Hoorayyy. Just to be clear again - the rest of the story is NOT in vignettes. I'm all jumpy and excited to write this. Haha, I'm such a nerd.
Alright here we go! (:
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I hated working, especially having to answer to irritating clientele. I had only started three weeks ago, but I already came to the conclusion that Hollywood Records was dull - washed up popstars walking in and out, incoming losers who, for the most part, had no talent, and divas demanding water. Usually, I'm busy finishing an assignment for school instead of filing or making phone calls. Like right now for example, I'm sitting here, somewhat focusing on The Taming of the Shrew for english, while stealing glances every ten seconds at the digital time waiting for 7 o'clock. 4:22, only two and a half hours to go. Fabulous.
"Carrie, what time do you leave?" I highlighted a line with blatant sexism in the play, and swiveled my chair to face the other receptionist.
"I'm off at 8, why?" Carrie threw her red hair over her shoulder, and turned her deep blue eyes to me, batting her dark brown lashes. She sported a navy blazer and a matching high-waisted skirt, with a white peasant blouse. Her black patent pumps were shining in the fluorescent light. I decided Carrie was absolutely stunning a long time ago.
"Just making sure I don't have to close up," I smiled at her, as she scoffed and turned back to her computer.
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman Calvary choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword my shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
"Shit," I muttered absently, grabbing my obnoxiously loud phone from the desk. Smiling a fake smile at the people in the lobby, I answered quietly.
"Hello?" I asked, the irritation seeping through in my voice. A woman dressed in a deep purple silk dress with a black lace trim glared. The dress only went to her mid-thigh, and she only covered herself with something that looked like a robe. I wonder if she knows that you aren't supposed to wear lingerie in public.
"Tegan, do you know where I left the carkeys?" My sixteen year old twin brother Cooper sounded like he was panicking. I rolled my eyes.
"Cooper, I took the car to work, remember?" My brother and I were an odd pairing for twins. Both the same dark brown hair, and the same tanned skin, but while I had light green eyes, Cooper's were a deep brown. Cooper was also much taller than me, I was a measly 5'2", he stood at 5'10". I inherited from my mother.
"Are you kidding me? Damnit, I need the car tonight Tay, I told you that, remember?" I could hear him running his hands in a stiff movement through his hair.
"Well, I told you that I needed it to go to work, remember?" I answered mockingly,
"Look, I have a party tonight and I would really appreciate it if you drove over here and let me take it," Cooper was trying to reason patiently.
"Okay buddy, I get off at 7, and if you can wait until then it's a deal. But I don't know why you need to go to a party tonight anyway..." Stay home. Please, please stay home.
"Because dad's having one right now," He paused as he said 'dad', and I gaped in response. "You can come with me if you want..." He trailed off, knowing my answer.
"I can't, I have an AP exam tomorrow. But I-I'll be there by 7:30, is Emily still home?" a lump rose in my throat - Cooper, please stay home. Make sure she's okay.
"No, I walked her to her friend's a while ago. Tay, just consider coming with me tonight, okay? I'll see you later," the line went dead.
I sat in my chair, turning it repeatedly, putting pressure on the ground as I increased my speed. I was so worried about my seven year old sister, who was the spitting image of me, except she had my brother's eyes. I wished I could spin around in my chair long enough so when I jumped out I'd have woken in an alternate universe where fathers don't exist, or where my mother still did. The chair slowed to a stop, and I stayed hugging my knees to my chest, my forehead pressed against my kneecaps. I felt eyes on me, Carrie's no doubt, as I heard her chuckle a little. I sat consumed in my thoughts.
"Um, excuse me?" A deep boyish voice asked, concerned. I grunted in response, without looking up. Can't you see I'm busy?
"Hello?" Another voice came, rough, but gentle at the same time, "Is she sleeping...?" I heard one of them swing their arms onto counter of the desk. I felt as if their eyes were carving holes in me. I finally looked up, to meet three pairs of dark eyes, two hazel, one a deep brown. I glanced back at the clock. It had been an hour - was I sleeping?
