Sex and the New City

Chaptersode 1: A chance for a new beginning in a New city

(Jade's POV)

*Alarm Sounds*

Rise and Shine, it is a beautiful day here in sunshiny Dallas, Texas. It is Sunday and you know what that means gossip, mimosas, and Birkin bags. It's Sunday brunch time. I make my way out of my bed to the bathroom to turn on the light. As I look into the mirror, I recognize my purple and gold cap and gown draped on my chaise. Yesterday was my high school graduation. The thought of my undecided college choice ran through my mind. However, my thoughts were interrupted by a light knock on my bedroom door, my mother walks in gracefully, the sunlight gracing her delicate silk robe as she hands me a cup of chamomile tea.

Michelle Westin: Good morning darling, I hope you had the most peaceful rest last night. I thought you could use some tea.

Jade Westin: Thanks mama, I slept okay, just worried about my college decision.

Michelle Westin: Well, I find that tea always helps with stress but this may help with the college decision.

(3rd person) Michelle Westin hands Jade the tea and she takes a sip, shoulders relaxing as it fills her senses. Michelle sits the giant mail folder on the table, then she walks out the door leaving her daughter in a state of confusion.

(Jade's POV)

I look at my mother walking out of my room and laugh. I head over to the table and exchange the tea for the packet my mother left. Opening the envelope, I see the bright colors of NYU. It reads "Congrats Jade Elizabeth Westin, You have been accepted to the NYU College of Art and Design." You would think that I would be happy about getting into NYU, and I am but there is so much crowding my brain at the moment. I am pretty excited. NYU is where my parents met. After graduating with their English degrees they decided to plant roots in Dallas, Texas. During the day my parents are pristine English professors, who keep up with the extravagance of the Dallas wealthy social life. However, when they come home, it feels as if they were different people. Art filled their lives. Trips to Paris, Italy, and New York filled my life. My mother always said "In life, art is everywhere. In language, in music, in cooking, in writing, and in fashion. Art is so much more!" Writing and Fashion were my favorites. Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton filled my closets. Yes, Plural! I have three closets. Nikki Giovanni, Hemingway, Rupi Kaur, Poe, Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and Steinbeck lined my bookshelf. I have a very eclectic taste. I was interrupted again by the sound of my father telling me that we leave for brunch at the Four Seasons in 20 minutes. Putting down my acceptance letter, I walk into the bathroom to get dressed.

Chanel. Ah how much I love wearing this timeless Chanel tweed cord set. I walk down the stairs greeting my family. The double front doors open to our Rolls Royce, Maurice our driver guides us inside.

Maurice: Good morning Ducky!

Jade: Good morning mo.

I earned that lovely nickname on my first day of kindergarten when Maurice was dropping me off and I wouldn't let go of my stuffed animal ducky. Mo is the best. I'm going to miss him when I'm away from college.

We arrive at the entrance to the Four Seasons and the valet takes the car. I begin to get nervous walking in. While I always enjoy the sad middle-aged women of my town gossiping away their lives to fill a void, I soon realize that gossip means that they will start to wonder why I arrived with my mother and father instead of Jackson. Then they will see Jackson sitting with his family at a separate table and put two and two together to realize that we aren't together anymore because of prom night. The last thing that I want to do is revisit that night. But every good writer adds in the backstory. Jackson Tate is, was my boyfriend. We recently broke up due to his ability to keep it in his pants. The Tate's are one of the wealthiest families here in Dallas. Being seen with them is like being spotted wearing the newest Louis Vuitton couture, elegant and great for your social reputation. Jackson and I were our high school's "It" couple, with him being a star football player, the best soccer player on the team, captain of the basketball, cricket, golf, and lacrosse teams, and me as head cheerleader, we were the ideal high school couple on our way to becoming prom Queen and King. We had everything planned out from our matching Louboutin shoes to attending our dream school together. We decided to go to Texas A&M together. I was going to major in the arts and for him anything that was an easy pathway to the pro league. As we danced to the music, I felt electrified. Tonight, was the night. I wanted him to be my first. The night was coming to an end and he was heading to the hotel with all of the football players and other cheerleaders. I wanted to stay and clean up.

As I arrived at the hotel, I walked up to the penthouse suite, just like he said. Butterflies flew around in my stomach. I could not wait to open that door. But when I reached for the knob, I saw the scene of my nightmares. Opening the door, I saw the most terrifying scene. My Jackson and Angela Elliot doing what we were supposed to do. That was supposed to be me, wrapped around in those sheets in pure ecstasy with the love of my life. I walked out of the hotel, my crystal tears descending my face. I cannot believe I am wasting my $50 Anastasia mascara on him. A cheater!

I walked into my bedroom and I saw it. The memories of him. Everything must go. I threw away pictures, clothes, gifts, books, and then the scariest memory of them all Texas A&M. I was interrupted by my mother walking in.

Michelle Westin: Honey, why are you still in that dress.

Jade: I don't know mom.

Michelle Westin: Auntie Carrie is having a party the weekend after your graduation in New York. Lily, Marcus, and Alannia will be there. Honey come here. We'll go shopping. The same thing happened to me in college, I went out shopping and I got over him.

Jade: *She sighs* By shopping, Mom that isn't the solution-

Michelle Westin: No, I saw your Dad working at the Macy's after my class.

Jade: New York will make me feel better, right?

Michelle Westin: Sweetie you will make you feel better, don't let some boy ruin your shopping trip!

Jade: Okay mom *she laughs*

Michelle Westin: Get some rest. I'll wake you up in the morning.

Jade: Champagne wishes!

Michelle Westin: Caviar Dreams dear!

Just like that, I was done with Jackson. Now I'm here at the Four Seasons having brunch with Jackson across the room. I could practically feel all the eyes on me as I walked into the dining hall. It sucks when you have a breakup but what adds to that pain is everyone else's judgments, opinions, and thoughts on the matter that shouldn't concern them. Around 12:30 pm we decide to leave the brunch. I made it through a whole hour of Jackson's glances at me, the older ladies asking when we would be getting married; having to explain the situation to them was brutal, and my dad and mother leaving me to fend for myself with the most annoying gossips in the town. As we make it to the exit doors, I see The Tate's walking towards us with the Elliot's.

Harper Elliot: Oh Jade dear! How beautiful are you, you must tell me that you and Jackson are going to still go to Texas A&M with my lovely granddaughter Angela?

Jackson: Yes, we will be attending in the fall.

The look on my face was priceless. Once again I cannot believe my eyes. Did he just answer for me? How much of an idiot does he think I am, that I cannot speak for myself. I am the one who wrote all of his major papers that he got an A on. I'll show him that I am more than capable of making my own decisions.

Jade: Actually, no Mrs. Elliot, I will be studying at NYU.

HA. Now, you really should have seen the look on his face!

Harper Elliot: Excellent choice, following in your parent's Alma mater!

Jade: I am deeply in need of a change of scenery. *She deeply stares at Jackson, adding emphasis on her words*

As I walked away with a smirk on my face, I knew that I had a chance for a new beginning in a new city. I was already planning my New York debut outfits!