"I'm telling you guys," Gwen said as tried to hold back her laughter. Currently, she was on a video call with, Mike and Zoey, who were in the same room, as usual, Cameron, and Lashawna. "This guy was painting with his face."
"Girl you always the funniest stories," Lashawna said laughing.
"Perks of being in an art major I guess." Gwen shrugged.
"You're actually making me want to take an art elective," Cameron said as he wiped his glasses. "Though I doubt I'd be any good at it."
"Don't be so hard on yourself Cam," Mike said. Currently one of his arms was around Zoey who was looking intently at her phone. "I'm you'll do fine. Knowing you, you'll find your own Cam way to do it."
"I hope so," Cam said, looking down a little. Before anyone could do anything, Zoey let out a gasp.
"Damn girl your pigtails on too tight."
"I'm sorry it's just, Sierra just posted something on her shipping blog." Gwen couldn't help but roll her eyes at the phrase 'shipping blog'. "Apparently Scott and Courtney have gotten back together."
"Isn't this like the fifth time she's said that?" Cameron asked adjusting his glasses a little.
"Yeah Sierra is decently nice but her blogs, especially the shipping one often stretch the truth." Gwen leaned back and crossed her legs. "Remember when she made that post about the top ten reasons Duncan and I were getting back together."
"I suppose we could ask Scott to confirm it," Zoey said with a shrug.
"I forgot you guys talked to him," Gwen thought aloud.
"Gwen if you don't mind me asking," Cameron said, albeit a little hesitantly. "But do you talk to anyone from Total Drama?"
"Aside from you guys, Cody and occasionally Harold, no." Gwen looked down a little. "I don't know if you remember but I never had the best of luck with my friendships on the show."
"Gwen!" Gwen's roommate Steph said bursting through the door. Gwen immediately muted her microphone and minimized the video chat. "You'll never guess who, we got for the fall concert!"
"Um, Jenny Infinity."
"No!" Steph said barging into Gwen's personal space. "We got the, wait for it, the Drama Brothers!"
"The Drama Brothers?" Gwen asked in shock.
"Crazy, I know!" Steph said jumping around. "They're starting a reunion tour and after pulling some strings we got them to come here! Can you believe it, we're actually are gonna be hanging with celebrities!"
"Wahoo," Gwen said sarcastically twirling one of her fingers. She looked at her computer and opened her photos. She could hear her friends calling to her. Ignoring them she opened a saved photo. The group pic from the first episode of Total Drama Island. A day that unbenounced to her would change her life forever. And even all these years, and seasons later her eyes could not leave one person. Trent.
"The Drama Brothers are back baby!" Harold cheered pumping his fist. He pulled out a notebook. "I got ten steps to bring us right on top."
"We don't need ten steps," Cody said leaning back and folding his hands behind his head. "We just need a new number one hit. Then we'll be sailing high."
"That's step number three!" Harold beamed holding the notebook close. He turned to Trent who strumming away on his guitar. "Any new song ideas Trent?"
"I've been working on it." Trent laughed a little before sighing. "But I haven't had any ideas."
"Don't sweat it, bro, you'll have one in no time."
"Perhaps what you need is a muse." Harold opened his phone and started to scroll through photos. "For me, it's my beloved Lashawna. Whenever I'm stuck on ideas, I think of her and they start flying in."
"I had a muse like that before but that was a long time ago." Trent leaned on the wall. Harold and Cody looked somberly at each other. Both of them not wanting to say something. Despite each other who he was referring to.
"Am I the best member of the band or am I the best member of the band?" Justin asked strolling into the studio. He took a sip of his coffee.
"Says the one member that never shows up on time for rehearsal. Gosh, it's not like you're important to the band or something."
"Well excuse me." Justin took another long sip of his drink. "But I got us a gig at New Brunswick U."
"The popular college how'd you score that?" Harold asked with excitement. Trent looked up from his guitar. Justin began explaining how he got this gig while Harold looked on with excitement. Then there was Cody. He sat there focused on something. Trent couldn't tell what but it seemed important.
