Before I begin with this chapter, I'd like to thank a particular reviewer on cheering on this story. I appreciate your support and I promise that I'll continue writing this story and satisfy your expectations! Your words really meant a lot to me, and I could not continue with this chapter without saying a few words of gratitude. Thank you so much!
The MSW studio was filled with excitement for tonight. Blossom practiced since she got to the studio, earning a huge amount of respect among her colleagues in MSW. Everyone noticed how her personality changed. The old Blossom was leaving, and new one was on her way for the world to meet her. Brick was on his way to meet one series producer who asked him to play a role of a main character, he was neutral about it. Bubbles as usual went all out for this meeting, knowing she has to make a good impression no matter what. Boomer and Buttercup were on another case. Case to get Bellum fired for good.
Both Boomer and Buttercup were in the cafeteria, they loved the fact that it was always somewhat empty. It was perfect for them so they won't have to whisper, instead they could talk normal. Both ordered iced coffee and some sweets. Though, after already fifteen minutes, they barely touched their order.
" A penny for your thoughts? " asked Boomer. Buttercup raised her look from the full cup of coffee to her friend's eyes. She found Boomer giving her a small smile to lighten up the mood. Buttercup sighed. She had so much on her mind, it was impossible to begin explaining.
" One side it's Bellum. The other side, there's that tour thing " she said. But truth to be told, the Bellum thing worried her the most.
" Wow, no Blossom thoughts? " he asked being a bit surprised. He thought that the performance was on her mind too.
" She'll be ok " said Buttercup
" Are you sure? What if she breaks down in front of the crowd? "
" She won't "
"…how can you be so sure? "
" I just am "
Boomer gave up on questioning Buttercup. I guess there's already too much on her mind, the part with Blossom is the last thing her mind needed. But Boomer was worried though. Sure, she was doing well and improving each time she practiced in the recording room, but there was still something that worried him.
The two were interrupted when Buttercup's cellphone rang. Buttercup read the caller I.D, it was Princess. Buttercup knew that she must have found out something about Bellum. She couldn't turn the speaker on since the cafeteria still had a few people inside. From the look on her face, Boomer figured who called her. He heard her voice mails and called her right away.
" Princess, tell me you got some dirt on her " said Buttercup, almost showing her desperation tone. She had enough of Bellum's game indeed. Somebody had to put a stop to this bankrupt story.
" Not some dirt, you have to hear this. Hold on I'll play it for you " said Princess.
Buttercup nodded as she heard that, Boomer was already getting tense. He watched Buttercup's expressions and wondered what Princess told her. He tried to be patient, he knew Buttercup would still tell him what's up, but waiting was hard. Princess played the recording and placed it next to the phone so Buttercup could hear it.
" That's a large amount, are you sure of this? " asked one voice. Buttercup couldn't tell who it belonged too, or to who she was talking. The softness of the voice clearly belonged to a woman, that was all she could tell.
" I have no doubts on it. Besides, your studio will pay off either way " said another voice. Buttercup recognized this voice, that was Bellum for good. Buttercup felt her blood boiling as she heard Bellum getting all confident.
" It's dependable if Buttercup Dawson accepts the tour offer. If such were to happen, all the gathered money goes to you " said the unrecognized voice. Buttercup was now confused, what does she have to do with this?
" That is not my problem. You owe me Robin. You convince Buttercup into accepting, or you'll be hearing from my lawyers " said Bellum.
Buttercup had it all figured out. It was Robin from TGS who was Bellum's partner in crime. Now it made sense when Butch said that Robin might know of Bellum's disappearance. The recording was stopped, and Princess was back on the phone.
" So Bellum is working with Robin " commented Buttercup. Boomer jumped from his seat as he heard this. He was about to say something but Buttercup raised her hand, signaling him not to. The male bit his bottom lip and sat back down, getting pissed.
" There's more of the recording. I got this from the bank, but there are also video cameras. I'll call Mitch if you want " suggested Princess.
" Agreed, you do that. Was Bellum's account frozen? " asked Buttercup
" Yeah, I did it that day when you told me. What about Robin? "
" Hers too. Get Mitch and his team in Townsville bank, create an ambush. If I'm right, Bellum will use Blossom's earning percentage but when finding out her account is frozen, she'll come running to the bank. When that happens, call me " said Buttercup.
" Yeah sure thing. Wait, your performance is tonight. What if I call you on your performing? " asked Princess remembering of the opening tonight.
