Glamorous Chapter 12: Times's Running Out, an alvin and the chipmunks fanfic

~*Author's Notes !*~

I'll save all my excuses for my novel. Because that's how long it'll take me to explain.

Aiya! I am so sorry, I feel humiliated. I have let you all down, I hope you can forgive me. Since July 2016, to say things have gone downhill would be a strong understatement.

To the Squad:

PippELulu - I don't want it to be depressing for youhh, Waifuu! Hopefully I'll bring the happy! Lots of drama, but that's the way I like it. x) Forgive meh for tha wait ...you had a birthday and evrything gosh xD Alvin is a bad boy...and I've been with one of those before...They uhh..well...do bad things….and girls ignore it...Why? I don't know. People are petty. They want you to never be more successful than them. J and E felt like they had a shot, and it was all taken from them. Then when they tried to get ahead, life kept knocking them down. In return, they've become jealous, bitter, hurt...etc. I don't like it either. I like the way u think waifu as always x))

MissSteph22- I appreciate your concern with me, hopefully I'll be fine x) Dontcha just love sisterly moments? Me and my sister don't have any. Its weird. Theo is suspect. She's been acting funny...And don't you just love father/son arguments? And Alvittany? Everything in Hollywood comes with a price. In one sense you can have it all? But for how long? When can you get it? Is it even fulflling? What's missing? What will it cost?...y'know?

LoveCaptainSwanChipmunks- OHMYGAWSH I MISS YOUR STORY UGHH. But interests change..I've even dived into other fanfics. And interests. B is a very selfish lady. I thought you kneeeww! I hope I make you happy each chapter, I'm glad you like it. But don't feel obligated to read it if you're over it or anything :P

Kimberly- IM SO SORRY IM LATE, IM GLAD YOU LOVE IT, I READY ALL YOUR REVIEWS , HERE IT IS DEARIE

Guest- SO SORRY I TOOK SO LONG ! :,(

Madelyn- IM SORRY I MADE YOU WAIT WAHHHH :,(

B-Dog- AIYA... PLEASE DONT BE MAD AT MEEEE :,(

Aerial Myth- I like forreal miss you and your sisters like omg. SO much. You don't need to give me a super long review! I'm fine! I just glad you loved it!

MistyZshi- Thank youuuuu! Lo sientoooo!

PrincessofOneshots- There's a Brittany in us all girl. Trust.

EdenBlessing- Day one is the most important day! But I guess you're right. Like WOWOWOW. It really is chapter 12 and guess what...still day one. HA.

xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Please continue…I hope you like it :) Really

~* Glamorous *~

Chapter 12

Time's Running Out

~*^,^*~

Moments passed.

The clocked ticked.

So many questions and not enough answers. I really didn't know what to say.

I took a deep breath and tried to collect my thoughts. What was I going to do? Was I really going to end up going back with Alvin tonight? But...what was really starting to scare me was that instead of thinking "Should I go, just this one time?", my thoughts were beginning to lean over and instead ask " How was I going to go?"

And that was the scary part.

I couldn't be seen with him! Not like this!

I tried to rationalize all the reasons that I shouldn't go, but I was starting to feel guilty all over again. Alvin was my best friend after all. And I sorta feel like I've been neglecting him lately. Because if I want him anywhere with me, there's little to no fuss. One call and he's on his way. I was the one always giving excuses.

No wait, that's not right, Brittany. You really are busy! Just look at how the day is going! Events can pop up in a split second and your image will dry up if you don't attend!

Yeah...that's right too. Or it can be damaged if reporters are there and decide to take something out of context or start asking the wrong questions.

"But, what about Eleanor?", he pressed on urgently still not hiding his smile and pressing the microphone even more closer to our faces, "We've heard from an inside source that you and her don't exactly talk that much anymore. What do you have to say to that?!" I caught my breath in my throat and my eyes nearly popped out of my soul.

I shut my eyes and tried hard not to remember the events from earlier, but it was no use.

Flash! Flash!

"Wh-what are you talking abou-

Flash!

The cameras. The reporters. How fast everything was going. There was so much I wanted to do...like just leave right now and hide away from the world for a little bit...but...its just so…so...

"Brittany."

I snapped my head up and my eyes began to refocus and adjust. A hazed, red figure soon appeared in front of me and I realized my hands were still wrapped around his shoulders in desperation. I didn't want to move, I had already been out of my comfort zone too many times to count today.

I sighed sharply with the bent up frustration I was feeling and inhaled the aroma of my perfume and his cologne mixed together and my features and posture softened at how well the aromas went so well together. We were a match made in the spotlight. But even then, perhaps me going back to the house with Jeanette would be better, I could always go see Alvin another time but-

"Brittany."

The luminous glow of the hallways began to relax into a faded pinkish gold and the shiny floors glistened to reflect the hue around the halls. It was a new vibe, I needed it. It was more soothing unlike the dark atmosphere from earlier.

"H-huh?", I stammered and cursed inwardly at my overactive imagination. I yawned deeply and brought my face up to him and watched him with sorrowful, weary eyes, " Yeah, Alvin?", I stated softly. A soft blush tinted my cheeks realizing he was still standing in front of me.

Alvin gazed at me with concern and took his hand off my waist and stroked the side of my face, " You ready to go back to the table?", he looked at me carefully inspecting to see if I would make a wrong move. A blush highlighted my cheeks while my spirit sank into me and even the thought of walking in front of all those people and back to the table sounded exhausting.

I sighed loudly and dramatically, "Aughh no! I don't want to.", I complained and let myself fall deeply into him burying my face into his chest welcoming his masculine scent and hugging him close to me. "I'm tired and I want to go home."

My body froze when I heard him chuckle, " And miss out on all the food that's probably out there?", Alvin laughed lightly and squeezed me back, " Come on Britt, its almost over, just a little bit longer okay?" I felt his face near mine and cursed myself for wanting to lean in again. Fighting him off right now was even harder than going back in there.

"Okay umm, you're not exactly the one who has had the longest day of her life and is feeling like passing out on the floor and hightailing it out of here!", I smart-mouthed him. Though I was slightly muffled with my face still on his chest. I waited for him to respond as I watched the golden lights glimmer across and down the hall where I could hear the roar of the audien-I mean people in the restaurant.

...What the hell is wrong with me?

Well, they sure did sound like my audience. Everyone who's anybody is a fan of mine. I know this isn't my restaurant, but nobody in their right mind would say they weren't star-struck and excited to see me here tonight. I took a breather and instantly felt at home, I shouldn't be afraid of walking back and seeing those people.

When I walk into a room I wonder if I like them, not if they like me, hello duh.

Confidence filled my body and my voice returned to me instantly, "I don't hear you saying anything, Alvin. The fact that I got sick and I'm still attempting to stay here says a lot don't you think?!", I smirked against him closing my eyes smiling and hugging him tighter.

Alvin leaned in closer to me and I could feel his hot breath near my ear, " I said if you're so confident about leaving, toots, then why haven't you done it yet? " I could hear the smile in his voice and and felt my heart explode into fireworks as I began to giggle, "And while we're at it, you and I both know you cannot pass out and 'hightail' it out of here at the same time. You need to pick one and stick with it. Savvy?" I felt warm and excited and started letting out little laughs of air snickering against him.

He had a point though.

"Cause' I don't feel like it.", I said simply with a smile on my face turning to peek at him, a blush tinted my cheeks when I saw the stupid look Alvin gave me. I burst out laughing and pushed my auburn curls back from my face and then sighed feeling them rest across my back.

Bringing my arms back up, I locked them around his neck and laid my head on his chest turning from him folding my lips together trying unsuccessfully to not let out more giggles.

I was really happy at how comfortable I was able to be with him right now. Not at all like how I was at the table. I acted like I was some ex girlfriend that wanted him back.

Alvin scoffed and shook his head at me amused, "Idiot." My mouth dropped in shock and I gave a small laugh of disbelief, "Look boy, I don't-..."

