A/N: I am so sorry about the late update! I'm actually taking my time with these next few chapters, because I may have to change them completely if I decide that I don't like where the story is going and there's also the potential that my story isn't linear, so I have to double check that I'm sticking with same information from previous chapters. I had a plan mapped out, but as I was writing, the story unfolded in a completely different way! So I thank you all for your patience, and I do hope that you like what becomes of it!
[iluvbtr166]: It's coming, I promise! ;) But, you may have to wait a wee bit longer, sorry!
Again, thank you so much for the reviews, 70! Wow, you readers are amazing!
There is a sensitive topic that is brought up in this chapter that I think many girls (and boys) have to deal with in their lives, which really is terrible. I wanted to convey the seriousness of the issue, but to keep the story light, a little bit of humour comes at the end. That is by no means to say that I don't think that this issue is a laughing matter, so I hope you all understand that I don't mean to offend anyone.
I hope you like the chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Big Time Rush or any references to the Nickelodeon show
"So, let me get this straight," Cam said as she rifled through the bikini rack, "you like James, but you don't want to go out with him?"
"Yes," Katie answered, going through a rack of modest one-piece suits.
"You do realize that it's very illogical. Most people would say that you're being stupid. Dating Logan aside, James is very attractive."
Katie sighed and looked up at her friend, she couldn't remember why she started to indulge into her relationship with James. "Cam, it's not simple, we could end destroying so many relations−"
"Oh, that's a bunch of bull," Cam interrupted, "you're the only girl that James is sweet to. Trust me, I know. I've seen how he treats his 'girlfriends,' for all that he's smooth with the ladies, he has never once remembered an anniversary or a birthday." Katie thought back to the necklace and the photo album. "And," Cam continued, "he has never loaned out one of his cars to anyone."
"What's your point, Cam?"
"My point is that you're it, Katie. You're the girl that James is in love with. You're afraid of the end of the relationship and I'm trying to tell you that there will be no end. James loves you, he just doesn't know it yet." Katie stopped her browsing and stared at Camille. The actress smirked at her, "You know I'm right. Now will you stop looking through those horrid swimsuits and try these on?" She held up a number of bikinis. "Remind me again, how were you a model?"
Katie drove herself and Camille to James' mansion after they had finished their shopping excursion and chowed down on some sushi. The guys had called and wanted to meet with them to discuss the weekend trip.
"What do you think?" Carlos asked, excitedly, dropping his new headshots into Katie's lap, the second she sat down on the couch.
Katie studied them, "Nice, these will definitely be an improvement for your portfolio," she handed them back to a happy Carlos. She looked around the room, "So, what are we talking about?"
Kendall spoke up, "Okay, so Logan found out that there's going to be an awesome view of Venus tonight and he wants to check it out, and apparently, L.A.'s lights will only diminish the 'luminous glow of the planet of love,'" Katie heard Camille gush over Logan's description of the planet. "So we were thinking that Camille, Logan, Carlos and I will head down to Malibu tonight. You and James can meet us there tomorrow."
Katie looked over at Camille, sharply, thinking that somehow she planned for James and her to be alone. The other woman showed no sign of knowledge, giving Katie a blank look. Katie silently fumed at the fact that Camille was a professional actress. "Right, I get that Logan and Camille should go first, but why are you and Carlos leaving too?"
"Katie, as much as I love you and your place, we're talking a beachfront mansion here. I've been in Minnesota so long, baby sister, I wanna catch as much sun and surf as possible," Kendall replied.
"And Carlos is mad at me because I made him wear a matador outfit," James added.
"It was the first Big Time Rush photo-shoot all over again!" Carlos cried.
"Hey! You looked good."
Katie grinned, but sighed in defeat, "Okay, so you guys will head down first. I'll drive Cam home so she can get her car," she rose out of her seat. Kendall and Camille followed suit.
"Hey, Katie, can I talk to you for a sec?" Logan called out. Katie gave him a puzzled look, but nodded anyhow. She followed him into the kitchen while the others headed for the door.
"What is it, Logan?"
Logan looked at Katie sternly. "I went to the hospital today, to confirm my residency, when I ran into Dr. Berger." Katie's eyes widened, when she heard her doctor's name. Logan's eyes narrowed in worry, "Why didn't you tell us that you were in the hospital? When Kendall hears about this−"
"No, please, don't tell him, Logan," Katie quickly begged.
"Katie, he has to know."
"I know, I know, and I will. Just, let him enjoy his vacation. I promise I'll tell him before he leaves," Katie thought for a moment. "How did you find out? Isn't there a patient-doctor confidentiality agreement or something?"
