"Well…" Shane's eyes wandered from me to our family and friends, "Can you guys give us a minute?" Reluctantly, they nodded and slowly exited the room. Only Caitlyn lingered, 'til Shane gave her a pointed look.
"Fine, fine, I'll go, I'll go…Geez I can take a hint," she said before sauntering out.
I looked at Shane. "You have ten seconds."
He sighed, "They asked our manager if we were willing to sing for the Lovers' concert. As it turns out, one of the performers canceled last minute. So, my mom said yes."
I frowned and looked towards the floor. "When were you going to tell me?" I asked.
I felt Shane's eyes on me. "After our date…" he said softly.
I sighed and finally met his dark eyes. "I don't like all these secrets Shane…"
He took my hand with his free one. "And I don't either…it's just been a little bit hectic lately. With the new label and getting the album together…I forget who I'm telling what nowadays. We're just SO close to what we've always wanted…" I smiled gently as his thumb rubbed over my knuckles. "I'm really sorry Mitchie…"
I watched as his thumb continued to stroke my knuckles before looking into his eyes. "Then promise me one thing?"
Shane nodded and brought my hand up to his lips, pecking it lightly. "Anything...anything Mitchie…"
"No more secrets?"
The rockstar smiled and wrapped his free arm around me before kissing the top of my head. "I promise… no more secrets."
Day 22
I rolled over and opened my eyes slowly to the blinding morning sun. Last night's events played through my mind. I sat up and sighed. My first Valentine's Day that I actually get to spend with someone, and I'm not gonna be able to. Now what am I going to do today?
There was a light knock on the door and Steve's head popped in. "Hey there baby girl," he said stepping into my room, "Happy Valentine's Day."
I smiled softly and replied, "Happy Valentine's Day Steve." Hmm… I guess I could hang out with him today. I don't think Steve's seeing anyone, so what better way to get to know this 'dad' of mine then actually hanging out (for once)?
"Come on… Raul's making a lovely Valentine's breakfast." I nodded, got out of bed and followed Steve out of my room and down the stairs. Walking into the kitchen, we spotted Raul finishing the heart-shaped pancakes.
He looked up and smiled at us. "Morning Mitchie, Happy Valentine's Day."
I smiled back, watching as he flipped the pancake over and shut off the stove. "Happy Valentine's Day Raul."
I watched as they grabbed plates and juices before following them into the infamous dining room. We sat down and began to fill our clean plates with food. The only sounds in the room were the silverware scraping against the plates and the faint TV in the background.
"Looks like someone made the headlines again…" Raul commented. I looked up from the heart-shaped pancakes and sausage with eggs on the side to the TV. Inwardly, I groaned. I thought just this ONE time, the media doesn't catch us.
'And we're back! Hi I'm Doe-'
'And I'm Dave-'
'And this is breaking news! Last night Shane Gray of Connect 3 went out with rumored girlfriend, Mitchie Torres (shows photo of Shane and I eating dinner; another of us walking along the Universal Walk). The duo-'
'I think we should stop calling her his rumored girlfriend. The two are ALWAYS together! It's so obvious that they are going out!'
Doe rolled her eyes. 'Shane's people have yet comment on the issue.'
'Whatever…I'm just saying.' Dave muttered. 'Anyways the duo was seen going into St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank (photo of us heading into the emergency room). About an hour later, the couple, along with family and friends walked out, Shane's arm in a sling… boy that has to suck.'
Doe frowned. 'It must…Viewers wrote in saying they saw Gray attempting to ride a unicycle.'
Dave laughed. 'A unicycle? Dude could barely ride a tricycle!'
Doe chuckled before playfully smacking Dave. 'That's mean… ignore him, Shane. Dave didn't have his coffee this morning.'
'Hey I did so-'
'From everyone at Hot Tunes, we hope you heal nicely Shane…Up next, Mary Santiago will be here for an exclusive interview and performing her newest hit, 'Naturally'… right after this.'
