Bridgette - Chapter Fifteen: Has Everyon Gone Insane?

*****This chapter is the beginning of Bridge and Jeff's story lines combining. For each chapter, I will provide the link to the chapter in Jeff's story that corresponds with Bridge's. As you read Bridge's chapters you may notice that there are several instances where it seems like an event is being skimmed over and you may want to know more. That is usually explored further in Jeff's story (for example, in this chapter you may wonder what Rosamund is doing while Bridge and Jeff duke it out in his room. That's found in Jeff's chapter).

I also feel it's necessary to provide a little background about Rosamund's character (in case you haven't read A Ray of Sunshine). Some of Bridge's interactions with her may seem harsh if you don't know some of the story. Rosamund and Jeff dated throughout their senior year. Through an interesting course of events, they sleep together and she announces she's pregnant. She appears on the outside to be a very nice girl. However, as we all know, appearances can be deceiving. In all honesty, she makes Waverly look like an angel.

Sorry for the long explanation! Thanks for reading and I hope all of this made sense!

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Jeff's Chapter: Right Where I Want Him

Carson’s third year of college was over and we had the whole summer to relax. We didn’t have much planned. We had decided to go back home to Appaloosa Plains in late June so I could be home on my birthday but besides that, it seemed like it was going to be a relaxing, easy summer.

Julia and Trent had worked through the rough patch in their relationship but had decided they wanted a place of their own. They had moved to their new apartment by mid-June and about once a week we would all go out together. They were over at our house when I got a call from Mom.

“WHAT!?” I screamed into the phone. Everyone turned to look at me.

“HE DID WHAT?!” Carson looked concerned and walked over to me.

“And what did he say?”

“AND YOU’RE LETTING HIM?!”

“Oh Good God, Mom! What was he thinking?!”

“I’ll be home in a couple of weeks for my birthday. How long do you think Carson and I need to stay.” Now Carson looked really concerned.

“Alright. No, I won’t call him but I’m going to let him have it when I get home.”

“Yeah. Okay. Love you too.” I hung up the phone and they all stared at me.

“Well, what’s going on?” Carson demanded to know.

Julia and Trent stood up and walked over. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this. Jeff has been dating a girl this past year. Apparently he was stupid enough to get her pregnant.”

“Wait, Jeff got a girl pregnant?!” Carson asked in disbelief.

“Oh, it gets better!” I said sarcastically. “They’re getting married.”

“Are you’re parents freaking out?” Julia asked.

“Well, Mom grounded him for a day, which is hilarious. They’re still pretty mad though.” I started pacing. “I can’t believe Kate didn’t call me. I’m going to kill him when I see him! I mean, it’s Jeff! It’s mindboggling! I just want to get in the car, drive home, and beat some sense into him. Married!? What the hell is he thinking?! Surely Mom and Dad will stop him!” I felt a hand on my arm and stopped pacing.

“Bridge, calm down.” Carson tried to reassure me.

“How can I calm down?! My baby brother is trying to ruin his life!”

“I know you two are close Bridge but you’ve got to stop acting like he’s your baby brother. I understand why you’re shocked and upset; just take a deep breath and calm down.” I breathed deep and then exhaled.

“So when are we supposed to go back?”

“Our plans for going haven’t changed. It’s coming back that’s changed. Their getting married in mid-July, unless someone knocks some sense into him. So we’ll be there a little longer than planned. Which is really going to stink since you’ll be staying at your parents and I’ll be staying at mine.” I hadn’t slept in my own bed since Carson and I had slept together. I started thinking about Jeff sleeping with some girl and got angry all over again.

“I am going to kill him! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! I never thought I would ever call Jeff stupid. But that’s what he is. STUPID!”

I spent the rest of the night ranting. Carson repeatedly tried to calm me down but it was no use.

A couple days before my birthday, Carson and I loaded a car up and started driving home.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay at your parent’s house for a little bit? I could offer support when you talk to Jeff.” Carson offered as we entered Appaloosa.

