The more Michael talked, the angrier Bryanna grew. The room was tense now. Like when you torture a cow before you kill it. The meat is too tough to eat. “How dare you come here and be so insensitive about this. I never had time to grieve. I never had time to really accept it.” Bryanna yelled. “You are right. We made an oath to your father to take care of his girls if anything were to happen to him. We failed him twice. We will not fail again. You want the truth, like adults? Your parents were murdered, and it wasn’t an accident.” Michael shattered her world. “Mrs. Radcliffe please take Chanel to the room.” Bryanna’s demeanor changed.
The two hurried upstairs to the playroom. “What the hell did you just say?” Bryanna asked softly. “It’s true. The Roses ordered a hit on Julian and Charlotte. I guess with you in prison and your sister’s dead, he moved from Savannah and guess where he is living?” Ben sits next to Bryanna. “If you say my old house, history will repeat.” Rage built up in her. “The H. Where he plans on buying it. I was able to prolong the meeting enough to two more weeks. So, if you want to go home and finish this you can. You have money and you have a home.” Michael handed her a box that contained the contract of ownership for Bryanna and a golden pen. “This is a phone because you need one. It has our numbers in it for any reason.” Ben handed her a phone. “I will think about it and reach out when I have my decision. Thank you. Both of you.” Bryanna hugged them both. “You are family. No need to thank us. Just keep a low profile. The Rose family are very dangerous. Always have been.” Michael and Ben leave the house.
“You’re just as bad as Grayson was.” Bryanna says, knowing Mrs. Radcliffe was listening. She creeped around the corner. “How did you know I was there?” Mrs. Radcliffe laughed. “My sister was the master of eavesdropping and I always knew when she would listen. And I am kind of an expert at it too.” Bryanna laughed. “So, what are you going to do?” Mrs. Radcliffe laid Bryanna’s head on her shoulder and held her. “I don’t know. I have Chanel to think about. I want a great life for her not knowing the family she comes from.” Bryanna contested. Mrs. Radcliffe let out a sigh. “I feel like using your name in fear was actually working for your family for a long time. And when your father changed that, that is when your family started having all that drama. So, if you need to go home and get your name back, do it. Show them that a Dayton never runs. Show Chanel what it means to be a Dayton.” Mrs. Radcliffe says. Bryanna knew to pull this off, she will have to play the part of a lifetime. All three sisters in one. “If you need it. I will give you mine and Ernie’s share in The H.” Mrs. Radcliffe offers.
Bryanna finished her shopping of business outfits and dresses and heels and more. She felt like Annabella. “You two meet me at Starbucks in town.” Bryanna called Michael and summoned them to her.
She sits and waits. Eyes hiding behind her black aviators. “You know, I haven't had a Starbucks drink in two years. With good behavior.” She says, sipping her drink. “It is a very good place. Especially for making decisions.” Uncle Michael says. “Shut up.” Ben shot a look at him. “So, why are we here sweetheart.” Ben sat across from Bryanna. “What did you mean by The Rose family is dangerous?” Bryanna asks. “They have ties, close ties to the Irish mob.” Ben answers. “So? We had ties to the Russians and Italians in our family history. What does that mean to me?” She asked. “They are very persistent.” Michael cuts in. If I sign this contract, we need to take that family down. For good. I have seen many wars between Annabella and others and I watched how she moved around the board. If we do this, we do it my way. Not a hair out of place.” Bryanna offers a deal. The two look at each other and then back at Bryanna. “You got yourself a deal baby girl.” Ben shakes her hand. “And I will need something...” Bryanna shoots a quick look at Ben. “From you.” She adds.
Crystal hears a knock coming from her balcony door. Hesitantly, she looks through the curtain and sees him. “Vic what are you doing here?” Crystal pulled him inside. “You did something to me. I am like head over heels for you. I want you. Right now.” Vic pulls her close and kisses her. “Then take me.” She kisses him back, laying on the bed.