Raul lowered the volume on TV and turned to me chuckling. I rolled my eyes and stabbed my fork into a sausage. "So what are you guys doing today? Got a date with your boyfriend, Raul?" I asked not wanting Raul to make a comment on my date.
Steve spat out his coffee making us look at him worriedly. "Uh… I'm going to get a towel to uh…clean this up." Hurried he got up and left the room.
"He knows that you are gay, right?" I asked referring to Steve's odd reaction to my question.
Raul nodded. "He just didn't know that you knew I'm gay," Oh… "And actually yes I do Mitchie. But we're not going out 'til later." 'Dad' came back with a towel and started to clean up the mess. "What about you? Are you doing something with Shane?"
I shrugged and picked at my pancakes. "I don't know… he didn't say we were." He nodded understandingly. "Are you doing anything Steve?"
'Dad' looked up, a little caught off guard. "Hmm?"
I looked at him oddly. "I said, 'are you doing anything today'?" Geez…parents can be SO slow.
It took him a long minute to reply, "Uh… I think so. Not sure yet, but I'm definitely going to be busy."
I sighed. Ah well… I can cross family bonding off my list. Ugh it's Valentine's Day and I'm ALL alone… FML.
:7:(:7:(:7:(:7:(
12:45pm…
I sat on my bed with my guitar in front of me, scattered paper all around. I was looking over my latest stuff, seeing what's good and what's corny. I picked up the guitar, and strummed lightly. So Shane called like an hour ago, telling me he's coming over for a little bit before he has to go with the band for sound check. He said he has a little something, something for me. This is just great! He gets me a gift for Valentine's Day, yet I have squat. What does one girl get for a guy for Valentine's Day anyways? Think about it… majority of Valentine's gifts in stores are for women, girls. I don't think a guy (for example, Shane) would want a fuzzy teddy-bear or rich chocolate. Well, you could give a guy that, but it's not like they'll make use of it. Hmm… maybe I should get him a card. Guys like cards, right?
Sighing, I began playing one of my recent favorite songs on guitar.
What if I sang him a song? Do guys like songs dedicated to them?
Nah…that's a little cheesy.
Ugh! Why are guys so complicated?
"Before I fall too fast
Kiss me quick
But make it last
So I can see how badly this will hurt me
When you say goodbye
Keep it sweet
Keep it slow
Let the future pass
And don't let go
But tonight I could fall to soon into this beautiful moonlight
But you're so hypnotizing
You got me laughing while I sing
You got me smiling in my sleep
And I can see this unraveling
And your love is where I'm falling
But please don't catch me
See this heart
Wont settle down
Like a child running scared from a clown
I'm terrified of what you do
my stomach screams just when I look at you
Run far away
So I can breathe
Even though your far from suffocating me
I can't set my hopes to high
Cause every hello ends with a goodbye
But you're so hypnotizing
You've got me laughing while I sing
You've got me smiling in my sleep
And I can see this unraveling
Your love is where I'm falling
But please don't catch me
So now you see
Why I'm scared
I can't open up my heart without a care
But here I go
Its what I feel
And for the first time in my life I know it's real
But you're so hypnotizing
You've got me laughing while I sing
You've got me smiling in my sleep
And I can see this unraveling
And your love is where I'm falling
So please don't catch me
If this is love
Please don't break me
I'm giving up
So just catch me"
I smiled in satisfaction. I've been dying to finish this song. Caitlyn and I were planning on using this song in the talent show, but we're bouncing around. She's getting SO annoyed at me for changing the song every other second, but hey she's the one who's benefitting. Caitlyn's having a lot of fun fooling around with my recording studio.
"That was amazing," a voice said behind me.
I jumped and turned to the intruder. I blushed when I noticed Shane leaning ever-so-casually against my doorframe. "Shane…" I said above a whisper.
He smiled and entered my room. Shane kissed my temple before situating himself on the bed (after moving a couple of papers). "Hey Mitchie…"
I smiled gently as I collected the papers, putting them in a nice pile. "Hey…how's the wrist?" I asked looking from the cast to his eyes, which were watching me intently.
