A/N: So, last chapter was a little long so I had to cut some of it. It's now a month and a week into quarantine and I couldn't feel anymore insane! Online classes start again after this weekend too ToT
Besides from that, I'm just trying to update more regularly and get these chapters out. They're getting longer and so many plots are forming! Thanks for all the reviews and support guys, it's really helping me to not die of boredom during quarantine. AloneNoah, I'll definitely include that! I'll build up to it in each chapter like with Taylor's competition.
Make sure to stay safe and well!
Till next time,
D.L.D
Amy's P.O.V
I sighed as I flopped down on my bed. After the long week I've had, I'm looking forward to a chilled evening just laying about watching old movies with Dakota. She surprisingly knows some good ones too. I remember the last one we watched; I was laughing for ages.
Finally deciding to move, I go to my wardrobe and get my pajamas. After taking a shower I head back to my room and see my phone's ringing. I pick it up and see it's Trent. I almost forgot about calling him. Usually we vent to each other weekly and just catch up on what we've missed since the Drama Bros left for the tour. They're around halfway and they'll be back by June, maybe July.
"Hey," I answer the call as I head to the kitchen.
"Hey," He sighed.
"You seem dejected," I say as I boil the kettle and get a teabag, "What happened?"
"Just Chris being Chris," He shrugged, "He's trying to get us all to fake date."
"Let me guess, for publicity?" I raise a brow.
"Yep," He sighed, "It seems to be all he cares about."
"Mm," I nod as I watch the steam emerge from the kettle.
Dakota then walked in, her hair tied up in a pink headscarf. She had her pink and white pajama set on and was making some popcorn in the microwave.
"Hey Amy," She smiled, "We still on for movie night?"
"Yeah," I say as I pour the hot water into my mug.
"Cool," She replied, "We're watching 'To All The Boys I Loved Before'."
"Yay, one of those movies," I say the reluctance evident, though I know I'l probably enjoy it.
"You'll thank me later," The blonde replied, laughing as she got the popcorn and poured it into a bowl, "Tell Trent I said hi."
She then left the room, munching on what was meant to be our movie snack.
"I didn't know you had movie night today," Trent's voice broke the silence, "I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Nah, it's fine," I grinned, "We didn't start yet anyway. Plus Dakota knows I've had a tough time recently."
"Did something happen this week?" He raised a brow.
"Yeah," I sighed, "I spoke to Scarlett earlier this week."
"You went to see her?" Trent's eyes were wide.
"I had to," I mumbled, "For very vital reasons. Anyway, the issue is that I think she's not as bad a people think she is."
"Are you sure?" He grimaced, "She's the same person who sent three murderous students run wild. She also managed to manipulate everyone in the school before to turn against Chris."
"Yeah, I know," I blushed, "But she told us why and...it made me think."
"You're always one for second chances," He chuckled.
"Well I was given one," I smiled, "And I was a monster."
"Meh, you were ok," He shrugged and i gave him a look, "Fine you were terrible."
"Exactly!" I laughed, "And that's why I think even Scarlett deserves a second chance."
"I get it," He smiled warmly, "Just be careful. She's not exactly one to trust."
"You don't need to worry about me," I give a smile, "I'm a tough cookie."
We both laughed at my comment, but I couldn't help but feel happy to know that someone cared about me. Especially since I'd always been around fake people all my life. It made me grateful to be friends with Trent. It made me want to always be in his life.
"Thanks," I say, my tone warm and friendly.
"For what?" He raised a brow confused.
"For being there for me," I answer, "No matter what I do, you always support me."
And that was true. He was always there. No matter what I do...
DJ's P.O.V
"Ok, we're on in five," Someone dressed in the filming crew uniform spoke.
I was at the local news station with Owen, waiting to do our interview; I couldn't be anymore nervous.
Bright lights shone down on our makeup covered faces, and not the cosmetic the camera type, and I was sweating like crazy. Maybe it was the heat or my nerves, but I wasn't feeling too good. I had a constant fluttering in my stomach and my chest felt tight when I breathed. Owen seemed fine beside me, in fact he was eating some chocodiles he'd brought with him.
"You ok, DJ?" He asked as he ate, "You seem really on edge."
"I'm just a little nervous," My voice came out soft, "I'm not too good with the thought of thousands of people watching me."
"It's not that bad," He chuckled, "Trust me, we've done it thousands of times during high school. You know Chris put the camera footage of fights onto YouTube."
"True," I give him a smile.
"See!" He ate another chocodile, "Easy. Plus this'll help the channel grow. Hey, maybe we can even got that golden award thingy! That's be awesome!"
