It's been far too long. I literally have everything saved, I just need to edit and post. If anyone reads this, please review. Anyways onto the story.
Lost-Shane
"I have to admit that looks pretty sick," Nate said looking at the footage of their recent music video for their single "S.O.S".
"Nate using sick? Wow then this must be a big deal." Shane mused sitting down next to him watching himself singing on screen wearing a gray tuxedo that he was in hours ago for 2 day of their music video. It was still pretty surreal.
"I know! My favorite part is when the girl leaves Shane for the little kid," Jason said giggling in amusement.
Nate and Shane exchanged looks not sure if their fellow bandmate understood whether the situation in the video was fake or not.
"Ugh, Jase. You do know that it was just pretend right?" Nate said to him as if he was a special kid.
"I know Nate," Jason said as if it was obvious. "It just makes me laugh."
Shane chuckled in relief as did Nate. "Yeah me too." Shane agreed grateful that Jason's feelings weren't hurt. Leaning back in his seat he sighed grateful the video was done and was scheduled to be released tonight along with their album tomorrow night. Reaching for his coffee cup that help his dark roast from his favorite coffee shop, he took a long sip grateful to have some time off. Tasting the bitterness he thought of the girl who he had meet days ago there, Mitchie, the girl with waist long hair dressed in grays and blacks who he had spilled coffee all since he was in a hurry to get back to the shoot. Thinking of her, he wondered why she hadn't recognized him and how she was doing. If she had followed his and her own advice and if he would ever meet her again. But more importantly: why he couldn't get that look they shared before she left. Was it just a coincidence or something more? These thoughts plagued his mind until Nate spoke up. "So I'm guessing you and Alexis are together."
Shane nodded not bothering to deny it. After that night the following morning when he saw her at the shoot they defined the relationship: they were together. It was exciting and new for Shane: she was his first girlfriend, a celebrity and their manager's daughter at that. There was a lot at stake if he messed up and he was determined not to let that happen.
"Well that's good. She's not too bad I suppose. Just be sure to make sure if doesn't end badly cause you know," Nate gestured with his own coffee cup to the studio they were currently sitting at.
"Yeah I know," Shane said well knowingly as he took a sip. He already received the same lecture from his parents who seemed against him dating her (his brother supported him completely), he didn't need the same one from his bandmate, even if it was his friend. "Wait what do you mean she isn't too bad? Have you been talking to Selena Gomez?"
Shifting uncomfortably in his seat Nate thought long and hard before answering as he and Jason anticipated his answer. "Yes. Apparently she and Alexis had meet when they were younger back when Selena modeled. There was some bad blood between them. She says to be careful Shane, she will do anything to get to fame."
Scoffing Shane rolled his eyes not wanting to hear his band mate out. Was he really going to trust a celebrity he had known for a few days instead of their manager's daughter who they had known for a month? Shaking his head in disbelief and feeling anger rise he spat out, "Right trust the celebrity you only known for just a day that you probably have a crush on instead of the manager's daughter you have known for a month. Real smart Nate."
Watching Nate's demeanor change from warm to cool, Nate narrowed his eyes before replying, "I was just stating what I heard Shane. I'm just looking out for you. But fine if anything does happen, don't say I didn't warn you." With that, Nate rose from his seat leaving Jason and Shane to themselves.
"Ooooooo he has no chill," Jason stated as Shane spoke up. "Yeah he doesn't." as he crossed his arms in disbelief. It seemed like none of his friends were supporting his newfound relationship status.
The next day Shane found himself walking with Frankie to his favorite coffee shop for dinner and some quality "brother bonding time" as his mother put it. Connect 3's music video made it's debut last night and it was already dubbed a "hit" by any music charts. This of course led to more interviews before their album was to be released tonight. Luckily, right now he had free time and he vowed he would use it before buying his cd. Making their way inside the quiet and peaceful restaurant, he ordered them sandwich meals and waited for their order to come out so they could be outside.
