A Changed Life Read online

  “So, no emergency room?” I let out a sigh of relief.

  “No, I don’t think that’s necessary.” My father smiled. I left my parents to talk while I went back up to my room.

  “Mason, talk to me.”

  “What do you expect me to say, Christina? This boy comes into our home and assaults our daughter, right under our noses, and I’m not supposed to be angry about it?”

  “I didn’t say that, Mason. We just need to figure out the best way to handle this.”

  “I can start my shaking some sense into Clayton’s son. What the hell was he thinking, Christina? This can’t wait a minute longer, we can call him from the car.”

  Watching my dad from the doorway, he looks so angry. I did that by not being honest with them. He’s gripping the sides of the counter, his knuckles are white. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him. “I’m so sorry daddy, please forgive me for causing this mess.”

  “Nicolette, I promise you everything will be ok. You did nothing wrong, he did. I see you wrapped your wrist. Does it still hurt?”

  “Gracie took care of it for me. It’s just a little tender, but the Advil is helping.”

  “We’re going over to talk with Clayton and his son.”

  Raising my voice, “Well I’m not going.”

  Cupping my face, “Nicolette, you don’t have a choice. This has gone on long enough. This nonsense ends today with Michael, now let’s go.”

  Driving over to the St. Clair’s, my stomach was doing flips. Mom and dad were talking up front, while I listened to music on my IPOD. My phone chimes with a text message, it’s from Simon.

  Simon: Hey! How’s my girl doing?

  Me: Good

  Simon: Just good? I think we can do better than that.

  Me: What did you have in mind?

  Simon: You on the back on my bike with your legs wrapped around me, and holding on tight ;)

  Me: Um…YES! But I can’t right now

  Simon: :(

  Me: Out with the parents, can I text you when I get home?

  Simon: Yes, but hurry!

  Me: I will : )

  Well that was fun, texting with Simon. My phone is now ringing. I guess Simon couldn’t wait. My face falls when I see the number. Mom looks over at me with worried eyes. “Mom, it’s Michael.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

  Mom’s facial expression changed from worried to rage. “What the hell? The nerve of that boy calling you. Hand me your phone, Nicolette, I would love to hear what he has to say.”

  I hand over my phone, and mom puts the call on speaker for my father to listen. We say nothing, and it didn’t register with Michael that I didn’t say hello, because he began to talk right away.

  “Hey, Nicolette. I want to apologize for my behavior last night.”

  “What behavior is that, Michael? The way you have been stalking my daughter or the way you put your hands on her. YOU,” raising his voice louder, pronouncing each word as he spoke to Michael, “You sprained her wrist.”

  There was silence.

  “Hello? Are you still there?”

  “I’m here, sir.”

  “You have nothing to say?”

  “I’m so sorry for hurting Nicolette. I never meant too.”

  “So, you admit to what you did to her?”

  “Yes, sir. I am very sorry. Please believe me.”

  “Michael this conversation is not over. Tell your father we are on our way over. We plan on discussing this face-to-face, do you understand me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  My father ends the call before another word is spoken. He looks at my mother and I. Mom hands back my phone and gives me a reassuring look. “Don’t worry baby, everything will be ok.”

  “Mom, why did I have to go? I really don’t want to see Michael right now.”

  “Nicolette, there is nothing to be afraid of, your father and I will be with you. Clayton needs to be told how his son has been behaving, and what he did last night.”

  Mom, I don’t feel so good, I really think I’m going to throw up.”

  “Take some deep breaths, Nicolette. This is just your nerves.”

  Pulling up to the gate, the security guard waves us in. My father parks the car and turns to me before we get out. Holding my hands, and giving me his best, it’s going to be ok look. “Nicolette, for the last time, there is nothing to be afraid of.” I simply nod at my father, and we make our way to the front door.

  My stomach was in knots as we entered the St. Clair’s palatial estate. As much as daddy tried to convince me that everything would be ok, I have a sinking feeling that it wouldn’t. Not that he would try anything again; I honestly didn’t want to get into another confrontation with Michael.

  We were invited in by a housekeeper and asked to wait in the library for Mr. St. Clair. My father paced and looked down at his watch. He didn’t like to be kept waiting. Mr. St. Clair entered with a man who was introduced to us as one of his lawyers. My father just scowled.

  After introductions, we were asked to grab one of the eight seats around a large mahogany table.

  “Clayton, you must know why we are here. Look at my daughter’s wrist. Your son is responsible for this.”

  “Mason, before this gets out of hand, I want to apologize on behalf of my son. Michael is sorry for his behavior toward Nicolette. He never meant to hurt her. Their conversation escalated, and one thing led to another.”

  “Clayton, I don’t see it that way at all. My daughter tried to extricate herself from the conversation, and your son prevented her from doing so. He grabbed her wrist, causing injury to her.”

  “Look, Christina, Mason, we have an exceptionally good working relationship. I would be displeased to have it compromised. You have my word that this will never happen again. I have spoken with Michael, and he has given me assurances that he will not bother Nicolette again. I for one would like to move on from this unfortunate incident and put it behind us, wouldn’t you?”

