Among Stars by Nevi Bernard (free ebook reader for pc TXT) 📕

“You can’t do this to me.” she whispered

“I just did. Now leave.” Dad turned away from her disgusted.

Quietly she left room as it she’s not swayed by all. Dad sighed as if tired as he watched her leave.

“Man I thought that my family was a mess but not like this. I still love ‘em.” Cassie smiled looking at all of us.

Then a thought hit me. “Dad you said you were engaged, who is it this time?” I stood akimbo.

“I did, didn’t I.” He said as if delaying the time he took to answer.

“Stop delaying and answer the question.” I replied impatiently

“Well don’t worry you know her well. And you will meet her soon. In fact she should arrive five minutes from now.” And with that he left the room without another word.

One year later

I sat on a lounger by the pool and watched Dre and his friends swimming. I don’t speak to Carver much but when we do, it doesn’t feel so terrible and heartrending as I had thought it would be months ago. I closed my eyes as I enjoyed the warm sunshine and the cool breeze blowing across my skin. 

“Dami honey, will you come here for a minute?” Mom beckoned from the pool house.

I place the novel that I had been reading, and rested on my stomach, on the table next to me and got up.

I really couldn’t believe that it was last year that we had the big talk in the family dining room, and that the person with which dad spoke about was mom. I really don’t know how or when things got better between them but I was really happy. They seemed happier than they’d been when I was younger. I guess with age you really gain wisdom.

“Yeah mom?”

“The girls are here they’re waiting for you in your room.” She smile and I smiled back.

Before leaving I rubbed her tummy and I felt the little bubbly of my baby sister moving.

“Hi Dalayna, aren’t you a busy one today.” I said and she kicked. I giggled, “Yup that’s my Layna.”

“Well if it isn’t my three beautiful women.” Dad came up behind mom and wrapped his arms around her as he rests his hands on her stomach.

“Dad can’t you count? There are only two of us here.”

“What! Don’t tell me you don’t see you sister.” His mocked expression of being shocked was a comically sight I really couldn’t help laughing.

“Nope, not yet. Not until the next three months.” I smiled at him.

I could see that he was happy, just by the look in his face. Even my siblings were very welcoming towards mom coming into the family. My family might not be perfect but I knew we were happy.

Layna kicked again bringing me back from my thoughts. She kicked again harder this time, and I could have sworn I felt two feet instead of one this time.

“If I didn’t know better I’d think you’re a twin sometimes. Anyway gotta go kiddo.” I gave a final rub as the girls came out into the yard.

“Girl, why don’t you leave that child alone? I swear she gonna be tired of you some day.” Jade joked.

“Hey I all about family.” I replied and they laughed.

I looked back in time to see my parents kissing. “Ugh!! Get a room!” I shouted and they laughed.

“So… have you told him yet?” Cassie asked as we sat on bean bags, bubble swing chairs and hammocks.

We were at the Gizmo having a wonderful time like we always do. Today like any other day we were talking about boys. But there was one particular boy seem to always be brought up, Jayson.

“Did I tell him who?” I asked as if I didn’t know who they were talking about.

“DPD.” Kym said looking up from FashionQuest magazine.

“You’re gonna do this each time we meet? C’mon D stop doing this. You know you’re crazy about him. Just tell him how you feel.” Gabri encouraged.

“I can’t.” I wailed putting a cushion over my face to hide my now rosy red cheeks.

“Don’t worry we’ll help you.” Nik rubbed my arm supportively.

* * *

I sat in the empty music room. I really needed the extra time to settle into class, for things had become a little stressing and I really needed to let go and relax a bit. The music room was state of the art, with a recording studio connected to it. I sat there for some time by the piano until new lyrics came to mind for the song I was writing.

I looked out my window 

And I saw your sweet face smiling at me

You wave, I smiled and waved back

Then I realized you weren’t looking at me.

As I played around with the lyrics and the tune, more lyrics came to mind and I stopped to write them down. Soon enough I was playing and singing along. Totally unaware of anyone else in the room, I belt out the notes like I never did before. When the song was finished persons were applauding. I looked around and saw my friends among them smiling, and I smiled back.

“Bravo! That was splendid DJ. I came in and heard you….. I couldn’t help recording it.” Uncle Gio said stepping out of the adjoining recording studio.

“I must agree with Gio here. That was wonderful.” Mr. Johansen said or Uncle Theo rather.

“Uh… Um… thanks I guess.” I stuttered. Suddenly feeling like an ancient fossil in a museum, I felt the greatest need to be away. “Will you excuse me?” I said as I quickly exited the room. 

