Where the White Rose Withers

by Harell Smiley

  A breath of relief and she ran to get her brother and a change of clothes. “Where are we going?” Chase asks. “Away for just a little while.” Amber hurried getting his things together first and then hers. “Why is daddy sleeping on the floor?” Chase looked back but received no answer. They got in the town car and went to Sag Harbor, to their grandmother's house.

  The two entered the mansion and waited. Their grandmother; Viola descended the grand staircase in a hurry. “Are you okay?” She asks, hugging both of them. And then she sees the neck bruises. “No. We are going to the police right now.” She ordered grabbing her purse. All Amber could do was cry. Cry on the marble floor. Cry in the Range Rover. Cry in the police station.

  “Where are my kids?” Amber’s mother; Tiffany burst through the police station doors. “Ma’am. They are being interrogated right now, please take a seat.” The officer informed. “You did this! You brought them here to embarrass me.” She yells. “Your husband choked her, and from what we were told, it wasn’t the first time. She had to knock him out and appear on my doorstep because she was scared. This man hit you. He hit them, and you looked away. You, their mother abandoned them.” Viola explained. “You stay out of what goes on in my home.” Tiffany demanded. “How can I? You are never home to do it yourself Tiff.” Viola snaps back.

  The police took pictures of the bruises and took her statement. She knew what would happen. He would be arrested and taken out of their home. Her family would be happy again. Before the drinking and abuse. What Amber calls normal.

  The family goes back to the grandmother's mansion for the night. Silent and tense. After thinking about everything, Tiffany joined Amber on the back porch. “I want to apologize for everything. Me, not being there for you two. I guess I was just scared myself.” Tiffany takes a seat. “We were scared too. You’d leave so you don’t have to be near him, but because he is such a hard worker and rich you stay married. That’s not love. That’s why I don't believe in love.” Amber refuses to make eye contact. “But it made you strong. I’ve watched you grow into this beautiful, strong and smart girl.” Tiffany gripped Amber’s soft hands. “I’m a kid. I don’t need to be stronger. I need to be safe, and that is what you failed to make sure we were. Good night.” Amber went to bed, leaving her mother in tears.

  Amber stares at herself in the vanity. Her black and white marbled claw nails gently tracing the handprint on her neck. She isn’t crying because he hurt her. She’s crying because no matter what her father did, and after all that he has done, she will always love him.

  After the bipolar week, Danielle sits at her vanity, curling her hair and putting on her face. It is now Friday. That means pep rally and game day. She puts on her cheerleader uniform, grabs her bag and heads downstairs.

  “Eh hem.” Hazel clears her throat. Danielle sees her parents at the table with Nate who is holding his head down. The table is decorated with breakfast and drinks. “Oh, so we are actually a family again or are there more secrets?” Danielle asks, folding her arms. “Let me explain. Please, sit.” Felton begs. Danielle sits at the table and picks at a c roissant . “I have done things to get us here that I am not proud of. I was responsible for the death of the Dayton’s.” Felton confessed. “Why? What was to gain from that?” Danielle asks, shocked at the news. “Look around. This is what we gained. I go to the meeting today where I will be titled the owner of the biggest hotel chain in this corner of America. A better life for our family.” Felton explained. “At what cost? Your best friend’s family? I always looked up to you. But, that is disappointing. I am late for school. Nate are you coming?” Danielle stormed to the elevator. “I will be right there.” Nate says, words struggling through the rage that was building up. “So, I am not the reason we moved here? My actions had nothing to do with your decision. You did this.” Nate commented. “No son. I paid that family off to keep their mouths shut for what you did! You assured my decision. Now get to class and no more of these outbursts.” Felton escorted Nate to the elevator. “You guys are Rose’s. With this blood comes dark history and darker decisions to stay where you are in life. I love you both more than life itself.” Felton kisses their heads.

  “My love. Today will change our lives forever. When I get that hotel, we will never have to worry ever again.” Felton kisses Hazel. “We will be legends. Taking over the world.” Hazel kissed him passionately and then he was off.

