Shattered Soul

By Angel Ann Beau

The Roberts Twins Duke and Dove are enjoying finishing up their high school careers and preparing to start their next chapter of going into the Marines for Duke and Unknow for Dove. Their father the Senator of Illinois is running for President and Mother will be joining them on the campaign trail. The Rob

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angel Ann Beau
• Release date: Oct 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798868926822

Book preview

Shattered Soul

By

Angel Ann Beau

Copyright © 2023 Angel Ann Beau

All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 1

Dove

Lying awake, staring up at the stars on my ceiling, praying they hold the answers to the questions that my college admission essay is requesting. I mean, seriously, I am 1 month away from turning 18. How the heck am I supposed to know what I wanna do with my life or where I see myself in 10 years? I am the daughter of a Senator who, in the next 24 hours, will officially announce his candidacy for President of the United States.

Rolling over to stare at my laptop, which is still as blank as my mind, I get out of bed and wander to the window to see the fireflies twinkling in the night's sky and listening to the soft cricket’s melody, and I see my brother’s headlights go off in the distance and hear his brakes, as he tries to sneak in 20 minutes after the curfew.

Shaking my head and smiling at myself and his bone headedness, I creep back over to my bed and stare back at this stupid laptop. As I lay back down on my pillow, I hear Duke climbing up the gutter pipes to my window sill since my bedroom is right next to his, and he won’t get in trouble with Mom for being late again. Laughing, I look over and see Duke falling through the window and landing face-first on the fall. Hi, bonehead. Are you ok? He crawls over to my bed and jumps up to sit next to me. Hi, Dovie. How has your evening been? I sigh and ask him, Duke, I have a huge question for you. First, my evening has been boring. Second, how was your date with Sasha? And lastly, What the heck should I do with my life? He smirks, then actually puts on his thinking-hard face, which also looks like his ‘I have an upset tummy face’, and then he says to me, Well, Turtle Dove, I am sorry your evening was so boring. Mine was actually quite amazing, I really do love Sasha, and in regards to what you want to do with the rest of your life or your career, honestly, sis, I can’t answer that one for you. I just throw my head back on my pillow and roll my eyes, thinking this sucks. I look up at him again and just say sarcastically, THANKS, you’re such a huge help. I wish I were as lucky as you, who knows what he wants to do with the rest of his life? I mean, come on, your gonna go off into Marines Boot Camp, and all the while, I am stuck somewhere trying to figure out what to do with my life. He leans over to kiss my forehead and says good night. I lean and hug him and watch him walk to my door. He then turns around and looks me in the eye. Sis, I think you will do amazing things, and maybe you should look into helping people. You are always the best and most kind person in the room, hell, in any room. I blew him a quick kiss because he may be the biggest bonehead ever, but he is still the best twin brother in the world. I look over and see my clock, which says 11:45 pm, and I am wide awake, so I figure I will just get up and get something from the kitchen, maybe some hot chamomile tea to make me sleepy. As I quietly walk down the hall to the kitchen, I see my dad’s office light on, which is never unusual. He works so late all the time, so I take a peek into his office just to check on him, and I see he is actually watching his favorite movie Big Jake with John Wayne. As I enter the kitchen, I change my mind about the tea, pop some popcorn, and decide to join Daddy, watch the movie, and have some father-daughter time. As I walk into his office, he looks over at me from his couch and puts his arm out for me to come join him, and he has a slight smile on his face. I know he loves it when his kids spend time with him. He really is an amazing dad, but he is always so busy. I sit next to him and kiss his cheek as he kisses the top of my head. Why are you still awake, Turtle Dove? I snuggle into his side and start watching the movie with him, Daddy, why is Big Jake your favorite movie he shrugs his arm, saying, I have always thought John Wayne was one of our country’s best movie stars, a true patriot. He is one of the few great Americans, who truly loved this country, and I don’t know, I have always loved this movie. It has a great ending."

