Hi everyone! The next two chapters of Baker 6 are up as Rachel’s funeral begins, Ms. Addison flirts with Trevor, an unlikely alliance is formed and another secret is exposed.
21.
Tamara
The day has finally come. The day I have dreaded the most, laying my best friend to rest. As I looked around the main sanctuary of St. Peter Catholic Church, I noticed the beautiful arrangements of pink and white lilies and daffodils lining alongside the pews and around Rachel’s casket, which was outlined in her favorite color, pink.
I walked over to the open casket and looked at my best friend who looked rather peaceful in a cream colored Stella McCarthy wrap dress (which was her favorite outfit). The mortician did a nice job with Rachel’s makeup as her appearance looked more angelic than ghostly. I reached for her left hand, which was centered against her right, and took a deep breath. I know today is going to be one of the hardest days we will all face, but I know each one of us will get through it together.
I suddenly felt a hand go across my back. I quickly turned around and noticed Derrick standing beside me. I went up to him as he wrapped his arms around me. Just having my brother there made me feel a little better.
“How are you holding up, sis?”
“Not too good.” I said while holding back tears. I’ve cried so much from the day I heard Rachel’s passing to earlier this morning that I did not think I had any more tears left. Evidently I did.
“I know today will be hard for you. You two were practically sisters.”
“I just wish I could figure out why she was driving that fast on Kelly Court, let along driving that street late at night.”
“We can’t always figure out what is going through a person’s mind. We probably will never know what happened that night.”
“That’s the problem; I need to know what happened that night. Rachel could have been in trouble and no one would ever known.”
“You think it wasn’t an accident?”
“No, I don’t. Rachel had a lot of enemies and it just too convenient that she died accidently. I really think someone tried to kill her.”
Derrick gave out a long sigh while I looked at him with a fresh batch of tears in my eyes. I started to hear footsteps against the hard wood floor. I look up to see Gerald walk in wearing a black suit and cream colored tie. At the request of Rachel’s family, guests were to wear cream since it was one of Rachel’s favorite colors. I began to wipe my damp hands on my cream and black striped dress as I looked at Gerald.
“Hey.”
“Hi. I didn’t think we would be the only ones here.”
“I think everyone’s is in atrium waiting to come in. I snuck in the back so I could say goodbye before anyone else came in.”
“So did I. Hey Derrick.”
“Hey, Gerald.”
“I’m not going to ask how you’re doing. I’m pretty sure you feel the same as me but a little worse.”
“Pretty much.”
“Well, just know that we’re all here for each other. Even though last night was a disaster, I know that everyone will have respect for Rachel today.”
“I hope so.”
Gerald gave me a light squeeze on my shoulder. I looked at Gerald while he stared at me. Why am I having any type of thoughts right now while I’m at my friend’s funeral at a church no less? But just staring at Gerald and his lips making me think thoughts I shouldn’t be having.
I can sense Derrick is wondering the same because he starts to clear his throat, interrupting our little moment.
“Maybe we should go out to the atrium and wait on the others.” Derrick said.
“I think that’s a good idea.” Gerald said as he took my hand in his. I looked over at Derrick who nodded his head as the three of us went out to the front entrance.
***
The ceremony was simply beautiful. The Addison family had done a wonderful job in remembering their daughter and sister as a wonderful and beautiful person. Myself and the rest of her friends each went to the podium during the benedictions and expressed how much Rachel meant to us as a friend and as a person. Trevor delivered a beautiful speech that brought people to ever more tears as he brought up the side of Rachel not too many people; expect her family and friends, knew about, and that was her being the caring and sympathetic person who went out her way to help people no matter what. Although she may not have showed it all the time, she did her best to be the angel that we knew her as.
The church was overflowed with people from not only her hometown of Baker, but also from the entertainment industry and some of the cast from Park Place. Even Reese Oliver was there, which I was kind of surprise at, because her and Rachel got into a confrontation about a month ago, which resulted in Reese being back burned for a couple of episodes.
As I looked around the sanctuary, I realized that Rachel was truly loved and that she will definitely be missed not only as an actress, but as a person.