5 . God Is A Woman
Jason always had something unique about him. He always believed he had the ability to live in the shadows, watch as someone else took over his body. When he was nine he was taken to a psychiatrist to help him with his...gift as he called it. The episodes grew less and less common but the social awkwardness grew more. He never picked up on little hints and social cues which made him an easy target for bullies and one bully turned into many.
Jason never saw a future in arts or regular life. His plan was to tolerate one more year, graduate and then off to the Marine Corps. He had a plan that would get him away from his family and everyone that bullied him, to make something of himself. He was in ROTC all through middle school and high school. He had friends. His life wasn’t as sad or rough as he led people to believe. Hearing and supporting his goals, Jason’s father took him to the shooting range and even started collecting different types of guns. He didn’t know it would come to this...
N ew York mornings are busy and boisterous but no match for Danielle and her girls. Crystal sneaks Vic out of her bedroom window for the fourth time this week and gets ready for school. She slips on her leather dress over a black tee and black boots and brushes her teeth. Purple eyelids with blue under her eyes. Red lips pressed together. “Hun you’re not going to eat?” Crystal’s mother asked. “I’m running late mom. I’m sorry. I will make dinner tonight.” Crystal started for the door. “Handsome man by the way.” Her mother laughed. “He is alright.” Crystal played along. “You better not get pregnant.” Mrs. Lopez yelled.
“Mom, dad I know it is very much against our religion and being a Jehovah’s Witness and a teenager is hard. Everyone celebrates holidays and parties and even just simply hanging out with friends. I want to spend time with friends and have a childhood. I’m always here depressed and sad.” Trish expressed her feelings. “Your father and I will discuss it.” Her mother brushed her off.
Amber puts the finishing touches of makeup over her face and neck. The bruises weren’t as bad as others that were left before. She takes a deep breath and prepares for her journey. Three knocks at her bathroom door. “Honey.” Her father asks, sounding normal. She opens the door and looks at his shoes. “You’re so beautiful. Have a good day at school.” He hugs her tightly as he does every other day. “I have to go. See you after school.” Amber pushed him back and left before the tears fell.
Danielle sips on her Starbucks drink and sits upon her throne in the courtyard.
Unknown : Danielle, Bethany gave me your number and said that you will be giving me the money she owes me.
Me : Whoever this is, you have been played. I have never agreed or been told about this. Not sure what you have to do to her but make sure she doesn't have bruises on her face. <3
Crystal and Amber strut the halls with confidence. It has been two months since they kicked Bethany off the cheer squad and then each bullied her every week if not every day. “Morning Bethy.” Crystal grabbed her backpack from Bethany’s locker door and emptied it onto the floor. “Really? I thought you would have something more creative today. Dominatrix bitch.” Bethany says, on her knees cleaning everything up. “Creativity takes a little time. As long as it is effective.” Amber twirls her hair around her finger. “Dominate this bitch.” Crystal sticks up her middle fingers pretending she’s putting on makeup. “Let’s go girls. Don't want to catch whatever this one might be carrying.” Danielle starts off. “Hey everyone! Danielle Rose is sleeping with her teacher!” She yells in the halls. “Bethany, please speak like your thought process, slow. Everyone knows that's not true, but you were on your knees in the baseball field behind the big sign.” Danielle smiles as everyone watches the throwdown. “At least I wasn't on my knees with Lucas.” Bethany raises an eyebrow. “Bitch you wish I was on my knees with Lucas. It would make you feel better about your poor life choices. At least
I don’t give people numbers out to drug dealers that you can't pay for. Glad you found a way to pay him.” Danielle laughed.
Morning Hamptonites.
I just got a word of someone giving little Johnny Roche an oral presentation. Hope you got an A. And let's thank the photographer for the tip. You guys are so good to me. MWAH!
