Sunday, September 13
9:30 am
This is just the beginning.
Saturday night, Bridgett and I stay up practically all night. She's deciding what she should and shouldn't bring with her. I assure her I have everything she needs and more at my home, so she packs a few clothes, some of her favorite books, pictures of her family, other memorabilia items, and about 20 journals.
“There is one for every year,” she explains, and my eyes grow wide.
There was one thing we had in common. I didn't keep a journal my whole life, but I did express myself through song... And, I couldn't wait to see what I would write about this experience.
After eating an early breakfast with her parents and little sister, I had a car come pick us up and drive us to the airport.
“I've never rode in an airplane before,” she admits, as we arrive at the airport.
“Well, your first time will be in class,” I say, smiling.
“First class?” Her eyes get big. “Isn't first class expensive?”
I laugh and shake my head. “Umm... I mean we are taking a private jet...”
“Wow.” Her eyes get big as the car drives us to the small plane that is waiting for us. “This is... incredible.”
“One of the many perks of being a rock star.”
The driver opens the door for us, and I get out. Bridgett has a gleam in her eyes and she climbs out.
“My life is never going to be the same, is it?” she asks, eying the jet.
I smile. “This is just the beginning. Welcome to the world of Scarlett Ryan.”
She follows me onto the plane and she takes the seat beside me. “I am kind of nervous about flying. I'm glad you're with me for this.”
I can't help but smile. I've known Bridgett less than 24 hours, and she already feels like a sister to me... She is my sister. And I can't help but feel sad about the 19 years we lost.
On the plane ride home, I update her on my life in Hope, Florida.
“Stephan is... not my boyfriend... yet... I mean, we've only known each other a week, but he's definitely more than a friend,” and then I tell her all about him. Starting with the first time we hung out, the black eye, the racing, our first kiss. She laughs a lot at my stories.
Then, she tells me about her life.
She's only had one boyfriend. Martin Felix. They dated for two years. She wanted to take their relationship to the next level, but he was in Bible College, and he said that he wanted to wait until they were married. She found him two weeks ago having sex with her best friend and college roommate, Mia.
“He wanted to wait until we were married. I thought he was just being romantic,” she shook her head. “I was so stupid, Scar.”
“You're not stupid,” I disagree with her. “At least you didn't give yourself to that pathetic a*shole.” In my head, I start going over all the ways I can get revenge on him for hurting my sister.
“And I never thought I would be the kind of girl to run from her problems. I skipped school for two weeks so I wouldn't have to be around Mia, and changed my number so neither of them could contact me,” she sighs. “I'm so weak. I should have stayed there and faced them.”
“You are not weak, Bridgett. You just trusted those who didn't deserve it.” I grab her hand and squeeze it. “You deserve better.”
“I'm so glad you found me.”
“Me too,” I agree.
1:55 pm
We found each other.
The first thing I do when the driver drives us home from the airport is email Stephan.
Can you come over around 3? I have a surprise for you!
- Scarlett
He replies within seconds.
Can't wait. I missed you <3
I can't help but smile... Stephan Montgomery missed me! I'm on cloud nine. Bridgett takes a shower in the guest bedroom, and I take a shower in mine. I get dressed in a sexy, super short, dark blue dress. I straighten my hair, and put on a pair of black pumps.
“Wow!” Bridgett says when she sees me. “You're definitely the hotter twin.”
I laugh, “Whatever! Go to my closet and pick out anything.”
“Seriously?” she looks excited at the thought of going through my closet.
The doorbell rings, and I nod my head. “Yes! Come down when you're done and you can meet Stephan!”
I race down the stairs and throw the door open. Stephan is standing on the other side, looking extremely sexy. He's wearing a tight pair of blue jeans, and a black polo shirt. Simple, but so hot on him.
His eyes look me up and down, and it's like he's eating me with his eyes. “Please tell me that you're my surprise. I'd love nothing more than to have my way with you right here, right now.”
Oh, wow. I just got turned on. Then, I remember Bridgett is upstairs, and could come down any minute. “No!” I scream. “Maybe later, but definitely not right now.”
He pouts a little. “I'm sad... So what is this surprise?”
“What would you say if I told you I have a twin?” I ask.
“I'd say that's super hot,” he says, grabbing me around my waist. “And that I hope you're the naughty one.”
I'm almost lost in the moment, when I hear Bridgett walking down the stairs.
I look at Bridgett. Her hair is up in a very neat bun, and she's wearing my most conservative outfit... A purple sundress that cuts off just above the knee.
I look at Stephan, who is looking back and forth between us, his mouth slightly open.
“Stephan, I'd like you to meet my twin sister, Bridgett Evans. Bridgett, this is my... um... my Stephan...” I say, unable to think of any other explanation.