"Come on, everyone's out there already, it's time to go and be social. You know you looove being social and being the center of attention", Alvin smirked taking a step away with one still on my waist grabbing me to come with him. I pouted and heard the people around the corner of the brightly lit hallway towards the giant ballroom grow louder and more laughter and chatter filled the room.

"No!", I growled and stomped a tall stiletto heel on the ground like a little kid. Alvin turned towards me with his brow cocked up, "Forreal?"

I giggled and smiled slyly and reached out slowly on instinct and gently cupped the side of his face and brought him towards me gradually and leaned into him. I felt Alvin relax into me as my lips got closer and brushed against his…

"Wait...what are you doing..?", he asked softly letting himself be pulled in to the beat of my heart.

I got him...

Closer...and closer...until...

"I don't think sooo", I sang as I pushed away from him and walked away laughing out loud at the stunned reaction on his face. "What?!", Alvin exclaimed his eyebrows raised entirely with his arms out and I turned around cupping one hand over my mouth and the other on my thigh letting out a bunch of hysterical giggles.

Rejection had hit him like a ton of bricks and I couldn't hold it anymore.

"Y-you you should have seen your faaace!", I burst out into more fits of laughter pointing at him. I was cracking up, my stomach felt like it was about to explode and my eyes begin to water while Alvin smirked at me nodding, " Okay Barbie. Okay. If that's how you wanna play.", he was starting to make his way towards me slowly with an evil smile, I was backing up still clutching my stomach laughing like my life depended on it.

"N-no Alvin s-stop please..", I started cracking up again and my eyes were staring to become even more watery. I held a hand out in front of him beckoning him to stop. I didn't want to wipe them and mess up my mascara so I knew that I was just gonna have to suffer.

Selfish, I know.

Without warning and before I could do anything, Alvin was already standing over me and my laughs were now turning into small breaths with small giggles coming out occasionally. I looked him up and down scanning his sculpted features taking steady breaths as he watched me like a predator watched its prey.

I took a shaky breath in and tried to remember how to breathe despite the hint of a smile on my face knowing that this was gonna cost me.

For my innocent crime, Alvin eyed me intently smirking slyly and took the my mouth firmly and roughly in his hand outlining my jaw jerking me forward. I locked with him eye to eye frozen, not moving a muscle holding in my breath. I was trying to read his emotions, but so far...failing.

Our lips didn't meet each other at first-not yet. Both of us locked eyes letting the other know that we were okay with this , that we were okay with all of this...more than okay.

My face was turned upwards to meet him preparing me for my punishment and my heart was pounding rapidly outside of my chest heavy with adrenalin bursting as Alvin leaned in pushing his tongue forward and closing his mouth around mines and a pink blush tinted my cheeks.

My icy blue eyes fluttered lightly slightly open in a daze and relaxed as his demanding tongue traced its way inside and around on instinct I moaned lovingly. I locked my arms around Alvin's neck feeling him chuckle and smile within the kiss taking his lips off with a smacking sound before continuing where he left off. Alvin pulled me into him tightly and abruptly leaving no space in between us letting out a low groan. He knew he got what he wanted.

Even as he was kissing me, I felt my mind begin to wonder. I don't even think he knows the effect that he has on me, and I wonder if I cause him to feel the same way… I hope I do…It's crazy that I was getting so startled about someone walking in on us here in this open hallway, but now all of my cares seem to have vanished, and my morals along with it.

I was torn between two different worlds. One where I'm on top of the world. With confidence as tall as a skyscraper, knowing I could have any guy I wanted, knowing that I had even the closest females to me wishing they could have a piece of this life...then there was another world….another where I wanted to escape reality with Alvin and runaway to the edge of the Earth, just me and him forgetting reality.

When I'm with Alvin, I feel like I'm the finest, I feel like I'm the brightest, like brand new. Like I'm walking on the red carpet all over again.

Walking on the red carpet…

Even on the ugliest days, there's glamour and grace...

I felt him sigh and relax pulling me into another kiss then leaving a couple more on my cheeks and neck and I closed my eyes taking it all in. I breathed in and exhaled feeling a wave of euphoria wash over me. Taking my hand over the side of Alvin's face one more time, I slowly turned him away from my neck and towards me locking deeply into his indigo orbs as he watched me and waited.

Then, I placed my lips gently on his savoring this sweet moment not knowing when it might happen again.

And that's when he started to pull away, "No…", I muttered before grabbing his face planting a dozen more kisses on his lips. Alvin chuckled against me and gave me a few more before pulling away entirely, " You really know how to make me feel like a man, Britt.", he said with a few chuckles grabbing onto my waist.

I awoke from my cloudy gaze with a heat passing through my mind trying to wake me up, " H-huh?", I stammered still lost in pubescent bliss focusing on his lips. Well, so much for playing hard to get.

I was interrupted by being squished and pressed back into him in a breathtaking hug. Breathtaking in its entire and full context because words failed me. Needless to say, my arms draped back around him on instinct and my world became hazy and pink, my eyes fluttering at the warmth.

I'm glad that personal looks and hygiene was something that Alvin took great pleasure in. I was very grateful. The cologne was definitely doing its job to the fullest.

Some guys I meet that want to be around me if they don't meet my standards, they are escorted away immediately. No hugs.

I took a deep breath and replied simply, " A queen is just doing her job."

I giggled because I heard the smile in his voice, " Well, Your Highness...", Alvin rubbed my back slowly before pressing me tightly against him, "...maybe you can consider doing it more often.", he finished and pulled away maintaining eye contact with me with his hands still wrapped around me.

What I wanted to tell him was that I really wanted to...I really did wish we didn't have to do these certain things in private, so he wouldn't have to be my little secret anymore. But, in all honestly, I don't like the idea of belonging to someone, or the idea of being someone's girl.

I don't like the fact that he flirts with other girls too like how he did at the table. Kissing him makes me feel like I'm just another TRL groupie.

" Whatever.", I felt the words drip off my lips like honey as I pronounced every syllable praying it did some damage with a smirk on my face, Alvin raised both his eyebrows, " 'Whatever' ?!", the hint of a grin inching across his face, " You got something else you wanna say, Barbie?"

"No-pe.", I inflicted the words off my lips the same as I just did with little effort still smirking. Really I was lying, there was a lot of stuff I wanted to know about Dave, Eleanor...I wonder if he remembered about his little invite earlier...

"Well I do.", Alvin lowered his voice smoothly and chills ran across my spine. Alvin leaned forward and I shut my eyes in anticipation shaking and stirring, the pool in my stomach twisting and turning. I could feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek and I stood frozen in time.

"You…", he whispered gently into my ear and my heart thumped loudly like a drum humming, each beat set off a set of fireworks and I couldn't see straight. I opened my mouth slightly as breaths left my mouth instead of words. I could practically feel my lips tingling with all the euphoria.

I closed my eyes in anticipation.

"...got company.", Alvin finished and leaned back at me. I blinked rapidly, my eyes shot open in shock. I was confused and skeptical. I didn't understand what he was talking about.

"W-wha-

Alvin nodded upward looking straight ahead and I whipped my head around fast to see two distinct shadows and some chatter sounding like they were ready to turn the corner. My face immediately turned red at the current position I was locked into. Alvin noticed it too, but remained completely calm as if it wasn't a big deal.

My arms fumbled and I looked and felt awkward not knowing what I should do. I knew who it was around that corner, but I didn't need for them to see me like...this. Alvin shook his head at me smirking like he was about to laugh. My pink face began to turn red and I felt hot.

I whispered to him frantically, " Why are you looking at me like that?!" Alvin didn't seem at all fazed, probably because he wasn't, but I didn't care!

" What the hell are you so afraid of?", he asked. I stopped and paused unable to register what he just said.

What was I so afraid of ?

