Disclaimer: This story is modernized and is set in the present date (I mean we all love the 80's but lets get real) Hair has changed along with other things but that will be in the story. Here is a bit of information to so you get the idea.
The Holograms
Jerrica-Long, blonde back length hair. Straight with bangs. (With pink highlights when she is performing)
Aja-Long and layered light blue hair.
Shana-Bob cut style purple; still curly but when straightened she has a swoop bang in the face
Kimber-Blunt shoulder length red hair.
Raya-Pink spiral curly fro.
The holograms no longer have a rockin' roadster but a more sophisticated car for their travels…a Bentley Azure convertible with a burgundy finish. They also have a car of their own as well. (Let's face it; they all do not want to ride in the same car all the time. Trust!)
Rio- low hair cut drives a Yukon Denali.
The Misfits
Pizzazz- Long and layered green hair.
Roxy- Long wavy shoulder length white hair.
Stormer- Blue short curly bob
Jetta- Bone straight with bangs in the front.
Upgraded their car to a Hummer H3. They are described a bit in this story but will not be featured until the next one.
The Stingers
Minx- still blonde with a body wave length but ending at her back with a part in the middle.
Rapture-Pixy short cut shaved in the back with black highlights on the tip.
Riot- low cut (David Beckham style) has two diamond earrings blinging and still FINE as all get out! (Riot not only is part owner of Stingers Sound but he is also co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and is the owner of his own club called the Diamond 8 which has locations in LA, New York and Las Vegas) Needless to say he is one paid Mofo!
P.S. all the stories in the series are dedicated to my BFF…Ron. Thank you, boo-boo!!
Sonja and Rufus thanks for editing! To all my Fan Fiction readers this is my first of three stories. Hope you like this one. Let me know what you think and please no flaming.
Prelude
Jerrica has finally confessed to the world that she is Jem. This decision was made because she was tired of playing two roles and on numerous occasions she almost got caught. She finally came to realize that it was time to stop and confess that Jem was her alter ego. After discussing it with her friends, she arranged for a press conference to be held and made the announcement. Though she never made Synergy existence known, her explanation was that she used a make-up artist for the disguise and since then the group's popularity soared but as a result of this, she and Rio broke up. Eric tried to capitalize on the revelation for the Misfits advantage, which of course never worked in their favor. The Stingers however were shocked by it, especially Riot since he had been so infatuated with Jem and now coming to realize that she was really Jerrica through him for a loop. Yet in still, he was fascinated by her and continued to pursue her.
Rio sought comfort in his newfound friendship with Minx even though finds himself still lingering for Jerrica which shakes up her relationship with Riot who began seeing him secretly without anyone knowing…until now.
After party
A look of sadness crept on Jerrica's face as she watched Terry, the very last Starlight girl leave with her new family. She was so happy that she was adopted but at the same time she felt like a mother whose child is leaving the nest. Once the car pulled off, she turned around and went back into the party. Everyone was still mingling, laughing and having a good time. It was so nice to see everyone getting along especially since some of the Misfits and Stingers were there. They all seemed to take a liking to all the girls which pleased Jerrica to no end. As she walked passed everyone, she went into the study to collect her thoughts. She knew that eventually she would get adopted but the reality of it all hadn't sunk in until now. While deep in thought, Jerrica didn't know that someone had snuck in the study with her.
"Jerrica, are you alright?" asked Riot.
She spun around startled to death to see the handsome singer standing behind her. "Riot what are you doing in here?" asked Jerrica. "You nearly scared me to death."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was just checking on you because you seemed a little down. Is there anything that I can do?" he asked.
"No, but thank you. I was just thinking about how this is the last girl to get adopted. I'm just taking it all in right now," she said. "But is there something that you need?"
"No…well I wanted to thank you for everything that you've done for me and my family and for including us in the celebration. It really means a lot to me. Thank you!" he replied.
"Oh, well you're welcome, but remember if it weren't for you helping us in our search a while back for Ba Nee, we never would have be able find her father. So I should be really thanking you," Jerrica giggled. "How I can I ever repay you?"
"I can think of something," he replied as he took her hand and pulled her close. They both looked into each others eyes knowing that the feelings that they have for one another have grown more intense since the situation with his mother happened and when she made it known that she was Jem. She then put her hand to his face and met her lips with his for a slow and gentle kiss. A knock on the door interrupted the pair's intimate moment.
"Jerrica, are you in there?" asked Shana. "Some of the guests are leaving and we're looking for you."
"I'll be out in a minute," she yelled as a parted from Riot. "I have to go. I don't want anyone to get suspicious, but…um I hope that was repayment enough."
