BIG BANG CHAPTER! Okay, I am not sure how you guys will take the chapter, but this is the climax of the story. It may not be dramatic to some people, and it might not be what everyone expected, but I don't care. I know that somewhere out there, there will be at least one person who will appreciate the small little twist I added in there. I actually based a lot of my story on this chapter, where everything starts to fall together, so I was actually very excited to write this one!
OH, and I do want to address something. As my fan base continues to grow, so does the number of haters and critics. Honestly, it's fine. It is so sweet that some of you defend my story and start an argument, but I can't expect for all of my comments to be positive. One thing that I really do have to say, however, is that a lot of my critics aren't being rational. I appreciate constructive critisism because I know that I am not perfect and my grammar and/or writing style can be improved, but what I DON'T appreciate is being told that I am being unrealistic. If you're trying to be cool and hate on me because you want to be different, please stop. I put my heart and soul into my writing and it really hurts when the reasons you decide to tell me, and others for that matter, how stupid I am. If you're reading this, you know who you are. So I just want to clear something out to those who are reading this and need clarification:
1. Do you know what website you're in? It's called fanFICTION; as in, it's not real? Yeah. Just in case you forgot the memo. So what if this would never happen, that's what fiction is all about. My life is completely structured and I want to write about fantasies because they're a nice outlet, and some people actually like reading romances like these. If you don't like the idea of a fictional story, what are you doing here? Why not just stick to the Degrassi on television and not bring me down saying that my ideas are stupid.
2. This fiction is rated M. Simple, easy to understand. If you don't like the rating, you don't have to read it. I even put up warnings in the beginning of chapters so that you'll be prepared, so I don't understand what the problem is. Yes, I realize that my mature scenes are unrealistic and probably more amazing than real life, but how is that a bad thing? I'm sorry if you don't like it, just don't read it if you don't want to.
On a brighter note, I broke my reviews per chapter with 'Aftermath' thanks to 90+ amazing reviewers! Thank you so much, I honestly can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your reviews. Seriously, I find myself laughing at some of them because I can't believe that you guys like this story so much! As well as all of my Twitter followers, you guys are seriously the best! If I could, I would give you all some apple cheescake! I would love to continue breaking records, if you don't mind!
WARNING! Small lime included. So I won't get banned for using lyrics, listen to "If It Means a Lot To You" by a Day To Remember when the recording scene comes out. Please excuse any incorrect information about New York City, for I have only been there once in my life and do not claim to be an expert.
Disclaimer: I own a collection of Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts, not Degrassi.
CLARE'S POINT OF VIEW
Chapter 14.
Ding dong!
I waited outside of Eli's door in the middle of the night, bags in my hand, hoping that he would still be home. My dad had let me go to New York with Eli and told me to waste no time, because if not my mom would find out and forbid me to go. I was absolutely grateful for my dad, and I really hoped it would be worth it.
The door swung open, and Eli appeared wearing thick-rimmed glasses, black sweat pants, and an old Proxemics t-shirt. He looked so casual, it was rare to see him this way and I was glad that I was one of the few that could.
"What are you doing here, blue eyes?" he asked playfully, stepping out and closing the door in back of him.
"I can go to New York with you," I smiled, excitement bubbling in my stomach.
His eyes widened, before a wide grin appeared on his features. He enveloped me in his arms and lifted me up, causing me to squeal and drop my bags. I held onto his neck as he laughed and twirled me around in his arms. I loved these moments with him, they were pure, simple, adoring. He gently put me down on my feet again and feathered my shoulder blade with kisses.
"Now I can finally have you all to myself and spoil you to my heart's content," Eli smirked against my shoulder.
"One step at a time, Eli," I murmured into his hair, running my hands through his silky locks.
Eli lifted his head and tightened his arms around me. "Who should I be thanking? Mama Edwards or Papa Edwards?"
"Papa Edwards. He wants me to be happy," I smiled, leaning up to kiss him chastely on the lips.
"Hmm, remind me to thank him later," he breathed hotly, capturing my lips in a smooth kiss.
I was cold and I couldn't feel my fingers wrapped around his hair, but I didn't care. His kisses were searing, beautiful, and I was happy. Our little moment was ruined when I suddenly heard the door open. We both pulled away from each other and found Drew standing in the doorway, a drumstick in his hand and his mouth full of chicken. My eyes narrowed in confusion and Eli stared at him as if he was the biggest idiot he had ever seen.
"Oy! Alli, Clare is here!" Drew called out, completely ignoring the fact that he ruined a moment.
"Alli is here?" I asked, giving Eli and I some distance even though his arms around my waist did not lose their grip.
Before Eli could answer, a pair of rapid, heel-clad footsteps were heard until I saw Alli in the doorway next to Drew with a huge smile on her face. She looked down at my bags on the floor, and then at me. We stared, before she squealed and ran to hug me. She removed me from Eli's arms, much to his displeasure, and hugged me tightly.
"Your parents let you come to New York!" Alli exclaimed.
"My dad is covering for me. Wait, how did your parents actually let you go? I mean, your parents are completely-"
"I know! I mean, in reality, they don't know that I'm going..." she smiled sheepishly. "We had an argument and I was just angry. I mean, I'm 18 and I can do what I want! Even Drew came to my house, bless his soul, and was practically eaten alive by my parents! It's okay though, because he helped me pack my bags and sneak them to his car so that I could be here with everyone. We were just waiting on you and Eli to see what was going on," she explained. "And now that you're here, we can leave early tomorrow for New York and have the vacation of a life-time!"
"Wait, so everyone is sleeping over here?" I asked.
"Yeah, everyone is crashing in Eli's living room since Alli can't really go home until after New York and my mom is pretty strict even with our liberal lifestyle," Drew explained casually, waving the drumstick around. "So yeah, we all set up blankets and pillows in the living room. We even made room for one more, just in case you came."