After the service, everyone headed to Rose Park Cemetery to say our final goodbyes. Her family and friends each put a pink rose onto her casket as workers began to lower the casket into the ground. I watched as the casket slowly went into the dirt, making me feel even worse than before, because I now know my friend is truly gone.
Gerald was by my side the whole time, holding my hand or hugging me when he knew I needed it. Derrick looked over at me a couple of times to make sure I was okay, but he knew I was since Gerald was there. I could tell he had has hands full with Melanie as she continued to cry into his chest. Once everything calm down from the funeral, I have to find out what is going on with her and my brother, because honestly I do not like it.
Don’t get me wrong, Melanie is my friend, but seeing her with Derrick is something I care not to see while I’m still breathing. Maybe I’m just a little overprotected of my big brother, but I know he can do a little better than Melanie, who is practically a gold digger with the men she used to date. I just don’t want Derrick to get hurt. Especially all we gone through growing up; we deserved to be happy.
Once the funeral concluded, half of the visitors arrived at the Addison’s for repast. While people were feasting on a variety of Rachel’s favorites, including sushi and chicken, I decided to head out to the patio to take in the exceptionally beautiful afternoon. As I sat down on a lawn chair nearby, I looked ahead at the lake situated in front of the backyard and noticed how clear and calm the water looked. I glanced up at the clear, blue sky wondering what Rachel is doing in heaven. It still hard to imagine that she is no longer here on Earth, but I know that she is in a much better place.
I suddenly felt a chill as I turned around and noticed Gerald standing by the door.
“I thought I saw you come out here.” He said as he started to walk by me.
“I needed some fresh air.” I said as I started to stare back at the sky.
“Mind if I join you?”
I smiled as he took a sit beside me.
“It was a beautiful service; nothing less for Rachel, huh?”
“Not at all”
Gerald took my hand in his and smiled.
I put my head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around me. I think then we didn’t need to talk any longer. Just being in each other presence was more than enough for us to share.
*** Trevor
“Thank you so much for coming, Trevor. Rachel always had a soft spot for you. I just hate you two ended things the way you did.” Rachel’s mother, Sophia Addison, implied.
I looked at Sophia and smiled. I didn’t really know what to say to that comment. I know Rachel’s mom always wanted us two to be together, so I think it was more of her thinking than Rachel’s thoughts.
Camille was nearby talking with a mutual friend when she looked me in the eyes. I’m not sure if it was a hint of jealousy on her face, but she stared at me like I was the one who made the comment.
Camille and Rachel were good friends, but they did have their share of rivalries. I guess trying to snag me was one of them.
“Well, I will never regret the time we shared together, Ms. Addison.”
“I’m sure. Why your fiancée not with you? I would have thought she would have been by your side.”
“She decided not to come. She wasn’t feeling well.” I suddenly blurted out.
Camille gave me another confused look to my comment.
Since Camille and I are keeping things between us quiet, I couldn’t possibly say we were together.
“Well, tell her I would like to meet her. I need to see the woman who snagged you up. If I was twenty years younger, I would definitely have tried to.”
I suddenly started to become uncomfortable with Ms. Addison’s comments. I really don’t think she needs to be coming on to me at her daughter’s funeral!
“Uh, excuse me Ms. Addison, I just noticed someone I graduated from high school with and wanted to say hi.” I said as I quickly turned around and walked away.
I breathe a sigh of relief as I walked over to the other side of the living room, wondering whether that was grief talking or Ms. Addison’s true feelings.
“So, I see Ms. Addison has a thing for younger men.” Someone whispered.
I turned around and noticed Camille smiling at me.
“Yeah; it would be kind of flattering if I wasn’t totally freaked out.”
“Oh come on; Ms. Addison is gorgeous.”
“Yeah, but she’s also my ex’s mother. Besides, we’re at her daughter’s funeral. Not exactly a place to be flirting.”
“I know. Maybe it was just the grief talking. I know this must be hard for her. She and Rachel were really close.”
“I know. How are you feeling?”
“Okay, for the most part. I still can’t believe Rach is gone.”
“I know; me too. I’m glad you’re here with me though.”
Camille smiled. “I am too. In fact, I was thinking maybe we should go back to my place and just watch TV.”
