Where the White Rose Withers

by Harell Smiley

  Lucas met Danielle in the hall again. “Remember when I called you a creep? This is now stalking. Lucas, go away.” Danielle pushed by him. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Lucas yelled. “Excuse me? No one important to me is what you are.” Danielle folded her arms. “You flirt with me and then you ignore me and then you tease me and then you leave. Then when you need something you want to flirt again?” Lucas crept up to her. “So, if we're not gonna fuck then what are we doing?” Lucas asked. “Okay, you must be delusional.” Danielle let out a slight laugh. “So, this is a joke to you? Danielle, you think I'm here because I'm interested in you? In what you have to say or your feelings? You're not fucking interesting, okay? You are just a hot cheerleader that I wanted to smash. Fuck, you are so stupid.” Lucas laughs. “And you are just another airhead jock that won't make it anywhere in life. You came on to me, remember? And ever since then, you show up, you pour your desperation on me, and then you whine about how your day went like I cared. Like, every time you start talking, I think to myself, who the fuck does this guy think he is? You are the one that’s so fucking boring.” Danielle stormed off.

  Nate sits on the bench during intermission , catching his breath. “What school is this again?” Nate asks. “NorthShore Prep. Upstate New York. You know...” Carl plopped next to him. “You killed their player.” He whispered with a smirk. And at that moment, the announcer blared through the mic. “Can we all have a moment of silence for a fallen player. We lost our beloved Elijah Ethans earlier this school year. He will be missed, loved and never forgotten.” The players stood in a straight line with their heads held down. A few of them limped over to the Knights team. “No matter what happens tonight. If we win or lose. We know one of you is responsible for Eli’s death. Remember, they are always watching.” The player taps under his eye and walks away. Nate looks at Carl. “Whatever you are going to say, don’t. We finish the game. We have my party. We sleep it off.” Carl orders.

  Danielle enters George’s classroom. “Knock knock.” She says flirtatiously. “So, you’re done kissing other boys and ready to be with a man?” He asks, annoyed. “You know we have to keep us a secret. So, if people see me dating him, you are in the clear. You keep your job and I keep you.” Danielle sits on his desk. He wraps her legs around him and kisses her deeply. “Why are you so addicting?” He starts kissing on her neck. “I could say the same about you.” She moans. His hands start to explore her body, inside and out. “We have to stop. Not here. We will finish this.” She fixes herself and leaves back to the game.

  Walking back to the stands, Danielle passes her father. “Daddy. What are you doing here?” She asks, surprised. “To support you both. Your mother is in the stands too.” Felton informed her. “I had a chance to talk to your boyfriend. He has a good head on his shoulders. Whatever game you are playing with him. Try not to hurt him.” He whispers. “Trust me daddy. It is honest, unlike you.” Danielle can see right through his veil. “What are you talking about?” He asks. “You came here because something happened. I have picked up on your behavior over the years. I am not stupid. What happened?” She asks. “We were kicked out of The H. Your mother and I have it under control. We bought a house where we will be moving into tomorrow morning.” Felton explained. “What happened to buying the H?” She asks, trying to piece everything together. “Bryanna Dayton was released early without probation and took the company back. Leaving me with nothing.” Felton answers. “Then we take her head on. She stole the company from us. We aren’t leaving without a fight.” Danielle kisses his cheek and joins her girls.

  Nate runs with the ball. Ducking and dodging the other team trying to tackle. He threw it to Carl who was open. As instructed. Carl scores the winning point. The stand roars with excitement. Two teammates lift Carl up onto their shoulders. “Yeah baby! We did it!” He yells. “Good game!” Lucas slaps Nathaniel on his ass. “You too man! That pass was sick!” Nathaniel says, throwing his arm around Lucas. “Hey, congrats on the game.” Spencer ran up to Nathaniel. “Thank you. Are you going to the party at Carl’s later?” Nate asks. “I wasn’t planning to. Why are you going?” She asks in a flirty way that obviously went over his head. “I may make a cameo. See you later though!” Nathaniel runs off to the locker room.