"I can't believe my big brother is a rock star," Frankie exclaimed sipping from his drink as Shane chuckled adjusting his ray bans. He really did need to think of a better disguise or he was going to get discovered.
"Better believe it Frankster. But yeah it really is a dream come true and keep it down Frankie. We don't want to get found out remember?"
"Right," Frankie agreed. "We're incognito, like undercover spies." He added whispering for effect. Chuckling he ruffled his younger brother's hair as he heard the ding signaling that their meal was done. Grabbing their orders and paying, he led them outside to a table under the lights where they soon tucked in. After a few bites he turned to his younger brother deciding to break the ice.
"So Frankie how's life?"
"Pretty good and boring compared to yours. But tell me about yours that's what I want to talk about."
"Well," Shane began lost for words unsure what to say. "Our album releases tonight so people will get to listen to it, I'm dating Alexis now, and next week I'll go on tour…"
"And leave me." Frankie cut in pouting as he played with the pickle on his plate. Shane sighed upset by this news as well. He wished he could his little brother along for the ride but like his parents forbid it saying they wanted him to go to school like a normal kid and stay normal as long as he could.
"You know I wish I could bring you along but you know mom and dad-"
"Yeah I know," Frankie finished sadly.
"If it makes you feel better at least you'll have mom and dad there with you," Shane said trying to cheer him up. He recently learned that his parents wouldn't be there to support him like his other bandmates parents would. Instead they opted to stay behind and manage his career and watch over Frankie.
"Yeah. But it's not the same. I want to be with you not them. I swear I never get to see you anymore. You're always being a rock star or with Alexis. It's not fair," Frankie whined.
Shane sighed clenching his fists trying not to lose his temper like he did with Nate. This was his little brother, he had to set an example and maintain all the friendships he could with the people he trusted.
"Hey, Frankie," he whispered lowering his face to meet his trying to get his point across. "No one ever said being a rock star would be easy, it's actually hard managing time and my social life. However one thing that will never change is that I will always be your big brother. No amount of fame in the world can change that. With that being said I promise to talk to you when I can on tour and will bring you a lot of souvenirs when I come back, deal?"
Judging from his talk Frankie was pleased with his conversation however he pondered for it before making a decision. "Okay deal," he agreed before adding, "And thanks Shane that really made me feel better. Do you pinky swear to keep your promise?"
"Yes I pinky swear to keep your promise," he agreed locking pinkies with his younger brother's as the timer went off on his phone.
"Mom and Dad are here." Frankie mumbled as Shane sighed in annoyance. His parents were going to pick up Frankie before Shane would go to the store and pick up a copy of their album along with Nate, Jason, and Alexis.
"Yeah, but remember what I said?" Shane asked trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah I do," Frankie said brightening up. Grabbing their trash, they threw it away before going outside and saying their goodbyes before his little brother got in their parents car.
Watching the car drive away he felt his heart ache and went back inside the restaurant and sat back at the bar on the stool. Trying to ignore the emptiness he felt at his younger brother's absence, he got out his phone and checked his messages relieved to find that Alexis and his bandmates would be there soon so they could to a store to buy their album, and go to an after party. Satisfied that Nate in particular would accompany them, despite his attitude towards the younger member earlier, Shane found himself ordering a dark roast coffee to pass the time. Glancing up at the tv mounted on the wall he smiled at the reported from Hot Tunes tv done of him Alexis as the new "It Couple." Listening to the report he ducked lowered his head hearing 2 voices behind ordering drinks as well.
"Why am I not surprised," the blonde male began gesturing at the tv. "Typical. The new pop star with his super model girlfriend."
"Don't you mean wannabe model," the blonde girl shot back laughing. "She's a wannabe because her daddy, the record label owner, has connections and can get her anything she wants. Bet you Alexis is just using Shane to get her own ride to fame."
"Wouldn't be surprised. After all he just sings all that cookie cutter pop star stuff. It's only a matter of time before he dies down and throws a tantrum," the male said back.