I was about to open my mouth when Eli interrupted me.
"Don't even think about it, you're sleeping in my room with me," Eli stated confidently.
I blushed.
Alli winked.
Drew bit his drumstick.
Eli grumbled at our distance.
This really was a weird site to behold.
Nevertheless, we went inside the Goldsworthy household and planned out the transportation. Fitz was here, too, but he didn't even look at me. He was talking with Adam, laughing about something. He was acting strange, but I thought nothing of it. Eventually, Eli led me up to his room and helped me get comfortable. We lay in the darkness of his room, his arm around my waist securely as we whispered and laughed quietly for what seemed like hours. There was no seducing, no inappropriate touching, and no explosion of skin and sweat. There was, however, a sweet murmur of words, loving nuzzles, and intoxicating embraces as Eli and I fell asleep under his Batman sheets.
oooooooooo
We were now on the Proxemics jet on our way to New York, talking business. The boys of the band were with JJ in one of the many conference rooms of the jet talking about the album itself and what was going to happen. So Alli and I caught up with each other in the front of the jet on one of the couches, shooting information back and forth about what happened since we last saw each other. We had been pretty distant ever since our parents grounded us, but we were both glad that this opportunity came up and we could be close again. She told me that she and Drew were getting pretty serious, just like Eli and I were.
Before we could really talk much more about relationships, the boys walked out of the room and made their way towards us. Fitz went to the very back and turned on his music, Adam turned on his laptop, and Drew and Eli came to sit with us.
"Are you excited, ladies?" JJ asked as he passed us.
"Definitely," we replied.
"Good, it's going to be amazing. Clare, baby, Eli will tell you all the details on recording sessions. It's gonna be great," he grinned before walking into the captain's room.
Drew led Alli to one of the big screens on the other side of the jet to show her some videos while Eli rested his head back and closed his eyes. I poked him in the arm before crossing my legs and patting them, just like he had done before. He looked down and smiled, slowly leaning down so he stretched his long body on the couch and rested his head on my lap, facing up. He sighed and smiled at me.
"So tell me, what are we going to do in New York, big shot?" I asked, running my fingers through his bangs as he stared up at me.
Eli closed his eyes and hummed in content as I played with his hair. "Well, first we have to finish our song and then record it. The due date for this album is actually the 23rd so that the first set of albums can be released on the 24th, so we have roughly about two weeks to finish. Also, I was wondering if you'd be my date; we're actually going to have a Christmas/Release party and there's also a birthday party that we should attend, only because Adam wants to," Eli said, to himself mostly.
"Who's birthday?" I asked, his little rant making me giggle.
"Fiona Coyne," Eli smirked, opening his eyes to look at me. I rose my eyebrows in surprise.
"You want me to be your date to a VIP, celeb-only party and for the Proxemics' event of the year? I'm kind of not prepared for that, wardrobe-wise," I explained nervously.
Eli tilted his head to the side so my fingers could rake through the side of his hair as he chuckled in amusement. "Which is why I am going to take you shopping for the occasion when we arrive," he said.
"You? Come with me to go shopping?" I asked in disbelief, smiling as he melted under my soft fingers.
He looked away from me then. "Yes, because now that you're associated with the band, you're going to have to play the part," he said almost inaudibly.
Play the part? He sat up slowly as the captain said on the PA that were were minutes away from landing in New York and needed to get our seatbelts on. Eli reached into the pockets of his leather jacket and took out his rings, slipping them on carefully as I looked out the window to the beautiful city as we started to descend, trying to decipher his words.
"Clare, you know that I love you, right?" he asked suddenly.
"Of course, Eli," I responded hesitantly, jumping slightly when the jolt of the jet hitting the ground smoothly scared me.
He slipped on the last ring, my purity ring, and took my hand in his gently. "I just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. If you decide to get down with me here, your life will never be the same," he stated seriously.
My eyebrows scrunched together and I stared in confusion, unbuckling my belt. The jet was soon slow again, and we came to a halt as the engines started to die down.
"Do you love me, Clare?" he asked, his molten eyes staring into mine.
"Y-Yes, more than anything," I replied, his intensity scaring me.
He squeezed my hand gently and stood up, taking me with him. "I've loved you since the moment I saw your eyes in the crowd that night in Toronto, and I want nothing but your happiness. I wish I could lie to you and tell you I could give you a normal life, but I can't. The minute you step out of this jet with me, you will no longer be my secret girlfriend; you're going to be Clare Diane Edwards, a rock star's girlfriend. Elijah Goldsworthy's talented, beautiful girlfriend. My girlfriend. You're going to have as much publicity as I have, maybe even more for the time being. You are going to be defined by me, and everything about you is going to become known by every person who knows of Proxemics. I'm giving you one last chance to decide. You can still turn back and keep your past life, but once you step out, there's no turning back," he said, grimly, hesitantly.
My eyes widened as the air-sealed door opened and the sound of cameras shuttering and people murmuring became clear, staring into Eli's hard eyes. I looked away from him and saw as Fitz stood at the doorway, smirking as he walked down the stairs, followed by Adam and JJ. Then, I saw Drew and Alli whisper on the side of the opening, before Alli smiled and nodded. Drew reached for her hand and she stepped into the light, followed by the large roar of the people on the bottom. I watched as she disappeared from my sight, knowing well that she had decided that he was worth it. Was Eli worth it?
"Are you ready for that?" Eli asked quietly.
I looked back out at the opening of the jet and took a deep breath. I intertwined our fingers and looked up at him, determined. He lifted a dark eyebrow.
"All I know is that I love you, and you're worth it," I smiled shyly.
