Chapter Five ***Meet the Carrington’s

Autumn comes to Harmony, now with summer at an end we find Simone getting ready for a new school year at Harmony University. She felt that this time, while she was away from home that things would definitely be different mainly because she and Kay were going to be roommates. Yet, she still had fights with her parents about leaving. Let’s just say that Simone wanted to move into a co-ed dorm and there’s no way that the Russell’s are going to let their youngest daughter move into a co-ed dorm when their paying for her tuition.

So, that was a battle that Simone lost but she and Kay were going to be roommates so she didn’t worry about it. This semester was going to be better than the last she felt. As for other issues, like whether or not she and Whitney repaired their relationship Simone wasn’t having it. In some ways, through her yoga classes she was able to get past some of the anger she felt towards Whitney but still did not want to be around her at all.

Right at this moment, it is a bright and beautiful Monday morning in Harmony as Simone and Kay start to move into their dorm room. We find her bringing the last big box of things into the dorm. “Well, Kay that’s the last of it!” she announces.
“Yeah, and now all we have to do is unpack all of this stuff!” Kay said looking around at all the boxes in the tiny room.
“Well, I’ll start on my side of the room, Simone said happily.
“Alright, then and I’ll unpack my pictures of Miguel!” Kay said.
Simone just stared her for a moment and then smiled, crazy Kay she thought. . .
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Just then, a stranger to Harmony’s town appeared on the Harmony campus. He felt strange about letting his family talk him into going to stay on campus in the dorms of this small town. Yet he said he would try go with the flow, the first thing to do was finding his dorm room and scoping out his new roommate. He found his room number 5 E, Eugene Hall. As he opened the door, there standing before him was John Hastings. John’s father David told them that he needed to get a feel for real life and move out of Grace’s Bed and Breakfast. So, Johnny boy, always being a good boy, followed his Dad’s advice.
“Hi, are you Gabriel?” he asks extending a hand out.
The other young man put down his bags and then shook John’s hand.
“Oh, by the way I’m John Hastings.”
“Hi, nice to meet you!” “Gabriel Carrington, the guy said.”
“So, it looks like were going to be roommates!” John said stating the obvious.
“Yup, it seems that way doesn’t it.” “Oh, and John is it?” the guy asked.
“Yeah,” John replied
“Oh, if were going to be roommates just call me Gabe.” “My mother is the only one who calls me Gabriel.”

“Oh, sure John says.” “So, what side of the room do you want?”
“It doesn’t matter, Gabe replied.” “I can take the right side.”
“Okay, fine with me.” “So, Gabe where are you from?”
“New York,” he replies.
“Oh, cool I’ve been there before.” “Really, busy place and all those people.” John states.
“Yeah, that’s New York.”
“So, I’m pretty much already unpacked.” “Do you need any help?” John asked.
“Sure, I could use some help.” “Could you grab that bag over there?” Gabe said with a smile.
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Back at the Russell home, Whitney had just finished another early morning session of tennis practice with her father. He seemed a lot harder on her than usual, he still hadn’t forgiven her for trying to choose Chad and music over her tennis career and in spite seemed to take out his frustration during their sessions. He kept telling that she wasn’t really focusing. In a way, he was right Whitney really wasn’t focusing. She missed Chad more than she let on about. She had listened to the mixed cd that he had given her until she had worn it out. And when Chad did find time to call, the two would talk for hours and hours on the phone until the day came for her parents to receive the phone bill and they would all begin yelling at her for bill expenses. Secretly, Whitney began writing down little notes of whatever was on her mind until soon one day she had composed a song of her very own.
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Back in dorm room 5E, Gabe gets a call on his cell phone. “Hello?” he says. “Oh, hi!” “Yeah, I made it.” “It’s okay,” he says.
“Soon, I’ll call him soon.” “So, how’s everything there?” He listens, and nods his head in agreement.
“Good, how’s Blair doing?” He listens, “Well, you know Blair.” “Always, temper mental, and bossy!” he replies.
“Alright, me too.” “I’ll call you later, oh and Sunday I’ll be there at seven pm sharp!” “I promise, bye.”
Click!

He hangs up and then looks around. John was busy cataloging his book collection. “Talking, to your folks, huh?” John asks.
“Yeah, how did you.” “My folks, worry about me too.” “So, what are you up today?” John asks him.
“Nothing, I’m almost done here.” Gabe replies.
“Okay, great then so do you want a tour around the campus?” “I kinda of know my way around here.”
“Sure, so how long have you been here in Harmony?” Gabe asks.
“I’ve been going here for about two years now.”
“Oh, so you definitely know your way around there then.”
“Yes, yes I do.” John replied. Gabe and John then went on their way, taking a tour of the campus.

