I was walking towards the front entrance where the Jonas family was waiting for me. I was determined to tell the guys the truth today. They had to know already. I have to come clean. As soon as Joe saw me coming down the escalator he ran towards me and engulfed me in a hug along with a kiss. He quickly grabbed my bags from out of my reach and handed them to their body guard.
“Rob can you take this for Isabella please” he asked him and Rob nodded.
I walked hand in hand with Joe to greet the rest of the family but surprisingly Kevin wasn’t there and it sort of stung. We arrived at the Jonas household about a half hour later and Kevin was there but he wasn’t alone. There was a pretty girl by his side. She was tan-skinned with long brunette colored hair down to her mid-back and emerald green eyes. She had a beautiful figure and a Colgate smile. She looked very familiar in some way as if I’d seen her somewhere before. I couldn’t help but feel jealous and hurt. She was way prettier than me better yet said she was drop dead gorgeous.
“Hi Is this is my girlfriend Brooke. Babe this is Joe’s girlfriend Isabella” since when did Kevin have a girlfriend. Since you got a boyfriend. My conscience was right. I had a boyfriend and I had to stop freaking out.
“Isabella Miller” I shook her hand. “You can call me Is everyone does nice to meet you”
“Brooke Manny nice to meet you too I’ve heard a lot about you. Joe doesn’t stop talking about you” she laughed.
“Omg that’s why you looked so familiar to me you’re the Brazilian supermodel” I smiled.
“Yeah I get that a lot” she smiled back.
“I’ll show you to your room” Joe said as he walked ahead carrying my bags.
“Are you sure it’s okay that I stay here?” I turned to face Denise. “I don’t want to be a bother or anything I can go to a hotel it’s no problem” I assured.
“Nonsense Is, our home is your home your welcome to stay here anytime it’s not a bother at all” she smiled as she rubbed my arm.
“Thank you very much” I returned the gesture with a hug and then I made my way down the hall after Joe.
“Nice meeting you Brooke” I waved.
“Nice meeting you too” she waved back.
Later that night at dinner Nick brought up Joanna. Brooke was gone already. When Nick mentioned Joanna’s name Kevin’s eyes lit up with a twinkle I had never seen before except in Lucas’ and my parents. He really felt something for this girl. His eyes were filled with so much love. My heart broke. Then suddenly his eyes turned dark and he spoke in deadliest tone.
“What about her? I’m over her already” he said as he continued eating. “She’s not worth any of my tears or my time. I’m sick of it and I’m tired of beating myself up for it. She never existed she’s dead to me. Please don’t mention her name anymore” he said as he closed his eyes to relieve the pain he felt in his heart.
“Kev” Nick said as he tried to place a hand on Kevin’s shoulder.
“What did I ever do to her? All I did was give her the time of my life and she just disappeared without a word or an ‘I’m sorry’ or something. I’ve looked for her for the past four months and she doesn’t give a crap. But it’s fine I understand that she hates me and I have to do same.” He breathed and opened his eyes as the tears slowly escaped. “I’m sorry Is” he turned to apologize to me. “Excuse me” he said as he got up and walked away.
“Poor Kevin” Joe said as Kevin disappeared down the hall.
He hated me, well not me Joanna. But Joanna was me we were the same person even he said so. He felt a connection with me that he felt with her that night. He admitted it to me. We were alike and more alike than he would ever know. I could never tell him the truth now. He was hurting because of me. He would hate me even more if he were to find out that I was the girl behind the mask. Joe would hate me as well because I caused his brother so much pain for so long. The whole family would hate me for causing so much pain to this family. What do I do now? I couldn’t have them hate me but I couldn’t stand to see Kevin hurting so much. Everyone was asleep now it was midnight meaning it was four in the morning back home I couldn’t call Ariel at this time. I couldn’t sleep I kept thinking of Kevin’s face. He felt so much pain. After about an hour of running things back and forth in my head I finally closed my eyes and went to sleep. I woke up at six and looked at the time it was ten back home. I searched for my phone and called Ariel.
“Hello” she said sleepily into her phone.
“Hi El I’m sorry to wake you up” I apologized.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“Six here, ten there” I answered.
“Why are you awake so early?” she asked.
“I couldn’t’ sleep I really need to talk to you”
“About what is everything okay?” she asked as her voice began to clear up and sound more awake.
“No it’s not okay he hates me” I said sadly. “Well he hates Joanna but Joanna is me and he doesn’t know that and I don’t know what to do now I’m so confused if I tell them they’ll hate me even more and if I don’t he’ll continue to suffer about it and I don’t know Ariel I’m so lost, so confused” I blurted really fast.
“Whoa wait hold on slower please who hates you?” she asked.
“Kevin hates me Joanna. He said it last night at dinner he said she was dead to him that she never existed. I swear if it wasn’t that I was sitting by him he probably would’ve broken into tears.” I explained.
“Wow Is” she replied.
“I know you should’ve seen how hurt he was. I felt his pain and seeing his eyes filled with hate, pain, rage and sadness all at once made me want to cry. It’s all my fault he’s hurting this way and now I can’t ever tell him the truth” I said sadly. “He will never know that I was the girl behind the mask that night eventually he’ll forget about me”
“Who knows he might not really hate you? He’s just sad” she said.
“I don’t know I mean what about Joe I can’t tell him that I’m the girl his brother is suffering over that I’m the girl his brother is in love with. And then I can’t tell him that I think I love him too” tears began to flow. “What if I turn two brothers against each other that’s the least that I want. I don’t want to cause anymore trouble to this family that’s why I can’t tell them anything” I added.
“But Is? I’m not sure that’s a good idea” she tried to say.
“I’ve made up my decision El they’ll never know that I’m Joanna” I replied and then I heard a sound that didn’t come from Ariel.
I slowly looked up to see my door open and Nick standing in the doorway. Had he heard everything? Or did he hear just a bit?
“Nick” I whispered.
“I can’t believe this” he sadly shook his head.
“I can explain” I began.
“Save it” he began to turn around.
“I gotta call you back” I clicked before she could even reply. “Nick wait” I called to him but he continued walking. I jumped off my bed and followed him down the hall.
“Nick please I can explain” I said once I was close behind him.
“How could you?” he turned and yelled at me. “How could you hurt him so much?” he asked.
“Nick please I don’t want anyone else to hear can we talk somewhere else please I promise I’ll explain everything.” I begged.
“Okay meet me downstairs in five minutes let me put on some clothes and we’ll take a walk alright” he explained.
“Alright” I said as I turned and headed back to my room to put on a pair of jeans a white v-neck and my pair of black and white converse. As soon as I finished tying my hair into a ponytail I silently headed downstairs and waited for Nick outside on the porch.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
CHAPTER 27:
I quickly looked away from Kevin and looked into the pond below us. Why did I feel so guilty? We were sitting around on the grass all talking about things when Nick began to question Kevin about Joanna well me.
"So Kevin, how is your search going with that mystery girl Joanna?" Nick asked and Peyton instantly shot her head up and looked at me.
"No luck" he said simply.
"What happened with that girl who said her name was Joanna?" Nick asked.
"It wasn't really her" Kevin replied.
"Did you ask her about the necklace?"
"What necklace?" Peyton asked.
"On the night of the costume party when Joanna went running up stairs she dropped a gold chain with a locket. I found it and showed it to Kevin. Inside the locket was a picture of her as a child and two adults" Nick explained. Mom and Dad. I lifted my hand and placed it on my chest. That's where my necklace went to.
"No I didn't ask her cause I already knew she wasn't the one" Kevin said sadly. "I'm never going to find her" Peyton stared at him with sad eyes and then she looked at me and I felt guilty.
The rest of the evening was kind of awkward. Kevin constantly avoided looking at me and it hurt me a lot. I felt the pain he felt in his heart. He was hurt, disappointed and sort of guilty. I liked Joe a lot but I also felt as if there was something between Kevin and me as well. Thankfully I had to go to work. I was never so glad to be working. I left the picnic and got to work on time. I tried to ignore the feeling I had inside me by focusing on the proposition Edward spoke to me about earlier. Work was dead and Ariel and Peyton never came around anymore. When I arrived home later that night I threw myself onto my bed and thought about today. Was it right to accept Joe so quickly? I still loved Lucas and no matter who comes into my life I always will. Forever and Always.
The next couple days were a blur. The boys went back home and we kept in touch. Today was the last day I had to make up my mind on whether I was moving out with Edward or not. I had to make a choice.
"You wanted to speak to me?" he asked as he entered my room.
"Yeah come on down" I said to him.
"So did you finally come to a decision?" he asked once he made it to the bottom of the stairs.
"Yeah that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Come, sit" I motioned for him to sit beside me.
"Alright what is it?" he asked.
"What will we do about work?" I asked.
"Don't worry I got that taken care of" he assured me.
"And all my stuff?" I asked as well.
"That too" he said.
"Then I guess I'm moving out" I said with a smile.
"Yes!" he yelled excitedly. "Thank you so much" he hugged me. "I promise you won't regret one minute I swear"
"So when are you closing the deal?"
"I already did" he replied.
"Huh?" I asked confused.
"When you called me and told me to meet you here cause you wanted to talk I knew by the tone of your voice. I was on my way to see the landlord to tell her what I had decided and I told her I was going to take it. I just got back from there so it's a good thing you said yes" he laughed.
"Wow I guess it is" I placed my hand over his. "Just give me about a week to finally move out okay I’m not saying that I’m not going with you cause I already said yes. I just need to take care of a few things alright"
"You can take as long as you need" he assured me and then he kissed my forehead and left the room.
*JOE'S POV*
"Guess what?" I asked Kevin as I walked into his room.
"What Joe?" He replied kind of harshly.
"Isabella is moving out I just got offline with her. She's moving out of her hell hole and she's moving in with Edward. And she's coming down here in a couple days" I explained.
"To California?" he asked.
"Yeah she's coming to check out UCLA after I begged her to come" I explained.
"Well at least she's finally doing something with herself. I've been telling her for a while now" he replied.
"Yea I’m really happy for her"
*ISABELLA'S POV*
IM For: fashionel
rockstar550: Hey El
fashionel: Hi Is
rockstar550: What are you up to?
fashionel: Nothing just working on some sketches and you?
rockstar550: Getting ready to leave
fashionel: Oh yea you have to work
rockstar550: No I’m moving out with Edward
fashionel: Are you serious!
rockstar550: yeah I’m finally moving out
fashionel: finally
rockstar550: yea and I really need your help
fashionel: okay what is it?
rockstar550: do you remember that mystery guy Joe the one I've been IMing for almost two years now?
fashionel: Yeah what about him?
rockstar550: Well you probably wouldn’t believe this but he's Joe Jonas
fashionel: no way
rockstar550: yeah I found out the day Lucas passed away he came down here to find me cause he thought I was in trouble and I found out it was him
fashionel: oh wow
rockstar550: yeah and the other day I was hanging out with them and he kissed me and Kevin saw it and I feel so bad, so confused.
fashionel: do you like him?
rockstar550: which one?
fashionel: idk Kevin? Joe?
rockstar550: I like them both
fashionel: there's the problem um which do you like more?
rockstar550: idk and Kevin is still looking for Joanna
fashionel: damn he really liked you
rockstar550: hold on someone's calling me brb
I stepped away from the computer and walked towards the stairs.