Eli released a breath he was holding and leaned down to kiss me sweetly, lingering. He looked at me one last time, and I nodded. Then he led me to the door and we stepped out into my new life, our new life.
oooooooooo
It was official. Everyone knew my name.
It was insane, all of the attention I was getting with Eli. We managed to get away from the paparazzi at the airport and got into the stretch limo that was arranged for us. Alli and I sat next to each other, our hands shaking and our eyes wide with the intensity of the feeling.
"Don't worry, those goose bumps will go away in about fifteen minutes," Adam said playfully as he laughed at our demeanor.
"Yeah, I remember that night our first album came out? Man...it was crazy," Fitz chuckled, looking out the window.
Fitz was being...surprisingly nice even after all of the drama that happened. It was odd, and I knew that something was off about him. I didn't want to ask, though. Maybe I'd ask Eli later. We drove around New York, smiling and laughing with each other and enjoying the company. Then, the tall buildings and insane traffic died down a little bit and suddenly there was vintage town houses and grungy apartments with stairwells in the front. The people changed from business attire and big coats to leather skinnies and edgy boots and shirts. I giggled slightly, this was so typical of them.
The limo stopped in front of a wide, red-brick, abandoned building in the center of the street. We got out of the limo and helped out with the bags in the trunk.
"So guys, where are we going to be staying?" Alli asked, dropping her heavy bags to the side walk.
"We actually rented this house on St. Mark's that has been amplified and transformed into a pent house where we'll be having our Christmas party. It's pretty sick, I've seen the pictures that JJ sent us," Drew exclaimed, opening his phone and clicking through his messages.
"Way to ruin the surprise, Drew!" JJ said sarcastically as he walked the steps of the building.
We all followed behind and ran inside, trying to get into the warmth. When the lights turned on, I was completely shocked. It was a lot bigger than it looked on the inside. The first floor was one big room with ample furniture, modern paintings, and an edgy feel to the entire space. There were red lamps, chains on the walls, and Proxemics props on the walls and adorning the room. There was a large platform in the end of the room that was currently being equipped by some men in black. I looked up and saw the square in the middle of the roof that showed the other three floors of the penthouse, which is where the actual house was, I imagined.
"Oh my god, this is amazing!" Alli exclaimed, looking around in awe.
"We had our own personal designer come and fix this place up. So, we need to go over the agenda," JJ said, pulling out his phone. "Proxemics, make sure all the songs are done like I mentioned. We need to record three more songs on Friday, which is a week from now on the 18th. Fiona Coyne's birthday party is tomorrow in her penthouse, so make sure to be there by 9:00 PM. We also need to work on Clare and Alli's image; who's going to take care of that?"
"I will," Eli spoke up. "On account that I'm familiar with...the style and everything."
"Yeah, what are you not the expert on?" Adam said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
Eli narrowed his eyes playfully.
"I'll go too, they could use another opinion besides Eli's dry sense of style," Adam smirked.
"Okay good, take care of that. So I'm gonna go talk to the producers and we'll talk about your release party later. Try not to...get into anymore drama, please?" JJ pleaded, grinning sheepishly as he excused himself and walked out of the penthouse.
A man dressed in black came up to me and took my bags and Alli's from our hands, smiling and taking them up the chrome stairs.
Fitz sighed. "Well, I'm gonna see if I can get a date or something for tomorrow's party. I'm the only loser that hasn't gotten a date," Fitz mumbled grimly, walking away from the group and taking out his phone.
"Oh dude, I can help you with that!" Drew said, running after him.
Alli rolled her eyes and smiled.
"I guess we should go take Alli and Clare to Trash and Vaudeville. What do you think, Eli?" Adam asked.
"I think that's a great idea," Eli grinned.
"Trash and Vaudeville? What's that?" Alli asked, flipping her long black hair over her shoulder.
Adam put his arms around the two of us and grinned. "You'll see."
We went outside of the penthouse and into the cold New York air and walked down the street. People were giving us looks; they probably recognized Adam and Eli but didn't know Alli or I so it tripped them off or something. We walked side-by-side for a few blocks before we finally reached a red building that had a light up sign that read 'Trash and Vaudeville' and had a window with mannequins dressed in rock and goth outfits. Oh wow, were we really going in there?
"Uh, you guys are going to a store? With normal people?" Alli asked as we walked up the steps.
"This store is anything but normal. A lot of rock icons come shopping here. We're really close with Jimmy Webb, the manager, so I'm sure he'd be happy to put together an outfit for your first VIP party and our release party," Adam explained as we entered the store.
The loud metal music filled the long room filled with racks of leather and studded accessories. It smells like brand new leather, and I felt completely out of place as I watched Eli and Adam walk in with their bad-ass attitudes and punk jackets and boots. Alli and I stared at each other in disbelief as we followed the two boys through the store.
"Jimmy!" Eli called out, walking over to a tall blonde guy wearing a bunch of belts and chains who was helping out a girl with some jeans.
Said man and the dark girl turned to the source of the voice and both their eyes widened.
"Elijah Goldsworthy!" Jimmy exclaimed, walking over to him.
Eli grinned as he brought the taller man into a hug, both men patting their backs in a friendly gesture. Adam walked over to them and gave him a "man hug" as well, the three reuniting with each other.
"Look who's on my wall, Mr. Goldsworthy!" Jimmy pointed to a wall.
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped when I saw the rather large picture of Eli during a concert with his upper body arched insanely as he screamed into the microphone in his hand, red lights framing his gorgeous body. His eyes were closed shut and his legs were wide so that he could bend backwards dramatically, and I instantly grew hot. The only time I had seen Eli in concert was when his back was hurt, and now I really wanted to see him full-on. Alli let out a breath and swooned next to me. I poked her arm in warning and we both giggled.
