(A/N): Okay, this might seem super long (actually, it's the longest chapter), but songs take up a lot of space in it. I'm sorry I wasn't able to post this yesterday. I had a lot to do. I actually shouldn't be working on this cause I've got an assignment due Tuesday that I haven't even started yet, but I had most of this done yesterday. I just needed a few more things to add. Anyways, thank you to Sugarcrazed, Milkamoo97 and Dreamer1992 for your reviews! I do not own Big Time Rush nor the episode, Big Time Dance which is in this chapter. I also don't own these songs: That Don't Impress Me Much by Shania Twain, The Mess I Made by Parachute, It Girl by Jason DeRülo, I Don't Need A Man by The Pussycat Dolls, Love Like Woe by The Ready Set, King of Anything by Sara Bareilles and Mr. Right by A Rocket to the Moon. I know that's a lot of songs, but they help move the story along. Plus, this was after I made my cuts. I've still got a lot of original material in here too, so don't stop reading just because there's a whole bunch of songs. Before my rant takes up more room than the story, here's the chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 40: Singing Yourself Into A Mess
The next two weeks weren't eventful as Logan, James, Carlos and Kendall worked on solving the clues left behind by Evan. Katrina, Jo, Camille and Stephanie would try and secretly film the guys, but as soon as any of them were in view, the guys would quickly make an excuse to leave. Katrina's ankle had healed enough to take the leg brace off, but she still had to do a lot of resting. Logan still hadn't completely decided on either Camille or Katrina and was avoiding both of them as much as he could to their confusion. Gustavo was still begging for a picture of James and Katrina even though James told him that he wouldn't make any big moves on Katrina until Logan was with Camille.
The teens' schoolwork had started to pile up with the end of the year getting closer. Katrina was still going to the Eastwood School for Girls because she wanted to at least finish the semester before she went to the Palm Woods School with the others. Unfortunately, this meant that she also got more work than them, putting the filming on hold.
Katrina was on the laptop, trying to type out something with one hand and listening to the radio when James walked into the room. He noticed how frustrated she looked, so he walked over to her.
"Whatcha typing?" James asked her.
She glared at him, clearly not in the mood for conversation, but she did answer, "My term paper. You know that classes end this Friday and stuff. Well, I need to turn this in by then, but it's taking forever and I have exams to study for too."
"Why don't you have Logan help?" James suggested.
"For some reason he's avoiding me," Katrina responded. "I think it might have had something to do with our fight a couple weeks ago when I told him to just go with Camille. I only brought it up cause I was so frustrated with him. I guess I should apologize." She started to move to get up, but James stopped her.
"Just wait for him to come to you," James insisted, "You had every reason to be mad at him."
"I know I'm right," Katrina told him, "But I miss talking to him. Plus, I could really use some extra hands to help me with this essay."
"How long's your essay?"
"Ten pages." James winced at Katrina answer. "Yeah, I know. It's my term paper. It's worth almost half my grade."
James seemed to consider something before he spoke up, "Scoot over."
"What are you doing?" Katrina asked, looking confused.
"I'm going to type your essay up for you," James offered. "You've already got it written up. This will give you time to study for your exams."
"Seriously?" James nodded. "Thank you!" She moved over on the couch and he sat down next to her. James grabbed the laptop from her lap and started typing out Katrina's essay from the written one on the coffee table. Katrina gave him a grateful smile before she picked up a notebook and began going over her old notes.
Minutes passed in silence and Katrina found herself getting tired. She moved around to get comfortable, finding the best spot by using James's shoulder as a pillow. He froze in his typing when he felt her head, but then went on, not saying a word. That's where Logan found them when he walked into the apartment.
"What's going on?" Logan spoke up, gaining their attention.
"Hey Logan," the two teens on the couch called out.
"James is typing up my essay while I study," Katrina added.
"And you didn't ask me?" Logan looked hurt.
Katrina put her notebook down so she could get up and head over to Logan, "It's not my fault you've been avoiding me."
"I-I haven't been avoiding you," Logan laughed nervously. Katrina raised an eyebrow and Logan went on, "Okay, so I thought you could use some time to cool off."
"And have you decided between me and Camille?" Katrina pressed, "Because that would help me feel better."
"Uh-"
"You know what Logan," Before she could go on, Katrina got a text. She looked at it and groaned, "Gustavo wants me at the studio for some reason. He's probably found another way to ruin my life. Probably decided for me to sing a song or something." She began laughing at the thought as she left the apartment.
"I've decided to have you record a song," Gustavo told Katrina who was sitting in his office.
"Wait, what?" Katrina seemed confused, "But I'm a model, not a singer."
"Well, since you're not DOING WHAT I SAY by dating James, I need to keep the media distracted from the lie with something," Gustavo responded, "So, we're going to have you release a song. A cover of a country song."
"But my voice isn't country," Katrina complained.
