A/N: Hey guys, sorry I took so long to finish this chapter! I only have a few days of school left so I should be posting more consistently, and I'm sorry this chapter isn't that great I really wanted to get it posted! Expect some more interesting chapters to come..
Chapter 3 - Stella's POV
"Stella wait," I had just opened the driver's side door to my range rover, I turned around to see a muscular figure move towards me from entrance of the Frutti Music Bar. "Brandon?" I mumbled unclear as to why he was heading in my direction, he stopped once he was right next to me.
"Stella-" started Brandon, "I just wanted to see if you were alright, you know from earlier?"
After a moment's reflection of the incidents from earlier I responded, "honestly, yea I am." There formed an awkward silence, both Brandon and I avoided eye contact. I still couldn't help but think that he somewhat played a part in what happened to me today, even though he didn't mean it. "Well I'd better be heading home," I concluded as I turned around. Just as I was going to get into my car, I felt Brandon's muscular hand grab me. He turned me around and directly brought me in for a hug. As Brandon held onto me tightly, I could feel his incredibly toned chest.
After what felt like an eternity, Brandon released me. In my head I couldn't help but think that even if I had a chance with Brandon it wouldn't work out because of my secret. I couldn't stand to see him anymore, it felt like getting punched all over again. I jumped into the driver's seat of my car slamming the door shut, I quickly pulled out of the parking lot. I watched as Brandon's figure grew smaller and smaller in my rearview mirror.
"What did you do Stella," I angrily slammed my hands onto the steering wheel. I kept my eyes glued on the road as I thought about what I'm going to be missing out on because of my secret, most notably those abs. I navigated my way through the streets of Los Angeles, I've lived here all my life and I hadn't noticed how many twists and turns there are on the way to my house. I eventually pulled into my driveway, I noticed my moms car along with some I've never seen before.
I turned my car off, and I sat there for a moment. I let out a deep breath as I ran my fingers through my long blonde hair. My wig was lying in the passenger seat next to me, I looked at it. Was living this double life really worth the consequences? I eventually got out of my car, closing the door. I headed back into my house and as soon as I opened the door, I heard my mother and father in the kitchen, along with some guests. I hesitantly made my way towards the kitchen, as I turned the corner I could see Mr. and , the couple behind Shields Inc.
"Oh Stella there you are honey," my mother greeted me with a hug, I slowly placed my keys onto the counter.
"What's going on?" I asked, my mom and dad shared delighted looks.
"Just discussing with the Shields some future investments!" My Dad smiled, whatever that means. I opened the fridge, then grabbed some bottled water and sliced fruit, I left the room as my parents continued to talk about 'investments'. I sluggishly headed up the stairs, this has been the most exhausting day I've had ever. Apparently I forgot to turn my TV off earlier because I heard it as I opened the door to my room, as I entered I could see my interview replaying on Teen News. I headed to my wardrobe room to grab some clean pajamas to slip on, which was just some sweats and a t-shirt.
I decided to watch my interview as I waited for Sky to get home, it gets real boring around here without him. Of course I usually pass the time by writing or recording songs, but well I can do that another day. I sat down on my bed, grabbing the remote from off my nightstand I turned the volume up on my television. Finally I got to consume the fruit slices I had, as I placed some watermelon into my mouth, I grabbed my laptop from out of my drawer. I opened it up to see my email blowing up, 'Submissions for Contest' most of them read.
"I totally forgot," I scrolled through the hundreds of submissions, one name popped up that was familiar, "Musa Melody, she actually did it!" I let out a little laugh. I continued scrolling when I saw another familiar name, "Mitzi Reynolds," I rolled my eyes. I reached into the container which held my fruit, I moved my hand around realising it was empty. Darn, I'm still hungry. I got up off my bed and grabbed the empty fruit container, I headed out of my room to the stairs. I descended down the stairs toward the kitchen so I can grab another snack. I heard my parents talking to the Shields still,
"It's perfect," I stopped as I heard my mom talking, she sounded very happy.
"Once our daughter and your son enter the ranks at each of our companies, they will get married to combine our companies!"
"Solaria-Shields Incorporated, it has a nice ring to it," commented ., what do they mean 'our daughter' are they trying to marry me off? They can't do that, especially because I don't even know their son! And they just want to marry me off to him? I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. How could my parents do this to me?
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard the knob jiggle on the front door, in walked Sky. I stood there as the tears formed and trickled down my face, I wiped them off before he could see, he shut the door behind him.