"Aww that's sick! Where'd you get that?" Eli admired, going over to the wall covered with pictures of other big artists.
"I got one of my people to take a picture so I could put it up on my wall. You're becoming an idol, my friend, I think you deserved a picture in the wall. So what brings you big guys to New York?" Jimmy asked, patting Adam's back as the two admired the picture.
"We're actually finishing recording our latest album. It's going to be out by Christmas. We're having a release party at our penthouse, which you're invited to," Eli grinned.
Jimmy closed his eyes and put his tattooed hand over his heart in appreciation. "I will gladly celebrate. Do you boys need an ensemble for it then? I've got a new brand of leather that just came in..." he started, looking around the store.
"Not for us, Jimmy. We're actually gonna need your help to dress up the newest members of our family," Adam grinned, turning his head towards us.
I blushed as Jimmy looked over at us, probably eyeing our colorful attire, and smiled. "And who are these pretty ladies?" he asked, walking over to us.
Eli walked over to me and put his arm around my shoulders, tucking me to his side. "Meet Clare, my girlfriend. She's going to be recording a song with me for the album next week," Eli said, the pride in his voice making my heart flutter.
"Adam, this is your girlfriend?" Jimmy asked, smiling at Alli.
"No way, I have my sights elsewhere. This is Drew's girlfriend, Alli," Adam smiled, putting his arm around her either way. "But she's not your main problem; Drew said he already got Alli a dress and she just needs accessories. It's our little Miss Clare-bear that needs your expert skills," he nodded.
"Drew got me a dress?" Alli exclaimed, shaking Adam for information as he whimpered in fear of her enthusiasm.
"We're going to need two outfits: one for a VIP birthday party, and the other for our release party. For the birthday party, I'm going to be wearing a black white-striped button down, chained vest, black leather skinnies, and the first pair of boots I ever bought from you. For the release party, the band and I are wearing the black, studded military outfits we bought from you a few months back," Eli explained as Jimmy nodded in agreement.
Eli looked down at me and smiled. "So we're gonna need you to paint my pretty little girlfriend's pink clothes to black and studs. Just be gentle, it's her first time," he winked, making me blush.
Jimmy looked me up and down. "It's been a while since I've seen a preppy girl like this in this fine establishment, I would be honored to corrupt her outlook for you, Mr. Goldsworthy," he grinned wickedly.
Uh-oh. What did I get myself into?
oooooooooo
"Eli, would you stop staring at my legs?" I squealed, hitting his shoulder.
"I can't help it, they're freaking long in those heels..."
"PDA, guys!" Alli groaned.
It was Friday night, the night of Fiona Coyne's party. Eli, Alli, Drew, and I were in the limo on our way to the party, and I was all dressed up and glammed with the outfits chosen by Jimmy Webb. We had been in the store for about two hours, trying on different dresses and outfits until everyone came into agreement on two dresses. For the party, everyone decided that I would wear a short, lacy black dress with a halter, fitted top and a flurry skirt that resembled feathers along with studded heels and eccentric-patterned tights. My hair was up in a messy bun and my make-up was light except for my pouty red lips, which made my eyes stand out even more. Adam could not come with us because he had to be there early. After all, he was Fiona Coyne's date. Fitz said that he needed to pick up his date on his own and insisted that he would meet us there, so we merely shrugged him off.
We arrived at the lit up party entrance, which had a huge red carpet and a lot of paparazzi and New Yorkers standing on the outside of the bars. My stomach flipped as the door opened and Drew and Alli stepped out, the crowd screaming with excitement. I felt Eli kiss my cheek and intertwine his fingers with mine as he stepped out a few seconds after, bringing me with him. I made sure to keep my balance on my heels and smiled shyly as the crowd of people roared even louder. I looked up at Eli and noticed that he was looking at me lovingly, smirking. I blushed and walked with him through the red carpet as the flashing lights of the cameras surrounded me.
"Elijah! Clare! Can you-"
"Is it official that you two are-"
"YOU GUYS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER!"
"Are you working on the album that release-"
"NO THEY DON'T! ELIJAH IS MINE!"
Eli removed his hand from mine and offered his arm. I gladly took his bicep in my hands and let him lead me through the crowd, the feeling of claustrophobia starting to kick in. I let out a sigh as we finally entered the large black doors that led to a large room decorated with a lot of pink. The lights were dim, save for a huge spotlight on a very large cake with a 20 on top, and there was a lot of people dancing and lounging.
"Clare, can you believe we're here?" Alli squealed as she came next to me, holding onto Drew.
"No I can't!" I replied, smiling widely.
"Come on, Alli, I want you to meet my idol!" Drew exclaimed, leading her to the dance floor as she waved softly.
I rolled my eyes and looked up at Eli, who was nodding his head in acknowledgment.
"So, are you ready to be Elijah Goldsworthy's hot sexy date?" he smirked, leading me into the crowd of celebrities.
"You know it, Mr. Goldsworthy," I winked, and he chuckled.
I never saw Eli as mingler at parties, but apparently he was. He took me from group to group, introducing me and talking with people for a few minutes before going somewhere else. A lot of the people here, I didn't recognize, but there were a few people I did recognize. I actually met some of the songwriters that I admired, actors, and musicians. Honestly, I don't know how I didn't faint! Well, after meeting Elijah Goldsworthy, I think anyone is immune from over-fan girling. After an hour of standing, I finally convinced Eli to sit down. We sat down at a secluded section of the party and sighed.
"So what do you think of your first celebrity party?" Eli asked smugly.
"Well, besides meeting some of the most famous people I've heard of, it's kind of boring," I stated honestly, raising an eyebrow.
"Boring?" Eli asked, feigning hurt.
