My name is Rio Pacheco, and this is my story…

CHAPTER ONE

The first time I met Jem was the fall of 1985. That summer my long time girlfriend, Jerrica, lost her father to cancer. As I had since I was about 14, most of my time was spent at Starlight House, Mr. Benton's foster home for girls. With 12 young ladies in the house, the place was always needing help with upkeep. I am good with my hands, so I gladly offered my help when ever I could. The weeks after Mr. Benton's passing, things began to fall apart. The wiring was going bad, the plumbing needed care, just to name a few. As I worked trying to fix what I could my thoughts were on Mr. Benton. He had always taken such pride in the home, as it was his wife's passion before her untimely death, but it was as if he had forgotten about it. His mind had clearly been on other things. I wondered if it was his cancer that took his thoughts elsewhere.

Early one morning, after a rather disastrous night at the Starlight House, Jerrica called me up in a rush. She was full of excitement, fear, and clear urgency.

"Rio! Oh, Rio, I need your help!"

"Hold on, Jerrica. Slow down. What's going on?"

"Eric Raymond."

I let out a sigh. The moment I met that man, just a few years earlier, I knew he would become the bane of my existence. "What has he done?"

Jerrica rushed into her story about Eric taking over Starlight Music with the intention of promoting a new band, The Misfits, three trashy women that held none of the ideals that Starlight Music stood for.

"So, how can I help?" I asked, with real curiosity. I was up for anything that would foil Eric's plans.

"I need to get a small stage set up in the park, with lights and sound. I have the most amazing surprise! But we only have a few hours to pull this off. Can you help?"

"Of course, I'll meet you at the loading dock at Starlight Music in one hour."

"Oh, thank you, Rio!"

One of the benefits of being Mr. Benton's right hand man at the house, was getting to become a small part of Starlight Music. I had access to all the electronic equipment I ever needed or wanted. He let me tinker around on old, unused equipment, learning how to fix them. Eric never ventured anywhere beyond the business offices, so I wouldn't have to worry about running into him. And all the employees working in the lower levels of the business didnt care of Eric to begin with.

Just three hours later, we had the stage set up, hid behind a trailer. As the Limp Lizards played their set, Peter, one of Stalight's employees, jumped in the semi, pulling the trailer away from the stage, allowing the large crowd across the way visibility. But no one had turned to see what we had built. Not until the music started.

From behind the stage, where I was working the sound system, I could hear the crowd quickly run across the park to stand before the stage as the song "Only The Beginning" began playing. I listened to the band, so sure I could hear the voices or Kimber, Aja, Shana, and… Jerrica?

But as the song ended she announced the group name. Jem and the Holograms. She said each of the girls I knew, then claimed she was named Jem. Huh? I was sure it was Jerrica. A stage name maybe? To hide the fact that she's part of the business side of Starlight Music? I peeked around the stage to see the pink haired beauty. There was a great resemblance to Jerrica, but this woman held herself differently then Jerrica. As I contemplated this, Eric began to throw a temper tantrum and Jerrica was quickly up on his stage confronting him. Ok, so she's not Jem?

As my brain was turning is over, I heard what sounded like a van pull up on the far side of the stage. I walked around the corner to see two of The Misfits jump on our stage and begin grabbing the girls instruments, passing them to a third in the black van! Knowing I'd never get around to that side of the stage before they took off, I ran to the west parking lot, a good 2000 yards away, where my red van was parked. I was so grateful that Peter had insisted I not ride in the semi-trailer but I take my own vehicle in case we needed something in a hurry, we had a smaller automobile.

I took off in a hurry, but Jerrica and the girls had a car in the east parking lot, right by the stage and took off before I was even halfway to my van.

I took the winding road with care, as soon as I saw pieces of their equipment smashed along the roadway. As I can along a sharp turn I saw Jem standing to the left, waving her arms.

"Rio, we need tor help! The rocking roadster is hanging off the edge of the cliff."

Luckily I had rope in the van, I tried to always be prepared. I wrapped it around the axle of the car, backed my van up, and pulled the girls to safety. I held Jerrica so tight, I was worried for hours I might have hurt her more than the accident had. But she assured me she was fine. In all the chaos, and my distress over Jerrica, I had completely forgotten about Jem, never questioning why I didn't see her again that day.

We went back to the park, mostly to gather our set. Jerrica wanted to just head home, but I didnt want her out of my sight. As I packed up the semi, along with the help of Peter and the rest of the crew, I heard as the girls got bombarded by the reporters and news crews. These girls were the next best thing! Jerrica jumped into business mode, making plans for future interviews and photo shoots. The first was to be the next day, here at the park. When someone asked where Jem had run off to, Jerrica simply replied the tragic event with the Misfits had been too much for her, and she had gone home. She wasn't being forced to stay close by, like I needed Jerrica.

