This was a really hard chapter to write…I hope you like it! R&R PLEASE!
I do not own the Outsiders blah, blah, blah…okay, let the chapter begin!! But first…A little conversation with Dally, Two-Bit, Soda, Ponyboy, and Bri.
Dally: So this is how you got your parents to agree?
Bri: Yeah, and they helped me come up with a name too.
Two-Bit: Pretty amazing…I mean, your life was amazing and you were sooooooo hot!
Soda: Were?! She still is!!
Two-Bit: Well, I didn't mean it like that-
Ponyboy: Guys, we all know she's still pretty…Now let her finish her chapter so I can start mine!
All: Okay!
"Are you ready to go?" Annie crisply walked into my room, sporting a new $150 hair cut. I looked up from my chair in front of my full sized mirror and nodded. Carol was doing my hair in curls as I was trying to put diamond studs in my ears. Carol patted me on the back as a sign that I was ready to go, so I stood. "Is everyone else downstairs?" I asked, placing flats on my feet; heels weren't really my thing.
"Of course," Annie said impatiently. She's not really the most patient person. I stood once again and flattened out my red gown when Claire walked into the room as well. Annie and Claire were a double whammy on my nerves so naturally I winced. "Anna is here," she announced. Anna bounced into my room, fizzing out the tension between me and the adults. I grinned.
"Hey, A," I said grabbing my purse and giving her a hug. Anna pulled away after a minute and pulled out a stick of gum and started to chew. "Your parents are downstairs waiting," she said nonchalantly, ignoring the appalled looks Claire and Annie were giving her and her gum. I've always loved the way she never cared about what other people thought of her; she did what she wanted and didn't give a damn about anything else. Sometimes she calls me a goody-two shoes…Which I guess I am since I always listen to everyone else.
I was thinking of this as Anna and I were walking down the marble staircase, arms linked. Anna and Claire were clacking! behind us. "Where's Trevor?" I asked when we reached the bottom. He usually was waiting in the foyer with the rest of my family. "Already in the car," Claire informed crisply, stacking papers into a folder then shoving them into a bag. No one said anything else as people double-checked their hair in the foyer mirror and piled outside. "We're taking two cars this time since Miss Stephanie has a date," Claire announced looking back at me from the bottom of the porch's stairs. I could see her smirk when I felt my eyes get wide.
She turned around again and got into the first car. "I didn't know your sister to have a boyfriend," Anna whispered to me. I looked around; no one else seemed to be surprised. "I had no clue…" I said, staring at my older sister and some guy that looked like he could be the captain of the football team. I must have been working too much lately to notice…
"Bri! Anna!" Claire barked. "Get over here and stop staring at Stephanie and Clyde!" I felt my face get hot. (Oh, yes, by the way, my sister was the very famous Stephanie Harrison; she just didn't have as many movies to her name as moi.)
My sister smirked at me and continued walking; I never have the courage to actually do something about anything! "-Stephanie, Clyde, Me, Trevor, and of course Bri, in the first car," Claire began. "And Anna, Jack, Lisa, Annie in the next car." She clapped her hands once and everyone began to shuffle into the usual 'seating' arrangements.
I slid into the car in the middle seats, while Trevor and Claire sat in the front, and Stephanie, Clyde, and Annie sat in the back. There was a thick piece of glass separating me from the Love Birds.
I sighed and looked back behind me at the tinted window before leaning forward to look into the front seat. I figured that this would be the time to tell them; maybe they could help me tell the rest of my family.
"Are you ready Miss Bri?" Claire said, smiling back at me warmly. Even though Claire could be a bit crisp and snappy, she was definitely one of the most understanding people I know.
"Yes," I sighed squeakily, trying not to sound too nervous. Trevor looked back at me in the rear view. "Bri, you okay?" he asked. I looked at him in the mirror for a moment and shook my head.