She does a little curtsey, and I hold back a giggle. My twin sister is so prim and proper... So unlike me.
“Wow. You two look just alike, but I can already tell you are nothing alike.” Stephan turns to me. “Why didn't you tell me you had a twin?”
“Because I didn't know until early Saturday morning. I flew to her the second I found out.”
“This is incredible, Scarlett...” he continues to look between the two of us. “How did you figure it out?”
I don't know how to respond. I don't want him to know about the P.I. I hired. I'm not sure why I don't, it just seems... personal. So, Bridgett comes to rescue.
“It doesn't matter,” she says, putting her arm around me. “What matters is that we found each other.”
“Exactly,” I agree. “So I am going to show you how a real rock star lives.”
“And how do you do that?” he asks.
I shrug. “A shopping trip in Paris, a walk on the red carpet, a week on a private yacht... It's is completely up to you, Bridge.”
She thinks for a minute. “Well, I'd hate to think that I would be the reason my twin sister would fail out of high school... So maybe we can just do fun stuff on the weekends.”
I sigh. “High school isn't for me. I think I am just going to hire a private tutor, and get my diploma.”
“No!” Bridget insists. “Wasn't the point of you going to high school? It's step one to a normal life... Maybe it's me who should show you what it's like to be normal... We can save the yacht party for the weekend.”
9:48 pm
You're a freaking superstar goddess.
Stephan, Ethan, Bridgett, and I spend the day on the beach. Ethan attempts to teach Bridge and me how to surf, but as it turns out, neither of us are very athletic. But we are both determined to learn, so we decide we will try again later.
I also introduce my security team to Bridgett, and she freaks out, wondering why I need security. I tell her about my first day in Hope, and say it's just precaution. The truth is, people here are getting used to me, so I feel pretty safe. I just keep them around the house for the paparazzi now.
Stephan and Ethan head back home later, and Bridgett and me get in the hot tub.
“So, I have a question,” she says. “How come you have a pool if you live on the beach?”
I laugh. “Because the ocean isn't the safest place to swim, and sometimes I just don't want to get sand all over myself.”
“Wow.” She leans her head back, and sighs. “Will I ever get used to this life?”
“Yes, and no,” I answer. “This is normal for me, but at the same time, it feels surreal.”
“Your life is a fairy tale... I love it.”
“Yeah...” I say, a little sad. “I do too, but at what cost?”
“Why can't you make your music? Why does it have to be their way or no way? You should just do what you want. You have your name built up, and it's your music, so it should be your choice.”
“No, it's my record company's choice,” I shake my head.
“So get a different label.”
“I can't just... get a new label...” I explain. “It'd be a long process with lawyers...”
She cuts me off. “But you don't actually have to get a new label. You just have to look like you're trying to. I'm sure your label doesn't want to lose Scarlett Ryan. I mean, come on! You're a freaking superstar goddess.”
I like where her thought process is going. “I like it. Now, I just need to start looking for a new manager. My father is not up to the job.”
“We'll think of something...” she promises.
Monday, September 14
6:30 am
I hate Mondays.
My alarm clock goes off at 6:30 on Monday morning, and I decide it's official: Mondays are my new least favorite day of the week.
I get a shower, get dressed, and head downstairs where Bridgett is pouring us both a cup of coffee. “About time you get up.” Her voice is perky.
Oh my god. My sister is a morning person. I personally don't like to speak to anybody until I've been up for at least 30 minutes.
“We really are opposites,” I grumble, sitting down at the bar in the kitchen. She passes me a cup of coffee, and I take a sip. It's exactly how I like it – lots of cream and sugar. “How did you know?”
“I like mine the same way. We may be opposites on a lot of things, but I could tell you were a cream and sugar kind of girl.” She takes the seat beside me. “So, I am going to need your cell phone. Today you need to go to school phone free.” She holds out her hand.
I glare at her. “No way.”
She glares back. “Scarlett, I've seen your twitter. You tweet during class. You obviously don't need the temptation.”
“Come on! I haven't done that since like... Last Monday! I know better now. I promise, no texting, tweeting, or emailing during class!”
“Wow. It's been seven days... Fine,” she caves. “But if I find out otherwise, I will hide your phone tomorrow morning.”
“Deal,” I agree, because she's probably right. The doorbell rings, and I get off the stool. “That would be Stephan. If you need to go anywhere, you can take the Mercedes. See you after school.”
“I'll probably just chill by the pool all day,” she smiles. “See you after school.”
I walk outside, and Stephan is waiting there for me. “Hey, Beautiful,” he greets me.
“How do you know I'm not Bridgett?” I challenge him.
“Because, Scarlett, even though you two are identical, I can easily tell you apart,” he says, kissing me gently on the lips.
