Friday night guests started to arrive at the penthouse. Everyone dressed in beautiful gowns and suits. Danielle sat at her vanity dressed in her pink Sherri Hill gown. She looked like a princess. “I feel like we are underdressed.” Amber laughs, sipping her drink. Amber sat on the bed in her yellow sancta Sophia dress as if someone was painting her. “Or Danielle is just dramatic.” Crystal laughed. “Why isn’t Trish here?” Danielle asked, fixing her hair. “She had some date tonight, I think.” Crystal answered, taking selfies. “A date is more important than a dinner party with friends?” Danielle rolled her eyes. “We have to go to this party tomorrow night.” Crystal says, taking a puff from her juul. “We should!” Danielle finishes her makeup. “Bitch you’re gonna die.” Amber says. “Bitch let me die.” Crystal laughed back. “Princess Dani, the guests are waiting.” Nate knocked on the door.
The kids joined the guests in the penthouse dinner party. Conversations of all kinds floated around the room. The waiters swayed around to hand out drinks and finger food. “They really went all out for this. I love it.” Amber complimented. “Oh please, my father is just kissing ass.” Nate shot his drink back. “Nathaniel, come I would like you to meet someone.” Felton smiled.
“This is Marshall Dudley. He is on the board of The H.” Felton introduced. “Nice to meet you Mr. Dudley.” Nate had a firm handshake. “The grip of a football star. I can't wait to see what you can do on the field.” He comments. “Father. How are you?” Donovan entered the room with Elizabeth on his arm. “Always lovely to see you.” Elizabeth hugs Felton. “I am going to find Hazel.” She excused herself. “We are discussing the business deal of the century.” Felton fills Donovan in. “The board is all on the same page. We looked into your handling of your other hotels and I think this will be a good move for the future.” Marshall patted Felton’s shoulder.
“I figured you’d be in here.” Elizabeth entered the side room. “Leave us.” Elizabeth ordered the man. She sat in his seat and sipped her wine. “You know he shouldn't have been in here with you alone. What would Felton think?” Elizabeth brushed off her Marchesa Gown. “Donovan did it to you didn’t he?” Hazel scooted over. “I don't know what you're talking about.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Ah, the denial. I know my family. I know my son. He has a wandering eye. And that is okay.” Hazel snickers to herself. “You think I am doing this alone? Felton has had his hand full of confidants over the years. Lawyers, real estate agents, business partners, you name it. You must want to fight. Take the power. Let those women know who you are. It wasn’t that I never liked you. I knew you were weak. You wouldn't be able to handle my son or our name. But now you have the name. Show them what a Rose is capable of.” Hazel exited the room.
“So, you are like the Beckham family.” Amber comments, staring at Donovan. “Literally, everyone in your family is attractive.” Crystal adds. “That is so not true, I have a cousin that looks like Carl from Jimmy Neutron.” Danielle laughs, Amber nearly spat out her drink. “That isn’t funny Dani. Leave him alone.” Donovan walks over to the group. “Not everyone is going to think I am funny or pretty and that is okay. They are wrong though.” Danielle flips her hair behind her. “How have you been?” Donovan laughs, hugging her. “I am settling in. These are my friends. Amber and Crystal.” Danielle introduces. “They think you're hot.” Danielle adds, embarrassing them. “What- no, I am Crystal.” Crystal stutters over her words. “Nice to meet you ladies. Enjoy your night.” Donovan smiles. “You are an ass.” Amber busts out on a laugh.
“Hazel, how do you feel about making a debut as The Hampton’s new uprising family?” The reporter asked. “This is all new to us, but we will carry the title gracefully. The Dayton’s left some big shoes to fill, but we will fill them. Enjoy the party.” Hazel answers.
The dinner party was coming to an end, and Felton stood on the bottom stair. “I want to thank everyone who showed up tonight. We are not only here to introduce us as the new family in the neighborhood. But to build relationships and to get to know you all. I am in talks to buy The H and make it great again.” Felton started. The family joined him for the press pictures. “This will be the start of a new era. A breath of fresh air. To a new start.” Felton held up his glass as everyone else followed. “A new start is right.” Danielle winked at Nate. “Stop it.” Hazel whispered.
The guests left and the help started to clean the home. “Thank you both for behaving tonight. It means a lot.” Felton kissed Danielle on the forehead and hugged Donovan and Nate. “We always behave.” Danielle smiles.
