~9~
"What's the matter?"
"I'm so bored," Katie replied in a cross between a moan and a whine. "There's nothing to do here. Kendall and the guys are always leaving. I don't have anyone to hang out with."
"Oh," Mrs. Knight blinked and Katie suddenly got really annoyed when she saw the look of pity on her mom's face. That was the last thing she wanted. "Well, you'll make friends soon. You just have to put yourself out there."
"Mom, I'm like the youngest girl here," Katie cried, throwing her arms into the air. "No one wants to hang out with the new kid. Kendall has it easy. Everyone wants to be friends with him." She crossed her arms over her chest. "And it doesn't hurt that by now practically everybody knows that he's part of Gustavo's new band."
"How about we get out of here for a while," Mrs. Knight suggested, taking the oven mitts off her hands. "We can just let this simmer while we're out. I need to get some more groceries anyway. Kelly told me about this great place called The Grove. It has a mall and a farmer's market and a whole lot of other things to do there."
Katie let out a heavy sigh. "Sure, why not?" she asked, trying to muster up as much enthusiasm she thought possible. "Give me five minutes."
Katie tugged at her shirt as she walked beside her mom through the crowded streets at The Grove. She felt uncomfortable and was sure that everybody was staring at her. Every chance she got, she looked into a reflective surface and silently wondered if she was wearing too much make up, if any of her hair was out of place, or if she just looked weird in her clothes.
I never realized how hard it was to actually look natural she thought with a sigh. How do those girls do it? Katie then shook her head, trying to get rid of the thought. Never before had she cared so much about what she looked like and she wasn't about to start now. She was a tomboy and she was going to stick to it. She felt most comfortable that way and she didn't like to change for anyone.
"Oh, Katie, look at these sunglasses," Mrs. Knight commented, snapping Katie out of her deep thoughts. Katie slowly made her way over to the display that held many sunglasses in different shapes, sizes, and designs. She cringed when she glanced at the price tag on them.
"Mom, these are pretty expensive," she commented.
"I'm not going to buy them, I just want to try some on," Mrs. Knight replied, reaching for a bright blue pair, sliding them over her face. She then struck a pose. "So? How do they look?"
Katie couldn't help but laugh. "They're so not you, mom," she replied before reaching for a pair. She pushed them onto her nose and stood on her tip toes, planting a hand on her hip, the other going up into her hair. "Now, I think these are more me."
Katie and Mrs. Knight continued to look through sunglasses, talking and laughing with each other and Katie found that her smile was genuine. She forgot how much fun she had with her mom. She couldn't deny that her mom was her best friend and her biggest fan, but it didn't hurt that she also wanted friends her age. But, she always knew that her mom would always be there for her no matter what and that made her feel better.
Katie reached for another pair of sunglasses and stopped when she saw a girl's reflection in the lenses. The girl was wearing a white tank top with pink flowers on it, blue bikini straps visibly on her shoulders, pink shorts, and blue flip flops. She propped a surfboard up against a wall before making her way into the store behind Katie.
Katie turned and saw the store was called Ocean Gear Beach Store. She squinted, using her hand to shield her face from the sun, before remembering that she had sunglasses in her hand, and put them on. She peered into the store and saw clothes, towels, sunglasses, and some people walking around inside.
"Hey, mom," she said, turning to face Mrs. Knight as she looked through some hats.
"Hm?" Mrs. Knight replied, distracted.
"I'm going to check out that store," Katie replied, putting the sunglasses back. "It's just across the street. It's called Ocean Gear Beach Store."
"Ok, I'll be right here," Mrs. Knight replied.
"Cool," Katie replied before hurrying across the street, scooting around people that were in her way before slipping inside the door. "Wow," she whispered, looking around, her head titled back, glancing up at the ceiling. She took a few steps back to take in everything, and gasped, jumping forward when she felt herself hit something.
"Hey, watch it, chick!"
Katie bristled as she turned around and spotted an older guy move through the crowds of people, holding his surfboard close to his body. "Hey," she shouted after him. "I'm not a chick, I'm a girl. And I have a name."