"Whaaatt…" Claire asked, turning fully around to look at me. I sighed once again, sitting up straighter. "Okay, what do you think of this," I began. "I really, really need a break, do you agree?" Trevor and Claire looked at each other, "A little," Claire said, her voice cracking.
"Well, I had this idea, see." I began to warm up a little better, and talking became easier. "I had this idea that as a break, I could go to a different state as a break, maybe stay with Daddy, as a different person so the paparazzi wouldn't know, still do interviews so that people still know I'm alive, and in a few months after my break I'll come back!" I breathed, digging my painted fingernails into the seat leather awaiting their answers.
It was silent for a moment until roaring laughter dominated. My grip on the leather lifted. "Come on, seriously!" I wined. More laughter. Trevor was the first one to stop. He wiped his eyes with one hand and looked me in the eye in the mirror. "Bri, that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life!" he announced. I felt my heart drop. "What's so ridiculous about it?" I snapped. I sat back and crossed my arms across my chest.
Claire finally caught her breath. "Come on now, Bri, think about it. How do you think you can stay undercover without people realizing you're gone?"
"Interviews over phones," I suggested.
"Everyone will want to know where you are," Claire fired back immediately.
Trevor smirked slightly at me as he awaited my next answer…If I had one.
"Surgery," I replied, staring straight into Claire's eyes. This was beginning to sound like a '50's game show.
"On what?" Trevor shot back before Claire. She gave him a look.
"…Nose?" I said, confused as to what to say.
Claire sighed and looked down. She looked up after a moment. "You really want this, don't you…"
"More than anything in the world," I announced.
Claire looked at Trevor nervously then back at me. "We'll try and help Bri….But we can't guarantee anything, mind!"
I clapped my hands and leaned forward to give Claire and Trevor a thank-you hug. "THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" I exclaimed, pushing a piece of hair out of my face.
"Sit back, I'm driving," Trevor grunted, not taking his eyes off the road. It was easy to tell he was thinking hard on my proposition.
I sat back against the leather seat and sighed happily. "This is amazing…" I whispered and began to think of what life would be like…being a different person…not behind a camera for once.
As if by magic, we drove up to a flashing road, paparazzi cameras flashing into the car windows when we pulled up front to the movie premier. By that time Claire had the thick piece of glass lowered and was talking very quickly to Annie and my sister and Clyde. But I didn't understand what she was saying…I was still day dreaming.
"Bri!" Claire barked. "Get out! I'll escort you through the paparazzi and inside. The other's will meet us there!"
I nodded, breaking from my trance and stepped out of the car when Trevor opened the door for me. "T-Thanks," I muttered. I was a taken by surprise a little when I was spun out into the fast-paced, whirlwind of paparazzi.
My sister and her boyfriend were behind me and Claire, who was leading me through the crowd. "Stay close to me," Claire hissed. Stephanie and Clyde had stopped to smile and pose for a few pictures but I just followed along. "I got you an interview afterwards with ABC," she said, turning back to me. I nodded and stopped in a big circle where a few other stars were, and tilted my head back and gave a toothy smile. I knew how to do this after years of it. Photo bulbs went off a few times before Claire grabbed me and started pulling me along again.
I tried not to trip over my feet as we entered the almost empty indoors. Only a few cameras were in there. I strutted along, thanking my flats for holding me on my feet. Claire and Trevor ushered me into the actual "theater", an auditorium-like place with a large screen. People were already filing in.
"I'll leave you here," Claire said. "The other's will be here in a minute…And Bri?"
I turned around and looked back at her before starting down the row of stairs. "Yeah?"
"W-We'll break the news to your family at the after-party," she replied, smiling the best she could under pressure.
"Yeah, that's the plan," I said, smiling at her as well and started down into the first row of seats.
I sat down and leaned forward in my seat, not being able to help the grin that was spreading slowly on my face. "BRI!" I heard a voice yell out. I flinched and saw Anna walking, the best she could in heels, down the stairs toward me. I laughed slightly, watching people stare wildly at her. Anna knew they wouldn't do anything to her- most, if not all of them, had worked with her father.
