Thanks to:
sailfast32- Thank you. Yes, there is a lot to come in the next few chapters it's going to be intense. Here's the next chapter and thank you for the review, I really appreciate it! : )
EvilMonkeyBabyD- Well the bad situations are about to get a whole lot worse. Aha, as much as I'd love to kill off Jo, she's actually key for me in the long run. I'm not going to tell though, it's a secret! Aha, well I really enjoyed writing this chapter so I hope you enjoy it. Mate, you'll be fine on your exams, I bet you did well on them! I give you all the belated good luck I can, thanks for the review : )
annabellex2- Aww, thank you. Yeah, I'm as busy as hell but here is a new chapter! Thanks for the review : )
BigTimeFan50- One day...will that day ever come? Everything just gets more and more dramatic by the chapters! You know it's just getting started; this chapter is just the beginning of the rollercoaster of her emotions. Thanks for the review : )
brightSTAR- Aww, thank you for your praise! Aha, talking about your popcorn, I just read your PM and chuckled quite a bit. Yes, I read it pretty much a week late and I apologize for that, I've just been so busy. Well, this chapter may have a choking hazard. How about you go for some ice-cream this chapter? Or pop tarts/ice lollies? Baha, I'm glad you liked the kiss, it was quite weird to write actually. Well Echo is a mess write now emotionally. She doesn't know how to keep herself in check or what to think. She's so preoccupied with how she's feeling she just let's herself open up in a vulnerable way in which she can be, well Kendall pretty much demonstrated what can happen. Aha! That made me laugh! Who wouldn't orgasm at Kendall's kisses? Drool. I know they are perfect but sometimes perfection isn't as perfect as it looks...ugh, I suck at trying to confuse people. Aha, everyone hates Jo and I don't blame them. I don't like her character, the actress is alright but it takes true dedication to make one character that hateable. Naww, I kinda feel sorry for your sister, she just doesn't understand! Just stick her in front of your laptop and let her read. I'm pretty sure she'll understand then. Aha, yeah I think choking on popcorn would be a nice Jo death, I'd find it more amusing than anything! Oooh! Better keep sharp things away from you! We don't know what you're going to do. Yeah, even though he may feel something for Jo, Jett still puts Echo first and Echo hasn't had that treatment from someone outside her family for a while. I'm trying to slowly grow Tracey into the proper mother Echo and Asha both need. But that's going to be gradual, I don't want to make it obvious. Awww, all this praise you're giving me! I really don't deserve it. I'll look up Carlos' channel after I've done some writing tonight, see what's going on with the little Latino. Yeah, I saw their performance...I was drooling! Man, that girl was so lucky, though she was a typical fan girl which annoyed me. Too much screaming and hysterics. Thank you once again; you're so lovely to me! Thanks for the review : )
TheNamesMrsSchmidt- Yeah, I think that Tracey is trying to be a better mother than Lisa but not force Echo into going to her or anything, she's just supporting her. What's not wrong with Jo? That's the question. Lot's more drama to come, thanks for the review : )
ToLazyToLogin- Well if you're excited about the last chapter, you're going to be ecstatic about this one! Weirdly, that is kinda true I mean, Jo theoretically could be Kendall's sibling. They both have dark eyebrows and light hair is the main thing that weirds me out. Thank you for the review and here is the update. Enjoy! : )
Random Kat- Well this is my version of the episode, I hope you like it. Thanks for the review : )
msdancerchick15- Well I'm glad you're okay now and I know how that feels. Thank you for your praise! Well, everyone just seems to be messing around at the moment, most of the messing around with Echo...yet who will be there in the end? Only time will tell. I love that make-out scene. Just the ways Kendall comes up with to stop the kiss amuses me so much. Well I'm glad you like the cliff hangers. I'm giving you all a break this week and giving you a nice ending. It won't last for long though, I assure you! Thank you for the review : )
Carla- Aww, don't you just love that episode though? I think it's hilarious. Period. Aha, saying t in the nicest possible way, well you've been a lot kinder than some reviews towards Jo! Naw, poor Jo. Baha, who am I kidding? I don't like the character anyway. Thanks for the review : )
Anonymous Skrtle- Well, you can find out in this chapter. Really, Kendall initiated the kiss and Echo went along with it. But yeah, technically she did kiss him. Naughty Echo. Yes, the last chapter was Welcome Back Big Time and this chapter is another episode. Aww, I wouldn't call Jett a jerk, he isn't that bad I promise! Thanks for the review : )
