Picture Perfect

By Channon Marie Watkins

Twins Autumn and August Price are living a picture-perfect life. Autumn has beauty and brains, with the style to go along. August, the high school valedictorian, has talent beyond his years. When the divorce of their parents along with a complicated love triangle begin to take a toll on them, they soon learn that good looks and charm will only take them so far in life. In this coming-of-age narrative, Autumn and August must reevaluate the people in their lives and learn who can and cannot be trusted. They soon discover that keeping their picture-perfect image is much harder than it seems and is a lot less important as they get older.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543445688

Channon Marie Watkins

Channon Marie Watkins was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. She earned a bachelors degree in English Literary Studies from Columbia College in South Carolina, where she attributes her writing and analyzation skills. Raised as an only child, Watkins was always encouraged to use her imagination during playtime. As she got older, she became an avid reader, then writing soon followed. Picture Perfect is Watkinss first novel.

Book preview

Autumn

Here we are. Senior year of high school. I sure hope this school year goes better than last year. Last year was the worst. My parents divorced each other. I’ll give it to them, they did their best to hide their drama from us, but it was still hard. I have a twin brother named August and we are seventeen. We stayed with my mom after our parents’ separation, so we would try to spend as much time as we could with our dad. But, I always felt bad because I almost felt like I had to choose between parents. It seemed like every time I’d be headed to see my dad, my mom would ask to hang out. Then, I’d feel bad for saying no, or telling her that I’d already had plans with him.

Today is special because it marks one full year since their divorce. Imagine seeing your mom extra happy on your first day of school, only to find out that it’s because she received her paperwork saying that her divorce is final. This past year has been a major adjustment. And to be honest, we’re still adjusting to it. My dad told us that he wants August and I to meet his girlfriend tonight over dinner because they are getting serious. I’m really not in the mood, but I don’t have a choice but to go.

Anyway, after school my boyfriend, Quincy, and I were hanging out. My mom is at work and August isn’t home, so we’re alone. This is the only upside to the divorce. I get more alone time. I actually have this down to a science. My mom is usually home by 6:30. Sometimes 7. She’s a corporate lawyer, so sometimes she works late depending on what she has going on. My brother doesn’t care what I do; we’re practically the same person. And my dad never comes over here. The only thing that gets in the way is football season. I even have an alarm set so we don’t lose track of time. It’s virtually fool proof.

We were lying in my room watching tv. He was lying on his back and I had my head on his chest. We were both half asleep, but his phone vibrated and woke me up. I got out of bed without waking him and I decided to go through his phone.

His phone vibrated because someone named Parker texted him. The message was a little sketchy. It read, Haha u know u like it.

All of the previous messages were deleted. That’s even sketchier! I went to his Facebook and searched the name Parker. It was a light-skinned girl with brown hair. She looks like she may be mixed, or something. I went to his messages, and there was a conversation between them and there’s definitely something going on. I got so pissed. I pushed him and woke him up.

Who in the hell is Parker?!

He looked shocked. What?

You heard me! Who is she?!

Autumn, wait. Can we talk calmly?

Hell no! I’ll show you calm! I said, as I lifted my window.

He realized I had his naked iPhone in my hand.

Wait! Stop! What the hell are you doing?!

He grabbed my wrist to keep me from throwing his phone out of the window. I tried to push him away.

Get off of me! I yelled.

He overpowered me and pinned me against the wall with my hand above my head.

Give me my phone, and I’ll let you go.

I rolled my eyes and dropped his phone. He let me go and I pushed him. Get the hell out! I said.

Autumn, it’s not what you think! Me and Parker aren’t like that!

That’s bullshit! Leave.

Autumn, chill! Listen to me!

What?! What are you saying? Y’all aren’t a couple. You still have something going on! I read the messages! Get out! I said, as I pushed him again.

Well fine, I’m not about stand here arguing with you! Call me when you get it together! he said.

Screw you, Quincy!

That Evening…

August and I have a Jeep that we share. On the way to the restaurant, I told him about what happened with Quincy.

That’s messed up. Me and my boys can jump him. he said.

No, it’s cool. I don’t want y’all getting in trouble.

