WOOHOO! SEQUEL TIME! Sorry, just drank like 15 Diet Cokes in a row. Anyways, I know this took awhile but I just graduated from 8th grade and I've been having to go to event after event after freaking event. And I'm gonna be busy a lot this summer so I'm committing myself to this story and a new one I'm trying to start, so this means I deleted Unforgettable and We're Going To LA. I had extreme writer's block on them and they didn't seem to be going anywhere for me. But this story, I have tons and tons of ideas for (you've seen the preview). So we will have a few new characters, some we're in the preview, a few weren't and they'll all be coming in at different times. And I'm kinda having it set up in episode formattish with Nikki giving voice overs in the beginning of each chapter but she's also giving ones in the end. Oh, and this is really long for a chapter, but I needed to fit a lot into this one.
Regular italics is Nikki's thoughts/voice over and bold italics are songs.
So here it is the sequel to Second Chance, Change Your Mind.
Make You Smile is a song by +44
Nikki was strumming her guitar on the roof of G Major.
I'm pretty sure perfection is achievable, because this past week has been it. My parents got engaged, my album is OFFICIALLY finished and approved by my new boss. And last but not least my birthday is in a week. So, when my life seems like it can't get any better what exactly do you say when people ask that simple question: What do you want for your birthday?
Aaron walked over to her.
"Hey," he said. "Writing something new for the big day?"
"What big day?" Nikki asked. "The parents' wedding or my birthday?"
"Birthday," he smiled. "So what do you want?"
And there goes that question.
Nikki shrugged.
"Come on," Aaron nudged her. "There's gotta be something you want."
You.
"Everything in my life is normal for once. Besides the I'm about to be famous thing. I'm happy and nothing is going insane. I don't want anything."
He looked at her with a smirk. She kept a straight and serious face. "Liar!"
"I'm serious!" She laughed. "You know how it's been for me for the past couple months. Crazy, hectic, aka hell."
People need to understand. There is no way you can get me the perfect birthday present.
"Oh," Aaron changed the subject. "Sadie said some kid was here to see you. Zeke?"
Nikki's face lit up. "Zach?"
He shrugged. "I don't know, maybe. He's in the lobby right..."
Nikki squealed and got up and ran back down the stairs into G Major.
"Now," Aaron finished.
Nikki bolted into the lobby and looked around.
Finding me the perfect birthday present, the thing I want most, is impossible for everyone.
"Hey Harrison," someone said from behind.
Everyone but Zach.
"Long time no see, Trenton," Nikki said and ran over to him and gave him a hug.
"Okay," Jude said as she flipped the page of a bridal magazine while pacing Studio A. "How about roses?"
Tommy winced. "Why am I being tortured by wedding plans?"
"You're the one who asked me honey, therefore you deal with my wrath," Jude flipped another page. "Oh, we could have it outdoors."
He hit his head against the soundboard. "We're supposed to be working. We could get fired."
"Our boss is my sister, she won't fire us."
"Yes she will," Sadie said from the door.
Tommy pointed at Jude. "She's not working."
Sadie glared at Jude. Jude pointed back at Tommy. "He's not participating in wedding plans!"
"God, you two are made for each other, you three year olds!" Sadie said. "Tommy, help Jude with wedding plans."
"But-" he began Sadie ignored him.
"And Jude, get working."
"But-" Jude began but got the same reaction as Tommy.
"Now if you'll excuse me I need to go," she said and walked out.
"I remember why I broke up with her now," he said.
"Because she can be a control freak on PMS?" Jude suggested.
"That and I was in love with her sister," he smiled at Jude.
"Aw," she said and walked over and kissed him. "Now wedding plans..." she saw the pain on his face. She sighed. "We'll deal with later. Today we'll record."
"Amen," he said. "Anything to record?"
"Not really," Jude said.
"We have something," Nikki said from the doorway. She and Zach walked in.
"Is that you?" Jude asked and rubbed his head. "When'd you get here?"
"Just now."
"Zachary, You grew up so much!"
"Jude I hate that name, call me Zach," he complained.
"Fine," Jude said.
"Dad, this is Zach he's one of my best friends."
"Hey," Zach waved.
Tommy nodded. "So what's this about a song?"
"I'm here on tour but I have a song for my next album and I want Nik to sing it with me. She told me you produced so..."
Tommy sighed. "Get in the booth."
Nikki and Zach handed him a disk and started to get in place.
"I'm not sure if I like this kid," Tommy said.
"He's had a rough time," Jude said. "And he's trying to live up his bad boy rep, which I remember someone else doing when they were seventeen." She smirked at Tommy.
