Chapter 7: Breaking Through
[refresher: After homecoming, the group is crashing Chastity's house. Vic and Chas are downstairs.]
"Sing me something," Vic's usually sleepy eyes widened and pleaded with her. Chastity could feel herself go soft seeing his handsome face look so earnest.
"I don't really feel like it."
"Please? How's this," Vic lifted the piano cover again and started playing a tinkling music box tune.
"No Doubt's "Running". You a fan?" Chastity recognized the melody immediately. It was her favorite song lately. The lyrics explained a little of what she was feeling, and she couldn't believe Vic could know this.
"It was playing in Ken's car, and I know it's not his taste." Vic had a mind for details, and that was one of the qualities girls found so attractive in him. He just knew things and acted accordingly. He started the song over again waiting for Chastity to give in.
"You're really persistent for someone who's never said more than 5 words to me."
Vic repeated the intro a few more times. He could do this all night if necessary. Chastity sighed, realizing that his patience was endless. Her voice started as a whisper, but she stopped and cleared her throat. Closing her eyes, Chastity waited to hear the appropriate note to start on. She jumped right into the chorus, her favorite part of the wistful song.
"Running, running
As fast as we can
I really hope you make it
(Do you think we'll make it?)
We're running
Keep holding my hand
It's so we don't get separated
Be….Here Chastity let her voice linger, dragging out the note. The next few lines came out wishful, pleading, and beautiful.
Be the one I need
Be the one I trust most
Don't stop inspiring me
Sometimes it's hard to keep on running
We work so much to keep it going
Don't make me want to give up…Chastity quieted. It felt good to really sing something. She felt her heart beating a bit faster, and her breath was shorter. Vic had continued to play, but Chastity would sing no more. He finished the tune with a light chime, watching Chastity closely. Her eyes were alive, and Vic felt pulled, attracted to the raw passion in her voice. They weren't kidding when they told him she could sing. A simple pop song was enchanted when it sprung from her lips. Chastity had a gift, and it was obvious. This made it even more puzzling to him that she rarely crooned.
"Tell me why you don't sing anymore," Vic went against his better judgment and brought the topic up again.
"Why are you suddenly so interested in my voice?" Chastity eyed him suspiciously.
"Because every second you try to hide it, you waste it."
"Vic, you of all people know that music is expression. It can be a joyous thing or a reason for tears. When you're stuck in the middle, what's to sing about?"
"In the few lines you sang for me, I saw more depth in you than from the past couple of months. Whatever it is you're not saying, I'll wait," Vic rose and grabbed some of the snacks Chastity had set down. She did the same, wondering to herself why Vic thought she would tell anyone anything. Why he was so certain she would tell him. Chastity hated this about herself, how she was quick to trust, quick to love, and prone to hurt. Just before they reached the top of the staircase Vic paused suddenly, and Chastity almost bumped into his back.
"I heard you once in New York. You had a solo and of hundreds of voices I heard that night, yours is the only one I remembered."
Chastity opened her mouth to respond, but she didn't have anything to say. Vic was a lunatic, but Chastity didn't care. He shed the mysterious exterior, thawing himself tonight, and Chastity liked what she saw.
~
"What took you guys so long?" Kiki asked them.
"Isn't it obvious Kiki? They were making out in the kitchen!" Shelly giggled.
"Oo yeah baby. It's the quiet ones you have to watch out for right?" Chastity joked back, hurling a bag of chips at the blonde. She knew they could probably hear the music from downstairs, but this Boston group had enough tact not to mention it.
"So Chastity, how are your college apps going?" Kiki was reaching into a bowl of Terra chips.
"Eh. Okay I guess. Those essays are really horrendous, and it's hard to go through all this without a major in mind."
"Yeah I know what you mean. I don't have a clue what to study. I figure I should just marry rich. Which one of you boys wants to propose?" Shelly looked around at the four guys sprawled on the floor. The beeping of Vic's cell phone saved them from having to respond.
"Can I borrow a computer real quick?" Vic asked glancing down at his phone.
"Sure. Use the one in the study. You know where it is," Chastity gestured down the hall.
"Chas, doesn't your dad work in computers or something?" Shelly asked casually.
"Yeah but it's software mostly."
"Man, I always assumed that computer techs had fancy PCs of their own at home," Vanness commented.
"O like a secret lab where they create all sorts of snazzy things?" Chastity teased. "Actually, daddy does have a nice network set up at home."
"We've never seen it though right?" Shelly verified.
"Nah. You couldn't have. He doesn't even allow dust in there. Anyway, the basement's not exactly a highlight of the house," Chastity raised a finely shaped eyebrow.
"O well. Maybe someday. I'd love to see the kinds of things that will be hitting the market in the future," Shelly sighed.
"You must get some sort of perks huh?" Kiki asked.
"The usual. Wanna get out of these dresses? I think I've flashed just about everyone by now," Chastity got up.
