Megan's POV
I stood on the edge of the pier with another two of the under-aged authors. I think their names were Devon & Diamond.
"Ready?" One of them asked. We nodded. "Jump!"
We jumped into a water just as a wave started crashing down. I felt someone wrap their arms around my waist. When I popped up above the water, that person was still holding me. I turned around & gasped. "Ozzie!"
"Miss me?" Ozzie asked, pulling me closer.
"So much!" I squealed. "What're you doing here? I thought you were still in Amestris."
"Couldn't let you miss our anniversary." Ozzie answered. "Besides, what's better for such a special occasion than a trip to the beach."
I saw Devon & Diamond snicker. "Get a room!" They laughed.
"Oh, yeah." I said slyly. "Come on, Oz. Let's go up to my room."
I waved goodbye as they laughed even harder & waved back. "See you tomorrow, Megan." Diamond called.
"What was that?" Ozzie asked. I pushed the door closed & tossed my towel on the lumpy bed.
"Friends. Young writing team. I got a free copy of one of their books as a gift, & I gave them each one of mine. I was immediately addicted." I explained.
Ozzie shrugged. "I got some news from Thomas' dad."
I looked back at him. "Why on Earth should we care about Thomas' dad?"
One thing about Thomas was that he didn't like talking about his dad's job. When asked, he would say his dad was the accountant for the local recording studio, but in truth, he was a recording contractor. He found the new talent in this drab world. Thomas had to stand around the front of the studio in clothes that were the exact opposite of what he liked & try & act cool to draw teenage girls into the studio for a demo CD to see if they were 'Worthy of having a future.'
He was the main reason they stayed in business. Girls came & paid for demo CDs & tried to flirt with Thomas. They would toss their hair & giggle & everything, but he never showed any interest & when they left, they would say "He is totally playing hard to get. He so wants me."
Blonde bimbos.
"He said that his dad was talking to a big director about doing the music for a movie at his studio." Ozzie explained.
"You know, I still don't know how that affects us." I told him. "Where are your bags?"
Ozzie pulled the closet open. "Here." He said, motioning to where they were stacked in the floor.
"How did you learn to-" I stopped myself.
"Aquanette!" We stated together.
"Crazy woman." I sighed. Time to change the subject. "So, did you get an answer for me?"
"Yeah," Ozzie told me, "but she said it happened by accident. I think it's fate that they end up doing things around the same time."
"Yeah, but don't you think it's just a little weird that they got pregnant at the same time?" I wondered.
"Just a little." Oz shrugged. "So, can tomorrow be Bring-Your-Boyfriend-to-Work Day?" He asked.
"I guess." I answered with a shrug.
The next day, while Ozzie & I were headed to the stand I had to autograph books people brought in. A man came up to me. "How would you like to be in the movies?" He asked, flashing an obviously bleached smile.
I laughed. "You have to be kidding me. Look, I have to be somewhere." I walked past him & we sat down at my booth, which already had a huge line with people that were carrying multiple books.
"I'm not. We want to turn your book series into a movie." The man said. "We would also like for you to play one of the major roles."
"Heh, which series?" I scoffed, signing an Anthony Bock book.
"Two, actually. Manga & Infinity Sisters." The man confessed, leaning against the table. "What do you say?"
"Manga?" I asked, forgetting for a minute. "Oh, that series. Sure, I agree…On one condition."
"What might that be?" The man asked.
"I want Rayne Bennet to get a leading role as well." Ozzie cleared his throat. "And, Oswald Wolfe."
"Er," He bit his lip, "if they're good actors."
I flipped my cell phone open & hit my speed dial. "Rayne! Hi! I want you & Thomas here asap! You'll see."
"Oh, you're good." Ozzie commented, smirking. "So, are you going to get Rivera Studios to make the soundtrack?" He asked the man.
"Well…yes." He answered. "How did you-"
Ozzie held up a hand to stop him. "Yeah. You'll want to be on Thomas' good side. Trust me."