"Whatever, kook," the guy lazily tossed over his shoulder.
"Don't worry about him." Katie turned and saw the blonde haired girl from before standing beside her; a beach towel tucked under one arm, a pure white shirt looking thing under the other. "He's rude to everyone. He thinks he has the right to say anything to anyone because he's won the past few surf comps around here."
"Surprised he can walk with how fat his head is due to his ego," Katie commented and the girl laughed. "Hi, I'm Katie." The girl took Katie's hand, shaking it hard, before giving her a wide smile. Katie blinked and practically had to shield her eyes at how white the girl's teeth were. Her hair was in a messy side ponytail and her eyes seemed to be full of energy.
"My name's Lizzie," the girl replied. She then titled her head to the side. "You're not from around here are you?"
"Why do you ask?" Katie asked slowly. It's that noticeable? I knew I had on too much, makeup.
"Oh, it's just I'm here almost every day and I've never seen you," Lizzie replied, putting her hands on her hips. "Plus, you nearly chewed him out for calling you a 'chick' when every girl is referred to as that here." She gave a half smile. "And you have an accent."
Katie blinked. I have an accent? She scratched the back of her head. "Yeah, I'm new," Katie replied with a shrug. "Just moved here from Minnesota a little while ago." Her nose then wrinkled. "I didn't know people in California was so rude." She cracked a grin. "All the sun must've messed with their brains."
"Not everybody is like that," Lizzie replied. "Minnesota, huh? You've come a long way. Just a change of scenery? Move with your parents?"
"My brother," Katie replied. "He's part of Gustavo Rocque's new boy band—"
"Big Time Rush," Lizzie replied with a nod, although her eyes started to sparkle even more. Katie blinked in surprise. This was a new reaction to her. Normally when people find out she's related to someone in BTR, or just that she knows BTR in general, not that it was a lot of the time since she barely got out of the Palm Woods, they flip out, and start asking her questions. "Who? If you don't mind my asking."
"Kendall," Katie slowly replied, gauging Lizzie's reaction.
"Cool," Lizzie replied with a nod. "He and his friends must be very talented then. I hope they do well." She shifted the stuff under her arm.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to hold you up from checking out," Katie said, taking a large step back.
"Don't sweat it," Lizzie replied, doing her best to shrug. "I've got plenty of time." She then seemed to look Katie up and down and Katie tugged on her shirt again. "Blue isn't your color by the way." Katie flushed, knowing that she was referring to the blue eye shadow she had on. Katie looked over Lizzie's face and saw that she was wearing simple eyeliner, a little bit of a bright pink eye shadow, and lip gloss. "But, I love your lipstick. What kind is it?"
"Um, not sure," Katie replied. She scratched the back of her head and then said, "My, uh, my mom let me use it." Way to go, Katie. She probably thinks you're a loser now that you've admitted you borrowed your mom's make up. She cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject. "So, you surf?"
"Oh, yeah," Lizzie replied, glancing at the white piece of clothing under her arm. "I just came to get a new rash guard. My other one was ripped too much. On my brother. Of course he doesn't know that I took his credit card from him."
Katie laughed as Lizzie moved to the cash register to pay for her stuff. "I'm on my way to the beach if you want to come and hang out," she tossed over her shoulder. "I'm meeting Patrick and Noah Jackson there."
Katie's eyes widened slightly "Wait, you know Patrick and Noah?" she asked.
"Yeah, for a few years now," Lizzie replied with as shrug. "They're friends with my brother. Oh right, I forgot, they're helping your brother with his band." She lightly hit herself in the head. "Of course you'd know them. They're actually the ones that taught me how to surf. You should come with."
"That'd be great," Katie replied with a wide grin. "Oh, but I should ask my mom first. She came here with me today."
"So go ask," Lizzie replied, pulling her wallet out of the pocket on her shorts. "Hurry though, the guys are waiting. It's not that long of a walk; we'll just head over and then come back here so your mom can pick you up."
Katie nodded and quickly made her way out of the store and across the street to where her mom was looking at some purses. "Hey, mom!" she called hurrying over to her. "I met this girl named Lizzie. She's headed down to the beach. Can I go with her?"
