Jaded (Rock Star Trilogy)

by Amare, Mercy

  “Let's go to my room...” she says, and I follow her.

  We go down the long hallway. There are a ton of pictures of her on the walls. I look at all of them, amazed at how identical we are. She even cuts and styles her hair the same. Her room is the last room on the left.

  Bridgett's room is very... girly. It's pink, which must be another thing that we have in common. But one wall is a bookshelf, and books are lined from the top to the bottom.

  “Have you read them all?” I ask, motioning to the bookshelf.

  “Yes,” she smiles. “Do you like to read?”

  “No,” I laugh. “Do you play music?”

  “Definitely not,” she says, biting her lip. “Are we really twins?”

  I nod. “Yes.”

  “How did you find me? Did you know about me?”

  “Actually, I had no clue you existed until about 7am this morning. I hired a private investigator to find my sister, Stacy, and instead, he found you,” I explain.

  “This is crazy right? I mean, why were we separated? Do you know who our birth parents are?” She asks the questions that I myself am longing to know.

  “I don't know, but I intend to find out.” I ask the one question I'm dying to find out. “So, if you've seen me on TV, why haven't you tried to find me?”

  Bridgett looks a little sad. “I wasn't sure if we were twins, and I didn't even know how to start looking for you.”

  Really, I don't care. All that matters is that I found her now.

  6:00 pm

  Twins?

  Andrew left earlier. I told him that I would call a car service when I was ready to leave. He was going to go home and continue looking for Stacy. I also asked him to look into my adoption, and see if he could find out who our birth parents are.

  Bridgett and me spend the rest of the afternoon in her bedroom, just talking. I find out that she is in college at Clemson University, and she's home for the weekend. She says she has a good life, but now she's very unsure what she wants... Which is much like me.

  As we talk, I feel as though we have known each other our whole lives. She already feels like my sister. And now that I've found her, I don't want to ever be away from her.

  I find out that she's only had one boyfriend her whole life, and all she ever did was kiss him. The guy she dated was a preacher's son. I can't help but gasp.

  “Scarlett Ryan's twin sister is a virgin?” I shake my head. “We really are a lot different.”

  She laughs. “Well, I may have gotten the brains, but you got the personality and talent. I don't know how to talk to guys. I always get tongue tied and end up making a fool out of myself.”

  “We clearly need each other,” I smile, a little sadly. “I can't believe I've been without you nineteen years.”

  “Me either,” she agrees. “I wish I could go with you to Florida...”

  I can't help but be excited at the idea. “Why don't you?”

  She looks at me. “I can't. I have a future. College...”

  “So transfer...”

  “I can't transfer in the middle of the semester,” she protests.

  “Then take a break!”

  She thinks for a minute. “You know, I am kind of overwhelmed this semester. Maybe a break wouldn't be so bad. I could start back in January.”

  I hear a car pull up outside, and Bridgett jumps up.

  “My mom is home! How am I going to break the news to her?”

  I smile. “We can just show her.”

  We hear the front door open. “Bridgett, Natalee, I've got Chinese food!”

  “Hope she got enough for four,” I hear her mumble, then she grabs my hand and we walk down the hallway. Natalee beat us.

  “Mommy!” she yells. “Bridgett has a twin!”

  Their mom laughs. “Natalee, don't be silly.” Then she looks up at us, and her eyes go wide. “Oh my god...”

  My thoughts exactly.

  “Mom, this is my twin sister, Scarlett Ryan,” she introduces me. “Scarlett, this is my mother, Mary Evans.”

  I already know all about her parents, Mary and Rick Evans. Mary is a nurse, who works crazy hours, and Rick is the manager at a hotel. He too works a lot. But they always make time for family. I can't help but feel a little envious. My parents haven't spent time together in years, not even for the holidays.

  You see, my parent's are technically still married, but they haven't been together in a long time. I know that they both see other people. It's strange, but it's my parents. I assume their divorce would be messy and neither of them wanted to deal with it.

