Chapter 1
I hated being alone on date night. Yes, yes I know. Who wouldn't want to go on a date with the love of their life? Well, you can't really do that, without a date. Sure, I may be a famous singer, but that's just an excuse to attract girls. I can never find that click, that flicker of passion, or the reassuring feeling of knowing that she was the one. Everyone in this town doesn't like who you really are, only goes after your fame and fortune. And I don't even have that much money!
It was Friday, or also known as "date night" in apartment 2J. Every week, the guys would go off with their girlfriends, leaving me alone to mope. It made me a little jealous, but it was worth seeing my friends happy. At least I hope it is.
"Hey!" I turned my head, partially catching my helmet's strap swing in my vision. Kendall walked out of his room dressed in a white collared shirt, black pressed pants, and back shoes. I remember him saying that he was taking his girlfriend to a new fancy restaurant that opened a few miles away. "Do you think I should wear a tie or bow tie for my date with Jo?"
As he held up both options, looking at the mirror while doing so, I quietly sighed. I wish I had a girlfriend so I could choose what is better to wear. But it isn't my night – it never is – so I forced a smile and helped him. "I think neither. You want to look formal, not like you're about to go to a wedding or book a job."
"Good call," Kendall approved with a nod and a smile. He tossed the two items carelessly to the floor before grabbing his steamed pressed black jacket from the couch. "I'll see you later. Tell mom I'll be back before 11."
"Bye!" I called him, but he had already left. I blew out another sigh, sinking deeper into the orange couch. As I played with the hems of my old race car pajamas, another friend of mine walked in from his room. Logan wore similar clothes to Kendall, but instead, he wore a dark blue vest and pants.
"Hey, do you think it'll be more romantic that I take her flowers or chocolates?" Logan asked me. He was taking Camille to her favorite Italian restaurant a couple of blocks away. I didn't need to look at him to know what his gifts look like.
"Flowers. This is your anniversary, not your first date. Take her favorite flowers, as a bouquet," I replied.
"Thanks, man." Before we could exchange goodbyes, the genius was already out the door. I rolled my eyes before laying down on the furniture, already feeling the tightening around my chest. The thought of being left alone again made me feel strange.
"Carlos, should I-" James was cut off by my impatience.
"The silver, that's Jenna's favorite," I sigh plainly. James, from the corner of my eye, wore a full dark tuxedo. Like the other two, he told me that he was taking his new and loving girlfriend to his favorite cheesecake bakery. After breaking it off with the palm tree, James had decided that it was high time to look for someone special. That special someone happened to be Jenna, a model that moved in a few weeks ago.
"Hey, you okay?" James frowned as he walked over to me. I quickly put on a smile, I didn't want to keep him waiting with my sour mood.
"Yeah, man. Go have fun!" I encouraged him. James, who didn't really seem to pay attention to my answer, got up with a grin before rushing out the door. I sighed tiredly, lazily dragging my eyes to my wristwatch. It was only 7 pm.
I hate being alone on date night. But, there were two things I could do today: I can sit here in the apartment alone or get out of the house. Obviously, the second option seemed to be better. Soon enough, I had changed out of my pajamas to my casual clothes – that being some jeans, a dark t-shirt, and a purple striped sweater – and marched out of the apartment.
Where should I go today? I usually would stay in the apartment on date nights since the guys and Mrs. Knight warned me not to go out on my own at such a late hour. But I'm a grown teenager, I can handle taking care of my own self, thank you very much. As I walked down the sidewalk, my mind tried to think up a game to distract me from my loneliness. Maybe I spy would be good.
Hm… I spy with my little eye something… blue! Is it the sky? What? How'd you know?! Okay okay, I spy with my little eye something… red! Is it that little piece of plastic on the floor near the dumpster? Wow, you're really good at this. The last one – I spy with my little eye something… black! Is it that guy wearing a ski mask running toward you with a bag full of money and an employee running after him? Yeah! You got it… wait what?