"I don't know, Katie," Mrs. Knight slowly replied, looking over at her daughter.
"Mom, I'm almost 13," Katie groaned, rolling her eyes. "I can do stuff by myself. Don't worry." Mrs. Knight raised an eyebrow. "Mom, she could be a good friend. And she knows Patrick and Noah too, through her brother."
"How are you going to get home?" Mrs. Knight asked, looking like she was going to cave, but still a little worried. "I was your ride here."
"The beach isn't that far away just a short walk. I can meet you back here to take the bus," Katie replied, somewhat impatiently. "Please, mom? Please? They're all waiting for me!"
"Well, alright," Mrs. Knight replied with a heavy sigh. "But, make sure you keep your cell phone on you at all times, and call me as soon as you're on your way back so I can get on the bus. And don't go anywhere by yourself."
"Thanks mom!" Katie cried, a smile blooming on her face. She threw her arms around her mom's neck, giving her a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you! Don't worry. I'll totally be responsible. Bye."
"Have fun," Mrs. Knight replied with a wave before Katie hurried off. Lizzie was standing outside of the surf shop, waiting patiently for her.
"Well?" she asked, shouldering her shopping back before tucking her surfboard under her arm.
"I can go," Katie replied with a smile. Lizzie grinned and started leading the way towards the beach. "By the way, who's your brother?"
Lizzie clicked her tongue before looking Katie dead in the eye and replied, "Dak Zevon." Katie's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Yeah, I get that reaction a lot. And a lot of screeching. But, whatevs."
Oh my god, I can't believe it. She's Dak Zevon's sister? THE Dak Zevon? Alright, Katie. Just play it cool. He's just a person. Like your brother. Be calm, like Lizzie. She didn't freak out when she found out you were related to Kendall. Katie wiped her face clean and let out a heavy sigh. "That's cool. I mean, I guess that explains why you didn't freak out when I told you who my brother was." Nice one, Katie. Real smooth. Great job.
"Right," Lizzie replied with a nod. "So come on, let's go. Unless you want to talk about my brother all day." She gave a devilish grin. "I don't have a problem telling unflattering stories about him."
Katie laughed. "That's alright, let's just get to the beach. I haven't been there yet," she replied with a shake of her head. "So, are you an actress too? Or a singer?"
"Dancer," Lizzie replied. "I go to the local Performing Arts school here." She used her shoulder to brush her hair out of her face. "I wasn't always into it though. Rhuben Jackson, you obviously know her, did a workshop at my school once, and I love her band, so I went, and I've been hooked since." She then grinned. "Plus, it doesn't hurt that her brothers are cute, especially Sydney."
"Oh," Katie kicked at a rock. "Are you and—"
"No, I'm not dating Patrick or Noah," Lizzie interrupted her, shaking her head. "Believe me, you're not the first person that's asked me that or have implied it. They're just good friends of mine. We have fun."
"Oh, cool," Katie replied, trying to sound as casual as possible. She let out a breath of air she didn't even realize she was holding. "Too bad I didn't bring my bathing suit."
"Well, you're wearing a bra, right?" Lizzie asked. Katie was taken aback by the sudden question. "Just roll your pants up to your knees and go in your bra. We have plenty of towels so you don't have to worry about anything. We always have extra beach gear."
"Cool, thanks," Katie replied, suddenly feeling nervous. She had never worn a bikini in front of other guys, let alone let them see her bra. She couldn't even begin to imagine showing Dak Zevon her bra as well. She started chewing on her bottom lip, which Lizzie noticed.
"Don't worry about it," she said with a wave of her hand. "They're not creepy pervs or anything. The kinda can't having grown up with Riley and Rhuben."
"So, is it true that they're dating? Your brother and Rhuben, I mean?" Katie asked, quickly taking the bait to change the subject. "I've seen a few magazines and stuff saying it."
