Reminisce With Me

Chapter 25: Jameson, My Irish Friend

Carlos and Amelia's house became my home, but little did I know that it would turn out to be a prison as well. I didn't know where to go, except to follow the sidewalk ahead. I didn't want to see Noel just yet. I didn't want to talk about what had just happened at Carlos and Amelia's house. I just wanted to forget.  I had snuck a bottle of whisky from the house this morning before I left to the beach, realizing I had drank more than half of the alcohol on my walk. 

Amelia called my cellphone numerous times, but I ignored it. My mind struggled to find reasons as to why Ryder Holt, the head of Black Onyx, wanted to see me. Ryder and I did not exchange a single word when I travelled to the past. I saw him once, which was at the Gala, and then he just became the person people spoke about but never engaged with. Before going to the past, I always thought I lived a very difficult life with the Clavis family. But, now, it felt a little worse.

"I have no idea, but most of us got the letter today," a girl said while walking up the porch steps to one of the houses across the street. I glanced over, recognizing Bridgett right away with a brunette by her side. I realized it was Julian's house, which likely meant they were all meeting there.   

The whisky suddenly made me courageous and I wanted to face my past. I wanted to tell them that I am not afraid to be honest anymore. Clearly, I had nothing to lose. I took a couple of gulps of the whisky before tossing it back in my bag.

You go girl, my drunken thoughts cheered. Go tell Aiden you love him. You got this, you're a Van Alen.

My thoughts slowed down and I jogged over to Julian's house. Oddly enough, I was excited. I wiggled the doorknob and it swung open. I giggled to myself before skipping inside the house. I heard voices from upstairs and confidently walked up. My feet tripped over one of the steps and I cursed under my breath. 

Jameson, you weren't supposed to make me clumsy, I reminded the Irish whisky I inhaled earlier. You're supposed to make me fly, make me spontaneous.

I noticed one of the bedroom door ajar so I walked right in. Sitting on a white bean bag was Helen, who watched me with her bright blue eyes in utter confusion. My heart hurt when I saw her without her messy front bangs and floral outfits. She wore a blazer and dress pants and had her hair in a loose ponytail. My eyes then landed on Julian, who leaned against the desk with his arms crossed against his chest. 

"Aubrey?" he asked, not expecting me.

Now, I watched Aiden and couldn't help but make a face as Bridgett sat on his lap with her arms around his neck. 

I needed another swig of Jameson.

My eyes raked the room again, realizing one person was missing. "Where's Collin?" I found myself asking. "Is he hiding somewhere?" I looked behind the door, in case this was a game.

"Who the hell are you?" Bridgett snapped, glaring at me. 

Typical Bridgett, I thought. 

"Bridgett, not now," I said, still looking around for Collin. "I still cannot tolerate you."

Julian sighed, walking up to me. "You're drunk. Let me walk you to the door, come on."

I shook my head. "Julian, no. I came here to take accountability and face the past. To face these people." I pointed at Aiden, Bridgett and Helen. "I just need Collin here too. He was really sweet to me."

Julian ignored me and grabbed my hand, dragging me to the door. "Let's go, Aubrey."

"You were so much nicer when you were younger. Especially compared to Nick," I said, squirming away from him. "Nick was a trouble maker, but still a good kid. I miss him."