“No.  I’ll be fine.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about. It’s Jeff.” He half joked.

“He knows what’s coming. We’ll both be fine but I am going to give him a piece of my mind.”

“Okay.” He said with an unsure voice.

Carson pulled into the drive and we got out of the car. Mom and Dad ran outside. “Your home!!” Mom exclaimed. She ran up and gave me a hug.

“Hi Mom.”

“There’s my Bridgers!” Dad enthused as he gave me a hug.

“Hey Dad.”

“And Carson!” Mom gave him a hug too and he and Dad shook hands. Dad started to grab my things and I stayed outside with Carson for a minute.

“I’m really going to miss you.” He whispered.

“This is so unfair. If this stuff with Jeff wasn’t going on, I might attempt to persuade them to let you stay here, but there’s no way that’s going to happen now.”

We hugged each other and then kissed. “Alright you two. Break it up.” Dad said as he came back out for another bag. I rolled my eyes and smiled at Carson. “I love you.” I whispered. “I love you too.” He whispered back.

He turned around and got in his car. I watched as he drove away and then I turned toward the house. Someone was about to get a piece of my mind. I walked in and Charlie, Kate and Charles greeted me in the hallway. “Oh my gosh! He’s grown so much! ”

We talked about what Charles and university life for a while. Finally I had to ask. “Where’s Jeff?”

“He’s upstairs. But. . .”

“Thanks! I’ll find you in a little bit and we’ll catch up some more.”

I ran up the stairs and almost ran into Scarlett. We hugged and I asked her about school. I really wanted to talk to Jeff but I hardly got to see Scarlett. She talked about her teacher, and how her favorite subject was music, and how Mom and Dad were letting her take piano lessons. As we talked I thought it was interesting that she was the only one out of us four kids that had inherited the most of the Salisburg genes. She looked nothing like the rest of us. Mom called her for something and she ran downstairs.

I turned and walked to the end of the hall. Without even knocking I opened the door and saw Jeff talking with a blonde girl. Before I could get anything out of my mouth she was introducing herself.

“You must be Bridge! I’m Rosamund, Jefferson’s. . .”

“Oh I know who you are. I’ve heard all about you. Now if you don’t mind. I’d like to talk to my baby brother alone.” I didn’t even look at her; I just stared a hole through Jeff.

Jeff whispered something to her and she walked out the door.

Jeff clenched his jaw and then spoke.

“What the hell Bridge! Why are you treating her that way?”

“Whatever Jeff. I’ve heard all about her.”

“From who?!”

“From Kate.”

“Who gets her info from Star.” He accused.

“And from her own observations.”  I retaliated back. “Jeff, what are you thinking? I mean never mind the whole knocking the girl up but marrying her?! Why?!”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.”

“I did this. ME! This is my responsibility! I want to be a part of this child’s life and I want to do it with Rosamund! Not separately!”

“Do you love her?” I asked bluntly.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a simple question Jeff. Do. . .you. . .love. . .her?”

“Yes, in a way. I care about her very much and want to be with her. . .”

“But you don’t love her.” I interrupted.

He sighed. “Look Bridge, I get that your upset. Everyone has been at one point, but I’m asking you to give her a chance.”

“But if you don’t love her Jeff, then why are you marrying her?” I pleaded.

“What would you do if you got pregnant and Carson was the father?”

“We’re not talking about me, Jeff. . .”

“What would you do?”

I thought about it for a minute. “I’m sure Carson would ask me to marry him.” He looked triumphant. “But Carson and I love each other. We’ve been dating  for two and a half years. We’ve known each other for almost seven. It would be a completely different situation. God Jeff! You’re not even eighteen! Do you really want to do this?”

“Yes.” He said without hesitation.

I sighed and shook my head. “I tried. I’ll try to keep my mouth shut from here on out but I really think you’re making a big mistake Jeff.”

“I guess we’re going to have to agree to disagree.” He said.

I sighed. “I was a little harsh with what’s her name, wasn’t I?”

“Rosamund. Her name is Rosamund. And yes, you were harsh.”

