Reality: “What If Running Away Was the Only Way to Fix Your Problems . . .”

By Sosseh Cahvejian

Aubree Keen is having a tough time coping with her surroundings. Her parents are always arguing, her anxiety and depression are getting the best of her, and everyone at school is thinking she has the most luxurious lifestyle just because of her dad, the most successful and rich lawyer in town.

Her best friend, Nathan Poller, Huntington Highs most valuable basketball player and ladies man, being the only one who understands her, struggles to help as his manipulative yet popular girlfriend, Madison Davis, keeps him from doing so.

When Aubree finally decides to escape the drama, anxiety, and trouble in her life by running away, Nathan has a hard time keeping up and caring for her. Yet when he does get through to Aubree, Madison decides to ruin it all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543465679

Sosseh Cahvejian

Sosseh Cahvejian is a 17-year-old book lover, living in Los Angeles, California. On her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, being occupied with her friends and family, playing with her 4-year-old german shepherd, Rosie, and even reading books. She began writing Reality when she was 14, and finally published it at the age of 16. Sosseh was inspired by many teen authors within the young adult book genre, enough to have written her first book, which is Reality. She has already begun writing her second book which she is as excited about. To keep up with reality with Sosseh, you can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. @sossehcahvejian.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Sosseh Cahvejian.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2017917436

ISBN:                      Hardcover                      978-1-5434-6565-5

                                 Softcover                        978-1-5434-6566-2

                                 eBook                             978-1-5434-6567-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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.

Rev. date: 11/16/2017

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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Contents

Acknowledgments

PART 1

I           Aubree

II         Nathan

III        Aubree

IV        Nathan

V         Aubree

VI        Nathan

VII      Aubree

VIII     Nathan

IX        Aubree

X         Aubree

PART 2

XI        Aubree

XII      Alex

XIII     Aubree

XIV     Nathan

XV      Aubree

XVI     Nathan

XVII   Nathan

XVIII  Aubree

XIX     Aubree

XX       Aubree

Acknowledgments

To those who helped and believed in me.

Thank you for making my dream a reality.

PART 1

I

Aubree

The front door slammed downstairs at the same time I fell back on my bed sheets. My cell phone laid beside me, screen on, the text I’ve been typing and rethinking about for the past hour waiting to be sent. I thought about my decision with eyes wide open. My heart was beating slowly, even though it felt like it wasn’t beating at all. My mind was unsure, but my body proved otherwise.

I’ve been thinking for the past hour, as if my brain wouldn’t shut off. A headache was somewhere on its way when I sat up and looked out my window from across the room which was next to my TV that I wasn’t paying attention to at the moment, but noticed as it was airing a college volleyball game on a sports channel. I was probably watching to keep myself from hearing the yelling downstairs, but the game didn’t make such a difference as I was thinking too much and writing this text because of the yelling.

None of this was new to me. The loud voices and the shattering of glass a floor below me and my brain somehow opening a million tabs as if I’ve opened the internet on the computer and searched a million topics. It wasn’t new, but I was getting tired of it after all these years, these seven consecutive years.

After laying back down and closing my eyes, a stream of flashes somehow visible to me made me open my eyes and sit back upright.

Nathan was calling me, and I couldn’t resist his help right now.

Hey. I spoke into my phone. I leaned it against my shoulder as I tied my long brown and orange colored hair up to get it out of my face. My shoulders slouched after I finished and my head began to pound slowly with pain, proving to me that my headache had arrived.

Hey Bree, what’s up.

Nathan is always in a good mood. Always happy, always vibrating with joy, which didn’t surprise me when I heard his voice radiating with it through the phone. You can almost see his bright smile even when he isn’t in the same room as you, and when he is? Don’t be surprised if you end up smiling just by looking at him. I have been for so long that I don’t think being upset at him is much of an option for me.

Not much. My mom just left…again, probably something regarding my dad and their arguing, even though he couldn’t see me, shaking my head was necessary when it comes to my parents and the list of things wrong with them, what about you?

Wait, again?

Yea, unfortunately. No matter how many times I told him, he was somehow shocked each time. I can’t blame him though, you’d think at some point they would stop arguing or at least leaving, but not even that.

Damn…well come open your front door and help me help you. Nathan let out a small chuckle and hung up. My eyes that once caught up with the TV and the spikes and serves that were reoccurring during the game were already way ahead of me in realization. I looked down at my phone that was now displaying my recent calls.

Quickly standing up, I ran out my room and jogged down the steps to my two story home which everyone is jealous of because it’s a ‘mansion’ like the ones rich people usually live in. Of course it bothers me when they say this because it’s not true, there’s much more to it than just being a house for rich people, but it’s going be a short memory for me soon, so I don’t care about it. All that ever happens in here is arguing, and I’d rather give it to someone who would appreciate it and admire it rather than using it just to show off. It’s not in my hands, though, and that’s why I don’t care.