Saturday came and word around school was that a popular bad boy was throwing a house party. Dallas’ house was beautiful and big. The girls packed inside Amber’s SUV. “Alright bitches, sluts and whores. Let’s get lit!” Amber yelled with excitement. Crystal pulled out her weed vape pen and passed it around. Clouds of smoke filled the car. Music blared inside. The car stopped at the corner. A girl holding a sparkly bookbag. Trish. “What the hell?” Danielle asked. “My mom is like super against hanging out and parties. Sneaking out feels rebellious.” Trish answered. By ten o’clock, everyone was arriving.
By midnight, the music was vibrating the trees, people in the pool and smoking, dancing with the people inside and outside. Black light made colors glow all over. Danielle and her girls showed up like models. The guys checked them out. The girls either admired them or rolled their eyes. Crystal fixed her orange glowing eyeliner and glitter covered eyelids. Nate and Lucas stood in the kitchen. Nate being Lucas’ wingman for these girls that were from a school in the Upper East Side. Sarah and Nate shared a joint and danced together. Danielle and Crystal spotted a guy standing on the wall in a colorful striped shirt. “Make it less obvious.” Danielle approached him. “What? I am just selling smarties.” He says holding them up. “Gross.” Danielle replied. “We will take two. She’s new to this area.” Crystal laughs. “Forty.” He says, checking Danielle out. The girl’s each pulled a twenty dollar bill out of their bra’s and handed it over. “Thank you.” They synced, taking the molly from him. “I’m Dallas.” He smiles. “Danielle.” She winked.
The two went into the bathroom and they swallowed the pills. “To a night of being bad bitches.” Danielle freshens up in the mirror. “To the start of the school year of being those bitches.” Crystal touches up her red full lips. “Have you ever done acid?” Crystal asked. “I’m not big on psychedelics. But I bet that Dallas guy knows. And don’t sleep with him like Bethany is sleeping with that girl she was posted up with in the corner.” Danielle comments. “I love how colorful you wear your makeup. Bold, euphoric and bomb aesthetic. Love it. Never change. Let’s go.” Danielle opened the door.
Lucas lit his newly wrapped joint, but before he could take a hit Danielle snatched it and took a deep inhale. “Whoa! Careful Queen. You can’t handle it.” Lucas laughed. Jumping on to the counter, Danielle exhaled the smoke into the air. “I can handle a lot more than you think.” Danielle winks. “Go away.” She turns to the girls and orders. “Luc. That’s my sister bro.” Nate says. “Oh, now you care? Sarah, take him.” Danielle snaps, handing Sarah the joint. “That’s mine.” Lucas reaches for it. Danielle takes another hit and pulls Lucas to her. Her lips touch his and she blows it into his mouth. Her tongue licking his bottom lip. “Sarah, you can have it.” Lucas bites his lip, staring deep into Dani’s eyes. “Dance with me.” Danielle pulls him to the dance floor. “I can’t dance.” He laughs. “I don’t remember asking if you could.” Danielle pulls him close to her. Both grinding against each other. The music devouring them. Lucas built the courage after weeks of crushing on Danielle to kiss her. So, he did. She pulled him closer and bit his lip. Surprised, he looked into her eyes. He wanted her. He craved her. She took his hand and led him upstairs to the bedroom. Pushing him on the bed, Danielle kissed him and kissed his neck. His hands explored her body and then slid up her dress. “You have to earn that.” She whispered, nibbling at his ear. “How do I earn it?” Lucas asks. “I guess we will see.�
� Danielle winks, exiting the room.
Amber was outside dancing and socializing about outfits and boys and refused drinks from everyone trying to hand her one. “Come on, it’s a party.” A guy says. “Drinking is just not my thing.” Amber refuses. “You’re no fun.” He laughs. “Come swimming with me, since I’m no fun.” Amber walks over to the pool. “What?” He asks as she slides off her dress and crawls into the warm pool. He follows her lead. Now in his boxers, he swims to her and kisses her. “You are crazy.” He whispers. “And what does that make you?” She smiles, kissing him back. “What are you doing?” Trish asks. “Swimming.” Amber laughs. “My mom called your mom. I have to go. Now.” Trish panicked. Amber rushed out of the pool and got dried off. “Where is Crys?” Amber asks. “I haven’t seen her or Dani. Let's go!” Trish pushed through the party with her stuff in her hands.
Amber : I am taking Trish home. She is in trouble. If you guys need to be picked up please text me!
