Chapter 1
“Okay, I’m here now. I’ll talk to you later,”I said, looking out of the limo’s window.
“Alright, good luck. I’ll let you know when I’m not busy, so don’t call before then,”said Travis.
“.. yea, of course. Um, I love you,”I said softly.
“I love you, too. Bye.”
The call ended and I sighed.
I’m excited to marry him, but I’m worried about what the others will think. Caroline doesn’t really like him, which is upsetting considering she’s my best friend and I value her opinion.
My limo parked at the opening of our driveway because our home’s roundabout is filled with cars.
I guess that means everyone’s already here…
I quickly got out of the limo before my driver, Jack, could help me. I hate riding in limos. It attracts so much attention and makes me feel uncomfortable. Especially when I get out and everyone breaks their necks trying to see who it is. My manager, Lai, always insists on limos, though. He says it’s a part of gaining confidence because it’ll help me eventually get used to the public eye.
I beg to differ, however. I waved to Jack and walked around the house’s roundabout.
Wow, there’s so many memories here.
I glanced up at the front window we would all keep watch from as kids. Whenever Gramps left us alone in the house, we’d do something stupid like paint a wall and then spend the rest of our time trying to fix it before we got caught. Every ten minutes, we’d switch and one person would take watch, while the others would try fixing the problem.
It was so much fun no matter how many groundings we got.
I sighed and walked up the front steps, ringing the doorbell.
As soon as it rang, my heart rate accelerated and my palms grew sweaty. I shut my eyes and focused on my breathing to ground myself.
I got this.
I’m gonna walk in here and be my usual happy self; just like how Lai taught me. I’m not crawling back into that sad little shell anymore.
They’re my family and they love me.
And..
I love them.
The door suddenly swung open and so did my eyes.
Oh.. my.
Jasper!
I can’t mistake that beach blond hair for anyone else.
Goodness, I haven’t seen him in forever and longer!
My eyes started to well up. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed him.
“Whoa, little sis! Look at you. You’ve grown into a little Emma, bra,”Jasper exclaimed, roughly pulling me into a hug.
I inwardly laughed at his weird surfer slang, but I couldn’t bring myself to react outwardly. I just stood there, my arms limp as he hugged me.
“Mhmm, your hair still smells like strawberries and happiness,”Jasper exhaled, squeezing me tighter.
He brought me inside when he finally let go.
“I’ve missed you so much! How’ve you been? You know, I watch your cartoon everyday!,”Jasper grinned at me.
I wanted to ask him which one, but my voice was caught in my throat. I fought back frustrated tears as all I could do was awkwardly smile at him.
I thought I’d changed, but clearly..
“Come on, let’s go see the others.” Jasper ignored my speechlessness and pulled me through the house.
I’m so glad he didn’t push me hard.
Jasper led us to the back of the house where the second living room is located. He opened the double doors and ran in, making me stumble in tow.
“Look who I found!,” he loudly declared.
I stood in absolute shock. I mean, jeez!
Everyone looks amazing.
I’ve always kept up with them in the news and stuff, but the paparazzi pictures do them no justice.
“Isis, hello! How’ve you been, darling?,” Vega smiled warmly at me.
I smiled back and ducked my head, trying to hide my flaming cheeks.
“Pfft, Isis, you’re looking.. the same. Why are you looking down? Show us your face,” Honoria scoffed.
My heart dropped in fear.
Honoria’s always been so scary with the way she points out all of my flaws.
“Ignore her and come sit next to me, Sweetie.” Vega patted the seat beside her.
I slowly walked over to her and sat down. I looked over at Xander and Ashton.
Xander was staring off into space, while Ashton was reading a book.
“So, how’ve you been?,” Vega asked me, pulling my attention on her.
I blushed and paused for a moment before answering.
“Great,” I shyly smiled at her. I missed her warmth so much.
“How’s your man? I heard you were engaged,” Honoria tilted her head towards me, her eyes slightly narrowed.
At this point, everyone in the room was paying attention.
“Oh… uh, you-you mean Travis?,”I stuttered, chewing on my lip. My hands were shaking so I sat on them to make them less noticeable.
I don’t understand why they’re all staring at me.
“Obviously. Unless you’re engaged to more than one guy,”Honoria rolled her eyes.
My breath caught in my throat and my anxiety spiked.
God, I must seem really stupid right now. I shouldn’t have said it like that.
“Oh yea, I’m pretty sure I saw that on Twitter. You two were trending for like a month,”Ashton chimed in.
“Yep..” I awkwardly trailed off, unsure of what else to say.
“What does he do?,” Vega asked me.
Did they plan this or something?
“Um, same as me. Except he created and also directs his own cartoon,”I explained.
“What a cool dude, bra! Cartoons are such quality entertainment,”Jasper exclaimed.
“Alright, Vega what have you been up to?,” Honoria changed the subject, looking slightly annoyed.
“Oh, you know.. touring the world, shooting here and there. Same old,” Vega shrugged.
“I saw you in the Victoria Secret Fashion Show last year. You looked beautiful,” I smiled at her.
“Thank you, sweetheart. I try,” Vega winked at me.
“What about you, Jasper?,” Honoria asked.
We all turned to look at him when we realized what he was doing.
He was standing on an office chair.
“What’re you gonna do when the chair rolls away with you still on it?,” Vega asked flatly.
Jasper scrunched his nose up at her.
“I’ll roll away with it. I’m on it, aren’t I?,” he retorted, doing squats.
I nearly forgot how weird Jasper is.
“And as for what I’ve been up to, Sis. I was in the middle of a mini surfing competition in South Africa when I got the call,” Jasper replied, finally taking a seat in the chair.
The call..
Chills went down my spine and I’m sure everyone else felt it too, judging by their sour expressions.
Jasper, however, was completely oblivious. I wonder how he took the call. Knowing him, I’m sure things were broken.
Our awkward silence was interrupted when the double doors suddenly opened, startling us all.
“It appears that everyone has arrived. Welcome back home.”
A familiar, old man in a well-fitted suit appeared, greeting us.
