Star: Take 3

Chapter 12

STAR POV

Simone sobbed uncontrollably in the living room, her body wracked with grief. Angel was gone, and the reality of the loss hit her hard. Alex and I sat with her, offering what little comfort we could. I handed her a box of tissues and a glass of water, but she barely acknowledged them. Her tears flowed freely as I sat with her on the couch. My arms around her as she curled into my side. "It's gonna be okay, Simone," I whispered, but the words felt hollow. I knew there was no okay after losing a loved one.

Simone clung to me tighter, her tears soaking my shirt. "I can't believe he's gone," she choked out between sobs. I squeezed her closer, my heart aching for the pain she was experiencing. "I know, Simone," I murmured. "I'm so sorry." Late into the night, as the house grew quiet, I could still hear Simone's soft whimpers. I sat with her on the couch, stroking her hair, offering silent support.

Alex sat on the couch, her own tears mixing with Simone's. She reached out, putting an arm around her shoulders. "We're here for you, Simone," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "You're not alone in this."

Simone leaned into us, her body shaking with the force of her sobs. We let her cry, offering a safe space for her. Because in that moment, there was nothing else we could do but be there for our sister. Simone finally drifted off to sleep. Alex curled up beside her, her arm protectively around her shoulders.

I closed my eyes, my mind drifting to happier memories of Angel - his contagious laugh and his warm hugs brought a smile to my face. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a gentle pressure on my hand. I opened my eyes to find Simone's fingers interlaced with mine. I squeezed her hand, offering a silent promise of support. Then, as the weight of the day caught up with me, I let my eyes close again as sleep washed over me.

ALEX POV

When I woke up, my neck was stiff and sore. I groaned as I tried to turn my head. Star laid on the other side of the couch, her arm draped protectively over Simone. I rubbed my neck, trying to work out the kink.

I stumbled into the kitchen, my neck aching from sleeping on the couch. Derek was at the counter, his back to me. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

"Hey, Derek," I said, rubbing my neck. He turned around, his eyes meeting mine. "Hey," he said, his voice laced with concern. "You okay?"

I nodded, my throat too dry to speak. I watched as he poured water into the coffee maker. "I just slept the wrong way," I finally managed to say. He gave me a sympathetic look. "How's Simone doing?" he asked, his brow furrowing. "Yesterday was just..."

"I know," I cut him off. "I know it was just...a lot. But we're gonna help her through this." He gave me a reassuring smile, as he poured me a cup of coffee. As I took a sip of the hot liquid, I let out a contented sigh.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I stumbled forward, knocking into Derek. He caught me, his arms wrapping around me. "Alex," he said, "you okay?"

I leaned into him, his warmth enveloping me. "I think I'm gonna be sick," I mumbled, my face pressed against his chest.

He guided me to the couch, his touch gentle. "Hang on, babe," he said, sitting beside me. "I'll be right back." Before I could protest, he was gone, hurrying back to the kitchen. I sank into the cushions, my body limp. Everything was spinning. When Derek returned, he knelt in front of me, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay, Alex?

I shook my head, my vision blurry. "I don't know," I whispered. "I think I might be sick." He reached for my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Come on, let's get you to the bathroom," he said, helping me to my feet.

As we walked down the hall, I leaned against him, my body weak. "Derek," I said, "I got coffee all over the floor, I need to clean it up." He squeezed my hand. "It's okay, babe," he said soothingly. "I'll clean it up later."

My phone rang, I groaned, as I held my head over the toliet. It was my dad. I hit ignore, not in the mood to deal with him right now. "Who was that?" Derek asked, concern etched on his face.

"My dad," I muttered, rubbing my temple. I forgot to tell you yesterday, he's...he's dating Gigi now." Derek's eyes widened. "Gigi Nixon?" he echoed, disbelief etched on his face. I nodded, my stomach churning. "Yeah," I said, my voice barely audible. "The one and only."

Derek was silent for a moment, processing the information. Then he let out a low whistle. "Wow," he said, shaking his head. "That's...interesting."

"Tell me about it," I mumbled, my mind reeling. Derek put a hand on my shoulder. "Hey," he said gently, "It's going to be okay."

Simone stumbled into the bathroom. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, "but I have to pee." I nodded, "Go ahead, Simone," I said, my voice thick as I got up. Derek looked at Simone, concern etched on his face. "are you okay?" he asked her, his voice filled with worry.

"I'm hanging in there," she said, her voice shaky. Derek pulled her into a hug. "That's all that matters," he said, his voice thick with emotion. As we left the bathroom, I gave Simone a pat on the back. "I'm here if you need to talk," I said, my voice steady.

The doorbell rang, breaking the silence silence. Derek and I exchanged glances. Derek opened the door, revealing a woman standing on the porch. It was Gigi. "Hey, can I come in?" she said, her voice heavy. "I heard about Angel...I just wanted to...I don't know, I guess I just wanted to check on Simone."

Derek stepped aside, letting Gigi into the house. She walked straight to Simone, who was sitting on the couch, her face buried in a pillow. She gave her a tight hug, and gave her condolences.

SIMONE POV

I felt Star gently move my head. "Sorry, I tried not to wake you up," Star said, her voice thick with sleep. I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. Star was sitting on the edge of the couch, her expression concerned. "Go ahead," I mumbled, my voice rough. "Check on Davis."

She gave me a quick peck on the forehead. "I'll be back later," she promised, her eyes meeting mine for a moment before she left. As the door clicked shut behind her, reality crashed down on me like a tidal wave. Angel was really gone. Last night hadn't been a bad dream after all. My heart clenched, the pain in my chest sharp.

As I stumbled into the bathroom, I grabbed the first thing my hand touched - a bottle of Xanax. I had no idea how many I took, my mind numb with grief and confusion. All I knew was that I needed something to take away the pain. I quickly went back downstairs. I sat on the couch burying my face into a pillow as I waited for the Xanax to take effect.

Then I heard a familiar voice. It was Gigi, she made her way over to me. "Simone," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so sorry for your loss." I nodded, my eyes welling up with tears. Gigi sat on the edge of the bed, her hand reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. "Angel was...he was such a good man," she said, her voice thick with unshed tears. "He had so much potential."

I nodded again, my mind a blur. The words seemed to echo in my head - Angel was gone, Angel was gone, Angel was gone. As Gigi spoke, I felt a strange detachment. Her words were soothing, but they also seemed to come from a great distance. It was as if I was watching myself from outside my body.

The Xanax was starting to take effect. My body felt heavy. My mind swirled, trying to make sense of everything. Angel was dead, my husband was gone, and I was left to navigate the aftermath.
I nodded, my eyes fluttering close. "Thank you, Gigi," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "For everything."

The room spun again as I sank back onto the pillows, my body limp. The last thing I saw was Gigi's feet as she left.

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