Crystal sat in a room that was lit up in blue and red lights, just her and Carl. “So, what do you want from me?” She asked, leaning back on the bed. “We all know. You're a big girl. We all know big girls will do anything for a little attention. So come here and suck this dick.” Carl walked up to her and pulled out his dick. It was bigger than she thought it would be, given his ego. “You first.” She pulls her dress up and lays back. “Yes ma’am. And don’t say a word to anyone.” He puts his beer down and gets on his knees. What she didn’t realize, the phone camera aiming at them from the dresser.
“Mom?” Trish called out. “This is what we do now? Lie? I told you about hanging around them. What if someone from the church saw you?” Mrs. Sampson yelled. “No one would have. They are my friend’s mom. I want to live a normal life for once.” Trish yelled back. Mr. Sampson entered the room as Mrs. Sampson slapped her. Her father pulled her mother back to stop her from anything else happening. “Go to your room and pray for forgiveness for whatever other sins you committed tonight.” She ordered.
4 .Your Majesty
Crystal was always a happy kid, she was handed everything she wanted. Her mother and father shared the perfect marriage, they never fought, not in front of Crystal. They never mistreated her or hurt her like the kids at school did. Crystal wasn’t the girl you’d see on the posters or commercials. She always has been on the larger side. No one ever wrote her love letters or gave her those romantic looks. They all saw her as the funny fat girl. Except one guy. Every year, her father's best friend’s family came and spent a few weeks with them. Their son, Ramon was eighteen and just graduated high school when Crystal was thirteen. Crystal and Ramon spent nearly every second together. He taught her how to play XBox, she was nearly a beast on GTA online. They watched movies and went to the beach and then one night he walked into her room and cuddled up to her. “I can’t sleep.” He whispers. “You can stay here.” She replied. She liked the way he made her feel. He kept scooting closer and closer. She knew it was wrong. She knew what he would do. And when it was over, she knew she would have to keep it quiet forever. After that, he vanished. Never to be seen again. Not by her, anyways.
M rs. Radcliffe sits outside of the women’s prison in Atlanta Georgia. After two years inside and no probation and early release for good behavior. Looks like money really can buy anything. Bryanna walks out of the prison gates and hugs Mrs. Radcliffe tight. “You have no idea how much I have missed you.” Bryanna smiles. “I am so happy you are out. And you did the right thing by turning yourself in. I am so proud of you.” Mrs. Radcliffe opens the passenger door to the limo.
“So, where is she? How is she doing? I miss her so much.” Bryanna threw out questions like a dodgeball game in elementary school. “She is absolutely beautiful and sweet and a cheerful little thing.” Mrs. Radcliffe smiles at the description of her granddaughter. Bryanna looks down at her hands. “I am really glad you are home.” She adds. “I am too. Just wish things were...” Bryanna trailed off at the thought. Her sisters, parents and husband were all dead. She was all alone. With nothing. “You have me and Chanel. We will look after you for as long as you need.” Mrs. Radcliffe pulled her head on her shoulder.
The limo arrives at the mansion. She looks up and the memory of the first time she was brought there. She was so nervous to be out of New York for the first time without her sisters or parents. With the guy she knew she was going to love. “My mother should be inside.” Grayson smiles at her. His smile gave her a sense of calm. He pulled her up the stairs by her hand like you see in those couples’ pictures. The two kids run inside and the butler; Mason smiles and asks her name. “I am sure you will absolutely love it here.” He says in a typical British accent. “Thank you.” She says bowing a little. They all laugh. “Oh sweetheart, how I’ve missed you.” Mrs. Radcliffe hurries up to Grayson and hugs him. “And who is this lovely young woman?” His father asks. “I am Bryanna. Bryanna Dayton.” She smiles, shaking his hand.
Bryanna shakes out of the memory when she sees her daughter. “Hey my love.” She smiles, bouncing her in her arms. “Do you remember me?” She smiles. Chanel is shy at first, gets a familiar feeling and hugs Bryanna tight. “Alright, it is lunchtime.” Mrs. Radcliffe picks up Chanel and puts her in the pink highchair. Mason brings her some food in a fancy dish. “I will show you to your room.” Mrs. Radcliffe escorts Bryanna to her new room. “Now my room is on the west wing as you may know. If you need anything, please do not hesitate.” She explains, opening the door. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.” Bryanna gives her one last hug before turning in for the night. “You are family. Nothing will change that. Goodnight Bryanna. See you bright and early.” She walks away.