"IT DOESN'T MATTER!" Gustavo screamed at her. "YOU'LL DO IT AND BE HAPPY ABOUT IT! NOW, GET IN THE RECORDING BOOTH!" Katrina went wide eyed and rushed out of the room, heading for the recording booth. She found Kelly already waiting for her in there.
"The lyric sheet should be on the stand in front of you along with the headphones," Kelly instructed. "And just relax. The boys should be here soon and then Gustavo will join us." Katrina groaned. "In the meantime, look over that sheet."
Katrina put on the headphones, noting, "I'm covering a Shania Twain song?" Kelly nodded. Katrina looked over the lyrics, mentioning, "Oh, this is an ironic song."
"Yes," Kelly agreed, "Yes, it is. That's the reason it was picked."
At that moment, Kendall, Logan, James and Carlos rushed into the control room, looking confused.
"Why is Katrina in the recording booth?" Carlos pointed out.
"Because," Gustavo began as he walked into the room, "She's recording a song for publicity." The guys raised their eyebrows at this. "And if she's actually good, then it's a bonus."
"When should I start?" Katrina asked from the recording booth.
Gustavo sat down before he told her, "Now!" He pressed a button, starting the music for Shania Twain's song, That Don't Impress Me Much.
Katrina threw away the lyric sheet and looked right at Logan as she started her singing.
Uh-huh, yeah yeah
I've known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart
But you've got being right down to an art
You think you're a genius, you drive me up the wall
You're a regular original, a know-it-all
Ooh oh, you think you're special
Ooh oh, you think you're something else
Okay, so you're a rocket scientist
That don't impress me much
So you've got the brains, but have you got the touch
Now, don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
It was during that portion of the song that Carlos, Kendall and James smirked at Logan, the smart guy of the group. Logan wouldn't look at Katrina during the song, keeping his eyes staring down at his feet. Katrina turned to James for the next part of the song.
I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve, just in case
And all that extra hold gel in your hair outta lock it
Cause heaven forbid it should fall out of place
Ooh oh, you think you're special
Ooh oh, you think you're something else
Okay, so you're Brad Pitt
That don't impress me much
So you got the looks, but have you got the touch
Now, don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
Kendall, Carlos and Logan smirked at James this time. He had pulled out his mirror and lucky comb, looking at them in confusion. Katrina didn't seem to notice this as she went on with the song, not focusing on anyone particular for the last part.
You're one of those guys who likes to shine his machine
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in
I can't believe you kiss your car goodnight
Now, c'mon baby, tell me, you must be joking right
Ooh oh, you think you're special
Ooh oh, you think you're something else
Okay, so you've got a car
That don't impress me much
So you got the moves, but have you got the touch
Now don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
You think you're cool, but have you got the touch
Now don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm on the long, cold, lonely night
That don't impress me much
Okay, so what do you think you're Elvis or something?
Whatever
That don't impress me
The song ended and Katrina turned to Gustavo for his comments along with the boys and Kelly. Gustavo had just stared at her throughout the song, no emotional change throughout.
Suddenly, Gustavo spoke, "It's not terrible. You've got an okay voice, just not for country."
"I told you that before!" Katrina reminded him, "But you insisted that I do this!"
"Oh, you're still going to sing," Gustavo told her, "Just not country. It's too bad. I wanted something that's different from the dogs."
"You know what?" Katrina ripped off the headphones, "I think you're an –" The people in the control room didn't get a chance to find out exactly what she thought of Gustavo because Gustavo pressed the button for silence in the recording room. Katrina just continued to rant, not realizing that no one could hear her. She used weird hand gestures as she went on.
"Dogs!" Gustavo got the boys' attention, "When she's finished, take her away. I've got work to do." Gustavo left the room. As soon as he did, Katrina stopped. She sighed in frustration and walked into the control room.
"He turned off my voice, didn't he?" Katrina asked.
"Yep," Kelly and the guys responded.
"Whatever, let's go," Katrina led the guys out of the room to go back to the apartment.
James was continuing to type up Katrina's paper at the counter while Katrina was sprawled out on the couch, studying her notebook. Logan, Carlos and Kendall were on the other part of the couch, playing a video game.
"Do you really have to do that while I'm studying?" Katrina piped up. "It's very distracting."
"Shh!" Carlos shushed her, "I'm just about to gain a power-up that will give me an advantage again the Anti-Demon!"
"That doesn't make any sense!" Katrina replied, "Wouldn't an anti-demon be good?"
"You'd think," Logan answered, "But here he's even more evil than the demons."
"I would've thought that you'd be studying for your exams," Katrina mentioned.
Logan waved it away, "I'm going to ace it. I've studied a bunch already."
"And what's your excuse?" Katrina directed at Kendall and Carlos.
The two boys laughed, "Yeah right." Katrina rolled her eyes and went back to her studying.