Cody why didn't you tell me you coming to my college? Gwen texted him as she laid in her bed. Steph was already fast asleep. Even still Gwen covered herself in her blanket and rolled over to face the wall.
I was actually going to ask you about that. Cody responded shortly later. Justin set up the whole thing. Hey if we both have some free time maybe we can hang out.
That does sound kind of nice.
The two texted a little more before Gwen called it a night. She buried herself in the blanket some more. Rolling around a bit before collapsing and staring at the ceiling. She closed her eyes for a moment and Trent appeared in her mind. The first time they saw each other on Wawanakwa. Them bonding over movies when they were trying to stay awake. The constant snagging her extra muffins. Always apple cinnamon when he could, her favorite. Every moment between the two of them she could think of appearing in her mind.
"Maybe I can have a connection like that again someday." She then thought of her breaking up with Trent and her relationship afterward. "But then again I don't think I deserve it. I hope Trent's happy at least."
"Alright everyone good practice," Harold said as everyone except Trent started to leave the studio.
"Remember we have to be at our best for when we perform at New Brunswick U in two weeks," Justin said pushing the door open and stretching an arm out.
"I think we got this," Cody said with a lot of confidence.
"Hey imagine if Gwen showed up." Harold nudged Cody before giggling to himself.
"Gwen. Like goth girl Gwen?" Justin said with his sunglasses starting to fall off his face. "As in Total Drama Gwen? Why would she be there?"
"Because she attends New Brunswick U. Didn't you know that?" Harold asked as Justin shook his head.
"I haven't spoken to the girl since we were tricked into season 4," Justin said adjusting his glasses before dusting his sleeves off a little.
"Who are we talking about?" Trent asked as he caught up with the rest of the band.
"Gwen." Both Harold and Justin stated at the same time. Cody froze as he started glancing between the two of them and Trent. Harold's face soon fell before he rubbed the back of his head.
"Wow Gwen," Trent said softly as he looked down. He tugged on his guitar a little. "That's a name I haven't heard in a while... Well, see you guys tomorrow."
Trent waved goodbye to his bandmates before walking to his car. He looked up at the stars. Soon finding himself back on Wawanakwa staring at the stars. Gwen laying down next to him describing all the constellations in the sky. Her soft voice was filled with so much passion. It seemed like something so small but to Gwen, it meant a big deal for her. As they sat there the few notes to that love song he wrote for her. Looking around he saw the parking lot was empty. Slowly he reached for his glove compartment. Gently he moved his hand around before grabbing on to an old notebook. He looked over it and read over some of the works. Old forgotten songs. Most haven't been touched in years. But there was one song. A song he hadn't touched in so long. But maybe he could look at it again.
"So I was thinking that after The Drama Brothers perform maybe some of us can get autographs!" Steph said as she, Gwen, and some other girls sat in the dining hall. The other girls were gasping and giggling while Gwen just quietly played with her salad.
"Gwen, did you hear me?" One of Steph's friends, Gwen thought it was Merideth, yelled offendedly.
"Huh," Gwen said sitting up a bit. The girls were all staring at her. "Sorry. I was thinking of an assignment I have for class."
"Oh, we were just wondering who you think the cutest Drama Brother is?" Steph said sounding very giddy.
"Cutest Drama Brother?" Gwen said as her hand started twitching. The lettuce on her fork quickly falling off.
"Yeah!" All the girls cheered!
"I don't really listen to them..." Gwen started to laugh nervously.
"It's Trent isn't it?" Steph said with a little smirk.
"What?" Gwen slammed her fork down causing everyone to back off a little.
"Well, I've heard listening to some of his songs before." Steph laughed nervously as Gwen stood up holding her try.
"You know," she stated trying her best not to sound annoyed. "I have a lot of work to do. I'm going to get this to go."