As we keep watching the movie, Dad says, You know we named Duke after The Duke. I laugh and say, Yes, Daddy, you have told me many times, but I love hearing the story about my name. He kisses my head again and starts to tell me my story. Well, Dovie, since you were supposed to be a boy, cause the doctor told your mom and me we were having twin sons, we named you both Duke and Jake, after John Wayne, but after Duke came out first, then later behold our second son, but we got the most beautiful baby girl as a huge surprise and gift. Your mom and I had no idea what to name you, I was actually going to stick with naming you Jake, but your momma said Dove, after her favorite bird, a dove, and because I love your mom more than life, I just looked down at you in my arms, and said yes, our sweet Turtle Dove. I hugged him again, whispering in his ear how much I love my name and its uniqueness, then leaned back again and finished watching the movie with him.

When the movie was over, I got up and said good night to my dad. He waved and said good night as well. I got back into my room and saw it was already 2:15 am. I crash back onto my bed and in my pillow, thinking I will look like crap tomorrow with huge bags under my eyes. Hopefully, this long night won't affect my playing in our Championship softball game. I look back at my laptop and close it. No more big questions tonight, just hopefully, a night of deep sleep for a few hours. I slap my hand at my alarm clock to kill that annoying noise and open my eyes to the sun glowing through my window, and it looks like it will be a beautiful day. I put on my bathrobe and head down to the kitchen to find Mom and Duke at the kitchen table. I wander to the counter and make myself a piece of peanut butter toast, and I see mom is just having some fruit and coffee. Duke, of course, is pounding a huge bowl of cereal. Mom says, Good morning Dovie. Did you and Dad have a nice time watching your movie last night? I shake my head, yes, then I look over at Duke and ask, Can we hit up Starbucks this morning, PLEASE. He just laughs at me, Yes, Dovie, but only cause Sasha will want her coffee as well. I throw an orange at him, and he catches it with ease laughing at me. Mom speaks up, saying, Duke be nice, or I won’t forget you snuck in late after curfew last night through your sister's window. Both Duke and I just stare at Mom, and now she rolls her eyes. Like I don’t know everything that happens in this house. Duke, you need to be quieter about sneaking around if you want to be great in the Marines. I crack up, giggling, while Duke looks at Mom with that stupid, dumbfounded face. Then we all look over to see Dad coming into the kitchen, and he yells, Hey, what’s so funny, and why does Duke have a stupid look on his face? I sit at the table and eat my toast before I run upstairs to put on my game day clothes, but I know dad likes to talk about the day’s schedule with us before we all head off in different directions. Mom starts with her plans. Well, I have a few meetings set up for today, then I plan to watch your interview today about your candidacy run. Dad shakes his head. Duke starts his schedule, Well, I have a meeting at school today with my Recruiting Officer for boot camp and to make sure I have completed all my tests for the Marines. Dad smirks, he is still unsure about Duke heading off to boot camp, but he knows this is Duke's dream, and he would never stand in the way of that, but then he looks at me and says, Turtle Dove, you have your big game today, right, I will be there for sure, I wouldn’t miss your last game for the world, and Duke your last baseball game is tomorrow, correct? I have always loved that my dad has always stayed on top of our schedules, even though he has always been so busy with his life. I finish up my toast. Yes, Daddy, my game starts at 3 pm today, and I believe Dukes is the same time tomorrow. Other than that, I really have no major plans today, just school and the game. Duke agrees with the statements, then kisses Mom on her head as she pats his arm, then says, I am gonna finish up getting ready, Dovie, hurry up so we can make Starbucks, and Mom, Dad, see you at Doves game, have a good day. I get up as well and say, Thank you both for rearranging your plans to make my game. I hope we win. I better get going. Bye, love you. I get back to my room, get my game day jersey on, and go into the bathroom, and all I see is an exhausted girl in the mirror. I tell myself, well, Dove, you need a little makeup today. You got some serious bangs under these two-toned eyes. I apply some mascara to make my blue and green eyes pop a bit. Both Duke and I have green and blue eyes, and people always call us the two-toned twins. Duke yells out for me. I run downstairs into the garage and climb into the F150 our parents got us for our birthday last year. Turning in my seat, I say, Thanks for the coffee stop. I really appreciate it. Also, I have another question, what do you think Mom and Dad will think if maybe instead of going off to college after high school, I go live in Ireland for a year, maybe even go to college out there? He looks over at me with his shocked face, and I say, What bonehead, you look stunned. I have just been thinking a lot that may take some time off from schooling. While Dad is campaigning, you will be gone in boot camp, and I need to be here to help support him and Mom, and you know I love our Ireland house and that maybe after the election, I can live there for a bit while I try to figure out my next move, I just feel a little lost right now.