  Rolling her eyes at him, “Is that why you have a lawyer here, Clayton, so we can move on?” Asked my mother.

  “Christina, John was here already on other matters, so I asked him to join us. Not satisfied with his answer, mom just scoffed and shook her head.

  “Where is your son, Clayton? Dad asked. He obviously told you that we were on our way over, I was hoping to speak with him.”

  “Mason, Michael is not here right now. I felt it was best if I be the one to speak with you today. Mr. St. Clair now addressed me. Nicolette, Michael explained to me what occurred with you, surely you will take some responsibility for the part you played in this? You did physically assault him as well.” Did I hear him right? Is Clayton actually turning this around on me? I silently sat there in a state of shock, as he kept his cool demeanor. My father on the hand exploded with rage.

  Pushing out from the table, as my father’s chair falls back to the floor. “You didn’t just say that, Clayton? You have to be out of your mind to think that we are going to sit here and listen to you pass the blame onto our daughter. What did you expect her to do? She defended herself against your piece of shit son. I’d say your son got off easy. I want your son to stay away from my daughter! No calls, no visits, no flower deliveries, and if he tries to contact Nicolette in any manner, I will get a restraining order. Do I make myself clear on this matter?”

  “Yes.”

  “Now as far as business goes, Clayton, Christina and I are song writers, we are not on your payroll. We already have established relationships with John and the other musicians. We can walk away at any time.”

  “Is that what you want, Mason, to break our contract?”

  “If that’s what it takes to keep my daughter safe, yes.”

  “Mason, I don’t think you fully understand what is at stake here. You are involving what is a personal matter and letting it cross over into our working business relationship. Separate the two, because they are not the same.”

  Both men were staring at each
other now, with my father trying to regain his composure. Clayton, remained cool and calm. I had to say something to break up the obvious tension.

  “Daddy, please don’t let what happened with Michael ruin anything you and mom have worked so hard for.”

  “Nicolette, I will not risk your safety because of a job. Nothing is more important than our daughter, regardless of what is at stake.”

  “Please, Daddy. I’m OK, really.”

  “Are you sure, Nicolette, is this what you want? You won’t be bothered by the fact that your mother and I will be working with Clayton?”

  “I’m sure, Daddy. I want you to continue with your work. Your songs are brilliant. Please, I’m ok. I want you to finish what you started.”

  My parents looked at each other and then to Clayton.

  “As long as we understand each other about Michael, then we can move forward.” Giving Clayton a stern look, “He is to have no contact with our daughter. We will continue our work, if Michael stays clear.”

  “You have my word, Mason, he truly is sorry.”

  I rose from my chair feeling a bit shaky on my feet. Nausea took over, as I so needed to get out of here. This house is cold and unwelcoming. I should have stayed home, but daddy insisted that I be here. After all that was said and done, Clayton still got what he wanted, Michael was absolved from his actions, and my parents were still working on the project. As I approached the door to leave, I felt a surge of cold chills on my skin. Slowly turning around, I glanced up to see Michael, staring down at me. Clayton lied; Michael was here the entire time. He mouthed something to me that I couldn’t make out. I turned to follow my parents out.

  “You can come down now, Michael. Were you listening to our conversation?”

  “I tried, but with the door closed, it was difficult.”

  “Michael, you dodged a bullet today with the Vanelles. You have to stay away from Nicolette.”

  “Dad, I have apologized and apologized to her. What crime did I seriously commit? All I wanted to do was take the girl to a concert, maybe dinner, and now I’m being treated as if I were a criminal!”

  “Michael from this day on, you will concentrate on school, go to all your classes and stay with your own circle of friends. Try at all costs, to have distance from this girl and hopefully in time, everything will be forgotten. I have to go son, this took up my whole afternoon, and I need to take care of a few things.”

  “Sorry I took up your time dad.” Raising my hands at my father. “You better run along and take care of business.”

  “That’s enough out of you. You don’t have a clue, do you Michael? You can’t just manhandle a girl to get what you want. You are lucky, son. Her father could have pushed for a restraining order, and making it public knowledge. I will not be embarrassed by this, Michael. Take charge of your life and get back on track. Forget about this girl, and fine another warm body to keep you cozy at night, but Nicolette is off limits.”

  “She’ll come around dad, I just need to give her some time. I messed up last night with her, I know that.”

  “Michael, you haven’t heard a word that I have said, have you? STAY AWAY FROM THAT GIRL! Have I made myself clear?”

  “Oh yeah…crystal.”

  My father glared at me, as he slammed out of his office.

  She’ll come around… I’ll just have to up my game.

  Driving home, I sent Simon a text.

  Me: Hey

  Simon: Are you home yet?

  Me: No, but can you meet me at the Juice Bar?

  Simon: Yes! Be there in 20

  Me: K : )

  Simon: : )

  “Hey Daddy, can you drop me off at the Juice Bar? Simon is going to meet me there.”

  Turning around, “does your wrist still hurt?” asked mom.

  “I’m fine, Mom. It’s just a little sore.”

  “You haven’t eaten anything yet today, Nicolette. Please make it a top priority?”