"He's the owner's son." I clarified.
The man nodded & held out a card. "Stop by when your friends show up. We'll discuss the contract."
"Contracts." Ozzie corrected.
I drove my elbow into his side. "Oz!" I hissed. I took the card & nodded before going back to signing. "Sure thing."
"Did you seriously just agree to have your books turned into movies? I thought you hated people that did that." Ozzie wondered.
I shrugged & drew a little curly 'M' on the inside cover of a book. "Yeah. I guess I did. No big deal, though. I won't agree unless I get to help decide what parts stay & what parts can be cut out."
"You're insane." Ozzie sighed.
I handed a book back & turned to him. "But you love me anyway. Otherwise, you wouldn't have flown out here. So, wanna go see Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline tonight?"
"Sounds good to me." Ozzie agreed.
I looked over at all the people still in line. "Let's give them a show before we see a show." I offered.
"Huh?" Ozzie tilted his head to the side.
I leaned over & kissed him. I smiled when I heard girls squealing. I pulled away & turned when I heard camera shutters. "Enjoy the kiss?" I asked.
There was another round of screams from girls. It was fun being famous sometimes.
Rayne's POV
Megan and Ozzie said they wanted Thomas and me to come to America. America! Thanks to Anya and Frida for covering my shift and the Mustangs and my Aunt and Uncle for paying for our plane tickets. Thomas and I were on a plane heading towards Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I had never been on a plane before so I was clutching Thomas' hand.
"Oh my gosh I can't believe we're actually going to America!" I said. I had never set foot outside of Amestris so I was very excited.
"Rayne why don't you get some sleep?" Thomas said.
"Yea you're right" I said with a small yawn. I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes and I felt him kiss my forehead. At that point I wanted to tell him that I loved him but I still didn't want to mess it up. So I kept my mouth shut.
Early the next morning like 3 o'clock in the morning we arrived at the airport. Megan and Ozzie would be here to pick us up in about an hour. So Thomas and I just sat down on a bench.
"Ugh I'm so sleepy" I said laying my head on Thomas shoulder.
"Why don't you go to sleep I'll carry you back to whatever hotel we're going to" Thomas said.
"Thank you" I said as I closed my eyes again.
Megan's POV
Ozzie and I walked into the airport and Thomas walked over to us with Rayne sleeping bridal style in his arms.
"Hey she's really knocked out huh?" I said.
"Yea she slept for half the trip" Thomas said.
"We'd better get back to the hotel" Ozzie said.
The next afternoon the four of us decided to go to the pool before we went to our meeting. Rayne and I were leaning against the edge with the jets massaging our backs and the boys were having swimming races.
"So they actually want to turn your books into movies" Rayne said before sipping her drink.
"Yep" I said. "And I want you to be in it"
"Awesome!" Rayne said. "I get to sing in a movie!" Rayne said.
"Rayne I didn't know you wanted to sing" I said.
"Oh yea I've always wanted to sing in a movie they get to hear my beautiful voice" Rayne said.
"But you aren't in chorus" I said.
"Oh no. I can let the man choose my music it's craziness" Rayne said.
"Oh Rayne" I said shaking my head.
"Cannonball!" One of the boys yelled. We looked up and the Ozzie and Thomas jump into the water causing a huge wave to splash us.
"Ah!" We both said.
"Sorry!" Thomas said. Rayne and I let just hung our heads and let out groan
"So, what books were they again?" Ozzie asked, walking over to our stuff & grabbing a towel.
"The Infinity Sisters & Manga." I answered.
"I don't remember Manga." Ozzie pointed out.
"You shouldn't. It was one of those chick novels about a girl & her friends being in a band. Just think of that bimbo Hannah Montana, only they sound better & aren't such attention hogs." I told him.
Thomas sat on the edge of the pool. "Why would you write something like that?"
"I lost a bet." I hissed, glaring at Rayne.