Surprise. Ahead of me stood the bright smiling boy with a box of pizza wearing that comfy sweatshirt that we always share because we believe it’s better to use it with turns rather than buying another one. What can we say? Our friendship gets the best of us, and I don’t mind, at all. I smiled a bit, a small tug at my lips, fidgeting with the locks on the front door.

Did Madison actually let you come to my house?

As part of being popular and extremely good- looking, Nathan also has a girlfriend, a popular, bratty one. She’s not tall, yet not short, has blonde hair, and brown eyes. She was in cheer, but quit since too many ‘sluts’ joined the team. She doesn’t realize the only one who was a slut, left the team, and that was her. Not many people know why she’s popular, since majority of the grade hates her, but that’s just how she grew in high school. I helped Nathan in getting her to be his, though. I don’t know what he saw in her, but I know it killed me, because I’ve always had a small part of me that’s liked Nathan since middle school, ever since he became my tutor in math, it being my least favorite subject in school and the only subject I never paid attention to.

My teacher recommended me a tutor, and while she announced it to the whole class if anyone can offer me help, Nathan volunteered. I didn’t need the help, but once Nathan was in the picture, I liked the idea even more. Then we became best friends. Since sixth grade, he helped me with my bipolar parents, my math skills, and my happiness, all at once. It might’ve been too young for him to be my math tutor but Nathan was almost gifted. He aced all of his tests and the teachers even let him explain homework problems sometimes. I was the only one left behind in that class, and he was the only one who could’ve helped me.

Now we’re seniors, and he knows me more than my own parents ever did and ever will. I don’t think of him as my brother though, just my best friend, who I hope one day will realize how obnoxious Madison Davis really is, just like I did after I helped them both when she obviously doesn’t deserve it or Nathan for that fact. Not saying I deserve him either, because who would want a mess like me? Definitely not someone who prefers the better, like Nathan.

Who said Madison was making the decision for me to come here? He said with a smirk playing at his lips. The crickets in the night filled the silence as I smiled at Nathan and opened the door wide enough, moving out of the way, motioning my head towards my house for him to come inside as he gladly did.

So neither of them are home? Nathan questioned me when he walked in. I shook my head even though he was walking ahead of me by now, and he couldn’t see my response as I was still a bit far from him, closing the front door.

They both left a few minutes ago, mom being first this time. I’m surprised you didn’t see either of them on the way here, they usually make a huge scene, but I don’t know where they went, and I honestly don’t even care. I sat down on a chair next to the wooden dining table in the kitchen with Nathan as he opened the box of pizza, offering me one. Even though he’s my guest, and I should be the one to treat him with food, Nathan doesn’t really like the idea so much, so I welcome him into my home as if it’s his own, which he appreciates.

What was the argument about this time? I let out a stifled laugh.

You think I wasted my time and listened to them? I’ve gotten so used to it that I just shut myself out of their way and in my room until either of them, or even both, shut up or leave. I slowly ate my pizza slice since thinking of my parents arguing again made my stomach sick and my head ache. Nathan sadly smiled and finished with his first slice quickly. He was about to say something, then his phone began to chime. Without even glancing at his screen, probably figuring out that it was Madison, which it was, since he pulled out his phone from his pocket, screen opened towards me, he muted it, and turned back to the subject and what he was about to say.

What are you going to do about them? About the situation? I brushed off his question.

Why didn’t you pick up the call? Nathan shrugged and grabbed another slice from the box.

I’m with you. I rolled my eyes and put my head down, trying not to show the smile he just caused to grow on my face.

Now, answer. He asked again, a hint of a laugh in his voice. I raised my head to meet his eyes.

"I’m not planning on doing anything about this Nathan; it’s not in my hands and never has been. Plus, what makes you think I’m going to do something now. I’ve been dealing with this for seven years, if I wanted to do something, I would’ve done it in the first year and first year only." I explained to him while sitting back up straighter.

Yet there was a slight solution for me about this, one that I’ve been planning since my parents started making my life miserable. Nathan doesn’t know, nobody knows, because this is for me, and only me, for now at least. He doesn’t even know the full story. All Nathan had ever understood was that my parents always yell at each other about stupid topics that make them look even more stupid. There’s more, though, there’s always more. What he doesn’t know is that they take it out on me after. They blame me for being born because if I wasn’t, they wouldn’t have had to waste so much money raising me.

My dad, Harry Keen, is one of the most successful lawyers in our city. Everyone trusts him with their life problems, and he makes a living off of it. He’s the reason I’m living in such a mansion of a house now. We moved when I was twelve and now, being eighteen, he’s still the number one name in lawyers. Other than the house, he’s greedy with his money. He was hesitant when we went to buy me a new car last year, and it made me look like an embarrassment. He also rarely shares it with my mom, who practically lives off of his wealth. My mom refuses to divorce just because of the amount of money my dad brings in each month. She doesn’t tell him that though, because if he knew, he’d divorce in a split-second.