She didn't get too far before the boys cheered and stood up, "We beat him!" They began giving each other high-fives all around.
"Great!" Katrina spoke sarcastically, "Now can you go somewhere else?"
"We live here too," Carlos reminded her. Katrina glared at them.
"You know what?" Kendall responded, "Why don't we find out what's going on at the pool?"
"Good idea," Carlos agreed before he and Kendall ran out of the room.
Logan chuckled at them before he offered to Katrina, "Did you need help studying?"
Katrina looked at him, "Uh, sure." She moved around so there was room next to her on the couch. While he looked over her notebook, she called out to James, "How far are you?"
"Page five," James responded, "This is killing my fingers!"
"You can take a break if you want," Katrina advised.
"Nah, if I take a break I won't get back to it," James told her. "Plus, you're not that bad at writing. I didn't know that different Ancient Egyptian cities had their own animals that they worshiped."
"I did," Logan added and Katrina rolled her eyes again. "Now, what are you having trouble with?"
"I'm most afraid of my science class," Katrina revealed, "I'm not ready for my exam and it's in two days. I get chemistry and biology; it's just a bunch of memorization. What's really killing me is physics."
"Then it's a good thing I'm here," Logan responded, "I'm great at physics. What do you need to know?"
Katrina gave him a serious look before answering, "Everything."
"Okay," Logan replied, "This is going to take longer than I thought."
"And so, this would give off entropy and thus can't be reversed," Logan pointed out. He and Katrina were covered in papers along with everything around them, the radio playing next to them.
"Right," Katrina seemed to get it. "And what's entropy again?"
"It's energy that can't do work," Logan answered, "Like disorder."
"Okay," Katrina nodded, "Then what's this?" She pointed at something on a random sheet of paper.
"That's the equation of how to calculate the speed of a falling object," Logan told her, "We've already gone through that."
"Oh, right," Katrina looked down at the paper hopelessly. "So, how did that go again?"
"Please tell me that your class is general science and not specifically towards physics," Logan replied.
"Yeah, it's general science," Katrina responded.
"You should probably stick with being in the entertainment industry," Logan told her.
"Yeah," Katrina looked sadly at the paper.
Suddenly, Logan got a text. He looked down at his phone to read it, his face falling.
"What is it?" Katrina asked.
"Camille wants me to help her with her math homework," Logan answered.
"So, you're just going to leave me?"
"It shouldn't take too long to help and then I'll be right back. You can take this time to study something else."
As Logan stood up, Katrina noted, "I see you've finally made your choice." Logan froze looking shocked at what she just said. "It's fine. Stay with Camille. I'm just going to find someplace else to study before Carlos and Kendall decide to come back up here and distract me. I'll see you later." Logan didn't do anything as she gathered up her papers and left the apartment. As soon as the door shut behind her, he fell to the couch, face hitting his hands.
As if it could read Logan's mind, the radio began to play the song The Mess I Made by Parachute.
Should've kissed you there
I should've held your face
I should've watched those eyes
Instead of run in place
I should've called you out
I should've said your name
I should've turned around
I should've looked again
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
Should've held my ground
I could've been redeemed
For every second chance
That changed its mind on me
I should've spoken up
I should've proudly claimed
That, oh, my head's to blame
For all my heart's mistakes
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
And it's you
And it's you
And it's you
And it's you
And it's falling down
As you walk away
And it's on me now
As you go
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
And it's falling down
As you walk away
And it's on me now
As you go
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
Logan looked up as the song ended, realizing what he had to do.
"I'm going after her," Logan insisted, getting up from the couch.
At this, James quickly got up and walked over to Logan, "No, you're not. You've gotten an out without her being too upset!"
"But I want to date her," Logan decided, "Not Camille."
"Remember what I said about relationships?" James went on, "If you go after Katrina, all she'll think about is your possible feelings for Camille. You have to get Camille out of your system before you go after Katrina. Go help Camille."
"But-" Logan began.
"Do you want me to get Kendall involved in this?"
"Not really."
"Then go help Camille."
"What about Katrina?"
"She'll be fine. Just go help Camille." Logan nodded before he left the apartment. James then started talking to himself, "And by fine, I mean, I'm going to make sure she's fine. I just have to find her. How hard could that be?" James pulled out his mirror and comb, fixed his hair, put them away and then left the apartment.
After checking at the pool and with both Jo and Stephanie, James figured out that Katrina had probably left the Palm Woods. So, he made his way over to Penny's Pet Care. He stepped off the elevator to find Brandon and Tim sitting behind the front desk. Tim was writing out paperwork for someone with a cat while Brandon addressed James, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm looking for Katrina," James replied. "Have you seen her?"
Brandon shook his head, "Nope, she's not here."
"I know where she is," Tim spoke up. The other two looked at him confused.
"How?" They asked.
