Jaded (Rock Star Trilogy) - By Mercy Amare Page 0,46

isn't awkward. My words are still lingering in the air, and she is taking them in.

“You know, there has always been something missing in my life too,” she finally says. “I didn't know what it was until you walked into my life. You are a part of me Scarlett, and I am a part of you. And sure, we may like different things, and life may separate us over time, but you will always be with me. No matter how many thousands of miles desperate us, you are my sister... My TWIN! And we may fight, and drive each other crazy, but at the end of the day we will make up.”

I feel a tear fall down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away. “I love you, Bridge.”

“I love you too, Scar.”

She picks up her bottle of Dr. Pepper, and holds it out. “I propose a toast.”

I pick up my Red Bull.

“Here is to us. Here is to looking towards the future, and never letting the past control us.” We tap out drinks together and both take a sip.

It was our first fight. Though I'm still unsure why we fought, I was glad that we made up. I knew at that moment that Bridgett and I would always be alright.

Later that night, Bridgett and I drive Alec to the airport (in my new car). I'm sad to see him go, but I know I will see him again soon... Especially considering the way Bridgett and him keep looking at each other.

On the drive home, Bridgett is extra quiet. I know that I need to talk to her about what happened in Miami, but I decide to give her a little time. Because the truth is, I am not sure what to say.

Friday, September 25

3:01 pm

Nothing is more important than you.

I waited all week for Andrew's call. I tried him a few times, but it always went to his voice mail. I was anxious to know about Stacy, and I couldn't understand why he hadn't contacted me anymore. But finally, on Friday, he called me as I was leaving school.

“Andrew!” I answer. “Oh my gosh, finally! Why haven't you contacted me?”

“Sorry about that Scarlett. I was busy. Your sister has quite a busy schedule, and she is hard to get in contact with,” he replies. “But I have arranged a meeting.”

“Great!” I say. “Where at?”

“You aren't going to believe this, but you sister lives in Florida. Only about 30 miles from where you are.”

“Wow! Where at? I'll be right there!” I can't help but feel over excited.

“Not today. She is going to meet with you next weekend.” With Andrew's words, I feel my heart drop.

“Oh.”

“She wants to see you, Scarlett,” he assures me. “She just has other responsibilities.”

“Yeah, she sounds super thrilled. Glad she could schedule time to see her long lost sister.” I feel like throwing my phone. “I have to go, Andrew. Just... email me the details.”

Before he can respond, I click end on my phone and toss it on the seat beside me. As soon as I get home, I walk out to the beach and sit in the sand, watching the waves roll in. I let myself cry over my sister for the first time in a long time. Maybe it's to mourn over a sister I haven't seen in nine years. If she doesn't want to see me, I shouldn't want to see her either. But I do want to see her. I need to see her.

I hear shuffling beside me, and I look up to see Stephan sit down beside me. He doesn't say anything, he just puts his arm around me. After I sob into his chest for about five minutes, I pull back.

“Stacy can't 'schedule' me in until next weekend,” I use my fingers to make quotations when I say the word schedule.

“Come on, Scar. Give her the benefit of the doubt. She probably hates waiting too,” he counters. “Maybe there's a reason she needs to wait until next weekend.”

“What could possibly be more important than her sister?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I don't know, because to me, there is nothing more important than you.”

My heart warms at his words, and through my tears, I smile. Stephan always gives me a reason to smile.

He pushes himself up from the sand, and holds out his hand to help me up. Once I'm up, he kisses my forehead. “Now, you go get ready, because we are going on a date.”

“Races?” I ask.

He shakes his head.