Shane shrugged. "It's whatever…" I rolled my eyes. "Happy Valentine's Day sweetie," he said and we shared a chaste kiss.
I smiled shyly. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too."
He smiled back, but it wasn't his usual charming smile. It was more of his nervous smile. And Shane nervous, is starting to make me nervous. "I uh… I got you something."
I bit my lip. Why am I acting all shy? Actually, the really question is, why is he acting all shy? "Shane you didn't have to get me anything." He simply just shook his head. Shane reached into his back pocket (with his free hand) to reveal a velvet box and handed it to me. "Oh Shane…" I frowned. "I didn't get you anything…"
The rockstar shook his head and nudge me to open the box. "Any song you sing is a present itself." I blushed and stared down at the box in my hands. "Go on… open it."
Slowly I opened the velvet box to reveal sterling silver bracelet with eight charms on it. I saw this bracelet in a Kay Jewelers magazine that 'dad' got. It's called the "Works of Arts" bracelet by Jane Seymour. There were two charms I didn't recognize though. One was a picture of Shane… the other was a plain silver heart with the words engraved: 'Smitchie Forever, Feb. 6'.
"Now, I know we've only been going out for a week-"
"And a day," I added.
He smiled. "And a day… but I feel like I've known you forever." I just smiled at him as silence washed over us. "Can you uh… say something…anything?"
I stared into my boyfriend's curious eyes and did what any other girlfriend would do… I kissed him senseless. "How's that for saying something?"
:*:D:*:D:*:D:*:D:*:D
2:46pm…
I stood outside with Caitlyn at the Staples Center where the concert is being held tonight. The boys were inside for their sound check and told us specifically NOT to go inside.
So after Shane gave me the bracelet, we hung out for a few minutes before his mom called saying he needed to be at the Staples Center in a few. We took our time walking to the door, not wanting to leave each other so soon. Then Shane asked for me to go (last minute) so here I am.
"Ugh… this is SO boring," Caitlyn whined taking a seat next to me.
I slid off my Skullcandy Hesh headphones in white and pink, letting them hang around my neck. "Well… what do you want me to do?"
Caitlyn sighed and took the iPod away from me. "I don't know…" she said scrolling through my playlists. "What are you doing today? Got another date with Shane?"
I shrugged looking out to the parking lot. "Yeah… he said that after he performs today, we're going out. Didn't say where though…" Caitlyn sighed. "What about you and Nate?"
Lyn picked some song I don't even remember downloading, and shook her head. "He didn't say anything…not even a 'Happy Valentine's Day'."
I frowned. No wonder she's so… ugh today. I reached out and gave her a hug. "I'm sure you two are doing something… it's probably a surprise," I said when we let go.
Caitlyn averted her eyes to the ground. "Oh Jonas I hope so…" she mumbled.
We sat in silence for a few minutes, only music playing, until, "Hey girls…" we turned out head and watched Connect 3 walking our way.
"Hey guys…" we responded getting up. "Had a good sound check?" I asked hugging my boyfriend.
"They sure did…" Mrs. Gray said walking past us while looking at something on her phone. "Come on people… we don't have all day… the concert is in 3 hours."
We rolled our eyes and followed Mrs. G to the car. She is a go-go-go type of person. It's like if you're not moving, you are just a waste of space…and air.
:):):):):):):):):):)
6:25pm…
Shane and I were walking side-by-side down the red carpet. His hand was on my lower back as he guided me through the crowd. We stopped in front of a bunch of paparazzi and smiled. Shane lowered his head and whispered in my ear. "Have I told you how beautiful you look right now?"
I blushed as he pulled away. I was wearing a strapless black dress that fit snugly on my body. It looked like it was wrapped onto my body. There were three shiny black lines that circled around the dress. Two of them intersected right under my bust. I finished the look with my black peep-toed heels, a shiny blue clutch, diamond hoop earrings (that Raul gave me) and Shane's bracelet. My usual straight hair was curled softly, lazily hanging around my shoulders. "You don't look so bad yourself," I mumbled.
