By July

Chapter 8 - Smoke & Strings

Song to listen to while you read ;)

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I awoke in the morning to the smell of burnt bacon and eggs and the sound of an electric guitar. Quite a peculiar mix, yet to me it was just another typical morning at the Clementine Estate.

I got up and walked downstairs, entering the kitchen to see Jacqueline waving a towel frantically in the air to rid of the smoke lingering in the air.

I walked over and opened a window, grabbing a cloth to help her and waving it in the air to clear it out. After a moment the smoke was gone and had wafted out into the garden.

Jacqueline looked at me and smiled, "Thanks," she said with a surprised tone. Her smile was genuine and warm... And surprisingly nice. It was as if she really utterly meant it, considering most of the words that came out of her mouth and were aimed at me consisted of critiques and suggestions.

"No problem," I quipped and began to walk away.

"Wait! Sofia, do you want anything to eat or something?" She said and my eyes scanned the kitchen. It was a mess; burnt food in pans scattered, eggshells strewn, and orange juice puddles on the counter.

"No thanks, I'm good," I said quietly and walked downstairs to our basement.

My father is an old retired rock star; our basement transformed into an "inspirational instrumental hub".

The sound of an electric guitar greeted my ears, "Okay so that's a G and then you'll play an A..." My dad said, focusing on the instrument and running his fingers through his long grey hair.

I came over and sat on a red leather stool, admiring how he carefully mentored Edward, his musician's "apprentice". My father's rock and roll empire had to be passed down to a fellow artist, so when he met Edward he knew he had found the perfect person.

"Good morning Sof," my dad smiled and pushed his long silver locks out of his face.

"Hey Sofie," Eddy said and smirked at me. He knew my name was Sofia, yet ever since we had met, he would always joke around with me.

Eddy was like a brother to me and we often hung out. My father had let him move into our guest house on the property so that they could work together 24/7.

Eddy was a guitar god, his fingers masterfully stroking each string in an effortless manner as if they were made of air. His long auburn curls were falling in his emerald eyes as her focused on the notes. It was almost angelic, the simple melody floating lightly in the atmosphere.

He finished off with one last final chord and sighed, looking up and smiling. "That was pure genius Edward," my dad said, "Now if you'll please excuse me; I must go inspect the smoky scene my wife has caused- lord knows we will probably need to call the fire department!" he chuckled and went upstairs to join Jacqueline.

Once we were alone, Eddy began to act like his usual cheeky self. "So Clementine, how's life?" he said and kicked his feet up and stuck a cigar in his mouth.

I rolled my eyes in a playful manner, "Pretty peachy, how about you?" He shrugged, "Well I had a ménage à trois last night so I'd say pretty well." Eddy might be 19, but he has the maturity and sex drive of a 14-year old boy.

My mouth gaped open," You had a three way in my guesthouse last night, only yards away from me while I was asleep?" I said and he doubled over in laughter.

"Did you not see the two girls dressed in skanky clothing walk out last night?" he said, laughing so hard he was on the brink of tears.

I shook my head no, "Sorry, but I have no interest in your extracurricular activities and what they look like," I giggled.

He shook his head, "Diss me all you want, but I'm not the one who snuck in late last night..." he said and my cheeks flushed a deep shade of vermilion.

"N-nno I-I I can explain," I stuttered and he smirked, continuing to laugh his head off.

"It's okay, I won't tell," he said and put his index finger up to his lips, as if to say "shhh".

Just then my step-mother Jacqueline walked downstairs and smiled brightly at us, "Sofia! Edward! Can I get you anything to eat or drink?"

Eddy and I exchanged glances quickly and plastered on smiles. "No thanks Mrs. C...I'm good," he winked and she blushed. I couldn't blame her; Eddy did have that effect on people.

"Same," I said and grinned wider then Mrs. America's smile, trying to reject her "expertise" cooking as politely as possible.

She smiled back at us both, "No wonder you two are so slim! I wish I had your self-discipline," she laughed and patted her stomach.

She walked back upstairs and I slapped Eddy on the arm. "Ow! What was that for?!" he yelped and laughed.

"Hit on someone your own age!" I exclaimed and he shrugged. "She's only like seven years older than me," he said defensively and put his hands up in protest.

"Don't you have anything better to do than flirting with housewives," I said and he chuckled, "Yeah if you mean skipping the flirting and bending them over a counter and-"

"Eddy!!!" I said and covered my ears, watching as he almost collapsed from humor.

"I'm kidding Sofie," he said and huffed at the use of the nickname he had given me.

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever you say..."

He sat taller and pushed his hair out of his face, "Yeah and you know what I say?"

"What?" I asked with a quizzical expression.

"That you and I are going to get some edible breakfast." He smirked and stood up, putting on his leather jacket and beckoning for me to take his hand.

I laughed, "Well may I at least put on something decent!" I questioned and he smugly said, "If you wish... although I believe that dress is more than appropriate," he said in a low tone.

I gulped and turned away, "You wish," I teased and walked up the steps, heading to my room.

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Did you like it? Comment please to let me know if I should continue writing this book! I know updates can be a bit slow but I edit this stuff a lot. First I write it in a notebook and then in Microsoft word and then to Wattpad. It takes a bit but I hope it's for the better! Have a fabulous day ;) xxx GG101