TheFonzGhandi19-Aww, thank you. Well, Echo is forgetting a lot of things. I'm not saying she's going to forget it, but more important things catch her interest. I'm not going to say anymore. And if anything, Echo didn't feel any jealousy when she saw Jett and Jo together...I think she just wants the company, wants someone to hold her and protect her. Jett's good at that. The confrontation is coming soon, some of it is in this chapter but the other part is coming soon. Thanks for the review : )
xKiki . Bonn- Bahaha, guys. Can't live with em, can't live without em. All this praise you give me...urgh! I can't thank you enough. I'm so happy you understand with the whole situation with who is in which chapter. People all want different people and I'm trying to make everyone happy. But from this chapter on, I've decided to please myself because it's my story right? If they don't like it they can go write their own story...that sounds harsher than intended. I think Kendall wouldn't just be beautiful in kisses, I think he's got mad skills in other areas too if you get what I mean ; ) Baha, well I'd hate to see your reaction when I eventually plot out a Carlos story. My James OC story has been confirmed to be next and I've plotted my Logan one, just Latino on his own. Nawww. The amount of bad luck that Echo gets is totally untrue. I actually feel harsh on her the amount I give her...I feel bad about it. But it's good to read and fun to write so y'know... Urgh, I just can't resist Kendall. When I actually met him face to face I just wanted to do very naughty things. My eyes were already secretly stripping him. He'll never know. Baha! You're asking for Carlos loving and it's already coming. Nuff said. Maybe not this chapter but soon enough. Or is it coming this chapter? Or is Carlos gonna start hating on Echo? Oooh questions... Well it just shows that even blood thirsty maniacs are still as perverted as the next guy to see a naked wet girl in the shower! ; ) omg! Dancing lobsters! 'Where's Amanda, please?' like what person could say 'please' so many times? I always knew you were a badass at heart! A psychic baby! Hell yeah! Urgh, honestly. Don't even go there! But I like the kinda messy, dirty hot. Not the hairless tanned weirdos all the fan girls are into. And when the shirt does come off...damn...my face is pretty much pressed up against the TV. Baha, well tell your boyfriend it's just cause I'm special like that. We'll just let him think what he wants, it's amusing ;D naww, you're not creepy! My next door neighbour is creepy, I mean...urgh I'm just not gonna go there. Bahahahahahahahhaahahah! I've actually been laughing for the last five minutes! Omg, I might actually use that conversation in my story. Just. Too. Funny. Naww, you're boyfriend needs a bro-skee to back him up. Needs to state his manly-ness. Alpha male and all that. Thanks for the review : )
Kiki on The Momo Tree- You'll find out in this chapter. Don't worry, there's not much of a cliff hanger this chapter, you're all good. Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to cause pain to your leg. Look on the bright side; at least you weren't wearing shorts and the soup went on your skin...that would be painful. Awww! Fan art would be so cute! I've got loads of pictures of what Echo should look like if you need them, just ask. Honestly, you're well cute for doing that mate. Tracey is a good mom because she's a true mom. Echo's true mom. Devious is my middle name my friend! Well happy belated luck on your tests, I know you did fucking ah-mazing on them. Don't lie! You know you did. Well thank you for writing me a long review and I must say I'm jealous. All BTR do is go to Manchester for signings and gigs most times. And then there's shit loads of fan girls as well which is just so annoying! Have a good time in Feb then. Are you sitting or standing? Thanks for the review : )
whatIfeel- So much to respond to! First of all thank you for noticing with the song choice, I was browsing in my iTunes library for ages. No joke. Well, don't mess with Kendall, his surprises are either total bullshit or just the sheer beauty of the truth. Why would he stop the kiss? I can't tell you that. I don't want to ruin the story for you. More talking between them is coming next chapter, the whole chapter is pretty much them talking. Nuff said. I think writing in his POV would be so much harder in a way. I've never really looked at writing in his POV, I think it would just throw off where I want to take the story. No one knows how Kendall truly feels at the moment. But deep down: does Kendall know how he truly feels? Or is the throwing words around like wavering flags? In the end, when everything is revealed a lot of people will be right about some things but wrong about others. Is it possible to be completely right about what's going to happen? I honestly don't know how he's going to find out or if he ever will. I'm such an unorganized writer. I don't know how to plot anything chapter by chapter...it just seems