"I saw Elizabeth Witherspoon!" Anna squealed. Elizabeth Witherspoon was an actress that resembled Mary Tyler Moore immensely. And we loved The Dick Van Dyke show. I always wore my eye make up like Laura, who Mary played.
"Cool," I said brushing it off for a moment, even though I had always wanted to meet Elizabeth. "But guess what? I told Claire and Trevor about The Plan." We called my disguise plan The Plan so if we're talking about it in public, no one would know.
"A-Are you serious..?!" Anna cried, clapping her hands and scooting closer to hear more. "Oh my gosh, what did they say?"
"They said yes!" I whisper-exclaimed.
"Yes!...So are you still going to tell your parents at the after party?" Anna asked. Her facial expression was now stony and serious.
"Yeah," I whispered, looking down a little.
"Tell your parents what?" A voice behind me made me jump. I looked up, my heart pounding as I looked up to see who it was. It was Marie Bailey, my 'rival.' We worked on a couple of movies together, up through the years, since my first one. We pretty much HATED each other. I couldn't stand her, but I didn't know if she could stomach me.
"Hey Marie," I said sweetly, giving her a look that I gave all the people I didn't really care for. "We were just talking about my next movie is all."
"Oh really," Marie said, swiping her long curly black hair over her shoulder. "Then what were you going to tell your parents?"
"Something personal," I said looking into her piercing blue eyes. "It's really none of your business." I sat up straighter in my seat.
"But I thought we were friends Bwi," Marie said in a baby voice. See why she annoys me?! But the scariest part is that she usually got most things out of me…Like that I was dating, my now ex, Bradley Payton and she told the news papers. Well, we think she did…
She sat down beside me and smiled widely. I stared back. "Um, it's personal," I replied. "Yeah!" Anna shot back. "Meaning, not for ears outside of family and friends." She stared daggers at Marie.
Marie's eyes slid past me and onto Anna. Her eyes narrowed. "What Morgan?" she spat. She had worked with her father too, so I was reassured she wouldn't do anything potentially harmful. "I just want to know; I'm trying to protect Bri. I'm a friend too."
"Not really…" Anna said and looked at me. I just looked down a little and nodded, trying to suppress laughter, though I knew Marie's capabilities of making people's lives murder.
Marie glared at me. "I'm here for you," she growled. "I want you to have support and get good reviews." That was bull. She was here to add more publicity in the magazines for herself. By the year 2000 I doubt she'll be known as one of the best child starlets of the 20th century.
"Okay," was all I said as I looked back up at her. Marie got up suddenly, her satin pink dress flowing up too. She was still looking at me. "I'll get it out of you," she growled again, turning abruptly. She looked up and saw my family coming so she immediately turned back and grinned happily. "Bye Bri," she sung. "See you at the after party!" She sauntered away, smiling and waving at my parents as they passed her.
"Having a nice conversation with Marie?" my mother asked, setting down a leather clutch on my lap.
"Uh, yeah," I replied, looking at Anna.
My mother didn't answer but turned up and walked away again. That was awkward…
"That was close," Anna whispered as Stephanie took the seat that Marie was sitting in just seconds before. "I knew you would've spilled. She said all of those things to the newspapers before."
"I know," I said and sighed. "What if she does find out," I added.
"Don't worry," Anna said. "I'll man the fort while you're gone."
"But I don't even know if I can go yet," I said. It was silent for a minute.
"I think you can. And I'll handle Marie while you're gone. She just wants to black mail you because she wants to be you."
I smiled a little at that. "Thanks A," I said and hugged her and looked behind me. The place was really starting to pile up.
