A/N: Another weekend, meaning it's been 2 weeks since school closed. So far I'm sane...surprising!
So, thanks for the nice review guys! By the way, I like accepting suggestions from anyone who reviews, it helps to make the story more diverse and I find it fun. Don't hesitate to tell me if you have any ideas! I'll probably put them into the story.
Anyway, I'mma just cut this author's note short and give you guys the latest chapter since they seem to be so long. Saves the reading time.
So till next time,
D.L.D
Courtney's P.O.V
I sighed as I got back to my dorm. Today has been extremely long and tiring and I can't wait to have a bit of down time. I think I deserve it after making my mom so happy.
I opened the door, to once again be greeted to my empty dorm. Since Bridgette doesn't live on campus anymore, I have the free space. Chris never bothered to find me a new dorm mate, and honestly I'm kinda glad he didn't. He probably would've moved Heather or Taylor to my dorm. I shivered at the thought. Let's just say I didn't exactly get along with them in high school.
As I walked in, I placed my keys to the side and took off my jacket. I then headed to my room, ready to get ready for bed. After a long and well-needed shower, I change into my pink pajama set and sleeping mask. Since Chris decided to install a wake-up call, I'd decided to get the mask as well as earplugs. Good luck waking me up this time, Mclean!
I then went to the kitchen and got a snack, before returning to my room once more. As I ate my snack, I went over some of my assignments and other paperwork before hearing my phone vibrate. Taking it off charge, I look at the screen to see that 'Can I trust you?' had replied. But it didn't look like the reply I was expecting.
*New Message* - 21:45 (9:45 pm)
From: Can I trust you?
Can I trust you?- Ah, I wish I could come, Court. Sadly, I must go back to Spain mi familia is going through an issue. Maybe we can reschedule when I return?
My eyes were wide with surprise from the reply. He was going back to Spain. That meant Jose and Alejandro were going to Spain! Poor Heather... She'll really miss him. What am I saying?! Courtney get a grip. This is good. Jose can't use you for some half-baked plan and Heather gets her well deserved karma! This is a win-win situation; I should be celebrating. So why do I feel so sad...
Turning my phone off, I discard my snack and work and slip into bed. Closing my eyes and putting in my earplugs and sleeping mask, I try to sleep. Maybe getting some sleep will help. I'm sure tomorrow I'll be feeling the same as I always do. Right?
Heather's P.O.V
It's a new day. A new day I have to be in the same building as Alejerko. But then again, it's one day closer to never seeing him again.
As I walked to my class with Mildred, I can't help but slump my shoulders and look at the floor. Who am I kidding? I was a mess last night. My mother had to drive me back here and it didn't help that Damion was being even more shitfaced than usual. But I shouldn't be a mess. I'm an ice queen. A bitch. I can't feel...sad.
Forcing away my glassy eyes and frown, I hold my head high and have my usual smile. This morning I'd tried my best to look like I wasn't affected by what happened and it worked I guess. But inside I was still a mess.
"Mi amor!" I froze as I heard his voice.
Is he for fucking real?! Does he not think that for once I want him to leave me alone! It's bad enough that he's going to Spain. A place where anyone could claim him- not that I care. I wouldn't mind. I'm just upset that he's leaving me behind to clean up his mess.
"Don't come near me," I say in a low harsh tone.
"Heather-"
"I said don't," I shove past him, making sure it would hurt, "Leave me alone."
I then walked away. Disappearing in the crowd of students rushing to their own classes.
Trent's P.O.V
Cheers and squeals filled my ears as the blinding lights of the stage shone in my eyes. The other band members stood beside me, all four of us ready to perform for our audience. This should be fun, but with Chris as the manager we all feel like slaves to his money-making ways. We've been performing non-stop, if we weren't on stage we'd go on talk shows or practice till we feel asleep standing. It didn't help that Topher was constantly going on and on about how Chris is 'so great' and that we should be 'more grateful' every time we complain.
I just want this tour to be over and done with. That way I can go back to college and spend time with my friends there.
