Hey! So, this is my new story! I've got a couple of warnings, before you start reading.
This story deals with self-harm and anorexia, it may be triggering. Be careful when you read, because I've struggled with both anorexia and self-harm, so sometimes, I do tend to add my own experiences to the story. It'll be pretty intense.
Also, there will be of cursing and foul language. I'm sorry if this bothers you, but it's needed for the story to be realistic.
"Logan, get your nose outta that book! We're gonna be late!"
Carlos' cry cuts through the silence of the apartment, making Logan look up. He's reading a medical textbook, specifically about heart attacks and the cardiovascular system. It's a very intriguing topic, considering his strive to become a doctor. However, Gustavo's rehearsal times, school, and his friends often cut into his reading time.
He doesn't mind too much, after all, he's working his butt off at Rocque Records, so he and his best friends can be famous and successful. Though, once the band breaks up, he does have something to fall back on, which is nice. He loves singing and dancing with his friends, but all good things must come to an end. And when they do, he'll be able to go to college, the first step to becoming a doctor.
"'Litos, James is probably still doing his hair, we've got time," He reassures the Latino, who is running around the apartment, trying to pack his duffel bag for the dance rehearsal they have later in the afternoon. Logan grabs his duffel bag, hoisting it over his shoulder, before walking over to the edge of swirly.
"But Logie! It's already 9:13 and we gotta be there at 9:30!" Carlos whines, pointing to the kitchen clock.
"James! Kendall! We gotta go!" He calls up the slide, wondering why Kendall isn't down yet. The blonde is normally the first one fully ready, and he often rushes the rest of them, fearing being late, because of Gustavo's temper.
As if on cue, the blonde slides down swirly, his duffel bag on his lap and an apologetic look on his face.
"Sorry! Jo called and I lost track of time," He apologizes, going over to stand by Carlos.
"James!" Logan calls again, somewhat irritated. It's the same thing every morning, James taking forever to do his hair, barely making it to Rocque Records on time, being yelled at by Gustavo. If they're even a minute late, Gustavo goes much harsher on them throughout the day, and sometimes tacks on extra time to make up for the time they've missed. It's not fun at all, and if James doesn't hurry up, that's what they're in for.
At last, the tall brunette appears at the bottom of the slide, looking perfect, his duffel bag on his shoulder. "I'm ready, let's go!"
"Finally," Kendall reprimands, sighing. He tosses the car keys to Logan, him being the only one who has a full license.
"Let's go!" Logan calls, catching the keys.
…
"DOGS! YOU'RE 5 MINUTES LATE!" Gustavo's booming voice can be heard on the streets, his face red, scrunched up in anger.
Logan shifts awkwardly in his place, next to Kendall, before speaking. "Sorry Gustavo, we were a bit delayed this morning."
"Well, dog," Gustavo sneers, bringing his face inches away from Logan's. "You all can stay an extra hour, plus no breaks today! That'll teach you to be late! Now, go put your stuff away! We're starting with harmonies for Love Me Again!"
Their producer walks off, Kelly following with an apologetic glance.
…
"WHAT WAS THAT?!" Gustavo bellows, turning off the music. "LOGAN, YOU'RE SCREWING UP AS USUAL!"
The guys take off their headsets, Logan hanging his head. He sighs, staring at the floor. Why can't I do anything right?
"Alright, that's it!" Kendall glares at their boss, his eyes blazing green fire. "What is your freakin' problem?! You've been yelling at Logan all week!"
"Well, maybe if he sang the right lyrics, I wouldn't have to!"
"Guys, take a break," Kelly says, shushing Gustavo when he starts protesting. "I'll talk to Gustavo."
Immediately, Logan opens the door of the recording booth and steps out, walking past Gustavo, heading for the lounge. He finally reaches the couches, but footsteps follow. Kendall, Carlos, and James.
"I just wanna be alone," He mutters, walking past the lounge, and out of the studio. He leans against the wall, sighing heavily. It's true. He's never been able to do anything right. Out of the four of them, Gustavo yells at him the most, because both his singing and dancing suck. The only strength he has is his signature backflip, which is only used in music videos or during concerts.
"Logie? Sorry to interrupt, but Gustavo said break's over," James says, poking his head out the door. Logan looks up, a fake smile plastered on his face. He nods, and James smiles at him, before ducking back into the building.
Sighing again, Logan walks back into the studio, blinking back the tears in his eyes.
…
"Alright! Get Up! X-dance!" Mr. X announces, as the four guys stretch. They're wearing basketball shorts and t-shits, stretching so they won't pull any muscles. The music starts, and Logan grunts, before beginning the complicated moves, trying to be as in sync as possible. All four of them are supposed to do the moves together, so timing is key. But, when you've got four different guys, timing is the hardest part. James often rushes, while he is often too slow. Carlos and Kendall are somewhere in the middle, but they all need to be in the middle, for it too look right.
Surprisingly, Griffin walks into the dance studio, two of his employees behind him. Mr. X stops the music, and all four guys turn to their CEO.
"No no, keep dancing! I came to observe," Griffin tells them.
Mr. X nods, and restarts the music. Logan's stomach sinks. Griffin…watching his every move? It's nerve-wracking, because their CEO will point out his each and every mistake. Voice all the flaws he has, making him feel like a screw-up Gustavo already hurts him enough.
"Alright, stop!" Griffin commands. The music is turned off once again, and all four of them turn to the older man. "Kendall, James, Carlos, good job. Logan, you have to work a little harder! You need to keep up with them!"
"I'm sorry. I'll try harder," he mutters. He knew this would happen. Griffin would call him out in front of his friends, Mr. X, and Gustavo. Just to prove how much of a screw-up he is. This just proves it…he's horrible.
"And Logan. We've been seeing reports of fan comments, saying you're fatter than the other three. They do have a point…I'd advise you to drop a few pounds, so you'll be just as popular as Kendall, James, and Carlos."
Stop.
Logan's heart stops.
Fatter?
Is he really fatter than Kendall, James, and Carlos?
So, there's the first chapter. I'd love to know your thoughts! Review!
XO ~Neha