“Cool. You think Chad might show up though?”
“Hardly doubt it. In fact, I haven’t seen him at the funeral, which is kind of strange.”
“Maybe he didn’t want to start any more trouble after last night.”
“Maybe so. Let’s say our goodbyes and go.”
I smiled as I watched Camille sashay over to a group of people. I had to shake my head at how lucky I am to have her as more than just my best friend.
I just wish I was able to tell someone about our relationship.
*** Chad
I stared at my blank television screen in my hotel room thinking about what I witnessed today. I did attend Rachel’s funeral to pay my respects, but what I witnessed was far more than what I anticipated. Yes, I always knew that my wife had feelings for Pretty Boy Williams, but I never thought she would flaunt her boy toy around while she still married at her best friend’s funeral! I’m pretty sure she probably wasn’t trying to, but anyone can see the two either have hooked up last night or on a friendlier level than ever before. If no one can see it, then they are definitely blind.
Last night, after I discovered my stuff sitting outside my home, I had to quickly pick everything up before the sprinklers came on. I didn’t think Camille would throw me out the house like some piece of trash, but knowing her, this was the perfect opportunity to bang her best friend.
I sighed as I pound my fist against the coffee table, realizing that my wife is trying to play me for a fool. I owned up to my dirt, but her denying her sudden relationship with Trevor is ridiculous, and I will prove it to everyone.
With a bit of soul searching, I had to figure out something to keep my entire life in order. Not only was my second life in jeopardy, but also my estate. I was not going to let anyone, including my wife, know about the affairs I was having while married. If anything, I will expose those two hypocrites, especially Camille, because I will not give her a dime of my money if she decided to cheat while we’re still married.
My thoughts were interrupted when the doorbell began to ring. I went to the door and looked through the peephole. A smile spread across my lips as I turned the knob to open the door.
“Well, hello there.”
The woman smiled as she walked past me and into the tiny sitting area. I closed the door and fell into step behind her.
“I was kind of surprised that you called me. I figured you would still be at the funeral.”
“I was there, but left early. I didn’t want anyone to see me there.”
“Why not? You were her friend too.”
“Yeah, but didn’t want to cause any trouble.”
The woman came up to me and smiled.
“So, what do you want to talk to me about?”
I gave a seductive grin as I brushed my fingers through her straight locks.
“I think you know the reason.”
I stared directly at Melissa Peterson knowing that my plan to bring down Camille and Trevor was about to go into motion.
22.
Melanie
Saying good –bye to Rachel was one of the hardest things I had to do in my entire life. Even though we had our differences in the past, I could not imagine her not being in my life. I remembered the day we met like it was yesterday……
It was my first day of eleventh grade and I was terrified of being the new girl. Since moving from Atlanta, I didn’t really have any friends, so I tried to do what I could to fit in quickly. As I tried to scope out who I thought could been the cool kids, I noticed one girl giving me a long and engaging stare. I started to look around to see if she was staring at someone else, but when I noticed no one was around, I gave her an annoying look, wondering why she was looking at me.
The girl smiled as she walked over to me and took a seat at my table.
“Sorry, you probably think I’m crazy or something.” The girl said.
“No, just a little curious to why you’re staring at me and now you’re sitting at my table.”
“Don’t be curious. I just thought you might need a friend. That and I love your top. Where did you get it?”
“Forever 21.”
“Love that place. Well, my name is Rachel.” Rachel said as she extended her hand.
“Melanie.” I said as I took her hand in mine.
I suddenly felt a little tingle as I shook Rachel’s hand. I pulled away as I quickly placed my hand in my lap.
“So I’m assuming this is your first day? I haven’t seen you around school before.”
“Yeah; I just moved from Atlanta. My mother’s job got transferred, so of course we had to relocate.”
“Well, trust me; Baker is a great place to stay. It may get a little boring at times, but that’s why my friends and I head to Houston.”
“Oh, cool. So what do ya’ll do for fun?”
“Lots of things; we usually go to this teen spot called Haven. In fact my friends and I are going this weekend. You should come with us.”
“Sure, I’ll check it out.”