He chuckled and started to pull away while backing up, " See you at the table, Britt.", his hands lingered on mine until he finally let go and turned on one heel and made his way around the brightly lit hallway that suddenly returned back to its original gold from it hazy pink hue from before.

Or did I imagine it all?...

His scent lingered for a while and the chill of the air combined with the stunned silence of my emotions and his departure created a mix of unwanted feelings inside me. A few seconds later I heard the room erupt into a loud roar from everyone inside the ballroom because a certain rockstar entered the room. Soon footsteps soon crept up towards me whereas my mind was elsewhere.

"Oh..hey, Brittany."

A soft majestic voice echoed behind me through the golden, lit up hallways. Though it sounded like more like it was asking a question. I squinted my eyes and clenched my knuckles tightly not wanting to know who it was, though I had a feeling I already knew who it was. Very shakily I turned my head around to see who the person was.

Jeanette and Eleanor both stood behind me, Jeanette with a look of concern and Eleanor with a face I couldn't read. Jeanette's loosely dark brown curls were falling and cascaded in front of her face . Her lips glistened in the light golden hue of the large concealed hallway we were in and she was in the middle of smoothing out her midnight blue satin dress.

"Y-yeah I'm fine I just was...", my throat was caught with something and I resisted the urge to swallow, " Umm..."

Eleanor looked straight at me and didn't mutter a word. My voice felt shaky and uneven like I couldn't get a word out. Eleanor's face was completely cleared from our fiasco earlier and topped with a new fresh coat of makeup. Autumn colored hues resonated with her already doll-like features, complimentary of Jeanette I bet, she also held a nude shade of lip gloss that complimented her rosy cheeks that seemed to be brought back to life.

She held her stare at me along with Jeanette like she wanted to say something, but didn't. I was already blown away by her features of what a little makeup could do to a person.

Especially after they just got done telling you about how dark these last 2 years have been for her. Chills dashed through my whole body remembering the nauseating feeling of the deep red gashes on her legs and thighs. I stared longingly at her light green glowing gown feeling like I was going to throw up again. She had those scars right in front of me and I was the only one who knew about it out of the hundreds of people that were here tonight.

And the millions of people in the world.

And it still made me wonder...out of all the people in the world ... why after these two years did she only tell me? The person she hasn't spoke to in 2 years...why me?

"What are you still doing out here?", Jeanette asked with genuine confusion, her violet eyes scanned me for any answer. She had her eyebrow raised up in a half-hearted gesture.

I cleared my throat and coughed lightly. My cheeks flushed with a bright pink and I bit my lip. Crap! Did they see Alvin walk away, did they see...us?

"Ah I was just...um...Dave!..", I snapped my fingers quickly and came up with an escape route. Both Jean and Eleanor raised their eyebrows at me clearly confused. "Dave was here and we were talking and I was about to go back to see about you guys and well..here you are!" , I finished with a fake smile praying they'd buy it.

Jeanette cleared her voice and began to speak up, " O-oh...well…-

"Come on, Brittany."

That voice came from Eleanor. I fixed my gaze from her dress to her face not knowing what to say. Eleanor looked much better for one. The color returned to her face and she didn't look as tired and panicky as before. I even saw the hint of a smile on her face when I turned around when she was finishing her conversation with Jeanette.

I felt so guilty. My bottom lip trembled with tension and fear. Had she told? Did Jeanette know now? About what I said? About...everything?

What would Jeanette be thinking of me now?

" H-huh?", I mumbled under my breath.

" Are you ready to go eat?", Eleanor asked calmly. But she didn't just look at me. She was watching me. Watching to see what I was gonna say or do.

I calmed down and adjusted myself to face them. I took a deep breath and faced both my sisters glancing between them. I was supposed to be able to love them, to trust them. But here we are, all dressed formally on what was supposed to be a happy occasion, and instead we were all hiding dark secrets, from each other, from friends, and from the rest of the world.

" Yeah, I'm ready.", I replied with confidence even though I didn't have any. Jeanette smiled brightly and reached for my hand squeezing it tightly bringing me back to life. My eyes met Eleanor almost automatically unsure of what they wanted to say.

But even then...

" Alright good, then let's go.", Eleanor replied giving a small, quick smile went past me proceeding graceful steps ahead of me with her head held high and steady without another word.

...the show must go on.

And Jeanette gently pulled me away from the darkness and into the light.

The awkwardness in the air was thick as the remains of the former Chipettes and I slowly but surely made our way through the darkness of the elegant, poised hallways glittered with portraits and fancy mirrors and stepping into the light. A loud eruption of something took place, like a roar of an audience and my heart began to beat significantly faster, thumping loudly against me. I didn't know if I was ready for this.

I took a step back and gulped. A few people to the right sitting at the heavily royal embedded tables caught sight of me and gasped in excitement and smiled pointing in our direction.

'Crap!', I thought. 'This didn't look so good'

I swallowed, "Maybe this isn't such a good ide-

A noticeable figure went past me and caught me off guard.

Eleanor took a step forward and then retracted it. She stopped and took a noticeable deep breath while straightening out her silky green gown and fixing her white gold earrings. She smiled and gave a slight wave at the crowd of people who began to notice our presence. Then, without hesitation, she took a few steps ahead smiling lightly and proceeded ahead.

Without us.

I felt twinge of animosity towards her leaving all of a sudden right in front of us while me and Jeanette just stood here looking stupid and I narrowed my eyes at her. A reassuring squeeze on my hand caught me off guard and I looked to see Jeanette faced forward towards Eleanor with bravery, a small smile on her cheeks.

" What?! ?", I screeched in a whisper loud enough so that only she could hear.

Jeanette twisted her face and looked at me puzzled.

I gave her an are-you-stupid look, " Jean really? Did Eleanor or did she not just leave us to fend for ourselves in front of this crowd? Wouldn't the people in here think something was up if we weren't together?! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

Then I saw another thing that made my heart drop into my gut.

There, on the other side of the room was a crew of camera people moving around interviewing people. Most likely getting the latest scoop of the very first people able to be inside the restaurant and talk about how excited they all were. The camera crew and reporters had a giant moving machine that looked to be an extremely expensive jet black camera. Like the ones they used in movies...like the ones they used on TV….like the ones they used on…

"News!Flash!...", I thought to myself.

I was instantly reminded almost immediately.

The roar of the hundreds of people inside grew louder by the second as everyone began to look this way. I scowled upon witnessing a familiar face within the crowd towards the camera people. It was the reporter that was trying to get a little too personal with me outside earlier. This was not gonna be good.

Great. Just what I needed. The one night in my life where I wished I had a little less attention! Tonight's the night I get it all!

The chandeliers glimmered and twinkled out the corner of my eye but I ignored them and the crowd. All I wanted to do was just crawl under a rock right now. If anything , I mean anything rubs them the wrong way, they're the type to blow something all out of proportion and make the public throw us under the bus!

I slapped my hand over my forehead and dragged out a breath, I didn't need this. I just didn't see how Jeanette couldn't see how much this could put us in jeopardy. Couldn't Jeanette see how important our image was? Why was she acting so strange?

Jeanette stared at me and sighed with disappointment, still she squeezed my hand gently and lowered her gaze, " Why does that matter to you now, all of a sudden...", her voice trailed off and I stared at her dumbly. What was she talking about?

Suddenly, my eyes rose up in realization, regret was painted across my face. I bit my tongue knowing that I couldn't take back what I said.

Everyone in the room seemed to notice our faint whispering and began to tone down their volume, only the slightest. I tried not to panic. Hopefully the cameras off to the side will point anywhere except over here!

" It really shouldn't bother you...", Jeanette spoke and the truth pounded into me with each word that echoed off of her voice, "...that's...exactly just lik-

"-Just like I did two years ago.", I finished for her. She brought her attention to me in shock, clearly not expecting I would literally own up to something like that. Those words tasted like vinegar, but I could tell by the look on Jeanette's face and through her lavender eyes that she was relieved at my honesty.