"I love you Trent!" One fangirl holding a banner squealed.
"Marry me, Justin!" Another nearly fainted.
"Omg, look at Harold! He's so..." The other girls cringed as their friend blushed, "What?"
"Cody~ I heard somewhere that you were gay!" Another voice called, "I'm available if you are!"
All four of us just sighed as we heard the continual cat-calls and squeals. Well, I say all four but Justin was milking it. Like always...
"Ok, calm down ladies," He smiled, making a few faint or sigh, "Why don't we perform and then we can talk about this after?"
"Ok, Justin," Most of them sighed and then we began to perform.
The concert ran smoothly, with a couple of mishaps but they were minor. By the time we had to go offstage, I was actually glad.
"Who knew women were so clingly," Cody chuckled a little.
We were all in the dressing room backstage, trying to gain some peace and quiet while our bodyguard denied access to any fangirls.
"I know, usually I'm called a nerdling or perv," Harold nodded.
I wasn't too involved in the conversation though. I was just texting Amy. She seemed to find it funny how I didn't enjoy travelling the world doing what I loved, but I told her it was for a good reason.
Amy- Being on a tour has to be better than being stuck in this shithole.
Me- It's ok. But after a while it gets annoying.
Amy- The tour, or the fangirls?
Me- Both.
Amy- Haha. Poor you! Just think of each concert as getting closer to coming back.
Her text made me smile and I couldn't help but feel like I had to try. If not for me, then at least for her.
Me- I'll try.
Amy- You'd better
For the rest of the night, I more or less got something to eat and spoke to Amy. She told me that everything was fine on campus, but everyone seemed to be on edge. Apparently Alejandro and Jose were leaving too. Some girls from another class had said they were having a leaving party for them. But overall everything seemed fine.
Amy- Well, I'm gonna call it a night. See ya.
Trent- See ya.
Amy's P.O.V
I let out a strained yawn. Why did I have to stay up so late to talk to Trent? Now I'm yawning through my class and I can't focus when I'm tired.
I sighed as I chewed on my pen, trying to stay awake and pay attention. My eyes felt heavy, especially since I'd applied concealer to hide my bags. My hair had been sloppily tied into a messy bun, with two pens sticking through. It kinda reminded me of how Creative looks when she finishes a painting, actually...
"You can leave," The lecturer spoke, snapping me out of my thoughts as everyone got their things and I heard the bell ring.
Class passed that quickly? Guess I was daydreaming.
Gathering my red shoulder bag and writing equipment, I headed out of class. Groggily, I strolled down the hall heading towards the campus cafe. Maybe a coffee will help wake me up. As I walked along the path, making sure not to bump into any students, I thought about Dawn. yes, I know I think about her way too much, but I'm really concerned. Something's happening and I just want to help. She helped me when I was in a rough patch, her and Cam, and so I'd help them with anything. Even murder! My number one no-no.
As I walked into the cafe and joined the queue, I couldn't help but notice a certain blonde in front of me. Even if I was all tired and scatter-brained.
"Amy?" Her voice was hoarse and strained.
"Hey Dawn," I give her a small smile.
"Um...hello," She returned. Her pale face was hollow and I could see her eyes were tired and still. Dark circles rimmed her eyes and her eyelids were puffier than usual.
"Have you been crying?" I say flat-out forgetting that she'd just brush it aside.
"Um...I suppose I was," Her answer stunned me. She'd been crying... But what about?
"May I ask why you were upset?" I say as the line shifts forward.
"I guess I should explain," The petite blonde sighed, before smiling sheepishly, "I've been keeping quite a few secrets and now...I think it's time to share them."
"Why now?" I say without thinking.
"Because I seeked some advice and it was the answer," Dawn shrugged as she became the first in the queue.
"Oh..." I say as she walks to order.
After ordering my coffee and joining Dawn at a table, I feel awake and yet confused. Maybe I don't need the coffee after all.
