Chapter 29: Interlude

I want to dedicate this chapter to AamalUsmani04 for being such an awesome reader! Seriously you've been there since I first started this book and tbh I didn't even think you'd still be here up till now. All your encouraging comments make my day. Much love to you❤️❤️❤️

Reese's POV

I blink open my eyes and look around confused. It's white. I'm not sure if I'm floating or not but all I know is I'm in a white place. Maybe a room?

"Hello?" I call out. "Is anybody there?" I stand up. The only response is my voice echoing back.

I'm not sure what to do. Do I walk forward or just stay put? Not one to wait around I decide to just keep going and see what I run into. After a while though I become frustrated at the nothingness. I feel like I haven't moved an inch. Everything is the same. White white white.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!" I shout.

"Tsk tsk. Even though mom has scolded you multiple times about language you still curse more than a sailor. I guess some things never change."

My heart stops. I ever so slowly spin around.

Valentino stands in a comfortable looking pair of sweats and a t-shirt. He's eating an orange.

"What?" I whisper. "What the actual fuck?"

"Damn bro the glo up was real for you. I remember you used to be scrawny as hell. You almost look as good as me."

"What the hell!" I blurt out. "What are you- what are you doing here?"

"The real question is: what are YOU doing here?" He smirks.

"I-I don't know." My head just can't wrap around the fact that I'm speaking to my very DEAD brother.

"Is this heaven?" I ask.

"Nah. It's the in between. The place you wake up after you die."

"So I'm dead?!"

"No," he chuckles. "You're not dead."

"Then what am I doing here?"

"I got special permission from the big guy upstairs to bring you here."

The big guy upstairs? Did he mean-

"How's life treating ya bro?" He tosses his orange peels and my eyes widen as they vanish into thin air. "Mines great. You wouldn't believe how amazing heaven is."

"I'm sure nothing can top life in heaven," I respond dryly crossing my arms.

"True that."

"What am I really doing here Val?" His face becomes serious.

"You're here because I'm going to talk some reason into you. You know I can watch what happens on earth from Heaven right?"

"So?"

"Drugs? Really Reese?"

"Not you too," I groan.

"You're going to die of lung cancer from all that smoking!"

"Great maybe I can join you."

"No," he says fiercely. "You will not be joining me. That was my time to die. But you? You have a life ahead of you. A future. People who need you."

"Like who?" I scoff.

"I can't tell you that. That's for you to discover yourself. But in order to be that person you need to stop this. You need to let me go."

"I CAN'T!" I scream. "Every night, every fucking night I relive that moment over and over again. I think they've stopped but they always come back! Do you think I want to live like this? Do you know what it's like to hear a gunshot in your sleep every night! To wake up drenched in sweat! I try and try to move past it but I can't! I don't know how!"

Valentino is silent.

"No matter how hard I try, what I do, I can't escape it. You're worried about me dying of lung cancer? That's if I don't die of insanity first!"

"I know-" his voice cracks. "I know how hard it was for you. I watched as my family buried me. I cried too Reese! It hurt to watch you suffer because of me! Because of my stupid choices. If I could take it all back I would. I'd start over. But I can't. And that's why I'm here Reese. To stop you from making the same mistakes I did."

My hands are shaking and I clench them tightly.

"Reese please please listen to me. You are loved. People love you. But you are hurting them. You are hurting yourself. It's hard to say goodbye. But if you ever want to move on you have too. You have to come clean about everything. Before it's too late. Stop smoking. Stop taking drugs. Become the person I know you can be."

I close my eyes and breathe heavily.

"Reese," he places his hands on my shoulder. "Don't hold it in anymore."

I exhale. He's right.

I have to let it go.

All of a sudden it's like my eyes have truly been opened. Like I've been living in the dark and I'm finally seeing the light.

I've fucked up. I've made mistakes. But it's not too late to fix them.

I don't want to live like this anymore.