  “It's nice to meet you,” I say to her.

  Her mom continues to stare at the two of us. “Twins?”

  8:32 pm

  19 years to make up for...

  Bridgett's dad got home around seven, and we sat down and explained to them everything we knew. I told them about my Private Investigator finding her. They were both shocked at the news.

  “The adoption agency never told us that Bridgett was a twin, only that she was abandoned at a hospital in Florida,” they explain.

  “Florida?” I ask. “But I lived in Washington until I was 10.”

  “Well, we moved to South Carolina shortly after adopting Bridgett,” Mary explains. “I just wish we would have known. We would have searched for you.”

  “And all this time, she was literally right in front of us,” Bridgett laughs.

  “Do you want to stay here with us for a while?” Rick asks.

  I look at Bridgett, and she bites her lip. “Actually, I was going to stay with her in Florida for a little bit.”

  “What about your future, Bridgett. You can't just drop out of school,” Mary insists. “No, I won't allow it.”

  “I am not a child. I'm 19, and I am old enough to make my own decisions,” Bridgett says firmly. “I need this. Scarlett is my twin. We have 19 years to make up for. You can't expect me to go back there now! Besides, you know I was miserable at that school.”

  “You can't quit school because of what Martin did to...”

  “It's NOT because of him,” she cuts off her mom. “I need this for me. Besides, you can't stop me. I'm an adult.”

  And now I'm curious what Martin did to her, but I won't ask her in front of her parents. Plus, at the moment, I'm excited that my sister is coming home with me. I just hate that she's fighting with her parents. They obviously care a lot about her.

  Her parents both look at each other, and I can tell that they're going to cave.

  “Ok,” they both agree. “It is your decision, and we won't stand in the way. Just promise you will come visit us some. And please, go back to school in January. College is important.”

  “I promise!” I can tell she's just as excited as me. Maybe more so.

  Sunday, September 13

  9:30 am

  This is just the beginning.

  Saturday night, Bridgett and I stay up practically all night. She's deciding what she should and shouldn't bring with her. I assure her I have everything she needs and more at my home, so she packs a few clothes, some of her favorite books, pictures of her family, other memorabilia items, and about 20 journals.

  “There is one for every year,” she explains, and my eyes grow wide.

  There was one thing we had in common. I didn't keep a journal my whole life, but I did express myself through song... And, I couldn't wait to see what I would write about this experience.

  After eating an early breakfast with her parents and little sister, I had a car come pick us up and drive us to the airport.

  “I've never rode in an airplane before,” she admits, as we arrive at the airport.

  “Well, your first time will be in class,” I say, smiling.

  “First class?” Her eyes get big. “Isn't first class expensive?”

  I laugh and shake my head. “Umm... I mean we are taking a private jet...”

  “Wow.” Her eyes get big as the car drives us to the small plane that is waiting for us. “This is... incr
edible.”

  “One of the many perks of being a rock star.”

  The driver opens the door for us, and I get out. Bridgett has a gleam in her eyes and she climbs out.

  “My life is never going to be the same, is it?” she asks, eying the jet.

  I smile. “This is just the beginning. Welcome to the world of Scarlett Ryan.”

  She follows me onto the plane and she takes the seat beside me. “I am kind of nervous about flying. I'm glad you're with me for this.”

  I can't help but smile. I've known Bridgett less than 24 hours, and she already feels like a sister to me... She is my sister. And I can't help but feel sad about the 19 years we lost.

  On the plane ride home, I update her on my life in Hope, Florida.

  “Stephan is... not my boyfriend... yet... I mean, we've only known each other a week, but he's definitely more than a friend,” and then I tell her all about him. Starting with the first time we hung out, the black eye, the racing, our first kiss. She laughs a lot at my stories.

  Then, she tells me about her life.