"I have MPD. And they, Break, is trying to gain control," Dawn spoke swiftly and softly, her words barely audible compared to everyone else in the cafe. But I heard it perfectly.
"What?!" My eyes were wide, "And you didn't think to tell me!"
Eyes traveled to me as I smiled sheepishly, apologising to everyone for shouting.
"I didn't want to burden you," He voice was quiet. Soft. But not the usual type of soft, it was more melancholic. More dismaying.
"You're not a burden Dawn," I give her a hug, "Your problems are just as important as ours."
"Really?" I heard her sniffle slightly, as she clutched my shirt. She was about to cry...Poor thing.
A stilled silence stayed between us as I comforted my distressed friend. I haven't seen her this unstable since Chris threatened to level a park. This whole keeping her alternate personality, who I guess is Break, must've been hard for her. No wonder she looks so drained. I can imagine why too.
Sleepless nights. Migraines. Seeing things that aren't there. I know what she's going through. I'd gone through it all alone a year ago, but Dawn won't have to. I swear my very life on it.
"Really," I eventually smile back softly.
A small smile was given in return.
Sierra's P.O.V
I sighed as I finally finished my assignment for class. It was around ten pm and everyone else seemed to be asleep. Well, everyone except Team E-scope. My phone had continually buzzed at intervals while I worked, causing me to put it on silent and turn off the vibrations. Whatever Eva, Izzy and Noah were talking about had to be interesting if they were all staying up late to talk about it. Especially Noah and Eva. They have a zero tolerance for shitting around.
Yawning, I grab my phone and unlock it. Immediately I go onto the group chat and messages begin to flood my sight.
Team E-scope Group Chat:
Wrestling Buddy, Moany Bookworm, Crazy Redhead Bestie and you are online.
Crazy redhead bestie- Sierra!
Moany Bookworm- It's about time you came online.
Eva was just telling us about what you and Izzy call a 'scoop.'
Me- A scoop?!
Eva spill it immediately.
Wrestling Buddy - Ok, ok.
Jeez.
Apparently Bridgette can play her nose like a kazzoo.
Me- Is that it?
I've known that for ages.
Moany Bookworm- If you know so much why don't you share?
Me- Ok.
Well, for starters Tammy and Leonard actually believe they're in a real life fantasy world.
Crazy Redhead Bestie- Weak.
I thought you had the best scoops, Cc!
Me- Ok, you backed me into a corner.
You know DJ?
Wrestling Buddy- You mean that stocky guy who loves animals?
Moany Bookworm- No, she meant the stocky guy who's afraid of nothing.
Crazy Redhead Bestie- Shut the fuck up, I'm trying to listen to Sierra!
Do continue, Cc.
Me- Ok...so when he was ten his cousin and brothers,
Wrestling Buddy - Yeah?
Me- Can't you leave me time to type!
Moany Bookworm- Not our fault you type too slow.
Me- Fine.
Basically they forced him off the high dive.
His swimming trunks got wedged so far up his crack that he's terrified of wedgies, snakes and water.
Crazy Redhead Bestie- That must've been a mega-wedgie.
Wrestling Buddy- Sounds painful...
Moany Bookworm- Why snakes?
Me- Because if he didn't do that, then he'd have to sit in a pit with snakes.
Wrestling Buddy- He has some cruel family members.
Me- Meh, I've heard of worse.
Anyway, what were you guys talking about earlier.
Crazy Redhead Bestie- About Heather and Alejandro.
Me- Oh yeah...
I forgot Al was leaving.
Moany Bookworm- Good riddance.
I say we get rid of the greasy eel.
...
I ended up staying online till one in the morning, having to say goodbye so I could get at least a few hours sleep. Although, I'm pretty sure I can function without sleep.
Taylor's P.O.V
"Taylor! How does it feel to beat Lucy Thunderberker!" A news anchor dressed in navy blue attire held a microphone to my face. Bright flashes went, voices washed over one another and film crews followed. It was as if I'd suddenly become famous. Which I guess is half true...
