Brooklyn Noelle Brankovich

Chapter Ninety-one: "And on the 23rd day of December..."

I woke up to a bunch of drunk calls and texts from Noah. I just shook my head and listened to the messages before deleting them. They were pretty repetitive, he was begging for me to take him back in some, and in others he was pretty aggressive.

I deleted our message thread and tossed my phone on the bed. I don't have time for him.

Pushing my curtains apart, I smiled at the view. It was Christmas time officially now, I was in the spirit; that meant it was time to finish decorating. Ever since I was a child my parents - and Melinda and Sutton - would go all out for the holidays. All of them, except Halloween. I always hated Halloween. Sorry, Cass.

After a shower, I threw on a casual outfit to wear for the day. I still hadn't bothered putting on any makeup or going to the salon to get my hair and nails done. What's the use? There was no one to impress. In fact, I'm still too hot without my hair, face, and nails done; I didn't want to risk attracting any more guys since I'm not ready to date again just yet.

***

First, I grabbed some -what I even thought was - overpriced hot chocolate from a local café near my boutique.
Ah, my boutique, I feel so powerful saying that!

I bounced inside the shop and smiled proudly at the progress we were making.

"Good morning, Brook-brat," Sutton greeted me at the door, not hesitating to remove the jacket from my arms.

"I got you guys bagels, hope you have time to stop for a snack," I said, handing over the bag of goodies.

"You're an angel," he purred and kissed my check.

"Morning, princesa," Mel said, "how'd you sleep?"

I tilted my head. "Better than the nights before. Here, eat a bagel, I hope it's worth every cent."

Mel laughed and Sutton joined in. "They're delicious."

"Oh, I have what you asked me for," Sutton shot up, wiping crumbs from his small lips, "for Cassie!"

I lit right up, eyes twinkling. I clapped and gestured my hands for him to give it up already.

Cassie's gift, well one of them, was a good card membership to my store - for seven months, every total purchase would be free. I wanted to do for life or a year, but Sutton and Mel said that's not good for business (even for best friends) so I figured I'd do seven months since that's how long we've known each other.

"It's so shiny, I loves it," I said in an animated voice. "Ahh, I can't wait to give it to her! My best friend can dress but an upgraded wardrobe won't hurt anyone."

Sutton chuckled. "Anything else?"

"A time machine," I grumbled, walking behind the counter.

"Still having trouble with Noah?" Asked Mel.

"I really thought we'd all be spending Christmas together. I was so excited to have a real boyfriend to kiss under the mistletoe and the four of us take goofy couples pictures and post them with punny captions," I vented, sounding lame and broken-hearted. "Tell me this isn't cute: we were pepper-meant to be. Get it?"

"Ooh, that's a good one," Sutton cooed and I frowned. I mouthed 'I know right?!'

"Have you talked to him?" she asked me. I shook my head.

"I don't want to," I answered quickly like I had the answer ready to go. Because I didn't want this to be all about my ex, I stood tall and put on a smile.

"Mel, what do you want for Christmas?" I asked her.

"For you to be happy," she replied sincerely, squeezing my hand.

"Are you two secretly my guardian angels?" I teased, pulling them both in for a group hug. "Seriously, I love you guys."

"Oh, package!" Sutton caught the man at the door before he walked in.

"Oh, he's fine," Mel mumbled to me as the man entered. He was the same delivery guy from before that was eying me. Yes, he looks good but, I'm not interested. Just because I hate Noah and I don't want to get back with him doesn't mean I need to jump onto the next.

His skin was fair with a subtle tan that faded with the winter and his hair was buzzed down, though. Green eyes must be my thing because his eyes were just that color. They weren't the most interesting eyes ever, nothing to get lost in. Actually, nothing about him was so breathtaking, but he had a nice facial structure, strong bones. His nose was wide like his ears and full-lipped smile, and his eyebrows were a nice shape but not maintained well. I would've liked him to be taller, probably more built, too. Overall, I mean, he was good looking.

"Delivery for a Miss... how do you say that?" He laughed to settle my nerves.

"Brankovich," I let him know. "Thank you, I'll take that."

"Sign here," he ordered, patting himself down for a pen that he should've had on hand already.