"No," Lizzie replied, shaking her head. "They're not together; unfortunately. Dak really likes her, which you know from all the magazines, and Rhubes is really cool. I'd love it if they dated." She shifted her surfboard under her arm. "He'll be back in town soon; he's working on a musical right now. I can't wait." She then suddenly let out a loud squeal and Katie turned to see that they were at the beach.
"Wow," Katie whispered, watching as the waves crashed onto the shore.
"Bout time, Lizzie." Katie turned and watched as Patrick-or Noah- walked up to the, water dripping from his shoulders, breathing heavily, hair all in his face. "Wondering where you were." Noah-or Patrick-stepped up beside him.
"Hangin' with Katie," Lizzie replied, nodding over at her. Katie gave a small smile and a wave and Patrick and Noah gave a polite nod in greeting. "I doubt you waited long before you went in to snag a wave."
Patrick made a noise in the back of his throat. "You got any extra wax?" Lizzie asked them. Noah silently tilted his head to the side and motioned a little farther down the beach. "Down the beach?" He nodded. "Cool, we'll walk with ya."
"You don't seem like the type to surf," Katie said, falling into step beside Patrick, brushing her hair behind her ears.
"…How so?" Patrick asked, his eyebrows rising. He pressed his lips together. Noah silently peered at her, adopting the same look on his face, looking curious.
"Oh, you know," Katie replied."With how much you dance and stuff." The two boys didn't say anything, but exchanged glances.
"Whatever," Patrick replied, sounding bored. "People don't really know us outside of what they see in magazines. It's kind of annoying, really." Katie felt herself blush in embarrassment. Lizzie cleared her throat, giving Patrick a pointed look. Patrick's eyebrow twitched. "But, that's the price to pay to entertain people, right?"
"Right," Lizzie agreed with a nod.
"Right," Katie repeated weakly. Just take a deep breath and think before you say anything else, Katie.
Katie jumped when an alarm suddenly sounded and Patrick dropped his surf board to the ground, reaching into his bag to pull out his sell phone. "Hey Dad."
"Are you still at the beach?" Patrick pulled his phone away from his ear for a moment and Katie looked around, trying not to listen to the conversation. But, his dad was talking pretty loudly.
"I think you know the answer to that," Patrick replied, looking over at Noah. Noah narrowed his eyes at his twin brother, staying silent. "Ugh, seriously? Fine."
"Gotta go?" Lizzie asked.
"Dad's gotten aggro over something, as usual," Patrick replied, throwing his cell phone back into his back. "Sorry, Lizz. We'll catch you later."
"No worries," Lizzie replied although she was frowning a little bit as she watched them quickly pack up their things. "Bye."
"Bye," Katie repeated, giving a small wave as the two boys headed up the beach at a jog.
"Well, that sucks, I guess, but what can you do?" Lizzie asked with a shrug. "Hey, let's head back to The Grove and go shopping. That way your mom won't worry as much."
Katie wrinkled her nose. "I don't like to shop."
"Ok," Lizzie replied, pausing for a moment to think it over. "There's an In-N-Out not too far from here. You want to get something to eat?"
"What's In-N-Out?" Katie asked. Lizzie stared at her, her eyes widening, her jaw dropping. If Katie felt out of place before, it didn't compare to now. Obviously, In-N-Out was a big thing around California.
"In-N-Out has the best burgers in the world," Lizzie replied. "And their shakes are great too."
"Sure, sounds good," Katie replied.
"Coolie," Lizzie said with a smile. "You doing anything this weekend?"
"Nope, I'm free," Katie replied before mentally kicking herself. Way to sound desperate there, Katie. Could you have answered any faster? "I don't know if my mom has anything planned or not."
"You want to hang out?" Lizzie asked.
"Sure, but, um, I'd have to ask my mom first," Katie replied, giving a brief smile. "But, it sounds great." Her stomach let out a loud growl and she flushed.
The Jacksons groaned as they laid on the floor to the dance studio, gasping for breath. Robert walked around them, nudging them to their feet with a swift kick to the side. Ronan bit his lip as he watched, wanting to confront Robert to stop but also intimidated by the man at the same time. His hands were clenched into fists at his side.