From the corner of his eye he watched as they kissed briefly before picking up their order and leaving. Hearing the bell ring for his own order along with his phone vibrate, he picked up his coffee and left adjusting his sun glasses. Just like Nate, he'd show those teenagers that Alexis wasn't using him and that he was more than just a cookie cutter pop star. Wincing at the burn the coffee gave him as he entered the car his bandmates were in, he sucked in his breathe glad that it distracted him from the rejection of non fans.
Hours later, they found themselves walking into the nearest Target ready to pick up their album. Seeing the huge line outside Shane gapped surprised at how popular they were. At least some people think were talented Shane thought smugly as he peered down at Alexis through his hipster glasses. Dressed up as usual in a mini skirt, matching shirt, blazer, and heels despite the October chill, a small smile made it's way on her face.
"Why are you smiling?" he found himself asking his girlfriend surprised at this. It was an action she rarely did since she tended to smirk if anything else.
"Don't I always smile?" she asked pouting as she reached up and took off his glasses. "And lose the glasses. We're not incognito, Nate and Jason are not trying to hide."
"That because it's our first album release," Nate cut in. "And we already informed to store that we were coming."
"And because Nate didn't approve of my idea as us dressing as each other," Jason also added causing Shane to hold back a snicker as he thought of Jason's proposal for him to dress as Nate, Nate to dress like Jason, and for Jason to dress like him. Even though he meant well, it wasn't the best disguise if they wanted to be on the down low.
"Wow Nate I'm surprised, you actually wanting the paparazzi to know Connect 3 is out and about very unlike you," Alexis added. Forgetting his reply back he watched the encounter as Nate turned his head from walking and slightly narrowed his eyes at Alexis before replying, "That's because it wasn't it was your Dad's." before facing forward once again and catching up to Jason and the security guard. Watching the smile grow on Alexis's face he had feeling why she was smiling and made a mental note to keep her and Nate from talking to rest of the night to prevent further conflict.
Walking past through the automatic doors, the line screamed chanting their names reaching out for hands. Stopping, Shane waved despite Alexis's tugs and found himself reaching out for one of the hands giving it a squeeze in return. Feeling warmth, a feeling he only felt when with Alexis he let go confused, trying to not to make eye contact with the fan who was being crowded by others and moved on quickly inside.
"Why the hell did you do that?" Alexis snapped once inside the empty store. "You could've gotten killed. You saw what happened to that girl once you touched her hand, they swarmed her. Heck why did you even touch her hand?"
Not noticing the jealously in her voice, he tried to shake the tingle he felt in his hand and found himself dazed at the fan's appearance: a red skirt, ankle heeled boots and brown eyes. It was all he could make out before the blob that quickly consumed her once Shane touched her hand. Turning back to Alexis he shrugged, hoping she couldn't see how confused he was by his action as well, "I don't know."
She was about to open her mouth once more before Nate interrupted, "It's called giving thanks to your fans. They're the ones who brought us here anyways. Then again you wouldn't know, you don't have any."
Sensing that the model was about to explode, he quickly placed a quick kiss on her lips to calm her down. Luckily it worked as she began to mutter incoherent words, as they made their way into the cd aisle. Picking up their cd, Shane stared in awe at the three of them dressed in formal wear staring straight ahead, solemn expressions on their faces. It was a formal, mature look for them, but he had to admit it did capture how serious they were about what they were doing as the label wanted. Making their way to the registers, they paid for their cd's the cashier obviously star stuck the whole time. They made their way outside once more only this time stopping to wave to the fans. Scanning the crowd, Alexis in hand, he found the girl in the red skirt in the middle of the chaos, unscathed. Relieved that she was okay as he started to walk past with his bandmates her eyes landed on his despite the others screaming for attention and her stared back realizing he had seen them before. Watching as she moved her hair out of her face, an attractive blonde male poked her waist noticing how sad she was despite the smile she gave him. Shaking his head, Shane quickened his pace with Alexis and his bandmates before the brunette girl made him even more confused.