Duke actually has a little smirk on his face now, You actually sound like you have been planning, not just thinking about this, sis, and honestly, I think it’s a very good idea, but Mom and Dad may have a hard time with it, you and me both gone will be rough on them, but if dad wins this election, he and mom will be crazy busy. It would be the perfect distraction for you, and you need to have a good talk with both of them soon if this is more than just an idea for you. I rest my head back on the seat, close my eyes, and go into deep thought about the rest of my day, wishing for the billionth time I was as lucky as my brother to have figured out the next chapter in my life. As we pulled away from the drive-thru at Starbucks, I thanked Duke for the coffee hit, held it warm in my hands, and closed my eyes again. I hear us parking at school, then open my eyes to see Sasha standing there waiting for us, and I see Riley. He has been my brother’s best friend for many years, but lately, I have caught him looking at me sometimes, which always gives me butterflies, I have never dated anyone before and never felt ready, but the way he looks at me makes me think maybe. We both get out of the car. Duke hands Sasha her coffee and then gives her a kiss. I grab my bag and waive my hi to everyone, then start heading over to my friends Mallory and Darcy. They have been my closest friends since grade school, besides Sasha. As I walk up to them, they both start giggling. I say, What’s so funny? They both do a head nod towards the direction behind me, so I turn around and see Riley staring at me again. Duke smacks him on the back of the shoulder, and I start blushing big time and turn back to Mallory and Darcy. I just shrug my shoulder and say, Let's go to class, ladies.

As we all find our usual seats in History class, I always sit between Mallory, Darcy and Sasha. I see Riley run into class late as usual and walk towards his back seat. Still, this time as he goes down our row, I look up from my book to see him shoot me a quick wink, and darn it if I don’t blush majorly at him. Then he does his sexy smile and sits down, I look over at Sasha, and she has the same shocked face as I do and mouths what the heck was that? I just shrug my shoulders at her and mouth. I have no clue. As we all listen to Mr. Hall talk about how the Bismarck sank, I can only think about Riley and that stupid wink, what the heck is going on with him, and what Duke will think. The bell goes off, and the girls and I head out of class to our lockers to exchange our books real quick before Math class. I tell them, Hey, you guys go on ahead to Math. I need to use the lady's room real quick. They waive their byes. I run to the ladies to handle business, wash my hands, and run out the door. Still, right after I turn the corner, I slam right into a 6’2 wall of muscle and fall to the floor with my books scattering all over. When I look up to apologise for running into the person, I see it's Riley, and I feel my cheeks burning red. I look down again and start collecting all my books.

