Sorry for the wait, but don't worry fellow readers: I'm not going anywhere. I have big plans for this story. (;
As always: Read and Review.
Head bopping to the music erupting from her lap top, Mitchie Torres was sprawled out on her bed surfing the web with Sierra in a similar fashion on the floor. It was a lazy Saturday afternoon, soon to be a night filled with fun and excitement since she was going to a party with Cody. Smiling at the thought of Cody she recalled the past few days with him and grinned couldn't quite believing that she was dating a new found pop! Scribbling her notebook as her Pandora station song came to a close she sang out,
"If I decide,
I'm the girl to change the world
I can to do it anytime.
Opportunity right in front of me
And the choice is all mine!"
"And that my friends was another Mitchie Torres original," Sierra teased causing Mitchie to roll her eyes in the process. "Very funny Si, but that's never going to happen."
"You never know," Sierra pushing up her glasses on the bridge of her nose. "You do have talent. I mean just look at Connect 3, just a rag tag band at Camp Rock a few months ago and now-"
"The next big thing," she finished as a Connect 3 song came up. Scanning the lyrics and reading them she sang along to the chorus standing up on the bed in the process.
"Oooo!
This is an S.O.S
Don't want a second guess
This is the bottom line
It's true.
I gave my all for you
Now my heart's in two
And I can't find the other half
It's like I'm walking on broken glass.
Better believe I bled,
It's a call I'll never get."
"Is that your first time hearing the song and is that their official new single?"
"Yes and yes," she bobbed her head up and down to the catchy beat picking up her pencil and pretending it was microphone. "And I'm glad too. "Kids of the Future" was way too childish. This one sounds much better."
"Indeed," Sierra agreed as Mitchie paused listening to Shane's voice, hearing the intensity to it as he sung the chorus by himself for a few moments. For what many assumed Connect 3 to be a regular boy band, Shane Gray was the exceptional with his voice. Even though she had no knowledge of his love life, she felt his voice gave her an idea. How strained it was to control himself before losing himself in the song, almost as if he was pleading someone to sing along with him, to be the reason why he had the heart ache. Captivated she opened her mouth and sang along with him, harmonizing with his voice that soon blended in with his bandmates wanting to get a glimpse as the song ended. Singing the last few notes, she trailed off opening her eyes she didn't realize were closed to a stunned Sierra. Blushing, she sat back down on her bed trying to avoid her gaze.
"No talent pffffft! You practically harmonized with Shane Gray on the song. If I was stunned now, I can only imagine what it would be like if you both sung together in real life."
"Like that would happen," Mitchie sighed playing with the hem to her skirt. She was a nobody after all, until she met Cody which was pure chance. Besides even if she did someone how become famous what would the sexy Shane Gray would want to do with dorky Mitchie Torres? Feeling her stomach twist in knots she turned her attention back to Sierra who was now reading an article about the boy band on her laptop.
"Speaking of Connect 3, what does Cody think of them? Does he like them or not?"
Relieved the subject was now on her boyfriend, she relaxed staring at the picture of Shane Gray at the Meet the Robison's premiere before answering. "Honestly I don't know. All I do know is that he thinks they're just another boyband that will follow the stereotypical rock star ways," she replied recalling Cody's reaction to her singing along to "Kid's of the Future" the other day. He didn't seem exactly pleased by the song and dubbed them as just your everyday average pop stars producing songs that all the teens ate up. She remembered frowning and defending them only to be silenced by a quick kiss to the forehead to silence her thoughts. Now she looked back at it, she realized Cody didn't like them at all.
"Really? I think they're going to be different. Totally down to earth," Sierra replied flipping through the photos on the screen before stopping at one in particular. "Well except Shane. Apparently he's already connected to a bottle blonde whose dad runs them. That's just a recipe headed straight for disaster."
Glancing at the screen herself she noticed Shane's arm wrapped around Alexis's waist smiles both on their faces. At first glance you would assume they appeared to be a newly happy couple but the longer she stared she could see Alexis's eyes dancing wildly as if a scheme was brewing in the midst, while Shane's smile seemed forced, as if the situation was unexpected with his eyes frantic almost as if he was lost. Pursuing her lips she replied without hesitation. "Trouble yes, but not with Shane. More with Alexis. I don't know what it is, but I have a bad feeling about her."