"Hey Stel, what are you doing?" Sky asked as he threw his keys onto the table near the front door, I quietly gestured the the kitchen where the four of them were still conversing. He headed into the kitchen to say hello to our mom.
Ever since I was little, my mom and dad have always been very involved with their company which really affected how much time they spent with my brother and I. Once I became Starr they became more involved, especially my mom, because it was a good investment for their company. Sky has always been there for me, acting like a parent making sure I had everything I ever needed.
I practically ran up the stairs, and back into my room.. I slammed my door shut almost knocking stuff of my walls.
I was furious.
I grabbed my phone from off my table, there were some text messages from the girls in the group chat.
Musa - I still can't get over tonight!
Bloom - I know, I've never had that much fun! What made it better was Mitzi getting a taste of her own medicine.
Layla - she's honestly had it coming
I almost forgot about the Frutti Music Bar.
Me - I guess it was kinda funny
Tecna - Kinda?! Stella it was hilarious
Bloom - We need to do that more often, hanging out that is! Especially with the guys..
Well even if I had a chance with Brandon, it would be ruined not just because of my secret but now this stupid arranged marriage! Like we're in the 21st century, who has arranged marriages anymore?
Flora - How about Friday, we can have a sleepover? Maybe at Stella's so the guys can be there too?
Musa - I'm down
Layla - Me too!
Stella - Yea, I'll talk to Sky
Bloom - Perfect so Friday at Stella's! :)
Great, I totally forgot that it's the night before my concert. I Checked the clock on my phone, to see if I had some time to work on the songs for the record.
9:30
That's not too late, so I got off my bed and headed out to my room. Sky was just coming up the stairs from the kitchen. I turned outside my room to go to the stairs, I had a personal recording studio downstairs and it's where I spend most of my free time.
"You wanna help me go through contest submissions later?" I asked Sky as I walked passed him going down the stairs.
"Maybe another time Stel, I'm gonna get to bed early," responded Sky.
"Alright I'm gonna go work on some music," I stated, I stopped at the end of the stairs, "Oh, and the girls are coming over Friday for a sleepover they want you to invite the guys."
I headed towards the opposite end of the kitchen which is where the recording booth and movie theater are, I'm serious there are some serious perks with being a popstar! But I opened the door to the recording studio, it's also silent in this room. When my parents had things room added in when we created Starr they solid concrete walls put in so no noise can leave or enter, so it's always peaceful in here.
As I entered there were some loose music sheets on the table which I had used before when I had a serious case of writer's block. It wasn't too long ago because there are still eraser sheddings all over the table. There were some guitars in here for when I want to play my own music, along with some drums and a piano in the recording booth for when I have my band practices. I went ahead and grabbed a guitar from off its stand, then I headed into the booth.
I sat on the stool that was located in the recording booth, then I placed guitar against my leg as I brainstormed some lyrics. Right now, I'm not in the best mindset to brainstorm 'positive' songs because of the whole arranged marriage but this could lead to some very emotional ones. Like how as I grew up Sky was the one who had to take care of me because my parents were too busy trying to get their company off the ground, how my parents are using me to create their company even larger by marrying me off to some stranger or even the struggles I endure while living as Stella and as Starr!
"That's it!" I screeched, I stretched my arm over the table to grab the pencil that was placed a few inches in front of me next to my music sheets. I placed it between my fingers of my right hand, then with my left slide one of the empty music sheets in front of me. I gently wrote down the lyrics that popped into my head.
You get the limo out front
Hottest styles, every shoe, every color
Yeah, when you're famous, it can be kinda fun
It's really you, but no one ever discovers.
You get the best of both worlds
Chill it out, take it slow
Then you rock out the show
You get the best of both worlds
Mix it all together
And you know that it's the best of both worlds.
I guess having so many issues is kind of a perk in this industry, you get lots of inspiration for songs!
You go to movie premieres
Hear your songs on the radio
Livin' two lives is a little weird
But school's cool 'cause nobody knows
Pictures and autographs
You get your face in all the magazines
The best part is that
You get to be whoever you wanna be
I finished writing the last line you get to be whoever you wanna be. If I had to choose a song that described my life, it would be this one. I grabbed another empty music sheet and recorded the rest of the lyrics that came to mind. Great one song is done for the label, all I need lis like five more.. I placed my head on the table exhausted from just creating one song, then I shut my eyes for what felt like a few minutes.