"Isabella!" I heard.
"Yeah" I yelled back. The door opened it was Virginia.
"My moms calling you she needs something" she replied.
"Okay I’m going" I began up the stairs.
*3RD PERSON POV*
As soon as Isabella disappeared into the hallway Virginia made her way downstairs. She walked up to the computer and began scrolling through the messages.
"*gasp* Oh my God" she said to herself. "Isabella is Joanna. This stupid little bitch is my competition. We'll see about that" she said as she flipped open her phone and searched for Joe's number. "And she's trying to take Joe from Juliet"
She heard Isabella coming down the hall so she closed back her phone and put it away. I'll tell him later: she thought to herself. She ran up the stairs and out of the room just before Isabella saw her.
*ISABELLA'S POV*
fashionel: damn he really liked you
rockstar550: hold on someone's calling me brb
fashionel: alright
rockstar550: Okay I’m back so as I was saying I don't know what to do
fashionel: maybe you should tell Kevin and Joe the truth
rockstar550: I can't they'll both hate me for it
fashionel: don't you think its better they find out by you than by someone else
rockstar550: yeah but it’s already too late for that
fashionel: if you wait longer things will get worse
rockstar550: I just can't
fashionel: fine but you'll regret it
rockstar550: I know but anyways what are the sketches for?
fashionel: UCLA
rockstar550: huh?
fashionel: they sent me a paper saying that they loved my work and wanted me to send them in a few designs to show the headmaster. I might go there in the fall
rockstar550: about UCLA I'm leaving tonight to California I want to check it out
fashionel: that's great
rockstar550: Yeah I might as well try to pursue my dream since I’m already moving out
fashionel: that's great I’m truly happy for you
rockstar550: thanks
fashionel: then I guess I might be seeing you there
rockstar550: hopefully I get in
fashionel: you will you're an amazing writer
rockstar550: and you're an amazing designer good luck on your sketches.
fashionel: talk to the boys that's all I’m saying
rockstar550: I’ll think about it
I packed up my clothes and Edward drove me to the airport. Maybe Ariel was right I had to tell the boys sometime and maybe that time was now.
"So Kevin, how is your search going with that mystery girl Joanna?" Nick asked and Peyton instantly shot her head up and looked at me.
"No luck" he said simply.
"What happened with that girl who said her name was Joanna?" Nick asked.
"It wasn't really her" Kevin replied.
"Did you ask her about the necklace?"
"What necklace?" Peyton asked.
"On the night of the costume party when Joanna went running up stairs she dropped a gold chain with a locket. I found it and showed it to Kevin. Inside the locket was a picture of her as a child and two adults" Nick explained. Mom and Dad. I lifted my hand and placed it on my chest. That's where my necklace went to.
"No I didn't ask her cause I already knew she wasn't the one" Kevin said sadly. "I'm never going to find her" Peyton stared at him with sad eyes and then she looked at me and I felt guilty.
The rest of the evening was kind of awkward. Kevin constantly avoided looking at me and it hurt me a lot. I felt the pain he felt in his heart. He was hurt, disappointed and sort of guilty. I liked Joe a lot but I also felt as if there was something between Kevin and me as well. Thankfully I had to go to work. I was never so glad to be working. I left the picnic and got to work on time. I tried to ignore the feeling I had inside me by focusing on the proposition Edward spoke to me about earlier. Work was dead and Ariel and Peyton never came around anymore. When I arrived home later that night I threw myself onto my bed and thought about today. Was it right to accept Joe so quickly? I still loved Lucas and no matter who comes into my life I always will. Forever and Always.
The next couple days were a blur. The boys went back home and we kept in touch. Today was the last day I had to make up my mind on whether I was moving out with Edward or not. I had to make a choice.
"You wanted to speak to me?" he asked as he entered my room.
"Yeah come on down" I said to him.
"So did you finally come to a decision?" he asked once he made it to the bottom of the stairs.
"Yeah that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Come, sit" I motioned for him to sit beside me.
"Alright what is it?" he asked.
"What will we do about work?" I asked.
"Don't worry I got that taken care of" he assured me.
"And all my stuff?" I asked as well.
"That too" he said.
"Then I guess I'm moving out" I said with a smile.
"Yes!" he yelled excitedly. "Thank you so much" he hugged me. "I promise you won't regret one minute I swear"
"So when are you closing the deal?"
"I already did" he replied.
"Huh?" I asked confused.
"When you called me and told me to meet you here cause you wanted to talk I knew by the tone of your voice. I was on my way to see the landlord to tell her what I had decided and I told her I was going to take it. I just got back from there so it's a good thing you said yes" he laughed.
"Wow I guess it is" I placed my hand over his. "Just give me about a week to finally move out okay I’m not saying that I’m not going with you cause I already said yes. I just need to take care of a few things alright"
"You can take as long as you need" he assured me and then he kissed my forehead and left the room.
*JOE'S POV*
"Guess what?" I asked Kevin as I walked into his room.
"What Joe?" He replied kind of harshly.
"Isabella is moving out I just got offline with her. She's moving out of her hell hole and she's moving in with Edward. And she's coming down here in a couple days" I explained.
"To California?" he asked.
"Yeah she's coming to check out UCLA after I begged her to come" I explained.
"Well at least she's finally doing something with herself. I've been telling her for a while now" he replied.
"Yea I’m really happy for her"
*ISABELLA'S POV*
IM For: fashionel
rockstar550: Hey El
fashionel: Hi Is
rockstar550: What are you up to?
fashionel: Nothing just working on some sketches and you?
rockstar550: Getting ready to leave
fashionel: Oh yea you have to work
rockstar550: No I’m moving out with Edward
fashionel: Are you serious!
rockstar550: yeah I’m finally moving out
fashionel: finally
rockstar550: yea and I really need your help
fashionel: okay what is it?
rockstar550: do you remember that mystery guy Joe the one I've been IMing for almost two years now?
fashionel: Yeah what about him?
rockstar550: Well you probably wouldn’t believe this but he's Joe Jonas
fashionel: no way
rockstar550: yeah I found out the day Lucas passed away he came down here to find me cause he thought I was in trouble and I found out it was him
fashionel: oh wow
rockstar550: yeah and the other day I was hanging out with them and he kissed me and Kevin saw it and I feel so bad, so confused.
fashionel: do you like him?
rockstar550: which one?
fashionel: idk Kevin? Joe?
rockstar550: I like them both
fashionel: there's the problem um which do you like more?
rockstar550: idk and Kevin is still looking for Joanna
fashionel: damn he really liked you
rockstar550: hold on someone's calling me brb
I stepped away from the computer and walked towards the stairs.
"Isabella!" I heard.
"Yeah" I yelled back. The door opened it was Virginia.
"My moms calling you she needs something" she replied.
"Okay I’m going" I began up the stairs.
*3RD PERSON POV*
As soon as Isabella disappeared into the hallway Virginia made her way downstairs. She walked up to the computer and began scrolling through the messages.
"*gasp* Oh my God" she said to herself. "Isabella is Joanna. This stupid little bitch is my competition. We'll see about that" she said as she flipped open her phone and searched for Joe's number. "And she's trying to take Joe from Juliet"
She heard Isabella coming down the hall so she closed back her phone and put it away. I'll tell him later: she thought to herself. She ran up the stairs and out of the room just before Isabella saw her.
*ISABELLA'S POV*
fashionel: damn he really liked you
rockstar550: hold on someone's calling me brb
fashionel: alright
rockstar550: Okay I’m back so as I was saying I don't know what to do
fashionel: maybe you should tell Kevin and Joe the truth
rockstar550: I can't they'll both hate me for it
fashionel: don't you think its better they find out by you than by someone else
rockstar550: yeah but it’s already too late for that
fashionel: if you wait longer things will get worse
rockstar550: I just can't
fashionel: fine but you'll regret it
rockstar550: I know but anyways what are the sketches for?
fashionel: UCLA
rockstar550: huh?
fashionel: they sent me a paper saying that they loved my work and wanted me to send them in a few designs to show the headmaster. I might go there in the fall
rockstar550: about UCLA I'm leaving tonight to California I want to check it out
fashionel: that's great
rockstar550: Yeah I might as well try to pursue my dream since I’m already moving out
fashionel: that's great I’m truly happy for you
rockstar550: thanks
fashionel: then I guess I might be seeing you there
rockstar550: hopefully I get in
fashionel: you will you're an amazing writer
rockstar550: and you're an amazing designer good luck on your sketches.
fashionel: talk to the boys that's all I’m saying
rockstar550: I’ll think about it
I packed up my clothes and Edward drove me to the airport. Maybe Ariel was right I had to tell the boys sometime and maybe that time was now.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
CHAPTER 26:
Today was the last day the boys were going to be in town. A whole week had gone by since the New Year’s Eve party. I met Mr. and Mrs. Jonas a couple days after and they were very sweet to me. Frankie was adorable and he was quite the smooth talker. Mrs. Jonas was very supportive of the whole situation with the death of Lucas. Apparently the boys told her what happened. She gave me great advice and she insisted I talk to her if I needed any help. She was really sweet and she hated when I called her Mrs. Jonas, she felt old so she made me call her Denise, which was kind of awkward at first. When I wasn’t working I was with the Jonas family. I barely spent anytime at home except when I had to sleep. Joe and I never spoke about the kiss we shared on New Year. None of us dared to speak about it. It was kind of awkward being around him after that so I spent time mostly with Kevin. I didn’t know where that kiss left us. Were we friends or more than friends? Today the Jonas’ were having a picnic at the Amelia Earhart Park. I was getting ready to leave when Edward knocked on the door to my room.
“Come in” I yelled from the bottom of the stairs.
“Are you busy?” he asked as he walked down the steps.
“I was just leaving” I replied.
“Oh I just wanted to talk to you about something but it can wait” he said as he began to turn around and head back up the stairs.
“No I got time what’s up?” I sat on my bed and motioned for him to sit as well.
“Well I’m thinking about leaving” he began as he took a seat across from me on my computer seat.
“What do you mean leaving?” I asked kind of confused. Did he mean like moving away?
“Moving out away from this hell hole” he replied.
“Oh so you’re leaving me” I said sadly.
“Isabella” he began.
“No it’s okay I understand you have to do what you have to do” I cut him off. “I’ll be fine don’t worry about me” I added as I got up and walked towards the stairs.
“That’s not what I meant” he walked up behind me.
“Hope you have a nice life” I replied as I grabbed my keys and started going up the stairs.
“I want you to go with me” he yelled and I stopped dead in my tracks.
“What?” I turned around and looked at him.
“That’s what I meant. I’m thinking about leaving and I want you to go with me please” he explained.
“I don’t know” I began to step down.
