“I’ll get this cleaned up.” Michael says, walking to the kitchen.
I pick up a shard of the broken vase. My mom took his side. She is helping him cover it up. The last hope of my mom ever loving me has disappeared. I drop it on the ground and walk up the stairs slowly. My body aches all over and I feel a coldness entering my heart. I’m tired of people hurting me and leaving me.
I enter my room and after taking a long, hot shower, I climb into bed. I pull out my song book and take my hurt out on the pages. I’m writing so fast, the lyrics flowing through my pen. I ignore the tear stains that are blurring the words. I keep writing and writing….
“Charleigh?” Michael says my name hesitantly.
I look up and wipe the tears from my eyes.
“Hey.” I say. He comes in and sits down on the bed with a worried look.
He doesn’t say a word, just pulls me into a gentle hug. I cling to him as I cry. I don’t have to explain to him how badly she hurt me this time. He knows. He grew up with me. He knows how many years I’ve tried to please her.
“You have me, Charleigh. You will always have me.”
I open my eyes, laying my head on his shoulder and look out my window. Asher is standing at his window, watching us. He has a sad expression, but as soon as he sees me staring at him, he hardens his face and pulls his curtains close.
“What’s this?” Michael asks.
I pull away from him and see that he has my songbook. I try to grab it from him, but my stomach muscles shoot pain through my body. I grimace in pain. It hurts too bad to fight him for it.
“Wow, this is really good! What’s this one going to be called?”
“Lucky Me.” I say and he nods his approval.
“God, I miss your songs. The songwriter we have for this album sucks so bad.”
“Aren’t you the songwriter?” I ask.
“Yeah and I’m fucking it up. Well, me and some other dipshits they hired.” He states and I can see his worry.
“Hey, I’m sure it’s fine.”
“Come on, Charleigh, we all know The Orphans wouldn’t be anything without you.” He says.
“Then why did you leave me behind?” I ask quietly.
“Cindy made us.”
“What?”
“We had to have her permission. She gave me permission, but she wouldn’t let you go. You were underaged. We were going to give you credit on the album, but when I asked if that was okay…she said you didn’t want anything to do with it.”
“I thought you guys were just taking credit for it.” I say softly.
“Not at all. You are so talented, but Cindy insisted that it would hurt you more…. and I listened to Asher. He insisted it would be better if you finished high school. Never mind, I’m an idiot! I should have talked to you about it, not them. I’m so sorry,”
“It’s not your fault. If I remember right, I wasn’t talking to you at all during that time and Asher should have asked me what I wanted.” I say.
“Promise me, you will talk to me from now on and I promise to talk to you too.” Michael pleads.
“I promise.” I say.
“Be nice to Asher. He actually does care about you.”
“He has a funny way of showing it.”
“I know, I don’t know what his deal is, but… I do know he cares.” He says with a smile.
“Get some rest.” He gets up and pats my leg. He reaches for the door.
“Hey, Michael?”
“Yeah.”
“I love you, Mikey.”
“I love you too, Char Char.” He shuts the door behind him.
I grab my song book, placing it on the keyboard stand, and start singing the lyrics out loud to the melody. I close my eyes and shut out the world.
“Will you shut up!” Asher yells out.
“Fuck off.” I yell back.
I see him standing at his window again, this time the curtains are wide open. Damn…. I’m speechless. He is shirtless and he is wearing only a towel. Water is glistening on his hard pecs and abs. Holy mother…. he is gorgeous.
“What the fuck are you staring at?” He snarls out.
“Geez, what the hell is your problem?”
“My problem is that I’m trying to have some peace and quiet, but all I can hear is you singing that god-awful song.” Damn, that stings.
“Whatever, you wouldn’t know the difference.”
“Seriously. Who is the Rockstar here?”
“You… ASSHOLE!!! You are only a Rockstar because of the songs I wrote!!!”