  She's only had one boyfriend. Martin Felix. They dated for two years. She wanted to take their relationship to the next level, but he was in Bible College, and he said that he wanted to wait until they were married. She found him two weeks ago having sex with her best friend and college roommate, Mia.

  “He wanted to wait until we were married. I thought he was just being romantic,” she shook her head. “I was so stupid, Scar.”

  “You're not stupid,” I disagree with her. “At least you didn't give yourself to that pathetic asshole.” In my head, I start going over all the ways I can get revenge on him for hurting my sister.

  “And I never thought I would be the kind of girl to run from her problems. I skipped school for two weeks so I wouldn't have to be around Mia, and changed my number so neither of them could contact me,” she sighs. “I'm so weak. I should have stayed there and faced them.”

  “You are not weak, Bridgett. You just trusted those who didn't deserve it.” I grab her hand and squeeze it. “You deserve better.”

  “I'm so glad you found me.”

  “Me too,” I agree.

  1:55 pm

  We found each other.

  The first thing I do when the driver drives us home from the airport is email Stephan.

  Can you come over around 3? I have a surprise for you!

  - Scarlett

  He replies within seconds.

  Can't wait. I missed you <3

  I can't help but smile... Stephan Montgomery missed me! I'm on cloud nine. Bridgett takes a shower in the guest bedroom, and I take a shower in mine. I get dressed in a sexy, super short, dark blue dress. I straighten my hair, and put on a pair of black pumps.

  “Wow!” Bridgett says when she sees me. “You're definitely the hotter twin.”

  I laugh, “Whatever! Go to my closet and pick out anything.”

  “Seriously?” she looks excited at the thought of going through my closet.

  The doorbell rings, and I nod my head. “Yes! Come down when you're done and you can meet Stephan!”

  I race down the stairs and throw the door open. Stephan is standing on the other side, looking extremely sexy. He's wearing a tight pair of blue jeans, and a black polo shirt. Simple, but so hot on him.

  His eyes look me up and down, and it's like he's eating me with his eyes. “Please tell me that you're my surprise. I'd love nothing more than to have my way with you right here, right now.”

  Oh, wow. I just got turned on. Then, I remember Bridgett is upstairs, and could come down any minute. “No!” I scream. “Maybe later, but definitely not right now.”

  He pouts a little. “I'm sad... So what is this surprise?”

  “What would you say if I told you I have a twin?” I ask.

  “I'd say that's super hot,” he says, grabbing me around my waist. “And that I hope you're the naughty one.”

  I'm almost lost in the moment, when I hear Bridgett walking down the stairs.

  I look at Bridgett. Her hair is up in a very neat bun, and she's wearing my most conservative outfit... A purple sundress that cuts off just above the knee.

  I look at Stephan, who is looking back and forth between us, his mouth slightly open.

  “Stephan, I'd like you to meet my twin sister, Bridgett Evans. Bridgett, this is my... um... my Stephan...” I say, unable to think of any other explanation.

  She does a little curtsey, and I hold back a giggle. My twin sister is so prim and proper... So unlike me.

  “Wow. You two look just alike, but I can already tell you are nothing alike.” Stephan turns to me. “Why didn't you tell me you had a twin?”

  “Because I didn't know until early Saturday morning. I flew to her the second I found out.”

  “This is incredible, Scarlett...” he continues to look between the two of us. “How did you figure it out?”

  I don't know how to respond. I don't want him to know about the P.I. I hired. I'm not sure why I don't, it just seems... personal. So, Bridgett comes to rescue.

  “It doesn't matter,” she says, putting her arm around me. “What matters is that we found each other.”

  “Exactly,” I agree. “So I am going to show you how a real rock star lives.”

  “And how do you do that?” he asks.

  I shrug. “A shopping trip in Paris, a walk on the red carpet, a week on a private yacht... It's is completely up to you, Bridge.”

  She thinks for a minute. “Well, I'd hate to think that I would be the reason my twin sister would fail out of high school... So maybe we can just do fun stuff on the weekends.”