“Look this place isn’t doing you any good. You don’t feel safe and that’s just not the home you should be living in. I’ve been saving money since I started working for my mother and I have more than enough to leave and to take you with me” he advised.
“Edward I” I started.
“I promised I would look after you and that’s just what I’m going to do but it takes two. I’m not going to force you to leave but I’m giving you the option of going with me. We can share an apartment or something but if you choose to stay then I’ll have no choice but to respect your decision. Whatever you decide I’m with you 100% but I just can’t take it here anymore. All the abuse, the disrespect I’m done with it Is and you should be too” he explained.
“Give me time to think about it” I replied.
“I went searching for an apartment yesterday and I found this really nice one near downtown Miami and it’s running really cheap. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms it’s really nice and it has a lot of space. I have a week to decide if I’m going to take it so let me know please” he answered. “Please think about it really well” he begged.
“I will and thanks” I hugged him.
“Well I’ll see you later” he headed up the stairs.
“Bye” I said as he disappeared out the door.
Wow! He practically just gave me my ticket to freedom. He was very smart. He was saving money the same way I did. We could move out together and then maybe I could go to UCLA like I always dreamed of going. But then what if I lose my job? How will I get the rest of the money to pay for school? It’s a lot to think of. I can’t leave this home it’s all I have left of my parents. This house and the store were the only things left. I headed up the stairs and got into my car. The Jonas’ were waiting for me.
I arrived at the park fifteen minutes later. Paul already had the grill going and Denise was setting the table under the little hut. Nick was on the bridge with Peyton throwing rocks into the pond. Joe and Kevin were playing catch with Frankie on the grass.
“Hi Mrs. Jo- I mean Denise” I smiled as I leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey Isabella” she greeted back. “Boys Isabella’s here” she yelled.
“Isabella” Frankie yelled as he ran up to hug me.
“Hey Frankie” I hugged him back.
“What’s up Bells?” Joe said to me.
“Hey Is” Kevin greeted.
“I thought this was supposed to be a picnic” I motioned towards their dad on the grill. They looked at me confused. “Well you know picnic baskets, blanket, and sandwiches” I added.
“Oh well we’ve decided to go modern” Kevin laughed.
“You mean barbecue” I playfully punched him in the arm.
“You want to play catch” Frankie asked as he pulled my hand.
“Sure why not?” I replied as I ran along with him onto the grass.
Lunch was ready not long after we began to play and we all sat together and ate. For once I felt like family and I felt loved. After we ate Joe, Kevin and I sat on the grass and spoke. I explained to them about Edward wanting to move out and they both agreed that I should do it. They both thought that it was what was best for me. I needed to get out of that house. Even I knew that.
“Can we talk?” Joe asked.
“Uh sure” I said as I got up and followed him.
“So you’re leaving. That’s great maybe you can finally go to study writing or become the rockstar you’ve always wanted to be” he said.
“Shh Joe no one knows about that. I’ve long forgotten that dream alright it’s not going to happen” I whispered.
“Why won’t you ever sing for me?” he asked.
“Because I sound horrible” I replied.
“I bet you’re just saying that so I leave you alone cause believe me you do not sound horrible” he smiled.
“And how would you know that?” I asked.
“Well ever since you know” he meant Lucas’ death. “You haven’t been very smart. Whenever we speak on video chat there are times you forget to turn of your camera. I’ve seen you sing in your room and you’re not bad Bells” he smiled.
“Not bad?” I felt offended.
“I’ve seen better,” he laughed.
“Gee thanks”
“Just kidding Belle you’re great and you can’t keep talent like that away from the world”
“Okay I’ll keep that in mind” I replied.
“What I really wanted to talk about was the New Year’s Eve party. Do you like regret what happened cause I don’t. I’ve been thinking a lot about it” he said as we walked towards the bridge.
“I’ve thought about it too and I don’t really regret it either it’s just that I don’t know what to say” I replied and he kissed me again just like the other night. It was nice and soft. “So where does this leave us Joe?” I asked once he pulled away.
“I want to be with you Bells. Ever since I first started talking to you I thought you were amazing and I still do. I want for you to be my girlfriend but if you don’t want to I understand totally I-” I kissed him. Maybe that would make him stop babbling “Is that a yes?” he asked. I kissed him again. I nodded then I smiled and when I looked behind him Kevin was staring straight at us with hurt and pain in his eyes.
“Come in” I yelled from the bottom of the stairs.
“Are you busy?” he asked as he walked down the steps.
“I was just leaving” I replied.
“Oh I just wanted to talk to you about something but it can wait” he said as he began to turn around and head back up the stairs.
“No I got time what’s up?” I sat on my bed and motioned for him to sit as well.
“Well I’m thinking about leaving” he began as he took a seat across from me on my computer seat.
“What do you mean leaving?” I asked kind of confused. Did he mean like moving away?
“Moving out away from this hell hole” he replied.
“Oh so you’re leaving me” I said sadly.
“Isabella” he began.
“No it’s okay I understand you have to do what you have to do” I cut him off. “I’ll be fine don’t worry about me” I added as I got up and walked towards the stairs.
“That’s not what I meant” he walked up behind me.
“Hope you have a nice life” I replied as I grabbed my keys and started going up the stairs.
“I want you to go with me” he yelled and I stopped dead in my tracks.
“What?” I turned around and looked at him.
“That’s what I meant. I’m thinking about leaving and I want you to go with me please” he explained.
“I don’t know” I began to step down.
“Look this place isn’t doing you any good. You don’t feel safe and that’s just not the home you should be living in. I’ve been saving money since I started working for my mother and I have more than enough to leave and to take you with me” he advised.
“Edward I” I started.
“I promised I would look after you and that’s just what I’m going to do but it takes two. I’m not going to force you to leave but I’m giving you the option of going with me. We can share an apartment or something but if you choose to stay then I’ll have no choice but to respect your decision. Whatever you decide I’m with you 100% but I just can’t take it here anymore. All the abuse, the disrespect I’m done with it Is and you should be too” he explained.
“Give me time to think about it” I replied.
“I went searching for an apartment yesterday and I found this really nice one near downtown Miami and it’s running really cheap. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms it’s really nice and it has a lot of space. I have a week to decide if I’m going to take it so let me know please” he answered. “Please think about it really well” he begged.
“I will and thanks” I hugged him.
“Well I’ll see you later” he headed up the stairs.
“Bye” I said as he disappeared out the door.
Wow! He practically just gave me my ticket to freedom. He was very smart. He was saving money the same way I did. We could move out together and then maybe I could go to UCLA like I always dreamed of going. But then what if I lose my job? How will I get the rest of the money to pay for school? It’s a lot to think of. I can’t leave this home it’s all I have left of my parents. This house and the store were the only things left. I headed up the stairs and got into my car. The Jonas’ were waiting for me.
I arrived at the park fifteen minutes later. Paul already had the grill going and Denise was setting the table under the little hut. Nick was on the bridge with Peyton throwing rocks into the pond. Joe and Kevin were playing catch with Frankie on the grass.
“Hi Mrs. Jo- I mean Denise” I smiled as I leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey Isabella” she greeted back. “Boys Isabella’s here” she yelled.
“Isabella” Frankie yelled as he ran up to hug me.
“Hey Frankie” I hugged him back.
“What’s up Bells?” Joe said to me.
“Hey Is” Kevin greeted.
“I thought this was supposed to be a picnic” I motioned towards their dad on the grill. They looked at me confused. “Well you know picnic baskets, blanket, and sandwiches” I added.
“Oh well we’ve decided to go modern” Kevin laughed.
“You mean barbecue” I playfully punched him in the arm.
“You want to play catch” Frankie asked as he pulled my hand.
“Sure why not?” I replied as I ran along with him onto the grass.
Lunch was ready not long after we began to play and we all sat together and ate. For once I felt like family and I felt loved. After we ate Joe, Kevin and I sat on the grass and spoke. I explained to them about Edward wanting to move out and they both agreed that I should do it. They both thought that it was what was best for me. I needed to get out of that house. Even I knew that.
“Can we talk?” Joe asked.
“Uh sure” I said as I got up and followed him.
“So you’re leaving. That’s great maybe you can finally go to study writing or become the rockstar you’ve always wanted to be” he said.
“Shh Joe no one knows about that. I’ve long forgotten that dream alright it’s not going to happen” I whispered.
“Why won’t you ever sing for me?” he asked.
“Because I sound horrible” I replied.
“I bet you’re just saying that so I leave you alone cause believe me you do not sound horrible” he smiled.
“And how would you know that?” I asked.
“Well ever since you know” he meant Lucas’ death. “You haven’t been very smart. Whenever we speak on video chat there are times you forget to turn of your camera. I’ve seen you sing in your room and you’re not bad Bells” he smiled.
“Not bad?” I felt offended.
“I’ve seen better,” he laughed.
“Gee thanks”
“Just kidding Belle you’re great and you can’t keep talent like that away from the world”
“Okay I’ll keep that in mind” I replied.
“What I really wanted to talk about was the New Year’s Eve party. Do you like regret what happened cause I don’t. I’ve been thinking a lot about it” he said as we walked towards the bridge.
“I’ve thought about it too and I don’t really regret it either it’s just that I don’t know what to say” I replied and he kissed me again just like the other night. It was nice and soft. “So where does this leave us Joe?” I asked once he pulled away.
“I want to be with you Bells. Ever since I first started talking to you I thought you were amazing and I still do. I want for you to be my girlfriend but if you don’t want to I understand totally I-” I kissed him. Maybe that would make him stop babbling “Is that a yes?” he asked. I kissed him again. I nodded then I smiled and when I looked behind him Kevin was staring straight at us with hurt and pain in his eyes.
CHAPTER 25:
When I arrived home after the funeral of coarse Nicole was furious but I didn’t care and neither did Edward. She gave us a speech and all but we just walked past her and towards our rooms. I went straight to bed that night. For the next month that’s how it was work then home to bed. The boys were on vacation so they spent and extra two weeks in Miami to make sure I was alright. Christmas was terrible, it was Lucas’ 20th birthday and two days later it made a month since his death. Today was New Year’s Eve and luckily the store was closed today so I didn’t have to work. Edward came into my room earlier and told me that the boys called cause they were in town and they wanted us to go with them to a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party. I really didn’t want to go but Edward insisted that it was time for me to take a step out into the world. For the past month I haven’t been out anywhere except to work. I haven’t seen Peyton or Ariel and I’ve only spoken to them twice since the funeral. I dragged myself to change into descent attire for today. I slipped on a pair of black (skinny) dress pants and a nice white shirt. I put on a pair of black high heel boots and my long grey coat it was kind of chilly outside. I put on a bit of eyeliner, dark smoky eye shadow and left my hair loose in wavy curls.
“You ready?” Edward asked as he walked down the steps into my room. He was wearing black dress pants and a black dress shirt. His hair was nicely tied up in a ponytail.
“Yeah let’s go” I replied as I grabbed my bag and followed him up the steps.