  “Ladies let’s go get some food I am starving.” Danielle flips her curly orange hair over her shoulder. “Will I be able to see you tomorrow?” Jason hugs her from behind. “We are actually moving tomorrow. If you want to help.” She explains, kissing him. “I’m there. Text me.” He runs back to close the stand. “It is so odd.” Crystal says. “What is?” Danielle looks at her. “You are the head cheerleader. I picture you to be with Carl or another athlete.” Crystal answers. “Cheerleaders dating athletes are overplayed. It’s like we are expected to. Expect the unexpected. I always say.” Danielle smiles. “And Carl seems to be spoken for.” Danielle winks at her.

  Crystal runs up to Carl and his boys in excitement. “Congratulations on the win Carl.” She smiles. The team looks at him and starts snickering. “Thanks.” He turns towards them and laughs. “Seems like all the girls want you. Playa!” One teammate yells out. “I don’t do fat girls. Not my thing.” Carl answers. Soon looking back at the hurt Crystal standing in the same place.

  Carl : I’m sorry. Please come to my party tonight. I’ll make it up to you.

  Crystal :...

  Erica hugged Nate after the game, congratulating him. “Your hair is purple.” He says with a slight laugh. “I wanted to try something new and crazy. Also, I have a surprise for you.” Erica smiles, taking a step back. “As of Monday, I will officially be a student at Oberlin Prep.” She jumps up and down from excitement. “What? That is awesome!” He holds her tightly and kisses her. “So, this is the lucky lady.” Nate’s smile vanished quickly. “Erica, this is my... friend Carl. Carl this is my girlfriend Erica.” Nate smirked. “So, will I see you at my party tonight?” He asks, stepping closer to her. “Yeah. We will be there.” She combed her bangs back with her fingers. “Good. See you soon.” Carl smiled, patting his shoulder. “Why did you tell him that?” Nate asks, storming off. “What was the big deal? It’s a party. It will be fun. And it’ll be a way to make friends.” Erica tried to explain. “You don’t understand. He isn’t a good guy.” Nate aggressively whispered. “Then why are you friends with him? What does that make you?” She asks. Nate didn’t have an answer. “Exactly. You know what, I am going to go home. See you tomorrow.” Erica stormed to the town car.

  “Fuck!” Nate kicked a trash can. “Nate.” Felton appeared behind him. “Sorry dad.” Nate held his hand down. “Get control of your anger. We do not need anything happening right now. We are at war. Come on. We are going to what is left of home.” Felton threw his arm around Nate and escorted him to the parking lot. “What do you mean?” Nate asks his dad. “The Dayton’s are the owners of The H again. Bryanna Dayton was angry that we were after her family’s business. She kicked us out. We move into our new home tomorrow. I just told your sister a few minutes ago.” Felton explained. “What is our next move? Kill her too?” Nate stood up straight. “We keep our hands clean.” Felton orders. “Dad, I have to tell you something.” Nate knew what he had to do. “Nathaniel Rose?” A police officer asked. “Who is asking?” Felton stood in front of Nate. “We need you down to the station for questioning. For the murder of Elijah Ethans.” The second officer handcuffed Nate and took him over to the rest of the team in handcuffs. “I will meet you at the station.” Felton hopped into the car with Danielle and raced off.

  Nate sat in the interrogation room alone and anxious. Tapping on the metal table. “Hello. My name is detective Bennings. My partner, Johnson. Do you know why you are here?” Bennings asks Carl. “I am not sure, honestly.” He answered confidently. “You were accused for the murder of Elijah Ethans.” Detective Bennings informed him. “I don't know who that is.” Nate says. “I was informed you were attending the same party the night of his death.” Johnson stated. “I wa
s at Carl’s party. We were at his house. Sleeping over. His parents were there. The other teammates were there.” Nate avoided the question. “So, you did not go anywhere at all before your party?” Bennings ask for assurance. “We were at my house. Food and drinks and snacks were bought before the all nighter. We weren’t in the right state of mind to do anything.” Carl lets out a slight laugh. “I think that is all for now.” Bennings releases Nate into the lobby. “Dude! Finally. We are gonna be late to my party!” Carl pulled Nate towards the exit. “Not tonight boys. Nathaniel needs to go home with me.” Felton stopped him. “Yes sir.” Carl backed down for the first time. “Aw, where is the glass? I would have loved to see you behind it. Maybe even place my hand on it and say something like stay strong or we will get you out soon, like in one of those Lifetime movies.” Danielle laughs. “This is a police station not a prison, and I bet you would.” Nate snaps back. “Knock it off, both of you.” Felton ordered.