weird to me. From now on, I'm gonna try not to answer your questions cause I could go on for chapters about one question and only leave you with more and not an answer. I want you to be asking questions but in a way I want my story to speak for itself because I don't want to ruin the story for you. Yeah, Tracey is lovely. She's a lovely mom and most of all, she's Echo's mom. Well, you love David Cade? Just for you look up my profile, look for a link down near When Worlds Reunite named 'For whatIfeel' I think you're gonna love me, nuff said. And for the large paragraph, there's not much for me to respond to but I want you to know I read it thoroughly. The accents, the buildings, the not meeting any famous personas, the skin tones, the not going to signings, how shit 1D truly are, I read it all! I just thank you for responding so deeply to me and I apologize for not responding back as much. Just know that you're reviews make me smile so thank you. And thank you for the lovely review. And don't worry, meeting a famous person will come one day. I know it will, and it will be so amazing you'll be bragging about it for years. ; )
Laura- Yeah, they kissed! Well you're in luck because I've got so many surprises up my sleeve. Well I will thank TheCooliest but make sure you thank her for me on your behalf, too. And I will thank you for taking time to review! : )
Kelli- Thank you for the praise, I'm sure I don't deserve me. You say the story is so well put together and yet I have no plot. I'm such an unorganized writer than it's untrue. Everything will be revealed soon. The story has only just begun so strap yourself in, it's gonna be a long, bumpy ride. Thanks for the review : )
Deedee- You think everything is revealed? You haven't seen anything yet, my friend. Wait, just wait. I'm sorry I've kept you waiting but here's the update, thanks for the review! : )
rainicorn- First of all, your problems aren't crap. Especially something like that. I offer you my condolences and apologies for such a loss. But I don't offer pity. I've been through something like that and I hate it when people say sorry with that look in their eye that's just full of pity. I hated being pitted, it made me feel child-like and ignorant so I do not wish pity on you. Just know that once again, I am sorry. On a brighter side, thank you for reviewing. I appreciate it. If I was there next to Kendall I would have helped him with distractions and stood next to him for an eternity. Seems like Kendall can't get a break, eh? No one respects her, everyone seems to be backstabbing or using her or just generally hating on her. Would I ever make it worse? Kendall should be thankful for a lot of things that Echo has done and is still doing. But he's still a little child and won't see how mature and how strong she has to be in front of him. He's going to push her too far until she's just going to not want to see him and then he'll be the one broken hearted. Baha, your mum knew you had a freak out? aha, aww that's cute! Don't you mean all of the awards to Echo? Why would I get awards? Tracey is slowly showing through as the mother that Echo should have had at birth. She's trying to make up to Echo and Echo will see that soon enough. Aww, best writer ever? Really? Forever is a very long time! More Jett and Echo will be in the next few chapters, I'm squeezing in people when I can.
Ileana- Aww, thank you. More Kecho to come soon. Thanks for the review : )
Gigi- Aha, naww the hate on Jo is actually amusing for me to read. I think Hawk is special, maybe the aliens had enough of him and threw him on Earth? Everyone loves a lil' bit of Tracey! Don't worry, no cliffy this chapter! You have been spared...for now. Aww, thank you for reviewing twice! I'm updating when I can. And, it's Kimberleigh-ann. Thanks for the review : )
TheCooliest- Thank you for suggesting my story to people! I'm glad you liked it enough to recommend it to someone else! It honestly means a lot to me. This chapter is only the start of the drama to come. Echo is just being used by practically everyone. Can't she just be mutually respected by all for once? No, someone has to be plotting against her as always. I sometimes feel bad for writing her in such horrid situations...but it's fun to write and good to read. Tracey is a sweetheart. Awww! I'm so glad you always look at the dresses I put up! :3 thank you so much! It makes me know that it's worth putting them up. Thank you for the recommendation and the review :D
BellaLuna2369- Thank you. I appreciate all the lovely comments. Really? Favourite of all time, are you sure? Well here's the next chapter and I hope you enjoy it. There's another episode in this story, I hope you like my twist on it. Thank you for the review : )
angelalexandra- Thank you, thank you, thank you! Did I mention thank you? Thanks for the review : )
