The Truth Between Us

Chapter 2

•{The rich meeting the richest}•

-Earth Grace-

I look outside the window while we are driving to the Blancs house. There are houses beyond houses that have rich interiors, lights to the crossroads, animal-sculpted gardens/plants, and fountains. I wouldn't even be surprised if lions were walking around the houses after all this is Fernlea.

Fernlea is one of the richest neighborhoods in the whole country or possibly countries. Yes, that is where I grew up, being the second richest in the neighborhood. The first on the list of the richest is- "Elisabeth we have arrived at the blanc manner".

I let my mother and two stepbrothers go before me, I sat there in the car for a moment and looked at the driver with pitiful eyes "Sorry Earth it's your mother's orders". I look down at my hands with disappointment "No it's ok, you just doing your job, Victor". I breathed in and got out of the car waving goodbye to Victor.

Victor was the type of person you would think would own a sweet little bakery around the corner. He had this kind smile that would make you feel comfortable even if you were near death. He was there for me through most of my life.

I had my back to the house (breath in and brethren out). I turn around (ok have your back straight and walk slowly but not too slowly). I had my body directed towards the entrees but I got attacked "EARTH!!!". I jumped and noticed that it was Nina.

"You came" Nina was the only best friend I ever had. Also, the only friend I have ever tried to keep a friendship with. "Of course, the only reasons I am ever here is either for you or the good food"

She hoops her arm around my arm and we walk into the (palace). I smile and look over at her "Oh by the way, did you like the book". At first, she looked confused and then she understood "Ah, yes the book" She raised her eyebrows when saying the "book".

"I got to say that the plot in the book was just divine" We laugh at her impression of her mother. "Oh by the way, did you forget that I was coming to the gathering today?" she looked at me confused "What do you mean?". We were standing near the buffet and I took up a strawberry "This morning when your brother came to give me the book he said that you were wondering if I was coming to the gathering". There is a slight pause before she answers "Earth I never asked him to do that".

Why would he waste his time talking to me when he could be doing something more important (like that blondy). I remember when.....

It was a cold winter night and I was waiting in front of the Balance manner. I see a shadow from the distance, and thinking it was Rowan I got excited. I wasn't wrong it was Rowan but...with another girl. I stood there for a moment thinking that maybe I was misunderstanding the situation-"I can't wait to get in your warm bed" she said while clinging to him. He laughs at her comment, HE LAUGHTS!!. my eyesight got blurry, I was about to walk away until "Earth?". I didn't stop walking, I didn't want him to see the face I was making. The tears didn't stop, I didn't see where I was going. I feel branches hitting my shoulder, the snow falling on my face, the winter cold eating away at my body, something warm around my wrist. I look back to see Rowan looking down at me with concern "Earth please listen" he tries to get closer to me but he gets interrupted "Where are you my hunny bunny". I don't know if I froze because of the cold or what she just said. "You don't want her to get cold" I look deep into his eyes hoping he would ignore her and stay here with me but he lets go of my wrist and walks away.

The next day at school he acted as if nothing happened, he was smiling and talking to his classmates (his bros). I took one look and left him where he was, there was no point in taking this any further than it should be.

Elisabeth (my mother) comes over "Nina, look at you, your so grown". Nina looks over at me "One of us needs to" I take my hand on my chest and act shocked "I'm sorry I didn't catch that" I stand on my tippy toes "Were you spouting a lie in front of my moth-" I lose my balance and was about to fall but someone catches me "Earth! as clumsy as ever. Thats one thing that will never change with you". My mother turns to Orina "Orina, where did you get that dress!" Orina gives a little twirl "Did you find it in a trash bin". Orina smiles "Yes, but I wouldn't use such vulgar words for Ms. Elisabeth's daily wear. My mother laughs and so does Orina.

Orina and my mother have been friends since they were little kids. They have this habit of roasting each other on and off. They do it so much to the point it's turning into their native language. Me and Nina became friends through our mothers. I have known this family for so long that you could say this is my second family.

I see people going out "Oh it's starting," says Orina excitedly. We began walking towards the outside. "What was this party for for again" Nina looks over at me "You don't know, Rowan is turning 18". I stop and look at her "Wait..." I whisper "This is his birthday" She nods.

Is that why he asked me that question at school? Was he expecting me to know that it was his birthday today? I hate the guy but I kind of feel bad not saying anything.

-Outside-

We stand in front of the podium. Rowan is standing there with his hands behind his back, showing off his chest in the black dress.

His dad was saying something, but I wasn't listening. Rowan's eyes move over the crowd and stop at me.