  Felton got into the car with Nate and Danielle and started home. “Did you do it?” Felton asked through a sigh. Nate looked at his hands. Felton got his answer. “Don’t worry about it. We will take care of it.” He says in a stern tone.

  Carl’s party was in full effect. People in the pool and jacuzzi. People dancing in the house and smoking and doing other drugs. Bottles of Everclear, Skol and LTD sat around the house. Music blared through the house. People playing beer pong in the backyard. “Dev, Max, Jonny, Will, My room.” Carl ordered.

  “This is the party we all have been waiting for. Better late than never. Rules are, find a girl, bring her back, cameras are set up. And take names. Scoring book starts tonight!” Carl yells. The guys leave the room on the hunt for girls. Drunk girls, drugged girls, easy girls, it didn't matter. Until one girl caught Carl’s eye. “Well, well, well. You know you can't visit my home without giving the host a kiss. Kidding. Where is Nate the great?” Carl jokes. “He isn’t here?” Erica asked, looking around. “We had a fight and I figured he would be here.” Erica explained, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Oh, that is why he is upset. He is upstairs in my room. How about I get you a drink and I take you to him.” Carl bargained. “Then why did you ask where he was?” Erica waited as he returned to her with a red cup. “What is it?” She asks, smelling the poorly mixed drink. “Rum and coke.” He explained looking around. She saw the blueish particles inside. “Uh, those guys are fighting.” Erica pointed behind him, soon pouring her drink into his. She then put the cup to her lips as if she actually gulped it down. “Where is your bathroom?” Erica asks. “Follow me.” She smirked as Carl took a swallow of his drink.

  The two walked up to the room and saw the other girls and guys having sex. The girls didn’t look like they were awake. “What is this?” Erica tried to back up. “Stop being a tease. This is what you wanted. I saw it in your eyes.” Carl backed her into the door. She threw his drink in his face and kneed him. Running out, taking the book of names. “Get back here you bitch!” Carl yelled, chasing her into the party. “Are you okay?” Spencer asked. Everyone watched. “Let's get you dried off. Where is your bathroom?” Spencer led him upstairs and through the open bathroom door, closing it behind them. Jealousy enraged Crystal, causing her to storm out of the party. Amber, following to see what was wrong.

  Spencer sat Carl on the toilet and found the soft white towel. She pats his face gently. “You smell so good.” He whispers, pressing his face into her chest. “Thanks. Are you sure you're okay?” She asked looking into his eyes. Carl starts to feel her arms and then her face as he kisses her. She tries to pull away. “What are you doing?” Spencer asks. Carl pushed her to the door and started kissing her harder. She couldn’t fight back. His hand pulled up her dress and she felt a finger inside. She knew what was going to happen. He bent her body over the sink and violated her. Deflowered her in the most violent way. She tried to get out of his grip, but she was too weak. She begged him to stop, but he didn’t listen. All she could do was wait until he was done. Maybe he will get bored. Or maybe… hopefully someone will come in and save her. Her friends will save her. Nate will save her. Her mom? His mom? Tears fell down her cheeks like bombs.

  Moments pass and he finishes and stumbles out of the bathroom. She runs out crying. No one cares. To them, she asked for it. To them, she wanted to hook up with the coolest guy in high school. She ran home. The August breeze in her hair. The blood on her yellow sun dress, running down her leg. Some stained her white converse. “Mom!” She screamed through the tears. Her mother jumped at the disheveled girl with messed up makeup and bloody dress. “What happened?” She examined her up and down. She knew. A mother always knows. “I was raped.” She tried to piece together the words. Rage building up as they poured out of her red, smudged mouth.