"Stop! Stop that thief!" The employee cried, pointing at the masked man. I widened my eyes as the burglar kept running toward me. Before I could even register what I was doing, I stuck my foot out. The criminal tripped on my trap and landed on the floor, the bag spilling all the contents of money across the floor. Remembering all the lessons my dad taught me, I used the large bag to tie up his hands and secure him in place on the floor.
"Thank you! You're a lifesaver," the employee caught up to me. I smiled, feeling my heart swell in pride and appreciation.
"You're welcome, sir," I nodded respectfully. The man picked up his money from the floor, sending a look of disgust to the criminal, before looking at me. "What would you like me to do with him?"
"I've called the police, they should be here any minute," the employee responded. Not a minute later, said people arrived at the scene. They took the criminal away after a brief explanation from the employee.
"So you're the one who stopped this troublemaker?" A police officer asked me. I nodded a little awkwardly, not really sure what the man wanted from me. He then handed me a pamphlet. "You seemed good in the force, kid. How old are you?"
"Eighteen," I answered, glancing down at the cover page. It was for the police academy training course.
"We have a few opportunities down at the station if you're interested. All you need to do is finish the training program, pass, and you'll be in the force," he smiled. "You seem like the type of kid that can save lives, protect others from the bad."
"But I have no experience," I frowned. This is really confusing… but interesting as well.
"No one has experience until they train. The information is all there. Just give me a call," the officer handed me his business card. "Think about it."
I didn't say anything else. Once they left, I turned to walk back to the Palm Woods. An opportunity to make the world a safer place? To help people that could be in trouble? Maybe this could be what I'm looking for. No more lonely nights while everyone is out on dates, I can finally do something than waste my time waiting. I'll just have to look into this though. What if no one wants me to do this? What if Gustavo brings out the contract or whatever and tells me I can't go to training?
Is being a police officer a good idea? What if it isn't my calling? From what I can tell, you can either get super cool jobs or really boring ones. I don't think I want to waste my time to find out. But this could also be a new experience! I could learn a lot of life skills. And how awesome would it be to know how to use a gun?
Somehow, I had reached 2J. I had no idea how I even got into the building without acknowledging it but whatever. I walked over and sat on the couch before opening up the pamphlet. There were three short sections – one describing the program, the second mentions the requirements, and the third explaining why you should join the LAPD.
I quietly read through the material, taking in as much information as my head could store.
"Three-week program, huh?" I whispered to myself. Apparently, from what I can tell, I'm qualified to enter. But the idea of my contract with Gustavo remained a problem. There was also telling everyone that I'll have to leave to the training center for those three weeks, which means I won't live at the Palm Woods or go to work.
Maybe this opportunity isn't right for me. I mean, I have been arrested before so they probably won't think I'm worthy. I sighed almost depressingly before going into my room and placing the pamphlet on my desk.
I'm a singer, not a police officer. I'm meant to be singing across the world to the fans of Big Time Rush, not saving people's lives. This isn't who I am. I sighed again before leaving my room.
Something is missing in my life, that's the problem. I already have a career, maybe not a solid one but it's still there. I already have friends, they're not going to leave me. Something is missing, but what is it?
Suddenly, the apartment door swung open. My three best friends were chatting happily with each other about their successful dates. I looked at the wall clock – it was 10:30 pm. How long have I been standing here?
"Hey, Carlitos! You wouldn't believe how my date went with Jo," Kendall grinned as he walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. I ignored his explanation, wanting my mind to refocus on where I left off. Somehow, a good thing happened when I wasn't stuck in the apartment. If I went out again, would another thing happen? Will corn dogs fall from the sky? Would I become a billionaire? Would I win a new car? Hm… this is something I'll have to test, but I can't let the guys know where I'm going.
"I'm going to head out for a little while," I declared, seeming to have interrupted James' story about his date. I watched Logan glance at the clock with a worried frown etched on his face.