“Ah, there you are! There’s the fighting Charleigh I remember.” He says with a wink.
What the hell? Damn, why is he so fine and infuriating!!!
“Fuck you.”
“Not on your life, sweetheart.” He replies. I roll my eyes and flip him the bird.
“Your song doesn’t suck too bad.” He states and then closes his curtains, but not before dropping his towel. Did he just…did I just see…and oh my god, holy shit…. HOT!
Chapter Five
The next morning, I think about skipping school, but I can’t. I have to finish high school with high grades. I need a scholarship to be completely free from my mother. I put on a high neck turtleneck and my black hoodie.
I pull my long dark hair into a high ponytail and stare at myself in the mirror. My bright blue eyes are prominent against my naturally tan skin. I wonder as I stare at myself if my appearance is why my mother hates me. I have a lot of my father’s features. My hair is the same dark color as his. My natural tan comes from his Greek side. I have a few pictures and I’m the feminine version of him. I guess it’s a blessing he was so handsome or maybe it’s my curse.
I meet Michael in the kitchen and watch as he snarfs down a piece of toast. I make myself an expresso with our fancy machine.
“Is that all you are having?” He asks.
“Yeah, I don’t eat breakfast.” He mumbles a response, but I ignore him.
“Maybe you should stay home.” He suggests.
“I can’t, I have a quiz.”
“Charleigh…”
“So, are you riding with me?” I ask, interrupting him.
“Yeah, Asher is picking some chick up.” My heart stutters.
“Please tell me it isn’t Natalie.”
“Yeah, that’s right. Wasn’t she your friend?”
“Yep, but not anymore.” I state.
“She seems high maintenance.”
“She is definitely that.” Michael smirks and lets it go. Most likely he doesn’t care about girl drama.
“Hurry up, Superstar, I don’t like to be late.” I say, grabbing my bookbag.
“Coming.” He grabs a pencil and shoves it in his pocket.
“That’s all your bringing?”
“It’s all I need.”
“Paper, folders, books…. ring a bell?” He shrugs and I roll my eyes at him.
I guess if I had already made millions, I wouldn’t worry about my grades either. I know they came home to experience a senior year even if it’s only for a few months, but at least he could attempt to try.
“Let’s go.” I push. He follows me out to the truck.
“You know I can buy you a new car.” He says. I glare at him. He puts his hands up in surrender.
“Never mind, it was just a suggestion. How long do you think this thing is going to run?”
“Forever!” I exclaim, hitting the steering wheel.
He just laughs and manually rolls down the window, propping his foot on the dashboard.
“Why don’t you buy a car, so I don’t have to drive your ass around?” I say.
“You’re like my own personal chauffeur. Rockstar’s have those you know.” He teases.
“Smartass.” I say. He laughs. He watches the landscape go by with a wistful look.
“What’s wrong?”
“I missed this; I really did.”
“That surprises you?”
“Yeah, I wanted to be famo
us and leave this town behind, but I missed out on a lot you know?”
“Well, that’s why you guys are here. You can experience high school life. I don’t know why you would want too. It sucks.”
“Maybe, but at least I won’t regret not having one.”
“True.”
At that moment, one of The Orphans songs come on. We look at each other and laugh. I turn it up and start singing along. Michael joins in, singing to his own voice on the radio. When it ends, we are both laughing.
“It’s unreal, isn’t it?” He asks.
“Yeah.” I say quietly.
“It should be you singing those songs.”
“Michael…”
“I’m serious. Come with us.” The breath leaves my chest.
“I can’t.”
“Why? She can’t stop you in a month.”
“Asher wouldn’t want that.” It’s a lame excuse. Michael would fight for me to be there.
“He thinks you should be there too.”
“Did he say that?”
“Well no, but it’s obvious, you were the talent behind us. We would be nothing without you.” I give him an appreciative smile.
“Thank you, that means a lot.”