Maybe all I wanted, all I ever needed, was some closure. Someone to tell me that what happened wasn't my fault.

When I open my eyes Valentino's look a little watery.

"Are you crying?"

"No," he says gruffly. "Something got in my eyes."

"Right," I smirk.

"Hey I want to ask you something..." He trails off uncertainly.

"What?"

"Is-is she doing ok?"

Ah. Samantha.

"She's doing fine," I smile. "Trust me."

"And my son?" He looks away.

I smile wider. "He's doing great."

"Good," he nods. "That's good."

"I thought you could see everything that goes on down below?"

"I can. It's just that for some reason I haven't been able to see them. I only was able to see her once at my funeral."

"She misses you. Do you want me to deliver a message to her?"

His eyes widen. "You'd do that?"

"Why not?"

"Ok," now it's his turn to take a deep breathe. "Can you tell her that I love her and miss her. I think about her and our son everyday. And that-that I hope she's happy and can eventually move on?"

I nod.

"Thanks bro. I owe you one."

"I guess it's time for me to go huh?" I feel sad, but I know he can't stay here forever.

"Yep. Oh and one more thing. Try to understand."

"Understand what?" I furrow my brows.

"You'll know when the time comes."

Ugh. I hate when people speak in riddles.

"Now before you go..."

He snaps his fingers and suddenly selfie starts playing.

"But first, lemme take a selfie!"

Yep. Definitely time to go now.

Sebastian's POV

Dad gripped Haley's hand who gripped Cheyenne's hand who gripped mine.

"Your going to squeeze the life out of those flowers Hales."

She looks down but her hold doesn't loosen.

"I'll just wait out here," Cheyenne stands awkwardly outside the door.

"No you come in too. You're part of the family," my dad says.

"But-"

"It's ok," I kiss her cheek. "You can come in."

Dad goes in her first with Haley practically attached to his back. For some reason my legs won't move.

"Sebastian?" Cheyenne inquires. "Are you-"

"I'm fine," I let go of her hand and step inside.

She looks horrible. Pale, bony, not at all the mom who was so full of life only days ago.

"It's so good to see you," she says in a scratchy voice. "You too Cheyenne. I'm sorry you have to see me like this."

"It's ok," she replies. "My parents said they'd be here soon. My dad just had to drop off some important files."

"Ok," she goes into a coughing fit and immediately dad is by her side rubbing up and down her arm. Haley scoots over to her bed and thrust the flowers out.

Once she recovers from her fit she speaks. "You brought me flowers? How sweet!"

"They're you're favorite mommy. Lilies, just like your name."

"Thank you so much sweetie." Dad places them in vase and sets them in the table near her bed. She turns to me.

"Sebastian how are you?"

My tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth. I don't understand what is wrong with me. All I can think about, all I can see in my head when I close my eyes is one word.

Death.

Death.

Death.

Because she's going to die. There is no recovery for her.

"I'm good," I finally reply my voice sounding unlike me. She frowns at me.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm good," I repeat more forcefully. Now everyone is staring at me and I can't take it. Without another word I turn and walk out.

Air. I need air.

My feet carry me outside the hospital and I slump down against a wall. I've never smoked in my life but right now I really wish I had a cigarette.

"Baby?" Cheyenne sits next to me.

"Yeah?" I look at her.

"I know your mom already asked but, are you really ok? You can be honest with me."

"Not really," I run a hand through my hair. "But I don't want to talk about it."

"Ok," she nods and I'm grateful she doesn't push it.

"Cheyenne?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you spend the night with me?"

"Huh?" She looks at me.

"Well," I explain. "My dad is staying the night at the hospital. Haley is sleeping over at a friends house. So I'll be home alone and I've been feeling pretty bad about how New Years night ended for us. Things have just been kind of depressing and honestly I just want to forget it, if only for one night."

"I-I think I can spend the night. And don't feel bad about New Years. That wasn't your fault."

"I know," I sigh.

"Tonight will be fun. Promise."