I just laughed at his comment before we went onto the air and began the interview.
"Good morning everybody," Josh, the news anchor, spoke to the camera, "Today we have a special segment with DJ and Owen, better known by their YouTube cooking vlogs."
"Hey guys, I'm super psyched to me here!" Owen cheered as the camera turned to us.
"Um..hey," I gave a small wave.
"Now guys," Josh started, "You've just reach 2K and counting, and last week you had around 1.5k. Your cooking vlogs have become very popular. How do you do it?"
"Well, it's just DJ's cooking," Owen chuckled, "Right, Deej?"
"Yeah," I say, beginning to relax a little, "I use a secret ingredient I like to refer to as 'Mama Spice'. It's a blend of herbs and seasonings that my mama uses in her cooking. If anyone thinks my recipes are good, they're nothing on Mama's."
"And so I've heard," Josh chuckled, "From Owen's commentary when tasting, and from fans who've tried your recipes, you've received excellent feedback. You've even been requested to do a book! How's it going?"
"Well, I got a few recipes down and I spoke to a publisher not too long ago," I'm fully relaxed now. Talking about something I enjoy has really helped me to tune out everything else. I'm in the zone. "They said the book should be out to the public around September."
"We're also having a giveaway!" Owen grinned, "You'll get to go live with us and feature, all you gotta do is sub!"
"Well, there you have it," Josh looked into the camera as it turned away from us, "The famous duo from their YouTube cooking vlogs are having a giveaway and publishing a book. I'd look out for them, fans! It'll definitely be a success. Now let's go to Laura with the weather."
We then went off air and I gave a sigh. I hope I did ok up there. I think I did because I seemed relaxed. I look at Owen and he's now eating a muffin. An intern must've given it to him.
"How do you always find food?" I raised a brow.
"How do you always cook so well?" He raised a brow.
"Touche," I say as we both laughed and headed to wipe the makeup off our faces.
Gwen's P.O.V
I sigh as I put on my costume. Once again it was rehearsals, but this time I was glad to be here. Why? Because it's the last one before I get paid to perform. Then I'll be one step closer to buying my art studio!
I grimace as I look at my reflection in the mirror. Since Chris blew a lot of the budget on dorms, there were only two changing rooms meaning all the females in one and males in the other. I knew there was a set back for the dorms!
Women were fumbling and changing behind me, all trying to make sure they looked like their character. It was actual chaos. But that wasn't why I was grimacing: I was grimacing because my teal and black hair was now brown. It's natural colour. Oh, this brings back memories; no, not the good kind.
"You ok, Gwen?" Dakota appeared behind me. She was already changed, the yellow from her outfit blending with her hair. The only thing that stood out was her black belt and shoes.
"Yeah," I sigh, "I'm just not used to seeing myself as a brunette again."
"So that's your natural hair colour?" She giggled, "It's not a bad one."
"I prefer the highlights," I say as I adjust my scarf, "This first scene is the most annoying one."
It's true. It was least favourite outfit out of the six I have to wear. My favourites had to be between what I wear from 'Freeze your Brain' to 'The me Inside of me' and 'Blue' to 'Our love is God'. Though I gotta go with the first one cause of the heels. I look short without them, especially compared to the other women on stage who are wearing heels.
"That's only because you look short without heels," Courtney rolled her eyes as she approached us, "You'll be able to wear them next scene, don't worry."
"Yeah, I know," I mumbled.
There as a knock on the door and most of the women in the room shrieked.
"We're not done changing yet!" A wave of voices filled the room.
"I know," A voice grouched, "That's why I knocked. Anyway, Blaineley says to get your asses on stage in five."
I rolled my eyes at the message before leaving the room with Dakota and Courtney. A few people were already on stage and I could see Blaineley sitting in audience house. She was tapping away at her phone, probably messaging Chris. She then put it away.
"Ok, let's start!" She bellowed, "The sooner the better!"
We all obeyed in silence, finding our places on stage. Blaineley gave a nod and we began.
The familiar sound of a school bell went off and I began to say the lines I'd gone of over so many times.
"September 1st, 1989. Dear diary," And like that the final rehearsal had started.
Heather's P.O.V
I sniffle as I wipe my eyes, making sure to clear away the mascara smears. Rehearsal had just finished and everyone had long gone home. I was the only one left in the changing room and I hate to admit it, but I was crying. And yes it was over that stupid thing. I don't even know why I care that much, he's not worth my time. Plus I can get way better than that, even if my reputation's shit I can get someone. But I don't want I guess...
