My sister's a superstar. So why am I forgotten?

Chapter 9

"KAT!!!! Come on Kat wake up honey. Please."

Ergh, who is this annoying person? I was having a nice relaxing sleep but NOO somebody has to wreck my little nap! Evil little snot bag. The cheek of people. Wait, what am I doing on the floor? Why am I not eating my high carb lunch? Aw crap I fainted didn't I? Well that ruined my already horrific day. Thanks God, just thanks. So that must be Kevin giving me a headache with his shouting and screaming about my supposed death. I suppose I should get up or at least open my eyes.

"Kevin, what are you doing? WHY IS SHE ON THE FLOOR??"

Or maybe not. Wonder if Nick will care that I fainted. Probably not. But this is the day for surprises, so maybe, just maybe….

"She fainted. Nick why didn't you brake up with her? She thinks we forgot her! YOU EVIL LITTLE-"

"HEY! Calm down Kevin. And how did you know?"

"'Cause she told me she'd had NO CONTACT with ANY of us since we left town. You disgust me. I'm ashamed to call you my brother."

"Why are we ashamed to Nick our brother Kev?"

"'Cause he didn't brake up with Kat, that's why Joe."

"You did WHAT-"

"Ergh, will you shut up Josie. Headache. Kev, what the hell happened?"

They whip round, shocked out their skins to see me awake. Ha, teach them to talk about me when I'm not conscious. Wow, never thought I'd ever say that. Ever. Today is so strange. Ah well, at least I'm not in hospital again. That would be a really bad first day with Demi. Kevin looks scared, worried and angry all at the same time. Joe is all of the above but add confused as well. Nick looks just blank. Like he isn't really here. And that is worse than any expression he's given me so far. This bland indifference is devastating. He is so cold that the room temperature drops a few degrees. He looks at me for a few seconds. That looks makes me shiver. There was no warmth or human emotion in that look. Like a robot is looking out of him. He's not my Nick. As he turns and walks away I suddenly lose my composure that I've kept so carefully all day.

"LOOK AT ME! DAMM IT NICK JUST LOOK AT ME!"

But he doesn't turn, he doesn't show any sign he's heard me. Fighting the tears that suddenly well up in my eyes I make to stand up. But Kevin pushes me down and thrusts my pasta into my hands and then he walks straight after his brother, face set, eyes narrowed. Joe just stares at me, his face mirroring my emotions; fear, anger, sadness and worry. I clear my throat and think aloud.

"How long has he been like that?"

"Since he met her. We thought it was depression. Something is seriously wrong with him."

I nod, my fears confirmed. Stabbing my pasta I frown, why is he being all moody? He's the one who's broke my heart, not the other way around. Somebody must have put something in his Diet Coke, that's the only explanation. That or…

"I think Nick's started his man period."

I am met with a wall of stunned silence from Joe. What? It happens. But before I can explain my theory, a blonde girl called Megan walks in.

"Hi Joe, Kev said you'd be here, Kenny wants you and the dance teacher to come back now, lunch is over."

Wow, that was short. Ah well, I've ate most of my pasta, I'll just have to get a break in a bit for my crisps. Getting to my feet Megan notices me for the first time and flushes.

"Oh, hi. I didn't see you there. I'm Megan."

"It's ok. Katherine, more commonly known as Kat."

"Nice to meet you, again. The dances are really..."

"Hard?"

She laughs, agreeing with me. It's true, they are incredibly tough but they look amazing.

"You'll get the hang of them soon. Don't worry. Tell Kenny we'll be in a moment, I need to talk to Joe a sec."

At the ring of authority she obeys me without question. Feels strange, being obeyed. But I'll have to get used to it now I have a job. As we watch Megan's retreating back Joe sidles closer to me.

"What did you wanna talk about?"

"If you want I'll give you private rehearsals for your solo."

"Thanks."

And with that we walk, arm in arm, back into the studio. And hear the talk die out instantly. I seem to have that effect on people. It's depressing really. But you get used to it after a while. Taking in all of the different expressions is quite…. interesting. The main one is curiosity. I shudder to think what Demi could have told them, that thought is utterly terrifying. Shaking off my fears and smile and flick through my songs for a warm up. 'Halo by Beyoncé'. It's got a good beat, perfect for people who aren't in shape. I get glares for Demi and a look devoid of emotion when I walk in arm in arm, laughing with Joe. I feel sick, my stomach twisting, he really doesn't care does he? Closing my eyes I start the warm up, a smile twitching at the corners of my lips as I she Demi struggle to keep up. Thank God for small mercies.

"Alright, that's it for today. Any questions please ask me now."

"Errr, are all the dances that hard?"

"I suppose they are yes. But don't worry Megan, they'll just click and then you'll get them. Trust me."

As the cast file out a small group of people walk up to me, my back to them, their shadows falling on my back as I put my cds away.

"!!!!! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!!!"

And with those words an excited ball of seven year flesh hurls itself into my legs, making my fall.

"Ooohf, Frank, I love you too but next time remember I need these legs to work now that I'm a dancer."

Squeals mean that Denise and Danielle are here as well. Raising my head confirms this.

"We missed you."

"I missed you too Paul Kevin Snr."

"And what about me Katty? Did you miss me too?"

"Yes Tank, I missed you a lot."

"So what are me and Kev? Minced meat?"

"No Josie you and Kev are salami."

"Nice to know Kat, nice to know."

"LOVE YOU KEVY!"

They all crack up and I grin. This is what it must be like to have a loving family where the siblings get on. Unless Demi and Dallas move out, I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon. A sudden cool breeze moves my hair from my face. I turn to face the door. Nick is standing there, staring at me.

Dun, dun, DUUUH! ooooh I know dramatic! lol love yous all review please xxxx