Bryanna enters the room and plops on the soft bed. The white sheets hide her away from the world. And in an instant, Bryanna is asleep.
Morning invites the sun rays into the room as Bryanna awakens. She lay in the white clawfoot tub and relaxed. This was her first actual bath away from other women and quick showers, barely washing. She ducks beneath the water and washed her wavy, long brown hair. She was refreshed and ready to take on the day. Three small knocks appeared at the bathroom door, causing her to nearly jump out of her skin. “Mrs. Radcliffe, breakfast is ready.” Mason informed. “Thank you. I will be down.” Bryanna yells, getting out and drying off. She takes a moment to cherish the ring Grayson slid on her finger. “I miss you so much.” She whispers.
In the room was a set of new clothes. Jeans and a yellow tank top. Putting her hair in a messy bun and dressing, she skipped down to the dining room to find Chanel and Mrs. Radcliffe eating. The room smells like baked pastries and fruit. Like her home used to every morning. "Morning Car." Bryanna greeted, pouring her orange juice. "Morning Bry." Carissa answered with her mouth full.
"Ew! That's not attractive. And that much food will make you fat." Annabella whispered, making a parfait from the yogurt and fresh fruit Ramon laid out for her. “You know me so well.” She thanked him. “Only the best for Miss. Dayton.” He smiles. "Shut up! Car, you look just fine! Let's go." Bryanna grabbed her car keys. Something in the newspaper caught her attention. “Anna, you look like a call girl in that photo.” Bryanna commented. “Better than a smelly jock.” Annabella winked. “Oh, isn’t that what you like?” Bryanna raised an eyebrow. “Good morning.” Mrs. Radcliffe smiles. “You weren't kidding about bright and early.” Bryanna comments, kissing and playing with Chanel before making her plate. “Always. Can't sleep forever. No matter how tempting it is.” She answers. “Where is Mr. Radcliffe?” Bryanna asks. “He is in New York. With everything that happened, we decided to get a divorce. He wanted to forget and move on and that is something a mother cannot do easily.” She explains. “I am so sorry. Well you are a strong woman. I know you will be happy soon if not already.” Bryanna assures her. She takes a bite of her waffles. Two years of having prison food. She definitely took the Upper-Class lifestyle for granted. Before she knew it, Bryanna scarfed down her breakfast. “That good huh?” Mrs. Radcli
ffe laughs. “You have no idea.” Bryanna was embarrassed. “I had to be strong. Especially after the video your sister put out.” Mrs. Radcliffe. “She was always one for the dramatics. She had a simple plan and it failed.” Bryanna’s smirk started to disappear. “It just doesn't make sense. Three bodies and her? I didn’t even get to ask any questions.” Bryanna comments, sipping her morning coffee. “I know. But now you are free, and you can take care of your family.” Mrs. Radcliffe finishes her coffee and exits the room.
“Looks like it’s just you and I pumpkin.” Bryanna gently pinched Chanel’s cheek. Then it hit her. This is the life she will have. Leaving everything she's ever known behind. She ran from her life to protect the last person she loves.
Bryanna ambled into the living room, past a familiar face. Chanel latched on to her hip. Two men. Very opposite from each other stood in the living room. “Uncle Ben!” Bryanna hugged him. “Hello, Bryanna. I am your uncle Michael. I figured Julian has never mentioned me at all. We had a falling out a long time ago.” He introduced himself. He was a cop. “Honey, sit. Listen to them.” Mrs. Radcliffe reached for Chanel.
Bryanna sat on the cream plush couch and studied both of the men. “So, what is the bad news?” Bryanna chokes on the words. “Why do you assume it is bad news?” Michael replies with a slight smile. “Two men coming to the door to give news. It’s like you’re going to tell me my husband died in a war. Given our family name, it's not far from it.” Bryanna lets out a laugh back. What could possibly happen next, she thought. She starts to grow more anxious, the longer they sit there in silence. “When we were kids. We had a plan to take over the world.” Michael laughs. “I was to be a police officer. Ben to be head of the world's most infamous biker gang and Julian the owner of a large company. And so, it was.” Michael started the story. “Bryanna. You are the owner of The H Hotel. He gave you the majority share in the company.” He then explains. “I have some shares, but it isn’t enough to be the owner. And I am here now. I have a child to take care of.” Bryanna informed. “I am sorry to say this, and when your sisters passed, and what happened to your parents. You have full control over the company. If you want it.” Michael threw more information.
Where the White Rose Withers Page 4