My chest felt tight like a rock and stopped suddenly. The feeling of a knife that was already lodged in my chest was twisted. I had to stop myself...I had to let go of it...because I was right. I had no audacity to be mad at Eleanor for leaving just now, even if it was only temporary. No right at all. My lips weren't moving anymore, but the words already came out of me and it was too late to take them all back.

I left without a fight, I left without a care. Like I was the only one that mattered. I could've warned someone. I didn't care how I hurt anyone else. I didn't have the right then and I didn't have it now.

...But even then... even if I could've done things a little differently, there was nothing wrong with wanting a little more out of life.

"Not a damn thing.", I declared under my breath glancing around the room at the hundreds of people in the room both on this floor and on the second floor undressing us with their eyes. I caught sight of a few men in dark, expensive suits checking both me and Jeanette out while nodding and muttering to each other.

A couple of other well-dressed individuals, both men and women, were mouthing and waving towards me trying to get my attention. I carefully studied Jeanette to make sure she wasn't paying attention then flashed a smirk in their direction and nodded upward towards them beckoning them to speak. An elegant well-dressed woman who looked to be in her 40s blew a kiss and waved at me while a couple of handsome men who looked to be around the same age mouthed 'Call me' while making similar hand gestures.

Everyone else in the room held their phones up trying to 'act' like they weren't trying to take pictures of me and Jeanette and gave hoots, hollers, and whistles at the two of us who grinned back with ease.

'This is what its all about', I thought to myself, " This is why I can't regret my decision." So if Eleanor chooses to do the same thing-

"That's all on her.", I heard Jeanette say and I turned to her, my ice blue eyes caught in surprise. Jeanette leaned into me carefully still facing forward, she had caught sight of the reporters and camera crew. Jeanette readjusted her glasses making sure the frame fit perfectly and fixed a stray brunette strand behind her ear, " Just act calm and keep a straight face, they won't know anything we don't tell them. "

Ah...that made sense. Geez, this is the second time Jeanette or Destiny said something to make me think like they were reading my mind!

I took a deep breath as the loud light of the main ballroom met us in bewilderment. I need to chill out, maybe take some yoga classes. Yeah, that's it. Maybe that's why I've been so crazy, I'm well overdue for a looong break.

Sighing deeply, I blew a strand of my auburn curls to the side of my face in a lazy raspberry manner causing an immediate giggle to erupt from Jeanette. I stuck my tongue out at her, "Loser.", I sneered with a playful grin.

She rolled her eyes playfully, "Whatever, girl.", she snickered and ran a lazy hand through her brown, silky curls and pulled me forward towards the crowd.

Just act calm.

Right step.

Left step.

Left foot.

Right foot.

1...2...3….

1….2….3….

'Okay...Jeanette's right, I can do this.'

Everybody's image was blurred all around, I didn't time to look at them, I didn't want to look at them. Just straight ahead...that's all that mattered.

Eleanor was already ahead of us, but turned around suddenly with a dumbfounded, confused look on her face. Me and Jeanette both stopped to stare at her as the confusion was met all around.

Hoots and hollers were then heard along with whistles from the sounds of the people at the tables. It felt like a domino effect seeing everyone at each table turn around in slow motion only to have stunned looks appear on their faces seeing all three of us together in what had seemed like a century ago.

Everything stopped. And suddenly me and Jeanette didn't really know what to do. I held on to her hand tighter and sucked in my breath. I didn't want to make the wrong move, especially not in front of all these people. I paused and waited, what would Eleanor possibly want?

"Come on!", Eleanor spoke over the roar of the crowd motioning with her hand. Her voice sounded faint over the loudness of the room. Peace began to massage my spirit and I started to settle down. Jeanette relaxed, " See? Let's go!", she exclaimed, "The food should be ready by now!"

I smiled brightly at Jeanette, though it wasn't genuine, not in the slightest. None of it was true as I felt myself being dragged and rushed back to the table where I was just a second ago, though it seemed like a millennium.

Events and thoughts circled my head. Even though it went on in private, did everyone know? The voice of the crowd picked up as we circled the tables around the white and creamed colored table and glass ornament decorations. Even though I was standing in a room full of hundreds of people, I felt naked. I carefully tried not to trip over myself. There was only one klutz out of the Chipettes and it sure wasn't me. I was not gonna make a fool of myself in front of all these people.

Even as the table got closer in sight, and I could make out the figures still sitting there, my thoughts began to spasm uncontrollably.

Were we really all just gonna sit and act like nothing ever happened?

Really?

I mean...Alvin and I had something going on, but that was nobody's business.

I had been missing from the table along with Eleanor for half an hour.

Jeanette walked in on it and was keeping it all a secret. She also neglected to tell me that her and Eleanor had tried to get entertainment careers of their own, but it never worked out nor did they ask me for help.

Theodore had spoke to Eleanor with so much authority I almost forgot who he was, it sounded like pent up anger from something that she was doing in the past. Not to mention Eleanor was keeping a dark secret from everyone. One that was endangering her life.

And did everyone really not notice the extreme hatred and animosity that Alvin and Dave showed to each other?

I knew Simon had to have known about it, it was obvious for him and Theo. I almost felt sorry for Simon, the way everything seem to explode earlier, but he still managed to calm Theo down. I had to really give props to him, he was like the only sane one of the Seville's right now.

I had never seen Alvin and Dave act like that to each other and that was scary. Why was I the only one worried about them? I was really worried...worried about us all. And I felt so guilty having Simon and Jeanette thrown in the middle of it all. What if any of this stuff got out? Do they know what will happen? Does anyone know?! If this stuff got out to the media...

I couldn't think about it.

As we ventured toward the table following closely behind Eleanor who was leading the way glancing back now and again to make sure we were coming, I could see that she was giving me blank looks but I tried to ignore it. This was as awkward for me as it was for her, having to play pretend all the time.

I followed her steps along with Jeanette wondering how long we would have to keep this up. These fronts. I wanted to work it out...but I just...didn't know how.

Or didn't want to. It seemed as though the situation was a lost cause by now…

Sigh.

I could make out Simon and Theodore making polite conversation causing Theodore to start laughing before taking his drink giving a thumbs up to Simon. Good to know he was back to his old self.

Dave shook his head at them in amazement and laughed with Simon and Theo while the red figure next to them, who had made his place both in my heart as my best friend and my worst enemy said nothing. I gulped upon seeing him, he didn't see me just yet and my heart felt like it was gonna come out of my mouth. It pulsed and jumped giddily and excitedly like a puppy whose master just got home.

Alvin couldn't see my face yet. I could make out the black expensive blazer he was wearing along with the glow of the chain around his neck. But that alone was enough to make me gulp silently.

Still, I felt myself start to sweat as nervousness danced its way around my body. Jeanette's footsteps continued to carry me towards the others following right behind Eleanor who led us around and right towards the decorative table.

Alvin's chair was curved to the side with him sprawled out leaning back facing Dave's direction to his left side. Still, he said nothing, he wasn't even engaged in their conversation. He played and twirled a silver fork that seems so bright it glistened and sparkled with each reflection of the several chandeliers scattered throughout the room.

I watched his every move, my eyes eyes tracing his figure up and down. A mix of fear and excitement covered my face. The thoughts from us in the hallways earlier displayed all over my mind. His lips, his smile, his cologne...his cerulean eyes...everything about him was apart of me.

'That's why you're coming home with me tonight.', his voice echoed through my ears.

Gasp!

Oh crap, that's right! How could I forget?

...But wait... what about Jeanette...we were supposed to hang out too. But he's right...I do see her all the time. I friggin' live with her and we hang out constantly!'

'When was the last time you spent time with me?'

His voice echoed through my ears.

A pang of regret twinged in me and I bit my lip...For a famous worldwide rockstar who lives on being rebellious and causing trouble, he really did have a heart for me. Someone who was so mysterious and starborn was so connected to me. I didn't understand my feelings for him. I wanted to tear his face apart, but at the same time I wanted him to like me. Or maybe even...more than that. But, even if it came down to that...was I ready for it?