"Um...great?" I say as I try to lose the crowd of people behind me. Ever since my match a few days ago, I've been followed everywhere. Past me would've like that, a lot, but new me doesn't. It's actually starting to bug me. I bite my lip as I try to weave through the crowd.
"How do you train?"
"What's your secret?"
"Who's your coach?"
I smile as I see Eva, Jo and Stephanie waiting for me in front of the gym. I knew they had my back and would help me get out of this. After all Eva and Jo are some of the most intimidating females I've met to date. Though between them, I don't know who's scarier. It's probably Eva though because she freaks when her MP3 player goes missing. Yep, she still owns one of them. After all these years...
As I push more determinedly through the crowd, I couldn't help but notice that I'd bumped into a familiar form. In fact it was extremely familiar. I look up to see the dark brown haired head of Lightning. He smiled down at me.
"Who would've thought you'd get this far, Tay," He spoke.
"Hey Lightning," I chuckled, "No-one I guess. Still, it's annoying."
"You want me to distract them?" He raised a brow, "After all my pops is a famous sportsman. It's where I get it from."
"Egotistical as always," I chuckled, "Sure. I gotta make it to a workout anyway."
For some reason the thought of him distracting the newspeople made my stomach flutter. I felt thousands of tiny butterflies fluttering inside, making me feel all fluttery and nervous. But it's probably because he'd going through a lot of trouble for me. Not many people do that and it's nice to know someone would. That's the most logical reason why anyway.
"Hey!" Lightning called the the newspeople and they immediately surrounded him.
I took this as a cue to quickly exit and ran up the path to the gym. As I looked back at Lightning in the middle of the crowd of reporters and journalists, I couldn't help but blush. He really is a good friend...
Leshawna's P.O.V
"You ok, Shawnie?" Gwen asked as she hesitated by the doorway.
It's been a while since we'd both found out something the shook my world, and Gwen's been a real help. Honestly. But I can't help but feel terrible. I'd let myself down. My future, my dreams, all my aspirations. All because of a stupid one night stand.
"I'll be fine, don't worry your head about me, Gwennie," I say as I get a pair of beige pajamas out of my draws. They were the only silk pair I owned, a present from my estranged dad. Not that I care the fucker got them. I just like the comfort they bring.
"You sure?" She gave me 'the look', "You've been a mess the past few weeks."
"I know..." I say as I exhale, "It's just...it's hard for me."
Gwen sighed as she stood in the doorway, contemplating what to do. I don't blame her. How could she know how to react in this situation? It's only happened to her once before.
"If you want I can tell Bridge for you," She finally speaks, "I know telling someone may make it worse, but Bridge has gone through it before and it might help."
I fidget with the smooth cloth between my fingers as I think. Telling Bridgette could help with my dilemma, but it's difficult to come out with this information. Even if Bridge is one of my girls, it'd still make me feel like I'm carrying a weight on my shoulders. I'd feel bad for keeping it away from my family. But then again...talking to Bridge may ease the strain.
"I'd like that," I finally smile back at the goth, "Thanks, girl."
"No problem, Shawnie," Gwen smiled back as she left to do whatever she had planned.
I sighed as I felt the cold, silky cloth in my arms. Tears formed at my eyes and a sobbed threatened to break from my throat. I sniffed as I tried to hold the tears back, knowing fully well that I wasn't going to fix this mistake in my life for a while.
Chest tight and lip quivering, I head to the bathroom. I then locked the door, running the shower. As I waited for the water to be the right temperature, I stared at the reflection looking back.
Glassy eyes, messy hair and trembling lips were among the many alien features I spotted. This woman wasn't me. She couldn't be. She was too sad, too broken. She-
Tears and sobs finally broke free as I slid to the tiled floor, succumbing to the regret and self-depreciation inside. I cried about my situation, I cried because of how it was changing me, I cried because I needed to. And as crazy as it seems, it helped.
So as I cried and cried on the bathroom floor, showering running and steam surrounding me, one thought went through my mind: I may have fucked up royally, but somehow I'll get through this. One way or another.