As the week continues, everyone got settled into his or her dorm rooms. Soon, Kay gets a buzz about a college party so she goes on trying to talk Simone into going to what people call a yearly tradition of the college kids pre-semester bonfire bash on the beach. One of the main reasons why Kay wanted to go is because she heard that Miguel wanted to take Charity there. So, course she wanted to go as well. “Come on, she said to Simone.” “The party is on Saturday, and we need to go!” Simone agreed, and the plan was set. But she informed Kay that she had to work that day, so she might be a little late to the party.

It’s now the middle of the week on Harmony’s campus. As we find new roommates, John and Gabe coming in from a friendly basketball game. The boys appeared in the dorm with sub sandwiches in their hands. As they discussed, the game and who had the most points, their subject soon turned to their families and backgrounds. John expressed how he never even really knew of his mother till he came to Harmony with his Dad and found her. In his sob story of finding Grace, his wonderful, and perfect, loving Mom.

“Wow, that’s great!” “And so, you said she runs a bed and breakfast?” “And let you and your Dad stay there rent free after finding her all these years.” “Um, cool.” Gabe stated.
“Well, what about you and your family?” “You said your Dad’s an art dealer.” “That sounds cool.” John expressed.
“Yeah, it is.” “He travels all around the world, searching for new things,
and artists to represent.” Gabe says taking a bite out of his sandwich.
“So, he just picked up his family and moved from New York here?” John asked.

“Yup, that’s the kind of person my Father is.” Gabe explained.
“He’s just a really down to earth, relaxed person.” “ I guess it comes from him being into jazz music and all too.” “Back home, he works part time as a jazz pianist.” “You should see, he really gets into it too.”
“So, your Dad’s originally from here in Harmony?”
“Yeah, he is.” “Well what about your Dad John?” “Tell me, some more about him.”

Just as the boys, were discussing their father’s. We see a man with dark hair sitting, in his office way across town. Setting up, things as he gives an interview to the Harmony Herald. “So, Mr. Carrington.” the reporter says.
“Why, after all this time are you returning to your native Harmony?”
“Well, he says with a smile.” “I thought it was time to come home.” “Being in New York for so long and everything.” “I’m here not only for myself, but for my family as well.”
“Why did you stay away for so long?” the reporter asks.
“Personal reasons,” he replied.
“Can you elaborate on that?” the reporter asks.
“Let’s just say that you can’t change your past.”

“Alright, so is it true but is the famed attorney Julia “Hit them where is hurts” Carrington your wife?”
He laughs at the question, and then smiles and states “Actually some call her that!” “ But I just like to call her my wife.”
“So, it’s rumored that your wife’s breaking from CBG and starting her own practice?” the reporter states.
“Well, it is true, my wife’s starting a private law practice here in Harmony.”
“But why leave CBG, in her prime, for a little town like this.” “That must have taken some talking into on your part.” the reporter states.
“Well since, I wanted to relocate for the gallery, she agreed to compromise as well.” “Living with a lawyer it’s always about compromise!” he states.
“Well, what are we to expect in your new gallery here?”
“Well, I plan to give something back to the community, to enrich . . .”

Soon, the interview’s over and the gentleman gets back to unpacking his belongings. He begins with a picture of his family, and then his old precious records from back in the day. He takes out a handful of old jazz and funk records. He then pulls out one special record and puts it on his treasured ancient record player. He sets the record down, and it begins to play. He then places it back among the rest of his records; the record was Eve Johnson’s “Livin’ Smooth” . . .

“So, what about your Mother?” “You said she’s a lawyer right!” John says.
“Mm, she’s starting her own firm!” Gabe replies eating chips.
“So, how is she adjusting to the quiet New England life compared to the Big City?”
“Fine, I guess, but then again.” “My Mom really loves New York she was born there after all.”

In one of Harmony’s posh’s neighborhoods, sits a sophiscated woman. She appears distracted looking around her new huge household. She didn’t know what to think, everyday since she’s been here, she couldn’t believe that she actually let her husband talk her into coming to live. While, in deep thought she unpacks silverware and family portraits. She lets out a deep sigh, “Well, Julia get use to it.” she thought. “If, only he weren’t here!” “Everything would be perfect!” she said looking at the picture of her father in law. She scolded at the picture of the stubborn white man. . .