Suddenly I heard the door to the music room burst open, my head shot up from the desk. My hair was sticking to my face and there were lines indented on my face from the music sheets. Sky laughed, "I like the new style." With an unamused look on my face, I removed the hair and wiped my eyes.
"What time is it?" I asked as I turned in the chair, Sky checked his phone, "8:OO" he answered.
"Shit," I gulped as I jumped out of the chair and ran past Sky who was standing in the doorway. I headed straight up stairs to shower and get ready, I definitely was going to be late today! I went straight to my wardrobe room to pick some clothes out before I was going to shower.
"My ride is here Stella, I'll see you at school!" Sky shouted from the bottom of the stairs, I heard the front door open then a honk from the distance. I ignored it as I grabbed some white ripped jeans, yellow striped camisole and a pair of flat yellow slide sandals. I quickly headed to the bathroom so I could shower, do my hair and my makeup.
I jumped into the shower, I washed my body and shaved my legs, then after drying off I threw my outfit on. I sat in my chair that was placed in front of my mirror, I examined my hair. I grabbed my brush that was on the counter, then I brushed all the knots out. I did two little braids that met at the back of my head, and I secured it with a tiny clear elastic. As for my makeup, I put on some concealer for my black eye and some bright red lipstick. To finish off the look, I put some simple studs in my ears!
I left my bathroom, and descended down the stairs so I could grab some breakfast before I headed out. In the kitchen there was a note on the table, from my parents?
To Sky and Stella,
We needed to head out of town for the week to deal with some business. We will be back on Sunday! If you need anything just call, we love you both very much!
Love, Mom and Dad
As I read the note I couldn't help but think that they are going to miss my first sold-our performance, they always make it to my concerts. I crumbled the note up and threw it into the trash can. I moodily walked over to the fridge since my dad didn't make breakfast this morning because he left. I opened the fridge to see it stocked with food, I decided with some yogurt and granola. I placed the container of yogurt on the counter, I grabbed an empty bowl from the cabinet and granola from the pantry. I scooped some of the vanilla yogurt into the bowl then topped it with the granola, I took my bowl and sat at the table to eat. I decided to check my phone while I ate breakfast, I had some texts from the girls.
Flora - Stella where are you? Class is starting..
Musa - She probably overslept, can't blame her I'm exhausted too
Well they're not wrong I did oversleep, I guess I should tell them I'll be there for second period.
Me - Yea I just woke up, I'll be there for second period!
In spoonfuls, I ate all of my yogurt and granola. I put the empty bowl into the sink and headed back up to my bathroom to brush my teeth. As I brushed my teeth I realised I was going to be confronted with Brandon during second period. It's fine, just ignore it. I touched up my lipstick after brushing my teeth, I made my way back down the stairs for the last time. I grabbed my backpack which was near the front door, then I grabbed my keys to my car. Walking was not the best idea because I'll be even later than I am now. I checked my phone, it was nearly nine, so in a hurry I went out to the garage where my car was parked. As I opened the driver's side door, I threw my backpack into the passenger seat. I put the keys into the ignition then I set off towards school.
As I drove to school, I listened to the radio which was playing one of my songs! After the song finished, the radio announcer started talking about my upcoming concert and the contest.
For any of you aspiring musicians that want to have the chance to sing with Starr at her concert this weekend, submit a video of you singing and you might just get to! Anyways here's another one of Starr's greatest hits!
I couldn't help but dance around with joy! If someone were to tell me 10 years ago I'd be in this position, I'd think you were lying!
I eventually pulled into the parking lot at school. Not much activity outside except for students showing up late here and there. I scanned through the parking lot, but there were no open spaces so I was forced to park about a block away on the street. I got out of the car and grabbed my school bag.
As I headed down the street towards the massive building, I saw Mitzi and her posse pull up in her car. They were blasting one of my songs, I slowly walked into the building with a disgusted look on my face as I avoided any contact with them. Once I entered the building, the bell rang indicating the end of first period, so I headed straight upstairs where the english wing was. Shuffling my way through the students in the hall, I spotted Bloom enter the same room I was heading towards. After I cleared the entrance to the classroom, I scanned the room for Bloom, but I first saw Brandon who shot his head up.
He gave me a smile, but I continued to look for Bloom. She was sitting in the seat near the corner, luckily for me I got here early enough for to find an open seat next to her.