"For now. I think you should walk out first then I'll come out behind you." Riot suggested. Before she could even walk to the door, he pulled her back for one more kiss. This one being more passionate than the one before because when they finished, they were both gasping for air.
"Something to remind you of me later," he replied. Jerrica could only nod as she walked out the door. When caught up with everyone, Stormer and a few other guess were leaving the party.
"Hey, thanks for letting us Misfits crash," said Stormer. "We need to get going because we are leaving for our world tour tomorrow and we need to get ready."
"Oh, that's right. Well we wish you all the best. I know this will work out for you guys. Take care and have fun," exclaimed Jerrica.
"Thanks!" replied Stormer. "I'm sorry that Pizzazz couldn't make it but she had some business with her father to tend to."
"Oh, it's cool. It's not like we missed her," Kimber said sarcastically.
"Kimber, let's not be mean," replied Jerrica.
"Sorry, but I thought she had changed. She still the self-centered Pizzazz that we all know. I'm just happy she isn't here to start any drama. Especially, with Riot being here. It would have been chaotic," said Kimber.
"I know but let's be cordial. It's been such a lovely day. Let's not ruin it with any negativity," said Jerrica.
Kimber smiled at her sister as she shook her head in agreement. Both sisters were actually happy that Pizzazz didn't show up at the party because lately Pizzazz has stirred up a lot of drama that lead to bad press for not only the Holograms but for everyone else too. She was still infatuated with Riot and did or said anything in the press that would make everyone think that they were a couple. She did anything to garner publicity for not only herself but for her group. Luckily he and Eric arranged for them to go on a world tour to support their last album and to also create buzz for the next. It was a strategic move on Riot's part so that he could continue to pursue his relationship with Jerrica without her knowledge.
As everyone gathered to wish Stormer, Roxy and Jetta a good trip other guest started to leave as well. During all the goodbyes, Jerrica tried her best not to look in Riot's direction as he also tried to do the same but both of them knew that they couldn't resist sneaking a glimpse of each other. As everyone left, all the Holograms wondered about their friend's demeanor because she was acting very reserved especially around Riot. They noticed that every time he would come around her, she would avoid giving him any eye contact and the fact that she was acting very nervous around him had the wheels in their brains turning.
"What's that matter with Jerrica?" Raya asked.
"I don't know but she is acting really strange around Riot. I don't know why but you would think that he has some sort of plague or something," replied Aja. "I think something is up with those two. Ever since his mother recovered and her announcement she seems to have a slight infatuation for him. Either they have something going on or something is about to start."
"I think something has already started," said Shana. "When I found her in the study, I walked down to the kitchen for another bottle of soda and when I came back I saw Riot exiting the room shortly after her. You best believe something is up."
"What?!" they all exclaimed.
"Are you serious?" asked Kimber. "Wow, that's outrageous! I didn't think my sister had it in her."
"Kimber!" shouted Raya. "You know hasn't resolved the situation with Rio. She needs find out where they stand before moving on to Riot."
"Please! Those two haven't been on the same page in over a year," she said. "Plus, we haven't heard from Rio in weeks and I think my sister and Riot make quite a cute couple. She has every right to move on."
"Shhh, keep it down you two. I don't want her to hear us," whispered Aja. "Once everyone leaves we'll all sit down and ask her what's really going on, okay."
Everyone nodded in unison as they looked over at the pair. Riot seemed puzzled at her actions as she seemed uncomfortable being around him.
"Yep, something definitely is going on with those two?" Aja thought.
Confrontation
Later that evening after cleaning up the party, Aja took Jerrica aside and told her to meet up with the girls in the living room. She looked puzzled but agreed. After she finished her shower, she put on some pajamas and met up with her friends in the living room. She had no idea what they wanted to talk about but in the back of her mind she knew that it probably had something to do with Riot. When she entered the room, they all had interrogating looks on their faces.
"So what is this all about?" asked Jerrica as she took a seat on the sofa.
"What is going on between you and Riot?" asked Aja.
"Yeah, sis. You were acting really strange around him. What gives?" asked Kimber.
"Nothing is going on between us!" said a baffled Jerrica.
"J, I saw him come out of the study behind you earlier today." Shana replied.
"And then you acting like you didn't want him anywhere near you for the rest of the party," said Raya. "Did he say or do something to you?"
"Guys, you have it all wrong. Riot was only thanking me for inviting him to the party, that's all." explained Jerrica.
"Is that all, J?" both Aja and Shana said in unison.
"YES…What?! A confused Jerrica yelled as she saw the looks on their faces.
"Oh no ma'am, something is going on, spill it." snapped Kimber. "Or we'll go to the other source."