I crossed my legs and smirked. "When is the fun going to happen?"
Eli smirked devilishly and placed his hand on my knee, rubbing small circles. "Oh, so you want some fun, do you?"
My eyes glazed over and I was about to flirt some more, when suddenly a blonde girl wearing a white, sparkle dress came up to us.
"Eli! I'm so glad you could make it!" she exclaimed, fluttering her long lashes.
"Oh, hey Tinsley. Yeah, of course, we love Fiona. I haven't seen her around, or Adam. Have you seen her?" he asked.
Tinsley was another band member of GCJ, I recognized her then. I wanted to kill her for interrupting.
"Uh, no. She's probably with Adam talking to guests. But hey! I really want you to meet someone!" she exclaimed, reaching for Eli's hand.
I growled under my breath.
"Who is it? And I'd rather not leave Clare by her-"
"Eli! You came!" someone called.
We looked up and I gasped. Fiona walked over to us, her arm around Adam's, in her absolutely stunning black mini dress. She looked like she was glowing, I was a little jealous. I stood up as Eli did as she reached him and outstretched her arms. Eli hesitated, but then pulled her into a short hug.
"Happy birthday, Fi. I hope Adam is treating you right," Eli said playfully, letting her go.
Fiona smiled and then turned to me, her head tilting.
"Oh, Eli, who's this pretty girl?"
Eli looked at me, his eyes shining. "This is my girlfriend."
I blushed. "My name Clare Edwards, it's so nice to meet you. Happy birthday!" I said, surprised when she suddenly pulled me into a tight hug.
"I'm so happy you came! I'm glad the rumors were true; you are really pretty," she complimented, letting me go and smiling.
My eyes widened and I mumbled a quiet thank you, completely embarrassed.
"So, Eli, come meet our manager?" Tinsley asked, breaking the conversation.
Eli looked at me, then at Tinsley.
"It's fine, Eli, we'll keep Clare company. Our manager has wanted to meet you," Fiona said, taking my arm in hers warmly.
Eli nodded his head and lingered his gaze on mine a little while longer before turning and following Tinsley into the crowd. I turned back and suddenly felt like a third wheel as Adam and Fiona looked at each other lovingly. Now I know how he felt when Eli and I were together.
"So Clare, do you like dancing?" she asked, shaking her hips.
"Of course! I've wanted to dance all night!" I responded, moving my hips with hers.
"Good! Adam, take us out to dance," Fiona ordered in a sweet voice, teasing.
Adam laughed and took the two of us to the dance floor. We submerged ourselves into the crowd and danced to the beat of the music, laughing and acting like fools. Fiona was one of the nicest girls I have ever met; she was so fun, but she still knew how to keep her attention on one person even if she had a lot of people around her rather than ignore me. I gave Adam a look as we continued dancing, and I saw the faint blush adorn his cheeks. After a few songs, we got tired and decided to sit it out. We went back to the couch we were previously sitting on and panted.
"Clare, I am SO happy that you're Eli's girlfriend. You're so much fun," Fiona complimented.
"Yeah, that's our Clare-bear," Adam added, smiling.
I blushed and played with the end of my dress. "Oh come on, you guys are too nice."
"We really have to keep in touch after this, I don't want you to just disappear on me, okay?" Fiona said.
I laughed and turned my head, trying to look for Eli. I hadn't seen him in a while and I was beginning to grow anxious. Adam and Fiona started a conversation without me as I continued to search for his dark head through the crowd. I saw a blonde head, and followed it, recognizing it as Tinsley. Then, I saw Eli. He was talking to an older man, looking interested in the conversation. I smiled and turned back to the conversation, adding a comment here and there. I wondered where Alli was, too. I picked up my head again and absentmindedly turned to where Eli was. Rather than finding him with the man by themselves, I saw a girl with a silver dress and long black hair come up to him from behind. She placed her hand on his shoulder and walked around him. Eli's head perked up as he looked at the girl, his face blank as she smiled seductively and ran her hands up and down his arm. My eyes widened.
He didn't flinch. He always flinched.
My heart dropped as I watched his lips move and respond to her. He didn't move her hand from his arm, nor did he look angry like he usually did. Who was this girl?
"Who is that?" I asked unconsciously.
Fiona and Adam perked up and followed my gaze. "Oh no," Adam groaned.
"That's Lola," Fiona sighed, shaking her head. "What does she think she's doing?"
I looked back and gauged their reactions, they both stared at each other, having a silent conversation.
"Okay, will someone tell me what the hell is going on with this Lola girl?" I asked, frustrated.
Fiona looked at me, her eyes sad. "Eli...he hasn't told you?"
"No, he always avoids the subject. And so do you, Adam," I stated, narrowing my eyes at him. "Also, I read that GCJ and Proxemics might have an alliance, is that true?"
Adam scrunched his eyebrows together and scoffed. "No, that's not true. Where did you hear that?"
I looked back at where Eli was and found that he and the girl were missing. I felt queasy all of a sudden.
"No one wants to tell me what happened with Lola?" I asked, looking at them desperately.
Fiona sighed, biting her lip. "I don't think it's my place to say. He should tell you himself," she said.
I looked away and let out a sigh, trying to calm myself.
"FIONA COYNE! GET ON UP HERE, BIRTHDAY GIRL, AND CUT YOUR CAKE!" a voice on the microphone exclaimed.
I looked up and my eyes narrowed as I saw Lola's flawless self next to the cake, calling up her band mate. Fiona touched my shoulder sympathetically before standing up and heading towards the cake. I looked at Adam pleadingly, but he just looked down. I needed to leave, I couldn't stand not knowing. I wanted to find Alli and tell her what happened; she was always good at cheering me up. As I stood up, I suddenly collided with a hard body. I looked up and saw Eli, his face serious and pensive.
