Chapter 14 ~ Rise Above This

Take the night and darken everything around me
Call the clouds and listen closely, I'm lost without you

Call your name everyday, when I feel so helpless
I'm fallen down but I'll rise above this, rise above this

~ Seether

University: Wyatt's Rental ~ 6:12PM



Wyatt studied his reflection in the mirror. What he saw however was not a young man dressing for a date, but the young man he became these past few years spent in college. It had been a tumultuous senior year for him but Wyatt was finally moving forward. Just last year Jason had graduated and soon he and Jett would be graduating. Wyatt thought back to the party they had thrown for Jason.


One Year Earlier



"I wish you would change your mind about moving out after graduation. We could focus on our music; work on booking some gigs, small tours, things like that."

Jason glanced over at Kes and the feelings he had for her lit his face. "Yeah I thought about that but living here but...I'm thinking...I'm going to ask Kes to marry me."



Wyatt tried to mask his anxiety. "Marry Kes? Come on J, you are still young. Is that what you really want? Look what happened with your mom and dad. Look at mine. They married young and look where they are now. You think she will be happy following you around on the road?"



Jason folded his arms and glared at Wyatt. His expression was humorless. "She can if she wants. If she doesn't, if she wants to open her own bistro I'll support it, get her started. I am not my father Wy. I might make mistakes but marrying Kes would not be one of them. I love her. And since you brought it up...you aren't Cooper. You do not need to live his life either. Our dads opened the doors but we do not have to choose to walk in their shadow. We make our own music."



Of course, J had been right about all of it. He and Kestral were both happy, the band was thriving and Wyatt was soon to graduate himself. Jett had gotten his sometime girlfriend Lorrah pregnant and they had moved into a smaller rental. Jett had not been thrilled about changing his lifestyle but after a long talk that, according to Jett, was more of an ultimatum from his parents, they moved in together. Jett had drawn the line at marrying her. Lorrah seemed okay with it...for now.



Wyatt looked around the place before heading toward the door. The house seemed so empty and quiet. He experienced so many things at this rental. He made mistakes, made bad choices, and fell in love. The most important thing was that he finally figured out who he was. The ghosts from his past were gone, buried, and he was ready to move forward. Wyatt was his own man. Jason would be proud if not a bit smug at that admission. Wyatt was not his father. He could live with that.

Oceanside: Echo Restaurant ~ 8:23PM



He arrived right on time. Expecting to meet the mysterious Mrs. J. Michaels at Echo, he looked around. She would be wearing a blue dress, she said. Wyatt had spoken to her over the phone after the auction committee had given him the details of his date. Her contact information had been included in those details. Wyatt could not place the voice and even though he still felt a bit strange over her identity, he let it go. The last thing he wanted was to seem paranoid. What was he going to say? “Do I know you from somewhere?” That sounded cheesy.



Wyatt saw her, or at least he assumed it was her, standing near the window. He approached her quietly and then tentatively resting his hand on her shoulder he said her name.



"Hello Wyatt." She turned around and Wyatt froze where he stood. He felt as though he had been punched in the stomach with a fist made of painful memories.

"Is this some kind of joke Mrs. Michaels?"

"Of course not; I bought the date because I wanted to see you again. I wanted to apologize for everything and I doubt you would have seen me if I had asked."



Of all the people Wyatt could have imagined his date would turn out to be, the last person he considered was Bailey Walker. Seeing her again brought all those emotions flooding back. "What's with the fake name?" Was Wyatt really going to consider hearing her out and finishing this date? He did admit he was curious - he thought he had loved her once.



They sat at a table reserved for them by the auction committee. "The name is not a fake. You must remember James..." Bailey hesitated and then added, "Professor Michaels? We were married shortly after I left the music department at the university. We opened a small music school for children that I run while he teaches; it has been doing quite well. I suppose that was another thing I wanted you to know - that I had no hard feelings about losing that university position."