"Yes," Tommy said. "But I didn't look like him." He looked again at his ripped jeans, beaten up t-shirt, ad very punked out look.
"No," Jude smiled. "You wore a white jumpsuit with a matching headband."
"I think you've reached your BoyzAttack joke quota today," he laughed. He looked at Nikki and Zach and pressed the intercom button. "You ready?"
They both nodded.
"Wait Nikki, if Zach just got here, then how do you know the song?" Tommy asked.
"He sent me the lyrics and music a few weeks ago on email. But he surprised me today, so I thought hey, perfect time to record."
Tommy shrugged and played the music.
Zach waited a few seconds for the music to speed up before he started singing. The last time I saw you, you turned away
Nikki jumped into the next line, as they started switching off. I couldn't see you with the sun shining in my eyes
I said "Hello" but you kept on walking
I'm going deaf from the sound of the freeway
The last time I saw you, you turned away
I couldn't hear with your voice ringing in my ears
Do you remember where we used to sleep at night?
I couldn't feel you, you're always so far away
Nikki smiled over at Zach as the music played. He smiled at her before singing his line.
The first time I saw you, you turned away
Nikki sang her part. I couldn't see you with the smoke getting in my eyes
I said "Hello" but you kept on walking
She put her hands on her headphones. I'm going deaf from the sound of the DJ
The first time I saw you, you turned away
I couldn't hear with the noise ringing in my ears
Do you remember where we used to sleep at night?
I couldn't feel you, you're always so far away
They both started singing together.
I don't, don't wanna take you home
Please don't, don't make me sleep alone
If I could, I'd only want to make you smile
If you were to stay with me a while
They listened as the music slowed down.
Zach sang his two lines. The next time I see you, you'll turn away
I'll say "Hello" but you'll keep on walking
Nikki came in with her line. The next time you see me, I'll turn away
Zach quickly jumped into his line. Do you remember where we used to sleep at night?
I couldn't feel you, you're always so far away
They both sang the next chorus.
I don't, don't wanna take you home
Please don't, don't make me sleep alone
If I could, I'd only want to make you smile
If you were to stay with me a while
The music sped up as they went into the last chorus.
I don't, don't wanna take you home
Please don't, don't make me sleep alone
If I could, I'd only want to make you smile
If you were to stay with me a while
The music faded out and when it was completely over Nikki and Zach took off the headphones.
"Good, for now," Tommy said. "I'll listen to it over and then maybe a few more takes."
They nodded and walked out towards the kitchen. Nikki grabbed them each a water bottle.
"Good song," she said.
"Thanks," Zach said. Diane and Jim walked over to them.
"Hey," Diane said.
"Zach, this is Diane and Jim," Nikki introduced, "My two best friends." He looked at her. She smirked and added, "Besides you."
"Yeah Nikki told me a little bit about you," Diane said. "You've been in London?"
"Yeah, I've been doing a bit of touring there," he said. "But it's mostly been small arenas, nothing like you guys will see."
"What do you mean?" Jim asked.
"With Nikki, you guys are going to have sold out stadiums everywhere," Zach said. He looked a Nikki who gave him a disbelieving look. "What, you know you're gonna be big. You're album isn't even released yet and you've already been in tabloids, magazines, and oh yeah, TRL."
"Shut up," Nikki laughed.
"Well Nikki won't let fame get to her head," someone said from behind. They all turned to face Aaron.
"And you are?" Zach asked.
"Zach, this is my friend and guitarist Aaron," Nikki said. "Aaron, this is Zach. He's one of my best friends."
Aaron nodded to him.
"And what do you mean Nikki won't let fame get to her head?" Zach asked.
"Nik's a down to earth kind of girl, won't get into trouble, stay true to herself," Aaron explained.
"You mean she won't have any fun," Zach said.
"Well she seems to be happy now," Aaron said.
"Or maybe she's faking it just to please the little people here."
"Or maybe she'd like you to stop talking about her like she's not in the room!" Nikki added and crossed her arms. Both boys looked at her a bit embarrassed. "I've got to go to a dress fitting. Zach why don't you go see if my dad needs help on the song?"
Zach directed his gaze towards Aaron. "Or I could-"
"Zach," Nikki warned.
"...go see how the song's coming." Zach walked to the studio and Nikki went to the dressing rooms. As soon as they were both out of sight, Diane hit Aaron in the back of the head.
"Ow!" Aaron said and rubbed the spot Diane hit. "That hurt."