  The board meets in the boardroom. The white collars are organizing their files and sipping their coffee. Men and women sit in silence, waiting for the president of the board to come in. He is followed by Felton Rose and his son Donovan. “Alright, everyone. Hopefully this is the last meeting for this topic. You brought it to my attention that leaving The H under no ownership will be a bad look. What makes you believe you can handle this chain?” Marshall asked, writing something on his notepad. “The last family to own this hotel was, well let’s just say it. They were messy people. I mean kidnapping, scandal, adultery, secrets, murders, embezzlement and fraud. It is time for a family with no ties to Russian mobs or blood on their hands. And to be honest, they aren’t even here to fight for it.” Felton’s cocky tone lit up the room.

  Suddenly the door opened, and Bryanna Dayton strutted into the room like her sister would have. Black office skirt suit. Following her, the horsemen. “I am hurt that I was not invited to my family’s board meeting. No worries, I am here now to claim what is mine.” Bryanna says. “You can’t just walk in here with your gang of ingrates and ask for handouts.” Donovan yelled. Felton grabbed his arm. “No, it’s okay. Do you want to tell him Felton? Or shall I?” Bryanna smiled. “This company is actually my great grandfather's. That was founded and ran and passed down by the Dayton lineage. Since I am the last living Dayton. It was left to me with the largest percentage in it. So, this company is mine and you all work for me now.” Bryanna slid the contract to Marshall.

  At that moment, Felton’s world fell apart. The room fell silent. Felton held back the impulse to strangle her for taking what was almost his. “This is actually... all facts.” Marshall looks over the contracts. “Nice to have you Ms. Dayton. Welcome home.” Marshall says. “My deepest apologies Mr. Rose.” He adds. Everyone leaves the room except for Bryanna, Ben and Felton and his son. “This is far from over.” Felton threatened. “You may have caught my parents off guard, but I was raised in war. Just know. A Dayton is not one to cross. Have a great day.” Bryanna flashes a smile and orders security to escort them out. “Oh, and you need to be out of the penthouse as of Tuesday morning… I’ll be generous, Tuesday night.” Bryanna ordered. “Good luck on all of your future endeavors and your job search. You’re fired.” Bryanna smiles. “Now I see why Carissa did what she did.” Donovan says exiting the room.

  Bryanna visits the Dayton Mausoleum, leaving roses and Annabella’s favorite peonies there. She lit a candle for them and cried. “God. Why did this happen?” She cries out. “I’m taking on the biggest role yet. Please guide me through this. I am avenging our family and reinstating our name. I need you guys. Chanel needs you guys.” She begs. Even though she was never big into religion, she says a prayer and heads back to her home to rest.

  “I have something for you.” Ben handed her a black box with a beautiful red bow. She started to open it. “You didn’t have to.” She says, pulling out a black leather jacket. The Horsemen symbol on the back. “With or without the jacket, you are one of us.” The rest of them entered the room, leaving the judging eyes of the employees. Bryanna handed the jacket to Ben. “Family is family.” She smiled. Ben put the jacket on her. Bryanna flipped her hair out and strutted out of the boardroom and to Julian’s old office. Her office. It was just like he left it. Nothing touched. “I miss you so much. Guide me please.” She whispers. Then there he was. Devon Morris, smiling at her.

  Jason and his father took a trip to their favorite spot to blow off steam. It was an outdoor gun range they built on his grandfather's ranch. Jason took his AK 47 and hit every target with ease
. “So who is this lucky girl that’s got you in love.” His father asked. “Her name is Danielle. She is so beautiful and sweet and sometimes assertive but overall a good person. She is proof that god exists.” Jason pulled out his phone and showed off her picture. “A girl like that will get you in all sorts of trouble. Just be careful bud.” He warned. “I was worried at first, but I trust her. I’d kill for her.” Jason smiled, going back to shooting the targets while his father watched in worry.