The “family” wasn’t “home” so we dodged the whole twenty-one questions. We got into his camaro and drove to the party. It was a couple blocks away from the hotel the boys were staying at. The party was at a beach house. The boys had just arrived when we got there.
“Hey Is” Kevin greeted me as he hugged.
“Hi Kevin” I hugged back.
“Bells!” Joe yelled as he hugged me once Kevin stepped away.
“Hey Joe” I giggled.
“What’s up guys?” Edward greeted as they gave each other hi fives and all those things guys do.
“So who’s house is this anyways?” I asked as we began to walk towards the front door.
“An old family friend she’s throwing a party but my parent’s couldn’t make it so they sent us alone.” Kevin explained.
“Frankie got sick, poor kid. They had to stay with him but they’ll be here tomorrow” Joe added.
We entered the house it was full of Disney kids. It was one of those rockin’ New Year’s Eve things they do every year in New York Times Square. This year they all got together and convinced the head of the whole corporation to host it here in Miami on the beach where we could see the fireworks clearer, and the boys’ family friend had just the right spot for it. The house was huge and behind it was a big deck with a pool and a slide. Just on the side was a couple steps that lead to the big stage where everyone was going to perform. Below the deck were steps that lead to the dance floor and the big open beach that was lit up with tiki torches where people danced as well. They introduced us to the owner of the party shockingly it was someone famous I had seen in a Disney movie not long ago. Hillary Duff. Apparently the Jonas’ family and her family were close friends. After she gave us a tour of the house and gave us access to anything we wanted I went to sit by the tiki bar out by the beach. It wasn’t as chilly as I thought it would be so I left my jacket in the car luckily I wasn’t wearing a long sleeve shirt. Joe was talking to Edward near the pool and Kevin was walking towards me.
“Wanna take a walk?” he asked me.
“Uh sure why not?” I replied.
He reached for my hand and I gladly gave it to him as we walked down the lit beach. The waves were calm and the sky was clear and beautiful. The stars were so visible tonight and the moon shined as bright as ever over the dark blue water. He let go of my hand and bent to pick up a shell. He handed me a beautiful pearl white shell and then slipped his hands into his pant pockets as we walked side by side.
“So how are you?” he asked breaking the silence.
“I’m okay I guess” I said simply.
“How you holding up?”
“I’m making it through you know day by day” I replied.
“I heard you haven’t been out much” he stated.
“Where did you hear that?” Okay I knew but still. “I’ve been out to places” I added.
“Work doesn’t count” he stared at me.
“Okay fine I haven’t gone out big deal” I said as I stopped walking and looked at him.
“That’s not good you have to get out Is you have to try to move on” he explained.
“I can’t I’m not ready” I sat on the sand and stared out at the ocean before me.
“No one ever is but it’s part of the healing process look we’re going to be here for the next week and I promise I’ll take you out at least to get some fresh air you need it” he offered.
“I don’t know Kevin” I began.
“Please I want to help and plus I promised your parents and Lucas that I would help take care of you” he begged. “Let me help you”
“We’ll see okay” I replied and he nodded.
“We should start heading back it’s almost midnight and we have to perform” he informed me.
“Without Nick?” I asked.
“Nick’s here he arrived not long after we did. He was with Peyton so he came afterward in a taxi” he explained.
“Oh alright then let’s go” I said as Kevin helped me to my feet.
We walked back to the party and Miley was performing. I greeted Nick and then went to hang out with Edward while the boys got ready to perform next. Miley sung her hit ‘Breakout’ and then the boys were up. Everyone sung and danced around the stage while they performed ‘Burning Up’. They got their round of applauses and then they came to join us once again. Nick left right after because he wanted to be with Peyton when the clock struck twelve so Kevin and Joe let him go. Taylor Swift was up on stage next and she began to sing ‘Crazier’ from the upcoming movie Hannah Montana in which she was making an appearance.
“Want to dance?” Joe asked as she began to sing.
“Alright” I agreed as he stuck out his hand for me to take.
We walked to the sand on the beach and began to dance. I never knew Joe knew how to slow dance. He pulled me closer to him and really swept me off my feet. We stared into each other’s eyes as we moved together to the sound of the music. We didn’t know the song ended until she began to talk. We were in another world. It was just the two of us.
“Alright everybody I believe it’s time for the countdown” she yelled into the mic and both Joe and I came back into reality. We smiled and then turned to face her on stage. A screen came down from behind her and Times Square appeared on it. There was thirty seconds until midnight. Joe held my hand as we began to cheer with the crowd. Edward and Kevin were close by the pool shouting the countdown.
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one” I cheered beside Joe. “Happy New Year whoo!” I yelled as I giggled at how much fun this was. I turned to face Joe and he turned to face me.
“Happy New Year Bells!” he yelled.
“Happy New Year Joe” I replied and he pulled me in a tight hug.
Everyone around us was jumping up and down cheering, drinking, or congratulating one another. Some people even jumped into the pool. Joe pulled away from me stared into my eyes and smiled. He brushed my hair back and moved closer towards me. Then before I knew it his lips were on mine and I was kissing back.
“You ready?” Edward asked as he walked down the steps into my room. He was wearing black dress pants and a black dress shirt. His hair was nicely tied up in a ponytail.
“Yeah let’s go” I replied as I grabbed my bag and followed him up the steps.
The “family” wasn’t “home” so we dodged the whole twenty-one questions. We got into his camaro and drove to the party. It was a couple blocks away from the hotel the boys were staying at. The party was at a beach house. The boys had just arrived when we got there.
“Hey Is” Kevin greeted me as he hugged.
“Hi Kevin” I hugged back.
“Bells!” Joe yelled as he hugged me once Kevin stepped away.
“Hey Joe” I giggled.
“What’s up guys?” Edward greeted as they gave each other hi fives and all those things guys do.
“So who’s house is this anyways?” I asked as we began to walk towards the front door.
“An old family friend she’s throwing a party but my parent’s couldn’t make it so they sent us alone.” Kevin explained.
“Frankie got sick, poor kid. They had to stay with him but they’ll be here tomorrow” Joe added.
We entered the house it was full of Disney kids. It was one of those rockin’ New Year’s Eve things they do every year in New York Times Square. This year they all got together and convinced the head of the whole corporation to host it here in Miami on the beach where we could see the fireworks clearer, and the boys’ family friend had just the right spot for it. The house was huge and behind it was a big deck with a pool and a slide. Just on the side was a couple steps that lead to the big stage where everyone was going to perform. Below the deck were steps that lead to the dance floor and the big open beach that was lit up with tiki torches where people danced as well. They introduced us to the owner of the party shockingly it was someone famous I had seen in a Disney movie not long ago. Hillary Duff. Apparently the Jonas’ family and her family were close friends. After she gave us a tour of the house and gave us access to anything we wanted I went to sit by the tiki bar out by the beach. It wasn’t as chilly as I thought it would be so I left my jacket in the car luckily I wasn’t wearing a long sleeve shirt. Joe was talking to Edward near the pool and Kevin was walking towards me.
“Wanna take a walk?” he asked me.
“Uh sure why not?” I replied.
He reached for my hand and I gladly gave it to him as we walked down the lit beach. The waves were calm and the sky was clear and beautiful. The stars were so visible tonight and the moon shined as bright as ever over the dark blue water. He let go of my hand and bent to pick up a shell. He handed me a beautiful pearl white shell and then slipped his hands into his pant pockets as we walked side by side.
“So how are you?” he asked breaking the silence.
“I’m okay I guess” I said simply.
“How you holding up?”
“I’m making it through you know day by day” I replied.
“I heard you haven’t been out much” he stated.
“Where did you hear that?” Okay I knew but still. “I’ve been out to places” I added.
“Work doesn’t count” he stared at me.
“Okay fine I haven’t gone out big deal” I said as I stopped walking and looked at him.
“That’s not good you have to get out Is you have to try to move on” he explained.
“I can’t I’m not ready” I sat on the sand and stared out at the ocean before me.
“No one ever is but it’s part of the healing process look we’re going to be here for the next week and I promise I’ll take you out at least to get some fresh air you need it” he offered.
“I don’t know Kevin” I began.
“Please I want to help and plus I promised your parents and Lucas that I would help take care of you” he begged. “Let me help you”
“We’ll see okay” I replied and he nodded.
“We should start heading back it’s almost midnight and we have to perform” he informed me.
“Without Nick?” I asked.
“Nick’s here he arrived not long after we did. He was with Peyton so he came afterward in a taxi” he explained.
“Oh alright then let’s go” I said as Kevin helped me to my feet.
We walked back to the party and Miley was performing. I greeted Nick and then went to hang out with Edward while the boys got ready to perform next. Miley sung her hit ‘Breakout’ and then the boys were up. Everyone sung and danced around the stage while they performed ‘Burning Up’. They got their round of applauses and then they came to join us once again. Nick left right after because he wanted to be with Peyton when the clock struck twelve so Kevin and Joe let him go. Taylor Swift was up on stage next and she began to sing ‘Crazier’ from the upcoming movie Hannah Montana in which she was making an appearance.
“Want to dance?” Joe asked as she began to sing.
“Alright” I agreed as he stuck out his hand for me to take.
We walked to the sand on the beach and began to dance. I never knew Joe knew how to slow dance. He pulled me closer to him and really swept me off my feet. We stared into each other’s eyes as we moved together to the sound of the music. We didn’t know the song ended until she began to talk. We were in another world. It was just the two of us.
“Alright everybody I believe it’s time for the countdown” she yelled into the mic and both Joe and I came back into reality. We smiled and then turned to face her on stage. A screen came down from behind her and Times Square appeared on it. There was thirty seconds until midnight. Joe held my hand as we began to cheer with the crowd. Edward and Kevin were close by the pool shouting the countdown.
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one” I cheered beside Joe. “Happy New Year whoo!” I yelled as I giggled at how much fun this was. I turned to face Joe and he turned to face me.
“Happy New Year Bells!” he yelled.
“Happy New Year Joe” I replied and he pulled me in a tight hug.
Everyone around us was jumping up and down cheering, drinking, or congratulating one another. Some people even jumped into the pool. Joe pulled away from me stared into my eyes and smiled. He brushed my hair back and moved closer towards me. Then before I knew it his lips were on mine and I was kissing back.
CHAPTER 24: THE FUNERAL
*LISTEN TO FOREVER AND ALMOST ALWAYS & LIFT ME UP BOTH BY KATE VOEGELE WHILE YOU READ THIS I PROMISE IT WILL MAKE THE CHAPTER BETTER YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THE LYRICS AND THE CHAPTER A LOT BETTER*
In an ordinary fairy tale land
There's a promise of a perfect happy end
And I imagine having just short of that
Is better than nothing
So you'll be mine
Forever and almost always
And I'll be fine
Just love me when you can
And I'll wait patiently
I'll wake up every day
Just hoping that you still care
*ISABELLA’S POV*
We arrived at the cemetery minutes later. The Davis family was just arriving and so were other people. Today was a very sad and emotional day. As I stared at the casket as they unloaded it from the car I remembered the old times. We gathered around it as the priest began to speak. Peyton and Ariel were standing beside each other holding hands as they mourned the death of their beloved brother. Beside them Mr. Davis held Mrs. Davis as she cried over the loss of their son. I stood beside Edward on the opposite side of Ariel and Peyton. I fought to hold back the tears but I just couldn’t. This cemetery brought back to many memories.