“Do, you have any brothers and sisters?” Gabe asks John.
“Well, I have two half sisters and a half brother.” “From my Mom’s marriage to Sam.” he replies.
“Oh, yeah, you told me that.” “Your Mom’s still married to the guy from when she had amnesia right!” Gabe stated trying to get everything straight.
“Yeah.” “So, tell me more about your sister?” he asks.
“Well, for starters’ you already know she’s just starting grad school!” “And, really to describe Blair she’s kind of a prima donna.” “Or at least she tries to be, she always puts on this tough girl act, when really she’s just a big softie at heart!”

A little ways, away in her brand new sleek black mustang convertible sits a young woman, recently listening to the sounds of Amerie blasting in her car. As she rides down the middle streets of Harmony, trying to find the nearest outlet malls. “There’s got to be a descent, Mall around this damn town!” she thought. Just then, her cell phone rings “Hello?” she says pulling over .
“Daniel!” she says excited.

“Hey, sweets!”. . “Miss you too.” “No, nothing really just riding around this square town trying to find a descent place to shop!” “How’s Columbia?” “Are all those sluts, trying to get next to you?” “Well, tell them you’re mine!” she states in the phone. “Oh, what your coming in town?” “When?” “Great then, I’ll see you Sunday at the airport.” “I can’t wait, I’ve been missing you like crazy too.” “Oh, Gabe he’s fine.” “At, Harmony Univ.” “Okay, bye.” “I can’t wait to whisper sweet nothings in your ears.” “Muah!”
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It’s Saturday, evening as we find our dear Simone at work waiting, for one of her co-workers, she glances at the clock. “Man, I wish she’d come on already?” she says out loud.
“Hey, Monie!” Adam says coming around the corner with sweaters in his hands. “Hey, are you still waiting still for Mae to come back from lunch.”
“Yeah, she was supposed to be back fifteen minutes ago.” Simone replies.
“Well, just go then.” says in a no care attitude
“Adam, I can’t!” “She needs to be here to take over the next shift.”
“Then I can finally leave.” “And if I don’t leave soon Kay’s going to kill me.” she said looking at the clock again.
“Oh, please don’t worry about that fashion disaster, let her wait!”
“Tell me Adam, why don’t you like Kay?” Simone asks
“Because, I just don’t, I get bad vibes from her.” he says putting away some clothes.” “Every time, I’m around her I feel like I need to be carrying a bottle of holy water with me or something.” “And don’t get me started about the way she dresses.” “Ugh!”
“Well, hey are you still coming with us tonight?” she asks.
“You know it, where’s there’s cute guys, there’s always going to be Adam!” he states.
Simone laughs, just then her co-worker’s coming in back from lunch.
“I’m back!” she announces.
“Great,” Simone says as she and Adam head to check out for the day.

Otherwise, on the other side of town the sun had set. And the big bonfire bash had begun two hours ago. With the ocean in the distance, the sound of the crashing waves in the background, while in the mist of the blasting music from the tiki hut where the DJ was. Overlooking, the barbecue grills where all types of good food was cooking. As people ran around in the sand and in the sea, you could hear them laughing in the distance, and see couples coupled up together in tight lip locks. While, others ate, played silly games of chase around and danced. To the far distance, past the cars, were people bringing in a fresh keg of beer and iced sodas. Or just more ice because every party always needs ice right!

In the mist of all this sat Miguel and Charity feeding each other off the same plate, huddled by the fire sitting on a log. While John, could be found talking to Jessica by the food table. As Reese filled his plate up with another second helping of food. Gabe, among all of this could be found taking all of the sights in. Feeling as though a fish out of water, he sat near the DJ overlooking the people playing in the water.

Soon, he notices John waving him over. John now gets a spot near Charity and Miguel, when Gabe arrives; he introduces him to all of them. As Reese and Jessica appear they greet him warmly. While, Reese chows down on food, he barely closes his mouth. Seeing, this Jessica embarrassed says, “Reese, close your mouth!” “Oh!” Reese states unaware of his actions.

Then, hanging out Gabe gets acquitted with the group and they all get into a big discussion of what they view of the upcoming semester and what classes their taking and what professors to steer clear of. Gabe, laughed at how intense they all seemed to be especially Charity. His first impression was that some of them needed to lighten up. He wondered if he was actually going to be able to fit in with this New England crowd.