Shane laughed and led me out of the paparazzi's lights towards the stadium. We walked a few feet when Hot Tunes caught up with us. "Shane Gray! Over here!" Shane sighed, but kept a smile on his face as he led us to towards the lady. She smiled at us before turning away to the camera in front of her. "Thank you Ryan… hey its Rae here on the red carpet. Guess who I have here with me Ryan?" Who? "Shane Gray!" the woman turned to us and we got a little pushed forward by one of the crew members.
"Hey Rae…" Shane said giving her a cheek kiss as she did the same. "You look great."
Rae laughed. "Oh stop… and I see you have your date here, Mitchie Torres." I blushed and quietly greeted her with a 'hi'. This is the first time I'm on camera! On purpose! "She is just a DOLL! Who are you wearing sweetie?"
April always tells me who and what I'm wearing just in case things like this always happen. It's a good thing I actually listened to her. "Uh…Faith Connexion."
She smiled happily and turned to Shane. "And what about you handsome?"
Shane laughed and said, "Uh I think this is Hugo."
"Mmm… you both look great. Hope that wrist of yours is fine. So Shane, you and the band got signed by Hollywood Records. How's that going?"
My boyfriend cleared his throat before saying, "It's going great actually. We're hoping to get the new album out by this summer or at least the end of this year."
"Awesome… I can't wait to hear it!" Rae smirked. "So I have to ask…" oh gosh, "rumors say that you and this beauty here are dating. Some say you're not, others say it's pretty obvious. So which one is it? Dating? Or not?"
Shane and I looked at each other. We came to an agreement that we wouldn't address whether or not we're dating because:
A, it's nobody's business but ours and
B, if I ever make it in this business, Shane wants them to think it's because of my 'talent' (which I believe I have none) and not because my dad's Steve Torres and I'm dating THE Shane Gray.
"Uh…" I started, not looking away from him.
"That's for us to know, and for you to find out," Shane said then winked.
Rae pouted. "That's no fun…" we all laughed lightly. "Well it was nice talking to you guys. Have fun in there."
"You too," we replied and walked away as she grabbed another couple that was standing behind us.
Caitlyn and I sat in the tenth row, two seats away from the aisle. It's a pretty good concert. So far we've seen Colbie Caillat, John Mayer… Justin Bieber, Miranda Cosgrove, and there are still many more people to go! Up next is Connect 3!
Well… after the commercial.
"Girls…" we stopped our conversation and turned to see Mrs. Gray beckoning us to get up. We got up and followed her, having no idea what the heck is going on. By the time we got backstage, the boys were already on stage, ready to perform. We watched from the side as they got the crowd cheering when Nate started singing 'Fly with me'. After the song, the crowd went wild. Connect 3 shared a look before Nate spoke.
"Alright… so this next song, is off of our next album… hope you guys like it."
"If the heart is always searching
Can you ever find a home?
I've been looking for that someone
I'll never make it on my own
Dreams can't take the place of loving you
There's gotta be a million reasons why it's true
When you look me in the eyes
Tell me that you love me
Everything's alright
When you're right here by my side
When you look me in the eyes
I catch a glimpse of heaven
I find my paradise
When you look me in the eyes
How long will I be waiting
To be with you again
Gonna tell you that I love you
In the best way that I can
I can't take a day without you here
You're the light that makes my darkness disappear
When you look me in the eyes
And tell me that you love me
Everything's alright
When you're right here by my side
When you look me in the eyes
I catch a glimpse of heaven
I find my paradise
When you look me in the eyes
Moving on, I start to realize
I can reach my tomorrow
I can hold my head up high
And it's all because you're by my side
When you look me in the eyes
You say that you love me
Everything's alright
When you're right here by my side
When I hold you in my arms
I know that it's forever
I just gotta let you know
I never wanna let you go
Cause when you look me in the eyes
And tell me that you love me
Everything's alright
When you're right here by my side
When you look me in the eyes
I catch a glimpse of heaven
Oh I find my paradise
When you look me in the eyes
Oh…"
7:35pm…
After disputing with his mother, Shane and I managed to get away from the concert. Caitlyn and Nate were supposed to join us (as a double-date thing) but Hannah failed to show up on-time. "So, my lady…are you ready for your Valentine's Day with yours truly?" he asked with a wink of his eye.