Sighing, I put my makeup wipes back in my bag and get out my eyeliner and mascara. Great. I have to reapply because of the crying.
As I work on getting my eyes back to standard, the door opens to the changing room and I freeze. A brunette Gwen walks in, her eyes widening when she spots me.
"Were you crying?" She asks as she grabs a bag from the bench.
"No," I grumble, "What are you doing here?"
"I forgot my bag," She adjusts the strap on her shoulder, "And there's no use saying you weren't crying. Your face is splotchy."
"Your face is always splotchy," I retort as I go back to reapplying, "You can go."
The goth just stop there, biting her lip as she thought. Is she brain-dead or something? I said she could go.
"I said you can go," I turn to face her, setting my eyeliner on the table, "Why are you standing around like a statue?"
Gwen just sighed, "Look, I don't exactly get along with you but if you need to talk about- you know- then I'm available."
"And have you spread rumors about me?" I scoff, "I'll pass."
"Fine, but don't say I didn't try to help," She shrugged as she went to leave.
"Wait," The word comes out harsh.
"What Heather?" The goth rolled her eyes.
"If you tell anyone about this I'll make sure to ruin your reputation," I deadpan, "Your little stunt from prom may have dragged me into the dirt, but trust me I have my ways and connections."
Gwen just laughed as she stood in the doorway.
"I'm not heartless, Heather," she glared at me, before smiling, "But even though I hate you, I'll keep this a secret. I know what it's like to lose someone you love. You of all people should know that."
And with no other words she left, going her separate path to mine.
Courtney's P.O.V
My small break from Easter did not help at all.
I sigh as I look at all the notes I'd compiled over the week in my spare time. My writing was scrawled on nearly every page of my notepad and I had numbers, lists and even addresses compiled within them. I bet you're wondering what I'm doing. Well, I'm working on bringing Jose and Alejandro back here. I've been spending majority of my time doing this, making sure to track down the Burromuerto family as well where they are at the moment.
Various calls, texts, files and research had been done. But now, I had the perfect plan and way to get them to come back. And it involved Alejandro.
Getting my phone I call the person I need. I wait for a few minutes, the phone ringing in my ear until Jose answers.
"Courtney?" He sounded confused, "What are you doing?"
"I'm working on a way to bring you guys back," I say as I go through my notes, "I have a plan formed already."
"I see," His tone was thoughtful, "The problem is we had to come here because of family matters."
"What matters?" I ask, stopping my skimming.
"Basically our father's trying to sell us into marriage," He sighed, "Something about mi abuelo mayor making a deal with a rich family. In return for one of my father's sons being married to one of their daughters we'll receive credit and money."
"So why don't you refuse?" I raise a brow, "I would if my parents said to do that."
"It's a matter of honor," He responded, "One of us have to do it."
"What about Carlos?" I ask, "Can't he do it?"
"It depends on whether the daughter will," He sighed again. He seems super stressed, I'd be too. "She's more or less choosing."
"I see," I nod as I chew my fingernail, "Could we find a way to object?"
"We could," He answered, "But I wouldn't request for you to do such a task."
"No, I'll do it," I say, "Heather will go on a rampage, plus I'll do anything to help a friend in need."
"Ok," He nods, "There should be a way to prevent it, but it requires you and Heather to come to Spain."
"Why us?" I raise a brow.
"You'll see," He chuckled, "I'll book the flights for the week after next. That's when everything'll be sorted."
"Ok," I reply and the call ended.
Whatever Jose has planned better be worth missing class and spending time with Heather. Otherwise we'll have a lot of issues.
Noah's P.O.V
I sighed as I wiped the counter and Izzy mopped the floor. The rush of customers had slowed in the evening and our shifts were almost over. Thank god. I was getting tired of bumping into familiar faces and getting embarrassed because of the uniform. Plus it gets annoying listening to the pointless babble some people have while order ice-cream. Just take your order and go. You don't need to share your whole life story.
I look over at Izzy and she splattering bucket water everywhere. Typical. She always makes the most simple task into a giant adventure.
"You're getting water everywhere you know," I say and she looks at me.
"I know," She laughed, "It helps me blend in!"
"And why do you need to blend in?" I raised a brow.
"To hear the gossip," She rolled her eyes, "Ooh! Shut up and listen to those blondes!"
I rolled my eyes, but obeyed nonetheless.
The two blondes Izzy referred to both came in and ordered a waffle and ice-cream. They wore matching red and yellow outfits and were extremely reminiscent of Katie and Sadie. I wouldn't be surprised if they did everything together either.
