Sibling Sacrifices: A Jaz Johnson Novel

By Jaz Johnson

Caroline and Isaac have come a long way with their star-crossed love, and have made a decision to try and make it work. But the stress of having their parents and friends find out is proving to be a bit much for them to handle. Caroline is continuing to crack under the loss of her mother, and it is interfering with her personal life, as well as spiritual. On top of that, her father and Isaacs mother have decided to get married! Can their relationship survive under such pressure and secrecy? And whats Carolines Grandma up to? Turns out she wants more than a little time with the family. Whats she hiding? Find out what is to become of Caroline and Isaac in this unexpected teenage romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477252635

Jaz Johnson

Jaz Johnson, of Elmsford, New York is majoring in Visual Arts. She has developed a love for writing as well as art at a very young age, and is seeking to pursue them. With romance being her forte, she never grows tired of coming up with a new and interesting love story. She thanks her friends, family and teachers for their support and hopes to keep writing, giving them all a new story to read and tell.

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© 2012 by Jaz Johnson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/25/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5265-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5264-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5263-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012913460

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One: Grounded

Chapter Two:

New School, New Problems

Chapter Three: Bonquiqui

Chapter Four: Fashion Show

Chapter Five: Early Birthday Present

Chapter Six: Mecca?

Chapter Seven: The Break Up

Chapter Eight: Surprise

Chapter Nine: C. W.

Chapter Ten: The American Dream

Acknowledgements

I would like to give many thanks to all of my English teachers for helping to develop my writing skills, for without your guidance, I would not be where I am today with my writing. I am grateful to have had you as my teachers. The knowledge you have passed on to me is invaluable.

I would like to thank all of my friends for being there to support me and my story-telling. For all those who started reading my notebook stories, thank you for pushing me to explore and experiment with my imagination. I could not have finished my first book without you all. Thank you for motivating and complimenting me. It means the world.

I want to thank my Mother and Grandmother, for helping me with the stressful process of publishing. They have given me countless words of advice that have impacted me and have kept me from making grave mistakes. Thank you for helping me find sponsors and keeping my head held high, despite my stressful break downs. Thank you to the many sponsors who have helped with publishing, thus making the journey a little easier.

Thank you ALL for helping me jumpstart my first career!

Chapter One: Grounded

Stupid England. Word of things got around way too quickly around here. The Queen of England had told my Grandma all about what I had done and where I had gone when she met up with her for tea that next day. Grandma was disappointed and Dad was furious. Not to mention both him and Emily had grounded Isaac and I for practically the rest of our lives. I walked through the halls of the new school. Grandma had gotten her way and Isaac and I were now attending this stupid school in England. Grandma was becoming a real monster. Maybe it came with her old age. Or maybe she was born like that. Who knew? I didn’t, but I had my theories. Isaac and I had been separated in school and were being monitored at home. The only class we had together was lunch and photography. Go figure. And that’s where I was headed now. I opened the door to the basement room used for photography and was suddenly yelled at.

Freeze! Queue the fans!!, someone yelled before I was surrounded by winds. I closed my eyes, afraid that debris would get in them. When I slowly opened them, I was ambushed by flashes of lights and the sound of clicking.

AH!!, I screamed taking steps back and covering my face. Stop it!!, I yelled squinting to see who was doing what. There were students turning fans toward me and students taking pictures, along with what looked like the teacher. Everyone stopped within a couple of seconds and everything winded down. The teacher stepped forward and clamped his hands together as if he were praying to a Greek Goddess. I took an uneasy step back, my arm still slightly protecting my torso.

So much emotion! My dear princess, where have you been all my life?! Such outstanding photos… You are so much more photogenic than your grandmother. Don’t tell her I said that though., he said moving around me like a kid not knowing where to start on a stick of cotton candy.

. . . You do that again… I’m getting a restraining order… I looked around. . . . On all of you. That didn’t seem to stop this teacher of mine. He was suddenly behind me, touching my hair. I spun around but it was long enough so that he was still rubbing it against his face.

Get off!!, I said, snatching my hair away from him. What’s that matter with you?! You’re my teacher, for crying out loud! But my statement only seemed to make his smile grow. I backed up towards the students now, uncomfortable with the teacher. I bumped into to someone, who wrapped their arms around my shoulders and placed their chin on my head.

That’s Mr. Lock., Isaac said.

Lock? As in, the Lockness monster?

He laughed. I guess.

Well then… suits him perfectly.

Mr. Lock was suddenly overjoyed as he put up his camera and started taking more pictures. Wonderful! Pictures of the sister and brother! Join in everyone!

