Chapter 51
Jake
When Carmen and I make it to the living room, the T.V. is blaring. Everyone has made themselves comfortable. I smile when I spot that the love seat is still open. Carmen and I walk over to it, and we sit in the same way that we had when Kenny told me about Adriana. It has been an exhausting night. If only I could sleep. Looking up at the station, I curse when a picture of me and Adriana flash on the screen.
“Many people don’t know Adriana Willis. She is a friend of Jill Mace. Many people say that they are as close as sisters. A spokesperson for Senator Mace says that the family is devastated. The Mace family ask the public for their prayers. The family would also like everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time.” The female news anchor pauses and looks into the camera with sympathetic eyes. “Willis is supposed to be one of the stars in a spinoff reality show called Sharp, Ashley and friends. A spokesperson for the reality network says that no episodes had been shot and that the future of the show depends on the cast. According to sources, Adriana has been the longtime girlfriend of Jake Jones. No one representing him has made an official comment,” The woman says and then she reports other news. I can’t believe that the media is talking more about how she dated me and less about how lively she is. Despite at all, she is a good person. She just made really bad decisions.
“When are we going back?” Donald asks.
“We aren’t. I’m going to drive up to see Jill then come back here. I don’t want to be followed. So, I’ll have to use your car, Peter,” I tell my best friend. Peter nods.
“I would come along, but Jill doesn’t need the media harassing her family. When it’s so close to the trial, people will notice me,” Chelsea says.
“I’ll come with you, Jake,” Carmen tells me, as if she had an option. I wasn’t planning on making the long drive by myself.
“It feels like I’m always going to a hospital,” I comment.
“I just spoke to Reverend Barry. They are thinking about having a prayer service for everyone involved in the crash,” Dad says. Oh great, one more thing for me to do.
“That will be a zoo. The cameras will be everywhere,” Alex whines.
“Maybe the media will mind their own business for once,” Kenny snaps. That’s wishful thinking. But we all know that when the trial begins, everything will get hectic. We have two more weeks. I’m not looking forward to this.
“Dad, you need to rest up,” Carmen tells her father. He nods.
“I will. Don’t you worry about me. Oh, your mother and Jake’s mother are driving up as we speak. They took an inconspicuous car. Don’t worry about them getting followed,” Kenny informs Carmen.
“Good. How’s Grandma dealing with all of this?” Everyone’s eyes land on Kenny to gauge his reaction to his daughter’s question.
“I’m not sure. We aren’t on speaking terms. Then again, this always happens that way,” Kenny comments.
“So we aren’t welcomed in the mansion?”
“No, she wants us there. That’s the problem. I want you to go home. Who knows what’s going to happen next?” the man tells his daughter. Carmen touches my face.
“I’m not going home unless Jake does.” I sigh, knowing that I have nowhere to be. Let’s just say that me and my job parted ways. After what Carmen said, I decided to figure out what I want to do. Though, I have a pretty good idea of what it is. Her father glares at her.
“Carmen, you’re going back to school. It’s the safest place for you.” Mr. Philips looks downright desperate. “I’m telling you, the Philips Family luck has been gone for a while. Don’t tempt fate by staying.”
“Dad, if I go back to school, I’ll be alone. Besides, I’m keeping track of the Brent Harris trial. Who knows when that will take place,” Carmen says, clearly grasping at straws. She should go back to school. Her father is right. It will be safe for her. I need to put aside my selfish feelings and talk to her.
“Darling, you…”
“Jake, stop. You know why I don’t want to go back to New York. It would be a waste of my time to go to college if I don’t know what I want to do,” she pleads, as if only I had a say.
“What happened to Journalism?” Tia asks. Carmen shakes her head.
“I hate it,” Carmen comments, before her phone starts ringing. I guess that’s her excuse to dodge this conversation. She hops out of her seat and rushes out of the room. I feel so cold without her beside me that I am tempted to turn on the heat.
“Alex, what are you doing with your life?” Dad tentatively asks. She laughs.
“Well, thanks to Wildflower I’m not only out of a job, but everyone thinks that I’m a druggy. Getting a job has been impossible,” Alex groans. “I can’t believe she lied. She’s just upset at me because I quit. I guess I was her best dancer. She made money off of me even though I barely danced.” Everyone looks in my direction. The attention is making me uncomfortable. When will Carmen be back? What will happen to my sanity if she doesn’t hurry up and rush back to my side?
“Why is everyone looking at me?” I slowly ask.
“What was your relationship with my boss? Were you really lovers?” Alex asks. I shake my head. The thought makes me want to vomit.
“No. Never. She’s disgusting. I’d never touch her,” I respond a bit too sharply. Alex frowns.
“Disgusting? Why?” My sister is clueless. Didn’t she know what her old boss was up to?
“Let’s just say that Wildflower was into giving rich customers favors,” I say, hoping that she’ll get the hint.
“For free?” Alex asks.
“No, for money,” I answer. She glares at me.
“Were you one of her customers?” Alex’s question insults me.
“Why pay for something that any tramp would offer for free?” I ask her. Alex nods, but Carmen’s father glares at me.
“Then, why did you give her money?” Dad demands. So he knew about that, figures.
“Because, I was trying to help Alex. The more money I gave Wildflower, the less Alex was seen. I didn’t want her dancing for other guys,” I explain, and everyone is momentarily silent, as if they hadn’t expected such an obvious explanation.
“You came to the club because you wanted to protect me?” Alex asks me, amazement on her face.
“Why else would I have come?” I’m a little aggravated because she doesn’t get the point. So I’m going to have to be a pansy. “I love you Alex, because you’re family.” Alex, needing no more encouragement, throws herself at me. I don’t do the hugging thing. But it’s nice to not have the girl hate me. Maybe since she’s so displaced and clearly indebted to me, she’ll do me a favor. After she’s done giving me hugs and kisses on the cheek, she eyes my father with something that looks like hope.
“Have you met Bella?” He shakes his head.
“Not formally,” my father replies. He isn’t reacting to any of this. My guess is that he’s too afraid to hope. I don’t blame the guy. Life hasn’t been so kind to us, lately.
“She’ll be excited to have a grandparent. She hasn’t even met Mom yet. I don’t talk to the lady anymore,” Alex confesses. Part of me wonders if Eli had met her mother. The other part of me hates her for turning her back on me. I’m her brother, and she didn’t even think twice. I know that the two of us aren’t close, but the girl didn’t even make an effort with me. At least Alex tried, unless I was telling her what to do, that is.
“I didn’t know about you,” Dad tells Alex.
“I know, Carmen told me,” my sister says, a fond smile across her face. She liked Carmen, a lot.
“Look at that!” Tia exclaims. I hate her for ruining this moment. Man, am I the biggest Pansy or what? Tia is pointing at the screen. I follow her finger to see Aunt Kate being cuffed. Her arrest apparently happened outside of a restaurant.
“Forty-two year old Kathrine Philips was arrested yesterday evening for the murder of Amy Gallagher. Officers say that they arreste
d the wrong man for the murder. And the public wants to know why,” the female reporter says. And now, I’ve had enough. I need to see what’s holding up Carmen.
Chapter 52
Carmen