"You deserved it," Diane said. Aaron looked at her a bit confused. "You're getting jealous of her best friend. Do you know how pathetic that is?"
"I'm not jealous," Aaron said.
"Aaron, give it up. We know you like her," Jim said.
"Do not," Aaron said.
"I could go all third grade on your ass and say 'do too', but let's face the facts," Diane said and started counting all the reasons on her fingers. "You get jealous at the drop of a hat if Nikki's hanging with another guy, you try and spend as much time with her as possible, you're always encouraging her and let's not forget the lovesick puppy look."
Aaron laughed. "Lovesick puppy look?"
"She means this," Jim said he softened his eyes and gave a small smile.
"That's the love sick puppy look," Diane said. "Look I'm all for you and Nikki dating, but you've got to realize, she's not going to wait around forever. Next week she turns fifteen and will officially be a popstar with the fame and the paparazzi. I know you said she'll be down to earth, and we all believe you, but you might want to make a move before some movie star does." Diane walked towards the dressing room.
"And then they go at it, fighting over me like I'm not even there," Nikki said coming out of the small changing room to where all the clothing was. "It was like I wasn't even a person!"
"Wow," Sadie said. "Turn."
Nikki sighed and slowly spun in the hot pink strapless dress. It had a puffed out skirt that went to her feet.
"Next one," Sadie said. Nikki walked back into the changing room.
"What gives them the right to do that?" Nikki said. She then came out in a lime green evening gown with dark green sequins on the bottom. "I didn't!"
"Eh," Diane shudder when she saw the dress.
"That bad?" Sadie asked. She nodded.
"Next," they both said. Nikki went back again.
"And what do they mean, I won't let fame get to my head? Who do I look like? Eden?" A few seconds later she came out in a low cut black dress that looked so tight on her, it could have been saran wrap. "All guys suck!"
"Gee, thanks," Kwest said coming into the room. "Sadie, you really think Tommy will let her wear that out of the house?"
"You're right," Sadie said. "Next."
"How many dresses have you tried on?" Diane asked.
"Twenty four," Nikki said and changed again. "Okay I like this one."
"Let me see," Sadie said. Nikki came out in a spaghetti strap dark blue satin dress. It had silverly sparkless towards the bottom and hit right below her knees. It hugged every part of her body perfectly.
"That's the dress," Diane said.
Sadie looked at her niece, who was now all grown up. "That's the dress."
A week had passed and Nikki tried her best to avoid both Zach and Aaron, the only time she spoke to Zach was when they had to record the song again, and the only time she spoke to Aaron was during rehearsals or upcoming events he needed to know about.
Jude walked into Nikki's room where she and Diane were sleeping.
"Good morning girls," Jude said. "Come on, birthday girl, wake up."
The girls slowly awoke.
"Breakfast is almost ready and we have a surprise for you," Jude said. "And Nikki, we found this on the porch this morning." Jude handed her a small box.
"What?" Nikki said sleepily, but her mom had already left the room.
"Open it," Diane said.
Nikki opened it and saw a small silver bracelet. She pulled it out. She then picked up the note in the bottom of the small box. "Nikki, I'm sorry about what I said last week. I was out of line and I basically insulted you entire way of life. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to miss your birthday, another act in Quebec cancelled, and they want me to fill in. By the time you read this, I'll already be there. Happy birthday to the best friend I've ever had. Love, Zach," Nikki said.
"Nikki..." Diane began.
"No," Nikki said. "It's fine. I'm fine. It's my birthday, so we're gonna party like it's my birthday."
"Shut up, 50 Cent," Diane laughed.
"I can't believe he just left a package on the front steps, he could've called," Jude said. She was in the kitchen reading a magazine as Tommy made breakfast.
"Guys at that age suck," Tommy said. "Trust me I know."
"Well I just hope this won't bring Nikki down," Jude said.
"Jude, it's her birthday, she's finally fulfilling her dream and releasing an album, and after the gift we got her, it'd be hard to be depressed," he said.
"True," Jude said. She flipped the page in her bridal magazine. "So what about centerpieces?"
"Excuse me, but this day is all about me," Nikki said as she and Diane entered the room. "No wedding planning allowed."
"Amen," Tommy said. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you," Nikki and Diane sat at the stools at the counter. Tommy gave them their breakfast.
"'Smore pancakes?" Diane said looked at the pancake filled with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
"It's my favorite," Nikki said.
"And extremely unhealthy," Jude added.
"Hey, you're only fifteen once," Nikki took a bite of her pancake. "So what'd you get me?"
Jude and Tommy chuckled.
"Who says we got you anything?" Tommy asked.