*FLASHBACK*
It was the day of my mom and dad’s funeral. Lucas promised to go with me because I didn’t want to be there alone I wasn’t brave enough. The car stopped and they unloaded the caskets from the other car as Lucas and I climbed out of this one. Nicole was standing with her three children while I stood with Lucas on the opposite side. I tried to be brave and not cry but I was seven what did you expect. I began to cry silently as the priest began to speak. Lucas slipped his hand into mine and whispered into my ear. “Don’t worry I'm here for you. I always will be I promise” and then he kissed my head and pulled me into a hug. I cried on his shoulder as he squeezed me tight. He held my hand until the end. He walked up to the caskets with me as I threw a single white rose on each and he held my hand as we walked back to our places. He held my hand as we got into the car and drove away from the cemetery.
Memories they're following me like a shadow now
And I'm dreamin'
Cause I've already suffered the fever of disbelief
I've seen your act
And I know all the facts
I'm still in love with who I wish you were
It ain't hard to see
Who you are underneath
I'm still in love with who I wish you were
And I wish you were here
*PRESENT*
And every time I visited my parents he was there to hold my hand except for today when we were burying him. I looked up to see Edward looking at me. He put an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him as I let the tears flow. I looked up to see Ariel and Peyton walk up to the casket. They each placed a flower on top and then Ariel slowly stepped away. Peyton stood over the casket and cried. Ariel watched her little sister cry and she couldn’t help but cry herself. I looked up to see Edward watching Ariel. He was hurt because he couldn’t help her. He couldn’t make the pain go away. It was the same way Lucas felt when I cried over my parents. I moved away from Edward and motioned for him to go comfort her.
“You sure?” he asked and I nodded. He kissed my head and walked over to Ariel.
She looked up at him and then threw herself into his arms and cried like I’ve never seen her cry before. I was about to take a step toward Peyton to comfort her when I saw him. He was dressed in a black suit similar to Edward’s and every other male around. He lifted her hand into his and then placed his other hand under her chin and slowly lifted it. She looked up at him in confusion. “I'm sorry” he mouthed and you could see the tears in his eyes. Tears began to flow again and she covered her mouth. He let go of her and pulled her into a hug as he placed one hand on her back and the other on her face as he gently pulled her hair back. I looked around. Edward was with Ariel and Peyton was with Nick. I was alone. I looked down and wrapped my arms around my chest as I silently cried to myself.
A hand was placed on my left shoulder. “You’re not alone” I heard a voice. Another hand was placed on my right shoulder. “We’re here for you” the other voice said. I looked up to the first voice on my left. “Kevin” I whispered through tears. I looked to my right. “Joe” I placed my hands on theirs.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked as I cried more.
“Sorry we’re late we had to pick up Nick from the airport” Joe apologized.
“But we’re here now and we’re not leaving until you ask us too” Kevin replied.
“Guys” I cried.
“It’s okay” Joe said as he hugged me.
“Thank you so much” I pulled away and hugged Kevin.
They both stood by my side and each held one of my hands. They both walked up to the casket with me and they each placed a rose on it.
“We didn’t know you but we did know that you were a great person and you were very special to Isabella and we thank you for that” Joe said.
“We promise to watch over her because we know the next couple months will be very tough for her. So don’t worry she’s in good hands” Kevin said.
“I'm sorry Lucas. I promise I will always remember you in here” I let go of Joe’s hand and placed mine on my chest. “You will always be a part of me always and forever like you used to say. I'm not mad at you for leaving cause I know you didn’t mean to. Just promise you’ll never forget me up their. Say ‘hi’ to my parents and my grandparents for me. Tell them that I love them” I fought the tears that slowly poured. “I‘ll be with you guys again someday but until then remember that I love you. See you later Luke” I broke down and both Kevin and Joe hugged me as I cried in their arms. “Goodbye” I whispered.
We walked back to our places and I watched as they lowered the casket into the ground. Peyton and Ariel we’re standing beside each other holding hands. Edward was holding Ariel’s other hand and Nick was holding Peyton’s other hand. “My baby!” Mrs. Davis cried out as the top of the casket disappeared into the ground. That’s it. It was over Lucas was gone and there was no going back. I slowly walked away and then stopped.
“Do you need for us to take you home?” Kevin asked me.
“What is a home? Huh? Your safe haven. The place you’re supposed to feel welcomed, loved, secure and where a family lives together happily. If so then I don’t live in a home. It’s just a place a house and no I don’t want to go back there not yet. There’s something I have to do first” I walked away. I crossed the small road onto the other side of the cemetery. I walked up to their graves and fell onto my knees.
“Hey mom, hey dad” I looked at both of their graves. “I'm sorry I haven’t come around lately it’s just that a lot has happened” tears welded in my eyes. “Remember my best friend Lucas?” I asked. “Well he died on thanksgiving. How awful is that?” tears fell. “Today was his funeral” I looked back to see Joe and Kevin standing near but at the same time giving me some space. “You see over there that’s where they buried him” I pointed towards them. “The whole family is over there pouring their hearts out and crying. It kind of reminds me of how I was when I had to watch them bury you. The only difference is that I had Lucas to help me get through the pain now I have” I paused.
“She has us Joe and Kevin” Joe stepped up beside me.
“And she has me” Edward knelt down beside me and placed a bouquet of flowers on each grave. “These are for you Aunt Anastasia they’re you’re favorite. Daisies I remembered. And these are for you Uncle Dominique I didn’t know if you had a favorite so I got roses” he smiled. “Don’t worry we’ll take good care of Isabella we promise” he kissed my cheek.
“You see I’ll be okay so you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be alright and I promise to visit more often okay” I looked up at the sky and dark clouds began to form above. “I love you” I said and then Edward helped to get back on my feet.
It began to rain softly. I turned around and saw Ariel staring at me a couple feet away. I started walking towards her as she walked towards me. Then the walk turned into a run and then she flew into my arms and squeezed me tight.
“He’s gone” she cried into my hair.
“I know he left us alone just like my parents” I cried into her hair.
“I'm so sorry about all this”
“Me too but we have to be strong about it” I cried. “It’s what they would want for us. Lucas wouldn’t want to see us cry for him everyday” I said. “We have to be strong for each other” I pulled back. “But most of all we have to be strong for her” I looked behind her and she turned to see Peyton crying hysterically in Nick’s arms.
“Peyton” she replied to me as we both wiped our tears. “We got to be strong for her” she said.
“I'm here for you if need anyone okay sweetie” I said to her as I pulled the hair out of her face.
“Yeah same here” she tried her best to form a smile.
“I’ll see you around kiddo” I said as I stepped back.
“See you”
It began to pour harder.
This road is anything but simple
Twisted like a riddle
I've seen high and I've seen low
So loud, the voices of all my doubts
Telling me to give up
To pack up and leave town
Somewhere, everybody starts there
Counting on a small prayer
Lost in a nightmare
But I'm here and suddenly it's so clear
The struggle through the long years
It taught me to outrun my fears
In an ordinary fairy tale land
There's a promise of a perfect happy end
And I imagine having just short of that
Is better than nothing
So you'll be mine
Forever and almost always
And I'll be fine
Just love me when you can
And I'll wait patiently
I'll wake up every day
Just hoping that you still care
*ISABELLA’S POV*
We arrived at the cemetery minutes later. The Davis family was just arriving and so were other people. Today was a very sad and emotional day. As I stared at the casket as they unloaded it from the car I remembered the old times. We gathered around it as the priest began to speak. Peyton and Ariel were standing beside each other holding hands as they mourned the death of their beloved brother. Beside them Mr. Davis held Mrs. Davis as she cried over the loss of their son. I stood beside Edward on the opposite side of Ariel and Peyton. I fought to hold back the tears but I just couldn’t. This cemetery brought back to many memories.
*FLASHBACK*
It was the day of my mom and dad’s funeral. Lucas promised to go with me because I didn’t want to be there alone I wasn’t brave enough. The car stopped and they unloaded the caskets from the other car as Lucas and I climbed out of this one. Nicole was standing with her three children while I stood with Lucas on the opposite side. I tried to be brave and not cry but I was seven what did you expect. I began to cry silently as the priest began to speak. Lucas slipped his hand into mine and whispered into my ear. “Don’t worry I'm here for you. I always will be I promise” and then he kissed my head and pulled me into a hug. I cried on his shoulder as he squeezed me tight. He held my hand until the end. He walked up to the caskets with me as I threw a single white rose on each and he held my hand as we walked back to our places. He held my hand as we got into the car and drove away from the cemetery.
Memories they're following me like a shadow now
And I'm dreamin'
Cause I've already suffered the fever of disbelief
I've seen your act
And I know all the facts
I'm still in love with who I wish you were
It ain't hard to see
Who you are underneath
I'm still in love with who I wish you were
And I wish you were here
*PRESENT*
And every time I visited my parents he was there to hold my hand except for today when we were burying him. I looked up to see Edward looking at me. He put an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him as I let the tears flow. I looked up to see Ariel and Peyton walk up to the casket. They each placed a flower on top and then Ariel slowly stepped away. Peyton stood over the casket and cried. Ariel watched her little sister cry and she couldn’t help but cry herself. I looked up to see Edward watching Ariel. He was hurt because he couldn’t help her. He couldn’t make the pain go away. It was the same way Lucas felt when I cried over my parents. I moved away from Edward and motioned for him to go comfort her.
“You sure?” he asked and I nodded. He kissed my head and walked over to Ariel.
She looked up at him and then threw herself into his arms and cried like I’ve never seen her cry before. I was about to take a step toward Peyton to comfort her when I saw him. He was dressed in a black suit similar to Edward’s and every other male around. He lifted her hand into his and then placed his other hand under her chin and slowly lifted it. She looked up at him in confusion. “I'm sorry” he mouthed and you could see the tears in his eyes. Tears began to flow again and she covered her mouth. He let go of her and pulled her into a hug as he placed one hand on her back and the other on her face as he gently pulled her hair back. I looked around. Edward was with Ariel and Peyton was with Nick. I was alone. I looked down and wrapped my arms around my chest as I silently cried to myself.
A hand was placed on my left shoulder. “You’re not alone” I heard a voice. Another hand was placed on my right shoulder. “We’re here for you” the other voice said. I looked up to the first voice on my left. “Kevin” I whispered through tears. I looked to my right. “Joe” I placed my hands on theirs.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked as I cried more.
“Sorry we’re late we had to pick up Nick from the airport” Joe apologized.
“But we’re here now and we’re not leaving until you ask us too” Kevin replied.
“Guys” I cried.