Dinner was a blur for Wyatt but he managed to get through it. She asked him to dance with her. Reluctantly, he agreed. Holding her close like this reminded him of that first time with her. They had made love all night and Wyatt could not get enough of her.

"For what it is worth Wyatt, I did love you back then. Your father was wrong about that part but it was for the best that I let you believe otherwise. I would have hurt you more in the end by staying with you."



Wyatt agreed to finish their date and they took a limo to the marina where they boarded a boat that cruised around the bay. They talked about trivial things, classes, her school, and his band. When the cruise was over, Wyatt and Bailey headed back to Echo where they would part ways, one more chapter ending.

"This was nice, especially since I was able to apologize and explain things. Be well, Wyatt." Bailey kissed him lightly on the cheek, gave him one last lingering smile and left.



University: Wyatt's Rental ~ 2:16AM



He could still smell Bailey's perfume on his clothes. Flipping on the light Wyatt removed them, tossed the clothes on the floor beside his bed and pulled on sweats and a t-shirt. The drive back from Echo had taken a lot longer than he expected. What time was it, 2AM? He should call Cade. Even though she said she did not care about the date Wyatt knew her, knew she would still be up. Just then, his cell began to vibrate. Wyatt looked at the caller ID and smiled.



"Your timing is perfect! I was just going to call you." Wyatt could listen to her talk all night but he had something else in mind, something else that he would much prefer doing with her.

"Yeah, I just got home and changed...I was thinking about coming over to see you. Is that all right?"

When Cadence asked about his date, Wyatt laughed. "You'll never believe it. You know what; I will fill you in on all the gory details when I get there okay? He hesitated as his heart flooded with deep emotion, a strong need to reveal those emotions to her catching him off guard.

"Cadence...I love you."



Wyatt disconnected with a quick tap and grinned. He should probably shower. No, he would shower with Cadence instead. That would be infinitely more fun. Maybe after graduation he could stay in his rental on campus, stay close to Cadie. As he prepared to grab a change of clothes, the doorbell rang. Wyatt laughed and thought, "I should have known you would be calling from outside my door."



Wyatt hurried down but when he got to the door, no one was there. "What the hell?" Stepping outside, he slowly walked toward the street and peered into the carport. Walking farther out to the sidewalk, he looked to his right. Cadence always parked near that corner; the streetlight that lit that side of the street made her feel safer. No one was there, no car, no Cadence. Had he heard it right, was it the doorbell? Maybe it was nothing, just his imagination, but the hairs on his arms rose.

Turning back, Wyatt pulled out his cell phone to call Cadence when he heard the sound of an engine revving. Tires screeched and the headlights of a speeding car blinded him.

Author's Note:
This chapter closes Wyatt's Story. Further updates will be posted at Studio Time. This blog will no longer be updated. To the readers who followed Rising Above, thank you so much.

Click Here to Read...

Chapter 13 ~ Witchy Woman

Raven hair and ruby lips
Sparks fly from her finger tips
Echoed voices in the night
She's a restless spirit on an endless flight

Witchy Woman ~ The Eagles

University Quad - 1:47PM
"I hope you don't bring all your dates here."

Wyatt took a long pull on his coffee as he watched Gemma uncomfortably settle into her chair. He remained thoughtful as students hurried past them heading to and from classes. "This isn't exactly a date. Besides, mid-terms are going on right now; this seemed like a good place to meet on short notice."



Gemma leaned in, her coffee untouched, and smiled curiously. "Why are you bothering to finish? Do you really think you need a degree to be a rock star? Wyatt you have the world at your fingertips and you are spending four years obtaining something you will never use. With your pedigree doors would open without you so much as lifting a fist to knock."

"There is more to it than performing and tours. The business side is just as important." Wyatt smiled wryly at Gemma before continuing, "I wouldn't want some shifty agent absconding with my hard earned money now would I? At some point I'll want to do it like my dad. Have a studio or a label and give young bands an opportunity."
"But Wyatt you'll get that from Cooper one day. You don't think he would take you into the business as a partner?"