I blushed and looked all around the car. "So… where are you taking me, kind-sir?" I joked.
"Ah… well, it's a surprise."
I pouted and the car began to move. "Hey! I thought we promised no more secrets…"
"Au contraire… this, is not a secret."
"What? It SO is…"
"How?"
"You're not telling me where we're going."
Shane laughed as the car slowed down to a stop. "It doesn't matter…"
"Oh yeah, why?"
"Because we're here…" I sat there confused as Shane opened the door and stepped out. He held out his hand for me to grab, helping me out of the car. I looked at where we were at and gasped. Shane and I were standing outside of the Griffith Observatory. It was so beautiful. Coming towards us was I a tour guide. "Aaron… dude what's up?" Why does Shane always knows somebody?
"Shane, my main man…" Aaron greeted and they did that 'guy' handshake. "And this must be the lovely Mitchie…"
I blushed. "Umm… hi."
He laughed and clasped his hands together. "Alright… ready for a tour?"
Ten minutes later, we were in the Wilder Hall of the Eye walking leisurely, hand-in-hand. We looked at the exhibits as Aaron was explaining the different stuff among the gallery. "So what do you think?" Shane whispered in my ear.
I grinned. "Shane, this- this is amazing."
"Good…just wait, we're only just beginning."
Later, when we were admiring the sun and stars path my phone went off. I look at them shyly, before reaching into my clutch and pulling out my iPhone. I stepped away from the display and answered, "Hello?" On the other line was sniffling. "Hello?" I tried again but no sound. I pulled the phone away from my ear to see the name 'CAITLYN' on the screen with a picture of her smiling softly. "Caitlyn, what's wrong?"
She didn't say anything, and Shane made his way over to me. "Is everything ok?" I shrugged and patiently waited for my best friend to reply. "How are you getting bars? I'm not getting anything," Shane said holding his phone up in the air, hoping to get service.
"Mitchie?" her small voice came through the phone. I swatted Shane until he stopped and held the phone so that we both could hear her.
"Yeah I'm here Cait. What happened?"
She responded with a question of her own. "Where are you guys?"
"The Griffith Observatory, why?"
It was silent for a minute before Lyn said, "Ok…" and then she hung up. Shane and I straightened up and looked at each other oddly.
"What was that all about?" Shane asked as I put my phone away.
"I don't know… but let's get back to the tour, huh?"
"And here we are, one of the best views of the city…" Aaron said leading us to the edge of the observatory, up on the roof. The view was breath-taking. The night sky was a mixture of colors, from dark blue to the faintest purple at the horizon. Down below, the city was alive with lights.
"This is amazing," I commented not looking away. Aaron chuckled and started talking about how the sky colors came to be.
"It is…" Shane whispered in my ear. We stood there for a minute, not saying anything. "Mitchie…"
I turned in his arms and looked up at him, "yeah?"
"I…" he paused. "I lo-"
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but uh Big Rob is looking for you two," Aaron informed us.
We sighed. "Thanks Aaron," we said and followed him to the entrance. "What was it you were going to say Shane?" I asked.
Shane shook his head. "It was nothing. Let's just see what Big Rob wants." I nodded and we laced our fingers.
Soon enough there stood Big Rob before us. "Hey guys… sorry to bother you, but…" he trailed off and stepped aside. Behind him stood Caitlyn in her turquoise tunic dress and matching light gray heels. She had her arms wrapped around her and looked off towards the floor.
"Oh Caitlyn…" I said letting go of Shane and going to her aid. "Are you- what happened?"
She didn't look at me, but mumbled, "Nate… he- he and Hannah kissed… after they sang." She sighed, "Next thing I knew, I was just standing next to Tori Vega, watching them walk away…without me." Her eyes got all watery.
