“Jojo mom’s here!” My brother yelled from down the hallway, making me let out a shuddering breath as I dragged my eyes towards the bed..that’s when I saw my favorite hoodie.
“No..you don’t need those anymore..” I reminded myself before walking over and grabbing it. Then I swiftly shoved it into the back of the closet and closed the door.
“This is the new you.. remember what Anna said..you are beautiful, you are kind, and you are a badass.” I reminded myself and walked out of the room to go see my mom.
The reason I felt nervous to see her like this was because we both lived in this misery together. I didn’t want her to feel abandoned like I was moving on without her. After Dad died, she went into such a deep depression it was like she was lost for months.
It was hard on all of us..but I never wanted to make things worse. So I hid my issues and kept to myself mostly. But my mom and I were close…at some point, the relationship switched from a mother-daughter one to a friendship..and I felt like she relied on me to pick up the pieces a lot of times.
She would even call me at school crying, her anxiety and depression rearing its ugly head as I had to ditch and come home early to comfort her. I didn’t mind..because I felt needed..I felt like someone actually wanted me and relied on me being here..I had a purpose. Unlike in school..I felt invisible and left out..I was just a ghost walking the halls until someone finally saw me and made it a point to bully me. Luckily Anna got me through those days.
She even stuck up for me and had gotten in a few fights..she hates Caspian’s guts more than anyone..I think that’s why she is going all out on this revenge plan. She wants to make him suffer just as much as I do.
My mom seemed to feel a lot of guilt after Dad died though..I’m not sure why..she wouldn’t talk about it..but she said she was a bad wife and mother..I thought it was the depression talking and always brought her back from that darkness. This past year though she has been changing. Viva, her best friend, and Caspian’s mom would come around a lot to help out too..but that has changed as well.
I walked outside and heard my mom laughing as a deep voice soon followed..that wasn’t Ben’s voice..no, it sounded a lot older and almost familiar.
I furrowed my brow in confusion and stepped through the hallway before ending up in the kitchen.
That’s when I froze in my tracks..Dave King..what the hell was he doing here?
(Johnnie)
I glanced between my mom and Dave King, wondering what he was even doing here. Caspian and Alder’s parents had just gone through a divorce this past year but from what I heard, it ended on mutual terms.
But I began thinking that maybe Viva hadn’t been coming around as much because she was going through a rough time with it lately..I did overhear her telling my mom once that she thinks Dave was having an affair..I was shocked.
They seemed so happy for so long..like the perfect family..well, besides Caspian.
“Sweetheart wow, look at you!” My mom exclaimed, causing Dave to turn towards me as I swear for a moment their hands had been touching..what the hell was going on?
“Sorry, I just had to make a work call..oh..hey Mr. King..” Ben suddenly walked into the room and froze in his tracks as Robin stepped beside him.
“Ben, nice to see you. I hope you don’t mind me joining you for dinner.” Dave said before glancing between my brother and me.
“No..of course not..is Alder here too?” Ben asked in confusion, wondering the same thing as me..why would Dave be here alone?
“Uh no..I believe he had to go up to the city for something.” Dave stated awkwardly before glancing towards my mom.
“Come, let’s sit down and eat.” My mom quickly rushed out as my brother gave me a bewildered look as I just shrugged..that’s all I could do.
“Heather, let me help you with that.” Robin suddenly chirped, her overly sweet tone making me feel sick as I just walked past them and went to the table.
I wanted to hear what Ben and Dave were talking about..that was my top priority right now.
“So, are you all excited for the trip?” Dave suddenly asked before glancing towards me as I walked in.
I just nodded my head and kept quiet..I guess I almost felt like Dave was kind of a stranger..he would be traveling for work a lot and when he was home, he just seemed to have such a serious presence to him all the time. We mostly dealt with Viva when we were at the house..so seeing him here now..yeah, it was very strange.
Even going to Florida, I expected it would be like it always was..My mom and Viva would just lounge around the beach house and drink margaritas all day while Dave went off to do some type of work and we all hung out.
“Yeah, I’m really excited to get back on a surfboard, I know Cass was looking forward to it too.” Ben said politely as the mention of Caspian made me frown..naturally of course.
“What about you Jojo? Are you looking forward to anything?” He suddenly asked me and I swear both Ben and I looked at each other in shock..he has never called me Jojo in my damn life.
“Uhh..just being at the beach will be nice.” I squeaked, making Dave nod, seeming to be satisfied with my answer.
“Okay! It’s all ready.” My mom said cheerfully before bringing out plates of Chinese food from the restaurant down the street.
“It smells wonderful Heth..” Dave complimented her, making my brow furrow with how sweet he was being to her..she didn’t even make the food and he was acting like she slaved over the stove all day.
“Come on, what are you waiting for? Eat up!” My mom said before clapping her hands and sitting next to Dave.
Ben and I shared another look as I was starting to get a sick feeling deep in my stomach.
“Are you going to tell us what is going in?” Ben suddenly snapped before looking around the table. Robin just sat there with a smug look on her face..did she already know what was going on? Why was she looking like that?
“Well, sweetie..I was thinking after dinner we could…” My mom began, making Ben interrupt her.
“Mom..what is this about?” He asked once more..I was proud of Ben for saying what I wish I could..I just felt frozen in place…like usual.
“Ben..please don’t use that tone of voice with your mother.” Dave suddenly butt in, making me look towards him now..what was this? Why was he talking to Ben like a child? He was freaking 25 years old.
“Honey, it’s okay.” My mom suddenly whispered, making me do a double take..honey?!
“Kids..sometimes in life..things don’t go exactly the way you expect..and then sometimes, you wake up and realize something amazing has been waiting right in front of you this whole time.” My mom began rambling on..making me chew my lip anxiously as my eyes were now glued to the spot where their hands were joined.
“You what?!” My brother suddenly shouted before getting up and slamming his palms against the table.
“Benjamin Turner, that is enough!” Dave suddenly shouted back before standing and glaring at my brother.
Stupidly the only thing I can think of at that moment was how much Caspian looked like his dad.
“What about Viva? She cannot be okay with this!” Ben shouted once again and that’s when confusion filled me..okay with what?
“We have already spoken to her about it..she has given us her blessing but won’t be attending the wedding.” My mom spoke softly and that’s when I stood now.
“W..wait..wedding..what wedding?” I asked, making Ben place his hand against his head a she let out a long sigh.
“Their wedding Johnnie…they are getting fucking married in Florida..this whole thing has been a damn setup..” Ben laughed before throwing his hands in the air.
I walked around the table, my hand reaching for Ben as I placed it on his arm gently.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.