“Just think about it.” I nod at him and focus on the road. I can’t imagine being around Asher every day of every week, so close, but yet, so far away.
I pull up to the school and know that today is not going to be a good day. I pull into an empty parking spot. Michael is immediately surrounded by people and I slip out unnoticed. Before I reach the front doors, I slow my steps. Natalie and Asher are standing there with a lot of groupies.
Natalie is acting like Queen Bee and Asher is her king as they reign over their subjects. I shake my head in disgust. Natalie sees my approach and latches herself closer to Asher.
“Look what the cat dragged in.” Natalie taunts with a sneer on her face. Asher barely glances at me. Visions of his naked body flash across my memory.
“Move aside.” I demand.
“Jesus, you are such a loser.”
“Is that the best you have today, Natalie? Your pea size brain can’t come up with anything better?”
“Whatever, loser.” She says with a flip of her hair. I just roll my eyes and flip my ponytail with exaggeration, making fun of her. She glares daggers at me.
Asher has a small smirk on his face which disappears when he sees me looking at him.
Natalie notices me looking at him and a huge grin splits her face. She pulls Asher’s head down, planting a kiss on his lips.
On that note, I push my way past the couple and into the school. Don’t show how they affect you. I feel like vomiting. I can’t let her know how jealous I am that she gets to kiss him.
I get to my locker and Blake is standing there, waiting.
“What do you want?” I ask, crossing my arms across my chest.
“I wanted to apologize for how I treated you.” He says. I search his eyes. I stare at him in silence.
“Charleigh, please, I miss you. I’m so sorry. We used to have so much fun.” He pleads, giving me puppy dog eyes.
“Blake, it’s over.”
“Come on, baby, don’t be like that.” He says, pulling me into him.
He pushes my backpack off my shoulder and grabs me gently into a hug. I can hear Natalie’s annoying voice coming down the hall. I peek and see Asher staring at us. I let Blake pull away slightly and gently kiss me on the lips.
“I’ll talk to you later.” He says, kissing me again. It feels wrong.
He takes off and I’m immediately pissed at myself. Why did I let him kiss me? Just to make Asher jealous?
I put my books in my locker and feel eyes on me. I meet Asher’s eyes and he is glaring at me with so much hate. Yeah, he isn’t jealous, he hates me. I flip him off and he smirks at me. He stares at me as Natalie drapes herself all over him, caressing his rock-hard abs that look amazing with water dripping down…. Stop it!!!! Quit fantasizing about him!
I glare back and he gives me an eyebrow raise. He is challenging me, but why? I roll my eyes, turn away, and slam my locker shut.
“Hey!”
“Hey, Trix!”
“So, what about this big party tomorrow night?”
“What party?”
“Michael is throwing a party at your house tomorrow night.”
“Seriously…. ugh…” I say. She laughs.
“Can I come?” Trix asks.
“Of course!”
I can’t believe my cousin is having a party without asking me! I’m going to kill him!
I go through the flow of the day, when lunch comes, I go to the library. I’m sitting in the very back, writing in my songbook. I start singing the lyrics that Asher made fun of me for.
I hear footsteps. I immediately stop. Blake has found me.
“There you are.” He states. He sits down next to me.
“What are you doing?” He asks.
“Blake, we are not getting back together.” I state.
“Of course, we are.”
“No, we aren’t.”
“Hey, forgive me for the other girls and I forgive you for Asher. We are good.”
“I didn’t do anything with Asher.”
“Please, baby, I love you.”
“You don’t love me.”
“Yes, I do, let me show you.” Before I know it, he is on top of me. He starts to grope me, and his kisses are hard.
“DON’T!” I yell out.
“Stop being such a prude!” He says, grabbing at my neck.
I flinch at the pain on my neck and his body is putting pressure on my stomach. I’m now gasping in pain. His mouth is covering mine and I start to black out from the lack of oxygen.
“God, what is wrong with you?” He gets up suddenly. I lie back gasping for air.