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“What is she talking about?” Danielle winks as a tear starts to build up. The girls shrugged their shoulders. “ You're welcome to challenge me, but you'll lose. ” Danielle walked to class. “Hey Danielle.” Jason had a nervous smile. “Hey there handsome.” She smiled at him. “What the hell was that?” Mr. English whispers aggressively. “A cover. So, you don’t lose your job.” She whispered back. “Yes, I finally redid the assignment and put real work into it this time.” She says loudly to deter eyes. She sits in her seat and pulls out her things. “Have you heard?” A girl hurried over to Danielle. “If I had, I probably would be in a mood. So, what is it?” Danielle says with an attitude, flipping her orange hair over her shoulder. “Your first takedown solidifies you as Queen of Oberlin.” She informs Dani. “That isn’t news. That is just a known fact.” Danielle rolls her eyes. “Hey hot stuff, question. What is your favorite cult classic movie?” Danielle asked. “Hm, I would say Fear with Mark Wahlberg.” Jason answered. “Got it.” Danielle turned in her chair.
“Okay class. Today we will be taking notes on Shakespeare. Can anyone guess what story?” Mr. English asks the class. “Romeo and Juliet!” Jason belched out. “Love the confidence but no. We will be focusing on Othello. I know, I know, but Hamlet was already taken.” He passes out books, grazing Danielle’s hand as he does so. “Get into groups.” Mr. English orders the class.
Danielle sits with Amber, Emily and Jasmine. Everyone is in groups except one girl. Spencer Loving. She was odd. Frizzy hair and she might have a slight tick. She had pasty skin and didn't have any friends. “ I'm in the mood for chaos. ” Danielle smiles. “What do you have in mind?” Emily asks, chewing on her red nails. “A makeover. Personality and appearance. A little social project.” Danielle explained. “So, what is this about exactly?” A girl asks. “ Basically, about a secret marriage between Desdemona, the daughter of a guy named Brabantio, and Othello is a general in the army. Roderigo is upset because he loves Desdemona and had asked her father for her hand in marriage. ” Spencer explains excitedly from her desk. One look said it all from Danielle to her girls. “Spencer, come sit with us.” Danielle put on her warming smile.
Clutching a book to her chest, Spencer sat with the girls in the back. “I like this Princess Diaries thing you have going on.” Danielle comments. “I knew this was too good to be true.” Spencer stood from the seat. “Oh please. That was a compliment. Sit down. It was a great movie.” Danielle says in a nonchalant manner. Hesitantly, Spencer sat back down. “It is one of my favorite movies.” She says, placing her hand on Spencer’s. “Maybe we can hang out sometime. Give you a real Princess Diaries treatment.” Danielle shares a comforting smile. “Maybe we can meet at Amber’s place.” She added. “No! I mean, my parents aren’t really ones that like having people over, remember.” Amber shot out. “Okay chill OJ, it was just a suggestion. Up to you. You know where to find me. So, who wants to read first?” Danielle smiles into the book.
Carl and Crystal locked themselves in the weight room before lunch. Carl slid off his shirt and started kissing Crystal. It was different this time and she felt it. She sat on the bench and pulled up her jean overall skirt up and he pulled down his pants revealing his new boxer briefs. One leg was tight mesh material and the other side was bandage like. “Oh my god. What are those?” Crystal laughs. “What? You don’t think they are sexy?” Carl joins in on the laugh while thrusting his hips. “You’re crazy.” She smiles as his finger enters her. “Crazy for you.” He whispers. The look in his eyes said it all. Crystal kisses him to move past the awkward moment.
At the lunch table, Nate eats his fries, waiting for everyone to show up. Carl and Crystal walked into the courtyard, hoping no one caught on. “Broooo! That party was sick!” Lucas hugged Nate and sat down. “Friday’s game was insane! We tore those bulldogs up!” He adds. “Thanks to Nate’s playbook, we have made it into the homecoming season undefeated.” Carl placed his arm around Nate. “What can I say, I have a gift.” Nate jokes back. “We are having a party at my place next Friday. You in?” Carl takes one of Nate’s fries. “I have a date next Friday. Sorry.” Nate informs him. “Oh yeah? Little Nate getting some? Like Lucas did recently.” Carl yells out. “No no no. It’s not like that at all. I really like her.” Nate laughs. “Wait, you smashed my sister?” Nate asked, starting to get upset. Lucas stayed quiet and ate his fries. “Well my party is a tradition. We invite the schools and some hot bitches and just have some fun.” Carl gets closer to his ear. “Maybe you can bring her. Either way, you will be there.” Carl demanded, digging into Nate’s shoulder. All he could do was shake his head in agreement.