His blue, indigo orbs traced the length of his necklace, avoiding eye contact with his father figure who was now staring at him and now us. Seeing that alone made me stand still.

" Oh, there you all are!", Dave exclaimed with a look of astonishment on his face, " I was beginning to think you all weren't coming back."

Me and Jeanette gave sheepish smiles, trying to hide the facade. Hopefully he won't notice anything. I was secretly hoping Eleanor and Jeanette wouldn't mention the 'conversation' me and Dave 'had' that kept us in the hallway. I didn't wanna lie, but I felt I didn't have a choice.

I avoided all eye contact with Alvin, but I felt his eyes lingering onto me and our moments earlier flashed in front of me and a silent anger consumed me. How could I be so careless to let him get a piece of me like that…? And what if someone had walked in on us. They almost did…

Coldness touched my hand where Jeanette should've been and I saw her make her way around towards Simon and she gave him a quick hug and sat down. He wasted no time caressing the side of her face with genuine concern asking if she was okay. Jeanette smiled brightly and waved it off as nothing to be worried about.

I was lost in the sight of it all. Of what we all had become. Once upon a time, we wouldn't dream of keeping stuff away from each other like this. Why now? It couldn't have been all because of me.

I felt a tug on my wrist and glanced up to see Alvin motioning me towards my chair with his hand. I paused as the blood drifted away from my face. I looked at Dave then back at him and then to my chair. Then, wasted no time bringing my body towards it and sitting back down trying to forget the regretful events that would be stuck in my mind for the rest of my life.

The trays were coming nonstop. Entree after entree, it just wouldn't go away. Gourmet Cajun cuisines, Italian dishes, and even some of the items Miss Miller used to make for us when we were younger were brought out one after one to all the tables here on the first and second story of the building. Just when we thought they were done, there was plenty more arriving from the kitchens and onto the floor.

Our table was layered with salmon grilled with catfish and laced with mashed potatoes. There were spicy sirloin steaks and jambalaya with an array of sauteed vegetables. There was snow crab near the salads with smoked shrimp and a whole set of prime ribs, corn on the cob, garlic bread,-

It was so much, it smelled like heaven in here. Whatever you thought of, or wanted they had it. I had to admit it, Theodore and Eleanor really out done themselves. I didn't even care what the actual food theme of the restaurant was, I didn't care I was extremely impressed. And considering this was the best food I had eaten in some time, especially since breakfast, I was very satisfied.

Our table was beginning to make polite chit-chat and we had been gorging ourselves for almost an hour. The conversation did the best it could and we were finally catching up to things, feeling a little more comfortable around each other. The awkwardness was returning back under wherever it came from and finally leaving.

"Yo, but Theo seriously, you really oughta ask Simon to talk to the director for you.", Alvin pressed making gestures with his fork while chewing on a rib, " Either that or I'll do it for you. You could really use some screen time, bro."

I drank my drink in silence and watched everyone at the table quietly. I didn't want to make a scene. I had a lot to say, but I was tired of talking. Thank goodness they were doing it for me.

Ellie giggled lightly and gently brought her arm to rub Theodore's shoulder to which Theo smiled in return. "I'll think about it Alvin. I mean it does sound nice to be on the screen again. It has been a while…"

Everyone including me nodded in agreement. I wanted to say something, but I was way too busy chowing down the crab in my mouth. I caught sight of Jeanette who made eye contact with me and she grinned through her pasta and steak that it looked like she was trying to swallow whole.

I snorted a giggle and shook my head taking a bite of my mashed potatoes. Everybody around us and the other tables seemed to be lost in the trance of the entrees and the flavor of every last dish that was presented before them.

The sound of ice clattering onto the glass followed by a liquid pouring reached me and I realized that my pink lemonade was being refilled.

"Oh, thank y-...", I stopped and took in the lady next to me who just so happened to be Kelly. The waitress I wanted to intimidate earlier and felt my mouth become dry. She smiled gently to me and went to go attend another table.

Instantly, I felt my heart drop at her small act of kindness, knowing that very many people in here probably ordered soda and alcohol so she would've had to go out of her way to serve me personally. I bit my lip and felt the blood drain from my face and my food turned to ash in my mouth. I felt like a bully.

A rush of a familiar smell made its way across me again and my heart froze. I felt a warm calloused hand rest just above my knee and began to squeeze it lightly rubbing gently. My heart slowly came alive again and like magic and turned a confused look at my frenemy next to me and tried to hide my blush.

"What…?", I muttered silently thankful that Simon was explaining the auditions for the Crash Fusion film sequel to everyone who actually was listening. I tried to act like I was still listening,

"You okay?", Alvin mouthed silently squeezing me a bit for comfort. I felt my chest relax and settle down and I very sheepishly nodded, "Mhm…".

I didn't want to think I was easy or something but without thinking, I felt my hand slowly inch up and begin to caress and squeeze his hand back feeling how warm and entangled his fingers were with mines.

I didn't care what he thought of this...I needed this affection one way or another. I sighed deeply and continued eating trying to catch up with the conversation. Was he okay with this?

Alvin didn't say anything for a while and his hand went cold in mines, unmoving. And slowly, my smile started to diminish. Embarrassment creeped up into me and started to eat away. Did I do something wrong..? I frowned and began to bite back the hurt, I looked down and away retracting my hand.

Was I...taking this too far?

Instead I then felt the warmth of his hands squeeze around mines again. His thumb gently rolling over my hand. Alvin turned to look at me with concern, "You sure you're okay?", he muttered tilting his head to the side.

My spirit warmed and I glanced at him and nodded eagerly squeezing his hand firmly. I felt normal again. I thought he had rejected me for a second. And I won't even lie, that would've broke my heart.

"I guess so, rockstar.", I breathed out and hummed a tune going back to my food. Alvin chuckled to himself caressing my hand some more, his fingers laced in mines. "Whatever you say, Brit."

I scoffed under my breath, " Shut up.", I snickered getting an idea.

" You know you looove me!", I giggled sticking my tongue out at him mimicking his antics and laughed at his shocked expression. He shook his head at me laughing, " You better quit stealing my phrases, Brittany."

"But, you don't deny it.", I nudged him playfully flipping my hair across my back. I was loving this and I knew he could tell. Alvin was trying not to let on, but I knew he and I both knew the truth. He knows.

Alvin sighed and laughed again squeezing my hand and caressing me some more. He shrugged to himself, " If you knew then you wouldn't need any reassurance.", he winked at me grinning, I rolled my eyes.

And then I noticed the table had gotten quieter...or was it just me? Alvin had noticed it too and we both brought our attention to everyone who had been quietly whispering to themselves and gave them a confused look.

"What's up?", Alvin asked out loud, while I secretly hoping nobody noticed whose hand I was holding under the table. I was blushing and I knew it, but I wanted to know what was going on.

At that Dave chuckled with a glazed look in his eye, "I believe you guys both know the answer to that.", he took another sip of his wine.

At that, someone cleared their voice.

"I think now is a perfect time to point out that this is the first time Alvin and Brittany are out in public not trying to rip each others throats apart.", Theodore chuckled, "Its actually really peaceful having you two around."

Everybody at the table wasted no time and eagerly agreed laughing out loud.

"Finally.", Simon muttered under his breath shaking his head at us.

"Ditto.", Jeanette agreed giggling.

"You said it.", Eleanor chimed in.

Ugh.

"I hate every single one of you.", I rolled my eyes and let go of Alvin's hand. I grabbed my lemonade while everyone erupted into laughter all over again.

The boys and Dave were clearly enjoying themselves while me and my sisters ate silently. I was always surprised how guys tended to bounce back and be all cool and everything after all that went down. Dave was even acting as though no altercation went down with him and Alvin.