GAH. I hesitated, thinking of a way to stop them. I turned around and faced Isaac, so they wouldn’t get my face. And I saw a switch on the wall. I prayed to my mother that it was the light switch as I lunged at it with a screech. The lights went out and everyone stood quietly. No clicking. I peeked around. Everyone was looking at Mr. Lock, wondering what to do. He, on the other hand, was still firing away.

Great idea! The light coming from the windows enhances your beauty!, he said moving closer. I hid behind Isaac now, at a loss of what to do. This guy was nuts!

Isaac… . ?, I said clinging to his jacket."

Yeah?, he said sounding like he was having a blast. I would kick him for that later.

I think I’m scared.

You think you’re scared? Never heard that before., he said chuckling.

Just shut up and do something!, I said pinching his back. Isaac waited until Mr. Lock was close enough to reach out and take his camera. He gasped as if he was just stabbed in the knee with a kitchen knife.

My baby!, he cried trying to get it from Isaac. Isaac held it up high, at least 7 inches taller him.

No more pictures. You’re scaring her, Mr. Lock.

I am not.

The hell you aren’t., I mumbled looking at him as if he was about to bite my head off, and then take a picture of it.

Oh alright, Isaac. Everyone, that’s enough. Fans away and no more playing. Seems the princess is too fragile for photos., Mr. Lock said turning to the side slightly, with his hand up in the air. I took a slight step forward feeling a bit insulted.

. . . I am not… fragile! It’s just rude to ambush someone with flashes and fans and fragile insults!, I said putting my hands on my hips.

I suppose. But you shouldn’t be afraid of a little flash.

I’m not! Photography is my hobby after all.

Well then you should be used to the lights.

I do not go flash happy with my camera.

I don’t go hiding behind my big brother for every little thing., he mimicked me. I stepped out from behind Isaac, hands on my hips and bent over slightly to look into the teacher’s eyes.

Shorty.

Scaredy-cat.

Fatso.

His eyes squinted and he leaned forward more, I guess trying to think of another comeback. But he suddenly wrapped both arms around me and started swinging me around with a huge smile on his face.

WOW I love your spunk kid! You’re definitely my favorite type of princess! Such spirit! Such power! Such beauty!, he said swinging me around as if we were dancing in a jazz club. You shall be my next project!, he said swinging me into Isaac’s arms and going to stand on top of his desk. You’re going to be a star!, he yelled stretching his arms in the air.

You’re insane!, I yelled looking up at him. This man screamed Walt Disney. Everything about him was smiles and dancing. How in the hell was I going to get through this school year with him as my teacher? I turned around to the rest of the class, who most of which were enjoying his little show. The rest of them were in different parts of the room talking amongst themselves.

I know. Isn’t it great?, he sang jumping off the desk. I watched him in disbelief as he danced around the room, taking pictures of random things. I turned to Isaac, who looked like he couldn’t be happier, and slumped.

Why does he have to be the photography teacher?, I whined. And suddenly, Mr. Lock was behind me, laughing.

Because I’m the best of the best, lassie., he said, his Scottish accent practically pouring out of him. I flinched and clung onto Isaac again. I wasn’t use to so much energy. I didn’t know how to handle it. I stared at him trying to figure out what to say, but I ended up just standing there until he danced away.

I’m going to lose it. I can slowly feel myself going insane.

What do you mean going?, Isaac said jokingly.

Oh ha, ha. Very funny. Are you calling me insane?

Duh., he said sneaking a kiss to the back of my head. I reacted by stomping down on his foot. He grunted and moved back.

You’re kidding, right? We are in school, and there are at least 10 skilled photographers in here!, I yelled in a whisper.

I forgot!, he said picking up his foot so he could rub it.

Well don’t forget! We’re in a new school and I don’t know everyone’s stalker status yet., I said looking around and walking to a nearby desk. Isaac followed and sat in the chair next to me.

Relax. I’m sure it’s not as bad as the old one.

Don’t talk about our school as if it’s a memory in the dust. I have every intention of going back.

And how are you going to do that, Ms. Mission impossible?

By doing just that. The impossible.

It’s still hard to believe that your Grandma would do such a thing.

She’s trying to live through me, but I’m not going to let her. That’s not fair to me and it’s not fair to her. She can’t just go around controlling other people’s lives like this.

I agree. So what are we going to do?, Isaac asked leaning in on his knees. I sighed and put my head back to look at the ceiling.

I have no idea.

His head dropped a little in disappointment. But I will soon. Just give me a while.

Well we can’t do anything while we’re grounded.

Yeah. It’s like we’re on lockdown.

Mr. Lock popped up in front of our desks with his camera and took a surprise picture.

In a little trouble with mom and dad are we?, he said leaning on the desk with one arm.

