Chapter 1
Violet
The blaring of my alarm cuts through my head. I reach over for the son of a bitch. Ready to throw it. Little giggles stop me. Making me smile. My sisters Leah and hope. Five years old are in my bed again. Ever since i got accepted into NYU. They have been sneaking into my bed every morning.
I roll over and stretch. Pretending I have no clue they're next to me. I stick my arms out wide. Hitting a little nose. "Ouch that hurt sissy"!
I turn my head. Faking surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't see ya there". Leah stands up and jumps on me. Hope, who's never far behind her twin. Copies her.
The little girls squeal and wrestle with me. A knock makes us jump. Making us all laugh. The door opens to reveal my other sister. Mariah is 15 she's also a twin. Yep, 2 sets of twin girls. My dads were hoping for boys when hope and Leah were born. They finally got their wish. Mums 8 months pregnant with our brother. "Is everything alright? It's not mum, is it?". I ask. Sitting up.
She walks in and sits down. "No, mum's fine. Actually, don't walk past their room. I heard things that will scar you ". I can't help laughing. Our parents have a very healthy sex life. My dad's joke she gets pregnant. Because of all the sex they have.
I think its romantic. To love someone so much. After being with them for so long. I hope to find that kind of love one day. The kind that consumes me. At only 19. I have plenty of time for that.
The door opens again. Mariahs twin Shania walks in. My mum has a thing for 90's female singer's names. She plops her butt down on her sister's lap. I giggle when they start bickering. "Get off me you heifer" Mariah shouts. I get a lump on my throat. I'm going to miss this. Spending time with my sisters.
I'm leaving for school in a few days. My best friend Austin and i are heading to NYU. Its only 5 hours away by car. It may as well be on the other side of the world. According to my dad's.
Speaking of Austin. His name flashes on my phone. I answer it. "Hey Aussie, what's up". Mariah makes kissy faces. While Shania holds her finger up between her legs. I stick my tounge out at her.
My family think he's in love with me. I deny it constantly. Though lately I think they could be right. We're always together and he never has a girlfriend.
"Hey flower. I was just calling to let you know. Mum and dad are putting a BBQ on for us tomorrow night. Can you ask your mum to make her delicious brownies please ". I laugh at that.
The first time Austin tried mum's sweet treat. He proposed to her. My dads threatened to kick his ass. He was 10.
"Sure thing. So, are you all packed?". He goes quiet. I can guess he's packed and unpacked a thousand times.
Austin has autism and Tourette's syndrome. With medication and therapy. He's able to keep it under control. Times like this though. He can get really stressed.
We talk a bit more. Before I hear mum calling us down for breakfast. I say goodbye and hang up.
"Right ladies lets go eat" I say. My sisters follow me out. We walk down to the kitchen. When we go in. My youngest siblings make gagging sounds.
My mum and dad Zack. Are locked in a steamy kiss. Dad turns his head and smirks. "How do you think you girls were made? We didn't find you in a strawberry patch" Leah and hope squeal. When he throws them over his shoulders.
I look at mum. Her eyes filled with tears. I walk over and embrace her. She hugs me back. "don't mind me sweetie. Its these darn pregnancy hormones. I swear your brother is torturing me. I'm going to miss this when you leave. Having my 5 girls at home. Is so special to me."
I nod, the tears in my eyes rolling down. "I'm going to miss you too. I'll be home for Thanksgiving in a few months. Then Christmas. When the baby is born. Come visit me. We could have a girl's weekend." She smiles "I'd love that honey".
I give her a kiss on the cheek and sit down. My dad's Joel and Roman walk in together. They make a beeline for their wife. Kissing her loudly. I laugh when Mariah rolls her eyes. "haven't you had enough this morning. My ears are bleeding from what I heard".
My dad Joel. Looks at her. "Well, my darling daughter. Block them next time". He winks at me and grabs a plate.
My dad and I have always been close. All my friends complain about their father's. I couldn't ask for a better parent. All of them are the best.
"So, vi Lia tells me Austin's taking you out tonight.!" Mum says. A small smile on her face. Shit I forgot about that. Austin asked me to go out for dinner tonight. He said there's something important. He wanted to discuss.