"Well, not long ago, I heard Gustavo yelling about a cat," Tim responded. "That man is really loud. So, I'm guessing Katrina is at Rocque Records."
"I'll try there then," James replied, "Thanks." He got back into the elevator and pressed the button for Rocque Records. It didn't take long for him to get there. He walked down the hallways, keeping an eye out for Katrina. Instead, he met up with Gustavo and Kelly.
"Dog!" Gustavo began, "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for Katrina," James shrugged like it wasn't a big deal.
"She came here a couple minutes ago, crying," Kelly told him, "What happened?"
"Logan picked Camille," James explained. "Now, I'm here to try and pick up the pieces."
"That's great!" Gustavo exclaimed, "You get her to love you and we'll be watching the surveillance tape for something good we can give to the media! Now, GO!" He and Kelly rushed away, leaving James confused.
"Wait!" James called after them, "Where is she?"
"Practice room!" Kelly answered before she and Gustavo disappeared. James shrugged again before he made his way to the practice room, hearing Katrina's crying before he saw her. She had her back to the door, not realizing that James was there.
James waited in the doorway, not really knowing what to do next. Thinking back to what he found out in the binder and what he's observed from Katrina, he decided on the best thing to do. He texted Gustavo.
A few seconds later, Freight Train showed up, gave James a laptop and locked the door of the practice room so James and Katrina were stuck in there. Katrina still didn't notice James was there.
James took a deep breath before he spoke up, "Katrina." She jumped in shock before she turned to face James.
"What are you doing here?" Katrina sniffed, wiping the tears away from her eyes.
"You need cheering up," James told her. "So, I thought that I could help."
"I don't want to date you James," Katrina insisted.
"Whoa, when did I say anything about dating?" James asked her.
"I know what you're doing," Katrina went on, "I can see it. You're there whenever Logan's not, cheering me up when I'm feeling upset, giving me flowers, helping me with my typing, defending me in arguments. You're trying to get me to like you. I don't like you James! I like Logan!"
"Sorry that I think that I'd treat you better that Logan did. I wouldn't play you by being attached to you and another girl at the same time, like Logan."
"Stop playing with my head! You're a player! You flirt with every girl around! I don't want to deal with this. Goodbye." Katrina walked over to the door and tried to open it, finding it locked. She immediately turned to James. "You locked the door."
"Actually, I didn't. But I can get it unlocked if you agree to a little game."
Katrina looked confused, "What kind of game?"
"Have you ever heard about a game called 'Song Battle'," James opened the laptop, going through something in it.
Katrina opened her mouth in shock, "How did you know about that?"
"I've done some research," James told her, "You did a song battle with someone at your middle school, didn't you? For a talent show?"
"Against Emily Garrets," Katrina continued. "That stuck up, prick thought she could beat me! She should've known that my family never loses a challenge. That free day off of school was awesome." Katrina smiled at the memory. Then she remembered James's challenge. "What are the stakes?"
"If I win, then I get a kiss and a date from you."
"I knew it! This is about that whole 'it couple' thing isn't it?"
"Not exactly. I've also noticed that you like to display how you're feeling through music. Why don't we add that to this game?"
"Fine. I'll agree to your terms, but if I win, you unlock the door and never flirt with me again."
"Deal. So, I, as the challenger, get to go first. And my first choice is It Girl by Jason DeRülo." James pressed a button on the laptop and the music for his song choice began blaring from it. James began singing, getting eye contact with Katrina.
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I've been like a maniac insomniac
5 steps behind you
Tell them other girls they can hit the exit, check please
Cause I finally found the girl of my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shh girl
Lovin you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl, give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like
Oh, oh, oh
Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like
Oh, oh, oh
Let me play it loud
You can't help but turn them heads, knockin them dead
Droppin like flies around you
If I get your body close, not letting go
Hoping you're about to
Tell them other guys they can lose your number, you're done
They don't get another shot cause you're love drunk
Like a TV show playing reruns
Every chance I get, I'mma turn you on
You can be my it girl
Baby you're the shh girl
Loving you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl, give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like
Oh, oh, oh
Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like
Oh, oh, oh
Let me play it loud
Can't seem to stop you from runnin runnin through my through my mind mind
Just keep it coming coming till I make you mine mine
You've got that something something I wanna be with girl
You're my greatest hit girl
Just say this is it girl
Hey baby
Don't you know you're my it girl
You can be my it girl
Baby you're the shh girl
Loving you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl, give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like
Oh, oh, oh
Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like
Oh, oh, oh
Let me play it loud, let me hear you sing it like
Oh, oh, oh
Everybody in the crowd, let me hear you sing it like
This is it girl
James finished the song and Katrina started speaking, "Okay, let me see if I can find your hidden message to me. You think that we should be the 'it couple' in the spotlight. You're going to be faithful. You think I'm hot and I'm always in your mind."