Before Sierra could reply Mitchie's phone went off signaling she had a text. Tearing her eyes away from the screen as she read the message she mouthed an apologetic "sorry" as she motioned towards the door.
Cody was here. It was time to turn into a newfound pop's girlfriend.
Smiling brightly at Cody as they walked up the front steps to the house where the party was being held. Even from a distance, Mitchie could feel the vibrations of the music from the house. Squeezing Cody's hand, he turned to her failing to notice her nerves.
"You ready?" he asked.
She stared at the wooden door unsure what to make of the situation. She was excited to be here with the guy she had been crushing on for the past few days, but was it really worth it if she was here doubting herself? Ignoring the emptiness in her stomach from the light meals she ate that day, she nodded pushing away her fears. "Yeah, I'm just excited that's all. Let's go in."
Smiling at her response, he kissed her forehead warmth emitting from his lips. Closing her eyes, she leaned into him feeling stronger and opened them as Cody opened the door and led her inside.
It was a scene straight out of Mean Girls: intense making out and alcohol flowing even though everyone here was underage. Swallowing, she stayed by Cody's side, watching in awe as he said his hello's and hey's to everyone there, occasionally bumping fists the jocks in the process.
Wow, she thought maybe my boyfriend isn't such a new pop after all. He seems to know everyone here like a normal pop. Taking in Cody's new side they weaved their way through the party music blaring throughout the house, until they made their way in front of the Queen herself: Tawni Gold.
Dressed to perfection in a mini dress and heels she eyed them both, making her feel uncomfortable, before speaking, "Cody glad you could make it! Mitchie it's good to see you too! Love your outfit and your hair looks especially nice tonight."
Mitchie relaxed running a hand through her waist long hair glad she had curled it for the night. "Thanks," she replied fidgeting in her long sleeved red blouse, waist high skirt, black tights, and ankle black boots." Was it just her imagination or was the Queen being nice to her even though she had basically called her fat a couple of days ago?
Cody watched them for a few moments before speaking up breaking the awkward silence, "Well I'm going to get us some drinks, I'll be right back." Dropping a quick kiss to her forehead, he left them alone.
Mitchie watched him go longing for his presence until Tawni interrupted breaking her thoughts. "So how long have you two been together?"
Mitchie turned her attention to the fake blonde studying the slight pout on her lips. Frowning at her action she replied, "Yeah for a couple of days now."
At her words Tawni's pout grew into a smile and she nodded in approval, "Good. I thought he didn't define the relationship yet. We've been talking and I know for a fact he really likes you, so congrats."
Mitchie blushed in shock by Tawni's words as she continued. "By the way I thought how ya'll got together is cute. You really do right your own songs do you?"
Mitchie nodded surprised that her boyfriend confided in Tawni so easily. Looking at Tawni who had currently loosened up she decided to open up herself. "Yeah, I've been writing and singing for the longest time. I even play the guitar, the bass, the piano and the drums."
"Nice," Tawni nodded in approval. "So you basically want to be the next big thing like them?" Tawni asked nodded her head to the Connect 3 song playing in the background.
"Yeah," Mitchie admitted shyly as she saw in relief that Cody was returning with drinks. "If I didn't have stage fright." Grabbing a drink from Cody she downed instantly tasting what she assumed to be alcohol in the punch. Mentally kicking herself she turned to Cody and Tawni downing their own drinks as well.
"So did you two have a nice chat?" Cody asked smirking at Mitchie and Tawni.
"Yeah we did," Mitchie replied surprising herself as Tawni nodded in agreement.
"Mmhmmm Mitchie is pretty cool," Tawni agreed causing Mitchie to smile in the process. Despite Tawni's not so nice comments on her from previous years, it was nice to hear a compliment from her.
"Good. Mitchie do you mind if I go hang out with those guys over there? I know I said we would go to the party together-"
"It's fine go on ahead. I'll be fine," Mitchie agreed feeling the alcohol starting to take it's effect. This night was definitely going to be full of surprises.
