Listen to your DayDreams

Chapter 1 Staying at the Palm Woods

James' POV

"What if she's not coming?"

"I'm sure someone would have told us by now if she wasn't coming."

"But, what if she checks into some other hotel to avoid me? That's what I would do, and she has mom's credit card..."

"James! Would you listen to yourself? I'm fairly positive she will come here. Kelly went to the airport personally to pick her up, remember?"

I hate it when Kendall's right. I stopped pacing around the Palm Woods lobby and looked at my three best friends. How could they be so calm? Well, I suppose it wasn't like their bratty know-it-all little sister was coming into town. Kendall's bratty know-it-all little sister actually lived here with us, Logan doesn't have any sisters, just three brothers and Carlos talked to his sister almost every day. I hadn't spoken to Star in nearly a year. And I didn't want to. It'd been so long since I had talked to or about her that when my mom called and asked if Star could stay with us for a month while our parents went away on business, it actually took me a few moments to remember who she was. When I did remember my first answer was "no way, no how". But, well, look you haven't met my mom! She can be very stubborn. I was about to begin pacing again when I heard someone ringing the bell and getting pretty impatient I might add.

It was her. She had changed drastically, but in a good way. I feel kind of sick saying this but, my little sister... got hot. She was positively gorgeous. Her once short cropped hair now fell halfway down her back in layers. It was still the same red I remembered only darker. She was once short and stout but now she was tall (well slightly under Logan's height but taller) and extremely thin but not scary anorexic thin. She was wearing a green flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and black skinny jeans with pink and white Nike high-tops. Bitters still hadn't appeared behind the desk but Star didn't seem to care. She'd gotten into a rhythm bopping her head to the beat and tapping her foot. I went to approach her when the very fat and aptly named building manager rose up from behind the desk. Star jumped back, surprised, and unwillingly let out a strangled shriek of surprise and slight repulsion.

"What can I do for you?"

I could almost see Star deciding she didn't like the irritating man.

"Star Diamond, someone from Rocque Records booked a room for me?"

"Oh yes. You'll be staying in room 2K." He reached his hand holding the key over to her and then suddenly snatching it back before she had a chance to take it from him. "Wait, are you staying here alone?"

She nodded, evidently curious as to why he needed to know this information. I, as her older brother, was also curious. Bitters gave me the creeps and Star had enough to deal with.

"I'm very sorry but I can't let a minor stay here alone. Go somewhere else."

The way he said it made it very apparent to both of us that he wasn't sorry in the slightest. Star sighed and very quickly as if the words were burning her tongue said;

"I'm not alone. My brother's already staying here. His name is James, James Diamond, of Big Time Rush."

"Well..." He obviously didn't believe her. "Whatever, here's your room key. Have a Palm Woods day."

"Don't tell me what to do." She snapped turning away from him, effectively ending the painful conversation.

Now I could see her properly she looked absolutely elated she didn't have to talk to the annoying little man anymore. (Whoa, elated? I've been spending way to much time with the living dictionary that is Logan Mitchell) She scanned the lobby her eyes passing over me before snapping back on the double take. I couldn't help myself. I started to feel, like, a degree of affection towards her. So, I went and gave her a hug. She seemed awkward at first but finally hugged me back.

"You're here! You came!" I whispered into her hair. She chuckled at that and pulled back slightly so I could see her.

"Of course, I came! I couldn't just leave my big brother to make trouble for himself without me, now could I? That's my job!"

I laughed and let her go. I looked her up and down, noticing all the tiny changes in her. She was, as I said, taller and thinner but also paler, which I hadn't thought that was possible. Her eyes were the same hazel green I remembered from when I last saw her. There was no denying it. My sister had changed from pudgy computer geek to drop-dead gorgeous supermodel. I was about to comment on that when I heard Carlos call for me.

"James, where did you...Star!"

Kendall, Carlos and Logan ran up to her and gave her a huge group hug. You know the kind that makes your eyes pop out and your breathing actually hurt? Yeah, that kind.

"Uh, guys? I missed you too and all that but, I think I'll miss the ability to breath, way more."

They quickly let go, mumbling apologies and looking rightfully sheepish. She gave them a quick look over. I could easily guess what she was thinking. There was Carlos, still smiling, his helmet perched on his head. Star smiled, probably thinking of the messes we've gotten into because of that helmet. Kendall, always the leader with the stupid hair (I have offered him my lucky comb but he refuses) and the bright ideas. She stopped at Logan. For a while I couldn't tell what she was thinking then I saw that all too familiar look on both of their faces. I groaned inwardly. Great my little sister likes my best friend and not only does he seem to like her back but he has a girlfriend. Just my luck. I turned my back on them and bent to pick up her suitcases. And failed. Damn those things were heavy.

"Having trouble there, oh strong and mighty big brother of mine?"

"You know, sarcasm doesn't look good on anyone."

"Except for me! Seriously though do you need some help?"

"What did you put in these bags, rocks?"

"They're called books James. You know, for reading?"

Logan leaned his head over her shoulder. "Books?" he asked. Star nodded. He walked around her picked up all three of her bags with ease (wait, three? She was only staying till Tuesday!).

"Shall we mi'lady?" he asked doing his posh accent. She laughed and started to walk with him towards the elevators with him.

"We shall, kind sir." Star stopped when she realised we weren't following. We were all looking at Logan in disbelief. "What's wrong, boys? Cat got your tongue?"

Carlos was the first to break the silence. "Dude, if James couldn't carry those bags, how come you're able to?"

"I guess, I'm just used to carrying a bunch of heavy books around." Kendall, Carlos and I looked at each other, shrugged and walked to the elevators with them.

And that was the beginning of Star Diamond's stay at the Palm Woods.