My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter Four

Brooke's POV

I awoke the next morning with a slight headache. I sat up, squinting tiredly at my clock. 10AM. I got out of bed, slowly making my way downstairs, cringing at the smell and the sight. Empty beer bottles were everywhere. Stuff had been thrown around everywhere, and there was even a pool of vomit on the kitchen floor. I gagged as I passed. I poured myself a glass of water, and downed it before I went upstairs. I passed Chris' room, and peeked my head in. James and Chris were completely passed out still, still wearing their clothes from the night before. I decided I would let them be for the moment. It was either that or risk something getting thrown at me. Memories from last night drifted into my mind; of my kiss with Dean, attempted assault from Josh, and getting saved and kissed by James. I glanced back over at the sleeping James. He looked so peaceful, and so handsome. I realized how creepy I was being, and went back to my room. A couple hours later, I finally heard movements from the room over.

"Fuck." I heard someone curse, as they obviously had sat up to fast and realized they had a wicked hangover. I stayed on my bed, glasses perched on my nose as I read my book. There were a series of groans before I heard the shuffling of feet out in the hall, slowly making their way downstairs. My stomach growled, and I sighed. I really didn't want to see James right now. My feelings were so conflicted and he only made them worse with his good looks and charming persona. Nevertheless, I listened to my stomach and made my way down towards the kitchen. I could hear the murmur of voices in the kitchen, and with a deep breath, I stepped in, pushing my glasses up. Both boys looked up at me, looking like complete death.

"You guys look awful." I stated, staring at them. They both had red puffy eyes, dark bags under their eyes, and they sat slumped over the island bar.

"I feel awful." Chris moaned. I grabbed two glasses of water and two Advil and placed them down in front of them.

"Here's a solution." I said with a smile. James sighed, and lifted the glass of water to his lips, his eyes meeting mine as he downed the water and the Advil. I searched his eyes. Did he remember anything from last night? He set the glass down, breaking eye contact, and Chris followed suite.

"So what happened last night?" Chris asked.

"I don't know. Everything became a blur after my 5th drink." James groaned. There was my answer.

"Did you have fun Brooke?" Chris asked. I decided spur of the moment to keep the situation with Josh secret.

"Ya. It was a lot of fun." I responded.

"I saw you making out with Dean." Chris said, raising his eyebrow at me. I blushed hard.

"And you were making out with some random chick." I fired back. Chris smirked as he recalled that moment.

"Ya, my memory goes foggy after that." he laughed. James remained silent, occasionally looking up at me with an unreadable expression.

"What about you James? Did you and Cameryn get it on?" Chris asked with a grin. James smirked.

"Hell yes." I rolled my eyes, turning away. I didn't want to think of Cameryn right now.

----

The weekend rushed by like it usually does, and before long I was back at school, changing for PE. Cameryn and her minions were gossiping about the party in the corner, and I couldn't help but listen.

"That party was like, so lit." Ashley, a girl with dirty blonde hair, said.

"Chris and James always throw the best parties." Cameryn clucked, checking herself out in the mirror.

"Speaking of James, I saw you getting it on with him." another girl teased, her hand on Cameryn's elbow. Cameryn smirked, adjusting her shirt so that more cleavage stuck out.

"He can't resist me. I have him totally wrapped around my finger." she boasted. I narrowed my eyes, putting on my shoes and forcing myself to stay quiet.

"He's so hot. But you can get any guy Cameryn." Ashley said again.

"I know." she responded. The other girls left, leaving just me and Cameryn in the change room. I quickly tried to leave, but Cameryn grabbed my wrist tightly. I stopped, trying to yank my wrist away.

"Not so fast bitch." Cameryn growled. She pinned me against the wall, her face coming up close to mine.

"Well well well. If it isn't for little skanky Brooke. Your brother's party was lit on Friday." I stayed quiet, wondering where she was going with this.

"I can't help but notice that you seem to have eyes for my boyfriend James. Listen to me b***h. Leave him alone. He doesn't play around with little girls like yourself." I stared back at her, hatred burning in my eyes.

"Wow Cameryn I'm so flattered. You think I'm competition. Don't look at me like that. You're threatening me because you feel threatened by me. You know I could steal him from right under your nose. So give me one good reason why I should listen to you." I retorted. Her eyes were shooting me death pellets.

"Well b***h, you see. I saw the whole thing that happened with Josh, and your silly little meltdown. James saved you and brought you up to your room. Obviously James doesn't remember a thing, and you probably want to keep it that way. And also, I couldn't help but notice how you just freaked out after Josh grabbed you. What happened when you were away, b***h? Did some boy try to get in your pants?" I stared at her, horrified.

"So I'm right. Your little secret isn't so secret anymore." she laughed evilly.

"I'll tell you what. If you stay away from James, then your secret will stay a secret." she gave me one last shove before she exited the locker room. I slumped to the ground, tears threatening to over pour as memories slammed into me.

Flashback

It was a hot humid night in Florida, and hundreds of sweaty teenagers danced to loud music at the beach. I just happened to be walking by. It was my second week in Florida, and I hadn't really met anyone yet. I was so focused on watching this party that I failed to realize a guy right in my path. We collided and I went down to the ground.

"I'm so sorry!" I heard him say. I looked up shyly, right into the eyes of a tall, tan guy with bright green eyes and dark brown hair.

"It's my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going." I said timidly. He held out a hand to me, and I took it, and he hoisted me up. He didn't let go out my hand.

"I'm Daniel." he said, giving me a charming smile.

"Brooke." I responded, smiling back shyly.

"So Brooke, what do you say you join me at this party." he suggested. I nodded, and I let him guide me by the hand towards the party.

---

Two weeks later, we were officially dating. He had introduced me to some of his friends, and I had made a few friends myself at that party. We were inseparable. He took me on multiple dates that all turned out wonderful.

"So Brooke, has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" he asked, looking down at me with his bright green eyes. I blushed, and he leaned in close.

"You're the prettiest girl I know." he whispered before he leaned down fully and kissed me. I melted in towards him, letting him wrap his hands around my waist. He made me feel loved, and safe. I could definitely get used to this.

---

We were in the back of his car, making out after date night. I tried to get into it, but after a fight with my best friend back home, I just couldn't take my mind off it.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this right now." I said as I broke away, crawling off his lap.

"You're such a tease." he growled out of nowhere. I frowned at him.

"What's that supposed to mean. No means no." I retorted. Out of nowhere, his hand reached up and slapped me with enough force to make my head hit the window. I lifted a hand to my cheek, completely shocked. Daniel's eyes softened and immediately turned guilty. Tears threatened to pour down my face.

"Brooke, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it." tears threatened to fall from his eyes.

"You aren't a tease. I can wait for you as long as you want me to." he slowly leaned over, brushing his thumb across my stinging cheek. I let him do this. I forgave him. It was only one time, right?

---

I stayed with Daniel, even though he had slapped me. I put this rough patch behind me, and we agreed to go out again. This time, we went to a party. I was having a good time, chilling with friends, drinking beer, dancing on the beach. I felt hands go around my waist, and I leaned my head back, thinking it was Daniel. It was not.

"Heyy baby." the guy slurred, stumbling around.

"You're drunk." I stated, pulling away from him.

"I'm sober enough to see that you're a pretty girl." he flirted, hand still on my waist. Before I could respond, Daniel was at my side. He gave the guy a dirty look and dragged me to his car.

"Daniel. The guy was drunk. He didn't do anything." I said, trying to calm him down. He turned on me once he was at the car.

"You were practically throwing yourself at him like a dirty slut. But wait, maybe that's what you are." he roared.

"You're a jerk." I said, trying to walk away from him.

"Don't f*****g walk away from me bitch." Daniel grabbed my arm, spinning me around, and shoved me into the side of his car, making me wince.

You are a slut, throwing yourself at other guys." he hissed.

"Daniel stop please, you're hurting me." I cried. His response was to only shove me harder.

"I love you. You're the only one for me." I sobbed. He slapped me, making my head whip to the side. As soon as he did this, he seemed to wake up from a trance.

"Brooke. I'm sorry. I love you baby." he hugged me. I hugged him back. I forgave the son of a b***h once again.

---

Things began going downhill. He would hit me and hurt me, and then he'd apologize and say he didn't mean it, and I always forgave him. Steadily, the hitting got worse. I would get bruises and people would question me, but I'd always come up with an excuse. He called me horrible names. He broke down my confidence until it was no longer there. He manipulated me. I was the stupid girl who believed that the sweet Daniel was still in there and so I kept forgiving him. I believed that I was in love with him, and he was in love with me. Finally, one of my friends found out the truth. She helped me realize that he wasn't right for me, that I didn't deserve to be treated that way. We broke up for good, and I was left with memories...

Present time

I looked up, frozen and numb. My face was wet with my tears. Cameryn had brought up some pretty painful memories. While she wasn't completely aware of what my secret was, it wouldn't be hard for her to find out, especially now that she was on the right track. What if she told people? I could never live with that. What if she told James and James told Chris? Chris would ask me about it and there was no way he'd believe any lies that spilt out of my mouth. I just wanted to let this go. He would make me take action against Daniel and I couldn't face him. I took a deep breath. I was completely under Cameryn's control, and she knew it. I was now, as of today, her little b***h.