Change Your Mind Chapter 2: Here It Goes Again, an instant star fanfic

Song is:

Watch Me Shine by Joanna Pacitti

Far Away by Nickelback.

Also everything in between the dashes -- is what's going on on the television.

Nikki was in the basement punching the punching bag.

Preparedness.

She used a left hook.

Something I've never had. Like last week at my brithday party...

She jumped up and kicked the bag.

... Aaron kissed me.

She fell on the floor and groaned.

Wasn't prepared for that. Same with Zach coming back, not prepared.

Callie came over and licked Nikki.

And when I got Callie, not prepared. Maybe it's heritary.

Jude and Tommy were in the living room with the coffee table and the floor covered in plans for the wedding.

Look at how they're getting perpared.

"Where's the guest list?" Jude said turning from side to side. "I can't find it." She got off the couch and turned around. Tommy saw it got caught on the belt of her jeans and was currently residing on her butt.

"Jude," Tommy said. She kept turning. He finally took it off for her and handed to her.

"Thanks," she smiled and blushed a little bit. He just shook his head.

Yeah. Definitely genetics. Before I was even born, Fall Out Boy saw me coming. I have to set my clocks early, cus I know I'll be late.

Nikki walked into G Major in sweats.

"Apparently fifteen isn't the most fashionable year," Jim said.

"Your mother already told me about that picture of the footy pajamas, so I'd watch your back Calahan," Nikki said.

Unlike the rest of my life, when it comes to my job, I'm usually pretty prepared. Mostly from learning from my parents, some from my experience.

Sadie burst out of her office into the lobby. "Entertainment channel. Now."

"Sadie, we're watching Ferris Bueller's day off," Speed said.

"You aren't in high school anymore, you don't need to learn how to skip," Sadie said and grabbed the remote from him and flipped the channel.

But not matter what I've experienced, no matter what I've learned...

--"Nikki Harrison-Quincy, said to be musical prodigee, but some are saying total poser," the reporter said.--

"Her album sold 75,000 copies it's first week, entitiling her to a gold record, but fans are saying it's a disappointment," the reporter said. The show then cut to clips of people on the street.--

Could prepare me for this...

--"I thought she'd be just as good as her mom, maybe even better," a guy said.

They cut to the next clip of three girls. "She seems too sweet," the first girl said.

"Yeah, she doesn't have any edge," the second said.

"It's a super cookie cutter record," the third said.

"And some fans," the reporter's voice over said, "are just plain bitter." Two girls with bleach blonde hair appeared on screen.

"She's a total poser," Cara said.--

"Do I know those girls?" Aaron said.

"They go to our school," Diane said.

"They're Cal's friends," Nikki said.

--"She's a talentless loser with no depth," Lisa said.--

"Look who's talking," Diane said.

--"I heard that she lip syncs," Cara said. "It's so sad. Her and her mother's careers plummeting at the same time."

The reporter appeared again. "And some just think of her as a joke."

"Her stuff isn't original," a girl said.

"She just seems like everyone else right now," a guy said.

A few guys stood together holding a copy of Nikki's album. "How old's this chick? She looks twelve or something. No one is going to take her seriously."

"For someone expected to be so big, so far it seems like she might be a major let down," the reporter said.--

Nikki looked in disbelief as they continued to trash her on television. Finally, they changed the subject.

--"In other news, Tom Quincy and Jude Harrison have started planning their upcoming nuptials," another reporter said. "Sources say-"--

Sadie turned it off and Nikki sat still looking at the blank screen.

"It was a bunch of stupid people off the street," Diane said. "Don't worry about it."

"Dude, everyone gets bad feedback sometimes, I mean you're mom's first album kinda blew and she turned out fine," Speed said. Wally hit him. "What?"

"I really don't think that's helping," he said.

"I'll make some phone calls, and we'll get a better survey of what people think," Sadie said. She looked at Nikki. "Nikki?"

Nikki was still in the same position, staring at the screen.

"Cole?" Aaron shook her.

"Twelve," she said. "I look twleve?"

"No you don't," Jim said.

"I look like I don't belong in high school? I look like I shouldn't be watching a PG13 movie?" Nikki said. "Oh God, just send me to Chuckie Cheese."

"Hey, they welcome all ages," Kyle defended.

"I'll fix this," Sadie said and walked to her office.

"We should get recording," Wally said. He glared at both Speed and Kyle.

"Right, recording," Speed said following Wally.

"Gotta love that Studio C," Kyle said catching up to them.

"Sadie will fix this," Jim said.

"So she can make them say good things about me, like it will change what people think?"

"It's no big deal," Aaron said.

"Well to me it is," Nikki said and got up. "I'm taking matters into my own hands." She stormed out of G Major.

"She's gonna do soemthing stupid," Jim said. Aaron nodded. Diane looked at both of them for a good ten seconds as they just stood there.

"Ugh," she said and ran out after Nikki.