Ozzie slipped his watch back on. "We might want to start getting ready if we want to be there on time. You ready Thomas?"
"As I'll ever be." He sighed. "I can't believe my dad roped me into representing him when I told him why Griffon wanted me out here."
"The accountant?" Rayne wondered.
"The recording contractor." I corrected. "Thomas Rivera, Salem Rivera, Rudolpho Rivera, Manny Rivera." I said, naming him, his father, uncle, & cousin.
Rayne cocked her head to the side. "So you were lying to me." It was more of an answer than a question.
"I lie to everyone about it." Thomas confessed. "Recording contracts equal big bucks. People that do find out, only want a better chance at making it big time. My worst enemy became my 'best friend' because she thought it would get her a contract, but she sounded like a dieing cat, so we told her no. She moved away & sends me death threats every day now."
"And he has vowed to keep that secret along with the fact that he's been offered five recording contracts from three different studios." Ozzie offered.
"Six." He corrected. He slapped his hands over his mouth when he'd realized what he said.
"Look, he just didn't want anyone trying to use him." I explained to Rayne.
"I'm not mad. People try & use Megan, too." She said. "Books are a lot more popular than I thought. I can understand that you didn't want someone to betray your trust."
Thomas clapped his hands together & looked up. "There is a god."
"Why don't you ask your brother's band to play for the soundtracks?" I offered. I turned to Rayne. "It's Matt Willis."
"From Busted." Ozzie clarified. "Different dads, but they get along great."
"I guess I could ask." Thomas agreed. "Come on. Let's go get ready."
After getting into our best clothes, we headed down to the studio board room. The man from before was sitting at the end of a long table. "Ah, I see you're right on time." He pointed out.
"Pleasure to see you again, Mr. Rowley." I greeted, shaking his hand. "Now, shall we get down to business?"
Rowley chuckled. "You certainly don't like to beat around the bush, do you?"
"Look, I only have a few things to tell you if you want to turn my movies into books." I paused. "Wait, other way around: If you want to turn my books into movies. That's it!"
"What might that be?" Rowley wondered.
I drummed my fingers on the table. "I want to have a role in deciding what parts to cut & what parts to keep in." I pointed across the table at Ozzie, Rayne, & Thomas. "And I want them - along with me - to get roles. Be they minor or major, I want it based on their acting ability & any other things they might have to do & whether or not they can do it."
Thomas, who was rocking his chair on its hind legs with his feet propped up on the table, toppled backwards. "What?" He asked, jumping up. "I'm just supposed to be the representative for Rivera Studios."
"Sorry, Thomas, the roles just changed." I told him, putting emphasis on his name. He didn't like it to be pronounced like he was from Mexico or Spain, like some people did just because his dad is Dominican. He looks mostly like his mom anyway, like a born & raised American child with two American parents. "Besides, Rayne could end up having to kiss another dude right in front of you."
Thomas growled in response & pulled his chair back up, mumbling something in Portuguese.
"Oh, someone's pissed." I said, slightly enjoying his different attitude when he was in front of authority, or rather, a client.
Rowley cleared his throat. "Well, I can agree to those terms. Shall we get the contracts written up?"
"Of course." I agreed. "I think we'll enjoy this."
Ozzie's POV
Thomas & I stared down at our clothes a month later. "Who would've thought that we'd be wearing these ridiculous duds." Thomas laughed, looking at his tattered clothes.
"I have to admit, I didn't really picture us as being major movie stars." I sighed. My clothes were black & I had black slashes painted on my face.
Rayne came out in a showy black empress robe & Megan followed behind her in bright, skimpy rainbow clothes. "I can't believe we actually got big parts in this thing. Lita, Fair Queen of the Pixies."
Devon, Marc, Juliet, Frida & Manny came out in tattered clothes like Thomas', only worse. "We're ready." Jules smiled. "Do you like my Zayo costume?"
"I love it." I said. I got to help pick the actors, & I wasn't the first to suggest members of Aria's theatre. They were happy to audition.