“It’s okay” Joe said as he hugged me.
“Thank you so much” I pulled away and hugged Kevin.
They both stood by my side and each held one of my hands. They both walked up to the casket with me and they each placed a rose on it.
“We didn’t know you but we did know that you were a great person and you were very special to Isabella and we thank you for that” Joe said.
“We promise to watch over her because we know the next couple months will be very tough for her. So don’t worry she’s in good hands” Kevin said.
“I'm sorry Lucas. I promise I will always remember you in here” I let go of Joe’s hand and placed mine on my chest. “You will always be a part of me always and forever like you used to say. I'm not mad at you for leaving cause I know you didn’t mean to. Just promise you’ll never forget me up their. Say ‘hi’ to my parents and my grandparents for me. Tell them that I love them” I fought the tears that slowly poured. “I‘ll be with you guys again someday but until then remember that I love you. See you later Luke” I broke down and both Kevin and Joe hugged me as I cried in their arms. “Goodbye” I whispered.
We walked back to our places and I watched as they lowered the casket into the ground. Peyton and Ariel we’re standing beside each other holding hands. Edward was holding Ariel’s other hand and Nick was holding Peyton’s other hand. “My baby!” Mrs. Davis cried out as the top of the casket disappeared into the ground. That’s it. It was over Lucas was gone and there was no going back. I slowly walked away and then stopped.
“Do you need for us to take you home?” Kevin asked me.
“What is a home? Huh? Your safe haven. The place you’re supposed to feel welcomed, loved, secure and where a family lives together happily. If so then I don’t live in a home. It’s just a place a house and no I don’t want to go back there not yet. There’s something I have to do first” I walked away. I crossed the small road onto the other side of the cemetery. I walked up to their graves and fell onto my knees.
“Hey mom, hey dad” I looked at both of their graves. “I'm sorry I haven’t come around lately it’s just that a lot has happened” tears welded in my eyes. “Remember my best friend Lucas?” I asked. “Well he died on thanksgiving. How awful is that?” tears fell. “Today was his funeral” I looked back to see Joe and Kevin standing near but at the same time giving me some space. “You see over there that’s where they buried him” I pointed towards them. “The whole family is over there pouring their hearts out and crying. It kind of reminds me of how I was when I had to watch them bury you. The only difference is that I had Lucas to help me get through the pain now I have” I paused.
“She has us Joe and Kevin” Joe stepped up beside me.
“And she has me” Edward knelt down beside me and placed a bouquet of flowers on each grave. “These are for you Aunt Anastasia they’re you’re favorite. Daisies I remembered. And these are for you Uncle Dominique I didn’t know if you had a favorite so I got roses” he smiled. “Don’t worry we’ll take good care of Isabella we promise” he kissed my cheek.
“You see I’ll be okay so you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be alright and I promise to visit more often okay” I looked up at the sky and dark clouds began to form above. “I love you” I said and then Edward helped to get back on my feet.
It began to rain softly. I turned around and saw Ariel staring at me a couple feet away. I started walking towards her as she walked towards me. Then the walk turned into a run and then she flew into my arms and squeezed me tight.
“He’s gone” she cried into my hair.
“I know he left us alone just like my parents” I cried into her hair.
“I'm so sorry about all this”
“Me too but we have to be strong about it” I cried. “It’s what they would want for us. Lucas wouldn’t want to see us cry for him everyday” I said. “We have to be strong for each other” I pulled back. “But most of all we have to be strong for her” I looked behind her and she turned to see Peyton crying hysterically in Nick’s arms.
“Peyton” she replied to me as we both wiped our tears. “We got to be strong for her” she said.
“I'm here for you if need anyone okay sweetie” I said to her as I pulled the hair out of her face.
“Yeah same here” she tried her best to form a smile.
“I’ll see you around kiddo” I said as I stepped back.
“See you”
It began to pour harder.
This road is anything but simple
Twisted like a riddle
I've seen high and I've seen low
So loud, the voices of all my doubts
Telling me to give up
To pack up and leave town
Somewhere, everybody starts there
Counting on a small prayer
Lost in a nightmare
But I'm here and suddenly it's so clear
The struggle through the long years
It taught me to outrun my fears
CHAPTER 23:
*ISABELLA’S POV*
It was Sunday November 30th 2009. It’s been three days since Lucas’ accident which caused him his life. Today was the day of his funeral. The third time I have to watch a loved one be lowered into the ground. It was yet another hard day of my life a moment I will never forget. It will be a day I will always remember and carry on with me until it is my time. As I got dressed I looked at a picture of Lucas and me that was sitting on my dresser beside the one of my parents and me. The picture was taken the same day we had our first kiss. We were in the water and we were laughing at something.
*FLASHBACK*
“Let me get a hand here” Lucas said to me as he attempted to push the Jet Ski up on the ramp behind his truck. We had just come in from my Jet Ski lesson in where Lucas and I kind of, sort of kissed.
“Peyton hold this while I help your brother” I said as I handed her the camera she had just handed to me seconds earlier. “Okay what do I do?” I asked as I stepped into the water a bit.
“Get onto the ramp and pull while I push” he explained as he stood in the water that reached his waist.
“Okay I’m ready you can push now” I yelled. After a couple pushes and pulls we got the Jet Ski onto the ramp.
“Alright now let me just strap it tight and we can get my truck out of the water” he said as he climbed up next to me onto the very small space left next to the Jet Ski.
“Luke wait I’m going to fall” I said as my arms flew around as I tried to regain my balance.
“Move over” he complained as he pushed me playfully.
“Luke!” I yelled as I fell back into the water and pulled onto his arm causing him to fall down with me.
“Is!” he yelled as he threw water in my face.
“Stupid I told I was going to fall why did you push me?” I complained. “I was almost dry” I added.
“Sorry” he apologized.
I stared at him for a couple seconds and then out of nowhere we broke into a fit of laughter.
“Hey guys!” Peyton called to us and we turned to face her. Flash.
*PRESENT*
That’s how that picture was taken. Lucas and I were always having fun whenever I wasn’t working. We were always acting so clumsy and fooling around. Peyton was always around to catch those moments either on tape or as a picture to remember. She was always so close to her brother he was like her best friend. They told each other everything and now he’s gone. I guess I’m not the only one who lost a best friend. I finished getting dressed and then I tried best to fix my hair. I combed through the tangles and then ended up putting it into a French braid. I tried best to disguise the blood shot red eyes by applying a bit of eyeliner and dark eye shadow. Once I thought I looked presentable I slipped on my black heels looked at myself once more adjusted the black dress and walked towards the stairs.
“Where are you going dressed like that? I know it’s not work” Virginia said to me as I walked past the kitchen.
“I’m not going to work” I answered strongly as I tried to hold back all the anger I felt towards this family.
“Who do you think you are? You’re going to work or I’m telling my mom” she yelled back fiercely.
“I’m not going to work and you can tell your mom for me I don’t care do whatever the hell you want” I replied.
“Excuse you” she said to me as she stood in front of me to stop me from going anywhere.
“Move Virginia I’m not up for your crap today” I said through gritted teeth.
“What if I don’t?” she asked with a smirk.
“Virginia move I’m not playing with you”
“Make me” she said as she placed her hands on her hips.
“My pleasure” I grabbed her arm and pulled her aside causing her to fall against the wall. “Now I’m leaving princess whether you like it or not” I said to her as she grabbed her arm in pain.
“What’s going on out here?” Nicole said as she stepped out of her room and stood in the hallway.
“Oh mom you should’ve seen what she did to me” Virginia said as she ran towards her mom and played the victim. “I was just trying to let her know that she had to work today but she wouldn’t listen and then when I tried to stop her from leaving so that I could tell her again she grabbed me by the arm and pushed me into the wall” she sobbed.
“Is that true?” Nicole asked me.
“No that’s not what happened” I said to her.
“Yes mom it’s true” I heard Juliet say as she appeared behind her.
“That’s not what happened and you know it so stop lying Virginia” I said to her.
“Well what’s this that you’re not going to work” Nicole said to me.
“I’m not going I can’t go I have somewhere else to be” I simply said to her.
“What’s more important than your obligation to show up at work?” she asked sternly.
“Family emergency there was a death in my family” I answered.
“Well your family is right here and as far as I know none of my children are dead and I’m standing right here” she explained as she placed her hands on her hips. “So I believe I’ll being seeing you at work in fifteen minutes” she added.
“I mean my real family alright my best friend died and I need to be there so before I waste anymore time here I’m going to leave” I answered as I turned around and grabbed my keys off the holder.
“Isabella!” she said sternly. “I’m not playing with you” she added.
“Goodbye Nicole” I answered as I waved.
“Is wait” I heard Edward say and I turned around to see him walking towards me. “I’m going with you we can take my car” he said as he grabbed my keys out of my hand and placed them back on the holder only to grab his instead.
“Edward!” Nicole yelled to him.
“I’m not going to work either mom goodbye” he said as he opened the door and held it open for me to walk out. “See you guys later” he smiled, grabbed my black leather coat along with an umbrella and closed the door.
“Thanks Eddie” I said as he opened the passenger’s door for me.
“Hey someone needs to stand up for you and from now on that’s going to be me” he smiled before he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.
As he walked around I noticed how nice he looked. He was wearing a black suit with a white buttoned down shirt that was nicely tucked into his dress pants. He was also wearing a black tie and his light brown hair was out of its ponytail and nicely brushed back very appropriate. My cousin looked really cute. He got into the car behind the wheel of his black 1973 Camaro (the same exact one from transformers only in black instead of the old yellow one and the pin stripes were white instead of black). He looked at me and smiled.
“You look really nice” he complimented me.
“Thanks so do you” I replied.
“Like I said earlier I got your back Is so don’t worry you’re not alone in this” he motioned to the house in front of us. “I’m going to take care of you since Lucas is no longer here to do it” he grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “I’ll watch over you like I promised him I would” he said and then her turned on the car and pulled out of the driveway.
*KEVIN’S POV*
I stepped out of the bathroom to see Joe jotting something down on a piece of paper as he spoke on the phone.
“Uhuh okay” he said into the phone. “It’s at ten thirty” he looked at his watch. “It’s nine but alright we’ll be there thanks” he hung up. “Quick get dressed” he said to me.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Here” he said as he handed me the sheet of paper before running into the bathroom to change. “But first we have to stop at the airport” he yelled.
“For what?” I asked.
“You’ll see”
It was Sunday November 30th 2009. It’s been three days since Lucas’ accident which caused him his life. Today was the day of his funeral. The third time I have to watch a loved one be lowered into the ground. It was yet another hard day of my life a moment I will never forget. It will be a day I will always remember and carry on with me until it is my time. As I got dressed I looked at a picture of Lucas and me that was sitting on my dresser beside the one of my parents and me. The picture was taken the same day we had our first kiss. We were in the water and we were laughing at something.
*FLASHBACK*
“Let me get a hand here” Lucas said to me as he attempted to push the Jet Ski up on the ramp behind his truck. We had just come in from my Jet Ski lesson in where Lucas and I kind of, sort of kissed.