Sometimes, I even question myself if they ever loved each other, and other times, I thank the Lord for not making me such a gold digger like them. They act like they’re the perfect couple, like everyone thinks I have the most perfect life. But no one knows what happens when the front door is closed. They raised me horribly, to the point where I had to teach myself how to have manners, how to stay away from bad people, bad habits, and it wasn’t easy, because nowadays, all you see is bad everything in everyone. I had to walk myself to school and back, feed myself, clean up after what I’ve done, and sometimes even clean up the messes they make after arguing and throwing everything they could find in this house at each other.

The part where they take it out on me is what Nathan doesn’t know, and I know, it’s messed up not to tell him, but the things he would do if I told him? He’d call the cops, no doubt, and I don’t want the cops to get involved either because there are families out there with more important issues and this shouldn’t be one they should look deeply into because there’s only two people who can fix this mess and that’s my parents.

At least I’m glad I don’t do unthinkable things when my parents fight. It’s important I remember that harming myself isn’t a solution, it’s another problem. I need to have hope that it’ll get better, even if it’s not visible at that moment. I know things will get better, I just don’t know when, and that’s the problem I’m trying to get rid of. Sure, I have a different plan to deal with this, but it’s less harmful than killing oneself will ever be.

Let’s just talk about something else, okay? My voice croaked at this because I didn’t feel like talking about anything regarding my parents right now, especially without the right words.

He took a deep breath. I knew he wanted to talk about it, I knew he wanted to help, but every time we did, I brushed all of his questions off. Talking about my parents makes me feel ashamed, and even having the most successful father makes me want to talk about how truly unsuccessful he really is.

Okay, sure. I gave him a small, appreciative smile.

Thanks, Nathan.

He murmured a ‘no problem’ and finished up his third pizza. The box had about three more left, and Nathan looked full.

How’s Sydney? I asked about his little sister, smiling at the thought of her. Nathan’s little sister, Sydney, is possibly the cutest 10 year old I’d ever met. She was just like me when I was younger, loved Barbie dolls, had a wild imagination, and hated school. Anytime I visit Nathan, I make sure I bring her a small something, because she’s like a little sister that I never had.

She’s good, she misses you.

Awe, I miss her, too. Giggling, I responded.

Come visit her sometime, and me, too, obviously.

Oh, I’d come every day if I could. He frowned as he pushed the pizza box away from him, probably losing his appetite after his third one.

Did you not eat anything before you got here? I giggled, silently. He shook his head and so did I, but smiling, sort of in a ‘you’re crazy but I still love you’ type of way. I got up and cleaned up the table, washed my hands while Nathan talked to me about how his day was too busy for him to get something to eat, and grabbed both Nathan and I some water bottles from the refrigerator which was half empty, only filled with essential foods that my family regularly eats alone, because my mom hasn’t made a proper dinner in seven years for us to enjoy as a family.

Oh, by the way, I don’t think I told you this… I sat down once again in my previous spot on the chair by the dining table where Nathan was scrolling through his Twitter feed calmly.

Told me what? He asked, eyes still on the screen, enjoying his water one sip at a time.

I’m going to be having a party in a few days. I was to text this to him earlier, when I didn’t know he was visiting me, and I thought I had sent it, but from the look on his face, I guess I hadn’t.

This was all Nathan was to know. I do understand why he’s staring at me like a total freak right now, though, his phone screen dimming from his lack of use at that moment, and his hand resting on his water bottle. It’s because parties aren’t usually my thing. Even though I get invited to them, I ditch it because it’s pointless, like I’m planning.

A party. He reassures me.

A party. I assured him.

I’m sorry I think I’ve visited the wrong house tonight…

He stood up, attempting to leave, but I followed up and quickly yet gently grabbed and tugged at his sweater.

Nathan… I called after him, smiling a little because I knew he was only playing. He knew as well what my opinion towards parties were, and no matter how much I try to attend and have fun, he realizes that I only have fun when it’s with my close friends. The ones that don’t judge me just because I come from a rich family.

I’m kidding, Bree, He laughed and sat back down, bringing me with him, then focusing his attention on me and turning off his screen to understand why I’m throwing a ‘random’ party,

…but really, a party? He asked me once more.

I rolled my eyes, the smile still on my face. Yes, Nate.

Why?

It’s senior year, the last week of school. The finals would be done by this week, and that would be like our last party as a class, a ‘We Made It’ party if you think about it. This was true, since it was our last year. I also thought this would be my reasoning. Graduation would be a week after the party, and our end of the year exams would be finished this week, too, leaving one week in between for me to do my thing. So what would everyone be looking for once it’s all done? Definitely a party, and with all those dumbfounded people who think I have a ‘perfect’ life finding out about this, they’d for sure be there, which would be the perfect distraction.

That’s true. Nathan admitted, looking down at the table.

Do your parents know about this? I shook my head.

No, but they’ll find out. Even though they’ll probably get mad, they won’t shut it down. Not with the reasoning I give them…or even if I do.

Are you inviting everyone in our class? He asked, and I nodded.

Whoever wants to come can come, and whoever doesn’t, can stay home like I would if this wasn’t my party. Nate laughed as I said this