"Right now? It's already dark," he mentioned. I forced myself from rolling my eyes.
"Yeah, don't worry. I won't be gone for long," I smiled either way. Before they said anything else, I rushed out the door. Payback! I cackled broadly, receiving a few odd looks from the nearby teens. I'm sorry, my fellow teenagers, but it is my time for fortune!... or something like it.
I was back on the streets of LA. It was a little spookier, the night sky and ominous fog layered the landscape. Oh! I could be like one of those scary narrators in horror movies.
It was a dark and foggy night. The grey fog was dense, making the city skyscrapers disappear from view. The wind blew from the west, wafting in the horrendous stench of cigar smoke and sewer water. Cats screeched in a nearby dark alleyway, tipping over a few garbage bins as a result. Cars zoomed past, bright yellow headlights appearing from the fog before the shrinking red lights from behind disappear. The night shadows the city, bringing downlights from the sparkling moon and mysteries from other lives.
So, what do you think? Nah, maybe being an author wouldn't be a good thing. But that's what the city sure felt like. I continue my way down the sidewalk, occasionally glancing down a few roads – you never know when something special happens. It was around an hour later when something indescribable happened.
As I walked down the road, I heard quick faint footsteps leading down a more sketchy path of the city. I had reached the neighborhood area of Los Angeles, quite far away from the Palm Woods. I frowned in confusion, wondering who would be running at this hour of the night. I didn't have much time to react when a figure appeared out of the shadows and collided with me, sending us both to the floor.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The person, definitely a girl from the way her voice sounded, exclaimed in front of me. I couldn't make out her face due to it being so dark.
"What? You ran into me!" I yelled back. We both got up but then I realized that there were other pairs of rushing footsteps coming toward us.
"You have to help me! They can't find me," the girl pleaded. I could see part of her face, the moon giving light so I could see properly. Her eyes entranced me, the perfect color of brown with a hint of red swirls gave her the most unique eyes I've ever seen. Without giving it much thought, I nodded. I grabbed her wrist before pulling her down the road and into an alleyway, dragging us both behind a smelly dumpster. The footsteps continued down the sidewalk, never stopping to look into the alley we entered. We both sighed in relief.
"Why were those people after you?" I asked her after a moment.
"A lot of people are after everyone," she avoided my question. "Um, thanks for helping me. You didn't have to."
"Of course I did. I couldn't really leave you hanging when you are the person who crashed into me," I chuckled. It's easy to talk to this girl, I usually have a hard time talking to any girl. "So, if you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"
She hesitated. Was she scared? " … Sarah," she strained. I frowned. Something in my chest did a 180, it tightened with anxiety, and the desire to know more corrupted my thoughts.
"You're lying to me," I acknowledged. She moved but at the perfect angle so that the moonlight could shine her whole face. This girl was around the same age as me – her dark brown and black wavy hair made her mocha skin-pop perfectly; her plump yet thin lips shined beautifully – something about her face made me want to crave her. I've never had that feeling before but the rapid beating in my chest and my sweaty palms just made me all the more nervous.
"Why should I give you my name? I don't know you," her voice cut in through my thoughts. How angelic. Her voice was soft yet commanding that it sent my body into a slight shiver. I leaned closer so she could see my face properly. I saw her eyes widen slightly, making me smirk.
"If I give you my name, will you tell me yours?" I whispered in her ear. I don't know what's happening as I'm losing control of this girl. I just want her! I saw her nod numbly. "Good choice. I'm Carlos."
"Maria," she whispered, her breath sending chills down my neck. I slowly pulled back, making sure to lightly glide my lips against hers. I saw a flash of disappointment shine in her beautiful eyes. I stood up and dusted off my pants then helped Maria stand up as well, our eyes never leaving each other.
"Well, Maria, I guess this is where we part ways," I smiled kindly before turning around and walking away. However, not three steps away, she spoke up again.