Gwen marched out of the dining hall. She started to walk along the path to her dorm. Before looking at the nature path. Shrugging she started to walk across it. An air of peacefulness surrounded her as she walked. Soon she found a small wooden bench and sat down. Placing the box next to her. She sat there silently. Letting the sounds of nature surround her. A few seconds later she heard what sounded like giggles. Looking in the direction of the sound she saw a young couple running by. Both looking at each other longingly. After a bit one of them tripped before their partner caught them with their arm. They laughed a little before sharing a quick kiss and running off.
Gwen sighed before leaning more on the bench. "If things happened differently. Could I be that happy?"
"Alright, guys I think this set is going great for a debut!" Cody cheered after The Drama Brothers finished another round of songs.
"Almost," Justin said after some thought. Gently tapping his tambourine. "I feel like we're missing something?"
"I told you we need more beatboxing!" Harold shouted gripping onto his microphone. He moved it up and started to perform some.
"We're performing two songs in an hour and a half set." Justin rolled his eyes. "I think we're good."
"Oh how about we start with When I Cry instead of ending with it!" Cody cheered.
"Cody, Cody, Cody you don't start a concert with the most popular song you end with it! That way the fans get hyped."
"Well, what about," Trent looked down at his notebook. Currently peaking out of his messenger bag. "We end with a new song?"
"A new song!" Justin gasped. "Trent we can't just write a song in a week!"
"But it could be a song that's been in the works for a while." Trent reached into his bag and pulled out the notebook.
"Woah how long have you had that?" Cody asked pointing to the notebook.
"For a while." Trent opened the notebook and flipped through the pages. Careful not to damage any of them. "I've been writing a bunch of song ideas. Many of them never finished. But there is one in here that I was almost able to and I don't know finally the missing piece came to me."
"Oh, so you found your muse?" Harold teased.
"Not really but I at least got a spark."
"I'm not sure about this," Justin said nervously. "Can we hear this song?"
"Of course." Trent adjusted his guitar a bit before checking to make sure it was in tune. Harold, Justin, and Cody walked over to him and sat down. Taking a deep breath in he started to strum the first few chords. After a few seconds, he started singing the lyrics he had written down over the years. Many of them crossed out with other ones written above them. The right ones highlighted in teal. Carefully making sure everything is perfect. With the last cord he let out a gentle strum. The other three members were guick to give a small applause.
"I take it you guys liked it," Trent said awkwardly with a nervous smile.
"That was amazing!" Cody cheered! "We have to play this in our set!"
"I one hundred percent agree!" Harold said giving Cody a high five.
"While I agree the song is quite nice," Justin started causing everyone else to look at him. "There's no way we can learn the song in a week."
"I know," Harold said after a few minutes of somber silence. "We do have a few songs where one of us is the main singer. Why don't we have Trent sing the song with us providing some backup? We can still play our instruments and sing a bit. Like when we perform Baby!"
"I think that works," Justin said after a few seconds.
"I could adjust some of the chords to fit that. Shouldn't take me too long."
"So let's do it."
"Alright a little higher!" Steph called from the front of the stage. Gwen stepped up to a higher rung and stretched her arm up a bit more. In her hand was one end of a banner that read "The Drama Brothers." She had seen one of the freshman classes working on it. How a class was able to spend time on this, she had no idea. Nor what kind of witchcraft Steph used to convince Gwen to do this.
"Come on guys put some effort into this!" Steph yelled.
"Then stop changing your mind every three minutes!" Gwen shouted back.
"Gwen we don't need this attitude right now," Steph's voice morphed into its normal cheeriness. Soon another member of the event planning committee walked up. The two exchanged a few words before Steph yelled again. "Okay, you two can pin that there. Evleylen you can go help with balloons. Gwen I dunno just wander around."
Gwen sighed in relief before hammering in the banner on her side. Eveley did the same but much faster and practically jumped off the ladder. Gwen took her time before climbing down herself. She dusted off her pants a little as Steph ran over.
"Isn't this exciting?" Steph squealed. "We're so close to being in the same room as celebrities! How many people get this opportunity! Not only are they pop stars but they're also from Total Drama. I can't believe I'm to meet contestants from it."