socoolio- Urgh! Thank you! So much lovely-ness. I'm overwhelmed. You'll find out exactly what Kendall is feeling in a few chapters? Or is it false feelings? I hope I've done Big Time Superheroes justice. It was such a good episode. I think it would have been better watching this chapter on TV than reading it. You know when stuff is better to watch than to read? Does that make sense? I'm sorry if it doesn't! You'll find out Hawk's motives this chapter. Thanks for the congratulations and for noticing the song! And overall, just thank you! Thanks for the review : )
Redants- Aha, thank you. Don't worry, I won't stop this story until I've finished it. I wouldn't call it a book, I'm not an author or anything! I'm not that good to be an author. Thanks for the review : )
OMG- Wow, how did you know that? I didn't even know that. Aha, well thank you for telling me that, it just shows me how far I've came with this story. Thanks for the review : )
GraceElaine- Thank you. I'm so happy you are reviewing my story. I'm posting more when I can! Urgh, if I could see her kicked like that skgfhldugh it would make my life! Thanks for the review : )
Oblivious to the obvious- Thank you. I'm here to fulfil your addiction and give you what you need. Thank you for the review : )
inlovewithcarlitos- You asked for it, you get it. I'm sorry I've kept you up till so early! Thank you for reviewing! : )
We didn't care if people stared
We'd make out in a crowd somewhere
Somebody'd tell us to get a room
It's hard to believe that was me and you
Remind Me- Brad Paisley Feat. Carrie Underwood
Kendall, Logan, James, Carlos, Kelly and Gustavo all stood in the lobby area of Hawk's office, the 6 turned to look at me and as Gustavo turned to look at me I couldn't believe my eyes.
"What the hell are you doing with my hard drive?" I questioned angrily, the first time I had seen Gustavo in two years and he was fucking stabbing me in the back again.
"Your hard drive?" The boys all said in unison.
"Yes, Echo's hard drive." Hawk suddenly appeared by my side. "It has all of her songs on it and a few lyrical sheets on there."
"Okay, what the hell is going on?" I asked, suddenly confused.
"You tell us!" Carlos said. "You betrayed us all!"
"Betrayed you? You're trying to steal my songs!" Why were the guys doing this to me? They all looked angry to me, Carlos was angry, so was Kelly and Gustavo while James stared at the floor, Logan kept on scratching the back on his head and Kendall was looking at everything in the room, but me.
Why were they all being such bastards?
"Prove it." Gustavo said firmly.
"Fine." I said to him aggressively, walking over to him and snatching the hard drive out of his hands and hooking it up to a laptop Hawk happened to have handy on his hands, as I connected it up, music filled the room of the last song on Cherry Boom's album that Hawk and I had produced a few weeks ago- Mr. Know It All
Mr. Know It All
Well ya think you know it all
But ya don't know a thing at all
Ain't it, ain't it something y'all
When somebody tells you something 'bout you
Think that they know you more than you do
So you take it down another pill to swallow
I watched Gustavo's face transform from anger to bewilder. He looked to Kelly in aid but she just looked baffled when the realization finally hit her that I had, indeed, been telling the truth.
Mr. Bring Me Down
Well ya, ya like to bring me down, don't you?
But I ain't laying down, baby, I ain't goin' down
Can't nobody tell me how it's gonna be
Nobody's gonna make a fool out of me
Baby, you should know that I lead not follow
Carlos' face relaxed from the anger and he looked to Logan as a sign what to do next.
Oh you think that you know me, know me
That's why I'm leaving you lonely, lonely
'Cause baby you don't know a thing about me
You don't know a thing about me
You ain't got the right to tell me
When and where to go, no right to tell me
Acting like you own me lately
Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me
You don't know a thing about me
Logan looked to James while James sent a sort of look to Kendall. Kendall was staring straight at me. My heart froze in my chest when our eyes caught each other and we stared at one another. A look in Kendall's eyes told me everything.
He knew.
He knew these lyrics were about him and they were, I looked slightly triumphant and smug to the fact that Kendall looked slightly shocked to some of the lyrics and Gustavo looked sheepish.
Mr. Play Your Games
Only got yourself to blame when you want me back again
But I ain't falling back again
'Cause I'm living my truth without your lies
Let's be clear baby this is goodbye
I ain't coming back tomorrow
All of my lyrics were true, it was like Kendall thought he knew it all, but this time I was going to stay on top, make up with James, Carlos and Logan, but it also meant something else.
Making up with Kendall…to show I had truly moved on.
Was I ready to do that?
"Now, I suggest that you go back to your own studio before we cause a big ruckus." Hawk said with a grin as he stood next to me and four large men suddenly appeared behind us.