Two seats behind me, my mother was talking to Marie's mother with Marie laughing and talking along with them. I turned back around and muttered 'fuck' under my breath. Most likely afterwards I'd have to talk or pose for a few pictures with Marie…
Soon enough my mother and the rest of my "family" sat down, either in my row or the one behind me. The lights dimmed and the movie began to play. I found myself tuning out; it's kind of weird watching yourself on a screen, but I couldn't stop thinking of how I would tell my mother without her getting mad.
Two hours and ten minutes later the movie ended and off we were- again- to the party. On the way out, I shook hands with a lot of people, even Elizabeth Witherspoon, and signed about 250 autographs before we made it out of the building. Claire ushered me out again and back to the car where I ripped my dress on the car door because of a camera man coming too close to me.
"Shit," I muttered, slamming the door and examining the rip. Oh well, it was a borrowed dress anyway.
Claire turned back around and looked at me. "Are you all right?" she asked. I thought she was talking about my dress.
"Yeah," I began, "it's just a little tear, not that notic-" But then I saw her expression.
"Oh, um, yeah," I said softly, clearing my throat. "I'll tell them when it's, er, time." I didn't even know when that would be. Trevor looked at me through the rearview mirror.
Two minutes later we arrived in front of The Ruza, a restaurant/dance club, where the party would be held. Claire escorted me out of the car, and inside. It was decorated nicely, with blue lights and tables spread out everywhere. Waiters were walking around, serving drinks and one just walked right up to me and handed me a glass that had 'Bri Harrison' written on it in loopy letters. It looked like a lot of work had been but into it, and I could've enjoyed it more if it hadn't been for the mounting tension and constant worry.
Anna noticed first so she took me over to a booth right in front of a giant, floor to ceiling fish tank that was glowing blue. "Hey, it'll all be over in a few minutes," she said, rubbing my back soothingly.
"Y-Yeah," I said, feeling sick suddenly. I didn't know if I could go through with it now.
"It'll be okay," Anna encouraged. She smiled up at Trevor and Claire who was now joining us. Trevor set a plate of two cupcakes in front of me, but I guess he forgot I didn't really like sweets.
"I think the time is now…" Claire announced softly, putting a hand on my shoulder. The rest of my family was walking towards the table.
My mom was grinning proudly as she sat across from me in a chair. "Ooohh Bri, I'm so proud of you!" she cried, leaning over and hugging me. She sat back down and I swallowed, smiling nervously. I could feel myself blush.
Claire looked at me. She nodded slightly and I sighed, looking up at the ceiling. It was now or never…
The music was getting louder and so were the voices so it was really the perfect time…even though it didn't feel like it.
"Okay, Mom," I began, taking her hands in mine, and gave her a big smile.
"Yes Sweetie?" She smiled at me like I was the best thing in the world.
"I have a proposition," I stated. I hope I was choosing my words wisely.
"Okay…" my mom answered, looking a little confused.
People were now dancing and talking louder. I hoped no one could hear us. I lowered my voice.
"Okay…I think I need a break," I confessed sighing. I looked innocently into my mother's eyes.
"Okay," my mom said, her tone as though she didn't care.
I could see Anna, Trevor and Claire exchange glances.
"No…I mean, get away for a break," I corrected.
"W-What do you mean," she half laughed, looking at me strangely.
"I…I want to get out of New York for a break," I said softly, waiting for the blow.
"I…still don't get it," my mother said blandly.
My sister stood up as I opened my mouth. "SHE WANTS TO QUIT HER CAREER!!" she shouted.
"Shut up!" I demanded, looking to my right, blushing. Marie was only a little more than ten feet away…
My mother looked at me strictly. "What are you talking Briana," she demanded.
"I don't want to work constantly," I squeaked. "I just want to get away for a while…Not quit completely-"
"What do you mean not quit completely?!" my mother yelled. "Taking a break will smash you, kill you..."
"Mom I'm not going away forever, just hear me out, pleeeease…" I begged. I felt lightheaded; this was just a lost cause. Anna was right…Claire was right…Trevor was right…
"What else is there to say?" My mother leaned back in her chair, fanning herself. My sister helped her and glared at me.