"Flash away Chas. I sure don't mind. Nude is a good color to go with if you're going to wear underwear at all. I applaud your choice," Vanness grinned cheekily. Chastity made sure to hit him as she walked by. The girls slipped on camisoles, the guys their t-shirts, and everyone donned PJ bottoms. Vic had returned, and the seven of them sat back to watch a dvd.
"Mm these chocolate crème Oreos are really good. Eat one," Chastity was wedged between Ken and Vanness on the couch. She shoved a small cookie into Ken's mouth.
"Chastity, weren't you on this health kick back home? Absolutely no junk?" Ken scolded her.
"That was just a fad. Besides I have the good stuff too. See?" Chastity pointed to the bowl of fruit salad on the coffee table. Ken let her feed him another cookie and patted her head tenderly.
After two dvds, it was nearing 4 AM, and nearly everyone had fallen asleep. The boys let Chastity spread out on the couch, and Ken tucked a throw over her. She peeked through a heavy eyelid and thought she saw the four of them going downstairs. She turned over and fell soundly asleep, drawing the blanket over her.
~
"Look, I just want to get an idea of the setup. Here," Jerry passed them each a pair of gloves.
"Wouldn't it be easier if we just got her to help us?" Ken whined.
"That's fine and all, but I'm still keeping this as a backup. Vic you almost done?" Jerry tapped the boy hunched over a security panel in the basement.
"Chill. I got this," Vic tweaked a few wires and then pushed open the heavy door.
"Damn. There must be about a dozen new VAIOs in here. These aren't even on market yet," Vanness was referring to the blue-ish gray towers scattered throughout the room. All of the flat screens were illuminated with numbers and shapes flying rapidly up and down.
"Check out the Gates, Dells, and Macs over there," Ken pointed to the back wall.
"It's not going to be here. I doubt he's that stupid. You're not named a Fortune 500 exec for being careless," Jerry gave the room a quick glance and snapped a few shots with his cell phone before steering everyone out.
"Everything's got to be exactly the way it was. Vic, make sure you're tidy with that wiring. No one can find out we've been down here," Jerry whispered to his friends. In a speedy ten minutes, they were back upstairs with glasses of water, and the girls had long since drifted off into dream land. Each boy snuggled next to or near a girl, carefully positioning themselves so it appeared they had fallen asleep during the movie too.
[The secret's out, well part of it. Yay! But what now? Congrats to those of you who had caught on to my hints in the earlier chapters! And you know I love reviews right?]
[refresher: After homecoming, the group is crashing Chastity's house. Vic and Chas are downstairs.]
"Sing me something," Vic's usually sleepy eyes widened and pleaded with her. Chastity could feel herself go soft seeing his handsome face look so earnest.
"I don't really feel like it."
"Please? How's this," Vic lifted the piano cover again and started playing a tinkling music box tune.
"No Doubt's "Running". You a fan?" Chastity recognized the melody immediately. It was her favorite song lately. The lyrics explained a little of what she was feeling, and she couldn't believe Vic could know this.
"It was playing in Ken's car, and I know it's not his taste." Vic had a mind for details, and that was one of the qualities girls found so attractive in him. He just knew things and acted accordingly. He started the song over again waiting for Chastity to give in.
"You're really persistent for someone who's never said more than 5 words to me."
Vic repeated the intro a few more times. He could do this all night if necessary. Chastity sighed, realizing that his patience was endless. Her voice started as a whisper, but she stopped and cleared her throat. Closing her eyes, Chastity waited to hear the appropriate note to start on. She jumped right into the chorus, her favorite part of the wistful song.
"Running, running
As fast as we can
I really hope you make it
(Do you think we'll make it?)
We're running
Keep holding my hand
It's so we don't get separated
Be….Here Chastity let her voice linger, dragging out the note. The next few lines came out wishful, pleading, and beautiful.
Be the one I need
Be the one I trust most
Don't stop inspiring me
Sometimes it's hard to keep on running
We work so much to keep it going
Don't make me want to give up…Chastity quieted. It felt good to really sing something. She felt her heart beating a bit faster, and her breath was shorter. Vic had continued to play, but Chastity would sing no more. He finished the tune with a light chime, watching Chastity closely. Her eyes were alive, and Vic felt pulled, attracted to the raw passion in her voice. They weren't kidding when they told him she could sing. A simple pop song was enchanted when it sprung from her lips. Chastity had a gift, and it was obvious. This made it even more puzzling to him that she rarely crooned.
"Tell me why you don't sing anymore," Vic went against his better judgment and brought the topic up again.
"Why are you suddenly so interested in my voice?" Chastity eyed him suspiciously.
"Because every second you try to hide it, you waste it."
"Vic, you of all people know that music is expression. It can be a joyous thing or a reason for tears. When you're stuck in the middle, what's to sing about?"
