, honest and loyal? Name one and I will go away.” Danielle challenges. “Stephen Curry.” Erica named with a confident smile. “Well played. I will go.” Danielle stands up. The football flew through the air and hit the cart of a ROTC guy. He dropped all of the equipment and angrily threw the ball back. The cheerleaders and football players laughed. Danielle saw an opportunity. She trotted over to him and helped him. “I am sorry for them. They are jerks.” She says in a soft tone. “Yeah they are.” He hasn’t looked up yet. “Very randomly, someone amazing comes into your life, and here I am.” Danielle touched his hand. He looks up at her and their eyes catch for the first time. “I am Jason. Jason Merrit.” He stumbles over his words. He had short blonde hair and blue eyes that reminded her of the Savannah River. “I’m Danielle.” She smiles that smile she flashes to solidify what she wants. “I.. I know.” He smiles back, blushing. They both stand and she hands him the equipment. “I have to get back. See you around.” She flirts, caressing his arm.
The team finished their practice and gathered in the locker room. “You guys have been doing a great job out there these past few weeks. I have been observing each and every one of you. I personally think Mr.Terril will lead this team great. You all are brothers. Stick together, look out for each other. You have an iron will, drive, determination, keep that, hold it with everything you got! Others will see what I see, and they'll try to take it. It will lead you to greatness. On three! OBL!” Coach makes his announcement. “Knights!” The team yelled and cheered and jumped in the air. “OBL!” The coach repeats. “Knights!” Lucas gave a look to Nate. He knew something wasn’t right. Nate gathered his things and left the locker room.
“Stop being a hoe.” Crystal comments. “What do you mean? I am just being nice.” Danielle laughed. Suddenly looking over and seeing George watching. “Why does he always watch our practices?” Bethany comments. “It’s creepy.” She adds. “Maybe he is watching the football team.” Danielle says, packing her stuff up. “Like clockwork.” Bethany whispers as the other ladies leave. “What the hell did you just say to me?” Danielle stepped closer to her. “Every time someone says something you’re there to his defense. You think I didn't see what happened in that garden at your sleepover? I believe the word is leverage. You don’t scare me Danielle.” Bethany shoulder checked her. “Underestimate me so I can embarrass you.” Danielle hissed, shooting a look at George who was now walking to his car. She knew she had to do it. Something she really didn’t want to do. “Amber, Crystal. Meet me in the drama room asap!” Danielle ordered.
Sitting alone on the edge of the stage, she thinks about her next move. “What happened?” Crystal hurried in. “Yeah, why the SOS?” Amber drops her duffel back. “As Queen, I need something to make me powerful. Where I come from, secrets hold power. Bitchany saw me making out with a guy at the bar and decided she was going to tell people it was Mr. English. As much as I would love to just devour his face before sitting on it, I need to put an end to that rumor before it even starts. That would ruin his life and spoil my name.” Danielle chose her words carefully. “Then we will get you secrets and give her hell.” Crystal looks at Amber. “Let’s take this bitch down.” Amber smiles. “We will teach her not to mess with us. What should we call ourselves, ladies?” Danielle flashed a devious smile. “We don’t need a name to show our strength.” Amber commented. “My mother always told me to put things back where I found them. So let’s put this bitch in her place.” Danielle admires herself in the drama room mirror. “You girls are invited to tomorrow’s dinner party by the way. Please save me from my misery. I still haven’t found someone to wear.
” Danielle sighed. “Let’s go shopping today. Nails and dresses.” Amber says with excitement. “Oh yes!” Crystal smiles. “It’ll be a good excuse to get out of the house. I really need it.” Amber pulled Danielle up and towards the door.
The girls stopped by the nail salon and did as girls do in the salon, gossip. “This pink. With metallic rose gold middle finger.” Danielle chose her colors. “Oh claws. Love them.” Crystal complimented. “Yellow, but this one I want daisies on them. Thank you.” Crystal added. “This one and this finger plaid.” Amber put her hands on the towel. “So why did you freak out when I asked to go to your house?” Danielle whispered. “What are you talking about?” Amber laughed it off. “Honey. I am far from stupid. You spazzed like you were on an episode of Cops.” Danielle raised an eyebrow. “Things aren’t the best at home. Mom and dad pretty much hate each other. That’s all.” Amber looked down at her nails. “I am so sorry. I understand completely.” Danielle let it go. “By the way. Totally scored some hot tea.” Amber gloated. “Spill!” Crystal gasped. “So you know Gio is like the most liked homophobe in school. Well a birdie told me that he has been hooking up with Gio for years.” Amber smiled. “How is that tea? I don’t know who Gio is. “Well, the guy who told me was Aaron and Aaron is best friends with Jenny who is Gio’s sister.” Amber finished. “Didn’t Aaron catfish people? So I’ve heard.” Danielle asked. “He was set up but you know people. Once they have a face to the rumor it’s over for you. He lost so many friends I feel bad for him. But that’s life.” Amber replied.
Where the White Rose Withers Page 3