" It's fine, this is important " assured Buttercup. Princess was not happy that her half- sister's career suffered because of an incompetent owner. If anything this has to be done so Buttercup can go back to her actual career. The two hung up and Boomer was still waiting for an explanation. Buttercup sat down and sighed. This was a tiring job after all. Boomer didn't ask anything, just waited for Buttercup to get ready herself for the explanation.
Blossom POV
It was 5PM and Bubbles really surprised me when she knocked on my door and brought around fifteen dresses with her. She made Brick and Bunny carry most of the bags. It took me a while to explain to Mrs. Rose who they were, since she's an older lady and doesn't really know younger performers…in this case, actor. She keeps thinking that Brick is my brother who came to visit me with his wife, and that Bunny is a sister of Bubbles. Bubbles doesn't seem to mind that misunderstanding and is playing along just to make Brick uncomfortable. Me on the other hand…well I was dying.
Brick and Bunny had to sit with Mrs. Rose in the living room, while Bubbles and I were upstairs. My makeup and hair are still not done since Bubbles still has to figure out which outfit yells out " Hear Blossom out! " as she likes to describe. If you ask me, I don't mind what I wear, as long as I do the performance well. I changed around five dresses already, Bubbles insists that I wear a dress. Personally, the red sleeveless one looked cute, but Bubbles said that it'll be a problem for her to find a correct accessory. My thoughts on that are: Then why the hell did you bring that dress? But I shouldn't complain since she was kind enough to help me prepare. Right now, Bubbles forced me to take off a yellow dress with some fake shiny diamond designs.
" Bubbles, can we hurry up please? You know we have to arrive early and we still have less than three hours " I complained. I couldn't take it anymore, I just want to get dressed and not throw up. Bubbles ignored me and just stared at the pile of dresses she brought.
" We're not moving until I find the perfect dress for you. I don't even know why did I bring that yellow one in the first place " she scolded herself.
I sighed, getting tired already. Out of boredom, I walked over to one purple bag and decided to take a peep at the dress inside it. I noticed the color was hot pink but I couldn't see the details or anything else. Out of curiosity, I picked it up and scanned the design. It actually looked really good. It was a long dress with some sparkles, but it wasn't too flashy. It had one sleeve that covered the right shoulder, while the left side was sleeveless.
I tried it on and walked to the mirror, scanning every side the dress covered. It was really beautiful, the dress showed off my hips perfectly. Sure my chest wasn't that big, but the hips really saved the day. I looked at Bubbles who still hasn't noticed I changed dresses, she was still choosing among the dresses I've tried on. She just stared at the thrown dresses on the bed.
" How about this one? I think it looks quite nice " I commented, gaining Bubbles's attention. When she looked at me, she tried to hold in her squeals. She gently spun me around and observed.
" Perfection! I knew pink was your color! Now I exactly know what to do with your hair. It's gonna look amazing! You will own that stage " encouraged Bubbles.
I just hope I don't mess anything up, or else this dress won't have a meaning at all. I don't want to wake up and read " Wasted glamorous dress! " on the tabloids. Or worst than that! What if I wake up to " Pink-eyed klutz threw up on an amazing singer Buttercup Dawson! " I'd rather die at that moment than get to read those news. My panic attack was over when Bubbles gave me a hit on the back, making me lose my balance slightly.
" Not the best time to overthink Blossom, we got work to do " she said cheerfully. Boy am I glad she knocked some senses to me.
After some time, we finally walked downstairs to meet with Brick and Bunny. As I met their looks, both of them smirked while Mrs. Rose started wiping tears in her eyes. I walked next to them and was greeted by Bunny who placed her hands on my shoulders, smiling at me.
" Well…what do you think? " I asked nervously.
" You look amazing in that. Now if you can hold in your sickness you'd do great darling " said Bunny. Way to ruin a compliment much.
" Worth waiting if you ask me " added Brick, still holding the smirk. I turned towards him and flashed my brightest smile.
Bubbles didn't want to tie my hair in a bun, saying it'll ruin the sexiness of my figure. Hey, I'm not trying to feed my ego, I'm just telling you what she said. Instead, she curled it at the ends and made it more wild and wavy. Mrs. Rose approached me and took my hands in her own. Such a wonderful lady!
" You would look lovely in a wedding dress my dear " she said as she wiped another tear from her eye. Oooh noo, I forgot she still think that Boomer is her son and that I'm going to marry him! A part of me wants to tell her the truth but I just can't stand seeing her heart broken. I really need to find that Barron and kick him where the sun don't shine. How dare he leave such a kind person alone!?
I noticed snickering behind me and I tried my best not to glare back at them. Of course they'd find this funny. I can't bring myself to break her heart…she helped me heal mine. Instead I giggled and kept my smile.