"Oh Caity…" I said hugging her.
She shook her head. "I just didn't know who to turn to… I don't want to go to an empty home. Everyone I know is on a date… except for me."
"That's exactly what we were just doing," Shane mumbled. I smacked him with my clutch and he looked at me ridiculously. 'Not now…' I mouthed to him and he rolled his eyes. Caitlyn and I let go of each other.
"I hope I wasn't interrupting you two," she apologized, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Actually…"
"No you weren't," I interrupted Shane. He looked at me jaw-dropped as I put an arm around Caitlyn and guided her away from my boyfriend. "How about we go back to my house, watch a couple of flicks… and then tomorrow we can call Nate and clear this whole mess up."
She sniffled. "Really?"
"Yeah really Mitchie?" Shane echoed.
"Yes really… I mean, what are best friends for?" Caitlyn squealed and gave me a great big hug.
"But we have dinner reservations," Shane said.
I shrugged as we began walking. "So we'll get something on the way…" Shane groaned before following us to the car.
-.-\-_-/-.-\-_-/-.-\-_-
Casa de la Torres…
We were in the rec room on the sofa watching 'A Walk to Remember' as I sat in between Caitlyn and Shane. On our way home, we stopped for Pizza and Chinese takeout before heading here. Shane sighed for the billionth time in the past hour. I looked up at him, but his eyes and concentration was focused on the TV.
"Uh Shane… you want to help me get more soda?" I asked standing up.
He looked at me confused. "I think we have enough-"
I grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. I turned to him and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing…" I quirked and eyebrow and he sighed. "It's just… tonight was supposed to be Shane and Mitchie night… not Shane, Mitchie AND Caitlyn."
Now I sighed. "Shane… I'm sorry I just invited Caitlyn, but she's hurt and confused and I did what any other best friend would do… drop a mister for a sister."
"Hey!"
I laughed and hugged him. "I'm sorry babe, but I guess I should've asked you first if it was okay."
He shook his head and captured my lips in a kiss. "No, no… I get it, I get it… a friend in need."
I smiled and pecked his pink lips. "So… you ok?"
He smiled. "Yup…"
Shane left in the middle of 'The Notebook' because Nate called him. He wouldn't tell me anything about what Nate said, but said he would call me in the morning.
Steve and Raul were still out for Raul has tomorrow off and Steve was at some party. Caitlyn was lying on my bed staring up at the ceiling. I threw a towel into my laundry basket in my bathroom before stepping out. "First he doesn't speak to me… and then kisses Hannah Montana… What's next? Oh yeah! He goes out with her instead of me…" I watched from my spot as a tear fell down from her eye to my bed spread. "What am I doing wrong?"
I sighed. She's been like this since Shane left. Well, more like after 'The Notebook' and before 'Sleepless in Seattle'. She kept whining about: 'why can't she find a guy who only had eyes for her?' I let her rant on, after all, there's nothing much I could've done. I've tried, everything. Watched movies, listened to her favorite songs, played games… even went down to my studio where I tried to get her to record something, but she wouldn't budge!
"Maybe it's because I'm ugly or not famous…That's why he doesn't like me. That's probably why he turned to Hannah."
I rolled my eyes and grabbed two pillows, a sleeping bag and a blanket before making myself comfortable on the floor.
"Maybe's he's bored with me. Do you think he's bored with me? That has to be it," she continued.
"Whatever Caitlyn, go to sleep…" I muttered and pulled the blanket over my head. "We'll talk about it tomorrow." If I have to hear her say one more word about him, or her blaming herself, I just might kick her out of this house.
"But what if-"
"Sleep Caitlyn!"
"Ok…"
Hey! SO! Long time, no update.. yeah i know, what a bad author i am.
But you know when you want to say something (or in this case write something) and then you did it, it came out wrong?
Yeah... that's this chapter right here. (i hope that made sense)
On a lighter note, summer's in so updates SHOULD be coming out faster.
Thank you guys for the reviews, i just don't know where this story would be without them
Please review!
:D