"You know he was, like, so cute!" Blonde number one gushed.
"I know but he's not in my range," Blonde two sighed, "He's too...you know."
"Ok, he's a player so what?" Blonde one shrugged, "He might give up his ways for you!"
"Sorry but I had to dump him," Blonde two frowned, "Why are you so interested anyway?"
"Cause," Blonde one chuckled sheepishly, before clearing her throat, "Would you mind if I date him?"
"What..." Blonde two stood up, "You're my best friend, why would you do that?"
"What, he's hot!" It was then I noticed blonde one was Blaineley. Or should I say Mildred, "It's not my fault your man can't keep it in his pants!"
"You slept with him!" Blonde two fumed, "I can't believe- I'm leaving. Don't call me, I'm blocking you."
The blonde left while Blaineley scoffed, eating her waffle as the blonde turned her nose on her. I don't blame her. Whose best friend sleeps with their partner? That's just- no.
"Wow...that's," I just sighed as I couldn't comment on the scene.
"I know, it's amazing!" Izzy beamed, "Now we have gossip on Blaineley and we can give it to Sierra."
"I guess, but still it's kinda wrong," I say as the second blonde leaves, "Don't you think?"
"Meh, being right is boring sometimes," Izzy blew a raspberry, "Now, are you gonna be fun or boring?"
I let her words sink in as I wipe the counter. Sure not telling Sierra would be right, but at the same time it'd be fun to have some power. Everyone just sees me as the snarky know it all and it does get annoying. I mean I still get shoved to the back when stuff happens. It might be fun to have the ability to threaten people, after all everyone cares about their ego now.
"Ok, I'm in," Izzy smiled at my words.
Taylor's P.O.V
"You shouldn't train so hard," I sigh as I hear Eva's voice.
I was at the gym, once again. The school day had ended and everyone was more or less hanging out in their dorms, while I was here working my ass off. After barely winning the last match, I've been on edge. Stricter training, diets and even sleep schedules have been frequent, and I know it's taking its toll. I haven't even hung out with Tyler and Lighting for a while. They probably understand though, they know this means a lot for me.
"I have to be stronger," I say as I jab at the bag, "I have to better."
"Being better won't get you anywhere if you don't have a plan," Eva grumbled for the bench, "You can't rely on muscle. It gets you nowhere, trust me."
"So what do you suggest I do then?" I stop punching and jabbing to look at her.
"First, stop being so predictable in matches," She chuckled, "Why do you think Tessa saw your every move? It wasn't just her skill."
"It wasn't?" I blink as she went to the punching bag beside mine.
"Nope," She smiled.
"So, what was it?" I ask quietly.
"You got cocky," Was her answer, "You thought cause you knew her weakness it'd be easy."
"So I need to stop thinking with my head so much and with my gut?" I raise a brow.
"Yep," Eva smirked, "You rely way too much on that brain of yours. I'll help you practice so you're ready."
"You don't have to do that!" I blush, startled, "You have to verse Tamika and Stephanie'll say I won because you-"
"It's fine," Eva frowned, "Stephanie can piss off for all I care. She needs to accept that she lost to Jo and that the ref did not pick Jo over her."
"True," I chuckled, "So what do we do first?"
"Let's start with some simple punches," Eva smiled as she punched the bag, "Then we can move up."
I nodded, doing as she said.
Maybe this match'll be different from the one with Tessa. I mean Eva's going out of her way to help me. Others say she has anger issues, but I say she's misunderstood. Why? Because underneath her tough exterior: she's a great friend.
Sierra's P.O.V
"Hi, Iz," I greeted the redhead. She'd messaged me right after her shift and told me that she and Noah just found out how to get regular influxes of scoops. Apparently a bunch of people gossip when they get ice-cream.
"You finally called!" Her voice sounded energetic. As always. "I thought you'd died!"
"Sorry I was putting the finishing touches on the newspaper," I say, "It's ready for publishing."
"Cool!" Izzy replied, "Anyway, do I have a scoop for you!"
"Do tell?" I grin widely, "Who? When? What? Why? Where?"
"Whoa calm down," Izzy chuckled, "You haven't been this riled up since I made the group chat."
"Sorry, I'm just excited," I blush, "The gossip game's been slow and I'm beginning to think it died."
"Nah, everyone's just better at hiding their secrets," She responded, "No-one cares about ruining each other and shit cause we're 'adults'."
"Makes sense," I say as I fiddle with my jumper, "So? That big scoop?"
"Yeah," She responded, "I'll tell you now! Basically Noah and I were cleaning up and you won't believe who we saw..."