“I’ll go apologize to her.” I complained. I really didn’t want to but I figured I should try to keep some kind of peace between Jeff and me.

I opened the door to see Mom on the other side. “Bridge, you need to go downstairs right now and apologize to Rosamund.” Mom commanded.

“I was already heading downstairs to do that.”

“Good! She’s in the family room.”

Jeff and I walked downstairs and into the family room. I saw Rosamund and walked up to her.

“I’m sorry I acted so rude to you before. I’m just a little shocked by what has happened.” I apologized. 

“I understand. It’s happened with everyone else and I know you and Jefferson are close.” I didn’t believe a single word she said, but I smiled nicely and walked to the kitchen. I soon heard Jeff and her leave.

Charlie and Kate came walking in. “Holy cow, Bridge! You let him have it.” Charlie stated.

“Someone needs to! He’s getting ready to ruin his life!”

“Did you talk any sense into him?” Kate asked.

“No. He’s made up his mind. If I keep pushing, he’s going to get mad and stay mad at me. I just can’t believe that this is happening. My younger brother is going to have a kid and get married before me and to a girl he doesn’t love. I need to call Carson. I’m about to lose it and I think he’s the only one that’s going to be able to calm me down.”

It was the day of Charlie, Jeff’s and my birthday and Mom and Dad had planned a party for all three of us. We were having a family lunch and then cake and presents.  We were all pretty excited since the whole family was going to be under one roof. I was less than excited to see Rosamund again but I wasn’t going to let it ruin my birthday.

While Jeff was picking up Rosamund, Carson arrived at the house. “Hey! Hey! Hey! Hobble family! What’s happening?!” I heard him yell from the hallway. We all rushed to greet him. I watched as Charlie and Kate hugged him and then as he got down to Scarlett’s size and said hi to her. Mom and Dad welcomed him again too. I stood behind everyone and watched as they got to greet my boyfriend.

“Now that you’ve all gotten that out of your system, do you think I could greet my boyfriend?” They all turned around and looked at me and laughed. I walked up to Carson and realized everyone was staring at us. “ALONE.” I stressed.

Everyone scurried off and Carson smiled at me. “I’m going crazy, Bridge. This being apart thing just stinks.”

“I know. Only twelve more days.” He groaned and buried his head in my shoulder. I ran my fingers through his hair and he lifted his head. We had just started kissing when Dad came walking by. “Time to break it up, you two.” We pulled apart.

“We’re not going to get away with anything, are we?” Carson asked.

“You can thank Jeff for that.” I half joked.

We went into the living room where Mom and Dad had everything set up. I went to the mirror and was trying to fix my hair when Charlie started pestering me.

I heard Mom announce that Jeff and Rosamund had arrived and we all piled into the dining room. If our family got much bigger we we’re going to have to figure out a way to fit everyone around the table.  We all started reaching for the food when Mom scolded us. She asked everyone to go around the room and tell something they were thankful for. I couldn’t wait to hear what blondie was going to say.

We all said what we were thankful for and the last person to speak was Rosamund.

“I’m thankful that I’m soon going to be included into a family that love each other very much.” I tried my hardest not to react in a negative way. Carson grabbed my hand under the table and I smiled at him.

After lunch it was finally time to blow out candles and receive our presents.  We gathered in the living room and we each blew out candles on our cakes. It was then time for the presents. We always went in the same order. Charlie got his presents first. Mom and Dad got him a new saddle and Kate got him some new boots. Then it was my turn.

Mom looked at me. “Bridge, we all know how much you love to paint, and you love art work so we thought what better place for you to go enjoy art work than the Louvre.”

My jaw hit the ground. “Are you serious! You’re sending me to Paris?!”

“You and a friend.” Dad added. I couldn’t help it. I jumped up and down and squealed. I ran over and hugged both Mom and Dad.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” I told them.

Carson got up and handed me a small box. I looked at him “What did you do?”

“Just open it.”

I opened the box and inside was a beautiful diamond bracelet. “Carson! You shouldn’t have!”

