Chapter 2
It's a new day. Alyson goes to the kitchen and finds her sister making breakfast.
Aj: Good morning. (making omelettes)
Aly: Aj you didn't need to do all this. (taking a seat at dining table)
Aj: Are you kidding? I want to. Besides we haven't had a real breakfast together in a long time.
Aly: Thanks. And thank you for staying the night.
Aj hands her a plate.
Aj: Your welcome. Now eat up we have a big day today.
Aly: I don't remember us scheduling a recording session today..? (setting the plate down in front of her and taking a sip of orange juice)
Aj: Oh we don't. But I thought we could go shopping. Little sister bonding. (Aj sits down next to her with her own plate of food)
Alyson smiles at her sister with the idea. They both enjoy their breakfast together.
*****NY*****
Ricky going into his favorite coffee shop in all of New York. Stella's cafe.
Ricky: Hey Stella! (addresses the owner, an Italian women in her mid 40s . )
Stella: Hey Raviv, the usual?
Ricky: Yes please. (he walks over to his normal table, next to the window and in clear view of the whole restaurant)
Stella goes over to him, pours a cup of coffee. Ricky pulls out a copy of today's newspaper from his back pocket. Immediately going into the entertainment section, looking for reviews of his show from the night prior.
Stella: So how was the show last night?
Ricky: I don't know we'll see. (referring to the article)
Stella: I don't understand whats the point into reading those reviews. Shouldn't knowing and believing in yourself, that your talented be enough. You don't need some snobby peoples input. As long as you know you were amazing.
Ricky: Yeah but I'm trying to please these people. I'm an actor. If I don't please them, I'm not pleasing myself. Its my job as an entertainer.
Stella: Hmm, ok. I just don't wanna see you get crushed if one ends up being bad.
Ricky gives her his famous smirk. He admires how she always treats him like a son.
Stella: I'll go grab you your waffles dear.
Stella goes back to the kitchen. Ricky sips on his coffee while reading the article.
'Another outstanding performance from Raviv Ullman'
'Cant wait to see another'
'Great show, good actors. Raviv Ullman done it again'
Not taking his eyes off his paper, Samantha walks in and move towards his table.
Samantha: Good things I hope? (standing over him)
Ricky: Something like that. (suddenly folds his paper, and takes another sip of his coffee)
Ricky: You ordering?
Samantha: No I actually came by to see you. (she takes a seat.)
She pauses..and Ricky just sits there staring at her.
Samantha: We're okay right? I mean last night. I didn't mess things up, did I?
Ricky: No you didn't mess things up. (Ricky a little surprise she even asked)
Samantha: I just figured when I woke up this morning and you went there. I just...I dont know. I thought you were mad at me.
Ricky: Why would I be mad at you? Sam I told you, we're fine. Things just got a little crazy, thats all. (takes another sip) Besides I have this thing where I don't really like waking up with someone. Really I didn't mean to just leave you there. Its not you its me.
Samantha: Oh well heard that one like a bunch of times.
(Ricky chuckles)
Ricky: That was a dumb line for me to say, but I'm serious. Usually I have the girl leave in the middle of the night... but I dont know. Didn't wanna wake you.
Samantha: Thanks...I think? Haha. I guess I should be feeling kinda special then. (both smile at each other)I just.. I don't wanna pressure you and have you thinking, you know.. I want something out of you.
Ricky: Well thanks. But don't worry, no pressure. We're just friends. You know like you said.
Samantha: Good. ( smiling at him)
Samantha: So..wanna hang out again? (leans forward and grabs both of his hands on top of the table)
Ricky: Don't you get tired of me? (smiling at the gesture)
Samantha: Eh..I just think your too cute. What can I say I'm attracted to you. Well you have my number. Call me anytime. And like I said, no strings... Easy. Bye sweetie.
Samantha leans in and kisses him on the cheek. Gets up and leaves the shop. Ricky just sitting there picks up his paper and continues to read. Stella walks over with Ricky's favorite chocolate chip waffles.
Stella: Here you go. (placing the plate in front of Ricky. He stares straight at the food with a huge smile on his face, like a little boy who just got a birthday present.)
Stella: And can I just say, Samantha..really?
Ricky: Don't worry we're just friends. (picking up his fork)
Stella not believing any word he says.