" Thank you so much for everything you've done for me " I said.
" My dear, I did nothing. Come back home safely " she said. I nodded to her and pulled her in a warm hug. After all this time I was with her, I don't remember hugging her. But I really should have done it before. She's been with me more than my own mother. Every support I lacked as a child, Mrs. Rose has given me every day since I started living with her. Separating with her would be hurtful since I got used to her. As we pulled from our hug, I followed the three into the car. Mrs. Rose…this song will be for you and everything you've done for me.
Butch POV
I wore my classy white shirt and a pair of black denim jeans. I was on my way out of the office but stopped when Robin called out to me.
" You didn't tell me you were heading out tonight " she said. I noticed that she was heading out somewhere herself, but fixed her makeup first.
" I got invited to that grand opening of Townsville hotel " I said. Before I left I asked where was she going.
" I'll head to the bank, something's up with my account. I'm sure it's a minor mistake, so I'll join you there " she said. I nodded to her and headed off.
I kept rewinding Buttercup's words from that day when she met me here. What answers did she talk about? How can she trust Blossom like that? I mean, her whole motivation to get into showbiz was to fill out that revenge she swore of. It seems like I can't reason with Buttercup, but have to show her how wrong she is. No matter, I'll deal with it later.
Blossom POV
Lots of people were inside, and I couldn't bare to be separated from Bunny and Bubbles. Bunny wore a dark purple silky long dress that hugged her chest and waist at top, but fell down wavy at the bottom. She tied her hair in a nice bum, curling two streaks of her hair on both side of her face. Bubbles on the other hand wore a knee length baby blue dress with straps around her neck, and a pair of white heels. She tied her hair in a high pony tail and straightened it completely. I noticed two figures approaching us, it was Buttercup and Boomer. Boomer wore a nice black suit that fitted his manager appearance, while Buttercup wore a red sleeveless dress that had a similar design to Bunny. The top showed off her figure while the bottom was wavy. But the bottom only covered her knees. The dress also had a shiny waist belt to replace accessories. Her hair was lifted in a high pony tail and was curled at the bottom.
" Aww, Brick is not with you? " asked Bubbles while looking behind Buttercup, searching for Brick in the distance
" He was with us, but he got called out by someone he knew " explained Buttercup
" Huh? Brick is friendly with people behind my back? " said Bubbles surprised a bit. To be honest it got to me too, I don't remember seeing him friendly with anyone beside the people from MSW.
" He'll join us in a while " added Boomer.
On the stage, the mayor himself showed up. I was not into politics but man was he short. He carried the microphone with him and spoke to the guests. Buttercup elbowed me and I winced a little. Looking at her, she signaled me to follow her. We went to the backstage and waited for the mayor to call us out.
" Thank you, citizens of Townsville, for joining me in this happy moment of opening a Townsville hotel! I would like to thank the organizers of project " Hotel " for making this day happen- " the mayor mentioned all the organizers and donators. He made his speech a little longer. I actually felt normal, I wasn't that nervous. Both Buttercup and I waited calmly.
" And to make this night even more grand that it is, I now announce you an opening act of no one else than your favorite Buttercup Dawson and a rising MSW star, Blossom Sakura! " he finally announced.
I followed Buttercup on the stage and we both were greeted by lots of fans, mostly screaming Buttercup's name. Bunny prepared me for this moment. It's nothing for me to be afraid of, just because they don't cheer for me doesn't mean they hate me. It was never like that. But one is enough, MSW is cheering for both of us. The music started, and it was now that my heart beat has gotten a faster beat.
Girls Aloud: Something new
Buttercup: Go girls, g-g-go go go
We girls gonna take control
You boys better know know know
We girls gonna run this show
Buttercup: Go girls, g-g-go go go
We girls gonna take control
As Buttercup opened the act, people started jumping around at her singing. Not bothered for not having cheers myself, I danced like in the practices with Buttercup. The added random voice really helped us heat up the atmosphere, and boy am I glad I wore this dress.
Random voice: We girls gonna run this run this
We girls gonna run this run this
We girls gonna run this run this
We girls gonna run this run this
Both: All I want is something new
Something I can hold on to
I don't wanna talk, I just wanna dance
Baby, let it drop, catch me if you can
Blossom: We girls gonna run this run this
Buttercup: Down with the rhythm on another beat
Gotta take that back what you said to me
Never giving in when the sun's so high
Gotta feel that heat when your call's so fine
Down with the rhythm on another street
Gotta let this go 'cause I feel so free
Never giving in 'cause I need you here, ah ah
It's actually kind of funny. My first time being on a concert of Buttercup, and actually I AM on a concert WITH HER. Realizing Buttercup was finishing her part and that my own will start, I wondered about the reaction of the crowd. In order to find it out from a closer look, I walked towards them and added that " motivation speaker " stance.