I smiled and waved one in his face. After I signed, I stuck it in the pocket on his shirt. "You can keep it," I said.

"Hey," he stopped from walking out and turned again to face me and said, "you're kinda cute."

"Kinda?"

"I mean, you're gorgeous. I wouldn't mind taking you out sometime." I read the name on his tag: Jason.

"Well, Jason, I would mind. See you next time, and thanks again for the big package," I winked. When he laughed, I did, too.

"Cute and funny! I think we'd get along just fine," he shouted as he walked out.

"Buh-bye," I sounded, not looking up from cutting open the box.

"Your loss," he said, swinging on the door for what seemed like forever.

"If you break it, you pay for it to get replaced. Plus interest," my voice boomed, trying not to laugh or smile.

Jason three his arms up in innocence. "See you around," he finally said and made his exit.

I shook my head, going back to concentrate on the unboxing.

"I liked 'em," Sutton said, popping his shoulder. I rolled my eyes, not ready to hear their opinions on (non) potential partners for me.

"Not as much as I liked Noah, but," Mel joined in in agreement and I groaned, tossing my head back as I stormed off.

"-ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOUUUU!" I belted the notes to Mariah Carey's festive song as I slid along the hardwoods in my white ankle socks.

Cassie and I had been hanging out since I got back home from work and she was an absolute blessing at the exact right time! I missed one-on-one time with Boo, we needed each other now more than ever. Apparently, she was sick before, so I wasn't trying to get too close but she seems better now.

Cassie was glowing in her ugly Christmas sweater with a deer on it. She paired it with black leggings and other festive accessories. Her hair was pushed back and that pretty necklace dangled around her neck.
I, on the other hand, didn't go that far with my wardrobe. I just threw on a pair of off-white colored leggings and a matching top that was oversized for comfort.

My apartment smelled of pine and those little sugary holiday cookies Cassie and I love so much. The lights were dim except in the kitchen and living room where we did the rest of the decorating. Honestly, I would've been fine without her help because decking the halls - you could say - had been my thing for years. My family always went above and beyond for Christmas and I didn't want to stop that just because circumstances were different this year. A lot different.

I got a real tree, I didn't like the artificial ones even if no one but Cassie (and Mel and Sutton) were going to see it. It was to the ceiling and even left some scrapes, but I didn't mind that. It felt like home again, when I was a child and everything was right in the world.

Cassie stood on a chair, taping up the first string of lights and randomly laughed out loud - snorting and all.

"What's funny?" I asked her, holding my laughter.

"Remember when we went horseback riding and you were telling me all this shit about how good you were, but fell. I don't know why I just thought of that. I needed this laugh," Cassie said and continued to be hysterical.

"Shut up, that horse wasn't properly trained," I made up, playfully rolling my eyes.

Cassie didn't buy it, she just went back to her job. "Yeah, blame the horse," she said.

"Whatever," I mumbled, digging through the box of ornaments. There, I found a photo of me as a toddler.

Cassie stepped down from the chair and gasped at the picture. She looked at it and then back at my face. "Oh my God. Is this you? Don't answer that. You were so cute. You look the exact same still."

I recreated the face I made in the photo for comparison and then put it to the side. Ah, the memories.

"What were you like as a kid?" I asked Cassie since we didn't know each other until adulthood obviously. I thought it'd be nice to know about her past some more.

Cassie puffed out her cheeks in thought. She answered, "I don't remember that much because I forced myself to forget a lot. But I was funny at one point, energetic, and just a kid, you know?" I nodded with a wry smile.

"I wish I knew you as a kid. You probably had that resting bitch face back then, too," I made fun.

Cassie dug through the ornaments and sat back in the chair once she picked some. "I know. It would've been nice to have a friend that you grew up with and are still friends. But yeah, I think my smile got stuck when I was like nine." She laughed it off, making a face.

I hesitated to ask, "How was your family about the holidays, did you guys do stuff? Have traditions? Sorry if you don't wanna talk about it..."

"No, it's okay. Some things you have to talk about, right?" Cassie noticeably tensed up. "We never did much for Christmas. I mean, my foster parents would sometimes take me to dinner, but I've always loved Christmas. Everyone just seemed so happy and the decorations are amazing. So, maybe we can start a tradition. I mean, if you don't have one. I'm sure your family went all out?"

