Midnight Memories

t w e n t y

"What is done in the night will come to the light." - Anonymous

I didn't have any classes until Tuesday, so I left Miami Monday afternoon. Dad dropped me off at the airport after a day of taking me to all my favorite places, giving me a tearful hug goodbye. I hadn't spoken to mom since our big fight, but I wasn't too bothered about it. She had ruined not only my chance at happiness but Louis' as well, and she deserved no sympathy.

"Promise me you wont see that boy who hit you." My dad pleaded, cupping my chin in his hand.

I nodded. "I'm not planning on it."

He handed me the small black Prada suitcase I had packed with a few clothes I had left behind, as well as the duffle I came with. "Be careful. Call your brother when you land. I emailed him your itinerary, so he knows when you get there. And honey..." He stopped for a second. "Just remember how much I love you. I want the best for you, but only you know what that is. Make decisions that are right for you."

"Thanks dad." I gave him a big hug. "I love you too."

It was hard to pull myself away, but I had to say goodbye. It was time for me to go pick up the pieces I had left shattered back in New York.

I landed at JFK at around five in the evening, hailing a cab to take me to the Upper East Side. I needed to see my brother first and foremost, and to tell him he had been right all along. I should have stayed away from Derrick.

I decided I would give give him a quick call to let him know I was coming home. Nervously, I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. He answered on the second ring. "Hello?" His pompous, slightly affectatious voice asked.

"Ash, it's Stella."

"Oh... hey. Dad said you'd call when you landed." He said unethusiastically.

I gripped the phone tightly. "Is it okay if I um, come over?"

"Stella... you live here. You don't have to ask to come over. Besides, there's someone here that I want you to meet."

"Okay." I nodded, even though I knew he couldn't see me. "I'll be home in about an hour."

"I'm excited to see you, kiddo. It's been way too long."

I hung up, dropping the phone into my bag. I was relieved that Ash didn't seem too upset with me, but I was curious who it was he wanted me to meet.

The drive to the Upper East side seemed far too long. I took a deep sigh, handing the driver a wad of cash. I needed to get a driver, or else I was going to go broke taking taxis from one side of Manhattan to the other.

Tony, the usual doorman, wasn't on duty, so I had to present ID to get into the building. Once they had verified that I was who I said I was, I was allowed to take the elevator up to the penthouse.

When I got there, I called out for Ash and Tori, dropping my bags down on the marble floor. "Is anyone home?"

"Coming!" I heard Ash call. After a few seconds he appeared, a true sight for sore eyes. He was dressed in khaki shorts and a olive green sweater, a huge smile on his face.

"Stel!" He threw his arms around me. "It's so good to see you."

"I thought you were mad at me." I said, my voice muffled by his shoulder.

"Maybe at first. But now Tori and I just miss you. I've been worried sick."

"I've missed you guys too. It's good to be home."

"Come on." He said, pulling my arm. "Tori just went out to pick up some dinner, we're hanging out in the living room."

I followed him into the sprawling living room, which was decorated with expensive leather furniture, lush Ralph Lauren pillows and blankets, and mahogany bookcases lining the walls. It was my favorite room in the apartment. However, just like last time, there was a new addition to the room, lounging on one of the couches.