Logan remained silent, pondering Katie's answer. "I won't tell him, but I'm keeping you under surveillance. Malnutrition isn't a laughing matter, especially here, in Hollywood. I don't want you to do anything to yourself just to look like those girls in the magazines. I'll be making sure that you eat three proper meals a day and taking your blood pressure at regular intervals. As for me finding out, well, Dr. Berger just asked how you were; she remembered my association with you. She didn't really tell me anything specific," Logan squirmed, "I may have done some snooping around in the hospital's computer system to figure out the rest."
Katie rolled her eyes, but, accepted Logan's restrictions and actions. She missed him doting on her. She couldn't help but add, "I can't believe that you would risk your career, just to find out what the problem was, you could have asked me, and you do realize that I am one of those girls in the magazines, right?"
Logan scowled, "You would've lied to me." Katie shrugged, knowing that he was probably right. "And look where it's landed you. Whose idea was it to let rail-thin girls be the picture of beauty?"
Katie punched Logan in the arm, "I am not rail-thin and I was only hospitalized because I was overworking myself and missed a couple of meals. I saw what the other models did to achieve their figure, and I never would that to myself on purpose. Do you remember what happened to Jessica?" Katie asked referring to an old friend of hers.
Jessica was one of Katie's closest modelling companions, but she was obsessed with her physical appearance. She was always on a diet and Katie knew that she was a victim to bulimia. Katie tried endlessly to get Jessica to consult a a therapist and even forced her to go see a doctor, but Jessica's symptoms slowly worsened and eventually died from cardiac arrhythmia. She was only nineteen.
"I have too much to live for, Logan. I would never risk my life to achieve 'perfect beauty,' I'm completely satisfied with the way I look."
"Good, 'cause you're beautiful," Logan said, almost angrily.
Katie gave him a toothy grin and reached over to pinch his cheeks, "Aw, look who's being sweet," she laughed at his displeasure. "Come on, I have to get going if you want to see your precious Venus in time." She started to head out of the kitchen, but came back to give Logan a squeeze. "Thanks for caring."
Logan's cheeks heated slightly, returning the hug, "Well, I have to take care of you, you're the only one in the family I can have an intelligent conversation with," he joked.
Kendall walked into the kitchen, "What's keeping you, Katie?" He flickered his eyes between the people in the room and crossed his arms, "What are you guys up to? As awesome as it is seeing you help out the guys, you are my baby sister, how about helping me out for a change?" Katie's brother stated.
Katie rolled her eyes, "I'm not helping Logan, in fact, he's helping me."
"With what?" Kendall raised one of his trademark eyebrows.
Katie could hear Logan start to sputter beside her. After all these years, he still blanked out under pressure. In this particular case, Katie felt that Logan didn't have to worry, they could tell the truth.
"Logan's going to help me maintain my health. As you so kindly put it, I'm all 'skin and bones.'" Katie narrowed her eyes, lowering her voice.
"I didn't say that. Did I say that?" Kendall asked, sheepishly. He looked at his imaginary watch, "Oh, look at the time, let's get going, shall we?" He ushered for her to move through the kitchen entrance.
Katie rolled her eyes, but complied to her brother's demand. She could hear the conversation between her brother and Logan behind her.
"So, you're going to get her to eat, right?"
"We'll she is eating, I'm just going to make sure she's eating the right things, taking the right vitamins−"
"So you're going to get her to eat, right?" Katie heard her brother repeat, as if he didn't hear what Logan was saying.
Katie held back a grin as she heard Logan sigh at Kendall's question, "Yes, Kendall, I'll make sure she's eating."
"Good. That's what I want to hear," Kendall said cheerfully, clapping his friend on the back, pushing him towards the door.
A/N: Quite honestly, I wanted to create Katie's character to be strong and independent, someone that could potentially be a role model. I wanted her to be forthcoming about eating disorders; she's smart, and therefore quite aware of the consequences that come with this issue. The confidence that Katie has about her appearance is what I wish everyone would have about themselves (Note: I may have been subconsciously influenced by BTR's Cover Girl-beautiful song with a beautiful message).
I'm sorry about the short length of the chapter...and for the lack of Jatie, but I promise that the next few chapters will ooze with various Jatie moments!
Please leave a review! What do you think of my portrayal of Katie's character? The other characters? I love hearing all your comments, and well, is it too ambitious of me to want 100 reviews by the end of this story? *blushes*
Thanks for making Hollywood Management, by far, my most popular fanfiction publication!
Love,
D