Rachel gave me a sweet smile as she started to talk about what to expect at Baker High. While she was talking, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Rachel was. Normally, I wouldn’t check out another female, but for some reason, there was something different about her that I couldn’t place. Whatever it was, I was already intrigued and wanted to know more about Rachel Addison.
That weekend arrived, and I was meeting Rachel and her friends at Haven. Since the day we met, we started to spend a lot of time together, which was cool with me since I didn’t know anyone else in town. My mom was especially thrill, considering since I needed to have a social life, she said. I was happy to have someone else to talk to. My mom and I moved during the summer, and while all my old friends were getting ready to plan their daily trips to the beach, I was packing my belongings into boxes. So being around another person besides my mom was pretty wonderful.
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when the doorbell rang. I went up to the door and opened it to reveal Rachel standing on the other side looking gorgeous in a short fitting black mini dress with black and white pumps. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was underdress as I stared at my black jeans and a black and white halter.
“You looked great Melanie.” Rachel said as she stared at me.
Even though Rachel and I suddenly met, I really started to feel a connection between us. This feeling was weird for me, because I’ve never thought of another girl in any way but a friend, but suddenly, my feelings were definitely starting to change.
“We better go. My friends are waiting in the car.” Rachel said as she grabbed my hand.
“Sure.” I said as I clutched my keys to lock the door.
We held hands as we approached her friend’s car. Rachel looked at me and squeezed my hand tighter, which made me wonder if Rachel is having the same unexpected feelings as I am….
As we arrived at Haven, the place was already packed. From what Rachel’s friend Camille explained, Haven was the place to be on a Saturday night, making this the place to be and be seen.
As we all got out of Trevor’s new Ford Explorer, I tried to take a peek at Rachel and Trevor talking. I’m not sure if the two were together, but I could tell some major chemistry was going on.
Camille looked over at me as she noticed Trevor and Rachel talking. I quickly turned away and pretend I was looking for my cell phone.
“I’m not sure what’s going on with them; Trevor always with someone new, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they did hooked up.”
“From what Rachel said, you and Trevor are best friends?”
“Yeah; we’re next door neighbors since we were two.”
“Wow, that must be great to have someone practically grow up with you.”
“Yeah, it has been.” Camille said as she gave the two another look before heading to the long line that was wrapped around the side of the building.
If Rachel and Trevor are together, maybe the thoughts I’m feeling for Rachel are one-sided. Maybe what I’m seeing is what I want to see and that Rachel does not feel the same way I do.
“You ready to have some fun?” Rachel asked as she puts her arm around me and smiled.
“Of course.” I said as we went into the line.
Twenty minutes later, and we were inside. Everyone wanted to hit the dance floor, which I didn’t at first, until Rachel pulled me to an available space to dance. As she started to move her body to the beat, I just stared at her wondering what is coming over me. I should not be feeling like this about anyone, especially a girl, in this short amount of time. But as I watch her put her arm around me and started to grind on me, my feelings overstepped my thoughts as I started to dance with her. Just her arms around me and her breathing on my neck made my stomach do flip flops.
Rachel gives me a look of desire, as she pulled away and began to literally seduce me on the dance floor. As others around us, including Trevor and Rachel’s other friend Gerald, looked on, I suddenly felt embarrassed, but extremely turned on at the same time.
That moment alone I realized that I wanted to be more than just friends with Rachel….
After three hours being at Haven, we all decided to call it a night. As Trevor was dropping me and Rachel off at my house, an unexpected thought cross my mind. I forgot that Rachel asked to sleep over at my house, which meant I would be around her the entire night which made me extremely nervous.
“See ya’ll later.” Rachel said as she was getting out of the SUV. She stared at Trevor as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. I could have sworn I saw smoke coming out of Camille’s ears as she scowled at the two.
As soon as we went upstairs to my room, Rachel immediately took off her pumps and laid on my bed.
“I am exhausted. Whoever said dancing was a form of exercise is so right. My feet are killing me.”
“I can imagine. You practically danced the whole time we were there.”
“I couldn’t help it. Haven was on point with the music tonight.”