"Yep," James replied, "Your turn." He smiled at her as he gestured to the laptop he had placed on the ground. Katrina looked down at it. "Unless you're giving up which would mean that you owe me a kiss."
"You wish," Katrina answered as she knelt down to fiddle with the laptop, "I never back down from a challenge. And I always win." She pressed a button and music started to play for her choice, I Don't Need A Man by The Pussycat Dolls. "Let's see if you can find the symbolism here."
I see you looking at me like I got something that's for you
And the way that you stare don't you dare cause I'm not about to
Just give it all up to you
Cause there are some things I won't do
And I'm not afraid to tell you I don't ever wanna leave you confused
The more you try, the less I bite
And I don't have to think it through
You know if I'm into you
I don't need a man to make it happen
I get off being free
I don't need a man to make me feel good
I get up, do my thing
I don't need a ring around my finger
To make me feel complete
So let me break it down
I can get off when you ain't around, oh
You know that I got my own life and I bought everything that's in it
So if you wanna be with me it ain't all about the bling you're bringing
I want a love that's for real
And without that, no deal
And baby I don't need a hand if it only wants to grab one thing
The more you try, the less I bite
And I don't have to think it through
You know if I'm feeling you
I don't need a man to make it happen
I get off being free
I don't need a man to make me feel good
I get up, do my thing
I don't need a ring around my finger
To make me feel complete
So let me break it down
I can get off when you ain't around, oh
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
I don't need a
I don't need a man
I don't a
I don't need a man, I'll make it through
Cause I'm doing fine, I feel brand new
I don't need a
I don't need a man
I don't a
I don't need a man, I'll make it through
Cause I'm doing fine without you
I don't need a man to make it happen
I get off being free
I don't need a man to make me feel good
I get up, do my thing
I don't need a ring around my finger
To make me feel complete
So let me break it down
I can get off when you ain't around, oh
I don't need a man
I'm over you, yeah
I don't need a man
Oh, I'm over you
I'm without you
I'm over you, oh
I don't need a man
I don't need a man
I don't need a man
OH!
The song finished and Katrina smirked at James, but he didn't look upset. When she realized this, she spoke, "Why aren't you mad?"
"You sang that you don't need a man, but in one portion you said that you're looking for a love that's real. I can bring that."
"Is that all you heard from it? Cause I'm trying to say that I don't need you and I don't want you."
"Really? Cause I heard that you don't need any man. Doesn't that include Logan?" Katrina wouldn't respond to this. "I guess you did sing a song though, so I have to give you credit. Good luck finding a whole bunch of songs about hating a person. There's a whole lot more on liking someone." Before Katrina could react, James played his next song, Love Like Woe by The Ready Set.
Woe oh, oh, oh!
Woe oh, oh, oh!
I kinda feel like it don't make, like it don't make
Feel like it don't make sense
I'm thinking baby you and I are undeniable
But I'm finding out love's unreliable
I'm giving all I got to make you stay
Or am I just a roadblock in your way?
'Cause you're a pretty little windstorm
Out on the boulevard
Something like a sunset
Oh, you're a shooting star
And I might drive myself insane
If those lips aren't speaking my name
'Cause I got some intuition
Or maybe I'm superstitious
But I think you're a pretty sweet pill that I'm swallowing down
To counter this addiction
You got me on a mission
Tell me darling can I get a break, some how
Could I say no?
She's got a love like woe
Girl's got a love like woe
I kinda feel like it don't make sense
Because you're bringing me in
And now you're kicking me out again
Love so strong
Then you moved on
Now I'm hung up in suspense
Because you're bringing me in
And then you're kicking me out again
It's like a hurricane
Speed train
She's a moving car
Go catch her in the fast lane
Oh I gotta know
Can I keep up with her pace?
Kickin' into gear when I see that face
You can take up all my time 'cause you're the only one
That can make a storm cloud break
Pulling out the sun
And I can't get caught in the rain
Can I get your lips to speak my name?
'Cause I got some intuition
Or maybe I'm superstitious
But I think you're a pretty sweet pill that I'm swallowing down
To counter this addiction
You got me on a mission
Tell me darling can I get a break, some how
Could I say no?
She's got a love like woe
Girl's got a love like woe
I kinda feel like it don't make sense
'Cause you're bringing me in
And now you're kicking me out again
Love so strong
Then you moved on
Now I'm hung up in suspense
Because you're bringing me in
And then you're kicking me out again
Because we only have one life
The timing and the moment
All seem so right
So would you say you're mine?
We'll be just fine
Would you say you're mine?
We'll be just fine
She's got a love like woe
Girl's got a love like woe
I kinda feel like it don't make sense
'Cause you're bringing me in
And now you're kicking me out again
Love so strong
Then you moved on
Now I'm hung up in suspense
Because you're bringing me in
And then you're kicking me out again
She's got a love like woe
Girl's got a love like woe
I kinda feel like it don't make sense
'Cause you're bringing me in
And now you're kicking me out again
Love so strong
Then you moved on
Now I'm hung up in suspense
Because you're bringing me in
And then you're kicking me out again
"Wow, I'm impressed," Katrina started. James smiled at her. "That song had some pretty big words for you."