  “Ms. Kuvly, I apologize for the last-minute meeting. I am in a difficult situation and I need a place to actually settle. A penthouse isn't really my… Taste.” Felton explained to the real estate agent. She stood tall in her black red bottoms. Her hair in a tight bun and her blue dress twirled with every step she took. “Nonsense. It is always good to help someone find their dream home. You can call me Debby.” She caressed his arm. “So, this is what I like to call authentically barn style façade. Beautiful modern interior. Wooden flooring is absolutely beautiful. Vaulted ceilings and walls of glass that really bring the outside in. If you’re an outdoors person like myself. ” She explained, escorting Felton through the home. “ The living room is anchored by my favorite, a grand fireplace with a custom cedar mantle. The open entertaining area flows seamlessly into what I like to call the 'barn room' with soaring ceilings and beautiful beams. This space is centered around a large eat-in kitchen with a beautiful marble backsplash and two large islands as well as a wet bar with an additional sink, ice maker and wine fridge. High-end appliances. ” She explains. They go through the rest of the house. Six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the pool and backyard and garage. Now back in the living room they go over the details. “Hey love, sorry I am late.” Hazel struts into the home. “You must be Hazel. I was just telling Felton here about the details of the home. You are welcome to look around if you like.” Debby smiles. “I trust my husband’s judgement.” Hazel smiled and took a seat next to Felton, giving him a hello kiss. Debby sighed and cleared her throat. “This home is shy of six million. Totaling over 7,000 square feet of living space on three levels. ” She wraps up. “We will take it.” Hazel says as she pulls out her checkbook.

  Bryanna met with a man that she had only seen once and from a distance. “Your father once made a deal with us to do business in this hotel.” He says. “Maxim Chernov. You want to run drugs through the hotel. That will not happen.” Bryanna said, motioning her men to leave the room. “Russian mobs. Drugs. Violence. My dad loved it. My sister did also. But I am not them.” Bryanna sat on the table next to Maxim. “You are the new leader of the Russian mafia. Congrats.” Bryanna slid a key in an envelope to him. “I knew you would come eventually. I bought a warehouse for you guys. Keep a low profile. And stay out of my building.” Bryanna ordered. “I will be in touch.” Bryanna struts out of the office. “Yes, I am calling to see how the investigation is going.” Bryanna says, getting into the elevator. “I know Felton Rose killed my parents. I know he will try to kill me. Keep me updated please.” Bryanna hung up.

  6 . Thorns of a Rose

  When Amber was younger, her family were very close. They went out on trips and had dinner every night. Her father, Marcus was Junior CEO at a bank and her mother Tiffany was a high profile real estate agent. They lived comfortably and stayed in contact with other family members regularly. Things were… normal for Amber. She had friends and good grades and even helped in the community like gardening and at the senior citizens home.

  Over time, Amber experiences the normal life like when she was twelve she met a guy named Alex Derringer. He was tall for his age and sweet to her. He joked and looked out for her, until middle school when he asked her out and then dumped her for Bethany at an eighth grade party.

  The kids sat in a circle waiting on the beer bottle to stop on the lucky two people. Alex and Bethany sat side by side giggling and flirting. In an impulsive rage to make Alex jealous, Amber shut her eyes. “Lucas and Amber! Closet for seven minutes!” The girl yells.

  The kids shoved the two in the closet and closed the door. “I guess we just sit here until it’s over.” Lucan says. “My ex is out there having the time of his life with a new girl. I just want to get back at him.” Amber says. “Who is your boyfriend?” Lucan asked. “Alex freaking Derringer.” Amber. “Then let’s give him a show.” Lucas took advantage of the moment.

  Within those six minutes, Amber lost her virginity to none other than Lucas. She didn’t like him and he didn’t like her in any way. They helped each other get out of the V-card club. The moans and bangs against the door let everyone know what was going on inside. In that moment, Amber stopped caring. She stopped caring about her anger towards Alex, her love for him, the innocent girl she held on to. They exited the closet and with a smile looking back at all the kids' shocked expressions, Bethany staring at Alex who was crying in anger and jealousy, Lucas’ smile of satisfaction. Amber strutted out of the party and went home.

  That was the night that Amber’s uncle was found in his car, dead. Alcohol was the cause that was told to Marcus and alcohol is what consumed him also. It consumed his happiness, his family and Amber’s normal world.

  I t only took less than ten minutes to take The H away from Felton. It took an hour for Hazel to buy a new home in The Hamptons. “What do we tell the kids?” Hazel asks. “That we found something more stable. We aren't going anywhere. Call the movers.” Felton kissed Hazel on the forehead, admiring the new home. “It feels like home.” She whispers.

