Lonely Life #10
I opened the car and got in and grinned because it smelled new. Jarchi urged, “Let’s take her for a spin. It will be such fun. Let’s be adventurous and put the top down. Come on my dear.” I climbed into the back while Jarchi put the top down and we sped off.
Mom was actually laughing and having a good time. Maybe Jarchi was good for her. If he could manage to make this relationship stick until I was eighteen, I’d get him a statue. I’d never seen mom this happy in my entire life.
When we got back, Jarchi gave me a hug. He said, “Do be on your best behavior. The school has everything ready for you to start in January.” Jarchi leaned down and whispered in my ear, “I hope the building manager calls about the epic New Year’s Eve party you throw.”
Mom’s fling stepped back saying at a normal volume, “Have fun. I left a credit card for you in the apartment. Please use it. My maid will be stopping by for your grocery list requests twice a week, but she’ll not go past the front desk. She will leave her number if you need anything, call her.”
Tears filled my eyes because it felt like Melanie taking care of me again.
Lux would’ve done this if he could. His dad was like Jarchi.
One time, we hadn’t eaten in days, so Lux called his dad to ask if he’d send us a pizza.
He’d then sent groceries the next day with some of my favorite food and Lux’s.
I wiped my tears whispering, “Thank you, Jarchi.” He tapped my nose, “Of course. Someone needs to take care of you. The gym here and pool are open to you. They have an indoor and outdoor one. The building manager will give you a tour whenever you are ready.” I smiled at him nearly squealing over the word pool.
Melanie had planned to move me to a different building with a pool and I was really excited about it. Only for that plan to get ripped away. Jarchi said to mom, “I’ll give you both a minute. I’ll be waiting for you in the car, Morgan.”
Mom and I went back to my apartment. When the door closed, I said, “I really like him for you. I’ve never seen you smile like that. I’m glad you’re happy.” Because my life would be easier and maybe I could finish out my senior year here.
Mom actually smiled softly at me saying, “Jarchi is charismatic and such fun. Would you like to have a sibling?” I was stunned and asked, “You’re thinking of having another child?” She was a horrible mother. Mom replied, “Yes, he is a strong, handsome, charismatic man.”
I told her, “Out of all the boyfriends I’ve met I think he would be the best dad, and like I said you actually smile with him. It would be nice to stay in one place for a while. If you’re that happy with him mom, I’d be happy for you.”
At least my sibling would have a nice dad. One who would take care of them like Lux’s dad. Hell, Jarchi was taking care of me, and I wasn’t even remotely his child. Mom said, “I told Luke to give you a lot of space.”
I wouldn’t have been more surprised if my mom has said she was alien.
Mom admitted, “I know you think I’m not a good mom, but even I don’t think Luke should have done what he did.
I don’t know where you learned to fight, it’s not very ladylike Odette; however, Luke went about this the wrong way.
There are things you do not know yet. He handled this as if you do, but you don’t. ”
I asked, “Know what?” My mother touched my cheek gently, “One day this will be explained. Right now, isn’t the right time and Luke has been told that.” I admitted, “He said some very strange things.” Mom’s eyes darkened with anger, “Yes, I know. He’s a strange boy though, we’ve established that.”
I snorted, “You got that right.” Finally, mom was on my side about that abusive jerk. All it took was Jarchi. Mom smiled at me again saying, “My beautiful baby girl, when school starts again focus on your studies. Alright?” I nodded, “I will.” She kissed my cheek.
Mom added, “Please behave while I’m gone, Odette. I think you’re right; it would be nice to stay in the same place for a while. That won’t be an option if there are incidents like the last few places we’ve stayed.”
The warning was clear: stay away from Nashville. I sighed but nodded. If we stayed until I turned eighteen, I could go find Melanie myself. There would be nothing my mom could do about it. Mom kissed the top of my head showing more affection in the last several minutes than she had my entire life.
Mom gently said, “The information on your new name is on the counter. You will be known as Katie Karlton here.” Mom paused then added, “Just know that the things Jarchi provided for you are things Luke can do as well. Just think about it. He’s going to give you a lot of space but just talk to him when you’re ready.
” One brief moment then reality crashed back in.
Mom left before I could tell her I’d be ready when it was a cold day in hell. I may not know about love, but I knew what Luke and I had wasn’t it. He was a toxic abuser. I didn’t care if I lived in a shack as long as I loved who I was with and was loved back.