"Yeah. A giant pine tree in the foyer and that wasn't even the tree we put presents under. We would get gifts for twelve days leading up to actual Christmas morning and my mom always had her dad come dressed as Santa. My stocking was always full with things I didn't even need. They made it wonderful, but it was always materialistic, I never got anything that mattered. But now I have you and that's the best gift I'm gonna get this year," I smiled at Cassie. I got up, my knees cracking, to get cookies from the kitchen.

Cassie's smile was big on her face as she looked down at her hands. She said, "I think that was the best thing anyone ever said to me. You know, Brooke, you're so different from what people would assume. I love that about you, how you just want simple and not a lifestyle that people would dream of having. Honestly, sorry for bringing him up, but Noah's dumb for fucking up with you." Yeah. I know.

I sighed lightly.

"Thank you Cassie," I spoke, "not a lot of people have taken the time to get to know me, but you guys did. Noah... yeah." That's all I could say about that. I shook my head, trying to cancel out any thoughts trying to arise about him.

Cassie narrowed her eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

"It means you're right, he's dumb, but that part of my life is over," I proclaimed, sitting criss-cross on the floor. "What about Gael, is there any hope for you two?"

Cassie scoffed, joining me on the floor so she could grab the other end of the lights I was working on" and help. "Even if there wasn't, I don't really have a choice," she said. Huh?

My eyes blinked a couple times. "I don't get it," I let out, confused. Obviously.

Cassie yanked the lights to stop me. "Think about what I'm saying. Even if Gael and I are over, we still have a good eighteen years to figure things out if we ever do," she said, talking slow.

"Oh!" I exclaimed once it hit me. "Cassie, you're pregnant?! How did this happen?" I jumped in the air, gasping.

My best friend hid her face. "I've been asking myself the same question. But I'm eight weeks and terrified," she vented, arms flailing.

I'm sure my eyes were about to bulge out of my head, that's how utterly shocked I was. "Eight weeks?! How long have you known?"

"A few days," Cassie told me, shaking her head. "We thought I had the flu. Hell, I was so sure it was the flu, but I guess not. Do you think this is stupid? Crazy? Too soon?"

She was talking a mile a minute so I told her first to relax. With my hand on hers, I went on and said, "I think you'll be a great mom, that's it. Have you told he-who-shall-not-be-named?" Gael.

"No, you're right. It just doesn't feel real," Cassie rambled. "No! I can't tell him. Not yet. What do you think I should do?"

"Well first, tell me whatever birth control you're using so I make sure I stay away," I laughed slightly and then continued. "Second, I think you should tell him."

"I was on the pill, probably some cheap shit," Cassie said, laughing with her head thrown back. "But what would I even say: Hi, Gael. Yes, I'm still mad as fuck at you, but you're gonna be a daddy?"

I couldn't help but snicker a little. I pushed the decorations from my lap and said, "Or be normal and just say it? At least he'll know and you guys can move on, or you can stay mad at him. But you know he needs to know. Sooner, rather than later."

"You're supposed to be on my side, Brooklyn," Cassie whined and I smiled, letting out a faint laugh through my nose. "But I hate that you're right. Maybe I'll tell him next month? Or after the baby is born? Maybe I'll just be a single parent? I'm kidding."

"No, sure, wait another eight weeks," I said and paused. "That's sarcasm, Cassie. You gotta tell him, I hate to say it. Aw, have you thought of any names?!"

Cassie dramatically sighed. "I know. And nope, I haven't thought of anything but that I'm fucking having a baby and going to be someone's mom. A mom? Someone relying on me, but also loving me to death, you know?"

"I hate Gael right now but that's gonna be a cute baby!" After that, I got in Cassie's face and said, "And I better be the God-mom," then walked to the kitchen.

Cassie yelled after me, "I thought you'd want to be an aunt or something? The rich one that goes to all the birthday parties drunk as hell."

*

Having realized I'd forgotten something before my shower, I walked out of the master bathroom bopping along to Halsey's song 'You Should Be Sad.'