"Bloom you're in this class too?" I asked as I took the open seat next to her
"Yea, been in here all week," laugh Bloom. I'm glad she's in here too, then I don't have be an adult and confront my problems! The teacher walked in and started a very boring lesson on writing, I wanted to doze off so bad but I kept myself entertained. I sketched down some lyrics, as I watched the time pass by but it was going by so slowly. I looked to the front of the classroom to make it seem as if I've been listening to the teacher's lecture, I glanced in Brandon's general direction and saw him smirking. I'm just realizing how big this boy's ego is..
"Now class take out your notebooks, for the rest of class you will be answering questions 13-67," announced the teacher as she passed out the packet to each of the students. I immediately grabbed mine and scanned through the questions, they weren't just regular questions they were A, B AND Cs!
"Feel free to collaborate with those around you," the teacher finished as she sat down at her desk to finish grading papers.
"So Stella did you talk to Sky about Friday?" asked Bloom as she turned towards me.
I replied as I wrote down the answer to the first question, "Yes, he talked to the boys and I think they're up for it!"
"That's great the girls are really excited!" Bloom's eyes widened as she smiled. I don't know how I am going to do this, Lilly is expecting me bright and early for the concert. Honestly who cares, I actually have friends who are coming over for a sleepover, and only on my second day of school!
Eventually the bell rang for the end of second period, this meant it was time for free period. I hadn't finished my questions yet for English, so I was going to stick around for a few minutes after class to finish them. Bloom got out of her seat to turn her answers in, soon enough the class was starting to get empty. From what I could see the class was empty, except for the teacher, that was until I felt this large figure stand behind me. I turned around to see, Brandon.
"Hey Princess, shouldn't we get going?" asked Brandon as he placed his hand on my shoulder, I got chills down my back.
"I need to finish my work, I'll meet up with you guys soon," I answered as I continued to work on my assignment, he took the seat next to me.
"Well I'd hate to see you walking alone," stated Brandon, I looked up at him and he gave me a wink..
It was silent as I finished working on my assignment, finally I reached the last question. I got out of my seat, and turned in my paper to the teacher who was still working on grading papers. I was followed out of the lass by Brandon, we headed out to the courtyard where the others were going to be. As we walked it was silent, that was until Brandon spoke up,
"Look about yesterday," he started, literally the one thing I wanted to do was avoid this conversation.
"What about it?" I asked as we descended down the stairs to the first floor.
"I didn't know what to say, and I wanted to let you know that I care about you. More than you think I do," finished Brandon. He stopped me before we reached the door to the courtyard, from the window I could see the others sitting under some trees in the courtyard.
"And what Mitzi did to you, I just- I felt so horrible" finished Brandon, he maintained eye contact with me as he put his hands on my shoulders. He should feel some remorse, it was kind of his fault, but still Mitzi is just a raging bitch.
"What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry for everything.." Brandon apologized, even though he didn't physically do anything to me. As much as I wanted to just stomp away, I couldn't help but to feel bad for him because of how Mitzi treats him.
"Thank you, even though you didn't do anything to me."
"Just letting Mitzi treat you the way she did, and me being completely blind to it is enough," said Brandon as he clenched his jaw, he honestly hates this girl.
"Either way I forgive you," I stated with a fixed gaze on him, "Now let's go before our friends put out a missing person's report on us," I stated as we headed to the double doors, as soon as we opened them we saw our friends fix their eyes onto us.
"There you are Stella," exclaimed Sky as he sat next to, Bloom? Who knew they were getting so close, who am I kidding I watched the way each of these girls eyed these boys and vice-versa. I should be "Matchmaker Stella" instead of Starr!
"Yea sorry I had to finish some classwork, but I'm here now!" I stated as I placed my backpack onto the grass, I sat down next to Sky who was lying down, Brandon so happened to take a seat next to me.
"So everyone, what are the plans for Friday?" asked Musa as she rubbed her hands together.
"How about we stay in and watch movies?" I asked, I grabbed my phone out to look at some movies that were out now
"You guys will have to start without me, I have to work after school Friday," stated Brandon
"Where do you work?" asked Flora, she sat next to Helia and the two of them looked really happy together.
Brandon answered, "At my parents company, I'm going to take over once I'm older."
"Really? What company is it?" asked Tecna, I was scrolling through my social medias when he answered.
"Shield's Incorporated" Brandon answered, my immediately shot up. Did he mean Shield's Incorporated like the company my mom is forcing me to get married into? Wait, does this mean Brandon is the son? I can feel my chest tightening and I can't breathe.
I stood up and practically started to cry, "I'll be right back." I quickly grabbed my stuff and headed back into the school building. I went to the only place I knew I could get away from all of this, the music room.