I bring my face close to hers before kissing her.

Krystal's POV

Someone is banging on my door. I'm trying to sleep and someone is fucking banging on my door.

"WHAT!" I scream. Cheyenne bursts in panic, written on her face.

"Sebastianwantsmetospendthenightbutimnotsureifthatscodeforsex!"

"Slow down!" I sit up rubbing my eyes. "Now repeat that."

"Sebastian wants me to spend the night at his place!"

"Ooh," I wriggle my eyebrows suggestively.

"No! No ooh!" She actually pulls at her own hair.

"What's the problem? You love him, he loves you. Or is it that you don't want to sleep with him?"

"Of course I do!" She groans. "I'm just not sure if I'm ready."

"Then don't sleep with him," I roll my eyes.

"But-"

"You literally just said you weren't ready!"

"I know but what if I am?"

This girl is hopeless.

"I mean," she continues. "I'm pretty sure I'm ready. But I'm nervous. What if I'm bad? I don't know how many other girls he's slept with and I'm too scared to ask!"

"Well how far have you guys gone?" I ask.

"What do you mean?"

"Well has he touched your-"

"Don't say it!" She covers her ears and I laugh. "But yeah he has touched...down there."

"Ok so obviously the next step would be sex."

"Yeah I know but what do I do! Do I just say let's have sex?"

"Ugh you never ask!" I explain. "You just let the moment happen. Go with the flow. And if it gets too uncomfortable or you feel even a tiny inkling of doubt you stop. Sebastian's a nice guy so I'm sure he'd understand. You're virginity is something you can't get back. It's important so don't just give it up because you feel pressured."

"You're right," she exhales. "I'm probably just overthinking things. That's not even why he invited me over."

"Exactly. If things lead up to that point then you handle it from there. Otherwise don't stress it."

"Ok," she takes deep breaths. "Ok."

"But just in case use protection!" I wink and she throws a pillow at me.

"Oh and by the way. I might use you as an alibi. So if my mom calls just make sure you tell her I'm here."

"Got ya."

Kimora's POV

"Turn down for what!"

Losing myself to the music, I jumped along with the crowd and barely noticed when a hand squeezed my ass or groped my boobs. Yes boobs. I'm shirtless. I find the experience is more enjoyable that way.

I make my way over to the bar. The bartender already knows me due to the fact that we fucked multiple times in the bathroom on his breaks. I'm getting bored of him though.

"Hey sexy, how about a quickie?" A voice purrs next to me. I examine him. He's cute enough with slicked back hair and a sharp jawline.

"Ok," I down my drink.

Five minutes later and he has me up against the bathroom wall.

"Wait," I stop him before he slides in. "Do you have a condem?"

"Oh shit I almost forgot," he fishes one out of his pocket.

The sex is ok. I pretend to orgasm for his sake. So far no one is on par with Marcus. He's set a really high bar.

After he's gone I pull my phone out. Lots of missed calls and text messages. Most of them are from my parents asking where I am and do I know what time it is. I roll my eyes. I guess I should get home.

When I open the front door they're already standing there. My father looks furious.

"DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS!"

"Two-thirty am."

"Why are you out this late!" His eyes bulge and he grabs my shoulders roughly.

"Hey!" I protest.

"What is this!" He points to my neck.

"A hickey," I sigh annoyed.

"WHY DO YOU HAVE HICKIES! WHERE DO YOU GO THIS LATE!"

"None of your buissness!" I snap.

"ARE YOU HAVING SEX?!"

"So what if I am?"

"You look like a cheap hooker!" My mom cries. "Look at you, you're wasting away!"

My dad looks ready to blow a gasket.

"I CANT BELIEVE YOUVE BEEN HAVING SEX! THAT IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR A GIRL YOUR AGE!"

I explode.

"So! It's my body not yours! I'll fuck my way through this entire town if I want too!"

Suddenly I receive a hard blow to my face that knocks me down. I cradle my face and look up shocked at my dad.