We returned to Starlight House shortly after and I stayed with Jerrica until well after 9pm. I jumped into working on the house, to keep my mind off the fact that she could have died that day, but I still couldn't get the wiring fixed.

"I'm Sorry, Jerrica. You'll have to go another night without electricity, I'm afraid."

"Thanks anyway, Rio."

"Hey, maybe I should stay. I could sleep down here on the sofa." Although in my heart I wanted to sleep next to her, just keeping her tucked safely in my arms.

"Don't worry about us, we'll be fine."

I leaned in to kiss her and we were interrupted by a gaggle of giggling girls.

"Jealous?' Jerrica teased. She pulled me in, kissing me with the fire I know I felt, even with an audience. She bid me a goodnight and I reluctantly left.

The next morning I woke as the sun was barely peeking. I had hardly slept all night and something in my gut was telling me things were not right. I dressed quickly and headed for Starlight House. My heart was in my stomach as I saw the devastation of the large house, which had clearly burnt to the ground, and my Jerrica, standing on the side of the street, wrapped in a light blue blanket. She dropped the blanket and ran into my arms. The only thing I would think to say, was "You're gonna be ok". I wrapped my arms around her as we walked towards the now smoking remains of the house. All the foster girls were sitting in a circle in the grass, still in their pajamas.

"I knew I should've stayed with you," I said quietly.

"Where we gonna live now," Ashley questioned.

Ever the smart one, Jerrica quickly came up with an idea and put everyone in action. Including me. I rounded up the girls and headed for Howard Sands place. I had heard during Eric's tantrum, Howard Sands had stepped in, offering not only a movie contract to the winner of a Battle of the Bands in six months, but also his mansion. He had recently moved out of the oversized home and into a small conformable cabin on a huge lot.

Jem and the Holograms performed a song, "Like A Dream" with just their instruments and one small portable amp. But it was enough. It caught the attention of Howard Sands, but also The Misfits! I saw them heading towards the house and leaned in close to Aja, who was nearest to me. "Trouble's brewing."

I watched as Jem took off to get the Misfits to follow her away from the house so Kimber could try to talk to Mr. Sands. Jerrica showed up then and began explaining to Mr. Sands about Starlight House burning to the ground, and the girls having nowhere to live. The green haired leader of the Misfits, Pizzazz, started to argue, but Mr. Sands quickly shut her up, then offered to get the keys to the mansion for Jerrica. The Misfits were having none of that and started trouble. I began getting all the young girls to safety, but saw Jerrica on the ground as a bulldozer headed straight for her! I ran and scooped her into my arms, my heart racing so fast.

"That was close!" Jerrica said, as I held her tight to me.

"A little too close for me. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

I reluctantly set her back down as we watched the Misfits take off. Mr. Sands gathered us up and told Jerrica if they needed anything, to let him know. It took a few minutes, but I got all the foster girls into the Starlight van so they could go over to their new house. But I had to get home! Burnt down house or not, I still had a job to do!

Back at my place, I downed a cup of coffee and tried to figure out what to do next. That's when I remembered the photo shoot, in the park. Not knowing how to get ahold of the people dong it, I figured the best thing to do wa head to the park! I didnt want them thinking Jerrica's group was flakey! A short time later I was in my van, on my way to meet the team for the photo shoot. At the park, I explained how the house burnt down, the Misfits were causing issues, and the girls had only the clothing on their backs. Within minutes, the team was ready to go, with all sorts of things in the works!

We pulled up to the mansion just a short time later. I was surprised to find a gate, with a video feed! I pressed the call button and let Jerrica know we were there and ready for the photo shoot! The gates buzzed open and we went through. It didnt take long for the team to get things set up and started. They decided to use the front of the mansion as the back drop. Just as they were wrapping up, Eric Raymond showed up, yelling at the Misfits, that there was a bomb! I watched helplessly as the west wall blew outward. Jem shoved Kimber to the side, rolling onto the grass, as a large chunk of the house came flying her way. Everyone hit the ground, waiting for it to end. All I could think about was Jerrica! I rushed around the large property, to no avail. Finally, I found Jem and the band standing near the blown out wall, talking with Mr. Sands.

"Jem, Kimber. I can't find Jerrica.' I did my bets to hide the fear in my voice. I'd already had tell big scares when it came to my girlfriend. I didnt need another.