"Because you looooooooooove me," Nikki said. Tommy shook his head as he walked out of the room. Nikki turned to Jude. "Come on, what is it? Jewelry? Shopping spree? A car?"
"You're not old enough to drive," Jude said.
"A chauffeured car?" Nikki threw out.
"Happy birthday," Tommy came in with a Boxer puppy with a yellow ribbon around it's neck.
"You got me a puppy?" Nikki asked getting up. Tommy put the dog on the floor.
"She's nine weeks old, and we already had her trained," Jude said. "You're dad said that it was a requirement."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Nikki said as she scratched the dog's neck. Diane crouched on the floor with her.
"She's so cute," Diane said petting the dog. "What are you naming her?"
"Hmm," Nikki looked at the dog. "Callie."
"Now Nikki, your mom and I will help out a little bit, but it's going to be mostly your responsibility."
"Got it," Nikki said. Callie licked her face. Nikki laughed
At the hotel ballroom, Sadie was making sure things were running smoothly.
"Alright move this table over here," Sadie directed. "And make sure there's enough room on the dance floor." She looked around. "We need better lighting in here!"
"Sadie?" Kwest said.
"Hey Kwest," Sadie sighed.
"Having a difficult time?" he asked.
"Don't even ask," she chuckled. Her cell phone rang and she picked it up. "Hello? What do you mean he's double booked? Do you know who this is for? I don't care if it's his sister's wedding, I hired him. Fine!" She hung up and looked at Kwest. "The DJ canceled. They're refunding the check, but we can't find anyone else this short notice."
"I'll do it," Kwest said.
"You will?" Sadie smiled.
"Yeah," he said. "You have a playlist?"
"I had one of the secretaries send it over to the DJ, and it's the only copy," Sadie said.
"Okay, so Nikki's album, mixed in with a few party songs, a few slow songs, a few by Nik's favorite bands. And then I'll put on Jude's latest single maybe a few hits from SME, and throw in a BoyzAttack song just to tick Tom off."
"Kwest, you're a lifesaver," Sadie said and kissed his cheek.
"I know," he smiled. "I'll start getting set up."
Sadie nodded then turned back to the workers. "I said we needed better lighting!"
Going into the party was like a red carpet event, paparazzi was stationed outside and there was a bouncer at the door.
Nikki was getting ready in her hotel room. She placed a blue flower that matched her dress just above her left ear into her wavy hair.
"People are starting to get here," Tommy said.
"Oh," Nikki said.
"You're nervous," he said.
"Am not," she said. Tommy looked at her hand.
"You always drum your fingers when you're nervous," he smiled. Nikki looked at her hand and placed it in her lap.
"There's no turning back, when I go down there, my album's officially out there," she said.
"Pretty cool we got it released a month and a half earlier," Tommy said.
"Dad," Nikki said. "Be honest. You really think I can make it as a singer?"
"I think you already have," Tommy said and handed her her own album. Nikki looked down at it. It was a picture of her face with natural looking make-up on. Her hair was straightened in the picture but blown everywhere from fans. She flipped to the back, and was happier with that picture. The track list was over a picture of her and the band sticking their heads out of the limo they had in New York. They were all making goofy faces, and it was taken with Diane's digital camera. "You've already proven that you have the talent," Tommy began. "All you need to do is prove that you have the guts."
"So you're saying go down there and release my album?" Nikki said.
"That and maybe tell a certain guitarist how you feel," Tommy said.
"You know I'm really starting to get annoyed with your dad pyschology."
"Just doing my job," he smiled. Nikki put the finishing touches on her make up. "Alright, I'm ready."
Tommy held out his arm which Nikki took.
"Here to introduce our guest of honor, is Jude Harrison," Kwest said and the room burst into applause.
"Tonight is the birthday of a very special girl. And over the past fifteen years a few of us have gotten to know her as the pain in the butt, annoying, smart alec," Jude sighed. "Talented, beautifully, smart, and most amazing little girl. But she's not so little anymore," Jude tried to fight back tears. "She's grown up, and I'm honored not only to watch her grow up, but to be her mother. So please, help me welcome my daughter... Nikki Harrison-Quincy!"
Out of My Heart started to play as a spotlight shone on Nikki and Tommy as they walked down the stairs into the room. Everyone applauded.
"Woooo!" Jim yelled.
Diane whistled and clapped.
Aaron smiled and clapped as he looked at Nikki.
Tommy and Nikki finally got to the stage. Kwest handed her a microphone.