Her dad. My mom. Isaac answered.

Ahhh. Step siblings are you? I was wondering why you had two different last names. Are they married yet?

No., I said a little too fast.

Oh I see. You both have different punishments then?

We nodded. Yeah. We said at once.

Bummer. What’d you do?, he asked. Isaac looked at me asking if it was okay to tell him the truth. I shrugged and answered.

We ran away to America.

Mr. Lock’s eyes lit up and he leaned closer.

Really now? I nodded. Well now, you’ve got some guts in you. Your idea I take it? I nodded again. Wow. What state of mind were you in?, he asked. I gave him a look.

What do you mean what state of mind?

Well, what made you want to escape to America?

My life is in America.

Oh I see. You and your Grandmother not seeing eye to eye are you?

Not even close.

Well wait it out and see. You might like it here you know.

Doubt it. You’re my photography teacher.

He let out a laugh and hit the desk with his palm a couple of times.

True, but there are a lot of interesting characters in this school. I’ve been working here for the last fifteen years, I have. And I’ll tell you there are some real weirdoes around here., he said in a low voice waving his hand from side to side as he looked around.

Oh great. Because that makes me feel a whole lot better, thanks.

But, there are some real once in a life time friends here as well., he said smiling, dropping his hand.

I have that at home, where I fully intend to go. So don’t get too clingy to me.

Well what am I supposed to do in the meantime, hate you?, he laughed.

You could try.

Sorry lassie. I don’t know how to hate anyone. Not in my programming., he said leaning on his elbow and looking at his nails on his other hand.

Sadly, I actually believe that…, I said with a face mixed of terror and hopelessness. He just shrugged and said,

Well just try and enjoy it. You never know what could happen., then walked away to a student that was having some trouble with their camera. I looked to Isaac, who was looking at me.

What?, I said, studying his expression.

He’s right. You can’t keep dwelling on America. It’s going to stress you out., he said looking around the room.

The only thing that’s stressing me out is how you can be so damn calm about this., I said crossing my arms.

I don’t want to get stressed out because that will only get you stressed out.

Because that makes so much sense.

Actually, it does. You just don’t have enough sense to understand it., he said smirking. I rolled my eyes. For the rest of that day, it was basically the same thing over and over, only with a lot less cameras. People asking me where I’ve been. People asking why I escaped to America. People asking what my Grandmother was like, which I refused to answer. People asking me what Isaac’s favorite colour was which I admit, got on my nerves a bit. A lot of girls seemed to like Isaac here. It’s like they were preying on the shiny new American boy, which also got on my nerves. And the fact that I couldn’t do anything about it just pissed me off even more. Not to mention the fact that I was being bombarded with phone numbers and e-mails and love notes every time I opened my locker, which was where I was heading now. Thankfully, Isaac and I’s lockers were next to each other.

Hey Caroline. How was the first day?

I think I’ve gotten fifteen paper cuts from love notes., I said looking at my hands.

You too? God, I’m scared to open my locker.

Me too… On the count of three…

One… two…, Isaac said, before we both swung our lockers open only to let a pile of paper fall onto the floor. We both let out a sigh and looked at each other.

This is going to get annoying., I said bending down to pick up the papers.

I don’t know. I think it’s kind of flattering., Isaac said picking one up and glancing at it.

Oh. Well then why don’t you reply to some of them? Become a pimp., I said sarcastically as I shoved the pile of papers into his chest and continued to look in my locker. He stumbled back a bit, trying to hold onto all of them.

I wouldn’t do that. You know that., he said, balancing himself.

Course I do., I said taking a text book out of my locker. I heard the pile of papers flutter to the ground as my locker suddenly slammed shut.

I wouldn’t. I swear., he repeated, looking me in the eye.

I know, I know. I’m just moody right now.

You’re telling me., he said removing his hand from my locker and folding it with his other.

Shut up. Can we just go home now?

You mean to prison? Sure.

I know, right? It’s like they’re pissed that we want to go home.

Well, we did kind of go overboard.

Did not. I mean, it’s not like we skydived out of the plane or anything.

Still.

Wait, what about your mom’s job?

Your Grandma made her quit. She says money is no longer an object.

She can’t do that! What if someone needs her? Someone could die!

I’m sure the hospital will find a new nurse. They’ll be fine without her.

We made our way outside to the silver limo that was parked waiting for us. We got in and scooted to the middle of the seats.

How was the first day, guys? It was Erik.

Erik? You’re our driver?, I said going closer to the window that separated us from him.

Yep.

Like… permanently?

Yes… is that a problem?

"Hell no that’s not a problem! Thank god for that! I