I made it to the girls bathroom and entered the first empty stall I saw. After closing the toilet lid I sat on top, trying to get a grip of myself. I really wasn’t used to all this attention and praise and really didn’t think I liked it at all. Just then I heard the door opened and some girls walked in talking.

“I really can’t believe she’s from such a wealthy family. I just thought she was just come nosey girl who sticks her nose in everyone’s business.” Said one girl.

“Yeah me too. I don’t hate her or anything but, I really don’t know about her. I think she may have staged everything to be recognized by everyone.” Said another girl.

“Yeah, but why create such a big scene. And the Vincenzo’s are really generous to pretend that they had anything in common with her other than their name.” said a third girl.

“Whoa hold up look at this article in the FashLight magazine. It says here that her parents got remarried!” the first girl exclaimed.

“What! How is it that we missed that? OMG!” said the third girl.

“Wait there’s more.” Said the second on.  “The Vincenzo and the Caldera Family are extremely happy for the reunited couple who got married last year and even more so since Aurora Caldera Vincenzo announced at their monthly family reunion at the Veneto Country Club, that she was having a girl in a few months.” She read.

I didn’t wait for them to read the next line, I opened the door and got out. They all looked up in utter fright into the mirror at me. Their eyes wide and terrified at what I might say, but instead I just washed my hands and glared at them before walking out.

“Why is everyone so fascinated with my life than I am of it?” I said to myself as I walked down the hall.

I was thinking so hard that I was totally unaware of the bell that signaled the end of school, until students poured into the hallways. I snapped back to the future as I made my way back to the class to grab my stuff, but was met by Jay who had collected them already.

“I… already got your stuff for you.” He said in a quiet voice.

“So I see. Thanks.” I smiled and made my way back to my locker.

He stood quietly waiting for me until I collected a few things for my pack and place some books inside. I closed the locker door just as Layla happened by.

“Jayson, why are you standing here, with this… nobody?” Layla glared at me as if I was the one who asked him to be here, not that I mind Jayson being there.

“Layla I told you, it’s over. I told you that before the party and during and after when I found out that you were with her brother. You’ve been walking behind me like some sick lost puppy who really can’t find his way home. Now leave me alone.” Jayson said dryly

“Whoa that was a low blow.” I mumbled to myself as we walked.

I sat looking at my family as we all relaxed by the pool. I had finished my homework and I had time for just enjoying the afternoon breeze on the lounger. Davari was chasing the triples across the yard as they screamed in excitement. They’ve all seemed so happy especially since the wedding. Things won’t get any better than this, I thought to myself.

As Davari ran by I grabbed and held him long enough for the girls to get away, but they stopped to look at me in shock. Normally I wouldn’t get involved but today I felt playful and I thought it was about time I bridged the gap that still lingered.

“Don’t just stand there! Run!” I said just Davari stated to struggle from my grip. Before I knew it he’d pushed me into the pool as he scampered away laughing.

Soon the whole family had joined in the fun as we screamed and played, everyone except mom who stood watching us, as she laughed at our shenanigans.

It was sometime later that we went in for dinner. We sat at the table as we were served our dinner. I felt at peace, not tensed and worried.

“I didn’t know you knew what it meant to be playful.” Dynae said thoughtfully

“There’re lots of things you don’t know about me.”

“Of course we don’t you’re always so distant. You never do anything fun. Well…until today that is.” Davoni chimed in, gesticulating with her fork in hand.

“Will you put down that fork! You almost poked me in the eye.” Dashae complained.

I looked around the room at my family, who I really and truly love. Is it possible that they knew nothing of how I was mistreated by their mom? I asked myself. Really didn’t want to be the outcast of the family anymore. I want to feel like I really am a part of it. I sighed

“I never ever felt like I was a part of the family. I was always excluded one way or another. Lola was always lying about things I didn’t do and dad never listened. How do you expect me to feel? It was always better to watch from afar just so that I wouldn’t get in trouble.”

“I guess we may have been a bit jealous that you seem to get all the attention. Sometimes we were the ones to create the problem and blame it on you. I’m sorry.” Drevin said sheepishly, his head hung as he played with his food.

Getting up, I walked around to the other side of the table to where he sat and he looked up. Before he could react, I pulled him up and into a tight hug.

“I forgive you. That’s all water under the bridge.” I let go and smiled.

After dinner I went to my room and stretch across the bed, while I checked my mails. The phone rang frightening me a little. Picking up my phone I slid my finger across the screen to accept the call.

“Hello?” I said holding the phone between my shoulder and my ears.