James's smile disappeared. "It was supposed to have a meaning to it."
"And what was this meaning?"
"You like me, but you're hiding it."
"I didn't hear that in the song."
"Ah ha! You didn't deny it! You do like me!"
"I don't like you! I've told you this before!"
"Well, it had a couple other meanings too. You always want to keep busy and I'm trying to keep up with you because you make me feel like I can be a better person, but you won't let me in."
"Uh."
"So, why don't you just give up like I know you're going to? We both know how this is going to end, with your lips on mine and a date planned out." Katrina just smirked at him before she turned on her next song, King of Anything by Sara Bareilles.
Keep drinkin' coffee
Stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet
And count the cars that pass by
You've got opinions, man
We're all entitled to 'em
But I never asked
So let me thank you for time
And try to not waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast
I hate to break it to you babe
But I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save
Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything
You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
You swear you know best
But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
Ride off into your delusional sunset
I'm not the one who's lost
With no direction oh
But you won't ever see
You're so busy makin' maps
With my name on them in all caps
You got the talkin' down just not the listening
And who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything
All my life
I've tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt
And hide
Waitin' for someone to tell me it's my turn
To decide
Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything
Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything
Let me hold your crown, babe
Oh oh
Ah
"Is that really how you feel?" James looked shocked. "That you're being forced into everything?"
"Isn't that how I got into this mess in the first place? I didn't choose to run into you guys. I didn't choose for you guys to become so involved in my life. I didn't choose to be Kendall's cousin. I didn't choose to like Logan only to end up having my heart broken. I didn't choose to move in with you guys. I didn't choose to sign that contract that's making Gustavo ruin my life. I didn't choose to do this song battle. I didn't choose to start falling for you while I still like Logan." Katrina suddenly stopped as her eyes went wide with shock, realizing what she just told him.
James seemed smug, "So, you're falling for me?"
"That didn't come out right."
"Oh, I think it came out perfectly."
"Just pick your song."
"Well, I actually have the perfect song to dedicate to you." He pressed a button on the laptop to play his song, Mr. Right by A Rocket to the Moon.
My girlfriend's got a boyfriend, funny
He doesn't make a dime all day
And all her girlfriends' boyfriends make money
What more can I say
It's true
He never made it through a day of school
The only thing he studied was you
He knows your body better than you do
Maybe I'm your Mr. Right
Baby, maybe I'm the one you like
Maybe I'm a shot in the dark
And you're the morning light
Whoa
Maybe this is sad but true
Baby, maybe you've got nothing to lose
You could be the best of me
When I'm the worst for you
My girlfriend's got a boyfriend, running
To catch the bus to meet
To meet up with the boyfriend's girlfriend who's stunning
She's such a sight to see
It's true
The moment he laid eyes on you he knew
The only wish he wanted came true
He knows he's lucky that he met someone like you
Maybe I'm your Mr. Right
Baby, maybe I'm the one you like
Maybe I'm a shot in the dark
And you're the morning light
Whoa
Maybe this is sad but true
Baby, maybe you've got nothing to lose
You could be the best of me
When I'm the worst for you
You can always change your mind
And you, can't change mine
No you can't change mine
Maybe I'm your Mr. Right
Baby, maybe I'm the one you like
Maybe I'm a shot in the dark
And you're the morning light
Whoa
Maybe this is sad but true
Baby, maybe you've got nothing to lose
You could be the best of me
When I'm the worst for you
I'm the worst for you
"What do you think about that?" James asked. Katrina didn't answer. She just stared at him with a weird look on her face. James thought she didn't understand the message, so he explained, "I know that we're not boyfriend/girlfriend, but it seemed like a perfect song other than that. I know that I'm a player and stuff, but I'd be willing to change. You're really the best for me even though I'm probably the worst choice for you. Especially compared to Logan. Although, he's not doing a good job either since he's chasing both you and Camille." Katrina still wasn't speaking. "It's your turn to pick a song you know."
Suddenly, Katrina stepped forward, grabbed the back of James's head and pulled him down so his lips could meet hers. It took him a second to realize what Katrina had just done and by that time, she pulled away.
"So, when's our date?" Katrina spoke up first. This time, James couldn't answer. He seemed too shocked by the kiss. "And just so you know, I could have answered back with a song, I've got plenty, but I thought I'd give us a shot."
"I thought you always won?" James replied.
"I think it's time that I learn how to lose. Now, can we get out of here?"
"Sure," James put his arm around Katrina, pulling her closer to him. Instead of going along with it though, she pushed away from him.
"I'm not getting into a relationship with you until you prove that you can be faithful."