"Ok, fine," Jerrica relented. "Riot thanked me for the invite, we talked and then we…kissed. That is all."
"That's all? Are you sure of that because your body language said different afterward that it even had him looking all confused." said Aja. "So is that really it…I mean did anything else happen."
"Yesss!" she bellowed. "Listen, I might as well confess, Riot and I have been seeing each other for while now and that is why I didn't want you guys to know what really happened in the study between us. I was trying to keep this quiet for while. At least until we were exclusive," she explained.
"Oh, look at you. So we guessed right, you do have feelings for him," teased Raya.
"I will admit that I have intense feelings for Riot and I've fallen for him in the worse way. I think about him all the time and we really got close when his mother was sick. When we were in the study earlier, we just got caught up in the moment and…"
"You're in love with him aren't you?" Shana interjected.
"I don't know. Maybe, but then there is Rio. The man that has been by my side for years, but over the last year our relationship hasn't been the same since my coming out as Jem. The last time we talked, he said that he wanted to take a break and that he needed his space, whatever that means." said Jerrica.
Jerrica, you and Rio were having problems even before Riot came into the picture. It's not surprising that you two broke up. But on a lighter note, I will say that Riot is very handsome so take your time with this one. He is known to be a playboy." said Shana as she hugged her friend.
"She's right," explained Aja. "We all knew that you and Rio were having problems but we also knew that your bonding with Riot would lead to this. We just don't want to see you get your heartbroken. Like Shana just mentioned, you know how Riot is."
"That's just it, he's not like that. He's sweet and caring. I guess in a way, I am just smitten," said Jerrica. "He was there for me when I made the announcement about my identity and he understood why I did it. But don't worry he has no idea about Synergy."
"Well that's good." replied Raya. "But just be careful with him. As charming as he is, make sure he is not using you for his own agenda."
"Look you guys, I know that you are all concerned about me starting up something with Riot but just know that I have everything under control. He is a good man and I enjoy being with him. He doesn't have a temper like Rio and we enjoy each other's company," she gushed. "Besides, he has a lot going for him not to mention I like sitting courtside at all the Lakers games."
"I know that's real!" Shana said as they all laughed.
"I think we should all get some sleep. We have a lot to do in the morning." explained Jerrica. "Like putting the finishing touches on our greatest hits album before we go on tour and getting ready for the Countess's annual Midsummer's Night's ball in a couple of weeks since we are the honorees this year."
"Just know that we have your back, J." replied Shana as she yawned.
"Yeah sis, we just want you to be happy but please be careful." a cheerful Kimber replied.
"Well, just know that if you need someone to talk to we're here for you, okay." replied Aja.
"We'll always be here for you." said Raya.
"Thanks guys!" said Jerrica.
They all hugged and went to bed.
Exposed
The next morning, Jerrica awoke a little later than usual. After her talk with the girls last night, she was up for a while thinking about what happened between her and Riot. Then there was Rio, still not a word from him since the last time they spoke. For all she knew, he is probably driving cross-country somewhere in his Denali trying to sort out his feelings.
She then got out of bed, showered and dressed in a pair True Religion jeans, a Juicy Couture white halter blouse and a pair of brown Coach Signature wedges along with a white trimmed Couch bag. She then got into her Range and headed over to meet her sister and friends since had all left for Starlight Music already.
Meanwhile at Stingers Sound, Riot sat in his office deep in thought. "Why was she avoiding me, yesterday," he thought. "We had this amazing connection and then she…just became cold. I know that she feels the same way for me as I do for her but maybe she has changed her mind. Whatever it is I have to find out what's going."
"Riot…earth to Riot," exclaimed Minx loudly. "What has you so deep in thought? Could it be a certain blonde?"
"Or is it just that time of the month," laughed Rapture as the two women walked into the office of their lead singer.
"Ladies, good morning! Are we ready for the session?" asked Riot.
"Yes!" they both said in unison.
"But first answer the question. Were you not just thinking of Jerrica a minute ago? I swear you have been infatuated with her ever since her announcement and now it seems to be turning into a slight case of obsession. I am starting to worry about you dear heart." said Minx.
"What is really going on between you two?" asked Rapture.
"Minx, Rapture, I love you two dearly, but this discussion about Jerrica is over," Riot said bluntly. "We need to get into the studio and finish working on our next album. Remember we are on deadline and I want this finished in the next couple of weeks."
"We didn't mean to pry," said Minx.
"Yeah, we are just worried about you," explained Rapture. "We just hate that this is eating you up and we think that you should discuss whatever it is that you feel for her. We both know that you care for her."
"I appreciate the concern but um…I got this!" he answered. "So Minx, have you heard from Pacheco? Haven't seen or heard from him in a while."