"Are you ready to leave?" he asked, his voice tense.
"Yes," I confessed.
"Adam, we're leaving," Eli informed him, before grabbing my hand and leading me through the crowd of chanting people.
I looked at the back of his head and was confused by his sudden urgency to leave. We walked outside into the cool air and walked straight into a waiting limousine, sliding in. I looked at him, my eyes wide as he stared angrily at the end of the limousine.
"Eli? Tell me what's wrong," I said quietly.
He didn't budge, though. He merely stayed staring at nothing, his eyes softening slightly. I bit my lip and looked out the window, my heart banging against my rib cage at the possibilities of his anger. Did he have a past relationship with Lola? What had they said to each other? After a few minutes, we arrived at the penthouse. Wordlessly, he opened the door and slid out, waiting for me. I followed him out the limousine and up the stairs into the warm, empty penthouse.
He took of his vest and made his way up the stairs without a second glance at me, but I wasn't having any of that. I followed him up the stairs and into our room, shutting the door closed.
"Eli, what's going on? Why won't you look at me?" I asked desperately, watching as he swung the vest on a nearby chair and turned to me, his eyes on the floor. I walked up towards him, ready to make him look at me, but then gasped. My anger melted away as I saw the sadness in his face, his posture not angry anymore
"Clare."
He looked up, blue eyes met green.
"Eli...?"
His eyes flashed, and his breathe quickened.
"Only you. Dammit," he breathed. "Only you."
Softly, possessively, he took my hands in his and crashed his lips to mine. He kissed me, bringing my body to his, molding them, as he had never kissed me before. There was urgency, desperation, and love. I responded, just wanting to be with him again. All control was lost, and we took passion and pleasure from each other. Clothes were lost, bodies pressed together, pants filled the air. I kissed him, he touched me. I was drowning, drowing in the desperate need to love him and for him to love me. He moved me to the bed and pressed me to the mattress, his hands tracing all of my curves.
My name fell from his lips, my mind blurred.
Everything became fast, heated touches and breathy moans. I raked my hands down his back as he kissed every inch of my skin, daring to go where no man would ever go. He was intoxicating, his body weight on mine as he took everything from me, giving me everything he had. I was breathless, my love for him growing at his tender touches. He was everything to me, everything that I could have ever wanted. When he lowered himself to touch me, to lick me, in the most intimate of places, my moans grew in intensity. I gripped his hair in my hands as he loved me, moving his sensual tongue in rhythmic circles.
He was like molten lava on my body, his lips and tongue burning my nerves with endless pleasure.
Then, he buried himself inside me in one quick thrust, a cry of desperate need escaping us. I clutched onto him as he moved with tenderness, loving. He gasped my name as I clutched onto him tightly in an attempt to get him closer, his movements becoming faster as he stoked the fire inside of us. I forgot about everything except for Eli, our soft pants and gasps making me cry out as we moved our way to a quivering, trembling ecstasy that threatened to consume me. I never wanted to stop.
Suddenly, he rolled us over until I was lying above him, our chests brushing. We panted against each others lips for a few seconds, staring into our glazed eyes.
"Clare," he rasped, kissing my lips affectionately before I sat up and placed my hands on his hot chest. "Ride me."
And I did. My stomach quacked and I threw my head back as the passion consumed me, feeling his hands on my hips. Then, the pleasure became too much and I exploded around him, gripping his forearms as the waves of pleasure raked through me. I brought my body on top of his as he clenched his eyes shut and grinded against me one last time as he released with me. He wrapped his arms around me and bit my shoulder gently, bringing me down to my side and covering us with the blankets.
This was my everything.
oooooooooo
A few days after the party, I still felt that Eli wasn't telling me something about Lola.
I had spent the weekend with Adam and Alli, mostly. With the two most talkative people I knew, they were able to keep my mind off of Lola and Eli. Eli and Fitz were busy writing chords and arranging things with JJ that were time consuming. I only saw Eli at night, where we shared a large room. Sometimes, he would bring his sheets and we would shoot ideas back and forth for the ending of the lyrics. We would change the lyrics every so often and we had to start over and recreate the process. Usually I don't enjoy talking about the same thing for over an hour, but this was different. It was amazing, seeing how Eli's mind worked. Other times, Eli would be absolutely exhausted when he came to our room. I understood him; after all, the main reason we came was for work. So I would rake my hands through his hair lovingly until he fell asleep, unconsciously reaching for my waist and bringing me close. He changed so much in the past couple of months that we've been together.
The weekend went by and now it was Tuesday, and Eli and I spent the day together. Thankfully, there was a lot of people this time of year in New York and it was somewhat easy to blend in to a crowd. He had taken me to several music shops with old records and books, which kept us entertained for hours. I also insisted that he take me to a Broadway show, but he grimaced and told me there was nothing that was worth seeing. I begged to differ, but he convinced me otherwise by pushing me into a forgotten alleyway and kissing me like a mad man. Needless to say, I completely forgot about my dream to see Phantom of the Opera. Then, we just basically strolled around New York with thick coats and our hands intertwined.
Every once in a while, a couple of girls would jump in front of us and ask to take pictures with us, mostly with Eli, but I came out in some of them. I noticed that whenever girls came up to him, touching his bicep and his back, he would flinch subtly and his eyes would harden momentarily. Only a person who was as close as I would notice his hesitance, but still. I knew he was only comfortable with certain people touching him, so why was Lola one of them?
"Aww, is my poor little blue eyes afraid of ice?" Eli teased.
"No, I'm just afraid of falling on my butt and not being able to get up!" I argued, holding onto the rim.
Eli took me to Rockefeller Center and insisted that we go ice skating. It was already pretty dark and there was people in the rink, but I always wanted to go ice skating. Eli was an expert at ice skating, apparently, while I struggled to keep myself up. What wasn't this man good at?