I froze and caught sight of the camera crew making their way over and around the giant room interviewing people about how they're enjoying themselves. I was disgusted. Can't they see we are all trying to eat? How was that appropriate?

Geez, I hope they don't come over here I swear.

Thump!

I felt a bump to my leg and looked up to see Jeanette eyeing me and noticed she had an array of lobster and fettuccine pasta on her plate now. She held her fork up over her mouth before speaking, " Are you okay?", she asked semi silently before taking a bite.

"Mhmm.", I nodded eagerly and went back to my food. I didn't want her to notice so I tried to drown out my guilt with the soothing sound of the jazz now playing in the background. At that moment, I felt Alvin's hand begin to stroke my hand gently and my spirit felt lighter. And so much better. It was almost…

Almost like...like he...no…

Like everything was gonna be okay. Was I maybe just overreacting? I couldn't be. Not with all of our secrets, Any of this gets out and Hollywood will have stories for centuries. Not with just me though...with all of us…

I sighed deeply again as the soothing sound of jazz and heavenly aroma of different ecotic foods began to do its job, I felt myself beginning to become full and my body began to take a breather and settle down.

"Thank you...Alvin.", I whispered only loud enough for him to hear. The tiniest smile may have tugged on my lips as I squeezed his hand.

Alvin smirked and leaned into me, "Don't mention it.", he said smoothly.

It was nice to know Alvin always knew when I was stressed. He also knew what to do too. I was starting to really like that about him.

Loud eruptious giggles filled the air and my moment was short lived and irritation soon replaced it. It was those females behind me that Alvin flirted with earlier. But, oddly enough, I felt chill. Like this wasn't even all that to be stressed over.

You know what, I'm not gonna even worry about it.

Alvin squeezed back and leaned into me little trying not to draw too much attention to himself, " You're always welcome, Britt."

Oh no...I wasn't gonna fall for that..

I shook my head and laughed trying to catch up with the conversation glancing at Eleanor who I could see was now leading the conversation describing to Dave and everyone about how this and that were made and what she kept from old recipes and what she did differently this time around. She even gave some noticeable credibility to Theodore who pitched in and added some of his insight also perking up at some of Eleanor's compliments towards him.

Glad they're able to make up so quickly. Since Theo is the most forgiving person on the block.

Simon and Jeanette appeared to be taking noticeable interest in each other. He chuckled at her shyness while she blushed and waved off his intrinsic mannerisms. They were both so into each other, I don't know why they didn't make it official already.

Unless...they just didn't wanna tell us what we already knew was fact.

Who were they kidding?

"Yeah Miss Miller always liked for her seafood to be cooked with butter always instead of oils, so I made sure that at least stayed the same.", Eleanor joked while serving herself garlic noodles. "We wanted to make sure we were able to kill everyone with high blood pressure."

"Ah-em.", Theodore interrupted making eyes at her, " We wanted to make sure that we killed everyone with high blood pressure.", he smiled nudging her. "You gotta learn to say it like that, Ellie."

We all burst into fits of laughter causing other tables to look right towards us. Especially at poor Simon who almost choked on his Pepsi laughing. We tried to tone it down as the waiters and waitresses swinged by to take empty entree plates and replace them with new fancy dishes.

I made eye contact with a male waiter who couldn't help but give me a very noticeable glance and smirked at me. I gave him one in return flipping my auburn curls over back back lazily, a look that renders most men weak, only to see him look past me. Immediately his face went cold with fear and his smile vanished. Then he went on his way. I was confused.

"What the…"

And the grip on my hand tightened.

My chest tightened and I whipped my head around to see Alvin steady leaned back a bit with his other arm over the side of his chair silently with a brow raised looking unbothered, but I knew something was up.

I traced his face around and his eyes darkened. He watched the waiter become detached and uncomfortable as he began clearing other tables. I realized what he was doing.

He had freaking scared the guy off!

Was he serious? First I get it hammered into me about how I was being towards Kelly and he comes and pulls that crap with me and this guy?

"Alvin, you're a jerk, seriously?!"

He raised his eyebrows then shrugged his shoulders like he didn't know what I was talking about. I didn't know whether to laugh or scream.

"So you can flirt with any woman in the room, but I gotta watch myself around guys?", I whispered fiercely at him, " Is that what you're saying?"

Alvin fixed his collar and leaned into my shoulder, the hotness of his breath making me shudder, " I don't like guys staring at you like you're a piece of meat." , he confirmed narrowing his gaze at me.

My breath was stuck in my throat. I turned to him in mild shock at his bold statement towards me wondering if he was telling the truth. He had the hint of a smile on his face locking his indigo eyes watching me intensely. I couldn't find any faults. Did he really mean that?

In all honesty, I felt a bit...protected. Safe, even. Like I actually mattered to him more than a best friend. My heart warmed itself. And then it turned to ice.

One the other hand, if this was one of his jokes, then I didn't have time to be fooled.

No, he has another thing coming, " Alv-

"Alvin,", Dave spoke in a clear authoritative tone.

I paused, no I freaked. It's like I had forgot what had happened earlier! The fight, the 'family' moment. Oh yeah, I sure felt the love. What did Alvin do now? I mean I know the guy is a jerk sometime, but I was sure glad I had nobody to always call my name like that all the time. I would've stopped that real fast. I could understand why Alvin got so frustrated with him, He wasn't even in the wrong for anything right now, its like he can't catch a break!

I gripped Alvin's hand tighter, feeling the warmth rush right through me. His hand felt actually real soft for a guy, and noticeably warm. I held my breath and felt my heart leap in excitement, I didn't say a word, I tried to focus on Jeanette reminding everyone of the way Miss Miller really made salmon...or something like that.

In the midst of that conversation, I inched my face towards Dave trying to see what he was talking about. I saw him change his position to sit up straighter and glanced noticeably at his brown leather watch.

Phew.

I knew it, it was nothing. Maybe I was just hearing things from those voices in my head again. I giggled at my thoughts and went to grab my lemonade while trying to purposely ignore the tiny flashes from people trying to take pictures of me at other tables.

But, it caught my eye again.

Dave looked over at us and creased his brows like something was off, but he couldn't quite tell what it was, He was looking suspicious. My heart rate sped up. This wasn't good. What did that mean?

My breaths became shorter and was caught in my throat and I immediately took caution. For whatever Dave thought it was, Alvin was unbothered. He let go and stretched both of his arms high and yawned lazily. I rubbed my jet black dress some trying to get some feeling back into my fingers.

Alvin causally turned towards Dave resting in arm behind his chair again, but didn't say anything.

I felt every organ in my body stand still and not say a word. My chest was tight within me and I prayed that they would have no altercation and if they did that it would not get on the news. I blinked and tried to focus elsewhere and began speaking with Jeanette (rather than Eleanor) about getting some food for Destiny for later.

"Yeah, yeah we can totally do that!", Jeanette responded while taking a sip of her cranberry 7-UP, "Mm..did you want me to ask...Ellie?"

She didn't even have to ask. I nodded begrudgingly, she knew the drill. I didn't like dragging her through this, but for the time being just so things could stay sane, she would have to be the middle man until I could figure out what to do about our...sister situation.

Out the corner of my eye, I carefully glanced to the point until I could make out Alvin who looked at Dave clearly unfazed, as if daring him to say something. My eyes shot up at them in fear and anticipation and then I looked away.

Did Dave see us holding hands...?

Would he think I'm one of Alvin's groupies?

Did he make see us earlier...when we were kissing?

Oh crap! I really cannot have him know!

"...I….…ou….st…...ght.", Dave muttered though I could not for the life of me make out what he was saying. It sounded so low, and I knew it was because he didn't want anybody to hear what he was saying. But they didn't understand, Ihad to know. Because who is to say that if…

If….

If I actually go with Alvin tonight, would he even tell me the truth to how its been with him and Dave these past couple of years since he decided to go solo. Because now that I thought about it, he never really discussed Dave at all. And when I mentioned him, he would get really distant or change the subject.