"Can I help you with something?" I asked, shifting my gaze to each of their faces, my eyes lingering on the one with the full curls. I gave them names in my head, the curly hair was Curly, the wavy hair was Handsome, and the oldest looking was Pretty. I glared a little, before brushing my clammy hands on my black skinny jeans and straightening my cream colored blouse as I turned to face them.
"We have an appointment with James Gilcrest," Pretty smiled at me politely. I smiled my signature fake smile, and nodded. They seemed pleasant enough.
"That's cool, Carrie here can do the honors - Carrie?" I nodded at her. She turned back to me, glaring, but looked up and instantly smiled.
"Boys! It's great finally meeting you, I'm Carrie, and I think we spoke on the phone a few times," Wow, I don't think in the three weeks I've worked here Carrie has had that much pep or enthusiasm. Maybe it's because they're all amazing looking.
They nodded and smiled at her, each greeting her kindly. Curly, had wandering eyes that managed to find their way to me. He gave me a warm smile. I gave him a fake one and turned my gaze to my cell phone, flipping it open and closed.
"Who's that?" I heard one of them ask, Handsome, most likely.
"Tegan," I answered for myself, Carrie staring, shocked I said anything at all - I've never been one to speak for myself. "I'm Tegan Mitchell," I nodded at them, and for the second time, played with my phone nervously. Curly stood in front of me, leaning over the desk, "Nick," he smiled.
"No, I just told you my name is Tegan. Thanks for playing," I gave him a thumbs up, and flipped open my phone, texting Cooper. Want me to leave early? I hit send.
Curly laughed, and turned to his brothers, before watching me again. "No, I meant, my name is Nick," I'm not that stupid, Curly, really. He pointed to Handsome, "and this is Joe," now he pointed to Pretty, "and Kevin." I raised my eyebrows with fake enthusiasm.
"Neat-o. Are you guys in a band?" I had to show interest, it was a rule.
"We're," 'Joe' looked around, almost shocked, "the Jonas Brothers?" 'Nick' and 'Kevin' both chuckled a little, as I sat, now realizing I knew a few of their songs.
"Mm, well that's pretty cool," I felt my phone vibrate in my hands, and flipped it open.
Yeah, right now would be good.
I looked at the clock, it was about 5:45, I could manage that.
"Well, I need to leave, but it was nice meeting you. Carrie, cover for me?" I picked up my black leather jacket and turquoise clutch. She scoffed jokingly, and nodded. I smiled a thanks, and walked out of the lobby, feeling four pairs of eyes watching me go.
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"Hello?" I called out, twisting the doorknob, as I walked into the house. The smell of smoke and beer found its way into my lungs, burning my nostrils. I could hear my father telling obnoxious jokes with his obnoxious friends laughing their obnoxious laughs. I gagged.
"Cooper?" I called a little louder than before, still I heard no answer. I threw my keys in my clutch and made my way to the stairs. As I slowly climbed the stairs the loud noises coming from outside grew fainter, and I walked straight to Cooper's door. I knocked a few times, and heard a grumbling noise. I laughed.
"Coop, I'm home, get up," I walked in to find my brother laying face down in his pillow. I slapped the back of his head, "Come on, I didn't take off for you to sleep, hurry up and take the car." He opened his eyes, confused. "Are you not coming with me?" I shook my head, and patted his, then gesturing to the door for him to leave.
"Have fun, trouble maker," I smiled up at him as he stood, and gave me a hug with one hand.
"Thanks, Tay. Just - just make sure your door stays closed, alright?" I nodded, fully understanding, and watched him walk down the stairs and out of the house, before opening the door to my room. It was times like this that made me wonder if my brother cared as much about me as he claimed he did - would he really leave at times like this if he had? I shook the thought from my mind, and obeyed him, closing the door behind me.
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SO LAME SO LAME. I hope it gets better after this, only time will tell with my writing skills (or lack of, ha ha).
Review (: