Chapter 26
(Johnnie)
I let out a long sigh, my hand resting on my chin as we drove down Orlando Street, coming up on the boutique my mother always visited every summer. It was a fashion boutique that sold high-end clothing and dresses. "Cheer up, this will be fun." Robin whispered before nudging into me.
Yeah..fun for her..she hasn't met Heaven fully yet but I'm sure they will get along..they both like a lot of the same things and even dress pretty similarly..maybe they will be besties and my summer will become even more miserable. I mean, what else could surprise me at this point?
Okay, I might be in denial..just a little...what Caspian said blew my damn mind and I'm trying so hard not to think about it. But every time I let my mind wander..it leads to that moment..
"You are mine.." I fought the giggle that wanted to explode out of me as I felt my stomach fill with butterflies. I can't believe he said that..is this real life? Or did I somehow get heat stroke and have been in a coma since the moment I stepped off the plane? Yeah..that seems more reasonable.
After Caspian left..I sat there for a good five minutes just staring at the door.
He dated blondes because of me. That's what he said..he actually freaking said that!
I called Anna after coming back to reality and told her everything.
She proceeded to yell "I knew it!" over and over until I threatened to hang up on her.
Then I told her about my mom and Dave..her mind was blown and she was really upset actually.
She wanted to fly down so she could be here for Ben when I told him..of course she would offer to do that.
I haven't exactly told her about Robin and I growing closer..I just don't want to make her feel bad..plus she might kick my a*s for joining the dark side.
Well..I didn't exactly join it..I am just accepting it slightly.
"Did you hear me Jo?" My mom asked, her voice full of annoyance.
"Sorry, I was spacing out." I responded sheepishly before sitting up and clearing my throat.
"What has gotten into you lately? I said that the store has already pulled a few dresses in your size and they even offered us a private room to try everything on. Isn't that exciting?" My mom squealed, making me hum in response as I struggled to muster any type of joy for this outing..I almost couldn't even stand being in the same vicinity as my mom right now..everything she did just annoyed me way more than usual.
Maybe because I know it's all an act..all of this is some big charade and production to make us approve of their relationship. Even though it's been a lie from the start.
"So they were able to get all the alterations done on your wedding dress Heather?" Robin chimed in, trying to make the atmosphere less awkward I'm guessing.
"Thank god, Philip the designer there even added a few personal touches. I can't wait to see it..this is going to be so wonderful. I didn't even have a wedding dress when I married Ben and Jo's dad, we eloped in vegas." My mom stated, making me scowl as the mere mention of my dad made my mood turn even more sour.
"I'm sure that moment was just as special." Robin added, making my mom nod her head before I noticed her eyes glancing back at me in the rearview mirror.
I looked away, feeling my stomach turning as I tried not to break down.
"Oh, we are here! And there's Heaven and Patricia!" My mom announced excitedly before pulling up into a parking spot on the street and turning the car off.
I glanced outside, seeing Heaven was dressed in a pair of white shorts and a flowing red top that hung across her shoulders. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and she wore hoop earrings. She looked flawless as ever..
I glanced down at my white t-shirt and light wash Jean shorts..of course I should've listened to my mom when she asked if this was what I was wearing.
She must've been hinting that I would look like a hobo for who we were meeting up with.
"Just stick with me okay? We don't have to worry about jealous bitches.." Robin stated before jumping out of the car.
I looked at her with surprise before sliding out myself and watched as Robin sidled up next to me before looping her arm through mine.
Did Ben warn her about Heaven or something? Or maybe she just picked up on the hostility at the lunch. Robin was a lot more perceptive than I realized.
I pulled out my phone before looking down at it quickly, checking if I received any texts and frowning when nothing showed..okay..maybe I was checking to see if Caspian sent me something..
I felt my heart sink when I realized there was nothing as I let out a sigh and slipped my phone back into my pocket... guess I could text first..but to be honest..I was scared too. What if he messages me back saying he made a mistake and what he said was because he felt bad for me or something?
Plus..I kind of wanted him to chase after me a little..you know..to make up for all the mean stuff he said..
"Here, let's take a selfie together." Robin suddenly announced before lifting her phone and taking a picture of us.
My eyes were wide as I gave a surprised smile, making Robin look down at it happily.
"Perfect." She muttered before typing something out on her phone.
She must've been sending it to Ben...maybe she wants to prove we are getting along or something.
Well, as long as she is genuine about it I don't mind honestly.
"Come on girls, they are ready to take us back to the room." My mom said before waving us over as my eyes landed on Heaven. I watched as her gaze drifted up and down my body, her face filling with disgust before she sneered at me. Then that fake smile quickly replaced her true feelings as she began to speak.
"Oh my god Jojo..you look incredible, I'm so excited to get some one-on-one time together finally." She exclaimed before walking up to me and taking my other arm.
Robin just shot me a look and I shrugged my shoulders..this was new..usually she just ignored me or openly showed her dislike..but Heaven faking being friends was a new one..and I didn't like it.
"Why are you acting so nice?" I grumbled, feeling brave for a moment as I looked into her green eyes suspiciously.
"I think we should start fresh..well, considering you will technically be my sister-in-law one day. Since you and Caspian are about to be step-siblings." She smiled wickedly, making my mouth fall open as her bold words shocked me.
Does she seriously think she and Caspian are going to get married?! Oh my gosh..this is worse than I thought..she is officially delusional.
"That's weird, I thought Caspian said he wasn't into you..I mean..that was the call I walked into this morning..that was you he was talking to, wasn't it? Or is there another Heaven stalkign him?" Robin stated with confidence, making my jaw drop even more..what the hell is happening right now?
Heaven's face turned pale, her jaw clenching as she shot Robin the nastiest look I have seen from her yet.
"In fact..I believe he told you exactly why he wasn't into you Heaven.." Robin continued before glancing at me making Heaven even more angry.
"Robin! Come look at this, this would be perfect for your bridesmaid's dresses!" My mom called out, making Robin walk ahead as I went to pull from Heaven.
That's when I felt Heaven's fingernails dig into my arm, making me yelp as she glanced down, looking at where she had scratched my arm.
What the heck is her problem?
Wait..did Caspian tell her how he felt about me and now she was pissed?
"Wow, you should really be more careful Johnnie." Heaven snapped, making my brow furrow before glancing toward my mom and Patricia as I saw them looking through the display window with Robin.
Heaven's eyes turned dark before pushing me and making me stumble forward to the ground and land on my knees, scraping them on the hot concrete.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" I yelled out, feeling my knees throb with pain as I looked down at the blood sliding down my shin.
Is she crazy?!
"Johnnie are you okay?!" My mom ran over, looking down at me as Heaven squatted next to me.
"Oh my god Johnnie..I am so sorry..I wasn't watching where I was going." Heaven rushed out before I could even speak and began crying, leaving me stunned. Seriously?!
"This is all my fault." She sobbed as my mom helped me up, glancing towards Heaven.
"It's okay, it was just an accident." My mom said while looking down at my knees.
"Mom..she pushed me." I told her quietly, watching as her gaze snapped to mine before glancing towards Patricia. "Mom.." I felt like I could cry.
"Let's just not make a big deal about it right now..I'm sure it was an accident. We don't want to miss our appointment.." She whispered, embarrassment clearly filling her face as she looked around awkwardly, seeing that people were now staring. "Let's get you cleaned up inside." My mom rushed out before dragging me to the door..and right at that moment, I knew..she didn't care about me.
She cared about what these people thought..these people who she too would soon mingle with considering she was marrying the famous Dave King..
I had become nothing but an embarrassment to her. Well, I hope it's worth it..because after this, she is going to lose the only family she has..and maybe that won't even bother her..maybe that will make her even happier..