"Wait!" I turned around but then her lips crashed into mine. I widened my eyes, feeling many fireworks going off in my mind and heart. Was this the spark I was destined to find? The love of my life? I closed my eyes as I brought her into a deeper kiss, choosing to decide that possibility for myself. I then felt her soft hand slowly find the bottom of my shirt and her caress my abs. My breath hitched as I abruptly broke our kiss.
"Woah, a little touchy there," I squeaked. Her face hid in the shadows again, making me momentarily frown.
"Sorry… I better go," she sighed shakily. Before she left, I grabbed her wrist.
"How about I walk you home?" I asked, knowing I can't lose that spark. Now that I (maybe) found the love of my life, I can't let her out of my sight.
"No, I don't need an escort, especially from a stranger," she snapped. I looked at her oddly, wondering how her mood changed so quickly.
"Listen, it's no good going out alone," I retorted. "Obviously someone's after you and I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt. So please, let me take you home."
I felt her body freeze under my touch but Maria sighed. The tension in her body never left.
"Fine, let's go," she begrudgingly muttered. I grinned happily before letting go and following her down the road. "So, I've never seen you around here before."
"Um, yeah, I haven't been around here before," I nodded. "I live around the busy area."
"Ah. You work?" She asked. I clenched my teeth as I tried to think of an answer. No way will I ruin my chances of a girlfriend because of my fame. I want a real sturdy relationship, so I'm going to do that by lying.
"Yeah. I work at a record company as a… bodyguard," I poorly lied, but it seemed to work because she nodded. Yes! I continued to tell her from my experiences as an assistant for Gustavo Rocque, the horror that it was, and about the evil coffee machine. She laughed and giggled at many things I said, making me smile. Girls don't really laugh at what I say, but what I do.
"So, let me get this straight; you had to destroy a self-aware coffee machine that tried to take over the world?" Maria repeated between giggles.
"If it wasn't for me, C.A.L. would have covered the planet with foam," I posed heroically. We paused and looked at each other before bursting out into laughter. After we calmed down, I spoke up again. "So, do you have any jobs?"
"Well, I do but…," she trailed off to a sigh. I couldn't place her tone. From happy to depressed or maybe exhausted? I eyed her worriedly.
"What is it?" I persisted.
"I'm not in a good business, per se. I have to do a lot of things, take many risks, and complete assignments that will definitely hurt my future," she vaguely explained. I wonder what she means.
"Well, whatever it is, I bet you're doing it for the right reason," I smiled. She didn't return it. The way she fidgeted with her hands and looked away when I tried to look at her made me all the more suspicious about this girl. Finally, we had arrived at her home. It was deeper into the neighborhood and seemed like it would house two people.
As she invited me inside, the interior proved me right. There was a kitchen connected to the dining room that led to the living room.
"It's late. You can stay here for the night if you want," Maria offered. I looked at the clock. It was midnight already, I told the guys I would be back home already. They must be worried. But they did also say not to stay out in the city at night. It would be dangerous if I walked back home anyway, so I smiled.
"That would be great," I replied before sitting down on her brown couch. She disappeared down the hallway to the right before returning with a pillow and a few blankets. I stood up instantly. "You don't need to, I'm fine."
"Trust me, you'll need them. It gets cold in here," she pushed the items into my arms.
"Well, I guess this is a goodnight?" I raised an eyebrow. She smirked playfully.
"You have work tomorrow. I'm sure Mr. Rocque wouldn't want you to miss work," she joked. I nodded, knowing that she wasn't wrong. To my surprise, she kissed me on the lips. It was light and gentle, when we pulled away I saw a mischievous glint in her eye which made me want her more. "Goodnight, Carlos."
I pouted. "Goodnight, Maria." When she left for her bedroom, I sat down on the couch and turned off the living room light. Not two seconds after my head hit the pillow, I gave up to the world of sleep.
TBC...