Riley starts to help me, and then he says, Sorry, Dovie, I didn’t see you coming down the hallway. Are you ok? I look up at him like a baby owl. It's my fault, Riley. I apologise for not paying attention. He does that sexy smirk and smile, then responds with, You got some sexy two-toned eyes, Dovie. Then I say the stupidest thing back, My brother has the same ones. He just lets out a laugh and then says, Yes, he does, but yours are the ones I am seriously attracted to, and your lips are the ones I really wanna kiss soon. He hands me my last book, winks, and then walks away, leaving me speechless. I finally pull myself out of my daze, pull my backpack over my shoulder and run my behind off to class, which I am already late for. As I pull the door open to English class, everyone looks at me, and I can feel my face turning bright red. Mr. Tilson looks at me and asks, Why Ms. Roberts, thank you for joining us today. I just smile at him and hurry over to my desk, where Darcy is saving my usual desk. I look over at Darcy and mouth, thanks for saving my seat. She shakes her head and looks back at Mr. Tilson as he discusses finishing our final school assignments. Honestly, I really don’t hear much of what he is saying. I am so lost in my own thoughts about what Riley said and how it made me feel. I have never dated before, I have always been extremely shy, and when you’re in the spotlight, I try my best to be very private. Then I am thinking, oh dear, what will Duke think? He has always been way overprotective, and since Riley is his dude best friend, I wonder if he feels even weirder, I mean, I have always really liked Riley, and boy is he so handsome, with his blonde hair and pretty blue eyes, but I have never thought much of it.

Again, I am pulled from spacing out when I hear Darcy say my name and poke my shoulder. I shake my head and look over at her. She has the what the heck face. I smile and say, Hey, can I tell you something in private? She has a funny smile on her face and says, Of course, Dovie. What’s up? I look around to make sure nobody is looking, then hook my arm through hers as we walk out the door to our next period. I ask her, Do you think Riley likes me? I have noticed he is looking at me a bit more nowadays. Darcy bursts out laughing, Oh, Turtle Dove, you are always the last to know. I give her the ummm face. She stops us, looks me dead in the eyes, and says, Dove, Riley has had a thing for you for a long time, but Duke has always said you are off limits to anyone, plus you are very shy, so honestly he has never thought to take his shot, but yes Dovie, Riley is always watching you. Standing shocked and confused, I feel that heat in my cheeks again from being embarrassed. We wander into Chemistry class on time and get in our seats. I lean over and ask, Do you think maybe he will ask me to Prom? Darcy leans over as well, saying, I don’t know, Dovie, he isn’t and hasn’t dated anyone for a while now, maybe so. All I can say is, if he does, you need to finally say yes to going on a date. I mean, you are almost 18 years old and have never even been on your first date, and we are about to head off to college soon, heck Dovie, you still have never been kissed yet. Looking around, hoping nobody is actually listening to us, I see Duke, Sasha and Riley walk into class as well, then come back to sit with us. Duke and Sasha take their seats in front of us. Riley keeps going, I chance a look at him, and he does that sexy stupid wink again, and darn it, there go my burning cheeks again. I peek over at Darcy, and she sees the whole exchange. And she has that stupid smile on her face, then sends me a thumbs up. I start to giggle, then try and cover it with a cough. Duke turns around and says, You ok, Sis? You look a bit flush. I waive him off, then Riley leans around me and says to Duke, Hey dude, I have something I wanna talk to you about later. Duke shakes his head, yes, and I chance and glance at Sasha, and she as well sends me that thumbs-up wink. I just bit my lip hard to hold back a girlie smile.

As the bell rings, we all get up from our desks, and Duke says, Hey, let's head to lunch. I am starving.