“Let me put it on.” He offered. He took it out of the box and placed it around my wrist.

“Thank you.” I whispered to him. He kissed me and everyone awed.

“Don’t make me break it up, you two.” Dad said. I looked up at Carson and we both quietly sighed. .

As we waited for Mom to give Jeff his present I started to wonder why they were giving each of us such big presents. It was milestone birthdays for all three of us, Charlie and I were twenty one and Jeff eighteen, but I still felt like they were up to something


“Jeff, we have one present for you and one that’s kind of for you but also for Rosamund.” I thought that was very interesting.

We all listened as Mom talked about how hard it was to buy presents for Jeff, which was true. He was such a practical guy you never knew what to get him. Soon Dad walked in with a TV and we all agreed that it was a great present for him.

Dad spoke up and started talking about the joint gift for Jeff and Rosamund.

Dad put his hand in his pocket.  I sat there and watched as our dad gave Jeff Grandma’s ring to give to Rosamund. I couldn’t believe it.  We all knew the story of Dad’s parents and how his mom had tragically died and he was just handing over this ring to this blonde stranger. I wanted to stand up and scream but the shock of it all kept me from moving. As events unfolded I watched as everyone almost joyfully watched as Jeff proposed to her again. It was sickening.

I started to cry a little. Carson put his arm around me. “That was sweet, wasn’t it?”  I looked at him like he was crazy “Are you serious?!” I whispered. “I’m crying because my brother is an idiot.”

I watched as the family went up and hugged both of them, even Kate hugged blondie. I had to at least pretend to be somewhat happy. I walked up to Jeff and hugged him.

“Thanks sis.” I smiled at him. I turned to Rosamund. There was no way I could hug her. I didn’t hug people I didn’t know or like. “Congratulations.” I said to her and smiled.

“Thank you. I’m glad you and Carson are able to stay for the wedding. Jefferson was really hoping you’d be able to come.”

I smiled at her. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

She smiled at me and I excused myself. I saw Kate and Charlie outside and I went out to talk to them.

“I can’t believe they did that?” I whispered.

“They did what?” Charlie asked.

“They gave her Grandma’s ring! We barely know the girl and Dad just hands her his mom’s ring!” Carson put his arm around me.

“Bridge I know how important that ring is, but it’s your dad’s to give away.”

“You know how important it is, Kate knows how important it is, but she has no idea! She doesn’t know our family well enough to know the history that goes behind that ring. Has everyone gone insane since I moved out? Is no one else just so friggin mad that this is happening? I don’t think I can handle this. Jeff’s gone batty, the whole family thinks it’s great, and I can’t even sleep with my boyfriend.”

****Carson****

I watched as Bridge’s meltdown got worse. She kept going and going which I knew was what she needed to do. She needed to vent so she could start coming to terms with the situation. She had gotten better with dealing with change, but this was just too much for her.

I listened as she kept going and then she mentioned us sleeping together. I looked up quickly at Charlie and his eyes narrowed.

“You can’t sleep with your boyfriend?!” He whispered in a very annoyed tone. Kate put her hand on his arm.

“Oh get over it, Charlie!” Bridge scolded him. “It’s not like we aren’t doing anything you two didn’t do.”

“That’s different! You’re my little sister.”

“I’m older than you dufus. Everyone seems to forget that. And this isn’t about me, it’s about Jeff and what’s her name.”

“Rosamund.” We all said together.

“Yeah, her.”

Charlie kept giving me the evil eye. “Oh for the love of God, Charlie! What? The guys in this family are allowed to sleep with people before getting married but the girls can’t?” Bridge reasoned with him.

“It’s just that. . .He’s my best friend and. . .”

“Now you know what I felt like a couple years ago.”

“Dude,are we good?” I asked.

“I just don’t want to hear about it anymore.” Charlie said. I nodded and hoped that Bridge would change the subject.

She sighed. “Do you feel better now?” I asked

She nodded. “For the moment. . .”

Credits:
Poses:
IMHO - Hi, My Friend