"I hate this." Anya whined, stepping out of the dressing rooms with Willow, who had come back to join the group after a public display of violence toward Isaac & Xander.
Since they were practically alike, they were picked to be Mary & Emmy. Nathan was Urion & River was being played by a friend, Dominic. There was also a bunch of other people we didn't know. Today was the first day of shooting, & there was a lot of buzz around the school, where people were shooting the opening scene & the last scene.
"Anya, we want you on location for the scene." Rowley called. Dude was the director. Imagine that! "You know your lines."
"All in here!" Anya called, tapping her head & walking over to a bunch of girls in cheerleading outfits like the one's she was wearing.
They did the scene ten times to get it from every angle. Then, they had some of us walk out to the stands, since they were filming a cheerleading practice on the football field. They did the routine again & we filed out to go meet up with Anya.
"Nice work, Emmy." Megan chimed. "You finally nailed that move."
"Yipee!" Frida scoffed. "Who cares? Cheerleading is just another way to make guys-"
Thomas slapped a hand over Frida's mouth. "Ignore her."
"Don't we always." I wondered.
"Well, yeah." Thomas agreed.
Megan put a weird look on her face. "I have a seriously huge case of déjà vu."
"Just forget it." I scoffed. "Pizza on me."
The point of the ending was that they all ended up being sent back to Earth to live normal lives & they end up being friend, even though they don't remember each other, except for Lita's déjà vu. And Thomas & Frida had tattered clothes because they were poor.
We ran the scene another few times before we were sent to wardrobe. Even though it was already a lot of hard work, this was turning out to be really fun pretending to be someone else.
Megan's POV
Rayne and I walked up to Flannery and Alex's house. We wanted to get Flannery's input in it since I did base on of the characters. I rang the doorbell and Alex answered the door.
"Hey girls" Alex said.
"Hey Alex is Flannery here?" I asked.
"Sorry she's not here" Alex said.
"Well where is she? I have some questions to ask her" I said.
"Barcelona" Alex said.
"Barcelona?" Rayne and I said confused.
"Yea don't you remember? The anniversary of the twins' parents deaths are coming up later this week so she and Aquanette drove down to Barcelona and took the babies with them they'll be back in a few days" Alex said.
"Oh that's right I forgot" I said.
"If you need her then you can reach her at her cellphone" Alex said.
"Thanks" I said. Rayne and I returned back to the movie set where Anya and Willow were waiting.
"Well did you find Flannery?" Anya said.
"No she's out of town" I said.
"Well can you find her please! I'm nervous and I want to make sure I make the perfect Emmy" Anya said.
"Let me call her and see what she says" I said before I walked into Rayne and I's trailer.
"Hello?" Flannery said on the other side of the phone.
"Hey Flannery it's me Megan" I said.
"Oh hey Megan how's the store?" Flannery said.
"It's going great we've got a lot of money coming in. How's everything in Barcelona?" I asked.
"...Very stressful" Flannery said. You could hear the strain in her voice. "It's funny you know my dad always talked about his first grandchild and then he doesn't even live to even see her" Flannery said.
"Flannery are you okay?" I asked.
"I'm alright Megan. So what do you need?" Flannery said.
"Well I was going to ask you some questions for Anya but I don't know if I should ask them now" I said.
"No Megan it's fine I'm okay" Flannery said.
"Well she just wanted to know some things so she can be a better you, you know? So she can act like Flannery" I said.
"All she has to do is look inside of herself and if she knows she's a good actor then she is. She doesn't have to be Flannery she just have to be Anya. I know as well as Aqua that we don't want to be followed around we're business women Megan" Flannery said.
"I understand Flannery and thanks I think Anya can use this information" I said.
"Glad I could be of help" Flannery said before hanging up.
"That was quick did you get what you needed?" Rayne said looking up from her drawing.
"Yea Flannery may be in grieving but she's still pretty useful" I said smiling.