Minx smiled. "I haven't seen him in a while but we do talk on the phone almost every day. He should be back in a day or two."
"Does he plan on seeing Jerrica when he returns?" he asked. "I know that he hasn't spoken with her since he left."
"I don't know Riot. Maybe he will or won't but right now we have a tight relationship and hopefully we'll be together when he comes back." Minx snapped. "Now enough about me, what about you and Jerrica? What's the story there?"
Riot not one to kiss and tell stood up and leaned on the desk. "I may fill you two in on that at a later date but right know I need you both to get ready for the session," said Riot. "Got some hot producers, like Brian Michael Cox working with us, so let's not keep them waiting?"
"Alright!" they said together. As the ladies walked out of the office, Riot turned around and looked out the window. His thoughts again were of Jerrica and the intimate moments that they've shared. He knew that Minx and Rapture were right about his feelings; he just couldn't talk about it with them. He picked up the phone and called over to Starlight Music asking to speak to Jerrica. Once he was transferred he heard a sweet voice on the other end.
"Hello, this is Jerrica."
"Jerrica, how are you?" he asked.
"Riot, I'm fine. What do I owe the pleasure of this call?" she teased.
"Can you meet me for lunch at the Ivy today, say around 1?" he asked.
"Yes, I can meet you. I'll see you there!" Jerrica exclaimed as she hung up.
Riot looked down at the phone and smiled as he placed the phone on the receiver. "Riot, you got it bad for her," he thought as he gathered himself together and left for the session and over at Starlight Music, Jerrica was thinking the same thing, "You've got it bad for him girlfriend," shethought. "God, why does he make me feel like this."
With that being said, she got herself together and then met up with the Holograms for their session.
Around 12:30, the session ended and each girl left to work on other projects for the day. Jerrica went back to her office quickly to care of some paper work and left for the restaurant. When she arrived, she noticed Riot's Navigator was parked in the valet section as she was getting out. Of course the paparazzi were there also taking pictures of her as she walked in. As always, she was nice and polite as the Ivy staff led her through the entrance and to the table where Riot was there waiting for her.
"You look great, Jerrica!" he said as he greeted her. "I'm happy that you could get away."
"Me too. I couldn't wait to see you," she said as she sat down. "I have been so busy with paperwork as well as trying to get our greatest hits album ready. Then dealing with all the new artists on the label, I'm just up to limit right now."
"I know the feeling." he said. "I'm just really happy that you could make it."
The two engaged in some small talk about their upcoming projects while the waiter came to take there drink and lunch order. When they were finished and he was out of sight the conversation continued.
"Jerrica, I asked you to lunch because I wanted to know why I was getting the cold shoulder from you at the party?" asked Riot. "What did I do?"
"I wanted apologize for that." explained Jerrica. "I didn't want to have all eyes on us at the party because it would have taken away from what it was really for. I know that it was kinda cold and that is not in my nature. Plus, at the time I hadn't told my friends about us seeing each other. Yet they figured it out and now they know. So do you forgive me?" she asked as she looked tenderly at him.
"Yes." he replied. As he leaned in for a kiss, she backed away from him.
"Jerrica, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Riot, I just told you that my friends know about us but what I want to know is are we going to take the next step and make it official that we are a couple. I mean you are known for being a player." she said with a stern look on her face.
"Jerrica, you are everything that I want in a woman. Smart, beautiful and funny, I could go on but I won't because the truth of the matter is that I am falling for you," he said softly to her.
"I want to find my perfect match and eventually settle down. I thought it was obvious by my actions at the party and all of the other times that we've been together that you're the one that I want. And as far as me being a player, those days are over."
Jerrica felt her face turn red. "I guess I didn't pick up on the fact that we were…well a couple until the party," she said. "I guess we are officially together then, Mr. Llewellyn." She then pulled him close to her as they shared a kiss that was soon interrupted by a swarm of paparazzi that flooded the room they were in. Both blinded by the flashing lights going off in their faces as well as the constant questions of were they finally a couple and will there be a wedding, etc.
"What the hell is going on?" yelled Riot. "Where is security? How did you all get in here?"
Jerrica managed to grab her purse and quickly made her way out the door.
"Jerrica wait!" he yelled as he tried to follow her but it was impossible with all the chaos that ensued.
"Get out of my way!" grunted Riot. As he made his way outside, he noticed her getting into her truck. She gave him a sly grin and then sped away from the restaurant. Riot's face looked puzzled at first until he received a text on his phone to meet her at home. The valet then brought his Navigator over to him. He tipped the man and then drove off heading over to Starlight Mansion.