He's never, ever hit me before.

"You will not disrespect me, not in my own home," he growls. "If I have to beat sense into you then so be it. Now get out of my face."

I look at my mom. She looks away.

Wow. Just wow.

"Fuck you! Fuck you both!" I spit venomously before running upstairs and slamming my room door so loudly the house rattles.

Cheyenne's POV

After asking my mom if I could spend the night at 'Krystal's' house and she said yes I've been in my room trying packing.

My phone beeps with an incoming call. He must be here. I grab my overnight bag and sprint down the stairs.

"Bye mom see you tommorow!"

"Have fun at Krystal's" she shouts back from the kitchen.

I slide into the passenger seat and he greets me grinning.

"I hope you like pizza because that's what I ordered."

"I love pizza. So, what do you have planned for tonight?"

"Well we could always have that anime marathon you talked about on our first date."

"OMG yes!" I squeal. "Ugh now I don't know which one we should watch! Vampire knight makes me cry but I love it! There's always RWBY which is more action but I also love Maid sama!" I'm practically bouncing out of my seat.

"We'll see what Netflix has," he squeezes my thigh.  

I practically fly out the car when we get to his house.

"Hurry up!" I whine.

"I'm coming I'm coming!"

Just like he said the house is empty. I'm still nervous and don't know what to expect out of this night but so far it's starting out great. I set my bag in his room and wander downstairs just as he closes the door.

"Pizza is here!"

We settle comfortably on the couch and I go through the anime selection. I try to find an anime that isn't too girly for him. Finally I settle on one of my favorites, Death Note.

He turns off the lights and I grab a slice of pizza, my eyes glued to the screen. When L comes on I swoon.

"Should I be jealous?" Sebastian jokes.

"Maybe," I smile cheekily.

After the second episode is over he starts firing questions at me.

"Ok so basically he can write whoever's name in that book and they will die?"

"Yep."

"But why?"

"Because anime thats why."

"Ok and that will creepy looking shinigami isn't going to stop him?"

"Ryuk and yes he's not gong to."

"But why?"

"Because it's not his job to stop him."

"But that's so messed up!"

