Seventeen

Chapter ten: Stars

Black Roses littered her grave, 
Petals dark as her soul, 
Trapped in a gothic heaven, 
Where shadows whispered her name. 
Her mother’s words echoed, 
"You’re never enough," 
As Nick forced himself upon her, 
His voice a dagger, 
Telling her, "Whores don’t go to heaven." 
Daddy’s drunken rage painted her nights, 
Isla watched, helpless, 
Each bruise etching tales of despair. 
She penned her farewell beneath the stars, 
"Goodbye, cruel world," she wrote, 
A final breath of anguish, 
Believing they wouldn’t miss her, 
That they never truly did. 
She was just a black rose, 
And black roses don’t belong.

Black Roses, Flower Child

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CHAPTER TEN

When I woke up, I found Kim busy applying lipstick to my face, a diabolical smile plastered across her small features. Panic clawed at my insides, warning me not to look in the mirror. Pissed off, I grabbed the lipstick from her and hurled it to the floor. A vivid red stain blossomed on the carpet. Oops. “What do you think you’re doing?”

She giggled, her voice unexpectedly cute rather than annoying. “I wanted to make you a princess.”

I folded my arms across my chest, frowning. “Why? I don’t recall saying I wanted to be one.”

She stuck her little pink tongue out, defiant. “I do not like you.”

Ruffling her paint-stained hair, I chuckled despite myself. “Great. That makes two of us, kid.”

Just then, the door swung open, and a tall teenage boy stepped in—Matt, the nephew in a band. His guitar hung on his back like a badge of honor. His hair, dyed an impressive shade of purple, framed a face adorned with twelve piercings (I counted). He wore a leather jacket, tight pants, and army boots—a total walking cliché.

He seemed vaguely familiar, but where had I seen him before? Damn my fading memory! As he approached, my curiosity piqued. “Hey, I’m Andy.”

“Matt,” he replied, disinterested. “So you’re the sitter that Sadie hired?”

“Yeah. Do I know you from somewhere?” I blurted, hoping I didn’t sound too weird. “I feel like I’ve seen you before.”

“Maybe you’ve been to one of our shows, I don’t know.” His tone was flat, devoid of enthusiasm. Was I boring him? He set his guitar down on a cluttered sofa, and Kim hugged his knee, her eyes sparkling. He ruffled her hair, and I couldn’t help but smile. It seemed no one could resist the charm of her fluffiness.

“I’d remember if I did. So what’s the name of your band?”

“Flower Child.”

Everything clicked into place. Flower Child was the band Aiden had been in. I adored their music! I must have seen Matt in the clips online. How had I missed it? I’d watched each video countless times!

“Oh my gosh, I’m a fan!” I squealed, the fangirl in me bursting forth. Get a grip, Andy, I scolded myself. I was embarrassing myself.

“Thanks.”

“‘Stars And Galaxies’ touched my soul. And oh my gosh, ‘Black Roses’ almost made me cry! You guys are incredible!” My heart raced with the thrill of recognition, even as I cringed internally at my enthusiasm.

“I’m glad you appreciate our music.” He sounded rehearsed, as if he delivered the same line to every fan.

“So why did you guys kick Aiden out?” My curiosity was insatiable. I needed to know.

“He sucked. We needed someone fresh, someone with real talent. Someone who doesn’t act like a fucking girl. In fact, we already found that someone. We’ll be revealing the new member soon, so stay tuned or whatever.”