The six standing opposite looked uncomfortably at the four muscle men. I was torn; I thought we were all going to be okay again but knowing that they all tried to sabotage my own work, after I was healing from Kendall hurt me, deep.
I swallowed, "take them away boys." I said somewhat lamely to the bodyguards behind me. They listened to me and proceeded forward to the six intruders and as the six were forced away, I don't think I could ever wipe the look on James' face out of my head- the anger, the hurt, the regret, the sorry.
As soon as Hawk's office doors had closed, I burst. "What the hell was that?" I shouted.
"Was what?" Hawk asked innocently as he went to his laptop and turned it off, unplugging the hard drive and putting it back in its place.
"That!" I accused.
Hawk still kept his cool. "Echo you're going to have to give me more than that." Hawk shrugged as he sat behind his desk.
"Why did they break in?" I asked angrily.
"Because, Gustavo wants to sabotage your work because he thinks Cherry Boom is a threat."
My face dropped and coldness filled my body. "What?"
"I'm sorry."
"Well…why were the guys here?"
"Here to help Gustavo with his plan." Hawk said, pushing his sunglasses higher up his nose. I felt vacuous. I felt disgusted with not only Gustavo but with the guys, James included.
Just when I wanted to grow up and act mature by talking to them, they go and do this!
Its times like these I thank that I'm working with Hawk, knowing he wouldn't betray me…Jo must have been lying when she was talking to Jett, the amount of bullshit that comes out of her mouth is unbelievable.
"Now Echo, be a dear and stand just there." Hawk pointed to an area around the edge of his desk. "I need to make a call to our fellow 'friends.'" I watched as Hawk suddenly started talking to the computer screen though I couldn't see the screen and it couldn't see me.
I was still reeling from my new discovery.
"YOU'LL NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS, HAWK!" I suddenly heard Gustavo's booming voice as Hawk laughed evilly at the screen.
"Let's be honest Gustavo, we know that a lot more people are becoming interested in Cherry Boom." Hawk said, "and not only because of their looks, but because of their lyrics." He suddenly grabbed me and pulled me into the view of the computer screen where the guys were crowded around it and so were Gustavo and Kelly, all glaring at Hawk in Rocque Records. "And thanks to Kendall breaking this cutie pie's heart, I have such powerful lyrics that Cherry Boom just seem to be getting better and better. But the best thing is fans are starting to despise Big Time Rush from Echo's lyrics. Well at least one person in particular."
What the hell was Hawk doing? Even when I tried to move an inch from Hawk's side he would squeeze me painfully and pull my body back to his.
"And now, I'm planning what to do with your song Superstar, it's not the lyrics I need from you, just the production and backing vocals to my girls. But guess what? I'm also holding little Echo here hostage until you agree to sign your second album over to me."
WHAT?
I looked to Hawk, mortified while he just grinned at the screen. My eyes flew back to the screen to see several shocked faces.
Is he insane?
Suddenly, Hawk ended the chat and the room plunged into silence –that is, after Hawk finished an evil caw and laugh- and as soon as the silence hit, I made a break for the door.
As soon as I reached the door and opened it a burly security guard stood there and I ran into his stomach. He took my shoulder and pushed me roughly back inside, so hard that I fell on my ass.
This is not good.
An hour later things had gone from bad to worse. I had tried to escape several exits many times but failed each and every time to the point that my arms were bonded behind my back and so were my feet. Then I wouldn't stop screaming and swearing at Hawk so he had tape put over my mouth so I sat in the corner of the room with an angry face as Hawk grinned and continued to raid Big Time Rush's tracks for Cherry Boom's album.
"Aww, don't look so sad sweetie, this was meant to happen. This is Florida, people get used daily, get used to it." Hawk said in a sarcastically sweet voice when he saw my frown.
Didn't he realize I already knew that thoroughly? Bastard.
"Well, I've finished all of the songs, now, let's get you into the recording room and get you singing." My eyes flew wide at the term 'singing.' "Don't worry, Echo. That's not the only thing that's going to happen. I'm also going to force you into publically admitting that Big Time Rush tainted you and to why they did it, you know; the bet. Don't look so surprised to why I know I just need to destroy Gustavo and his little dogs." My eyes went wider as the security guards all pooled together in the room and one walked over to me and picked me up, slinging me over his shoulder. Though I began to struggle, it was futile. All he would do was hold me tighter until the circulation to my legs nearly cut off and the blood rushed to my head from being upside down.
