The One: Scandalous Redemption (The One Series-Book10) (ORIGINAL DRAFT)

Chapter6: Unspoken Victim

Chapter6-Unspoken Victim

February 21st, 2012

 It’s a few days later. Bailey was back in London, and Justin was back in Boston. And it was another day of 7th Anthem performing their upcoming single.

 Natalie was in her apartment when she was watching 7A’s performance. This time, it was with Aaron’s turn. He was a really great singer and dancer, but he’s not as well-known as Brandon. Natalie wanted Aaron to replace Justin, not Brandon. Aaron doesn’t have any history with Andrew. Then again, Andrew apparently has a past where he couldn’t stay with one person, boomeranging back and forth to Alyson, and getting easily seduced by both genders. So who knows if he would be willing to be with Aaron?

 At the same time, Natalie was feeling desperate. Andrew announced on his Twitter page that he’s planning on a very big, possibly career-changing interview. He didn’t say what he was going to talk about, but Natalie knew what he meant. He was going to tell the world about his past as a grade-school bully.

 She could see her grip on Andrew was slipping rapidly. She underestimated him. He’s couldn’t take being her boyfriend any longer. Seeing him impulsively worm his out of her arms reminded her how Andrew was like in Kindergarten. He had moments when would manipulate his way in and out of situations. He didn’t have to speak to get his way. He would accomplish what he wanted.

 Natalie wasn’t sure what to do. She wanted keep Andrew all to herself, but she wasn’t sure what to do anymore. So she called up Ethan to meet with her. He soon arrived at her apartment.

 Once he sat down on her couch, he asked, “So, why am I here?”

 Natalie explained, “It’s Andrew. I can’t control him anymore. He’s going to tell the world about his past as a bully.”

 With that, Ethan gave a huge grin. Natalie was confused by this, so she asked, “Why are you smiling?”

 He explained, “Andrew is finally doing something he should’ve done years ago. That’s why I’m smiling.”

 Natalie groaned in frustration. Ethan noticed this, so he asked, “I think I have an idea, but let me ask you this: Do you remember why Andrew couldn’t talk back in Kindergarten?”

 She thought for a moment, and said, “I kind of do. He had some speech disability. He did sign language, and he would write notes for the teacher to read to us. There were numerous times when he did speak, but everything that came out of him was gibberish. Why?”

 He explained, “When did you see Andrew again? And I don’t mean in person.”

 “I was watching the show, New England’s Teen SuperStar. If I remember correctly, it was the audition round. UTurn was being interviewed. That’s when I saw Andrew. I thought he looked familiar. Even his name sounded familiar. When they made the live shows, UTurn had their profile up. I looked them up, and I saw Andrew’s full name and his place of birth. I knew that it was the same Andrew in Kindergarten.”

 “How did you react when you heard him talk and sing?”

 “Shocked, actually. He spoke fluently, and he sang so well. I thought he would never talk, but he eventually did. So why are you asking me about his speech thing?”

 Ethan gave a smug grin as he said, “I think I have a way to keep Andrew hostage a little longer…”

 It’s now evening. 7A returned to their condo. Just then, Andrew got a text from Natalie. After he read what it said, he went to Alyson’s room. He showed her the message.