"You have no idea," I say playing the next episode. I crack up at the potato chip scene. I don't know why that always gets me.

~~~

"Babe wake up."

"Huh," I sit up.

"You fell asleep."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"It's ok. I may have continued it without you though."

"Traitor," I yawn. He laughs.

"Let's go to bed."

I snap out of my drowsy state. Bed. Oh gosh we're sharing a bed.

"Ok," I squeak and race upstairs before him. I lock myself in the bathroom and change into my pajamas trying to calm myself down while I do so. I'm overthinking this. Just calm down.

When I exit my mouth falls open a bit. I've seen him shirtless before but now I'm seeing him shirtless in a pair of boxers that shape his ass perfectly.

"Like my butt?" He catches me staring and winks.

"I've seen better," I say cooly even though my face is on fire.

He flicks off the lights and we climb into bed. I stare at the the ceiling and twiddle my thumbs.

"Why are you all the way over there?"

"Huh?"

"You're going to fall off the bed."

"Oh." I scoot in closer. We spoon and my heart beats erratically.

"Pillow talk?" He suggests

"That's my song!" I laugh and start singing.

"PILLOW TALK! MY ENEMY, MY ALLY!"

"Someone make it stop!" He covers his ears and I sing louder just to annoy him.

"SO WE'LL PISS OFF THE NEIGHBORS! IN THE PLACE THAT FEELS THE TEARS, THE PLACE TO LOSE YOUR FEARS YEAH RECKLESS BEHAVIOR!"

He rolls away from me and I climb on top of him laughing while singing.

"IT'S OUR PARADISE, AND IT'S OUR WAR ZONE!"

He shoves a pillow in my face knocking me off. My ribs hurt from laughter.

"When I said pillow talk I didn't mean the actual song," he gives me a pointed look.

"Oh my bad. You have to be more clearer than that."

"Ok then how about pillow kissing?" He wiggles his eyebrows.

"That's not even a thing!"

"It is now."

No matter how many times I kiss him I always get tingles. Every kiss is like our first one all over again.

His hair is soft and I vaguely wonder what brand of shampoo and conditioner he uses.

Things escalate pretty quickly from there. I wrap my legs around his waist to pull him closer and grind my hips against his. He hisses and we kiss more feverishly, his mouth moving down to my neck and biting along my shoulder. I need to get closer to him, crave the feeling of his skin against mine. My nails dig into his back and I'm pretty sure I left moon marks.

I pull away from him and slowly strip off my shirt, maintaining eye contact with him the entire time. I straddle him and we continue to kiss passionately, his tongue dancing with mine. He places soft kisses along my jaw and I yank his head back using his hair and trail a finger down his chest. The moment is slow and sensual.

"Cheyenne?" Sebastian whispers.

"Yeah?"

"Maybe we should- I mean- I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do. You know I'd never do that to you."

"I know."

"If we don't stop now I don't think I'll be able to stop myself later."

"That's ok," I said softly. "I want this. With you. Only you."

His hands cup my cheek and I close my eyes, leaning into his touch. His fingers trail down my shoulder to my bra straps before slowly sliding them down. He unclasps the back and pulls it off.
When we kiss again it's more fevered. His hands slip down my panties into my throbbing core. I moan as his fingers work their magic.

"You're so fucking tight," he growls.

In a moment of sheer bravery, or maybe sheer stupidity, I reach down and grab him. I don't know what I was expecting but is it humanly possible to be that hard?

"Jesus Cheyenne warn a guy first!" He exclaims. I giggle and use my hand to rub up and down.

Will it even fit?

I hook my fingers in the band of his boxers and tug them down. He helps remove them and I slip off my panties. Now we're both completely naked. Surprisingly I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed.

I trust him. Completely.

"Do you have a condom?" I asked.

He reaches over me and pulls one out from a drawer. I raise a brow at him.

"I swear I did not plan this," he raises his hands.

"Mhmm," I lean forward to kiss him and his arms warp around me pulling me closer. Now there's nothing separating us. He lays me back down and hovers over me.

"Wait did you put the condom on?" I panic. He rolls his eyes.

"Yes because no offense but I kind of don't want any kids right now."

I smack him and he laughs.

"Just be gentle ok?" I whisper.

"I promise," he kisses my nose. I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in his shoulder as he stars sliding in.

Oh fuck. Fuck fuck fuck that hurts. I bite my lip to keep from screaming.

"Are you ok?" He questions pausing.

"It hurts," I manage to squeeze out.

"I'm sorry baby," he kisses my hair. "I don't want to hurt you. I can stop if you want."

"No," I shake my head. "Keep going."

He takes his time, pausing to ask how I'm doing and when he's completely inside he waits for me to tell him it's ok before he starts moving.

There are no words to describe the feeling. It was just me, Sebastian, and our pleasure. We were a mix of heated bodies and tangled bed sheets.

"Faster," I say breathlessly gripping his biceps. I meet him thrust for thrust and at one point he hits this one spot that has me stringing out a colorful array of curse words. I come first calling out his name and shortly after he follows.

It's like coming down from a major high. He pulls me close and pushes back strands of hair from my face.

"I love you," he says kissing me softly.

"I love you too."

I always thought sex was stupid and meaningless, but when it's with someone you love it actually means something. You not only give your body up to your partner but your heart and soul as well. It's actually really scary when you think about it. But that fear can be a good thing.

Ok her POV was long AF lol. I would've given her her own chapter except Reese's part was actually pretty important soooooo...

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Reese's on the road to recovery. Kimora is...eh she's being a little whorish tbh. What is wrong with her? Krystal is Krystal and Cheyenne and Sebastian are still as cute as ever!😍

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