"Here, hold onto my hand and I'll help you," Eli chuckled, holding out his hand.
I glared teasingly and held onto his hand, letting him pull me to the center of the rink. I waved my left hand in attempt to keep myself up as I let Eli pull me, squealing as I almost lost balance. Eli laughed and moved in front of me, turning swiftly to look at me and hold onto my two hands as he skated backwards.
"Stop showing off!" I whined playfully, holding onto his hands tightly.
"Me? Show off? Never," Eli snickered. "I just like watching you wave your hands around like a little girl."
I glared and removed my hands from his stubbornly. He rose an eyebrow in amusement as I struggled to keep balance, grinning when I successfully stood up straight. Then I squealed in surprise when a skater dashed past me and made me lose the balance. Luckily, Eli caught me and held me close, chuckling in my ear.
"Don't worry, I think it's cute," Eli said, holding me in his arms..
I smiled into his warmth and looked up at him. Then, the question inside of me couldn't hold itself in anymore.
"What happened with you and Lola?" I asked, bluntly.
Eli stiffened and allowed me to remove myself form his arms, holding onto his hands again and letting him pull me around the rink.
"What do you mean?" he asked stiffly.
I looked down at my feet and bit my lip. "Well, at Fiona's party...you let her get near you. You told me you don't like unnecessary physical contact."
"Not with you. Any physical contact with you is always necessary," Eli smirked, trying to change the subject.
I looked up at him curiously. "Eli, you don't have to tell me what happened if you don't want to, but just know that...I know something happened," I said.
Eli's eyes darkened as they narrowed slightly.
"You're familiar with her touch, and that alone gives it away. Please just, for my sake, tell me if you're still interested in her," I whispered, my heart dropping as I ushered the words through my lips.
Eli's eyes saddened and he brought me into his arms again, spinning us on the ice slowly as the momentum moved us.
"Lola...she used to be close to the band and I, but not anymore. It has been a problem, being friends with Fiona and the band when Lola is so close to them, but we manage somehow. She's not invited to our Christmas party, so you don't have to worry about unwanted advances, okay?" he said, bringing his head to my hair, kissing it gently.
"I would never leave you, Clare. You are my entire world, and I love you more than I thought was possible," he breathed, resting his head on my shoulder.
I smiled sadly and held onto his shoulders, nuzzling my cheek on his hair. "I love you too," I whispered.
Everything was okay. For now.
oooooooooo
A strum of the guitar.
Tune the bass.
Beats of the drum.
Being inside the velvet red recording studio with Proxemics was indescribable. Eli put large headphones over my ears and grinned, winking. I blushed and turned to the music in front of the intimidating microphone, going over it once again. I looked up through the mirror and saw Alli, JJ, and the music producer pointing at buttons and screens in front of them. Then, they looked up and buzzed a button.
"Okay you guys, this is the last song that will go on the album Odd Room before we wrap it up. Let's go to "If It Means a Lot to You" with Clare and Eli," the producer said through the PA.
Eli came to the microphone next to me, black earphones adorning his head and his acoustic guitar in his hands, and cleared his throat. Adam was going to play the electric guitar in this one, while Drew played the drums, of course. There was no electric guitar or drums in the first part of the song, it was going to be pure voice and guitar for the meanwhile. Fitz sat down in the stool in front of the microphone and positioned his guitar in front of him. Our eyes collided, and I instantly turned away.
"Ready, guys?" Eli asked through the microphone, and I heard him through the earphones.
Fitz and I nodded, and he started to bob his head to a beat in his head. He gave a pronounced bob, and the two started to play the guitar in harmony. Then, Eli came in singing. His singing was absolutely breath-taking, that I didn't even notice it was almost my turn to sing. I felt butterflies in my stomach as my part came up. I swallowed inaudibly and took in a deep breath. Eli and I looked at each other and smiled as we came in together to harmonize. I put a hand on my stomach to measure the control of breath and sang. The drums came in, as well as some electric guitar, as we started to build up. I felt the hairs of my arm stand up from the sheer emotion of singing with the band. Everyone came together as we sang the final verses of the song.
We stopped, and everyone cheered. We congratulated each other and gave high-fives to everyone. Eli laughed and hugged me quickly, kissing my cheek.
"You were amazing," he whispered.
I blushed as he let me go and went to the microphone. "How was that?" Eli asked.
"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!" JJ exclaimed, Alli squealing in the background.
"We would just like to take it again from the last chorus because there was a few mix-ups with the chords. Can we do that?" the producer asked.
We got back into positions, and finished the song within an hour's time. After a few days of editing and re-singing, we actually did it. On December 23rd at 6:23 PM, Proxemics album Odd Rooms was completed with "If It Means a Lot To You [featuring Clare Edwards]" as the final song.
oooooooooo
Alli applied the last few dabs of red lipstick on my lips and smiled in satisfaction. The Proxemics Christmas party/release party was downstairs and the loud rock music was faint as I sat in the vanity with Alli, getting ready. We smiled at each other, and no words needed to be said. We were happy, we didn't need anything else. Alli came next to me and looked at the two of us in the mirror. She was wearing a sparkle chrome mini-dress, along with stilletos and a lot of wristbands. I was wearing a black loose mini-dress with tall anklet boots and studded bracelets. Drew came into the door and knocked.
"We're gonna start, come on," Drew said, wearing a black fitted military jacket just like Eli had said.
Alli and I quickly fixed our hair and ran after him, coming down the stairs to greet all of the celebrities and fans that filled up the entire room. Drew ran up to the now set-up platform where the entire band was in their matching outfits. Everyone had their instruments ready, plugged in, and tuned. A large Proxemics banner hung behind them as well as severl screens that also hung on the entire room.