“Peyton hold this while I help your brother” I said as I handed her the camera she had just handed to me seconds earlier. “Okay what do I do?” I asked as I stepped into the water a bit.
“Get onto the ramp and pull while I push” he explained as he stood in the water that reached his waist.
“Okay I’m ready you can push now” I yelled. After a couple pushes and pulls we got the Jet Ski onto the ramp.
“Alright now let me just strap it tight and we can get my truck out of the water” he said as he climbed up next to me onto the very small space left next to the Jet Ski.
“Luke wait I’m going to fall” I said as my arms flew around as I tried to regain my balance.
“Move over” he complained as he pushed me playfully.
“Luke!” I yelled as I fell back into the water and pulled onto his arm causing him to fall down with me.
“Is!” he yelled as he threw water in my face.
“Stupid I told I was going to fall why did you push me?” I complained. “I was almost dry” I added.
“Sorry” he apologized.
I stared at him for a couple seconds and then out of nowhere we broke into a fit of laughter.
“Hey guys!” Peyton called to us and we turned to face her. Flash.
*PRESENT*
That’s how that picture was taken. Lucas and I were always having fun whenever I wasn’t working. We were always acting so clumsy and fooling around. Peyton was always around to catch those moments either on tape or as a picture to remember. She was always so close to her brother he was like her best friend. They told each other everything and now he’s gone. I guess I’m not the only one who lost a best friend. I finished getting dressed and then I tried best to fix my hair. I combed through the tangles and then ended up putting it into a French braid. I tried best to disguise the blood shot red eyes by applying a bit of eyeliner and dark eye shadow. Once I thought I looked presentable I slipped on my black heels looked at myself once more adjusted the black dress and walked towards the stairs.
“Where are you going dressed like that? I know it’s not work” Virginia said to me as I walked past the kitchen.
“I’m not going to work” I answered strongly as I tried to hold back all the anger I felt towards this family.
“Who do you think you are? You’re going to work or I’m telling my mom” she yelled back fiercely.
“I’m not going to work and you can tell your mom for me I don’t care do whatever the hell you want” I replied.
“Excuse you” she said to me as she stood in front of me to stop me from going anywhere.
“Move Virginia I’m not up for your crap today” I said through gritted teeth.
“What if I don’t?” she asked with a smirk.
“Virginia move I’m not playing with you”
“Make me” she said as she placed her hands on her hips.
“My pleasure” I grabbed her arm and pulled her aside causing her to fall against the wall. “Now I’m leaving princess whether you like it or not” I said to her as she grabbed her arm in pain.
“What’s going on out here?” Nicole said as she stepped out of her room and stood in the hallway.
“Oh mom you should’ve seen what she did to me” Virginia said as she ran towards her mom and played the victim. “I was just trying to let her know that she had to work today but she wouldn’t listen and then when I tried to stop her from leaving so that I could tell her again she grabbed me by the arm and pushed me into the wall” she sobbed.
“Is that true?” Nicole asked me.
“No that’s not what happened” I said to her.
“Yes mom it’s true” I heard Juliet say as she appeared behind her.
“That’s not what happened and you know it so stop lying Virginia” I said to her.
“Well what’s this that you’re not going to work” Nicole said to me.
“I’m not going I can’t go I have somewhere else to be” I simply said to her.
“What’s more important than your obligation to show up at work?” she asked sternly.
“Family emergency there was a death in my family” I answered.
“Well your family is right here and as far as I know none of my children are dead and I’m standing right here” she explained as she placed her hands on her hips. “So I believe I’ll being seeing you at work in fifteen minutes” she added.
“I mean my real family alright my best friend died and I need to be there so before I waste anymore time here I’m going to leave” I answered as I turned around and grabbed my keys off the holder.
“Isabella!” she said sternly. “I’m not playing with you” she added.
“Goodbye Nicole” I answered as I waved.
“Is wait” I heard Edward say and I turned around to see him walking towards me. “I’m going with you we can take my car” he said as he grabbed my keys out of my hand and placed them back on the holder only to grab his instead.
“Edward!” Nicole yelled to him.
“I’m not going to work either mom goodbye” he said as he opened the door and held it open for me to walk out. “See you guys later” he smiled, grabbed my black leather coat along with an umbrella and closed the door.
“Thanks Eddie” I said as he opened the passenger’s door for me.
“Hey someone needs to stand up for you and from now on that’s going to be me” he smiled before he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.
As he walked around I noticed how nice he looked. He was wearing a black suit with a white buttoned down shirt that was nicely tucked into his dress pants. He was also wearing a black tie and his light brown hair was out of its ponytail and nicely brushed back very appropriate. My cousin looked really cute. He got into the car behind the wheel of his black 1973 Camaro (the same exact one from transformers only in black instead of the old yellow one and the pin stripes were white instead of black). He looked at me and smiled.
“You look really nice” he complimented me.
“Thanks so do you” I replied.
“Like I said earlier I got your back Is so don’t worry you’re not alone in this” he motioned to the house in front of us. “I’m going to take care of you since Lucas is no longer here to do it” he grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “I’ll watch over you like I promised him I would” he said and then her turned on the car and pulled out of the driveway.
*KEVIN’S POV*
I stepped out of the bathroom to see Joe jotting something down on a piece of paper as he spoke on the phone.
“Uhuh okay” he said into the phone. “It’s at ten thirty” he looked at his watch. “It’s nine but alright we’ll be there thanks” he hung up. “Quick get dressed” he said to me.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Here” he said as he handed me the sheet of paper before running into the bathroom to change. “But first we have to stop at the airport” he yelled.
“For what?” I asked.
“You’ll see”
CHAPTER 22:
The next morning I woke up with a photo of Lucas on my bedside table. I climbed out of bed and went to my computer desk. I turned on my monitor and saw that my AIM box was flashing. I opened it to see that I had a message from Joe
IM For: rockstar550
liveformusic:Hey Bella! =D what's up?
rockstar550:Hey Joe! I can’t really talk right now something came up and I have to leave asap
liveformusic:Is everything ok?
rockstar550:Remember my best friend Lucas
liveformusic:Yea
rockstar550:He was coming down to Miami to visit me for thanksgiving and his plane crashed he’s in the hospital and he might not make it through the night
liveformusic:Omg Isabella I'm so sorry
rockstar550:It’s not your fault things like this just always seem to happen to me but I gotta go I want to be with him the last few minutes.
liveformusic:Everythings going to be ok I promise
rockstar550:No it won’t now I really have to go
liveformusic:I'm taking the next plane out to Miami
liveformusic:I’m here
liveformusic: Can we please meet somewhere? I came to be here for you! I’m sorry about what’s going on! I think I sort of just met you I’m not sure though so can we please meet tomorrow somewhere I need to know for sure. IM me whenever you get this message.
He had sent me three messages since I left last night.
rockstar550:I really appreciate what you did. Coming all the way out here
liveformusic:I just wanted to be there for you
rockstar550:Thanks
liveformusic:Your welcome and I think it’s about time we meet it’s been almost two years since we met
rockstar550:Yea I agree
liveformusic:Even though I think we sort of did
rockstar550:Yea me too but I have this strange feeling it was all a dream
liveformusic:Me2
rockstar550:So where do you want to meet?
liveformusic:There’s a Starbucks near where I’m staying do you think you could meet me there
rockstar550:Yea sure
liveformusic:Well I’m staying at the Hilton Hotel in Miami Beach do you know where that’s at?
rockstar550:Yea I’ll be there in about half an hour
liveformusic:Ok see you then
rockstar550:Hey Joe?
liveformusic:Yea Isabella
rockstar550:How come you never told me you were Joe Jonas?
liveformusic:Uh... I’ll see you in a bit
He replied and with that, he signed off.
I went to the bathroom, showered, and got dressed and then I decided to head out to meet Joe. As I walked passed the living room and passed the kitchen I heard a voice I really didn’t feel like listening to right now.
“Where are you going?” her snotty annoying voice asked.
“Why good morning to you too Juliet” I replied sarcastically.
“I asked you a question” she replied as she stared at me with hate-filled eyes.
“Out” I said simply.
“You have to work today,” she said to me as if I didn’t know. When didn’t I work?
“Don’t I always” I replied under my breath.
“Excuse you,” she said with attitude.
“Bye Juliet” I replied and walked out the door.
I got into my car and drove away from my ‘house’ if that’s what you’d like to call it. I got onto 826 north (a highway in Miami). As I boarded the highway there was a hug billboard that read: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. I thought about the dream I had last night with Lucas. I hoped everything that happened last night was a dream but unfortunately, it wasn’t. Lucas was truly dead and I was alone once again. I switched of 826 north and got on to I95 south; the highway that led to the beach. The whole drive to Joe’s was bizarre. I kept seeing signs that either said: “Follow you dreams” or “Remember your dreams” and even one that said, “Remember to keep your promises”. It was really strange. Those signs were all things that Lucas had said in my dream. Could it be that Lucas was trying to send me a message or something? I arrived at the Starbucks to see Joe sitting in the window. I took one good cleansing breath and then I walked in.
“Hey Joe” I said as I approached the table.
“Wow” he said as he stood up to greet me. “It really is you”
“Yea and it really is you” I replied.
“Have a seat,” he said as he pulled out my chair for me.
“Thanks” I said as I took a seat.
“I’m sorry about last night. I was just dumbstruck and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I didn’t know how to respond to that,” he explained.
“I know I understand. I was a little confused and surprised as well to find out you were the Joe I’ve been talking to for almost two years” I replied.
“When did you find out?” he asked.
“Last night” I said.
“How did you know it was me?” he sat forward in his seat and looked at me.
“Well when you started to describe me it kind of hit me and then when you said my name I automatically new and even more when you spoke about Lucas” I said as I tried to hold the tears that were trying to form in my eyes.
“I’m sorry about him. How is he?” he asked concerned as he reached for my hands.
“He died last night” I looked away as I pictured him with his eyes closed and surrounded by doctors.
“I’m really sorry!” he said as he gripped my hands tighter in his. “I really am I mean it. I may not know what it’s like to lose a best friend and your parents but from what you’ve told me it’s horrible. I wouldn’t even dream of it,” he explained.
“Don’t ever” I replied as I looked back to him. “It’s the worse feeling in the world. Last night when I saw him close his eyes” I paused as I let a couple tears escape. “I didn’t know what to do. I no longer wanted to live he was everything I had left and now he’s gone” I explained as the tears flowed more. “He’s gone and there was nothing I could’ve done to stop it. I loved him with all my heart. I was madly in love with my best friend and I never told him until it was too late. I hate myself for it,” I cried to Joe.
“Come here” he said to me as he stood up and pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry Bella. I’m so sorry about the pain you’re feeling right now. I wish there was something I could do to make it go away” he hugged me tightly.
“Why do I have to suffer so much? What have I done to deserve so much pain and agony? Why do I always have to lose the ones that I love? Why me?” I yelled through sobs. “Why?”