When he pulls back, I ask, “How is it so easy to tell?”
Stephan leans closer to me, and whispers in my ear. “Bridgett doesn't look at me like she wants to rip off my clothes, and have sex with me on top of my car.”
I throw my head back, and laugh. “About that...” I bite my lip. “You're hot and all, but I've decided I'm not going to have sex with you until we're in love. Which, like you said, could be a very, very long time.”
He pouts. “But lust is so much fun.”
“I have no doubt that f*cking you would be very fun.” I lean closer to him, and trace his bicep with my finger. “But I'm not going to ruin our relationship for one night of fun.”
“Oh, trust me, it would be more than just one night,” he kisses his way down my jaw, and to my neck.
I want so badly to take him up on his offer, but instead push him away. “We have school.”
11:05 am
Only mine.
I am very aware of Stephan's presence in study hall today. In fact, he hasn't stopped playing with my hair since class began. I turn around and swat his hands away.
“Stop that,” I whisper. “You're distracting me.”
“You like it,” he counters.
I narrow my eyes at him. “I know exactly what you're doing, Stephan Montgomery. And it's not going to work on me.”
“What is it you think I'm trying to do?” He questions with his eyebrows raised.
“You're trying to seduce me. And trust me when I say, I'm not an inexperienced high school girl. It's going to take a lot more than sweet words, kissing, and touching to break me.”
He smiles.
“And considering how much grief it took to get you to kiss me, I'm surprised you want more.”
He leans forward in his desk. “Trust me, Scarlett, you're a lot more than just a hook up to me. I want so much more.”
I want to smile at his words, but I don't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he's got to me.
“What is it that you want?” I ask.
“I want you to be mine, and only mine.” He's very to the point, and that is what I like about Stephan. I never have to wonder what he is thinking.
I am unable to hide my smile now. “Why, Stephan, if I didn't know better, I'd say you just asked me to be your girlfriend.”
He shakes his head. “No. I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend in study hall. I will, soon, but when I do, it's going to be special.”
“I look forward to it.”
I turn back around in my chair, and try to focus on my homework in front of me, but I can't. I've never had a boyfriend before. I mean, sure, I've had boyfriends for publicity, but it's never been real before. Stephan is my first crush, and he has the possibility of becoming my first love.
Ok, love is a bit premature... I know that what I'm feeling is not love. But whatever this is, it's powerful, and it's real.
Lust, I remind myself.
Love grows over time, and could possibly happen between us. I'm definitely sticking around to see what happens.
12:06 pm
I seriously LOVE you right now!
Mona approaches me at lunch time. I'm seriously over high school drama, but I paste a smile on my face anyway. I tell myself over and over again that this is for Ethan.
“I want to apologize for my friend, Demi. She can be... extreme,” she smiles sadly. “It is no secret that Stephan and I have reasons to hate each other, but it's not Ethan's fault that his dad married Stephan's mom. If you and Ethan want to eat lunch with us, you're welcome to.”
“Thank you, Mona, but I'm not sure I fit into your group.”
“I understand. The offer is good for anytime.”
She turns to walk away, but I stop her. “Hey, so what's the deal with you and Stephan?”
She clears her throat. “It's personal, and it's not something I like to talk about.” She quickly changes the subject. “By the way, I'm having a party tonight. You are welcome to come.”
I want to say no f*cking way, but once again I think of Ethan. What does he see in this girl? “What kind of party?”
“Just a small gathering. I'm having a bonfire on the beach, a few beers, and just chilling. It would be a great way for you to meet people. Bring Ethan.”
“I think I will.”
She walks away, and I pull out my phone to text Bridgett. I figure since she's my sister she should have my phone number.
Scarlett: Hey Bridge, it's Scar. Don't worry, it's lunch! I don't have my phone out in class. Just wanted to check on you :)
She responds immediately.
Bridgett: Glad you're following rules. I'm great, just chilling by the pool and reading a book.
Scarlett: How do you feel about going to a high school party? I've never been to one, and it sounds fun.
Bridgett: I guess it will be a first for both of us then. Can't wait.
I feel a tap on my shoulder, and jump. I look up at Ethan. “You scared me!”
“Sorry. I was just wondering if you were up for tutoring tonight?”
I shake my head. “Actually, I'm going to hold up my end of the bargain tonight. We are going to Mona's party tonight.”
He looks shocked. “Seriously?”
“Yes.”
He smiles, like a huge smile. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen him so happy. “I seriously LOVE you right now!”
I wave him off. “It was nothing. But keep Tuesday night open! I have a math quiz on Wednesday, and you owe me an A.”
2:59 pm
Teenage soap opera.
“I'm NOT going,” Stephan tells me on the drive home. “I hate that bitch, and I'm most definitely not going to be spending time with her at her home. Besides, I'm pretty sure I wasn't invited.”