"WELCOME TO THE PROXEMICS RELEASE PARTY!" Eli exclaimed into the microphone
"YEAHHHHHHHHH!"
"Thank you guys for coming! We're gonna kick off this little party with a little song from our new album, Odd Room. Hit it!"
Drew banged on the drums loudly as the entire band came in to create a loud, pure punk rock music. Alli and I made our way through the screaming crowd and went to the very front, cheering and throwing our hands in the air as Fitz's guitar solo came in. We cheered them on as Eli sang into the microphone stand, moving his fingers on the guitar expertly. The chorus came and the crowd was absolutely crazy, jumping up and down with the crazy beat. Eli swung his guitar back and let Fitz take over as he grabbed the microphone stand and sang into it. All the girls, including myself, went wild with screaming when he gave out a long scream, leaning back and taking the microphone stand with him. He widened his stance and held onto the microphone stand, grunting and grinding into it wildly as the bass and guitar filled up the room, making everyone roar loudly. By the end of the song, everyone was so pumped up.
He was so fucking sexy. I officially wanted to be that microphone stand so he could grind up against me and grunt like an animal.
"THANK YOU, NEW YORK!" Eli screamed out, lifting his hands for applause. "Now I don't want to spoil the entire album, but I do want to sing to you the duet that my lovely girlfriend and I have created together. Come on up here, blue eyes," he winked, panting into the microphone.
I blushed and shyly walked up the stairs to the platform and smiled as Eli brought me another microphone stand. The guitar started to play, and Eli and I sang our song together, looking at each other every once in a while and exchanging glances. The audience was so responsive and they loved every second of us on the stage. Performing with Eli was my new favorite thing, and I could do it for the rest of my life, I decided. By the end of the song, the entire band came and we had a huge group hug as the party-goers cheered us on.
"Alright, so enjoy the party and let's have the best Christmas party ever!" Drew said through the microphone before we all got down the platform and met up with everyone.
I got a lot of congratulations from the party goers and couldn't help but blush as Eli gave me most of the credit. Alli came over and hugged me, telling me that I looked just like a rock star. Never in my life had I imagined that I would look like a star, let alone a rock star, but Eli always seems to prove me wrong. The party went on with rock music in the background and I was having so much fun meeting new people, fans of Proxemics. I was talking to several people when Eli came behind me and wrapped his arms around me.
"Hey, my blue eyed rocker. How are you doing?" he whispered in my ear, making me shudder.
I smiled and kissed his cheek. "Amazing, you?"
"Now? I'm amazing, too," he grinned, kissing the top of my hair.
I smiled and looked up, but then my smile fell as I looked at Fitz with his arm around a certain someone.
"Eli?"
"Yes, blue eyes?"
"I thought you said Lola wasn't invited to the party," I said lowly, keeping my eyes on the black-haired beauty in Fitz's arms as they talked to JJ.
"What?" Eli asked incredulously, following my gaze. "How did she get in here?"
He let me go and stomped his way over to them, with me waking right behind him. When he reached Fitz, Lola, and JJ, he tapped Fitz on the shoulder.
"Fitz? Can I talk to you?" he asked lowly.
Fitz nodded and let go of Lola to walk slightly to the side.
"How did Lola get in here? I specifically told the security that she was not allowed inside," he asked.
"Oh, I let her in," Fitz said, a smirk on his lips. "Why was she not invited?"
I stood on the side, watching silently as the tension started to rise. This reminded me a lot of the hard interview I witnessed. I crossed my arms and bit my lips as I stared.
"Fitz. I don't want any drama. We talked about this, why the hell are you doing this again? I thought we were passed this," Eli growled.
"Oh Eli, thank goodness you're here! Fitz and Lola told me of their plans to have an affiliation and I absolutely love the idea. What do you think? We can have another tour with GCJ!" JJ came in, putting his arm around Fitz.
"No! What the hell, when was this decided?" Eli exclaimed angrily.
As I watched the conversation go on, I suddenly felt a presence next to me. I quickly turned my head and gasped softly when I saw Lola stand next to me, staring at the boys as well.
Lola snickered. "Boys will be boys, huh?"
"Y-Yeah...they're always fighting," I murmured, surprised by her comment. I always imagined Lola to be mean and vicious by the way people described her to be.
"I know, right? Especially Eli, he's so hot-headed sometimes," Lola added, her beautifully dark eyes glancing at me.
"I think Fitz is more hot-headed than Eli, if you ask me," I smiled, shaking my head.
"Well whatever, at least they have Adam and Drew to balance them out," she nodded.
I rose my eyebrows and looked at her taller figure.
"So I'm guessing you know the band really well then, huh, Lola?" I asked.
Lola turned to face me as she smirked. "Oh sweetie, please, Lola is just my stage name."
"Oh? Then what do I call you?" I smiled.
"My name is Julia, Julia Locklear," she stated, a wicked smirk on her face.
I gasped and my eyes widened my heart pounding in my ears.
"Julia? Julia Locklear?" I clarified in disbelief.
I saw Eli's head pick up from the corner of my eye and he turned with panic written all over his body. My stomach dropped and my body felt numb as I stared at the girl who I presumed to be dead. I turned to Eli, who was looking at me with an indescribable expression on his face, my body turning cold with shock.
"I thought you said she was dead," I breathed shakily, my hands quivering.
Eli's eyes hardened as he glared at Lola, Julia, darkly. His face was twisted in the coldest glare I had ever seen in my life, directing it towards the smug girl next to me.
"She is dead. She's dead to me."
BAM! How'd you like my twist? I bet you didn't see THAT coming! Reviews would be lovely! I promise next week will not be late.
WAZAM