“Shh come on let’s get out of here and go talk somewhere else where it’s quieter” he said as he pulled away, wiped the tears, and held onto my hand.
“Okay” I agreed as I let him pull me out of Starbucks.
*JOE’S POV*
She was in love with her best friend and he’s gone. He left her alone to suffer. After we left Starbucks, we drove to the hotel and sat near the pool that led to a beautiful beach. We sat on the beach chairs and thankfully, she was calmer than before.
“I’m sorry about dumping all my problems on you” she apologized.
“That’s what I’m here for to be there for you when you need me the most” I comforted her.
“Thanks” she said as she lightly touched my hand.
“So if there’s anything you ever want to tell me or ask me don’t be afraid to do so” I assured her. “I’m here to be your friend and your listener.”
“Thank you Joe” she smiled.
“You have a beautiful smile and beautiful eyes to match it,” I said as I softly placed my hand on her cheek.
“Thank you. Lucas used to tell me that all the time” she commented as her eyes flooded with tears. “God I’m so sorry about only talking about him” she apologized.
“It’s all right I understand”
“It’s just that I miss him so much. We had many great times together here and now it’s all just a memory I’ll have to remember always. We were going to go to college together in UCLA and we were going to be together forever but I never told him that last part. I never got a chance to tell him how in love I was with him until he was dying,” she cried.
“I wish I could make the pain go away” I wiped the tears.
“But let’s stop talking about him before I run out of tears” she half-smiled. “Did you know that he was Ariel’s older brother?”
*beep* are you serious?” I asked concerned and she nodded. “Omg poor girl she must be devastated”
“I don’t know I haven’t spoken to her since I left the hospital last night” she replied.
“Oh”
“But yeah do you remember on March 24, 2007 you said and I quote ‘To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing’
What did you mean?” she asked.
“I said it referring to you,” I answered.
“Me? Why me?”
“You say you wanted to be a rockstar and a writer but yet you’re still here doing all the dirty work for your aunt and cousins. What I meant by that was that if you never try to do the things you want to accomplish then you’ll never get anywhere. Accomplished dreams happen after risks are taken,” I explained.
“Oh it makes sense now” she replied.
“My turn on January 12, 2008 you wrote ‘It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let the person know how you feel’.” I replied. “Who were you referring to? Or what?”
“I was talking about Lucas and me. About three years ago, when we were in our junior year in high school he insisted that I learn to ride a Jet Ski so I finally gave in. After falling about six times, I gave up, he kissed me for the first time in our whole lives of being friends, and I knew instantly that he was the one for me but I was too afraid to say anything about it. And the quote is true because I loved him but I never had the guts to tell him how I felt and now he’s dead and that is the worst pain of all” she explained.
I did hear right. Is was Isabella so that meant that my brother Kevin...no...It couldn’t be I was in love with her. I knew her before anyone did. I’ve loved her longer and I know her in a way no one else does except maybe Lucas but still. Kevin and I were both in love with the same person. What are we going to do now?
IM For: rockstar550
liveformusic:Hey Bella! =D what's up?
rockstar550:Hey Joe! I can’t really talk right now something came up and I have to leave asap
liveformusic:Is everything ok?
rockstar550:Remember my best friend Lucas
liveformusic:Yea
rockstar550:He was coming down to Miami to visit me for thanksgiving and his plane crashed he’s in the hospital and he might not make it through the night
liveformusic:Omg Isabella I'm so sorry
rockstar550:It’s not your fault things like this just always seem to happen to me but I gotta go I want to be with him the last few minutes.
liveformusic:Everythings going to be ok I promise
rockstar550:No it won’t now I really have to go
liveformusic:I'm taking the next plane out to Miami
liveformusic:I’m here
liveformusic: Can we please meet somewhere? I came to be here for you! I’m sorry about what’s going on! I think I sort of just met you I’m not sure though so can we please meet tomorrow somewhere I need to know for sure. IM me whenever you get this message.
He had sent me three messages since I left last night.
rockstar550:I really appreciate what you did. Coming all the way out here
liveformusic:I just wanted to be there for you
rockstar550:Thanks
liveformusic:Your welcome and I think it’s about time we meet it’s been almost two years since we met
rockstar550:Yea I agree
liveformusic:Even though I think we sort of did
rockstar550:Yea me too but I have this strange feeling it was all a dream
liveformusic:Me2
rockstar550:So where do you want to meet?
liveformusic:There’s a Starbucks near where I’m staying do you think you could meet me there
rockstar550:Yea sure
liveformusic:Well I’m staying at the Hilton Hotel in Miami Beach do you know where that’s at?
rockstar550:Yea I’ll be there in about half an hour
liveformusic:Ok see you then
rockstar550:Hey Joe?
liveformusic:Yea Isabella
rockstar550:How come you never told me you were Joe Jonas?
liveformusic:Uh... I’ll see you in a bit
He replied and with that, he signed off.
I went to the bathroom, showered, and got dressed and then I decided to head out to meet Joe. As I walked passed the living room and passed the kitchen I heard a voice I really didn’t feel like listening to right now.
“Where are you going?” her snotty annoying voice asked.
“Why good morning to you too Juliet” I replied sarcastically.
“I asked you a question” she replied as she stared at me with hate-filled eyes.
“Out” I said simply.
“You have to work today,” she said to me as if I didn’t know. When didn’t I work?
“Don’t I always” I replied under my breath.
“Excuse you,” she said with attitude.
“Bye Juliet” I replied and walked out the door.
I got into my car and drove away from my ‘house’ if that’s what you’d like to call it. I got onto 826 north (a highway in Miami). As I boarded the highway there was a hug billboard that read: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. I thought about the dream I had last night with Lucas. I hoped everything that happened last night was a dream but unfortunately, it wasn’t. Lucas was truly dead and I was alone once again. I switched of 826 north and got on to I95 south; the highway that led to the beach. The whole drive to Joe’s was bizarre. I kept seeing signs that either said: “Follow you dreams” or “Remember your dreams” and even one that said, “Remember to keep your promises”. It was really strange. Those signs were all things that Lucas had said in my dream. Could it be that Lucas was trying to send me a message or something? I arrived at the Starbucks to see Joe sitting in the window. I took one good cleansing breath and then I walked in.
“Hey Joe” I said as I approached the table.
“Wow” he said as he stood up to greet me. “It really is you”
“Yea and it really is you” I replied.
“Have a seat,” he said as he pulled out my chair for me.
“Thanks” I said as I took a seat.
“I’m sorry about last night. I was just dumbstruck and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I didn’t know how to respond to that,” he explained.
“I know I understand. I was a little confused and surprised as well to find out you were the Joe I’ve been talking to for almost two years” I replied.
“When did you find out?” he asked.
“Last night” I said.
“How did you know it was me?” he sat forward in his seat and looked at me.
“Well when you started to describe me it kind of hit me and then when you said my name I automatically new and even more when you spoke about Lucas” I said as I tried to hold the tears that were trying to form in my eyes.
“I’m sorry about him. How is he?” he asked concerned as he reached for my hands.
“He died last night” I looked away as I pictured him with his eyes closed and surrounded by doctors.
“I’m really sorry!” he said as he gripped my hands tighter in his. “I really am I mean it. I may not know what it’s like to lose a best friend and your parents but from what you’ve told me it’s horrible. I wouldn’t even dream of it,” he explained.
“Don’t ever” I replied as I looked back to him. “It’s the worse feeling in the world. Last night when I saw him close his eyes” I paused as I let a couple tears escape. “I didn’t know what to do. I no longer wanted to live he was everything I had left and now he’s gone” I explained as the tears flowed more. “He’s gone and there was nothing I could’ve done to stop it. I loved him with all my heart. I was madly in love with my best friend and I never told him until it was too late. I hate myself for it,” I cried to Joe.
“Come here” he said to me as he stood up and pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry Bella. I’m so sorry about the pain you’re feeling right now. I wish there was something I could do to make it go away” he hugged me tightly.
“Why do I have to suffer so much? What have I done to deserve so much pain and agony? Why do I always have to lose the ones that I love? Why me?” I yelled through sobs. “Why?”
“Shh come on let’s get out of here and go talk somewhere else where it’s quieter” he said as he pulled away, wiped the tears, and held onto my hand.
“Okay” I agreed as I let him pull me out of Starbucks.
*JOE’S POV*
She was in love with her best friend and he’s gone. He left her alone to suffer. After we left Starbucks, we drove to the hotel and sat near the pool that led to a beautiful beach. We sat on the beach chairs and thankfully, she was calmer than before.
“I’m sorry about dumping all my problems on you” she apologized.
“That’s what I’m here for to be there for you when you need me the most” I comforted her.
“Thanks” she said as she lightly touched my hand.
“So if there’s anything you ever want to tell me or ask me don’t be afraid to do so” I assured her. “I’m here to be your friend and your listener.”
“Thank you Joe” she smiled.
“You have a beautiful smile and beautiful eyes to match it,” I said as I softly placed my hand on her cheek.
“Thank you. Lucas used to tell me that all the time” she commented as her eyes flooded with tears. “God I’m so sorry about only talking about him” she apologized.
“It’s all right I understand”
“It’s just that I miss him so much. We had many great times together here and now it’s all just a memory I’ll have to remember always. We were going to go to college together in UCLA and we were going to be together forever but I never told him that last part. I never got a chance to tell him how in love I was with him until he was dying,” she cried.
“I wish I could make the pain go away” I wiped the tears.
“But let’s stop talking about him before I run out of tears” she half-smiled. “Did you know that he was Ariel’s older brother?”
*beep* are you serious?” I asked concerned and she nodded. “Omg poor girl she must be devastated”
“I don’t know I haven’t spoken to her since I left the hospital last night” she replied.
“Oh”
“But yeah do you remember on March 24, 2007 you said and I quote ‘To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing’
What did you mean?” she asked.
“I said it referring to you,” I answered.
“Me? Why me?”
“You say you wanted to be a rockstar and a writer but yet you’re still here doing all the dirty work for your aunt and cousins. What I meant by that was that if you never try to do the things you want to accomplish then you’ll never get anywhere. Accomplished dreams happen after risks are taken,” I explained.
“Oh it makes sense now” she replied.
“My turn on January 12, 2008 you wrote ‘It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let the person know how you feel’.” I replied. “Who were you referring to? Or what?”
“I was talking about Lucas and me. About three years ago, when we were in our junior year in high school he insisted that I learn to ride a Jet Ski so I finally gave in. After falling about six times, I gave up, he kissed me for the first time in our whole lives of being friends, and I knew instantly that he was the one for me but I was too afraid to say anything about it. And the quote is true because I loved him but I never had the guts to tell him how I felt and now he’s dead and that is the worst pain of all” she explained.
I did hear right. Is was Isabella so that meant that my brother Kevin...no...It couldn’t be I was in love with her. I knew her before anyone did. I’ve loved her longer and I know her in a way no one else does except maybe Lucas but still. Kevin and I were both in love with the same person. What are we going to do now?
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