"I, uh, think she's in the house, Rio," Aja said, pushing me in the direction of the front door. As we got closer, Aja pointed. "There she is! In the upstairs window!" I waved at her, seeing she was alright. My heart slowed just a bit.

I turned to watch a beautiful blonde woman walk towards the girls, calling out to Mr. Sands with friendly concern. The Countess Du Voisen introduced herself and promptly invited us to join her on her yacht that night! As the girls giggled over what to wear, I went in search of Jerrica. I found the room she had been in, but she was no longer there. I turned to head back downstairs and saw her coming out of the kitchen. I rushed down the stairs, calling her name. She turned to look at me, her cheeks flushed red from the excitement. I pulled her into my arms and just held her there for a moment. As I started to relax and slowly step back, she surprised me by taking my face into her hands and bringing me back in for a small sweet kiss. She was safe. That was all that mattered.

Just after 8pm, I called over to the mansion to see if the girls needed a ride to the dock. I was less than thrilled to have Jerrica tell me she would not be attending.

"Rio, the foster girls need me. They have had a really trying 24 hours. And I need to work on business stuff for Jem. Please understand."

I did understand, because I had also had a rough 24 hours. I just wanted her by my side. She also told me to go on head without the others. They would meet me on the ship.

"You know how girls are, they take forever to get ready, and I don't want you to miss out on the party!"

Once again she was right. I had arrived before the ship set sail, but Jem and the Holograms had yet to pull up. The captain was on a time schedule and decided to go ahead and depart. There would be smaller vessels to bring the last of the guests aboard as the arrived at the docks.

I felt silly standing around the buffet table, not knowing anyone. So I stepped outside to breath in the night air. Good timing too, because just the, the girls arrived. I offered a hand to help them aboard, first Jem, then Aja, followed by Kimber, then Shana. I let out a sigh when Jerrica didnt follow along. I had hoped the girls would have convinced her to come.

"I wish Jerrica were here," I said. It was meant to be a thought to myself, but somehow slipped passed my lips. Jem heard me all to clearly though. She stepped up to wrap her bare arms around my back. I unintentionally breathed her in, her sweet smell, so much like Jerrica. It made my head spin.

"She's got a lot to do. But she told me to make sure you have a good time.'

We went inside to where the party was in full swing. I tried to smile as Jem was introduced to Lind-z Pierce, a video DJ who was all the rage, but all I could like of was, Jerrica should be here. I had to step away. Standing next to Jem was making me uncomfortable. I grabbed a glass of champagne and downed it. I wasn't one to drink, at 23 I just didn't find a need to drink for fun, but tonight, I needed a little help. I found myself back outside, looking over the railing into the passing water.

I didn't hear her come up beside me, until she spoke.

"Thinking about Jerrica," she asked as she slipped a hand into the crook of my right arm. I didn't answer. I found Jem reminding me too much of the girl I love. "Rio, do you - Do you like me?"

I stepped back, breaking our physical contact.

"I hardly know you. And you wont' even tell me who you are!" She stepped up to me.

"May be I should tell you. Rio, I'm…" She leaned in to kiss me before the name could leave her lips. But we were interrupted by a high powered spray of seltzer water to the face! The Misfits had gotten on the ship and were once again making mischief. While Jem and I cleaned up, the three women had invaded the control room and changed our course. I watched as the yacht we were on, now was headed towards an oil tanker. The yacht was pulled hard to stern, causing it to tilt hard to the left. Jem and I were unprepared. I managed to grab her hand as she went overboard.

"Rio!"

I held tight as I cried out to her. "It's alright! I gotcha ya!" I pulled her back on to the deck with all my might.

"Oh, Rio! Rio" Jem cried as she pulled me in and kissed me. I stepped back.

"No, this is wrong." I turned and walked a few steps away. "I can't hurt Jerrica like this." Jem came up behind me, her hands on my shoulders.

"But, Rio."

Just then, Kimber and the girls came rushing over. "Jem! We thought we lost you! Are you hurt?"

Jem still had a grip on my shoulders. I could feel the heat radiating off her body.

"I'm okay. Thanks to Rio." I felt guilty. Guilty for being this close to Jem, when my heart belonged to Jerrica, and guilty for not being closer to Jem, when she had just gone through something traumatic. Just then the Misfits made themselves known, saying their goodbyes. Which then started the group on a whole new discussion about how to beat them.

"Yeah, and the only way we are going to win, is by making better music," Jem stated. Anthony, one of the greatest video directors, offered to do the video, and the Countess stated she would cover the expenses. Even Howard Sands piped in with the use of this private jet.

"I know the prefect location," the Countess said excitedly. "Paris!"