"Okay we decided on the invitations, menus, guest list, flowers, and location," Jude said. "Now that's taken care of, we're on to seating arrangments and honeymoon."

"Okay," Tommy said. "Don't seat your parents next to each other, make sure all of BoyzAttack is at the same table, and keep SME far away from Jamie's Nana."

"You make it sound so simple," Jude said.

"Because it is," Tommy said. "I love you, you love me..."

"You sound like Barney," Jude said.

"We're in love, so we're getting married. As long as I become your husband, and you become my wife, I could really care less about the flowers," he said.

"You just have to make me remember why I fell in love with you," she smiled and gave him a soft kiss. "Okay so seating arrangement is done. Honeymoon..."

"Rent a house in the Bahamas," Tommy said. "Easy, simple, on a beach, near good restaraunts..."

"Sounds good," Jude said. She checked that off the list. "And now on to the music."

"What about it?"

"We need to decide who's playing," Jude said. "SME or Nikki."

Tommy looked at her. "Is that even a question?"

"I would say SME, since they're not posers, lip syncers, or twelve year olds!" Nikki said coming into the living room.

"Huh?" Jude said. Diane followed Nikki in from the kitchen.

"The Entertainment channel interviewed poeple on the street about Nikki," Diane said. "It wasn't too good."

"So I'm changing my image," Nikki said. Her parents looked at each other than at her. "I know what you're thinking. It can't be good, but I'm just dying my hair a bit darker, wearing make-up in public more often. You know trying to look fifteen."

"Fine," Jude said. "You can as long as you help your dad and I out."

"Shoot," Nikki said.

"We need to decide our wedding song," Jude said.

"I vote on of your songs," Tommy said looking at Jude.

"I vote on of dad's songs," Nikki said.

"Jude you and Sadie did put on a great show last week," Diane said.

"Whatddya say, Quincy?" Jude smiled.

"No," he said. "One of your songs."

"Fine," Jude laughed. "Uh, how about Time to Be?"

"Okay, niether of you are twenty one, and isn't the song about hoping and trying to tell dad to give in and date you?" Nikki said. "You guy are getting married. What about When You're Gone?"

"It's about your dad being away," Jude said. "And I kind of want something older. There's Us?"

"Nah," Tommy said.

"Some love isn't really love at all?" Nikki said. "Come, on, Mom."

"White Lines?" Jude said.

Tommy smiled and closed his eyes. "White Lines."

"I think you found your song," Nikki said. "And now that's done, we'll go dye my hair." Nikki ran up the stairs and Diane followed her.

"Does she know what's she's getting into?" Jude said.

Tommy sighed. Jude had done the exact same thing when she was younger, but he wasn't about to say that.

"I know what you're thinking Quincy, and shut up."

"I didn't say anything," he laughed.

"But you were thinking," Jude said.

The next day Nikki walked into the studio in jeans a tank top with dark brown hair and make-up on. It wasn't too much make-up, just black eyeliner, tan eye shadow, and lip gloss. She walked into Studio B where Jim and Aaron were sitting.

"Hey," Nikki said.

"Nikki?" They both said.

"Like how my little make over turned out?" Nikki said spinning around. "Do I look my age or what?"

"That and then some," Jim said.

"Okay, I have a new song so let's get started," Nikki said.

"Okay," they both said a bit confused.

Two hours later, Diane had shown up and Tommy started recording with them.

"Alright, 'Shine' take one," Tommy said. The band started playing and Nikki soon jumped in with the vocals.

Ooh.. I'm not
You average type of girl
I'm gonna show the world the strength in me
That sometimes they can't see
I'm about to switch my style
And soon things may get wild
But I will prove I can conquer anything
So from my head to toe I'm taking full control
I'll make it on my own
This time

Nikki whispered the next line. "Better watch me."

Better watch out
Going for the knockout
And I won't stop
Till I'm on top now
Not gonna give up
Until I get what's mine
Better check that I'm about to upset
And I'm hot now
So you better step back
I'm taking over
So watch me shine

So Get ready
Here I come
Until the job is done
No time to waste
There's nothing stopping me
Oh
But you don't hear me though
So now it's time to show
I'll prove I'm gonna be the best I can be
So from my head to toe
My mind body and soul
I'm taking full control
This time

Bet you don't think I can take it
But my mind and body are strong
Bet you don't think I can make it
It won't take long
Bet you don't think I can take it
But my mind and body are strong
Bet you don't think I can make it
It won't take long
Now watch me shine...

Nikki whispered her last three lines.

Watch me...
Watch me shine...
Watch me

The music ended promtly with the last line.

"Well?" Nikki asked.

"Uh," Tommy began. He couldn't really find the words.

"Dad?" Nikki said.

"Good," he said. No lie, it was a good song. He just never heard Nikki have a full retaliation in song.

"So, you think I can perform it soon?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we try more than one syllable?" Nikki asked.