We got to the restaurant and my dad was there, but his girlfriend wasn’t. He hugged us both. Where’s your girl? August asked.

Her name is Anica, and she’s on her way. I told her to come a little later so I could talk to you two. he said, as we sat down.

I really want you to be open to getting to know Anica. We’re getting serious, and thinking about getting married. But, I really value you guys’ opinion.

Married?? I asked.

Dad nodded. I looked at August, who was sitting to my right. August and I are a lot alike. For one, we look just alike. We have the same physical features. Light brown skin, thick curly hair, and a thin physique. He’s about four inches taller, but that’s it. Our personalities are a little similar. He’s way more laid back than I am. I can’t really say if I stress over everything, or if August takes nothing seriously. He is a little smarter… Ok, maybe he’s a lot smarter, and more musically inclined than I am. I think he’s gonna end up being our valedictorian, but he doesn’t even think about stuff like that. He’s one of those people who are just naturally smart. Like, he never has to study. He just pays attention in class and boom he’s a genius. I would definitely consider him a modern-day hippie. He’s very artistic. One day he’s channeling Jimi Hendrix, the next day it’s Bob Marley. Me, I’m smart. I probably make more B’s than A’s, but I can definitely get into college. I just like to have fun, and look good while doing it.

I sat back in my chair, crossed my legs and folded my arms.

Are you ok? You seem like something may be bothering you. Other than meeting Anica. my dad said.

I’m fine. I replied.

A few minutes later, a light-skinned lady with a short haircut came to the table, and she had a little boy with her who look like he was maybe a year old. My dad stood up and kissed her.

Guys, this is Anica. Anica is this August, and this is Autumn.

She smiled. She seems nice.

Hey! It’s nice to finally meet you! Your dad talks about y’all all the time.

We smiled.

Well, this is the first we’re hearing about you. August said with a smile.

I gave him a mean look, but I quickly smiled at Anica. My dad gave August a mean look too, but he just shrugged it off. Technically, he wasn’t lying though.

Anica sat down with the little boy on her lap.

Who’s this? I asked, to kill the awkward moment.

This is Eli. she said.

Is he your son? I asked.

He is. she said with a smile.

She and my dad looked at each other. So instinctually, August and I looked at each other.

Eli is our son. my dad said.

My mouth dropped. What the hell?! Are you kidding me? I asked rhetorically.

Autumn, lower your voice. my dad said.

No. Screw this. You basically brought us here to tell us about your illegitimate baby. You don’t care about our opinion! I’m leaving. I said, as I got up and walked away.

I heard August get up. Autumn, wait. he said.

I walked outside and waited on him on the sidewalk.

This is bullshit! Like is he serious?! I said, choking back tears.

August hugged me. I know. Let’s just go home.

When we got home, my mom was there.

You guys had dinner already? she asked.

I didn’t know what to say, so I just kept walking up to my room.

What’s the matter with her? my mom asked.

Just go talk to her. August said.

She knocked on my door and opened it. I was pacing back and forth.

Autumn, what’s wrong?

Everything! I said as I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown. I started to cry. First, it was Quincy and his bs! Now, Dad comes with this kid. Like, are you serious?! I can’t handle it. I’m over it! I said as I started crying hysterically.

Whoa, wait a minute. Tell me what happened. Why are you so upset? she asked.

I found out today that Quincy was cheating on me! And as if that wasn’t bad enough, Dad introduced us to Anica and their son . . . Did Dad cheat on you? Is that why y’all divorced?

She wiped my face. She doesn’t look surprised about the news of Eli.

No, he didn’t cheat on me and that’s not why we divorced. I told you we grew apart and it was the truth.

But, that baby isn’t that young. And you aren’t even surprised that he has another child. Autumn, our marriage was long over before the actual divorce and I knew about the baby. Your dad told me, but he wanted to be the one to tell you. And honestly it wasn’t my business to tell.

Ugh! I just feel like everyone is lying to me! I said, as I stood up. Can I please just be left alone? I wanna be by myself right now.

Sure. she said as she got up to leave.

About A Week Later

I’ve basically isolated myself for the past few days. I feel really bad about the way I acted at dinner. My dad tried calling me a few times, but I ignored him. I finally feel like I can talk to him, and maybe Anica too. I just needed time to get over everything. I asked him if they could meet me at Yogurtland, my favorite frozen yogurt shop. We met around 6 p.m. I was alone. I didn’t want August to come. And it was just the two of them. No Eli this time. After we made our desserts, we sat at one of the tables inside.

How are you? my dad asked.

I’m ok. I just really wanted to apologize to you both in person. Especially you, Anica. I know I made an awful first impression. I’m really not a bad person.

I don’t think you’re a bad person. You’re human, and I know that this is a lot. she said. Thanks, but the way I acted was really disrespectful. I was just having a really bad day. I’m not trying to make excuses, but I had just broken up with my boyfriend and we’d had this really huge fight. So, I was already really emotional and then . . . that. I literally felt like I was having a nervous breakdown.

Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. Listen, I have a teenage daughter. Plus, I was a teenage girl once, so I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there. Trust me. But, I really appreciate your apology. That was very mature of you. she said.

I smiled. I just wish I felt better. I’m trying to do damage control, which is why I wanted to talk to you guys, but I’ve literally just been eating all of my feelings. I said as I showed her my dessert cup. I had vanilla frozen yogurt with brownie chunks, M&M’s, walnuts, caramel syrup, chocolate syrup, peanut butter chunks and sprinkles.

Anica’s mouth dropped. Dear God. That is diabetes in a cup. she said. She looked at my dad.

Autumn, don’t eat that whole thing. my dad said.

I shrugged. I always binge eat when I’m upset. I always feel hungry.

Well you don’t have to be upset about our situation. You have a clean slate with us. Anica said.

Thanks. That really means a lot to me. I said still eating my concoction.

What happened with Quincy? my dad asked.

He was talking to another girl. I said as I shoved a brownie bit into my mouth.

Was this hearsay, or do you have proof? Anica asked.

I saw it for myself. I went through his text messages and his Facebook. And then, when I confronted him, he tried to deny it. So, we had this really huge fight and I stopped talking to him. But, he hasn’t even tried calling me or anything lately. I’ve been stalking him on every social media site I have, and I’m getting nothing.

When you say y’all had a fight, you are speaking metaphorically, right? my dad asked.

I rolled my eyes. Is that all he got out of everything I just said?

I pushed him a couple times, but no, Dad. He didn’t hit me. I said.

He nodded.

Well, look we didn’t have social media when I was a teenager, but maybe you should block him. You’re never gonna get over him if you keep concerning yourself with what he’s doing. Anica said.

I put a spoonful of chocolate into my mouth and nodded, You’re right.

My dad took away my bowl. You’ve had enough of this. I can’t even enjoy my own yogurt watching you eat this . . . At the rate you’re going, you won’t have any more boy problems. You’ll stay single eating this way. he said.

I laughed and we got up to leave.

We didn’t get to really discuss this last time, but I think if y’all really want to get married, then you should go for it. I said.

My dad looked shocked. Really? he asked.

Yeah. If that’s what you want to do. Obviously, you don’t need, like, my permission. But, I had a great childhood and I think a large part of that is from my parents being together and the memories I have of us as a family. And I think Eli should experience that.

Anica smiled, Autumn that is so sweet. You have no idea what it means to me for you to say that. she said, as she hugged me.

A couple of weeks later . . .

My best friends Marisa and Tee were at my house. Tee is short for Tyana. She’s a regular black girl. Marisa is black and white, but she is really light in complexion. She looks white, but she has really thick dark hair. We were in my room hanging out. Marisa was polishing Tee’s nails.

So, what’s going on with you and Quincy? Marisa asked.

What you mean? I asked.

We saw the snap he posted of you? Tee said.

Well the funny thing about snaps is that they go away. They don’t last. Just like our relationship. I said.

Whatever! He posted it for a reason. Marisa said.

I mean we talk, but that’s it. He’s been trying to get me back, but I don’t wanna be with him.

So, y’all are really over? Tee asked.

I guess. If I said I didn’t still have feelings for him I’d be lying, but what he did really hurt and I don’t wanna go through that again.

That