I walked over to my TV stand and grabbed the remote. I turned it on to see what was playing. As I sat down on the floor, Rachel gave me a side eye as she stared at me.
“I’m sure you rather sit on your bed instead of the floor.”
“I figure you were on it.”
“Your bed is big enough for the both of us.”
I smiled as I sat beside Rachel. She took her hand and started to run her fingers through my red locks, giving me a slight shiver throughout my body.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.” I said as I pick up my blanket that was lying on my armchair.
“You have a great room. It shows you have style.”
“Thanks. So tell me, what’s the deal between you and Trevor? You two seem pretty cozy tonight.”
“Oh Trevor; he’s cool, not to mention sexy. That boy can have any girl he wants. We flirt a lot, but nothing more.”
“If given the chance, would you date him?”
“I don’t know, I mean I’m young, I really don’t want any type of relationship right now. I just want to have fun.”
“That’s how I feel. Why get into a relationship when you have your whole life in front of you.”
“Exactly.”
“So I guess you didn’t have someone special in Atlanta?”
“I did; his name was Jeremy. But I didn’t want to be in a long-distance relationship. I ended things before I left.”
“So you telling me that you are free to do anything?”
“Yeah, I am.”
Rachel looked at me as she pushed a strand of hair from my face. I gazed at her and her red lips, wondering what it would be like to taste them. I didn’t have to wonder as Rachel leaned over and gave me a soft kiss on my lips. Just touching her lips felt really weird, especially since her lips were gentle and velvety like mine. Although it was weird, I definitely wanted more.
As if she heard my thoughts, she deepen the kiss, while putting her hand on my back. I parted her lips with my tongue, giving me access to go even further into our kiss. Rachel moved her hand up to the tie of my halter as she untied it. She watched as my halter fell to my stomach, revealing my braless breasts.
Rachel gave me a seductive glance as she began to kiss me again, and we both fall on the bed…..
What we shared that night was my first sexual experience with a girl. To be honest, it was first sexual experience ever. After that night, things were a little awkward between Rachel and me, but we didn’t let it show around the others. Instead, we kept things friendly. As time pass, we slipped back into the lover mood every now and then, but things really turn from lovers to enemies as we approach college. I realized that my fling with Rachel was just that- a fling. Rachel, on the other hand, wanted it to be more on her terms. She wanted to keep me around as her play thing while she did whatever she wanted with other men. I’m not sure if she had sexual encounters with other women, but she did do a lot of bed hopping back in the day.
After the fling between Rachel and me, I realized that I was just curious with the idea of being with a female; I accomplished my goal and moved on. While I decided to date guys, Rachel became jealous and even a little possessive over the idea. Although my friends never knew what happened between us (still doesn’t to this day), they knew that things suddenly changed between our friendship, making us more frenemies than actual friends. So in actuality, sex does change a friendship, because our relationship was never the same after that.
After the funeral, I got a call from Agent Sutton summoning me to the bureau for a review of the Brown case. As I walked into the bureau, I noticed Derrick sitting in Sutton’s office. He turned towards the glass wall and gave me a sullen look.
Could this day get any worse?
As I slowly stepped into Sutton’s office, he gave me a nod as he goes to his door and closed it.
“Let’s get straight to the point. You two have been on this case for almost two years! How come there is no evidence against Colton Brown? The man should have been locked up instead of on the streets pushing drugs on young children!”
“We’ve been trying to find some sort of evidence that will stick on Brown, but we haven’t found anything.” Derrick said.
“And I suppose to believe that knowing that your sister is an associate of Brown’s. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea having the both of you on this case.”
“I tried to tell you that.” Derrick said in a whisper.
“What was that?” Sutton said.
“Agent Sutton, we’re doing what we can to get Brown off the streets; believe us, we want him locked up just as much as you do; but right now we do not have the information we need to do that. We have to have concrete evidence and not something that will easily get him out in a couple of months.”
“Melanie’s right. We have been trying to get Tamara to mention anything about Colton, but I really think she no longer associates with him.”
“That’s what you want to believe. You heard the past conversations. You know she spoke with him a year ago.”
“Exactly; she could have cut all ties with him now.”