Ronan mentally cursed himself for not being able to stand up to the man like he had done so before. No matter how many times he heard Robert yell at his kids, it physically hurt him. He would constantly battle with himself over whether or not he was going to say anything at all or wait until he could talk to Robert in private. Nevertheless, he ultimately hated the man for making him feel like a little child every time he tried to talk to him about it.
"Get up," Robert shouted. "Do it again!"
"We've done it five times already," Riley growled into the floor. Her features relaxed before a look of regret crossed her face. Robert spun on his heels and slowly walked over to her, his shoes making a high pitched squeaking sound with each step he took. Ronan winced as each squeak sounded.
"What?" Robert demanded storming over to her. He had his hands clasped behind his back. When Riley didn't immediately answer, he started tapping his foot menacingly. "Well?"
"Rob—"
Robert put up his hand, stopping Ronan in the middle of his sentence. Ronan let out a breath of air through his nose, and tilted his head back, lightly hitting the glass wall behind him. He started to gently repeatedly hit his head on the wall as he watched the scene unfold.
"We've done it five times already," Riley snapped glaring up at him, brushing her hair out of her face.
"And you've done it wrong five times," Robert insisted. "Get up! Do it again!"
"Can we get some water first?" Patrick asked, resting his arms on his knees as he sat down on the floor. Man, we left surfing for this?
The gel that he had in his hair to keep his spikes up had already been sweated out and his hair now hung down in his face. Ronan could help but notice how small Patrick seemed to look. It was like day and night of how he normally acted and looked. Patrick was best known for being the most outgoing one of the group being described as bouncing off the walls and just having great energy that could liven up even the most conflicted person.
Robert looked like he was going to protest, but he caught Ronan's eyes and froze. Ronan sucked in a deep breath and held Robert's gaze. He'd be lying if he said that he wasn't shaking like a leaf, but he had to get his point across. Robert clenched his teeth together, a vein in his neck and jaw popping out.
"If you get it right this time then you can have a water break," Robert growled as he hauled his son to his feet.
That does it."Hey, Rob, chill out," Ronan piped up. "They're only doing bad each time because they're tired." He willed himself not to flinch when Robert turned his icy glare over to the older man. "I understand you want this perfect, Robert, really, I do. But, you're pushing them too hard. They can barely stand."
"When I want your opinion I'll ask for it," Robert said clapping his hands together. "Again. Now." He jabbed his finger into the PLAY button on the boom box.
As the Jacksons sang and danced, Robert watched with a glare etched upon his face. Ronan kept shifting his gaze back and forth from the kids to Robert, studying them. Ronan shifted his weight from foot to foot as he watched Sydney start to slow down. Of course with him being the youngest, he didn't have as much endurance as his brothers and sisters.
I've got to give him props for trying to keep up, Ronan thought, loosening his tie as the song came to a close. How does he keep doing it? He's so different around fans; all lively and open, but when he's by himself or around anyone else, he's so quiet.
As soon as the last beat of the song slammed to a stop, the Jackson fell to the floor once again, breathing heavily. Ronan jumped when Robert picked up the boombox he was sitting by and threw it against the floor. Patrick and Noah were leaning against each other, trying to sit straight up. Ronan couldn't tell if it was sweat or tears that were sliding down Sydney's cheeks. Riley and Rhuben were glaring off into space, refusing to look at their dad.
"That was pathetic!" Robert shouted. "Step it up! We can't have any mistakes!"
Rhuben let out a scream of frustration, slapping her hands down on the wooden floor. "Nothing we do will be perfect for you," she shouted before getting to her feet and storming to the side of the room to get her stuff.
"Just take the rest of the day off," Ronan said running his fingers through his hair. He helped Sydney to his feet and pulled the end of his shirt from his pants. He stuck his hand in the bottom and started to dab at Sydney's cheeks. Ronan's heart clenched when Sydney looked up at him with his piercing blue eyes. "Hey, you guys did a great job today." Sydney quietly nodded. "Really." He gave each of them a hug as they walked out, shouldering their bags.