Stella: I'm pretty sure theres more to the story, but your not gonna tell me.
Ricky: Tell you what we were co stars on a play. We had an attraction, its over. That's it.
Stella: Another costar? I see why you call it work. (she sits next to him, he gives her a blank stare.)
Ricky: That's not funny. (giving her a serious face even though Stella still giggling at the comment)
Stella: Ricky when are you gonna settle down. Find a girl who you actually like, makes you happy. Someone who makes you stay, and not just leaves once the shows over?
Ricky leans back on his chair, crosses his arms.
Ricky: Anndddd here we go...
Stella: Look hun I remember the first time you've walked into this cafe. You we're upset over a break up, Rachel? That was 3 years ago. Now its one week Samantha, next week Jenny, Then couple weeks later its back to Samantha. Its like I don't know, you turn to Samantha when theres no one there.
Ricky: That's not true. Samantha's been there for me ever since we met on my first casting auditions for Broadway.
Stella: So why don't you just make it official with Samantha? (still determined to make a point)
pause..
Ricky stares at his lap then back to her.
Ricky: I like her...but I dont know. Somethings just missing. Its like...I can be with her, feel content..but I won't be happy.
Stella: Is it cause she's not Rachel?
Ricky: Oh no. Rachel is long gone and over. I dont know, for some reason its hard to find that spark. Samantha shes the closes thing. She makes me feel ok. And safe with myself. But I don't know...*sigh* ..Besides I'm still young, there's nothing wrong with playing the field and dating.
Stella: Well I hope you find whatever your looking for. I just care about you like a son. And I want you to be happy.
Ricky: Yeah I know.. (smiling to her)
Stella: Well I gotta get back to work. Eat your breakfast. Dont look into those articles to much. They can be very harsh sometimes.
Ricky: I'll be okay, I can take it. And thanks. (He starts to eat his waffles as hes reading the paper once again, Stella walks away)
Taking another sip of his coffee he begins to turn the page, just scanning through seeing anything else good. Then suddenly he freezes as he sees a headline...'Aly and AJ the big return!'.
He's shocked. Trying to remember the last time him and Alyson even spoken. Its been years. Although its been a long time, he can never forget that name. Like seeing a ghost from his past, he reads on and find out about her and her sister recording again. Still surprised, he's happy that shes still doing music.
He rips out and folds up that particular page, puts it in his pocket. Leaves the bill and a tip, then heads off.
Ricky: See ya Stel (he says quickly waving goodbye to her)
Stella: Alright Rav have a good one.
He leaves the cafe.
***Back in LA***
Scene: Downtown LA, the girls have been shopping for at least two hours now. Walking on the sidewalk along small clothing stores. They decide to make one stop at a very pleasing shoe store.
Aly: Oh my gosh Aj look at these! (shows her sister a pair blue and gold heels, with a vintage taste)
Aj: OMG!
Aly: You like?
Aj: I love! Get them.
Aly smiles, feeling like its her lucky day.
Aly: This was a great idea Aj. (both smiling at each other, Alyson walks over to the cashier)
Amanda phone suddenly rings..
Aj: Hello?
James: Oh good you picked up. Listen I have news for you guys.
Aj: I'm listening..
James: You and Aly will be doing a radio interview at New York, then a small performance in 'Area'.
Aj: Area? Really! (Aj says excited about the news...then remembers..)
Aj: But..Aly..
James: What is she sick?
Aj: No. ugh, I mean Aly..shes...I don't think right now is a good time to go anywhere or do any interviews. She needs to stay home, have some time. James, shes...shes still really upset over Matt.
(Aj turns and looks at her sister. Aly paying for her new shoes with a big smile. One thats rare to find now these days)
James: Aj I know its been tough on her. But she needs to pick herself up someday and get back to her life. The buzz about you two coming back into the music business is big. The Times is already writing about it. Have you seen todays paper?
Aj: No..*sigh* ok but what about the album? We can't afford to miss anymore recording sessions, we're already too far behind.
James: I know, that's why I already arranged for you guys to do some recording while your there as well.
Aj: Well it looks like 'someone' thought this out.
James: Haha you know me..So...? (still pushing the idea)
Aj: Okay fine. When do we leave?
James: Tomorrow morning. I'll have someone to pick you guys up 10am sharp. You'll be in New York for 4 weeks.