"-No, you're not half the man you think that you are
And you can't fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs and cars
I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you
'Cause you can't love nothin' unless there's somethin' in it for you..."

Once back in the bedroom, I did a double take at Cass and bed and reached for my mint-colored bath headband off the tv stand [that I used to hold my hair back as I washed my face.]

"Sheesh, you're in bed already? I guess that's what pregnancy does to you," I snickered at Cassie, walking around the platform bed.

Cassie cuddled the blanket, waving her hand. "Don't use the pregnancy as an excuse. I just need beauty sleep."

"Mhm," I lowly mumbled as I approached the door. Before I went back in the bathroom, I realized how loud the music was. So, I asked her, "Hey, is my music too loud?"

"Nope," Cassie popped her lips. "If I can sleep through snoring, I can sleep through your music. I like that song anyway."

Content now, I popped a leg and pushed the door open. "I won't take too long!"

"-Oh, I feel so sorry
I feel so sad
I tried to help you
It just made you mad
And I had no warnin'
About who you are
I'm just glad I made it out without breakin' down
And then ran so fuckin' far
That you would never ever touch me again
Won't see your alligator tears
'Cause, no, I've had enough of them"

The lyrics were really resonating with me so I kept replaying the song from the start and had the volume blaring, almost deafening me but I didn't care. I was sure Cassie didn't mind, I mean, she didn't say anything to object. Well, not that I could hear anyway.

As I conditioned, I kept hearing commotion. I figured Cassie was watching tv loud to drain out my music or she had a little blunder. I didn't think much of it so I went on to rinse the soap from my hair.

I sang along to the song as I stood under the shower head and let the foam wash off my exfoliated skin.

Suddenly, I heard another scream. I thought I heard one a minute or so prior but I ignored it.

"Cassie," I mumbled, just thinking she was fooling around out there. While I was enjoying my shower, I'd probably taken way too long anyway. So I stopped the water and stepped out, drying my back and feet off first.

Another scream startled me, I could hear it more clear this time.

My first thought was maybe Cass fell on her stomach. So, I rushed to throw on the soft shorts and tank top I had lying on the sink and slipped into my slides before rushing out to see what the noise was.

I paused my music and failed to hear any more sounds.

"Cass?" I called her name, stepping into the bedroom.

No answer.

Cassie didn't have the television on so the only source of light was from my bathroom as I kept the door open.

I swallowed and looked to my left, then my right.

That's when the bedroom door was pushed closed with force and someone lunged towards me. I knew it was a man right away, I could tell from his grunts and build.

I gasped and rolled out of the way, my dripping wet hair clinging to my face and whatever else it touched.

I hopped across the bed and tried reaching for the knife I kept under my mattress but he came fast and grabbed my hair.

I only struggled for a few seconds before I punched his throat. When he buckled and released me, I began running passed his body. Only, he caught my leg and tripped me.

My forehead smacked against the wooden platform that made up my bed frame and I instantly felt blood dripping from my hairline. I crawled backwards and once he walked over my body, I kicked his knee inward and tried scurrying away.

"Cassie!" I shrieked, hoping I would make it to her any second.

I wasn't fast enough, though, and the man found the strength to pull me back by my ankles. I clawed the floor and squirmed every limb until he sat on top of me.

And the man cackled... like he was enjoying this.

"Get the fuck off of me!" I gritted, throwing my balled fists at his jaw and chest.

His fist connected to my cheek and I blinked the stunned sensation away. But I didn't give up. I remembered a move from my training and tried pushing his upper half back with my leg. It worked and I hurried on my feet, only to be swept off of them and tossed over his shoulder.

I leaned back, my head almost touching the ceiling and with one hand, I swiftly chopped it right on his carotid arteries. This should've knocked him out, but it didn't. It did, however, cause him to gasp and hold his neck which meant dropping me. Gravity pulled me to the ground but was not on my side. I landed flat on my shoulder and heard something crack.

"AGH!" I cried out. I spit, hyperventilating, and felt tears sting my cheeks.

The man stumbled back before looking around for the way out. He began rocking my dresser over and ran out just as it began to tip over my body. My eyes grew wide and I rolled away a split second before it contacted the floor, or else I would've been flattened under it's weight.

I heard the door slam and nothing else.