"In the few lines you sang for me, I saw more depth in you than from the past couple of months. Whatever it is you're not saying, I'll wait," Vic rose and grabbed some of the snacks Chastity had set down. She did the same, wondering to herself why Vic thought she would tell anyone anything. Why he was so certain she would tell him. Chastity hated this about herself, how she was quick to trust, quick to love, and prone to hurt. Just before they reached the top of the staircase Vic paused suddenly, and Chastity almost bumped into his back.
"I heard you once in New York. You had a solo and of hundreds of voices I heard that night, yours is the only one I remembered."
Chastity opened her mouth to respond, but she didn't have anything to say. Vic was a lunatic, but Chastity didn't care. He shed the mysterious exterior, thawing himself tonight, and Chastity liked what she saw.
~
"What took you guys so long?" Kiki asked them.
"Isn't it obvious Kiki? They were making out in the kitchen!" Shelly giggled.
"Oo yeah baby. It's the quiet ones you have to watch out for right?" Chastity joked back, hurling a bag of chips at the blonde. She knew they could probably hear the music from downstairs, but this Boston group had enough tact not to mention it.
"So Chastity, how are your college apps going?" Kiki was reaching into a bowl of Terra chips.
"Eh. Okay I guess. Those essays are really horrendous, and it's hard to go through all this without a major in mind."
"Yeah I know what you mean. I don't have a clue what to study. I figure I should just marry rich. Which one of you boys wants to propose?" Shelly looked around at the four guys sprawled on the floor. The beeping of Vic's cell phone saved them from having to respond.
"Can I borrow a computer real quick?" Vic asked glancing down at his phone.
"Sure. Use the one in the study. You know where it is," Chastity gestured down the hall.
"Chas, doesn't your dad work in computers or something?" Shelly asked casually.
"Yeah but it's software mostly."
"Man, I always assumed that computer techs had fancy PCs of their own at home," Vanness commented.
"O like a secret lab where they create all sorts of snazzy things?" Chastity teased. "Actually, daddy does have a nice network set up at home."
"We've never seen it though right?" Shelly verified.
"Nah. You couldn't have. He doesn't even allow dust in there. Anyway, the basement's not exactly a highlight of the house," Chastity raised a finely shaped eyebrow.
"O well. Maybe someday. I'd love to see the kinds of things that will be hitting the market in the future," Shelly sighed.
"You must get some sort of perks huh?" Kiki asked.
"The usual. Wanna get out of these dresses? I think I've flashed just about everyone by now," Chastity got up.
"Flash away Chas. I sure don't mind. Nude is a good color to go with if you're going to wear underwear at all. I applaud your choice," Vanness grinned cheekily. Chastity made sure to hit him as she walked by. The girls slipped on camisoles, the guys their t-shirts, and everyone donned PJ bottoms. Vic had returned, and the seven of them sat back to watch a dvd.
"Mm these chocolate crème Oreos are really good. Eat one," Chastity was wedged between Ken and Vanness on the couch. She shoved a small cookie into Ken's mouth.
"Chastity, weren't you on this health kick back home? Absolutely no junk?" Ken scolded her.
"That was just a fad. Besides I have the good stuff too. See?" Chastity pointed to the bowl of fruit salad on the coffee table. Ken let her feed him another cookie and patted her head tenderly.
After two dvds, it was nearing 4 AM, and nearly everyone had fallen asleep. The boys let Chastity spread out on the couch, and Ken tucked a throw over her. She peeked through a heavy eyelid and thought she saw the four of them going downstairs. She turned over and fell soundly asleep, drawing the blanket over her.
~
"Look, I just want to get an idea of the setup. Here," Jerry passed them each a pair of gloves.
"Wouldn't it be easier if we just got her to help us?" Ken whined.
"That's fine and all, but I'm still keeping this as a backup. Vic you almost done?" Jerry tapped the boy hunched over a security panel in the basement.
"Chill. I got this," Vic tweaked a few wires and then pushed open the heavy door.
"Damn. There must be about a dozen new VAIOs in here. These aren't even on market yet," Vanness was referring to the blue-ish gray towers scattered throughout the room. All of the flat screens were illuminated with numbers and shapes flying rapidly up and down.
"Check out the Gates, Dells, and Macs over there," Ken pointed to the back wall.
"It's not going to be here. I doubt he's that stupid. You're not named a Fortune 500 exec for being careless," Jerry gave the room a quick glance and snapped a few shots with his cell phone before steering everyone out.
"Everything's got to be exactly the way it was. Vic, make sure you're tidy with that wiring. No one can find out we've been down here," Jerry whispered to his friends. In a speedy ten minutes, they were back upstairs with glasses of water, and the girls had long since drifted off into dream land. Each boy snuggled next to or near a girl, carefully positioning themselves so it appeared they had fallen asleep during the movie too.
[The secret's out, well part of it. Yay! But what now? Congrats to those of you who had caught on to my hints in the earlier chapters! And you know I love reviews right?]