I saw Dave mutter something again to Alvin looking deep into his face examining him with a clear, serious expression. Still serious, but almost with worry. Maybe sad?

Alvin still had one arm rested on the back of his chair and shook his head slowly at Dave. Then Dave sighed deeply and began to rub the back of his head and looked deep in thought, while Alvin said nothing and just stared at him. He looked him dead in the eye. No emotion.

Another burst of excitement and laughter burst from our table and this time other tables joined in just to see that we were all having a good time. I knew what the joke was. They were describing the time we went all around the world in those hot air balloons. And how when we found the boys, we were cute genies while they looked like they were on the hunt for King Tut's tomb.

At least that's how Eleanor was describing it, she wasn't wrong though. I grimaced as I saw the News!Flash! crew witness this and focus a couple of cameras our way. Even though they were a good distance away, I knew they could zoom in. I wasn't stupid.

I found myself holding onto hope that Theodore or Eleanor told them to please leave us alone tonight so we could enjoy ourselves.

Dave looked upset and the seriousness was diminishing, he just looked sad and upset now, I kind of started to feel bad for him.

" Alvin….", Dave pressed on urgently, waiting. I gulped. It killed me to hear that desperation in his voice. Was he apologizing?

Alvin stared back and didn't say anything.

"Are you sure?", Dave asked leaning to the side in his chair, one hand on the armrest still looking at Alvin. I began to take another sip of my drink trying to stay unnoticed.

Alvin nodded slowly and still remained silent, he just stared back emotionless. Like he didn't care one way or another. My guess was that he was still fuming from what happened earlier in the hallways.

No matter what Dave was asking of him, even if Alvin's answer was already going to be the opposite of what Dave wanted, Dave had to know that his accusations from earlier had set Alvin's answer even more firm in the ground. And the truth was written all over Dave's face. He knew. Because it was eating him from the inside out.

Dave sighed sadly and turned back towards the table not saying anything. He gulped the last ounce of the red wine he had with no interruptions and then signaled a waitress over almost immediately to refill his glass.

At that Alvin stared and let out a long dramatic, agonizing breath and shook his head. This was the most non responsive side I had seen out of him since he...well all night really.

I had no words for that brief encounter. I just couldn't believe how much had changed.

I tossed an auburn curl over my back and shot Alvin a look. Waved and unnerved, he reached for his drink and paused, tilting his head glancing at me with a confused gesture.

I raised an eyebrow and tried to make a tiny attempt to have him spill what was going on. Still, I got nothing. My face returned to its normal composure and I carelessly turned away. At that, Alvin shrugged and did the same.

" So hey.", Jeanette carried on adding to the ongoing conversation, " Is the restaurant only going to be in L.A?

" Hopefully it is going to expand.", Eleanor nodded her consent while spooning herself more sautéed salmon onto her plate and passing the saucer to Theodore who thanked her and did the same.

"So are you guys going to be at the restaurant everyday?", I spoke up wanting to be at least apart of the conversation so nobody would think anything was off with me.

"No, only sometimes.", I heard Eleanor speak in response. I nearly coughed and gasped almost choking on the crabcake I was taking a bite out of. Could that be a response? To me?

Everyone at the table seemed to be shocked as well. The boys and Dave each gave each other an amazed look while me and Jeanette shared surprise and some visible discomfort. I knew today was a slow day for me but since everybody heard that, it meant I clearly wasn't as crazy as they all made me out to be!

"We're gonna be here until May to promote our business!", Theodore grinned and chimed in sitting up straighter tossing an arm around Eleanor who began to relax a bit more finding comfort in him. " Then after that we'll be here rarely while we discuss business with y'know... the business people."

Theo winked at Simon who carelessly rolled his eyes at him in return. Simon discussed earlier that he had now met and discussed business with hotshots and big people all the time like it was nothing, so he knew the drill all too well. People had been telling me previously that the 'intelligent Seville brother' had a niche for discussing movie deals and projects like a pro. Like he'd been doing it for years.

They also mentioned that Simon had something about him that made actors reach a deeper level in their acting performance whenever he helped out during TV shows. I had knew already Simon was assisting TV shows, but after finding out tonight that now he was all about movies. I was really happy for him.

And happy for my newfound extra 'connection' might I add.

Jeanette listened to Theodore and Eleanor discuss their business and looked at me in astonishment.

I made an 'I-don't-know' gesture with my hands and shrugged to her smiling. I instantly thought back to a couple hours ago when my manager was telling me that I should try and make up with Eleanor. Gosh, I really needed to talk to him right now, he would definitely know what to do. I knew I wouldn't like it though…

I wanted to tell him, Nina-somebody what was going on. Especially Destiny too, I really have been shutting people out lately for fear they wouldn't understand or the media would find out.

Guess that's not really fair though. They don't even get a chance.

Interestingly enough, Tony always was able to pretty much find out stuff without me ever having to tell him, like he could read it in my face. But, I couldn't tell. What if I just wanted some dang privacy?! Was that too much to ask? I don't have to tell everyone everything!

" But obviously.", I heard a snort and tried not to imagine who I thought it was, " It would be pretty pointless for us to be here everyday if we were simply looking around and talking."

I couldn't stop the scowl that was beginning to appear on my face from Eleanor's passive aggressive comment. It appeared like she was just speaking aloud, but I knew that she was trying to say something mean that would come across 'nicely' so nobody would notice.

Hence the term passively aggressive.

Two can play at that game.

I slyly raised a brow up feeling the thunder pulse against me. It was quiet for about 3 seconds while I tried to think twice about reaching across the table to grab her neck.

"Thanks for that, but next time try and tell me without the attitude.", I commanded before taking a bite out of my food without another word.

Slight tension grew around the table while the thunder steadily increased and everyone grew uncomfortable. I heard Simon take a deep breath and hold onto it looking elsewhere while Dave raised his eyebrows at me. I could see Alvin from my peripheral chuckle to himself and shake his head.

My face was hot with hot embarrassment. I hated being seen as the drama queen! I growled to myself. I hated when people did petty crap! Then everyone then starts to look at you like you were the bad guy when all you were trying to do was defend yourself!

Jeanette then brought her attention over at me and muttered 'Stop' and I twisted my face together in disbelief, I was about to let her have it before I saw her lean over and do the same exact thing to Eleanor and then my spirit relaxed. Seeing as though the discomfort was shifted from me to Eleanor as I witnessed her distorted face as she exhaled casually and sighed, "Okay then." was enough for me to calmly go back to stuffing my face.

With class, of course.

I tried to drown out my feelings with the strolling sound of instruments playing in the background. I relished at the feeling of being fed in what felt like forever.

Gosh, why couldn't everyday feel like this? Now I get why Destiny was saying that I was so lucky to be here. She actually was missing out.

Dave cleared his throat and had a bit of a hazed look in his eye, most likely an effect of the second or third glass of expensive red wine that he just so vigorously topped off. He then led a discussion catering to everyone at the table regarding the time the boys thought their neighbor was an actual werewolf. A tale all of us remembered a little too well, judging by the fond remembrance on everyone's face at the table.

The conversation pleased everyone immediately as the thunder disappeared. Simon, Theo, Jeanette, and Eleanor's faces lit up simultaneously talking over one another remarking the tale as if it were only yesterday.

Though as I watched Eleanor engage with Simon over how Theodore almost attacked her at the time if not for the crystal necklace she was wearing while everyone laughed, I frowned again.

Apart of me wanted to make amends with Eleanor. Get down to the bottom of her secrets and resolve….whatever this is, but I knew this was gonna be harder than it looked.

I sighed heavily and poked my food around lazily. "Should've never came.", I thought to myself and casually swiped through my phone wondering if it was too late to call a limo. Glancing down at my fancy porcelain plate, I was shocked at how much food I still had left. It looked as if I hardly even touched my plate with all the crab, mashed potatoes , and shrimp I had.