“Well as her big brother, you need to find out if that is true. I put a lot on the line to have you two on this case. I’m getting flak from upper head about what I’m not doing on this case. So you two either need to find the evidence to get Brown off the streets, or I’m going to have to find a team who will. Understand?”
Derrick and I looked at each other and then at Sutton.
“We understand completely.” said Derrick.
We both got up from our chairs seated in front of Sutton’s desk and walked towards the door. Derrick closed the door behind him; he gave me sigh and walked over to his desk.
“I can’t deal with this right now. I think we already dealt with enough with Rachel’s funeral.”
“I know. Thank you by the way.”
“For what?”
“For being by my side. You could have easily been with Tamara.”
“I know, but Gerald pretty much had that handled.”
“I noticed. So Tamara and Gerald are dating?”
“I wouldn’t say that. I think they’re just being good friends to each other right now.”
I looked at Derrick, wondering if what he’s said was true.
***
Gerald
“You sure you want to invite me in?” I asked Tamara.
After the funeral, Tamara asked if I wanted to come by her place to talk. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, considering how good Tamara looking in that cream and black dress. I know my mind should not be going in places unknown, especially since we just buried our friend, but people said funerals does bring people’s emotions out, whether it was grief or just plain lust.
“It’s fine Gerald. I really don’t want to be alone right now.”
I nodded my head as I walked into my friend’s condo. The place was beautifully decorated in deep brown with a dash of beige in certain areas of the living and dining room. As I sat down on the brown and red sofa, Tamara went into the kitchen to grab a drink.
“Did you want anything?”
“Water is fine.”
A few seconds later, Tamara walked into the living room with two bottled waters. She handed me mine while she opened her and took a long swig. She sat beside me and laid her head in my lap.
“I’ll stay as long as you like.”
“Thanks,” She softly replied.
I begin to stroke her dark brown locks while she looked up at me. I really wanted to kiss her, but didn’t know if the time was right. Although we’ve been friends for years, we never been as close as we were over the past couple of days. I never thought about stepping out of the friend territory, but looking at how beautiful Tamara looked while staring at me made me think otherwise.
“What is going on between us?” I asked.
“That’s something I’ve been wondering too.”
“I didn’t think I would start to have romantic feelings for a friend. It just seems kind of…”
“Rushed.” Tamara implied.
“Yeah.”
Tamara sat up as she stared into my eyes.
“I wouldn’t try to figure it out. From what I’ve learned the past couple of days, life is too short. We need to embrace whatever choices and decisions we make; and right now, all I want you to do is take me into my bedroom and make love to me until we’re too tired to.”
I looked at Tamara as if she lost her mind. Even though she was serious, she started to giggle.
“I know I sound kind of eager….”
“No, you kind of shocked me, that’s all. You sure; I mean we’re both grieving right now and I don’t want us regretting this later on.”
“Gerald, does it look like I’ll regret it. You just don’t know how long I’ve wanted you to kiss me let alone be inside me. I need to feel you; I just need you here with me.”
“And I will do that and more. I just want you to think with a leveled head right now.”
“I am. My mind has never been clearer. Besides, just looking at you right now, I know you want it too.” Tamara said as she looked at my face and then down to my pants. I looked down and noticed that little Gerald was starting to grow from the mention of making love to Tamara.
“I guess I’m right.” She said with conviction.
“Of course he’s going to agree, but I’m thinking with my top head. I don’t want to be like those friends who lose their friendships because they wanted to take it further. Not only that, but we supposed to have a professional relationship. We can’t mix business with pleasure.”
“Does it look like I’m concern about business right now? Gerald, let’s just think about right here, right now. Let’s not think about work, or the funeral, or the entire world. All I want is your body on mine, kissing me all over.” Tamara said as she moved closer to my neck. She started to nibble on my earlobe, making me forget about the thoughts in my head.
“I just want you, Gerald.” She said as she continued to kiss on my earlobe.
I couldn’t resist the feeling Tamara was giving me. Just as she requested, I didn’t care about anything but giving pleasure to this beautiful woman, and I plan on doing that all night long.
I got up from the sofa and picked Tamara up. We began to kiss passionately as I carried her to her bedroom.
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