"I-I…Okay, I just want to get away," I said, really starting from the beginning. "I've been working constantly since as long as I can remember."
My mother's expression didn't change. "Go on.."
"I-I am so tired and exhausted…I just have to get away.." I pleaded.
"But the paparazzi will find you and it won't be that much of a vacation then will it," my mother spat quietly.
"No…But I'd make a disguise," I replied.
My mother just stared at me for a moment. "A-A disguise…?"
"Yes," I replied. "One that no one would know who I am in."
My sister was shaking her head at me and looking back at me to my mom and back again.
"That'll never work," my mother agreed. "You're much too famous; everyone would know who you are."
I flinched. I was just human… "No Mom, I have a makeup artist, a-a hair stylist…Mom, they can make it happen!"
"No, Bri, I don't agree." She wouldn't budge. "People will recognize you, your career will be ruined…Normal life isn't good for you if you've never had it!"
"Yes Mom it is!" I cried. Tears formed in my eyes. "I need a break!"
My mother looked at me again. "Bri, I can let you have a week in Malibu, France, anything-"
Tears started streaming down my cheeks. "B-But everyone will know me and I-I still won't get a break!...I-I am going to be able to do interviews and everything, Mother, I have it planned out!" I cried. I felt like shit.
"I'll make sure she can do it!" Claire stepped up and put her arm around me.
My mother looked at Claire wildly. "Kuh-laire, you're not her mother. I make the decisions around here." Life was so unfair.
"I-I can help too!" Trevor put in. "She really wants this…She and Anna has this all planned out." I nodded vigorously, dabbing my tears with a napkin.
My mother sighed. "Where will you go? What will you do?"
"At Dad's and I'll get a new look; clothes, hair, and everything!" I answered eagerly.
My mom sighed again. She looked at Stephanie, then to Claire and Trevor. "I have to be head of everything, and last decider," she agreed.
My heart soared. This wasn't happening… This COULDN'T be happening. IT WAS!
"Of course," Claire, Trevor, and I agreed at once.
"And I have to know what you're doing at your father's," my mother demanded again.
"Of course, Mother," I said, not able to conceal my excited laughter. I clapped my hands.
"Then okay," my mom agreed, sighing. She looked up at the ceiling like I did earlier. "What am I doing?" she muttered.
"The right thing," I replied grinning.
My mother sighed for the last time. "We'll call Carol and Leon straight tomorrow morning." She was silent for a moment. "And I'll call your father as soon as we get home; he has to make the school arrangements as soon as possible." She looked at me once more. "You are expecting to go to school I take it…?
"Yes," I answered truthfully. "If I am to be a normal kid."
"And you are to stay…for three months; that is when you will come back for auditions," she said. "I'll have Claire and Annie to find you more."
"Yes," I said. "I expect that." But I didn't want it.
My mother looked around at the crowd. "Let's go…You still have an interview with ABC tonight," she said. "I'll call your father while you're there." Anna was grinning at me and she hugged me. "Congrats," she whispered in my ear. Claire and Trevor hugged me too, but Annie, who didn't say a word through the whole thing, and Stephanie too, were glaring at me.
On the way out, I heard Stephanie bickering to Clyde about me, and Annie was joining right along in. Jack was just silently laughing, but I didn't care…This was an amazing moment for me.
In a few minutes, I was at Rockefeller Plaza and Trevor, Claire, Annie and I were dropped off. The interview was quick and I soon was home again. When I got home, all of the lights were off and I had no sign if Mom had called Dad. So I tip-toed up to my room on the third floor and got into bed, still dreaming of the moment when I would be another person in another state.
PHEW!! THIS THING TOOK ME FOREVER! R&R, THIS CHAPTER WAS HARD! I hope you liked it! The next chapter will be short since I don't really have a plot for Ponyboy until Bri comes to Tulsa. And notice how different Ponyboy's life is to Bri and they live in the same country…same year…