"Got it." James went over and knocked on the door to the practice room. Freight Train showed up on the other side and unlocked it for them before he left. James turned back to Katrina. "I think we should get back home so you can study."
"Probably a good idea." The two left Rocque Records, heading back to the Palm Woods.
On Friday, Katrina was in her last class of the day, dance. She couldn't actually do her final exam of dancing so her teacher had asked her to stay behind after all the other students had done their dance. She watched as her classmates filed out of the room. They gave her smiles of pity and she knew right away that she wasn't going to miss that school.
Katrina went up to her teacher, "So, what did you want to see me about?"
"Well," her teacher began, "Obviously, I can't fail you for having an injury, however, because you haven't been able to dance, that's what your grade is right now."
"But I've been to every class."
"You have to participate to get most of your grade, Katrina. Don't worry though. I've got a make-up exam and extra credit option for you to get your A."
"Oh thank you."
"It's a three page paper, due to me by email by tonight at midnight or you fail."
"But-"
"The paper will be on dance and how it's affected the lives of people today. Good luck." That said, the teacher left Katrina alone in the room.
"Aw crap," Katrina mumbled as she left the room. She stopped by her locker, grabbing what little she had in there out of it and left the building to find Mrs. Knight waiting for her outside. Katrina took one last look at her now old school before she got in the passenger seat of Mrs. Knight's rental van.
"Thanks for picking me up, Mrs. Knight," Katrina told her aunt.
"It's no problem," Mrs. Knight replied, "And I thought I told you to call me Aunt Jenn?"
"Right, sorry Aunt Jenn. It's a weird transition."
"So how was your last day?"
"Terrible, but I'm done and I'm sure that I passed my classes, except now I have to write a paper for my dance class cause I couldn't take my exam."
"Ah, I'm sure you'll do fine."
A silence began as Katrina started thinking about what she was going to do for her essay, but then she thought of something, "I never got to ask you. How did you find out about what happened with my mom?"
"The same way as the rest of America," Mrs. Knight answered. "Through the news. I remember that day; I was making breakfast for Kendall and Katie when I heard about it. I had the kitchen TV on and it came up. I stopped what I was doing and just watched it. I didn't even realize when Kendall had come in the room. He took one look at the TV and said, 'What celebrity died this time?' I didn't have the heart to tell him the truth. That it wasn't just a celebrity. After they left for school, that's when I broke down. Katrina, you were lucky enough to spend those years with your family. Kendall and Katie will never be able to meet them."
"I never thought about it like that."
"I'm sure they've got questions about what their uncle, aunt and cousins were like. Give them an opportunity to ask." Katrina nodded as they pulled into the Palm Woods. They got out of the van and headed into the Palm Woods.
Katrina noticed the girls were all huddled into a group. Before Katrina could even think of a way to get around them, they spotted her and waved her over.
"I'll see you later, Aunt Jenn," Katrina told Mrs. Knight before joining the group of girls. "So, what's going on?"
"The boys convinced Miss Collins to let us have a dance!" Camille exclaimed. "Now, we're just waiting for the guys to ask us!"
"Oh, that sounds like it'll be perfect for that advice video blog," Katrina noted. "Stephanie-"
"Way ahead of you," Stephanie told her, "The video cameras are already up around here."
"Where?" Katrina, Camille and Jo began looking around for the cameras, finding nothing.
"Oh, I've found a great place for them, don't worry," Stephanie assured them, "Those boys will never suspect them."
"Look, there they are," Camille pointed behind Katrina. She turned around and saw the guys discussing something.
Suddenly, they started heading toward the girls.
"Oh, here comes Kendall," Jo pointed out. "I think he's going to ask me to the dance." The girls watched the guys expectantly as they stopped walking.
"Jo, hey, I need to ask you something," Kendall started. Jo put a smile on her face as though she knew what he was going to ask. "Could you go to the convenience store and get them to donate some snackage for the dance?" Katrina, Camille and Stephanie looked on in confusion.
"Oh," Jo responded, looking confused too, "Sure, Kendall." She looked over at her three girl friends who gave her encouraging smiles. "Is that the only thing you wanted to ask me?"
Kendall got a look of realization, "Oh, no, um. Could you get some sodies too?"
The girls stared at Kendall in disbelief as Jo answered, "Sure." She seemed upset as she got up out of her chair and left for the convenience store. Katrina shook her head at her cousin's ignorance.
"Now, we need a dance location," James reminded them. The four boys left the girls to go find their location.
"Stephanie," Katrina mentioned as soon as the guys were out of earshot. "You're using that right?"
"Oh yeah," Stephanie nodded. "Boys are so stupid."
"Yep," Katrina and Camille responded.
"Now, I've got to go," Katrina added.
"Why?" Camille asked. "It's not like you've got homework or something."