"We'll try a few more takes, then I'll mix it," Tommy said. "Ten syllables."

"Yet, each word was only one syllable," Nikki smirked.

"Take two," he said and the band started playing again.

Sadie was in her office talking on the phone when Jude walked in.

"Great, it's a deal," Sadie said. She then hung up. "Okay, I fixed the Nikki situation."

"How?" Jude asked.

"Well, the Entertainment network will give her good press for a month, so long as she doesn't do something extremely stupid. In return, we give them the first interview with Canada's Number One Engaged Couple," Sadie said.

Jude rolled her eyes. "Fine."

"Good, cus I already said yes."

"By the way, would the dying of hair fall under extremely stupid?" Jude asked.

"What color?"

"Dark brown."

"She's good," Sadie said. "Jude, are you okay?"

"Huh?" Jude said.

"You've been such a space cadet lately," Sadie said.

"Wedding stress," she sighed.

"Ah," Sadie said understandingly.

Jude closed her eyes to try and relax but her eyes popped open. "Oh my God Sadie! The dress! I haven't started looking for a dress yet!"

"Good thing you have me as your sister then," Sadie smirked. "They're closing down that designer bridal shop downtown for you and your bridesmaids next week."

"Bridesmaids," Jude said. "And Tommy needs to decide on groomsmen, and a best man."

"For bridesmaids, let's start with your daughter and you sister, and close friends," Sadie said. "Patsy?"

"I already gave her the wedding date and she can't make it," Jude said. "And I haven't spoken to Kat in years."

"Speed will wear a dress, right?" Sadie asked. Jude laughed. "You have a whole week to figure it out. As for ushers," Sadie began. "Kwest will obviously be best man, I think Tom'll cave and let SME be ushers, and there's always Darius."

"Sades, what would I do without you?" Jude said.

"You wouldn't have lived past five years old," Sadie said.

"Thank you Miss Wedding Planner," Jude said.

"Hey, at least I won't steal your groom like J-Lo," Sadie chuckled. "Now, get to work on a song."

"Gotcha," Jude said walking out. She went over to Studio C and found SME.

"Dude, Nik's down in the dumps about that report," Speed said.

"We're fixing it," Jude said. "Don't worry, she'll bounce back."

They all nodded.

"By the way, I have a new song in mind."

"Does it have anything to do with Lord Squinty Frown?" Speed asked.

"Doesn't it always?" Wally said.

"Shut up," Jude said.

A half hour later they started to run through what they had so far. Speed played the guitar as Jude softly sang.

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

The rest of the band joined in on the chorus.

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

Tommy walked in to see what they were up to and smiled when he heard the song. He made sure he wasn't visible to Jude.

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

Tommy clapped and came into the room when they finished.

"That was great," he said with a smile. Jude blushed a bit. Speed looked at Jude and rolled his eyes.

"Dude, like he doesn't know the song's about him?" Speed said annoyed.

"Unless she's engaged to some other ex-boybander," Kyle said and pointed a drum stick at Tommy. "I'd watch your back."

"He has nothing to worry about," Jude said and looked directly at Tommy. "Ever."

"Congratulations," Speed said monotonously. "We have another Jommy anthem."

"Guys, take five," Jude said and the walked out of the room. Tommy walked up to her and put his arms around her.

"Rethinking our wedding song?" he asked.

"Nah," she said. "I'll have Nikki play all our songs."

"She'll hate that," Tommy said.

"An added perk," Jude said. They stayed silent for a few seconds when Jude spoke up. "You think we're ready?"

"Jude, I've been ready to spend the rest of my life with you since you were seventeen. And I know you're ready, you're just stressed out from planning the wedding," he said.

"I hate that you know me so well," she said. He kissed her. "I hate that you can make me forget the things that I hate by kissing me." He kissed her again. "But I love you."

"Love you too, girl."

Nikki was leaning on the counter in G Major's kitchen sipping a water bottle. Aaron walked in and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge then looked over at Nikki awkwardly.

"That's it. I've had it," Nikki said. "Yes I dyed my hair, yes I'm wearing more make up, and yes I'm looking more mature, but I'm still the same Nikki and you're just going to have to get over the fact that I'm changing up my style. Got it?"

"Okay," he said.

"Seriously," she said. "Just an 'okay'? No argument? No come back or advice? I'm the exact same Nikki, maybe not on the outside, but I sure am on the inside. So I look different. Big whoop. Doesn't mean you should act awkward around me."

"Well, there is another reason," he said shyly. She looked at him blankly. "Last week, your birthday party..."

It finally dawned on Nikki. The kiss. She turned beat red. "Dammit," she squeaked out. She tried talking again but nothing came out so she just motioned behind her to the bathroom. She quickly turned around and made her way to the bathroom but when she got to the door walked right into it. She managed to turn even redder before pulling the door open.

Aaron laughed. "Still the same Nikki."

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