  “I will, Mom. I promise.”

  I arrived at the Juice Bar before Simon. I sent him a text to let him know that I was here waiting.

  Me: I’m here

  Simon: On my way

  Me: I’ll be in the back at our booth

  Simon: I’ll find you…: )

  While waiting for Simon, I ordered some food; I was way past hungry at this point. If I could, I would totally avoid telling Simon about Michael, but knew that wasn’t an option. Meeting in a public place was a good thing. I was hoping Simon wouldn’t be too angry for not telling him about this last night. The Juice Bar, as usual is busy and filled with people, and served as a filter for me talking with Simon. I saw Simon, as he entered from the side. He was dressed casual in board shorts and his usual white t-shirt that clings to all the right places. As he made his way closer to me, I got out of the booth and walked right into his arms, nestling my face onto his chest. He returned my hug, but it felt rigid as he pulled away with his eyes honing in onto my wrapped hand.

  “Hey, I missed you.”

  “I missed you more. I’ve had a crappy day.”

  “Why is that? And why is your wrist wrapped? What happened?”

  “Wow, that’s a lot of questions.” Giggling at Simon, he looked worried, and he was waiting for my answer. “Can we sit please? And I’ll explain.” Simon had his arm around my shoulders, as we sat down in our booth. My waitress delivered my food, and asked Simon, if he wanted anything. Simon just asked for a coke.

  “I’m waiting, Nicolette. What happened to your wrist?”

  “Simon, before I explain, can you promise me something?”

  “Anything.”

  “You have to promise not to over react, and hear me out.”

  “Ok, I promise. Please talk to me.”

  My mouth felt suddenly dry, I was so freaking nervous. Simon, staring at me wasn’t making what I have to tell him easier. “The reason why my wrist is wrapped is because it’s sprained.”

  “How did you sprain it? And when did you sprain it? I was with you practically the whole night.”

  “Not the whole night.”

  “Do you remember me leaving you to go the bathroom…you were talking to Sam?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well when I was coming out of the bathroom, Michael was waiting for me. I tried to get back to you right away, but he kept blocking me... When I pushed past him, he grabbed my wrist and because of how I jerked it back, it twisted.”

  “What the hell! Nicolette.”

  “Shh…Simon, please keep your voice down.”

  “I will not keep my voice down, and why didn’t you tell me this last night? I don’t fucking believe this!”

  Looking around the busy café, I felt all eyes were on us.

  “Simon, people are staring at us. Will you please calm down, and let me talk?”

  “I don’t care, let them look.”

  “I care Simon, and if you don’t chill out, I’m going to go.”

  Inhaling a few deep breaths, “Fine, what the hell happened with St. Clair?”

  “Do you remember when we decided to be together?”

  “Um…Yes, it was the happiest day of my life.”

  Simon’s words calmed me, so I felt a little better continuing. “Ok, remember how I told you that when I was with Michael at school, he asked me out for that weekend?”

  “Yes.”

  “At the time, I didn’t know where you and I were headed, so I told him that I would think about it. After you and I talked, I texted Michael later that night and explained to him that you and I were now together. Michael accused me of leading him on.”

  “I asked you to stay away from him, Nicolette. Why did you have to call him?”

  “I didn’t call him, Simon. I had sent him a text, and told him that I wasn’t interested and I had a boyfriend. Michael then called me and we got into it. He told me that the only reason why you asked me to be your girlfriend is because you knew he wanted me, and you just beat him to it.”

  Now putting som
e distance between us, Simon was clearly pissed off. “Is that what you think, Nicolette? Yeah… I asked you to be my girlfriend because I didn’t want St. Clair to top me. That is so far from the truth, and this is just another way how Michael works.”

  “I’m sorry Simon, I should have been up front with you last night, but we were in my house, and I didn’t want to cause a scene, especially in the middle of my parent’s party? Are you angry with me?”

  “Yes, but I’m more angry with him. What the hell, Nicolette! This is why I wanted you to stay away from him, and now he puts his hands on my girlfriend?”

  “I’m so sorry, Simon.”

  “It’s not your fault that Michael put his hands on you. I’m going to kick his ass all over Beverly Hills!”

  “You can’t, Simon… you need to let this go.”

  “Let this go?” Simon is looking at me like I have grown extra limbs. “How can I, babe? He puts his hands on my girlfriend, hurting you, and you just want me to do nothing?”

  “Exactly! Simon, guys like Michael, are not worth your time or your energy, and he probably is waiting for you to come after him. Fighting with Michael, would only hurt you in the long run. I can’t have that on my conscience.”

  “Nicolette, you don’t know him like I do. Michael St. Clair is not a good guy. Someone I used to care about, he didn’t treat very nice.”

  “Jennifer” I whispered.

  “You know, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I know, and I’m so sorry for you and what happened with Jennifer.”

  “I replay that night over and over again in my head. If I would have just personally delivered her to her parents, she would be alive today.”

  “Simon, she was determined to get back to that party, whether it was to continue having a good time or to meet Michael, we will never know, but you have to forgive yourself.”