“Hey DJ, it’s me Jayson. I was wondering if you wanna hang out with us tomorrow. We were planning to go to watch Chauncey the spy, then grab something at Pizzarena afterwards.” He sounded a bit nervous, or is just me? I thought.

“Yeah sure, why not.” I smiled though I knew that he couldn’t see.

“Ok, great. We’ll see you there.” He sighed as if relieved, but why?

Though I didn’t get to spend so much time with them like I did before, I tried to never turn them down. I had made a promise to myself at the beginning of the year that I would take the year to get to know my family better, and now I was aiming to allow them to know me too. Now that the year and the relationship of my family have become even better, I could spend more time with them.

 Then a thought hit me, why not let my friends come over and watch the movie at the Gizmo. I had never taken them there and it allows me all the privacy I needed. I picked up the phone and select redial.

“Hey Jay, It’s me DJ. I was thinking if you guys would rather to come over and watch the movie at my house instead. And we could order pizza from Pizzarena. What do you think?” I chewed on my lip out of habit than nerves.

“Yeah that could work too.” He replied

“OK, I’ll ask Leon to pick you guys up.”

The cool sea breeze blew in through the balcony doors and I turned towards it to watch the sunlight stream in. As the sunlight entered the room further and further, I encouraged myself to get up and be ready for later, I couldn’t understand why it was that I was so excited, but I was. I got put on my riding gears and went to Yorkshire to teach my class before taking Altair for a ride. We had a great time and it gave me time to think what I would say to Jay when he came by, for it was about time I told him how I felt about him.

 As soon as I got back home, Leon left to get Jayson and the others. I excitedly went to get things in order for the evening. Though they’ve been here more than once, I felt that I had to make them fell comfortable like they would be at our house next door to Randy. They always try to hide how uncomfortable they are but I always seem to see, right through their façade. The Gizmo I decided would be a great place to hang out today. I really wanted things to be like they use to be, but sometimes it seems like I never will.

I picked out a pair of cutoffs and one of my customized blouses, and I combed my hair into a ponytail. I twisted and turned in front of the mirror to have a good look at myself. I really didn’t want look too much like a rich kid that they felt uncomfortable and eager to get home.

Will they enjoy today? I had also secretly spoken to their parents to let them sleepover and they had all been ok with the idea. I really hope they’ll be cool with it, I thought as I chewed on my bottom lip.

I was pacing back and forth in my room when I heard Dennis’ voice through my foggy thoughts over the intercom, “You have a visitor, DJ.”

“Ok, I’ll there in a few seconds.” I replied

I dashed down the stairs in a hurry, forgetting to put on my sandals. I got to the front door in a jiffy, totally out of breath. Jay grinned at the sight of me and I giggled. I held up a finger asking him to give me a minute.

 As soon as I was calm again, I stood upright and noticed that there was no one else but Jay. I looked around a little frantic as I gnawed at my lower lip again. Did they think it was a bad idea to come here? Don’t they know that I’ll never use my wealth to make them feel small, or anything? Is it that the paparazzi has gotten to them? Have I changed that much that I was intolerable? They’ve never complained before, so I really hope that I didn’t fall too much out of the loop. I sighed as a zillion questions zipped through my mind.

“They other guys were a bit delayed….uh… um… Can we talk for a minute? I have something I really wanna say before they get here. I told Leon to let us know when they are here.” Jay looked a bit worried like he would throw up if he didn’t get this out of his system soon.

“Ok…sure.” I replied now very concerned. “Come this way.”

           I led the way to the Gizmo and we sat in one of the over stuffed couches. I noticed that Jayson was observing the room and he seemed to relax a bit.

“So you were gonna tell me something.” I prompted

“Yeah I’ve been meaning to tell you something. Please don’t say anything before I finished.” He sighed nervously. “Well … I …um… we’ve been good friends all our lives and I really don’t want this to come between us.”

He was shaking his feet and looked as if he was trying to decide the best way to tell whatever it was. I sighed quietly, trying to not be annoyed.

“Ah… I’ve really been wanting to tell you this, but there was Layla and you… er …um.” His voice trailed off as if he was really nervous about telling me whatever but I was becoming very irksome at the moment.

“Just tell me already! What has Layla got to do with this?” I asked frustratedly

He sighed as though this was going to take a chunk out of his ass. I sat watching as emotion after emotion ran across his face and wondered what was happening in that brain of his.

           She sat looking at me as if I was some alien or something, I really don’t blame her for being annoyed, Jayson sat there thinking to himself as he geared up for the event of the century. Why hadn’t he  told her how he felt about her a long time ago. They’d sat on long phone calls many times after conferenced conversation with their friends. He sighed to himself not sure what he was really to do next.