As the hours passed, Gabe and the rest of the group went their separate ways to do their own things. For example, John could now be found skipping rocks out towards the ocean overlooking the stars and Gabe now could be found taking pictures of the people around him. He loved to capture live action, on film. Soon, even though the party was still jumping a very bored John stated that he was a little tired and wanted to get up early to help his Mom at her Bed and Breakfast. So, Gabe said it would be cool if they leave now but how he just wanted to take some more pictures before he left. Just then, a very late Simone, Kay and Adam arrived on scene.

Seeing the sight, Adam ran after some guy with his shirt off. Saying he looks like he really needs some suntan lotion! While Kay, spots Charity and Miguel and turns to Simone saying, “Come on, I see them!” she says.
That’s when the DJ switches tracks, soon the beach his filled with the sounds of Justin Timberlake’s (OH NO) song. Hearing the beat, Simone can’t do anything but dance. While Gabe appears still taking pictures of the crowds, his last picture of the night was of a girl dancing by the fire. Exactly where Miguel and Charity were sitted. It was Simone, she and Kay had just begun talking to them. Kay told the two, how they would have been there sooner but Simone made them late of course. . .

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Sunday evening, we find Simone in her dorm room. After staying out all night she and Kay decided to have a lazy afternoon indoors. At this moment, she had just gotten out of the shower and into some comfy sweats, while Kay still lay in bed knocked out to the world. Simone thought, that she would have been tired chasing after Miguel all night. The beach bash lasted way into the morning, so of course they would be tired.

Settled into her favorite sweats Simone decided to veg out at the tv, while watching reruns of Golden Girls on the Lifetime channel. Besides that she wrote her private thoughts in her journal. It was always her original version of therapy before yoga. Today she wrote about whatever was floating through her mind like last night’s activities, or how late she came in, she loved the freedom college allowed her to have. It was like a breathe of fresh air, here she could follow her own set of rules and not have to endure being overshadowed by Whitney. It was like heaven, but a little overcrowded with all the dorm mates. Soon, there was a knock on the door. Getting up from a chair, she opened the door only to see her father standing before her, holding a huge box.
“Hi, Daddy!” she said surprised to see him.
“Hey, there Sugar Bear.”
“What’s that?” she said looking at the box.
“Oh, just a little something your Mother and I thought you girls would need, here at the dorm.” TC replied coming in the room
“Really?” Simone said excitedly.

TC finding the perfect place to set the box down, drops it to the floor.
“It’s nothing much, let’s just say it’s a belated birthday present from your Mother and me.” he announces.
He then opens the box to reveal, a mini-refrigerator.
“Oh, wow!” Simone says “Thanks, Daddy!” she says hugging him.
“It’s just so, you girls can have a place to put cold drinks and stuff.”
“Well, I love it!” “Thank you, and tell Mom I said thanks too.” Simone replies. She couldn’t believe she eyes, sometimes she that to admit she was pretty lucky.

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Meanwhile, it’s around six in the evening as Gabe, is seen getting ready to go to Sunday dinner. He stood in the mirror, checking himself out
“Mm, I wonder if I’d look cooler with a goatee?” he says thinking to himself. He stood there, tall with wild curly hair, medium toned skin, warm chocolate eyes and a deep expression as he thought quietly to himself. Afterwards, he stood back and glanced at himself, one last time seeing if he was dressed appropriately for this dinner. Soon, checking his watch, he noticed time was passing by. He grabbed his car keys and said later to John who was color coordinating his notebooks and pens for classes.

After driving around for a while he appeared at his destination. It was a huge, brick house that smelled and looked of old money, with tons of wings and studies throughout it. He pulled up to the house, stepped out of the car and went towards the entrance of the front door. Soon, appeared a butler “Mr. Carrington!” “We have been expecting you,” he states as Gabe walks towards the entrance of the foyer.

Appearing in the lavish house, Gabe feels a sense of deja vu. Soon he begins to hear familiar sounds. Voices he’s known all of his life. The first voice he recognizes is that of his Mother as she says, “Lane, honey must we all stay through dessert?”
“Jules, now you know we must, it would be a insult if we didn’t!” “And, we don’t want to hurt his feelings.”
“No, we certainly wouldn’t want to do that.” Julia replied taking a sip of her cocktail.