  7 . The Bird and The Worm

  Growing up, Carl was pressured by his father into striving for a career in football. He underwent very intense practice sessions before school, at football practice and after school and sometimes on weekends. Though he hated his father for his methods, Carl believed his determination would one day translate into his very own success.

  During his high school football career, Carl held the state record for most receiving yards in his sophomore year and broke the school's records for most receptions, most yards during a game. He was cocky from the very beginning. He always got what he wanted through manipulative tactics with the females and assertive control with the males. His team accepted and respected his alpha role no matter what he did. In reality they didn’t want to lose the frat boy lifestyle he blessed them with, the vacations and the treatment they received around town. Girls flocked around him, even knowing he was a complete womanizer. Carl never dated and always paid close attention. He knew a threat when he saw one. And he knew just how to get rid of them.

  His mother worked in an office but attended every game and was always there for him. She was the sports mom that everyone adored. To her, Carl could do no wrong, but Carl knew exactly what he was capable of. And he knew he was untouchable.

  “ M y daughter would like to file a report. She was just raped.” Spencer’s mother says to the NYPD. They took them into a room and asked them questions.

  “What happened.” Detective Johnson asks. “I went to a high school party. And I was raped.” Spencer explains. “How are you so sure you raped?” He asks. Another Detective joins in. “This is Detective Jones. She handles these kinds of cases more than I do. I feel as if you’ll feel more comfortable speaking with a woman. You can take over.” He leaves the room. “Hello. I am Detective Jones, but you can call me Lana. Tell me what happened.” She explains. “I went to the party looking for someone.” Spencer started. “After being lured there.” Her mother cut in. “I saw Carl Terril. He didn't look good. Some girl he was chasing threw a drink at him. He took me to the bathroom and locked the door. I didn’t think anything of it. I dried off his face and shirt.” Spencer says. “To be clear, you removed his shirt?” The detective asks. “No. No clothes were removed.” Spencer answered the question. “All of this is new to me. The parties and dressing like this and having… friends. It was like I was just a pro...” And then it clicked. It was all a game. A set up. They all did this. “...project.” She whispered. “They all set me up.” She says, tears starting again. “Who? Who set you up?” Lana asks, pushing the recorder closer. “ Carl Terril . Danielle Rose . Trish . Crystal . Amber , Erica and Nathaniel Rose .” She listed the names. “Do you have last names for the others?” Lana wrote them. “I can get them. Nathaniel lured me there.” She added. If it was anything she learned from Danielle, it was how to tell a really good lie to start a scandal. “We need to take samples. We will need to get you to the hospital.” Lana instructed.

  Saturday morning, The Rose family made their big move into their new home. “This is gorgeous.” Danielle takes off her cat eye sunglasses. Her red curly hair blew in the wind. “Just like you.” Jason smiled, kissing her. “Box, kitchen.” Felton stepped in. “We came here to move in. Not to te
ase boys.” Felton commented. “Good thing I learned multitasking from the best. Juggling lies and secrets.” Danielle smiled that smile that says Oh yeah, I went there. “Cut it out. Now. We don’t have time to be fighting. People are after us. We need to stand together.” Felton comments. The movers continued the rest of the move and then the police entered the driveway. “The truth might be out sooner than you thought daddy.” Danielle gloated. The black cars stop abruptly. “Danielle Rose. Nathaniel Rose. We need you both down at the station.” The officers put the twins into the car and headed to the station. “What? What’s going on?” Danielle asked but no answer.

  Bryanna sits in her new office and learns the ways of the company from Michael. “Bry, Mike. There is someone wanting to be a part of the horsemen.” Ben informs. “Well we will meet this person tonight at dinner. My parents always said, a home is not a home until you have a Dayton dinner party.” Bryanna crosses her legs. “Words of mother.” Ben snickers. “Out of the fifty thousand dinner parties’ mother has held, you have attended two.” Michael contested. “That is not true. I have been to three.” Ben playfully argues back. “You crashed one. So, I will settle with two and a half.” Michael smiles. “Well, you both get ready for tonight. This will be a formal event.” Bryanna assured. “I assume you will be bringing Devon.” Ben says. “I’ve seen him leaving your room.” He added. “No, I will be going alone.” Bryanna laughs.