I went to the counter. Jarchi had left a card with my name on it, Katie Karlton. How on earth had he done that? The man hadn’t known my name before we left his house. Yet somehow here was a credit card with my new name on it. How did it even get here?
The kitchen counter was bare when I first saw it. I shook myself thinking the trip here must have worn me out because I was missing things. I went into both bedrooms. There was a note from Jarchi.
Odette,
I styled this room with you in mind. If you don’t like anything, feel free to replace it.
Jarchi
Ok seriously, when did Jarchi have time to write all this stuff? I’d told him about my name in his house. He must have added my name before we went to the garage. That had to be it. The only other explanation was magic, and that was crazy.
Sadly, there was no such thing as magic. No matter how cool that would be. The room was blue and yellow, and I actually really liked it. I went into the next room and gasped. There was a desk with a laptop sitting at it.
I opened it up and it had Katie K listed as the user. Jarchi had bought me a laptop? I quickly set everything up then pulled up the Lux and Harrison Bartlett’s I’d found online that had business in Tennessee. I squealed in delight because the business was an hour and half from here.
My heart began to pound as I began to dream of walking into the business and finding Lux. Would he be happy? Would he hug me? Would he just turn around and act like I wasn’t there? Harrison could be his half sibling.
What if Lux loved his other siblings more than me? Tears welled up in my eyes. I resolved myself that eventually, I’d go to that business. I could call them and try to get an appointment to see this Lux. It probably wasn’t even my brother.
The Lux’s I’d found so far never ended up being my brother. I closed my laptop and went downstairs. The building manager instantly came over greeting, “Hello, Miss Katie. I’m Kenneth and I would like to give you that tour.” I smiled agreeing, “Sure.”
It was easily the second nicest apartment I’d ever stayed in.
There was even a hot tub. I asked, “Who owns the building?” Kenneth answered with a smile, “They are wonderful people who don’t come here often.
We send them reports though. Frank Daniels and Isaac Miller own this building.
Their families own a lot of places around here.
You’ll be in school with some of the Daniels and Miller kids.
They are quite nice.” I nodded but didn’t say anything.
Rich kids didn’t tend to be nice to people like me. Although, I’d never known Roxie was a rich kid. She never acted entitled like the ones I’d met. So, I’d withhold judgment from the Daniels and Miller kids.
The building manager gave me a map of the town which I eagerly explored. I smiled when I saw a bookstore. I walked in and went straight up to the counter and called, “Hello?” A girl with a big smile came running up, “Gosh, I’m so sorry. I was in the back reading a book.”
I laughed, “I was wondering if you had an application to fill out. I love reading, and working here would be amazing.” The girl nodded, “You’re in luck. We are in fact looking to hire.” She handed me the application. I introduced myself, “I’m Katie.”
She smiled, “Hi Katie, I’m Immy. Imaghen, but everyone calls me Immy.
It was a last minute decision by my dads and mom to have me.
” I asked, “Your dads and mom?” Immy laughed, “Correct. My dads are together. My mom was more of an egg donor, but my other sibling’s mom, she was a surrogate for my dad’s but she used her egg too so she’s actually their biological mom. All of us call her mom.”
Immy waved her hand, “The point is, she’s my mom too. My egg donor is more like my aunt. Has anyone ever told you that you’re stunning? You should meet some of my friends. They are hot. We are like family so I can’t go after them, but I have one in mind you’d suit quite well.”
I laughed, “I’m not looking for any guys. I’ve had enough trouble with them to be honest.” Immy nudged me, “Or not enough trouble. Trust me, I have a good feeling about you and Keat…” I held up my hand and asked, “How old are you?”
Immy smiled, “I’m sixteen.” I sighed in relief, “Me too. At least I’ll know someone on the first day of school.” Immy happily said, “I can’t wait. You seem like fun.” I handed her the application after I filled it out.
Immy scanned it commenting, “Katie Karlton, huh? Your names are even cute together. Katie and Keaton. It’s happening. He needs some fun because he’s got a crazy ex.” I snorted, ignoring the warmth that spread through me at the mention of his name.
I groaned, “Then I definitely don’t want anything to do with him. I have my own crazy ex and that’s enough to deal with.” Immy chuckled, “Keaton could scare him off. Easily.” I rolled my eyes sarcastically replying, “How? Is his grandma the big bad wolf?”