"He has a partner, Slim, and besides I have brothers and sisters that are just as entitled to it as I am. Maybe I'll want to make my own way."

Gemma sat back, smug, studying him as if considering what to say. She finally took a sip of her coffee, grimaced and then shifted her eyes back to Wyatt. "If it is your own label you want, I know people who can help with that. You aren't even signed with Hitman which surprises me. Why would your father fail to insure he has you in the fold I wonder?"

"I'm not worried about it.""You should be. Why should you only have a fifth or even a smaller piece of the pie when you can have a much larger cut someplace else? By the time Cooper and Slim slice the business up among their offspring, and who is to say they will do that, your creative and business control will be severely hindered. You know I represent Brew, it's no secret that Jimmy Breaux is uneducated and yes he has some issues to overcome but his talent is going take him far under my wing."

"So I should let you run my business instead of my father...and I would do that why?"

Gemma grinned broadly. "For a much larger slice of pie Wyatt!"
Laughing, Wyatt stood and offered his hand to Gemma. "I need to get to class."

She held onto his hand longer than he was comfortable with. "Maybe I overstepped a bit, you don't really know me after all. Come to my house for dinner and hear what I have to say? I'm sure your mother would want you to weigh all your options Wyatt. If you don't change your mind you will at least have something to think about. Just call me and we can set something up."

"Sure I can do that. Look I really do need to get going. I'll call you." Wyatt hugged her quickly and took off across the quad.


Millwood - North Lake Drive - 7:28PM
Millwood was a quiet suburb with large oak trees, colorful birches, and fragrant evergreens. Junipers graced the walkways leading to traditional homes that boasted well manicured lush lawns. Nothing much in the way of excitement ever happened in this upper middle class neighborhood their only real claim to fame was the Stanfield family who had lived there since the birth of their son Cooper. The home where the senior Stanfields lived was modest but well kept.

Wyatt stopped by one afternoon to visit his grandparents as he often did whenever he managed some time away from school. Now he was driving slowly through the narrow roads at dusk until he came to the small stucco house where Gemma Wilson lived.
Wyatt had been curious about her since Gemma's visit to the university so he gladly accepted her dinner invitation when she extended it. There were many things he wanted to know about her, about his mother, and about the distance between the cousins. If Julia ever mentioned her, Wyatt could not remember. Time as well as teenage distractions could have caused him to simply forget.
Approaching the front door Wyatt knocked and waited for her to let him in. "You made it! I was worried my directions may not have been too precise." Gemma embraced Wyatt, held him at arm's length and gave him the once-over with her gaze. "I hope you're hungry," she offered as Wyatt stepped into her entry. "I don't cook often so my repertoire is limited but what I can manage to prepare is pretty good."
The evening was warm with a clear evening sky so Gemma served Wyatt at a small table at the rear of the house. A bottle of Merlot, Gemma's favorite, sat open and breathing. Pouring them each a healthy glass they chattered on about Wyatt's school, music, his childhood, and his hopes for the future. "What I really would like to know is why my mother never mentioned you to me. You said you weren't close, why is that?"
Gemma rose and beckoned Wyatt to follow her into the house. Settling on the sofa she sat back as Wyatt settled at the other end. Thick, black lashes fanned against pale skin as she lowered her lids demurely and raised the wine glass to drink. Moistening her lips she leveled her eyes on Wyatt and answered. "My dad and Julia's father did not get along very well. They always competed in everything and had egos the size of Texas. I was a child when my father took us to La Jolla but I remember spending some time with Julia before we moved.
"We were polar opposites. Your mom was always a perfect little lady who was expected to take piano lessons and be proper. I was..." Gemma chuckled softly; it made her look younger, softer but a mischievous sparkle lit up her eyes. "I was incorrigible, definitely not a proper little girl. My mother died shortly after we relocated to California so my father raised me by himself. Having his influence, bringing me into his business endeavors as I got older shaped my future, made me ambitious."
Gemma waved her hand in the air as if she was brushing away at old memories before sliding her shapely legs along the couch and letting them rest on Wyatt's lap and changed topics. "I saw your father the other day at Hitman. He looked surprised to see me and not particularly pleased; I think I may have dredged up a few old memories."