“I told you to stay away from her.” Asher’s voice makes my eyes fly open.
“Whatever Asshole, she’s mine to do whatever I want with.” Blake responds.
He knocks Asher’s shoulder as he pushes past him. I sit up and rub my throat. I’m so freaking sore from yesterday.
Asher walks away without a word. I gather my things with a pain filled groan and walk to my next class. I sit through each class silently. Why do people feel the need to hurt me? The bell rings and I dread this next hour.
I walk into the music room and collapse into my normal seat in the back. I pull up my hoodie, hiding the earbuds. I rest my feet on the seat in front of me, trying to get my sore body comfortable.
I can’t stop my eyes from watching Asher and Natalie walking into the room hand in hand. He can’t seriously like her, can he? This is so juvenile. They seriously deserve each other. Both of them are assholes.
Mr. Brown calls the attention of the class. I pull out the earbuds and listen. I actually like Mr. Brown. He loves music and I used to be able to relate to that. He so wants his students to love it too, but unfortunately, most take it to get out of P.E.
“Alright, did anyone work on a song idea? We really need to pick one out soon! Nationals is coming up quickly!” He says with excitement. Luke, a senior, jumps up.
“I have something.” His song is horrible, but I applaud Mr. Brown on how he gently lets him down.
“That’s very creative, but unfortunately, we can’t use the words “whore, bitch, or fuck” in our lyrics.” Mr. Brown says. The class laughs listening to their teacher cuss.
Brynn, a junior who is pretty, but quiet, jumps up next. She stares at Asher as soon as she starts singing. It’s a love song and you can tell she is singing directly to him. Asher doesn’t react, but Natalie giggles. It’s not horrible and I’m pissed that Natalie is making her feel bad. Brynn’s face is bright red by the end.
“Pathetic.” Natalie whispers out loud. Her groupies laugh. I’m glad that Asher does not.
“Miss Snow, please keep quiet, unless you have a song to share?” Mr. Brown asks. Natalie smirks.
“I’m workin
g on it.” She says, but I know her too well and I know she isn’t a songwriter. I laugh out loud.
She swivels her head around to glare at me. Asher turns towards me and I see a gleam in his eyes. He stands up, still staring at me.
“I have something I’ve been working on.” He doesn’t take his eyes off me. What is he up to?
“Oh great!” Mr. Brown says, enthusiastically.
The class is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Of course, the great Asher is going to sing. I’m anxious to hear it too, but I would never act like it.
“Can I borrow this?” Asher picks up a guitar.
The girls sigh. I roll my eyes. He can play multiple instruments, the lucky bastard. He starts strumming the strings and adjusts it.
Suddenly, the melody starts, and my mouth drops open. That’s the melody I have been playing on my keyboard….
He opens his mouth…
Those are my lyrics to my new song!!! He keeps singing my words to my bad song as he put it. The nerve of him!! He gives me a mocking smirk and I see red! How dare he! When he gets to the stopping point, I don’t know what comes over me, but I jump up in my seat and belt out the next line. The line he doesn’t know.
He stumbles slightly on the guitar, but then keeps the melody going. I keep singing as I walk down the steps. I finally get to him and I’m facing him. He interrupts my next line with one of his own. It’s actually really good, but it just pisses me off.
The next thing I know we are singing every other line and reach the chorus again. We blend our voices together like we used too. It sounds amazing. Asher is staring me deep in the eyes and I can’t tear mine away from him. We are lost in the music.
When the notes fade away, our eyes linger on each other. So many words and feelings exposed. We are broken from the connection by a huge round of applause from the class. I look away quickly and glance around at our classmates. Mr. Brown is smiling wide and clapping the loudest. Natalie has her arms crossed glaring at me.
“Bravo! Bravo!! That is the one!! You two are going to work together and let’s make this happen! There is no way we can lose!” Mr. Brown exclaims.
Lucky Me Page 5