"Alright, wow," she said as applause died down. "Well I just want to thank you all for coming out here tonight, for supporting me with the release of my album and my birthday, it means a lot. And I'd just like everyone to give it up for the DJ tonight, Kwest," Nikki let everyone cheer. "Who we got at the last minute but is doing it because he loves me so much... and because I paid him," every gave a small laugh. "So, let's party!" She gave the microphone back to Kwest and saw Diane and Jim standing right in front of the stage. She crouched down a little bit so they could grab her arms and pull her down without letting her fall.
"So you ready to rock?" Diane asked.
"As long as you guys are ready to roll," Nikki smiled.
"That was a really bad pun," Jim said. "But better than anything I could have said."
Nikki laughed as she made her way to the center of the dance floor and started dancing. She'd occasionally glance at Aaron who was sitting at a table, but she was too busy talking to everyone who came over to her.
An hour later, Jude and Sadie got up on stage. Sadie took a microphone.
"Now we know this night is supposed to be about Nikki," Sadie said. "But I'm considering this as a birthday present."
"Here's a little dance to show our appreciation for Nikki's father, G Major's Vice President, Tom Quincy," Jude smiled. Tommy looked at the two sisters on stage with confusion. "Hit it Kwest," Jude smirked. 'Picked Up the Pieces' came on and Jude and Sadie did the entire BoyzAttack dance to it. When they finished everyone clapped. Jude ran off stage and over to Tommy.
"So?" She asked.
"This revenge for not helping with wedding plans?" He asked.
She shrugged. "Maybe..."
"Because it was pretty good," he said.
"Really," Jude said putting her arms around him. "You think the Prank King has some competition?"
He kissed her softly. "Not a chance."
"Alright, it's time for the birthday girl to perform her first single. Everyone Nikki Harrison-Quincy with 'Change Your Mind'," Kwest introduced and looked to the band beside him. Aaron started playing. Nikki walked out from behind and started singing. She nailed the entire song and everyone gave a standing ovation for her.
"Thank you," she said when she finished. Speed and Kyle then carried a large cake on stage. They started the song.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Nikki
Happy birthday to you
Guess it's time for that birthday wish.
Nikki looked around the room and saw everyone's expectant faces.
Screw the wish, I just want my cake.
She blew out the candles and everyone clapped. Nikki looked around at everyone and smiled.
The bracelet was beautiful, I love my new dog, SME bought me a laptop, Sadie gave me earrings, Diane and Jim got me a $75 Starbucks Card, and although Mom and Dad and Diane and Jim came pretty close, no one managed to get me the perfect birthday present. Not even Zach.
A slow song was playing as Tommy and Jude danced with each other.
"I've decided to help plan the wedding," Tommy smiled.
"Really?" Jude smiled. He nodded and kissed her.
"And I've decided to help by setting the date," he said.
"And when's that?" Jude smiled as he spun her.
"April 16th," he said as she spun back into him.
"What?" She said. "You do realize that's in a month."
He pondered it. "Yeah that sounds about right."
"But... why?"
"I've waited over 15 years to marry you Jude Harrison. I want it to happen soon, and give you time to plan it, so a month seemed about right."
"But what about invitations?" she asked.
"Former boybander, producer, and record label VP marries Instant Star, popstar daughter in attendance," tommy said. "Sounds like the wedding of the year people will try and get into to."
"You never cease to amaze me Quincy," Jude sighed.
"What can you expect, Mrs. Quincy," he smiled.
"I like the sound of that," she leaned in.
"Me too," he kissed her.
Jim and Diane were slow dancing and he stepped on her feet, she retaliated by kicking him.
Nikki laughed watching her two friends as she danced with Wally.
"May I cut it?" Aaron asked. Wally shrugged and walked back to the rest of SME.
Nikki started to dance with Aaron. "I'm not mad at you, I was, but I'm not anymore."
"Okay," Aaron said.
"It's just, I wanted you guys to get along with Zach, but then you guys fought," Nikki said.
"Sorry," Aaron said.
"It's okay," Nikki said. "It's funny, if I had known any better I would have called you jealous."
"Me? Jealous?" Aaron laughed. "Nah."
"Sorry, stupid me not thinking before I speak," Nikki said and glanced away.
"You're not stupid," Aaron said. "You're smarter than most girls I know, one of the most talented people I've met, and probably one of the most beautiful girls I've ever known."
"Really?" Nikki said.
"Really," Aaron said. He then smirked. "You know, I never gave you your birthday present." He leaned in and kissed her.
You know all that crap about the perfect present being impossible? Aaron just proved me wrong.
They pulled away and Nikki smiled.
And I'm glad he did.