Of course this would all happen to me, of fucking course!
I began to muffle complaints and curses to both the body guards and Hawk as they opened his office door and began to walk down the hall, Hawk smirking victoriously the whole way.
"We're going to absolutely destroy them!" Hawk explained and I felt tainted and dirty as I was carried down the hall.
Why, God? Why?
"Not so fast Hawk!" I don't think I would ever be relieved to hear that booming voice in my life, but when Gustavo spoke, relief washed over me.
"Who's going to stop me?" Hawk asked as he clicked his fingers and I was suddenly lowered to the ground, turned around so my back was facing the body guard and his arms wrapped around my arms and torso, his firm almost painful grip preventing me from moving at all.
"The Super-tastic Super Six." I noted as James spoke that he wasn't in what he would usually wear. In fact, he had a bandana mask, bandana arms and bandana knees.
Was he trying to be a superhero or something?
Logan was dressed up as a surgeon with a cape and a mask covering his mouth and black sunglasses to cover his eyes.
Gustavo was dressed up in some Superman typical costume with the colours orange and blue and the initials 'SG' on the front of his costume while Carlos was wearing his helmet, as usual but also a red suit with yellow underwear and yellow glove type things and a meteor on the chest of his red suit.
Kelly had a green bowl over her head.
And Kendall, even though it was hard to look at him I managed. He was in his hockey uniform with an 'S' on the front, two mini hockey sticks in both hands and black eye make-up that covered a strip of his face around his eyes.
"We want our songs back, now!" Kelly said firmly.
"Not gonna happen." Hawk said simply. "I mean, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your sweet, little Echo now would you, Kendall. Don't look so surprised, I'm shocked myself that Gustavo hasn't actually realized that you still love her." Hawk chuckled at the startled faces of The Super-tastic Super Six. "Take her away." Hawk said simply, dismissing me away as quickly as I dismissed the six superheroes this morning.
I muffled more complaints and yells as the bodyguard began to pull me roughly away from the area, he got three steps before all hell broke loose.
I watched as Carlos speared one bodyguard and Gustavo belly flopped another while I was dragged away from the scene, screaming in more protest than pain.
I struggled in the man's hold, regardless of what was going on around me; I was only focused on getting free.
Suddenly, the grasp the bodyguard had on me abruptly slackened and I heard a clash behind me, the guard fell to the floor, knocked out cold, unfortunately my feet were still bound together so I lost my balance and fell on the floor too.
He knelt before me, dropping his two mini hockey sticks as he looked over me, to see if I was okay. A part of the old him was still lingering in there somewhere.
"Are you okay?" He seemed concerned. Actually genuinely concerned! I gazed up at him, my behind throbbing a little from the collision but it wasn't anything that I couldn't handle. I nodded up at him. "This is going to hurt." He said as his hand came up and touched my face. As soon as his fingers touched my face, it was like I was a hormonal teenager all over again. His touch was soft, more of a caress and I couldn't bear to tear my eyes away from his, the forest eyes stared deep into my soul.
And then there was a sharp pain.
I yelped out loudly and my eyes watered. Kendall had ripped the tape off of my mouth and it hurt. A lot. "Sorry." Kendall murmured. I froze. "Not just about that…" Kendall began as he started to untie my ankle bindings. After that was done he crouched around my back and proceeded to untie them, his hands constantly brushing against mine. "…about everything," he continued, "I look back at what I've done sometimes and I think; 'fuck, I'm a poor excuse of a man,'" he sighed as he crouched in front of me again. He held out his hand for me to take.
Was this really him?
I was tired of being played around with like a doll that no one truly cared about.
His eyes stared steadily into mine, like his eye contact would prove his case. I stared doubtfully at his hands for a few, long moments. Then, just as he was about to retract his hand I took it and he pulled me up off the ground. We stood closer than I expected as our hands slid away from one another our eyes, continued to drown in one another.
"I'm really sorry." He whispered to me and in that one moment, it was like the racket of what was going on around us was suddenly muted and all I could hear was our wispy breaths.
Our noses were nearly touching, it seemed like I was the only one being affected by it, my head was dizzy and I kept flushing red. "Apology accepted." I said quietly, Kendall's eyes widened a fraction. His eyes began to flicker down to my lips many times before he spoke. "I know this is a lot to ask, but can we start over again, as friends?" He asked hesitantly, holding out his hand for me to shake.