  During the last period, Danielle snuck off to the bathroom to fix her makeup. “I must be the luckiest man on earth to see you here.” Lucas appeared behind her. Backing her into a wall. “When are you going to give me a chance? I can’t stop thinking about you.” His face moves closer to hers. “Get away from me Weinstein. You are aggressively pursuing me and it’s creepy.” Danielle rushes back to class. Lucas gave a thumbs up and Carl pranced around the corner. “We got this bitch.” Carl laughs.

  Danielle entered the bathroom to someone crying. “Are you okay in there?” She asked. “I’m fine.” A girl replies. “Open up.” Danielle knocked. A girl opened the stall door revealing her black eye and bruises on her body. “Don’t tell me Bethany abused you.” Danielle snickered, soon realizing that's exactly what happened. “What happened? From the beginning.” Danielle ordered. “Well, this has been going on for a while. She told my dad I was gay and he kicked me out of the house. And her mother doesn’t know any of this. She gets so angry, she threw me into a wall and it just got worse and then she dumped me. I lost everything for her and I was just a secret. She is able to walk about and start over. How can I?” She started crying again. “You can’t. All you can do is learn and move on. I will handle it. What is your name?” Danielle stood up in anger. “Jess.” She replied.

  Danielle met her friends in the locker room after school and crushed up the Molly she pulled from her pocket. They lined them up and snorted them. The bells rang, and it was time for the game. They all were dressed in their cheer outfits and faces made up with their FENTY, Urban Decays and ANASTASIA products . “What do you use to make you so shiny and sparkly?” Amber asks. “Fenty body lava. Here.” Danielle stood behind her and helped apply some. “Rihanna?” Amber asks. “The queen herself...” Danielle trailed off seeing some of the bruise marks on her neck. She quickly helped apply it before anyone could see. Who could have done this to her? Danielle asked herself. “If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to come to me.” Danielle whispered. Amber couldn’t look at her. All she could do was look down at her fingers.

  “These are the girls.” Bethany showed her mother in the locker room. “All so beautiful. You must be Danielle.” Bethany’s mother asked. “Smart. I am.” Danielle rejected the handshake. “Well, the hazing stops now. Do you understand me?” She took a step forward but that didn't intimidate Danielle. “You know, after getting a text from that drug dealer about you not paying him and that I have to, I was willing to let it go and then hearing that your ex girlfriend wa
s beaten and thrown into a wall, that took the cake.” Danielle snapped. “You’re gay?” Bethany’s mother asked in shock. “You're off the squad if that isn't obvious. Now shoo.” Danielle waved them out of the lockerroom.

  Eight came around and the game was coming to an end. Danielle was on the field with her girls in their cheerleader uniforms. Hidden in the stadium was George English. Not caring for the sport or the students, except one. Lucas on the field watching Danielle ever so often. And Jason working the concession stand. “You. I’d like water. Cold. Thank you.” Danielle says “Dani, she doesn’t work here” Amber laughs. “Then she’s not busy.” Danielle replies. “Hey cutie.” Danielle bounces up to the stand. “Hey there beautiful. What can I get you from my wall of wonders?” He jokes making his voice deeper. “You are such a nerd. Can I have fries?” She hands him a few bucks. “On the house. I got it babe.” Jason says, handing her the cup of fries. “Are you sure?” She asks hesitantly. “Yes. Here. Kiss me. Maybe we can celebrate our two months tomorrow?” He leans through the window and kisses her. Snap! A picture is taken. When Danielle opens her eyes, she sees George walking into the school. “I would like that. I gotta run. I will see you later.” She takes off after him. “Hey nerd. How does it feel to be played?” Carl asks. “What do you want, Terril?” Jason started to get angry. “Just the truth. You think a girl like her is really interested in you? The last thing I want to do is hurt you.” Carl says. “Says the guy who pantsed me and dunked my head in the toilet last year.” Jason contested. Carl held up the phone and showed the picture. “The nerds never get the girl.” Carl laughed and walked away.