Chapter 2

Duke

As I sit here with my beautiful Sasha girl to my left and Dovie to my right, listening to them talk about Prom and Dove and my 18th birthday coming up in the next few weeks, I am reminded I need to finish up getting Dove’s birthday present, which I think she is going to love, and Sasha’s surprise gift I am giving her on Prom night. Hopefully, Dovie will get her ring size by tomorrow night. I am also distracted thinking about my meeting soon with Major Mitchell, my Recruiter in Mrs. Thompson's office, to confirm I have completed all my test for the Officers Program I am enrolled in. Also, Mrs. Thompson stated she needed me to get to her office at least 10 minutes earlier than my meeting cause she had something important to tell me. As I am poked in the side of my left hip, I see those deep green eyes of Sasha. I see she has that look in her eyes that a question is coming, so I say, What's up, pretty girl? She leans in and says, Are you nervous about your meeting with the Recruiter today? I just shrugged my shoulder. Nah, I feel pretty great about it, actually, but what I am curious about is Mrs. Thompson said she had something important to tell me. I wonder what it can be? Dove lays her head on my shoulder, saying, She is probably going to tell you how much you suck and that you are the biggest bonehead in the world I kiss her head, then pinch her side, which makes her jump and scream. Then I see Riley give me almost a dirty look, which is very weird. I also remembered he asked to talk about something today, and I am starting to think, by the way, he has been looking at Dove. This conversation will be about her, and I think I am okay with that. I mean, he is a good guy, and my sister is perfect. Then I look down at my watch, and Shit, I gotta go. I am gonna be late for my meetings. I kiss Sasha quickly and waive goodbye to everyone, then hustle my ass to Mrs. Thompson’s office.

Knocking on Mrs. Thompson’s door, she answers right away, Hi Duke, please come on it. This meeting will take but just a few minutes of your time. I know you have more important things on your mind right now. Smiling, I thank Mrs. Thompson and take my seat opposite her at her desk. She picks through her files and then looks up at me. Well, Duke, I just wanna say congratulations on getting into the Marines, but before you head off to boot camp, I need you to write your Valedictorian speech. I stare at her, speechless. Valedictorian, how the hell did that happen? I knew I did well in school, but not that well. I guess this year, with everything going on, I haven’t paid too much attention to everyone around me unless it's Sasha. She pretty much takes up my whole attention, but what can I say? I am a horny, soon to be 18-year-old dude. Mrs. Thompson brings me out of my daze by saying, Duke, you still with me? I laugh and shake my head Yes, Mrs. Thompson. I am still with you. Thank you so much for this honor. I had no idea. Yes, I will start working on my speech right away. She looks up when there is a knock at the door, and Major Mitchell walks into the office.

Mrs. Thompson and I get up from our seats to greet Major Mitchell. I shake his hand, and Mrs. Thompson excuses herself from the office and our meeting. I thank her as she leaves. Major Mitchell walks around the desk, and we both sit down, So, Mr. Roberts, I have been looking through your file, and I see you have completed all your testing for the Officers Program in the Marines and passed all your tests with flying colors, you will make a great officer someday soon I am sure, so are you ready for boot camp? I make a grimacing face and shake my head. Yes, Major Mitchell, I am very ready for this next chapter in my life. This has been my dream since forever. I believe I can do a great many things for my country, but behind the scenes, I have lived my life in the public eye. I am very ready to be hidden for a bit. From what I can tell, I said all the right things cause he seemed pleased with my answer as he gave me a smirk and bobbed his head. As I take a quick peek at the clock, I see I only have 5 more minutes before my next class starts. As I look back to Major Mitchell, I see I have been busted checking the time, Sorry, Sir. He smiles, No worries, Mr. Roberts, I think we have seen enough. The Marines will be honored to have you serving with them, and congratulations on being voted Valedictorian for your class. That is wonderful. We both get up from our seats and walk towards the door together. Thank you again, Sir, for taking the time to come and meet with me and going over all my tests and plans. We both part ways, and then I head down the hall to my next class, which is the gym, but I see Riley waiting for me in the halls. And he has a nervous look on his face, which makes me think he is ready to have that conversation now about Dove.