He was right, he was asking something big off of me but why wouldn't I comply? I'm not a spiteful little girl anymore and me trying to get back at Kendall and Gustavo actually caused me to be played again and they were the ones who were there to rescue me. That's the truth, whether I liked it or not.
"Friends," I nodded at him, grasping his hand in a handshake that felt really weird. Here we were, staring at each other like we were acquaintances when we've been in bed together and shared so many delicious memories that can never be replaced…
"I really should go back and help the guys." He said though he made no attempt to move. I was reluctant to admit I was actually enjoying this moment of us being civil towards each other.
Like old times.
I nodded, breaking my trance, "yeah." I nodded.
"I think Kelly has already called the police." Kendall explained as our hands finally parted.
"Why?"
"Because Hawk stole our songs, committed fraud, kidnapped and used you."
"He's not the only one who should be in prison for that last one." I didn't say it in a bitchy way, I said it in a truthful one and Kendall seemed to respect that as he nodded.
"I know." He said.
The police arrived about 5 minutes later. Hawk was taken away instantly and I was put in an awkward position as Hawk called out for me when he was being pulled away.
"You can't do this to me, Echo! I made you!" He exclaimed as handcuffs were placed on his wrists.
"No, I made myself. Hawk, I don't want to be on your label anymore." I said to him, holding my ground as I stood in front of the guys, Kelly and Gustavo. The look of shock and anger on his face made me feel proud instantly.
"Well you gave me the rights to those songs!" He said, anger all over his face.
"We can get them back." I was pleasantly shocked when James chimed in for me.
"Cherry Boom is bounded to your lyrics, no one else's." Hawk said, stuttering profusely.
"Looks like that's going to change," Logan said behind me.
"So you're going back to them out of all people? They swallowed you up and then spat you out like you were nothing and now you're idiotic enough to come crawling back to them, him? You're pathetic." Hawk spat venomously.
"Everyone makes mistakes." Carlos said behind me.
"Everyone deserves a second chance." I heard Kendall say.
"This isn't the last you've seen of me!" Hawk shouted as he was dragged out of the office.
A police man came up to me instantly. "Miss. Kimberleigh, are you okay? Have you suffered any injuries?" He questioned.
I shook my head. "No, I'm fine, thank you officer." I told him with a little smile.
"Well, do you need a ride home?" He offered in a business-like manner.
"No, I'm good thanks. Thank you for everything."
"All in a day's job, don't worry, Hawk's going to be in jail for at least 6 months. He won't be bothering you for a while." He nodded to me before turning and promptly exiting with his fellow officers.
I turned and faced them. A year ago, this would have been painful, two years ago, this would have been normal. But now… now I didn't know what to think about it.
They all stood there in their costumes and stared at me, waiting for me to make the first move.
And I knew exactly what to do.
I smiled. "Thanks, guys." I said quietly to them. Next thing I know, the guys erupted into cheers and ran at me, wrapping me in a group bear hug.
"We missed you so much!" Carlos exclaimed in the hug. "All of us."
As we parted the first thing I did was turn to James and pull him in a hug instantly. James seemed shocked by this at first but then he realized why I was doing this and his arms wrapped around me.
I realized it now, that safe feeling I had when I was with James, it was like a brotherly way of presenting being protected. It's not hard to see where I developed feelings for him, there really is a sweet and sensitive guy underneath the exterior that is James Diamond.
But I'm still with Jett no matter what.
James was my brother and even though it was hard, I was beginning to accept it.
And it was so cliché the way I was torn between two guys, when the fact was, there was always going to be one guy for me, but I don't think I could ever let myself go through that pain.
It's hard enough just being friends.
"I'm sorry for what I said." I told him simply, James squeezed me firmly when I spoke. His warmth wrapped around me in a soft way. His hands rubbed my back soothingly and I pressed my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was all so familiar, but then again so new to me, too.
"Everyone deserves a second chance." James echoed what Kendall had said and I smiled against his chest. He was forgiving me for being such a bitch to him. When we parted I looked up to him and he smiled at me, a genuine one that told me everything was going to be okay.
And I believed him, genuinely and whole heartedly. But I wasn't being ignorant, I just wanted to believe that for once, my life is going to be full of constant positive things.
I turned to Logan. He smiled kindly at me before opening his arms. I took the invitation instantly and embraced him. I was so thankful Logan still seemed to be the Logan I remember through the whirlwind of the last year.