Blossom: Go girls, g-g-go go go
We girls gonna take control
You boys better know know know
We girls gonna run this show
Blossom: Go girls, g-g-go go go
We girls gonna take control
The random voice was added on these last lines, and I took my time to look over the crowd. I couldn't see Bunny, Bubbles or Boomer. But I was really happy when I saw some people trying to get on the stage and reaching out to me. I'm really not messing anything up!
Random voice: We girls gonna run this run this
Buttercup and I walked towards each other and back leaned as we started singing the chorus.
Both:All I want is something new
Something I can hold on to
I don't wanna talk, I just wanna dance
Baby, let it drop, catch me if you can
Buttercup: 'Cause we're the leaders of the pack
Once again I walked towards the crowd closer, almost on the edge of the stage, just to observe the reactions. I couldn't help myself, I loved the previous reactions and I wanted to see more.
Blossom: Take a walk on the wild side of life, life
Head over heels, we're out of time
Take a walk on the wild side of life, life
Buttercup: Bring it back to the other side
Blossom: Feel the beat deep underground
Boy, tonight It's getting loud
We can go, go anywhere
We don't care, let me take it higher
Blossom: We can do, do anything
Play the game and maybe you'll win
Boy, tonight you can't hold me back
Do what I want, yeah I like it that
Random voice: We girls gonna run this run this
Both: All I want is something new
Something I can hold on to
I don't wanna talk, I just wanna dance
Baby, let it drop, catch me if you can
All I want is something new
Something I can hold on to
I don't wanna talk, I just wanna dance
Baby, let it drop, catch me if you can
Both:'Cause we're the leaders of the pack
Boy, you'd better watch your back
We're the leaders of the pack
Tell me, can you handle that?
Both: We're the leaders of the pack
Boy, you'd better watch your back
We're the leaders of the pack
Tell me, can you handle that?
Once the music stopped, shouts were heard, but this time my name was recognized among them. It felt like I'd break down crying anytime. Above the two of us confetti fell, firework effects on the edges of the stage and the crowd threw roses on the stage. I looked at Buttercup who had her satisfied smile on. I on the other hand couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. I remember seeing in movies that usually you bow down after a performance. I walked towards the crowd and bowed to them gratefully. Buttercup joined me and she held the microphone in her hand.
" Thank you everyone for your amazing support! Now give a round of applause for Blossom Sakura a writer of this song! " she announced. I got surprised by Buttercup's announcement. It's not me who worked on it alone, she worked with me! Why would she give me all the credits when I didn't even do much? The crowd cheered once again and many whistles were heard. I remembered I had a mic of my own, so I decided to have a little word too.
" Thank you so much for cheering us on, you guys really are something to treasure! Mrs. Dawson and I worked on this song a lot, and your support was totally worth all the spent time in the record room " I said. Oh thank God I didn't stutter. All those nights of practicing my stage lines actually paid off. As I finished that, Buttercup took my hand and raised it in victory. Crying would ruin my makeup and I really don't want that to happen.
" Blossom has also been working on a song of her own, and she would like to show it to you " Buttercup said and the crowd started shouting my name. They really want to hear me…they want to hear me…
I looked at Buttercup who gave me a small wink before leaving the stage to me. That's right, this is the song I wrote for all those doubted and heartbroken girls. Since I stopped living with Butch and moved on further with my life, I've met amazing people, but the strength some women possessed really moved me. There was Mrs. Rose who gave me every peace of support and love I never experienced, and she was a heartbroken woman too. Never seeing her son but still living and loving is something a strong person can do. Then Buttercup who is helping out everyone in need. Bubbles and Bunny, strong willed and hardworking managers. They all showed me the strength that's hidden in a person…
Buttercup POV
As I left the stage, my phone rang. I saw the I.D and it showed Princess. Wait, that means they got Bellum and Robin. I answered and there was a voice of my half-sister
" Buttercup, we got them. We're waiting for you " she said.
" I'll be there in ten minutes " I said
" Saaay how did your performance go? Did the red hair break down? " asked Princess
I looked behind me at the stage at Blossom who started singing her song. I took a further look to the crowd and noticed a certain black haired person watching. I smirked at the sight of him.
So he decided to show up after all I thought to myself, until I remembered that Princess was still on the line.
" She's doing fine " I said and hung up.
Sorry Bloss, I can't stay to hear you out. I don't think there's need to worry though… you're owning that crowd already.