Soon, Gabe makes his presence known. Both of his parents turn around. “Son!” his father says.
“Gabriel, honey you’re here!” his mother said.
“Hey, Mom.” “Dad!” he says reaching to embrace them.
Looking at them at that moment, he realizes just how much he’s missed them in the past several days. He hugs them tightly remembering their faces, his mother with her honey skin tone, dark brown eyes and long ebony tresses. While, his father stood there with pale skin, dark hair, brown eyes and a thick beard.

“How, is school honey?” his mother asked
“Well, it’s . .” Gabe responds unable to finish. As his grandfather enters the room.
“Is that my GRANDSON, there?” “Is that Gabriel?” he questions entering the room.
“Hi, Grandfather!” Gabe says seeing him.
“Oh, come here son, and give an old man an hug!” his grandfather states.
Gabe and his grandfather hug, “Oh, look at you boy!” “Still with the wild hair. Back in my day young men were called hippies with all that hair!”
“So, you’ll cut it, right!” he said eyeing Gabe with a wink.
“Edward, Gabriel likes his hair that way!” his mother says.

“Oh, well I see!”
“Grandfather, maybe okay, maybe!” Gabe says trying not to laugh.
“Ay, that’s my boy!” “Let me look at you!” “My, how time passes. When was the last time I saw you?” “You were what thirteen?”
“Yes, father he was.” Lane says.
“Thank you Lane for reminding me!” he responds.
Soon, they all sit down. “So, Gabriel what would you like to drink?”
“A gin and tonic!” “Or rum and coke!” his grandfather asks.
“Edward, Gabriel is too young to drink!” his mother injects.
“What!” “Well, when Lane was a boy his age he would have a drink or two!” “Didn’t you son!”
“Yes, Dad.” Lane says nodding his head.
“What’s the harm in it!” “Thomas, pour the boy a glass of rum!” he instructs.
“Edward, as we have said before Gabe can’t, he’s underage, end of story.” his mother replies.
“Look, it’s okay I’ll just have a coke instead, Grandpa!” Gabe insists.
“Oh, all right my boy!” his grandfather says lighting a Cuban cigar.
“So, what are we having for dinner?” Lane asks.
“I don’t know, Kate said she was fixing something special.” Edward replies.

“So, where’s Blair?” Gabe asks after taking a sip of his coke.
“We don’t know, she said that she was going to stop by after meeting up with Daniel.” his mother replied.
“Really, Daniel’s in town.” “Cool,” Gabe says.
The conversation then begins to run dry. Soon, the doorbell rings.
“Oh, let Thomas get it.” Edward announces.
“It’s probably Blair.” Gabe says excitably as he runs to the door.
“I’ll get it, Thomas.” he says running towards the front door.

“Lane, honey why wouldn’t you help me with Edward trying to let Gabe drink?” Julia asks looking her husband.
“Well,. .” Lane starts.
“What, was that Julia?” “Did you say something?” Edward interrupts.
“No, Edward actually I was talking to Lane.” Julia says.
“Oh, well darling do speak up!” “There’s no need to whisper.”
“Edward do you mind this is a private conversation between myself and Lane.”

“Honey,” Lane says to her.
“Well, it is.” Julia says looking at him.
“Ump, Julia my dear you and that wit of yours!” Edward says. “You decide to whisper secrets in my home while, I’m sitting right here.” “I believe in finishing schools that’s described as rude.” Edward says taking a drink.
“But then again, you never did go to finishing school did you.” he says with a laugh.
“Well Edward, since I’m seen as so rude, I will speak my peace.” “I do not like how you were pressuring Gabriel to drink!” “Especially after I repeatly told you not too, he’s still a minor!” “And for you, to try and under mine my authority over my son is rude!”

Edward begins to laugh, “Julia, dear I don’t care about your authority.” “If the boy wants a drink, I say let him have it!” “It’s the Carrington way, the Carrington fashion!” he states.
“Well, I. .” Julia starts. Soon Lane quickly stands up and begins to say,
“Father and Julia honey speaking of drinks, let’s all go into the study and refresh ours.” “Okay, come on we can all go and check on dinner as well.” he said trying to keep the peace.

The two followed. When Gabe swung open the door, what he found, he didn’t expect to see. His lovely older sister with her caramel colored skin, dark raven hair and chestnut eyes tainted by sadness. Her face torn up by despair, as she looked up at him. Her eyes began to water, seeing her brother in front of her.
“Blair, what’s wrong?” he asks concerned.
“Oh, Gabe!” she says falling into his arms at the sight of seeing him.