His friendly aura was enough to put a smile on my face and knowing that quite possibly, for the first time in my life, everything was going to be okay was something I was looking forward to.
"Thank you." I whispered in his ear.
"I should be the one saying thank you…and sorry." He told me quietly but I shook my head against his embrace.
"It's behind us now." I told him and he nodded, agreeing with me. Then, as Logan and I parted, I was suddenly engulfed in another embrace.
Carlos.
He squeezed me multiple times. Carlos, oh Carlos, what a sweetheart. I loved Carlos dearly and even though he's matured, he's still a little kid at heart and that's what I love about him. He isn't afraid to act his shoe size and not his age.
He was still playful, little old Carlos that got a higher grade than me in an English test he didn't understand, still the same Carlos that pushed me out of an air vent and gave me a concussion, he was just the same Carlos.
And that but a beam of a smile on my face.
When the excited hug finally ended I unsurely came face to face with Kendall. Silence hung in the air as we stared at each other.
This was something we needed to do. There still was a lot for us to talk about.
He hesitantly held his arms out, an unsure look in his face but I stepped into the cuddle nonetheless.
My arms were around his neck and his around my waist. The feeling of being so intimate with each other was hard to describe. It brought back memories but it was new to me all at the same time. His vanilla smell filled my nose and his unique warmth wrapped around my own body.
Kendall was still that same boy, who a year ago, met me at a CD signing, who I kicked in the balls, who I had a water fight with, who I had sex with, who I got very personal with him back in the days of C.A.L, who I used to love, the same Kendall that was my rock, the same Kendall that was there for me even when Griffin came back, he fought with me against Jett on the beach, stuck by my side at prom, the same Kendall that kept such a life changing secret from me, the same Kendall that broke me in two, the same Kendall that got me pregnant, the same Kendall who didn't care about me.
"I'm sorry." It was like he was saying sorry for the past year and yet we both knew that he constantly saying sorry –sincerely or not- wasn't going to actually change what had happened to us. It wasn't going to rewrite last year, or the year before in fact.
What was in the past was in the past. We both needed to learn to forgive and move on.
"I'm sorry." I told him back, I just wanted to express and apology for what I did when I was pregnant. He seemed to sense what I was apologizing about as he became rigid instantly and it took him a few moments to relax.
"We'll talk about that later." Kendall whispered in my ear and I nodded against his embrace.
When we parted I looked to Kelly, she stared at me with watery eyes, her bowl discarded on the floor.
"You've matured so much, Echo." She shook her head a tear fell down her face. She then pulled me into a tight hug, breathing shakily into my ear. "I'm so sorry for the past year, everything. I feel like it's my fault!" She whispered hoarsely into my ear so the rest of the guys couldn't hear what we were saying to each other.
I shook my head against her embrace. "It's not your fault. I needed last year, I needed to change and realize what's important in life."
She nodded, before squeezing me once more and then letting me go. I turned to look at the last person in the room.
We both stared at each other.
Here I was, face to face with the sole reason of my downfall, or even the set up. It was like he set up the whole break-up, get together, the sex… just the everything.
Just because of a pathetic bet.
I wasn't sure what to say, I wouldn't let myself forgive him, no matter how much I should, I just couldn't bring myself to do that.
It just didn't feel right, after everything he had done, I wasn't ready just to brush it all under a mat and move on. It was hard enough forgiving Kendall, but he was told to do it by his boss.
Gustavo knew I wasn't going to forgive him, I could see it in his eyes and to be honest, I'm glad he knew.
"I've got to go." I said lamely and walked briskly out the door, before anyone could stop me.
For once, I wanted to run away from my problems, just once.
Do you remember the way it felt?
You mean back when we couldn't control ourselves
Remind me
All those things that you used to do
That made me fall in love with you
Remind me. Oh, Baby Remind Me
Remind Me- Brad Paisley Feat. Carrie Underwood
Sorry I've taken so long to review, but I've been so pulled up on work I've had to do.
I decided I'd treat myself and have my nails done…it's so hard to type with fake nails, like it's impossible. I normally type at a rapid speed and now I can barely type: no fun.
So, they're friends now! How long is that going to last? Is Echo being ignorant? Is Kendall asking for too much?
Thank you for all reviewing, I appreciate it so much!
Also, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to rainicorn for personal reasons…once again I'm sorry.
I love you all my readers!
Review for next chapter? Who wants more Kendall and Echo talk? Like properly talking privately?