"I didn't say you could leave," Robert shouted after them. Ronan put his hands on Robert's chest and pushed him back, stopping him from following his kids out the door. "I haven't dismissed you."
"Yes, but I have," Ronan said sternly, closing the door behind the kids. "You're pushing them too hard. They don't need to be run into the ground. They won't do perfectly if they're tired all the time. They need breaks. You can't run them without giving them a water break or a few minutes to rest."
"In those few minutes they're missing deals that could change their music career for the better," Robert replied, sounding eerily calm. "I know I'm hard on my kids from time to time, but it's the easiest way to keep them in line. You know what they're like; rambunctious and running around the place." Robert shrugged before turning around and heading towards the exit. He stopped and then glanced back at Ronan. "It's like my dad always said, 'Discipline is remembering what you want. If we don't discipline ourselves, the world will do it for us.'"
"Have you ever taken into consideration that what you want for them may not what be what they want for themselves?" Ronan asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "They're super talented kids, and yet with your constant pushing them, you could be burning them out. They aren't having fun anymore. Have you actually looked at them?"
"They live with me," Robert grunted arching an eyebrow. "I look at them enough."
Ronan rolled his eyes, shaking his head. What will get through to this guy? I've never seen someone this mad at everyone. He pressed his tongue into his cheek. "Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are, not to spend your whole time trying to correct them, Rob." Robert swallowed. "At least, that's what mydad always said."
"You know nothing," Robert replied in a low voice.
Kendall slowly made his way down the hall of the sports arena. He stepped quietly and slowly, trying not to make a sound. There was the dull hum of people talking in the lobby. Some voices sounded happier than others. Not that he could blame them; he played lousy.
"Kendall, there you are," his mother said with a warm smile, walking up to him, placing her hands on his cheeks. "What took you? The other players came out a while ago." Katie waddled over to Kendall's side, smiling up at him, as she took his hand.
"I was…I was thirsty," Kendall mumbled in reply. "I was just getting some water."
"Kendall!" Kendall heard the familiar voices of his friends and teammates. "Kendall, wait up!"
"Can we go?" Kendall asked his mom.
"But, Kendall—"
"Can we just go?" Kendall repeated. "I'll IM them later, it's ok, mom. I'm really just tired. I…I don't want to deal with anything right now."
"You did a good job," Katie said, looking up at him, swinging their arms back and forth. Kendall relaxed into a smile as he looked down at her.
"Mom, please?" Kendall asked. Kacy sighed but nodded, guiding the two of them out the door. They quickly crossed the parking lot and got into their car. His dad was already sitting in the passenger seat, staring out the window.
"That was a close game," he commented, turning his head enough to look at his son in the rearview mirror. "Never gone to over time before."
"Mhm," Kendall replied with a nod as he buckled in his sister before himself. He adjusted the strap over his chest, staring ahead. The car was silent for a moment as Kacy turned on the car, shortly followed by the heater. "Second place is still good."
"First is great," his dad instantly replied. Kacy shot him a warning look from the front seat and Kendall silently nodded.
"Kendall played great today," Kacy said quietly. This response was met with loud, cruel laughter. Laughter Kendall didn't recognize, but still sent a shiver down his spine.
Kendall awoke with a sudden gasp. His heart rammed in his chest as he ran his hands over his face. Letting out a heavy sigh, he collapsed back into his pillows, staring at the ceiling. It was starting to become too familiar of an action.
Eat healthily, sleep well, breathe deeply, move harmoniously. That's the game plan. That's the only way to be successful.
A/N: So, most of this chapter was from from Adrenaline Rush, but it fits well into this. Anyway, as the fic goes on you'll see more of Kendall's nightmares and stuff. Jo, Camille, and WayneWayne are coming up soon. Most of the chapters of Welcome to the Big Time I'm not re-doing, or I'm just taking bits and pieces from them because when I look back at the fic (and see how bad it was) it didn't really follow the main plot that the title suggested it did. But, it's still technically a re-write anyway as, like I said earlier, it's going through the episodes that I think were most important out of the 3 (and soon 4) seasons.
Hope you guys liked this chapter!
Cheers,
-Rhubes