  I sigh. “High school isn't for me. I think I am just going to hire a private tutor, and get my diploma.”

  “No!” Bridget insists. “Wasn't the point of you going to high school? It's step one to a normal life... Maybe it's me who should show you what it's like to be normal... We can save the yacht party for the weekend.”

  9:48 pm

  You're a freaking superstar goddess.

  Stephan, Ethan, Bridgett, and I spend the day on the beach. Ethan attempts to teach Bridge and me how to surf, but as it turns out, neither of us are very athletic. But we are both determined to learn, so we decide we will try again later.

  I also introduce my security team to Bridgett, and she freaks out, wondering why I need security. I tell her about my first day in Hope, and say it's just precaution. The truth is, people here are getting used to me, so I feel pretty safe. I just keep them around the house for the paparazzi now.

  Stephan and Ethan head back home later, and Bridgett and me get in the hot tub.

  “So, I have a question,” she says. “How come you have a pool if you live on the beach?”

  I laugh. “Because the ocean isn't the safest place to swim, and sometimes I just don't want to get sand all over myself.”

  “Wow.” She leans her head back, and sighs. “Will I ever get used to this life?”

  “Yes, and no,” I answer. “This is normal for me, but at the same time, it feels surreal.”

  “Your life is a fairy tale... I love it.”

  “Yeah...” I say, a little sad. “I do too, but at what cost?”

  “Why can't you make your music? Why does it have to be their way or no way? You should just do what you want. You have your name built up, and it's your music, so it should be your choice.”

  “No, it's my record company's choice,” I shake my head.

  “So get a different label.”

  “I can't just... get a new label...” I explain. “It'd be a long process with lawyers...”

  She cuts me off. “But you don't actually have to get a new label. You just have to look like you're trying to. I'm sure your label doesn't want to lose Scarlett Ryan. I mean, come on! You're a freaking superstar goddess.”

  I like where her thought process is going. “I like it. Now, I just need to start looking for a new manager. My father is not up to the job.”

  “
We'll think of something...” she promises.

  Monday, September 14

  6:30 am

  I hate Mondays.

  My alarm clock goes off at 6:30 on Monday morning, and I decide it's official: Mondays are my new least favorite day of the week.

  I get a shower, get dressed, and head downstairs where Bridgett is pouring us both a cup of coffee. “About time you get up.” Her voice is perky.

  Oh my god. My sister is a morning person. I personally don't like to speak to anybody until I've been up for at least 30 minutes.

  “We really are opposites,” I grumble, sitting down at the bar in the kitchen. She passes me a cup of coffee, and I take a sip. It's exactly how I like it – lots of cream and sugar. “How did you know?”

  “I like mine the same way. We may be opposites on a lot of things, but I could tell you were a cream and sugar kind of girl.” She takes the seat beside me. “So, I am going to need your cell phone. Today you need to go to school phone free.” She holds out her hand.

  I glare at her. “No way.”

  She glares back. “Scarlett, I've seen your twitter. You tweet during class. You obviously don't need the temptation.”

  “Come on! I haven't done that since like... Last Monday! I know better now. I promise, no texting, tweeting, or emailing during class!”

  “Wow. It's been seven days... Fine,” she caves. “But if I find out otherwise, I will hide your phone tomorrow morning.”

  “Deal,” I agree, because she's probably right. The doorbell rings, and I get off the stool. “That would be Stephan. If you need to go anywhere, you can take the Mercedes. See you after school.”

  “I'll probably just chill by the pool all day,” she smiles. “See you after school.”

  I walk outside, and Stephan is waiting there for me. “Hey, Beautiful,” he greets me.

  “How do you know I'm not Bridgett?” I challenge him.

  “Because, Scarlett, even though you two are identical, I can easily tell you apart,” he says, kissing me gently on the lips.

  When he pulls back, I ask, “How is it so easy to tell?”