Lucas happened to look over by the cafeteria to see Mr. English basically hiding from someone he was watching. He followed his line of vision to Danielle. He watched her like he owned her. “Dude why is Mr. English watching your sister like that?” Lucas got Nate’s attention. “I heard he is a creep.” Nate brushed it off.
Danielle sat at her table with the new project, Spencer. “Girl, ever since you gained a little confidence you've been dressing hot. I am so here for it.” Danielle compliments Crystal. “Trying to be the best me I can.” Crystal joked. “At the party, this girl from Upper East totally got naked fell in the pool and then tried to fight the other girls.” Amber laughed, showing the video. “What? When did that happen? Before or after you went for that swim.” Danielle asked, laughing. “Oh right, you both were fucking.” Amber laughs. “Why does everyone keep saying that we fucked?” Danielle asks now annoyed. “You both vanished and he came out of a room zipping his pants up. What do you think?” Amber explained. Danielle started making faces into her camera. “What are you doing?” Amber laughs. “Seeing which face shows ‘I don't care what people think because it didn't happen’ better.” Danielle joins in the laugh. “So, what interests you?” Danielle asks Spencer, trying to take her mind off of it. “Books, I like watching movies. I haven’t had any friends to really do much.” Spencer explains, pulling at the ends of her hair. “That is a habit you will need to end.” Danielle grabs her hand. “We are your friends. We will make you one of us. We stick together.” Danielle's smile soon was interrupted by a text by Nate. She looked and saw what he was talking about. George was staring at her.
Dani : You are making it obvious.
Loverboy : I am just standing here. Nothing obvious about anything.
Dani : My brother is watching you. We will talk after school.
“Girls, we all meet at my house today. Bring your supplies.” Danielle plans an official makeover. All Spencer could do was smile. Danielle wrote down her address and handed it to Spencer.
Danielle got up and strutted over to the jocks table. “Lucas get up.” Danielle demanded. He could barely look at her. “Ah! She couldn’t get enough I see!” Carl yelled, nearly spitting out his juice. “Get the fuck up. Now. I’m not playing.” Danielle says. Lucas now sits up, standing his ground. “Okay, you and I both know we never had sex. If we did, I wouldn't be mad about it going around, but we didn't.” Danielle says. “Maybe you didn't remember it. Crossfading will do that sometimes.” Lucas laughed. “Oh, so you took advantage of me? That is rape.” Danielle yelled for the entire courtyard to hear. She looked at Nate who was now embarrassed. “The next time I so much as hear that rumor whispered, I will destroy every single thing you love. Understood?” Danielle stormed off.
Spencer skips through the hallway at the thought of finally being noticed. Becoming what she's always dreamed of. To be popular. To be cared for. To have real friends. She has watched as these girls took the school by force and showed no fear. Spence
r wore a uniform like outfit. Knee length blue skirt, buttoned up white shirt and a gray zip hoodie. Can’t forget the long white socks. “Look it is the wannabe! You think those girls will actually help you? Pathetic I think.” A girl in the class says out loud. Spencer just put her head down and pulled her jacket closed as everyone laughed. Grabbing her bag, she ran out of class. Unknowingly past the girls. She didn’t stop until she reached her house. The door of her room swung open and she cried. “ Every time I try to be a good child of god, he tests me, and I have to fail every time. You want us to get her?” Amber asked. “No. Sometimes silence is deadlier. Let’s go home and get our things. We will pick her up.” Danielle started off after Spencer.
Where the White Rose Withers Page 5