"Neither can I," Gwen said weakly.
"You ever met celebrities before?"
"Nope."
"Oh, this is exciting! I'm sure you could sweet-talk yourself into some early autographs." Steph giggled and nudged Gwen on the arm.
"I don't know," Gwen said hesitantly. She took a step away from Steph. She glanced around a bit before placing a hand on her stomach. "My stomach is kind of feeling off."
"It's okay Gwen. It's normal to feel butterflies. Like I remember when I was 13 and I was about to meet..." Before Steph could finish a beep was heard from outside. "They're here!"
Steph was quick to run away and up to the front. Gwen looked around before hiding behind one of the curtains. After a few minutes, she heard Steph's voice talking and slowly poked her head out. First was Cody and there was nothing surprising about him. His hair was still close to what it was on Total Drama just styled differently. Harold was a similar case as his hair was shorter and his bread had grown out. Justin was next to appear his now longer and tied in a ponytail. The three men were there for a bit causing Gwen to slowly poke her head out further, gently grabbing onto the curtain as she did. Then she saw him. Trent. Gwen gasped upon seeing him. His raven hair was now slicked back. He no longer wore his glasses from the old error but the scarf remained. Shortly after Gwen spotted him, he walked under a hanging light. And Gwen felt something she hadn't felt since that moment on the dock. From so many years ago.
"Now we are still putting the finishing touches on the stage," the woman leading the band began to explain. "But I assure you we will have everything ready by the show on Friday. We have plenty of students working hard to get this perfect."
"They certainly are doing an amazing job," Justin said before winking at a student named Stephanie.
"I'm so excited you guys were able to come!" She squealed.
"I must say the banner is quite impressive," Cody said as he walked up to it.
"Yeah, it's quite nice." Trent started to walk around. Then he noticed a young woman poking from around the curtain. Trent couldn't tell why but there seemed to be something familiar about her. He took a step forward only for the woman to hide further in the curtain. Trent started to walk closer but something stopped him.
"I must say," Justin said breaking Trent out of his trance. "If I knew the women here were this pretty I would have come here a long time ago."
Stephaine giggled as Justin gently kissed her hand. He also noticed Harold rolling his eyes a bit. Trent walked over and some of the students unloading equipment. He noticed a few of them struggling a bit to carry a sound system and walked over to help them. Most of them gasped to see him help but retained any other excitement. Within a few minutes, the group was able to get the sound system into place.
"Thank you sir," one of the students said once the sound system was down.
"It's no problem," Trent said with a soft hand wave. "I've been in your spot before."
"But you were a reality TV star before joining the band!" another student gasped.
"That is true," Trent looked away for a moment. "But before all this, I used to volunteer at my local community center. I would help set up plays, concerts, anything I could. It gave me a sense of what goes on behind the scenes. And I think anyone who wants to pursue a career in music should work behind the scenes. That way they understand what goes on."
"Do you think we can make in the music industry?" the first student said.
"I don't see why not." Trent started to speak some more but hesitated. Before he could say more Harold called him over. Trent smiled at the students before saying goodbye. The rest of The Drama Brothers were standing in the center of the stage.
"Don't worry," the head of the club rubbing the event said. "I'll keep student interactions to a minimum."
"I wouldn't mind a little fan interaction," Harold said with a smile. "It's been a while."
"I'm sure we'll get plenty after the show," Justin said giving Harold a small pat on the shoulder. "Who knows anything can happen."
"Aww Gwen I'm sorry you're still feeling unwell," Steph said as Gwen laid facing the wall. Currently, she clutching her stomach.
"Yeah it's been bugging me all day," she said trying to sound as weak as she could.
"Well, I have to go put the finishing touches for the concert you're free to join us. If you need anything you know where my meds are." Steph started to walk out the door before she stopped. Gwen sat up a little but Steph shook her head before walking out. Gwen remained in her bed before sitting up.
"Steph has put a lot of work into this concert," Gwen said to herself as she looked out the window. "And Cody has been practicing and preparing a lot."