Wyatt wondered what affect Gemma had on his father, what memories her likeness to his mother stirred good or bad. It was hard to gauge considering he walked away from Julia and his marriage. If Cooper had any residual feelings for his mother, would they resurface? In any case, Gemma was nothing like his mother beyond her looks. "Why would you go to see him?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly as if considering whether or not she wanted to answer. "I want him to sign Jimmy Breaux - Brew, have you heard of them? Unfortunately he was not convinced." Gemma wiggled her feet and sighed. "I went out on a very long limb and assured Jimmy of a deal. I'm probably going to lose him and I was counting on that contract to solidify my place in the industry. It isn't easy for a woman in this business - your sister could attest to that I'm sure."

At that moment the furthest thing from his mind was the desire to think about his sister. Wyatt dragged his eyes along the length of her body. Gemma was a very attractive woman. Having her legs resting seductively on his lap was distracting. Wyatt shifted slightly on the couch. "What are you going to do if you lose the deal?"
Sliding her legs under her, Gemma sat up and moved toward Wyatt like a cat toward a chew toy. "I guess I'll have to find another shining star."

Wyatt swallowed hard, amazed at the heat of desire that seemed to rise out of nowhere. He had to be insane. Was it wrong to find a distant cousin attractive particularly when she looked like your dead mother? Wyatt laughed uncomfortably. "Did you have someone in mind?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

----------------

NEXT CHAPTER: Passages 23

Click Here to Read...

Chapter 12 ~ Away From the Sun

Junior Year

In less than a few months Jason would be graduating and Wyatt would be entering his final year of college. More than once he considered leaving without finishing; Wyatt did not feel as if he needed a degree to do what he wanted but both his parents would want him to finish. However he did take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in some business courses. At the very least he would feel in control of everything that happened on the business side of the industry much like Jason did. More than one unsuspecting and trusting musician had fallen prey to the sharks out there that controlled their money; some even reaped most of the money for themselves.

While he liked the rental he shared with Jett and Jason, Wyatt looked forward to moving on. To that end he considered his mother's house as a temporary residence until he was ready to find something on his own. Wyatt believed he could live there for awhile especially since their plans included going on the road soon after graduation to cut their teeth. That meant they would not be there often. Jason could move in while Wyatt and Jett got through their last year.

Right now however, his goal was to meet his father near the marina. Wyatt had received a call from Coop who sounded distracted but firm as he requested Wyatt meet him downtown to discuss something important. This would be the perfect time to fill Cooper in on his plans for his mother's house, get the keys and check it out. Feeling pretty confident his father wouldn't like the idea, Wyatt was prepared to plead his case. The house was his anyway so any argument Cooper had was moot.

His father was waiting for him as Wyatt casually strode down the boardwalk. The unease in Cooper's voice was reflected in his expression as Wyatt approached him. His face was drawn, almost haunted, Wyatt noticed as he drew closer to his father. Increasingly concerned over the unease, Wyatt joined his father at a small table near the water and studied him.

"You look stressed Dad. Is everything all right with Rayne and the twins?" Pulling out his chair Wyatt sat, signaled the waiter and waited.

"Yeah, yeah everything's fine, relatively fine anyway. Wyatt I need to talk to you about something, someone that I ran into at the benefit. There is no delicate way to put it so I'm just going to come out with it. I ran into a woman, Gemma Wilson. Wyatt she's your mother's cousin."

Hesitating, Wyatt looked at his father carefully wondering why this information was important or warranted a face to face. "Okay, is there more to this?"