“I was invited, and I invited you. So technically, you are invited.”
“Still, not going.”
I roll my eyes. “Well, I have to go. And I really want you to come.”
“You don't have to do anything,” he counters.
“Yes, I do! Ethan and me made a deal. Tutoring, in exchange for hooking him up with Mona. He get's the girl, and I graduate high school. I need this. And I understand if you don't want to come, but I would appreciate it if you did.”
He sighs, and I can tell he's caving. “Fine. But I'm not into drama. I'm not sticking around if tonight turns into a teenage soap opera.”
“I agree to your terms.”
“Why didn't you tell me about your arrangement with Ethan before?” he asks. “I kind of thought you two had a thing for each other. You know, with him being god like and all.”
“The more I get to know Ethan, the less he looks like Thor. It was the blue eyes...”
“And his blue eyes don't affect you anymore?”
I shake my head. “No way. Blue eyes are overrated. Besides, I'm kind of into this green eyed boy.”
“I don't think blue eyes are overrated,” he disagrees. “I find myself lost in your baby blues way too often.”
“Cheesy pick up lines don't work on me.”
“It wasn't a line.”
Damn. I am in over my head.
7:55 pm
I've heard enough Taylor Swift songs to know that heartbreak sucks.
The party starts at 8 o'clock, and Ethan is wanting to leave. In fact, he's pacing in my living room, waiting for me to finish getting ready.
“Party rule number one, nobody is ever on time,” I tell him as I walk down the stairs. “Chill, Ethan.”
Stephan is waiting for me at the end of the stairs. He puts his arms around me, and kisses my lips hard. “You look... incredibly hot.”
Tonight, I'm wearing a pair of designer jeans, yellow pumps, and a yellow tank top. It's tight, and shows off my curves. I already have the reaction out of Stephan that I was hoping for.
His hands travel south, and he cups my ass. I pull his hands back up to my waist, and give him a stern look.
“If you two are done raping each other, I'd like to go,” Ethan says, reminding me that there are other people in the room.
“I am going to need an eye transplant after that,” Bridgett tells Ethan, and they both laugh.
“It's not my fault your stepbrother can't keep his hands off me,” I counter.
We take two cars to Mona's party because Stephan is convinced he's going to need to leave early. I drive my Lamborghini, with Bridgett, and Stephan rides with Ethan.
“This car is awesome,” Bridgett says, climbing inside. It's her first time riding in this car. “How did you find a black and pink Lamborghini?”
“My dad had it custom made for my nineteenth birthday.”
Her eyes get big. “I got a cake with the family, and a new dress for my nineteenth birthday. So unfair.”
“Did I mention he bought it for me with my money?”
“What! Your parents sound terrible!”
“They are.” She doesn't even know. I hadn't talked to my father since last Monday. He emails me daily, begging me to reconsider. But my mother, I haven't talked to since Christmas. She only talked to me then because I flew to the UK and forced her to have a Christmas dinner with me. Neither of them truly care about me. They tolerate me, and only because of my money. They hate me.
Ethan pulls out of his driveway and I follow closely behind him.
“Stephan's got it bad for you, huh?” Bridgett already knows me well. I love that she changed the subject from my parents to Stephan, because it is exactly what I need.
I can't help but smile at the mention of his name. “Yes, I believe he does.”
“What about you?”
“I like him a lot more than I should,” I admit.
“Has he asked you to commit?” she asks.
I shake my head. “Not yet.”
“He will be soon.” She is confident in her statement.
I suddenly remember our conversation in study hall, and can't help but be excited. “He did sort of hint at wanting to be in a relationship, but I barely know him. I mean, I have known him a total of seven days, Bridge. That's definitely not long enough to commit myself to him.”
“But what does your heart tell you?”
Ethan pulls over to the side of the road and I park behind him. I then turn to Bridgett. “My heart is screaming at me to take a chance and go for it. But my head is telling me to stop, because he's going to break my heart.”
“Heartbreak is a part of life. Take it from somebody who recently got her heart broken. But even though Martin was a total jerk, I wouldn't take back one day of it.” She smiles sadly at me. “Go for it, and stop listening to your head.”
She get's out of the car, and shuts the door. I sit there for a few seconds, contemplating what she just said. I know that she's right, but I still don't want to put my heart on the line. I've heard enough Taylor Swift songs to know that heartbreak sucks.
I hear a peck on the window, and jump. I look up at Stephan who is standing on the other side. I open my door, and he holds out his hand and helps me out.
“So, you are announcing to the world that you have a twin sister at a high school party?” Stephan asks.
“I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess I am.” I walk over to Bridgett and link my arm with hers. “Are you ready?”
She looks at me and smiles. “More than ready.”