“Will you just stop thinking about it and… just tell me what’s eating at you.” She said on a sighed.

“Yeah, just tell her already. You’ve been stalling long enough buddy.” Mykal said as he entered the room.

Kevin waved and was soon walking away. They had planned that they would delay coming over for about an hour or so, that he could tell her how he really felt. That he didn’t want to be friend that she called when some guy she liked embarrassed her or something but that he wanted more.

“Maan you really know how to stall.” JD sighed as he shook his head in amazement.

“I’d never thought you to be such a wussy kind of guy.” JT said dropping himself between both of them as if to say Jayson had his chance and blew it so it was over.

I have to tell her , I have to tell her how I feel, I said over and over to myself. And on a sigh I got up and stooped in front of her and DJ’s eyes widened.

           Jayson was stooping in front of me and reaching for my hands. My heart was racing so fast it was almost impossible to breathe. What was he doing? I thought to myself as he stroked his thumb over the beating pulse on my wrist. He looked up at me as if knowing exactly how I feel at the moment.

“Jayson you’re scaring me. What is it you wanted to tell me?” eager as anything to get information I edged forward to the end of the seat.

Jayson rest his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. He sighed as if like the feel of this small intimate act, and somehow when he looked up I knew what he wanted to tell me, his eyes said it all.

“I forgive you. And I’m sorry too.” I whispered so low it was a little impossible for him to hear, but he heard and smiled.

He leaned forward again this time he tilted his head to an angle and I realized that he was about to kiss me. I reared back a bit surprised and then it really hit me. He wasn’t only saying that he was sorry but that He was interested. A little hurt I pulled away fully. Why didn’t he show interest before He found out that my dad was a very wealthy man from a seriously wealthy background? Why no before he’d have found out that I had a never-ending trust fund and that I was the feature of every gossip magazine and the talk of every talk show?

“No Jay. Don’t play games with me.”

“ DJ, c’mon you know I don’t play games with people especially you so why start now.”

“Let’s just say I’m that talk of the century and you could benefit from this as anyone else here can.” I threw the stinging words and they all cringed at the statement.

Gabri was the first to recover from it all. “You know, I did tell you guys that to become friends again especially at the time we did it was hopeless. She’ll forever think that we need all she’s got.” She fumed and was making her way out when she bumped in to Francesca and François.

“Don’t blame her for thinking that. You could blame my mom if she was the only person that wants the fame but many people do.” Francesca said.

“Franc, Ches, what are you doing here? “ I asked in great puzzlement.

“It doesn’t mattered honey. You were just about to let your friends suffer for something that if our mom wasn’t the first to put such things into your head that people will always want something from you and that you can’t trust people. On her behalf, we both apologize for the damage she caused.” Ches said as she came over to where I sat and hugged me tight.“

“It doesn’t mattered honey. You were just about to let your friends suffer for something that if our mom wasn’t the first to put such things into your head that people will always want something from you and that you can’t trust people. On her behalf, we both apologize for the damage she caused.” Ches said as she came over to where I sat and hugged me tight.

“Yeah, we caught her some days ago trying to smuggle a letter to you saying that you were indebted to her for trying to bring your life out in the open when you were four and that she’ll never be able to thank you enough. We were able to take the letter away but we couldn’t stop the story she started to spread about you being friends with Ches.” Franc said on a devastating sigh as he too came closer to stand before me.

He pulled me into a tight hug and said, “They have genuinely loved you. I can see it in their eyes. Don’t let them pay for our mom’s foolish acts. We wouldn’t mind if you spoke to you dad not to have her locked up. But it’s ok if you really think that she should have a night or two in the prison cell.” He pulled back then and smiled a mischievous smile as he tucked my hair behind my ears.

I sighed and look from one friend to the other. Somehow Gabri had stayed behind, and that’s when I noticed the tears she was trying very hard to hide. Growing up there were very few occasions which I had seen her cry, but I had seen every time she held the tears in on tight reins. If those reins were tangible it would be the one they used to break wild horses. I looked away.

“I’m sorry. But it’s hard to know the genuine things anymore. My wealth had always been a problem. Only while I was with Kevin and the gang or Cassie and the rest of the crew that it never was, so they’re the only ones who knew. Except for Ches and Franc With you guys I told you and so very opportunity that came up for me to tell you guys not only became harder but impossible and the reason non-existent.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Jay first made his way back to my side. He smiled though it didn’t reach his eyes. Wave after wave of emotion took over and before I knew