Gwen looked at her phone. There were many messages between the two about Cody working his butt off in practice. How they lasted hours. Cody even mentioned a surprise for the end of the concert.
"I should go to support him," Gwen leaned against the wall before leaning down. "But seeing him again. Can I do it? No no, I have to for Cody and Steph. Both of them worked hard on this. I can't hide from him forever."
Quickly Gwen changed out of her pajamas and into a t-shirt and jeans. She also braided her hair into a loose braid. Also being careful to grab her mini backpack. She stood by the door moment. Hesitantly reaching for the doorknob. After taking a deep breath she walked outside. Looking at the clock she had about an hour to the concert, plenty of time to get a good seat. When she reached the recreation center, she saw a long line. Mainly full of college-age girls. Most of them wearing what looks like years old or homemade merch. Some of them looked really impressive. Gwen quietly made her way into the line. And then the waiting began.
"Wow, big crowd out there," Cody said as he poked his head out of the curtain. "Almost a full house."
"Man I'm starting to get butterflies again," Harold said shaking a little.
"Don't worry we'll be fine," Trent said gently. He softly placed a hand on Harold's shoulder who soon calmed down.
"Alright everyone five minutes until showtime."
The Drama Brothers looked at each other quickly before running to their starting places. Trent glanced at his guitar. Quietly he picked it up and placed it on him. Slowly he strummed a few strings. The other band members were also doing final checks on their instruments. Harold even practicing a little bit of beatboxing. From the other side of the curtain, the noise started to die down as the light went dim.
"Good even New Brustion U!" The head of the club cheered leading to a loud cheer from the crowd. "Who's ready to see the Drama Brothers!"
The crowd cheered even louder. The four bandmates looked at each other and grinned loudly. Justin smirked a little before shaking his tambourine a little. Seemingly catching on, Cody quickly banged out a few chords on his keyboard. Soon followed by Harold dropping a few beats. With each mini-performance, the crowd cheered louder. The other three looked and Trent and quietly gestured at him. Trent smiled before giving his guitar a couple of strums.
"Well looks like the band is ready," the leader said trying to hide some annoyance. "So I present to you The Drama Brothers."
With one last loud cheer, the curtains opened. Each of The Drama Brothers struck a pose as a spotlight started to shine on them one by one.
"Hello New Brustion U!" Justin said to start them off. "We are so excited to be back touring and even more excited to be starting here! Now let's this started."
Justin gave Trent his cue. Soon he started the opening chords to When I Cry. A bunch of gasps were heard from the crowd. Soon they grew silent. The first lyrics were soon sung. Despite a few moments of stunned silence, the crowd was quick to sing along. The band even stopping at some points to have the crowd sing the lyrics.
The rest of the concert went along smoothly. Each song coming out like there had no time from their last concert to this one. The crowd for their part applauded, screamed, cheered for each one. Like nothing had changed at all. It was perfect.
"All right everyone thank you for joining us!" Justin said with a wave. "But before we go we have a special surprise for you. We are going to debut a brand new song. I'm going to pass the mic over to Trent to introduce it."
"Thank you, Justin," Trent said after the gasps died down. "Now this song has actually been a long time coming. However, until recently I never had the motivation to complete it. Now I present a song dedicated to second chances If We Could Do It Again."
We tried it out once before
But then decided to date no more (Oh, woah, oh)
Often at when I'm alone at night
I wonder a thought that, give me a fright
If we could do it again
Would it give us a happy end?
If we could do it again
Will our fate forever bend?
Sometimes I watch the sunrise (How it rises)
I remember the brightness of eyes
How in the darkest days you were my light (My shining light)
And if we had a second chance,
Could it be done right?
If we could do it again
Would it give us a happy end? (Forever and ever)
If we could do it again
Will our fate forever bend?
(If we could do it again
If we could do it again.)
It seems that every single day!
Memories of you come my way!
Whenever I want you near
Memories of my past mistakes I fear!
(If we could do it again)
Oh oh if we could just do it again?