"Actually, I do," Katrina told her. "My dance teacher's way of getting back at me for not being able to dance." Stephanie and Camille winced. "Yeah, I know. I've got to get started on it if I'm going to have this done one-handed by midnight. I'll see you two later." Katrina left for the elevators to head up to the apartment.
Katrina was typing as fast as she could on the laptop with one hand when she got a text. She sighed as she put the laptop to the side to check her phone, expecting it to be James asking her to the dance. To her surprise, it was Kendall.
She read the text out loud, "'Hey Katrina. The only way that Gustavo will let us have the dance at his studio is if we sing on stage tonight and if you sing after us. Please say yes! Our other choice is in LA's murder district!'"
Katrina rolled her eyes before she typed out, "Sure, I'll sing." She put her phone back on the coffee table and went back to typing her essay out one-handed. Not much was done before Katie and Mrs. Knight came in the room.
"How's your essay going?" Mrs. Knight asked her niece as she went into the kitchen to start making lunch.
"Not good," Katrina answered. "I keep getting writer's block."
"I'm sure you'll be fine," Mrs. Knight assured her. "Did you want something for lunch?"
"Um, a sandwich would be nice. Thanks, Aunt Jenn."
"No problem, Katie wants the same thing."
Mrs. Knight started making the sandwiches while Katie turned to Katrina, "So, who are you going to the dance with?"
"No one's asked me," Katrina responded, "I don't even think I'll be able to dance even if I do get asked. My ankle is still healing."
"You could still dance to slow songs," Katie told her, "That doesn't require too much moving."
Katrina shrugged, "I guess." Then, she changed the topic, "So, your pranks on the guys really remind me of the ones that Vergil used to do on me and Evan."
"Really?" Katie looked excited. "It must run in the family or something. What were some of his pranks?"
"If I tell you, will you promise to never use them on me?"
"Of course! You can help me if you want to."
"Nah, I don't think so. One that really annoyed Evan was the night before a big soccer game. Vergil set Evan's alarm clock and phone to go off every ten minutes, starting at one in the morning." Katrina and Katie both laughed at that. "Evan had to sit out for most of the game cause he was falling asleep on the field."
"What are some other ones?" Katie asked as Mrs. Knight placed a sandwich in front of Katie. She then walked over to give Katrina one too. Mrs. Knight had a smile on her face from hearing the stories.
Katrina got really into the memories as she put the laptop to the side so she could tell Katie more pranks, "There was one where Vergil put something slimy in my purse." Katrina shivered. "I still don't know what that was. Anyways, one day, Vergil was the only one that had to get up early, so he decided to go around to all of our rooms and scream in our ears while we were sleeping. Another one on Evan was when Vergil got Evan's deodorant, scooped out a bit and replaced it with cream cheese. Evan smelled horrible that day! I remember one time I turned on my blow-dryer only to get hit by a burst of white! Turned out that Vergil had put baby powder in there. My hair was ruined."
"That's a good one for James," Katie pointed out.
"Oh, I know." Katrina took a bite of her sandwich right as Kendall walked into the apartment.
"Mom!" Kendall called out, walking over to his mom. "We're having a school dance tonight. Could you please be a chaperone?"
"Sure," Mrs. Knight replied. "Sounds like fun." She picked up some plates.
"Maybe you should bring a date," Katie suggested. At this, Mrs. Knight dropped the plates in shock. Kendall, Katrina and Katie watched with interest.
Mrs. Knight started to laugh, "That's funny. Me bring a date to the dance." Kendall and Katie looked at each other. "That is funny, right? No, chaperone. Just chaperoning is good." That said, Mrs. Knight left the room.
"Hey Katie," Kendall began, "When is the last time Mom had a date?"
"Legend says," Katie replied, "When I was three."
"Really?" Katrina showed up beside them, "It's been that long?"
"We need to get her a date," Kendall decided. He started heading for the door with Katie following him. When he realized that Katrina wasn't moving, he turned to her, "Katrina, you coming?"
"Um, uh," Katrina looked back at the laptop where her essay was still on the screen, the essay that didn't even have a page completed yet. "I want to, but I shouldn't. I've got an essay to get done before midnight."
"That's plenty of time," Kendall assured her. "Come on! She's your aunt! Don't you want to help her?"
Katrina stared at the laptop for a second before she turned to her cousins, "Let's go." The three of them left the apartment.
(A/N): I think here is a good place to stop for now. So, a lot happened here. Logan made his choice, but will he regret it later? Jamina kissed! That's not good for Katrina's conflicting emotions. Katrina has to write an essay on dance. Will she get it done in time? And will someone ask her to the dance even though she's technically not a student at the Palm Woods? How will that advice blog turn out after they video tape the failed attempts of the guys asking the girls? Also, Mrs. Knight thinks that it would be best if Katrina spent some time with her cousins. What possible stories could she tell them about her family? You'll just have to wait and find out. Until then, review and happy reading!