Squeezing her hand once more, Cody smiled and left leaving Mitchie to finish the rest of her drink.
"Dang slow down girl!" Tawni teased. "I know this is probably your first time drinking, but get yourself under control."
"Sorry it tastes so good," Mitchie admitted ignoring the guilt tugging at her insides.
"True," Tawni agreed taking her cup and leading her to the punch bowl. "As cheesy as it sounds alcohol is a major part of the popular image." Refilling her cup up, she handed it back to Mitchie as she added more punch to her own cup. "And judging by how you can't stop drinking, you're almost there."
"Really?" Mitchie asked intrigued taking another sip of her punch. She didn't know there were rules to becoming popular. She always assumed it was knowing the right people at the top of the social ladder, but this was something completely different.
Tawni nodded. "Yeah, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but considering you meet most of the criteria and I get to decide who's in and out, and you're obviously in, I'll tell you. For starters you do have to know someone, and since you and Cody are together that's a check. Attending parties, you're here so check. Being on top of the trends, you do have a sense of fashion even you do dress like a hippie/rocker which makes you a hipster so check. And I approve, so check. You're basically popular." She finished taking a swig from her cup.
"So that's all there is to it?" Mitchie asked feeling like there was something more to all this.
"Well yes and no. Like celebrities, you kind of have to be perfect. People do look up to you after all so you have to be what they aspire to be. You kind of have to do whatever it takes to be perfect."
"Like have the perfect body?" Mitchie asked recalling Tawni's comment on how she wanted to grab a burger.
Tawni nodded sadly as Mitchie chugged the rest of her drink. It surprised how her taste buds were acquired to it already. "Yeah, even though you do have a good body, skinny with curves which I am jealous of, you kind of have to maintain it. Or get skinnier."
"But doesn't alcohol do the opposite of that?" Mitchie asked filling up her cup once more despite what she said. Her stomach was crying for food and despite the amount of calories in her drink, it was helping quiet her hunger.
"True but alcohol is the only exception. Besides there are ways such as dieting."
"But what if you're still hungry?" Mitchie asked taking a sip once more. The alcohol was definitely getting to her head and could feel all her concerns spilling out of her.
A sad smirk made it's way on Tawni's face before answering, "It takes will power, but there is another way. Will you promise not to judge me?"
Mitchie nodded, unaware of what she getting herself into.
Grabbing her hand, Tawni led her into a bathroom and locked the door. Without a word she lifted up the seat, got down on her knees in front of the bowl. Turning to Mitchie she said, "Like I said you have to do whatever it takes" before sticking her fingers down her throat, making herself throw up.
Mitchie's eyes widened in alarm and she quickly held back Tawni's hair ignoring her gags and coughs. Even though it was a taboo thing to do, she had to hand it to the blonde, she was smart. Once her gags died down, she turned to the brown haired girl gasping, "You want to try?"
Staring at the blonde she could hardly gather her thoughts, yet she found herself kneeling down where Tawni was, held her hair back, as she whispered, "The trick is to go against your reflexes."
Scared, Mitchie found herself sticking her fingers down her throat and releasing what was left in her stomach.
So this is what it's like on the other side Mitchie thought as fire shot from her throat and her stomach flattened. This is what it's like to strive to be perfect.
Shaking and throat burning a few seconds later she rose from the toilet, flushed it, and washed her mouth out in a similar fashion as Tawni did. Exiting the bathroom Tawni refilled both of their cups and Mitchie instantly chugged it hoping it would relieve the pain and the memory she had just created moments ago. Coughing at the burning sensation the spike filled punch gave her, she struggled to clear her throat as Cody walked up to them concern evident on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked her oblivious to what had gone on moments ago in the bathroom.
Struggling to regain her composure and quiet her coughing, she cleared her throat finally. "Yeah, I'm perfect," she replied as Tawni winked at her and Cody smiled in relief. Sipping her drink more slowly this time, she hoped that she actually was and wasn't downing her sorrows in the process.