"Yeah, well the fucker better keep his Mits to himself." My dad Joel growls. Mum elbows him in the ribs. "He's a good boy honey. You remember what it was like at his age!" Dad grumbles "yeah, that's what I'm afraid of". Mum leans over. Whispering something in his ear. He sits up straight. "Have a great time tonight Babygirl". I look at the woman who's smirking at me. She gives me a wink and keeps eating. I shake my head at my dad. He's this tough guy. Full of muscle. Yet, when it comes to his wife. He's a big kitten.
After breakfast is done. I go up to my room. I look around at the boxes full of my things. It's amazing how much you can pack of your life. In a few boxes and bags.
Austin and I are driving to school. We decided to get there a few days early. Aussie wants to sign up for some clubs. He's excited to have the full school experience. I'm just happy to move on to the next chapter of my life.
My door opens and mum sticks her head in. "can I come in?" She asks. I nod "of course". She walks to my bed and sits down. I watch her face screw up in pain.
"Are you okay mum?" I ask. She waves her hand in the air. "I'm fine. Your baby brother is bouncing on my bladder.". I giggle and take a seat next to her.
I look at the woman who I love with my whole heart. She may not be my mum biologically. That title belongs to the bitch who gave birth to me.
When I was about 8 or 9. I was looking for some paper in dad's office. I found some letters from some man to Nikki. I started reading them. Even at that age. I knew what they were. Love letters from a guy. Who wasn't her husband.
When i asked my dad about it. He got really upset. He told me to drop it. So, I asked Roman. That was a big mistake. It seems my dad was keeping a big secret about his former wife.
I still don't know exactly what she did. I do recall my dad's having a massive argument. Mum had to step in as usual. After that day the letters disappeared, and we never spoke of it again.
"Honey, I just wanted to let you know. How incredibly proud your dads and I are. You could have asked us for the money to pay your tuition. But you didn't. You got a great scholarship. We know you wanted to do this your way. I'm just so excited for you. The next 4 years are going to be tough. I have total faith in you".
By this stage. We're both blubbering like babies. The love I have for her is so strong. I can't describe how much she means to me.
"I can't begin to tell you how much your support means. You have been such an important part of my life. I will never be able to repay everything you've done for me mum".
She cups my cheek gently. "It's been the greatest pleasure to be your mum. You've become a beautiful woman violet. You're kind, smart and gorgeous. You have a good head on your shoulders. Your dad's and I know you'll be fine. If you ever need us. We're always here."
My heart swells with love for her. My dads did great picking her for their partner. We both stand up when Mariah runs in.
"Mum Leah got into your make up. Shes covered in lipstick and face cream.". My mum rolls her eyes. "Word to the wise. Don't be in a rush to have kids". She waddles out the door. Yelling where the hell are your fathers.
I close the door. Going back to my bed. I look at the time on my clock radio. I've got hours before I have to meet Austin for dinner. Time for a little nap.
When I wake up a few hours later. I jump out of bed quickly. Shit I overslept. I run into my bathroom. Taking a very quick shower. After drying off. I pull on underwear and a bra. Going to my closet. I pull out a bottle green dress. I bought it a few months ago. It's a knee length wrap dress. With elbow length sleeves. The material is soft on my skin. As I put it on. Slipping on heels. I apply light makeup and lip-gloss. I leave my long wavy hair down. Looking in the mirror. I think I look pretty good. Grabbing my phone and purse. I head downstairs.
My dad roman is coming up the stairs. As im going down. He whistles when he sees me."wow, who's this beautiful woman in my house. You look stunning sweetheart. Austin better keep his eyes up". I kiss his cheek and walk to the front door.
When I start my car. I get a message from Aussie. "I've just arrived at the restaurant. See you soon flower." I can't help the frown on my face.
Maybe everyone is right. Austin's feelings for me have developed. I adore him more than anything. He's my best friend. I get a sinking feeling. I know what he wants to talk to me about.
I just hope I'm wrong. I really don't want to break my best friend's heart. Three days before our 5-hour car trip to our new school.