I would.
For a moment the crowd was silent. Trent froze. Time seemingly freezing. Then a small clap with a cheer. There also seemed to be a figure standing up as they did. Everyone else in the crowd soon followed suit. Giving the band a standing ovation. Trent gave a sigh of relief. They had done it.
"Gwen you made it!" Steph cheered hugging her roommate tightly. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah." Gwen gently lowered Steph's hands off her. "I took some meds and felt better. I didn't want to upset you."
"Awww Gwen," Steph looked back. "Are you feeling alright enough to meet the band?"
"Not exactly," Gwen started to walk away with a smirk. "But it would be nice to see an old friend."
"Oh," Steh said with a smile before freezing. "Hey wait an old friend?"
"I'll explain later."
The two girls walked through the crowds of students. A group of students were standing in a small group, waiting to meet the band. Steph grabbed Gwen's arm and slowly brought them to the front. She point to her pass and gestured at Gwen. The guard at the front nodded and let them by. Gwen let out a small sigh of relief. Quickly dusting off her skirt as they walked in. Then the band came into view. They were talking to a group of students and laughing. Gwen slowly walked closer. Not making a sound. A few seconds later Justin caught her and gasped.
"Well to my eyes deceive or what," he said adjusting his glasses. "Or is that Gwen I see?"
"What you didn't think I go to an event at my own school," Gwen said with a laugh as Steph gasped behind her.
"Gwen isn't it weird not seeing you in a phone screen." Cody laughed walking up to her. Gwen smiled before giving him a fist bump.
"Stephanie is it?" Justin said looking at Steph whose mouth was still agape. "You didn't realize you're friends with a former reality start?"
"I may have kept that on the download," Gwen said while rubbing the back of her head. "Sorry about that Steph."
"I'm fine," Steph said after taking a breath in. "But when we get back to the dorm we have a lot of talking to do."
Gwen gave her a thumbs up before laughing. Justin gestured and she walked a bit closer to the band. Steph for her part running off to do some ealery cleaning up by the club. Gwen said a quick hello to Harold. Then she saw Trent again. Frezzing for a second as he looked up. He gasped a little before walking to her.
"Gwen," he said after a few seconds. "Wow it's a surprise to see you here."
"It has been a while has it." She could hear some whispering between the other boys.
"Hey how about you two take it out there and we'll distract the fans," Cody said with a wink. Justin gave Trent a thumbs up before leaving. Trent and Gwen slowly walked outside from one of the building's back doors.
"You did great out there," Gwen said softly as she started playing with her braid.
"Thanks, it's good to be back," Trent sighed. He looked at Gwen for a second. "You know your hair looks nice in brown."
"Oh, thanks got tired of dying it every few months and decided to grow it out." Gwen pushed her braid to the back and looked up "Also got sick of being recognized all the time."
"I understand that. Miss the performing but not the cameras." The two of them shared a laugh. Trent stopped for a moment before looking at Gwen. "You know I understand not being public but why did you not really talk to any of us? From the show."
"Most of the relationships I made on the show didn't really end well." Gwen looked down at the ground and kicked a small pebble. "I didn't really want to ruin any more friendships. I kept a few people close but after a while, you get tired of ruining relationships. But I dunno maybe it would be nice to catch up with everyone after all this time."
"It's very interesting. Seems like every week one of us has something going on."
"And you can fact check all of Sierra's blogs." The two laughed again. Gwen walked a little closer to him. "It may sound weird but I really missed this. Just us talking and joking around."
"Me too." Trent froze for a moment before saying. "You know I meant every word of that song."
Gwen smiled softly. She made her way next to Trent and slowly wrapped her arm around him. He was quick to do the same. The two of them sat there for a moment. Gwen kept darting her eyes from Trent and away from him. Slowly she leaned her head on his shoulder. Soon feeling the gentle touch of his hand. Gently stroking her hair. And for the first time in a while Gwen smiled in a warmness she hadn't done in years.
"I don't know why, but this does feel right."