The following days went by in a blur as they consisted of them listening to the album on the car ride home, interviews about the album, parties with Alexis, and finally getting on the bus to go on the tour.
Pulling himself away from his parents who told him to be careful he turned to the tour bus ready to go on until he heard a "WAIT!"
Turning around his heart lurched at the sight of his younger brother racing to give him one last hug goodbye. Trying to hold back the tears that were forming he caught him in a bear hug, swallowing the lump that formed in his throat. Never did he imagine that while living the dream he would have to leave his brother behind and that if he did, he wouldn't be so torn up about it. Glancing up his parents, he gave them a plea, begging him to let Frankie come for him to be on the road with them.
However they remained emotionless, shaking their heads and turning back to their cellphones. Never had he seen them so cruel, not understanding. Turning back to Frankie now in tears, he cleared himself trying to be strong, trying to keep himself together for his sake. "I'll see at Thanksgiving okay?"
"Okay," Frankie whimpered before adding, "Don't forget the promise you made, okay?"
"I could never forget," he found himself choking before ruffling his younger brother's hair once more. Picking up his suitcase and duffle he got onto the bus willing himself not to look back. Once inside, he dropped off his stuff at his designated bunk and was greeted by his bandmates and their chaperone, Nate's mom, for the first leg of the tour. After hearing the bus engine roar he made the mistake of looking out the window as the bus took off only to see his parents hold his little brother back, trying not to chase after him.
Unaware of Nate watching him concerned he jumped feeling his hand on his shoulder asking if he was okay. Swallowing, trying to contain himself, he heard laughter coming from Jason and Nate's mom instantly feeling jealously sparking inside him.
"I'm fine," he snapped at Nate not even bothering to apologize. Swallowing the tears that threatened to fall, he grabbed his guitar and sat at the couch instantly beginning to play while counting the hours until Alexis would arrive and when they would get to perform. Even though he was surrounded by friends, he hated to admit it but he felt lonely and not sure if he would get through the tour without missing his brother too much.
Head bowed so no one could see the storm ragging inside, he thought of the eyes he had seen at Target, the same eyes that matched the ones of the girl of the coffee shop. Even though there were hundreds surrounding her he could only make out hers because of the pain they held despite the smile she wore. Feeling a melody coming to him, he quickly grabbed the spiral kept in his case and scribbled the beginning notes and sang the lyrics that went with it before playing it:
"I walked across a crowded street.
A sea of eyes, they cut through me.
And I saw you in the middle.
Your upset face, you wear it well.
You camouflage the way you feel.."
"Already working on songs for the next album?" Jason asked startling him as he sat down backwards on the chair facing Shane. Unsure how to act, Shane covered up his sadness. "No I'm working on a song for the deluxe edition for this album."
Laughing, the older band mate nodded in approval before growing serious. "Always the hopeful one Shane, but listen Nate sent me over here to talk to you. You snapped at him."
Trying to refrain himself for rolling his eyes, Shane sucked in his breath willing himself to sound as calm as possible, "I'm fine Jase really."
"You sure. I know it must be hard to not have any relatives on tour I mean my parents aren't coming…"
"I'm fine," Shane snapped once more. Seeing the hurtful expression, he lowered his voice willing himself to see more calm. "I'm fine honestly Jason. It's just the nerves and excitement about the first tour getting to me."
"You sure? Are you okay?"
Shane nodded feeling the guilt rise in his throat.
Sighing in defeat. "Fine, I tried. Guess I have to tell Nate that he was wrong." With that he got up shooting him one last glance before walking away.
Once out of sight Shane found himself mumbling another lyric to the verse he was writing
"When everything's the matter."
Staring out the window, he leaned his head against the glass in defeat. For a new found rock star who was living the dream, why did he feel so depressed and lonely?