"Yeah there is. Look Wyatt I have every reason to believe she is going to try and contact you even though I asked her not to."

"Why would you do that?"

"She's the spitting image of Julia. I don't know how you would react to that Wyatt. If nothing else I wanted you to be prepared, that's all."

Wyatt looked out at the waves that crashed into the bluffs below the pier. The vision of his mother, her hair, her smile, all of it had never faded from his memory. Although he had moved past much of the pain and anger that he felt over her death Wyatt had finally come to terms with it. He understood his father's concern but wanted to reassure him that he would be fine. The last thing Cooper needed was one more thing to worry over.

"Thanks for letting me know, Dad. If I hear from her, I don't want you to worry. I can deal with it."

Cooper smiled, visibly relieved that he had at least been able to prepare Wyatt. "Good, I knew you could. It's just...it shook me up Wyatt; I didn't want her appearance to do the same to you."

His brows knit tightly as Wyatt assessed his father's demeanor. Clearly he was still shaken even though he did his best to hide it from him. Or maybe there was more at play here that his father wasn't telling him. "Dad, are you all right? If you need anything at all from me..."

Coop waved his concern off and grinned reassuringly, "Don't worry about me Wy. I can handle Gemma. Let's eat."

South Beach - Julia's House

Night had fallen by the time Wyatt reached his mother's old house. It wasn't the first time he had driven here; each time before however, he did not enter. Drawing a deep, steady breath he headed up the stairs and entered the house. Moonlight streamed into the windows, silver beams that cast an eerie glow over the near empty rooms. It was cold.

Tentatively Wyatt stepped out onto the balcony. It was definitely warmer outside than in the house but Wyatt still shivered as a slight breeze ruffled his hair against the back of his neck. The gardenia his mother had planted still bloomed and he could smell the sweet fragrance as it wafted up on the wind. He should have had the power turned on, he realized as he peered through the inky darkness that hovered over the pool. It may have been the shadows or the slow undulation of the pool that played tricks with his eyes but Wyatt swore he saw movement. He inhaled sharply as a lithe figure, painfully familiar, emerged from the darkness oblivious to his presence.

His father warned him about the eerie resemblance that Gemma Wilson had to his mother. Wyatt had been prepared to deal with it if he ran into her but he never expected the chills he felt crawling along his skin. Almost as if sensing his presence above her, Gemma looked up and locked eyes with him. Wyatt wanted to say something, anything, to break the silence but found he was unable to utter a word as he stared into a face that tore into his heart.

"May I come up?"

Nodding, Wyatt turned, walked toward the stairs and waited as she slowly ascended the stairs. The closer she got the more Wyatt noticed the subtle differences between Gemma and his mother. The tension in his body seemed to ease a little as Wyatt released the breath he hadn't noticed he was holding.

Gemma smiled warmly. "Wyatt," she began, "I have been looking forward to finally meeting you! I expected you to look like your father but I see a lot of Julia in you as well. I hope it's all right - may I hug you?" She reached out tentatively and Wyatt managed a friendly if not awkward embrace.

"What are you doing here - at my mother's house?"

"I had business in the area. I haven't been in town long and I thought I might take a drive up here and check it out. Millwood isn't exactly a bustling hub of activity; I thought if the place was empty..." Gemma stopped talking and examined Wyatt as if sizing him up. "You can't imagine how delighted I am that you happened to be here although I was planning to make the trip out to your campus. You're just about through with school aren't you?"

"Yeah one more year after this and that's it. Look, if you want we can go inside and talk." Wyatt wasn't sure what he should have expected with Gemma but she didn't seem like the barracuda that his father made her out to be. His first impression after the shock of seeing her was good. He liked her.

Gemma smiled broadly as she followed him into the house. "I'd like that Wyatt, very much."

--------------

NEXT CHAPTER: Passages 19

Click Here to Read...