Aj: 4 weeks?! I thought we're just doing a show and an interview?
James: Yeah but I thought I would give you guys sometime to work with top producers, promote, and enjoy the city.
Aj: James, your the best! (she says excited)
James: Yeah I know. haha. Talk to you later.
Aj: Kay, bye. (she hangs up, Alyson walks up behind her.)
Aly: Who was that? (she says curiously)
****New York****
Scene: Zack's Underground, a small local music shop owned by Zack. One of Ricky's good friends. Zack (cali born, with a deep surfer accent) knowing about everything there is to know on whats going on in the music industry. What's hot, who's not, even new music artist.
Ricky walks in and goes straight to Zack.
Zack: Dude whats up? (surprised to see one of his best friends)
Ricky: Hey do you know anything about this? (Ricky pulls out the folded article about Aly and Aj's return)
Zack reaches and grabs the newspaper cut out. Mouth all open, confused look, reading the headline.
Zack: Oh yeah. These are those chicks. Both actors, they had an album awhile back ago. Then hasn't done anything music-like since. Their come back suppose to be big. Why you asking anyway? I doubt you'd be into their kind of sound.
Ricky: No..its not that. I know them. I co-stared with her on a tv show. (pointing at Aly)
Zack: Nice, had a little off screen romance, huh? (teasing him)
Ricky: What? No. (Grabbing the paper back and putting it into his pocket)
Zack: Oh come on, I'm your home boy. You can tell me.
Ricky: There's really nothing to tell. Really?
Zack: So again...why you so interested then? (still questioning the whole situation)
Ricky: I just...I haven't really kept up with my old LA friends since I left. Especially her. I just..I dont know..wanna know how shes doing. Never really understood why her and her sister stopped music. But then again, I did leave without saying goodbye, its not like I have a right to know.
(Its true. They were close friends while Phil of the Future was happening, then the show ended. Both tried to kept in touch but with busy schedules. It was close to impossible. Then when he finally made the choice to move into the city, he just left. Packed up his things and left without saying a word to her. Ricky was in a bad place back then. After his break up with Rachel he felt like he couldn't talk to anyone. The break up was the thing that sealed the deal towards the idea of moving. He knows deep down he hurt a lot of people, including Aly. Not saying goodbye nor barely a hello once in a while.)
Both Zack and Ricky quiet, having a blank stare.
Ricky: Well thanks man. Hey once their cd comes out, save me a copy yeah?
Zack: You gottcha.
They give a hand shake and Ricky leaves the shop.
***LA****
Scene: Alyson's apartment.
Aly: We're going to New York!?
Aj: Yes for the trillionth time (she says roaming around the apartment trying to get Aly's things together)
Aly: Could of at least gave us a weeks notice, thanks James.
Aj: Aly hes just doing his job and a great job if I must say. I mean he booked us a radio interview, small teaser concert, and even studio time at 'Little Red Door'. With producers like Haley White, and Rachel Smith.
Aly: I know..I just.. (she pauses)
Aj walks to her sister.
Aj: Aly I know its tough on you everyday. But trust me, everythings gonna be fine. I'll be with you, so is Brad, Steve, David, Pete, all our boys. And we're gonna be doing what we love. What made us, us. Also giving something to the fans, they've waited long enough.
Aly: I know. Yeah, your right. So..I guess I needa pack.
Aj: Well I already grabbed and layed out some outfits for you which I think will be appropriate for the trip. And I'm gonna go pack up my stuff. Do you need anything?
Aly: No. This is great. Thank you. (both smile and hug.)
Aj: I'll see you tomorrow morning. (she grabs her purse, throws on her sunglasses and heads out)
Aly begins to pack.
Looking over some clothes Aj left for her to choose, her mind begins to distance herself from reality. Then suddenly her eyes catches a picture on top of her dresser. A picture of her and Matt. She walks over and takes a good look at it. Seeing the person she was and how happy she use to be. How happy she use to be with him. She loved him. She thought he was the one. Apparently she was wrong.
Her heart begins to ache all over again. Tears start to fall. Then wiping them away she picks up the framed picture she throws it in a small office size garbage container. After realizing what she did she begins to find a sudden urge to take the first actual step into something she knew she had to do some day.
Letting go..