I walk up to Riley and rest my back against the wall like he is doing, looking over at him, So you gonna tell me what's going on, or do I just have to guess, but if we are going for the guessing game, I am going to guess you wanna ask me if you can date Dovie. He laughs and says, Dude, you know me the best in this world, and I would never intentionally hurt Dovie. You also know I have had a thing for her for years, but out of respect for you and your family, I have never made a move, but now with school coming to an end, I just really don’t wanna miss my shot with her. I heavy sigh and stand up, Ok, Riley, I give you my permission to ask out Dove, but you, of all people, know that Dove has never dated or even been on a date before, so you will need to take it extra slow. I am also worried about you both starting something, then you heading out to boot camp for the Army, and Dove actually has some weird thoughts about going to school in Ireland. He does a deep sigh and looks me in the eye, Well, I don’t know about the Ireland thing, and I completely understand about leaving for the Army, and I have tried hard to ignore my feelings for her, but Duke you know I have wanted to ask out Turtle Dove for a while, and I just will kick myself if I don’t give it a try. I squeeze his shoulder and say, Well then, I give you my permission, you still should ask my parents, maybe at the game tonight, and I wish you luck, but just know if you hurt my sister, I will beat your ass, best friend or not, now let's get to class before coach kicks our asses.

We get out of class, and I waive bye to Riley and jog over to the Library to meet up with Sasha and Dove to watch my dad's interview for him to make his official announcement for Presidential Candidacy. I actually feel a bit nervous for him and kinda sad for Dove and me. Yet again, in our lives, we have to be put on display for trying to be the perfect children. I see Mrs. Cole walking up to us. Hi, kids. I have you set up in the back room. TV is already hooked up, I just wanted to say Congratulations to you, Duke, and we look forward to hearing your speech. Sasha looks up at me, What speech is she talking about? I just roll my eyes at both girls and say, Oh well, obviously, 'cause I am amazing. Oh yeah, and I got Valedictorian, so now I have to write a stupid speech. I laugh cause they both have the what the fuck face.

I push their shoulders towards the TV room, Come on ladies, let's go watch Dad and his interview. Sasha grabs my hand. I am so proud of you, baby. That is wonderful. We will have to celebrate later. Then she gives me a kiss on the cheek, and damn it, now I have to walk through the rest of the Library with a massive boner. I do a little readjusting of my pants so nobody sees it. I text Mom to confirm the channel Dad will be on, then I look over at Dove, and she has her void face on, so I walk over to her. It's going to be ok, Turtle Dove. We have been through this before, and you know Sasha and I will be here for everything. She gets up to hug me tight, I love you, bonehead, but you will be in boot camp, and Sasha will be working. I think this time, this campaign trail is on me, but I think I am ready for it, plus I have all my books. She smiled her big nervous, but I got this smile, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. We all sit down at our desks and listen to Dad, he sounds and looks like the President already, and I have a proud father-son moment. I know I am biased, but I do believe my father will make an amazing and kind President of the United States and this country will be honored to have him lead us all. As the interview went on, the interviewer asked my dad good political questions, then he looked down at his note cards, looked back up, and asked, So Senator, you have two children, twins about to turn 18 years old. How do they feel about you running for President? I take hold of Dove's hand and give it a good squeeze while we listen to our father answer his question, saying, Well, Mr. Jones, my children are amazing, truly my pride and joy. I am honored to say my son Duke will be heading off to boot camp this year and joining the Marines, and then my beautiful daughter Dove will be heading off to University. She has not made her final decision yet on which one, but Dove has the kindest heart out of this whole family, she has not picked a major yet, but knowing her, it will have to do with helping people. I look over at Dovie and say, You know he is right. You are the kindest out of all of us. You just need more time to figure out where you want to focus that attention. She just looks back at me with tears in her two-toned eyes, making them really blue and green and squeezes my hand back.

The interview comes to an end, and the men get up to shake hands, and the interviewer, Mr. Jones, wishes my dad luck in this election. I walk the ladies out of the Library, waive bye to Mrs. Cole, and thank her for using the TV room for our personal use this time. As we enter the hallway, I look at my watch, Well, Dovie, we have one last class, Sasha and I are going to head on over. We will meet up with you at your game today and get our seats at the bleachers. Sasha gives her a hug, and I