D.G.'s POV
I looked around at my bags & sighed. While I was going to be staying at Bunica & Bunic's house, Marc & Devon were staying with Miss Dana, & the McAlisters were going to be with Tammy.
Mama walked in, looking a little a more stressed than normal. Her hair was sticking up in places & her clothes were wrinkled. "You ready? They're almost here."
I walked over. "Mama, you didn't take your medicine. Did you?"
She shook her head & sighed. "No sweetie. Try calling him again while I get it." She ordered, walking back out.
I held up the green phone & flipped it open. My hands started shaking as I scrolled through my contacts for his number. I held it up to my ear & listened.
"We're sorry, the number you are trying to reach is not available at the moment." The electronic voice chimed.
I snapped it shut & tossed it at the wall. Almost two months! We stopped hearing from him a few weeks ago, but he had left nearly two months ago. I ran downstairs with my bags & jumped into Bunic's car as fast as I could to stop from crying. It didn't work as well as I'd hoped.
"Dorothy." Bunica whispered, turning around. "You know he'll be fine."
"Come on, Gale." Bunic sighed. "You know your father will be back soon."
I cried even harder.
"Roy." Bunica hissed. "That's what Thatch calls her."
"He does not! He calls her…Gale. Oops." He chuckled a little. "My bad."
"It's fine." I sniffled, wiping my eyes. "I just miss him. We all do."
Bunica nodded. "We know sweetie."
"Your mom's going to the coast to see if he's okay, right?" Bunic wondered.
"Yeah. She says it's better than waiting for him to come home." I said quietly. "She got really pale & stopped sleeping. I'm worried about her, too."
Bunica reached out & put a hand on my shoulder. "Things will work out soon. Don't you worry."
Griffon's POV
I walked into the main service area for the hospital & went directly to the woman at the desk. "Hello? Can I help you?" She asked.
"I'm wondering if there's a Thatcher Lesser here." I asked, rubbing my head.
"May I ask why?" The woman wondered.
I pulled at a tuft of hair. "I'm just worried. It's been nearly two months since he came here to help with the hurricane survivors."
"May I have a name?" The woman turned to her computer & started typing up something.
"Hadrea Lesser." I answered quietly. "Look is he here or not?"
The woman looked up at me. "It seems that he was hospitalized after an accident on sight. Came out of a two week long coma last week & has had amnesia for the past week."
"Oh, damn it, Thatch. What'll D.G. say now?" I grumbled.
"D.G.?" The woman quirked a brow.
"Our daughter." I answered. "Is it okay if I visit him?"
She smiled & nodded. "Room 419. Go right ahead."
I nodded & started walking up to the fourth floor. I was too impatient to wait for an elevator. I opened the door to his room. He looked confused to see me, like he'd never laid his eyes on me before.
"Thatch?" I asked.
"Yes?" He replied.
I walked over to his bed & sat down next to it, taking his hand. "I'm going to help you remember, okay?" He nodded. "My name is Hadrea. You can remember that, right?"
"Sure." He shrugged & nodded. "You're a very…beautiful woman. And you're pregnant."
"Yes. I have been for about three months." I told him.
"Who's the father?" He asked.
I laughed a little & said, "My husband, his name is Thatch, too."
He shook his head. "Imagine the coincidence. So, how long before I get my memory back?"
"Well, let's start with your kids." I offered.
"Sure. I didn't know I had kids." He looked down at his hand. "But I would like to see my wife." He said, tapping his ring.
"And you will." I assured him. "As soon as you remember."
Thatch smiled & nodded. "So, how many do I have?"
"Three." I told him. "One 8-year-old daughter named Dorothy, & 4-year-old twins Devon & Marc."
"Devon's a girl though. Right?" Thatch wondered.
I felt my eyes fill with tears, but didn't let them fall. "That's right." I squeezed his hand. "See, you'll remember in no time."
I was going to stay here until he remembered everything. It might take a while, but everyone else could wait & deal with it. I needed my husband back. Now!