Glancing around at everyone else's plate, I noticed the same pattern. I knew they were enjoying themselves but I knew they were gonna have to take most of it home. Good we were getting a little of everything for Destiny.

Either that or she'd kill me.

"That girl was the reason I could eat like nobody's business now.", I whispered to myself.

All Destiny ever did was eat!

Okay I was exaggerating , but when she wanted to, that girl could really get busy when food is nearby. I shook my thoughts away after seeing Simon offer me a plate full of lumpia which I accepted.

" I mean I didn't want to believe that Mr. Talbot was hiding anything", Dave went on to say while cutting into his sirloin steak, "... but when Alvin starting having those night terrors…"

"What's a night terror?", I asked anyone who was willing to answer. I took a bite out of my lumpia and gave a silent wave and smile to a 5 year old girl who seemed enthralled by how we shared the same drink. She pointed excitedly to her clear kiddie cup filled with what I assumed to be pink lemonade as well.

"Well when you wake up from a nightmare, you normally just wake up shocked and scared...", Theodore began.

"But when you have a night terror, it frightens you so much that you end up waking up screaming usually.", Simon finished while adjusting the collar of his navy blue dress shirt and black blazer.

"Ohhh…", me and my sisters hummed in acknowledgment. Back then we knew there was something funny about their neighbor, but we didn't know what was going on at their house at the time.

"You remember when all that was happening, right Alvin?", Dave asked taking a bite out of his steak. He made eye contact with his crimson dressed teenager who at the moment was paying more attention to doing lazy tricks with his fork gazing boredly at it.

"...Mhm…", Alvin uttered nonchalantly not giving any more insight to how he felt. It seemed like he just didn't want to be bothered with Dave anymore.

I couldn't really blame him though. I don't normally wanna talk to someone I just had beef with earlier.

*ahem* Whose name started with an 'E'!

But that was still his y'know...father.

The boys were casually making side conversations with each other along with Eleanor and Jeanette laughing and discussing other things with each other to past time.

There they are doing it again! Like nothing strange was going on! I don't care what anyone wanted to say, I'm not dropping this.

"Oh come on Alvin you remember!", Dave exclaimed and squeezed Alvin's shoulder shaking him a little. Alvin looked visibly annoyed. He inhaled deeply and his indigo eyes froze like he was trying hard not to roll them.

I gulped seeing this and grabbed my drink instantly trying to swallow down whatever ounce of fear I had left.

" ...Right?", Dave went on. " You had woken up that one night screaming telling us all about how the next door neighbor was acting strange. And how his dog was howling! Like a werewolf, righ-"

"Yeah, yeah. I remember.", Alvin cut in exhaling sharply readjusting his shoulder like something venomous was on him right as Dave removed his hand. He blew a breath and ran a lazy hand over his messy hair, "Then I made that comment about your dandruff before we went back to bed and yadda yadda yadda...", Alvin finished and his voice trailed off.

Me and everyone else instantly perked up and started laughing uncontrollably. It was obvious, we had never heard that part of the story! At least me and my sisters didn't!

Dave look mildly offended and mostly appalled recalling it. He was almost embaressed but managed to crack a tiny smile. And just when I took my hand off of my chest from laughing, Alvin slowly lost his smirk and went back to doing lazy fork tricks with a bored look on his face.

Like it didn't matter what Dave said or did one way or another, Alvin still didn't have anything to say to him.

Everyone's laughter was dying down and Dave turned to look at Alvin. I wasn't sure of what he was feeling in his chest as he looked at his oldest son. It was a mixture of concern and frustration, but also longing. Like he really was trying to get Alvin's attention, even if Alvin wasn't feeling the same way.

I could see that tiny spark in Dave's eye, kinda like how Miss Miller used to do to me when I ignored her or blew her off sometimes.

I sighed inwardly after glancing at Alvin then turned away and squinted my eyes shut, ashamed at the fact that I was missing his touch. My hand suddenly felt icy, like it was missing something. It seemed so foolish. Having feelings for my best friend. No, that wasn't foolish. That was natural. That had to be natural, right? It was the fact that he was a bad boy that made it so foolish for me. Because that's who he is.

"So anyways, Theo…", Simon started and began to speak with Theodore over a bunch of new installments that were going to be in Alvin's new movie deal. Mentioning the course of some roles that needed to be filled along with auditions. They were doing bigger things for the sequel to Crash Fusion. Class A actors, highly advanced technology, killer screenwriters. Everything.

Seeing Dave, Eleanor, and Jeanette had eased in and began to be apart of the conversation, I adjusted myself in my seat and ran a careless hand through my auburn curls, fluffing them a bit and tried not to shoot a my attention towards Alvin, but failed.

He was leaned back in his chair rocking it back and forth with his leg and let out a deep yawn closing his eyes. I opened my mouth to speak, yet my eyes began to wonder and trail down his neck and towards his blazer and the piece of adorned jewelry he had around his neck that glistened from the elegant chandelier.

Alvin began to open his eyes and I snapped out if it, my heart stopped instantly. Our eyes met. Then my heart began beating louder.

Thump…

Thump….

"Umm..", I mumbled biting my lip, yet unable to stop staring at his.

"Yes, Barbie?", Alvin rested his arm on the back of his seat still leaned back in his chair. He flashed me a sexy smile and watched me intently.

I fidgeted and felt a pink blush beginning to crease across my cheeks. Our actions from earlier played over and over again in my head and my mind was fuzzy from the butterflies in my stomach. I was dizzy with delight reminiscing on the sense of pleasure we brought to each other. For a moment, I thought he could hear my heart throbbing through my chest. I suddenly hoped I looked more than okay to him.

Wait a second, wait no I always did! I was Pop Diva Brittany! Multitalented International Starlet of the World. My fame level was beginning to rise to where you could be living under a rock and still know my name. There wasn't a thing I had to worry about.

Though as I watched him quickly transform from disrespectful teen to Sexy Heartthrob (also best friend and rival) in a millisecond, I noticed how curious I became over the whole 'Dave' thing and decided to get down to the bottom of it.

I turned towards everyone, confirming that they were still sucked in their own conversations and scooted over some, thrusting my chair closer to him. Alvin took notice and twisted his face together confused, his smile diminished though he did the same.

I didn't know how else to say it.

"What's going on between you and Dave?", I blurted out immediately.

Alvin gave me a stank look like 'Really?'. He narrowed his eyes down at me like I was some sleazy animal.

" No, you heard me.", I whispered harshly still making sure the others weren't listening. " What's been up with you two? Like its-

"Brit, no. Just stop. I don't wanna talk about it.", Alvin spoke waving it off moving away from me. "Its.. just…", his voice trailed off and he dragged out a sigh bringing his ocean orbs to the ground in deep thought and deep frustration.

My forehead creased and I widened my eyes, "Alvin…", I was getting serious. I graciously decided to forget about him waving it off because I had to see what was going on. Maybe it was something I could fix.

"Alvin…", my voice started to crack a bit. I was starting to sound desperate and I didn't like it. He had never been this closed off from me. He was being defensive. Like I was a stranger asking him something personal.

The room began to get louder at the same time as the band playing music drowning out the white noise. I licked my lips in anticipation formulating thoughts over and over again in my head. I didn't know exactly how to carry this out so I had to dive right into it and ask questions later.

"Alvin I…", I straightened out and leaned up in my seat, quickly scanning my surroundings and brought my attention back to him. I searched his face. Alvin was troubled and his face heavy with deep frustration. Lips pressed into a frown, he glanced back at me and what I saw shocked me.

Alvin's eyes were hard and firm, but glossy. Like it was a touchy subject for him, he almost looked like...like he was beginning to get emotional about it. For the first time tonight, he was showing feelings that I wasn't used to. I didn't want to address it anymore, but I wanted him to know that he could trust me at least...that's what friend's are for, right?

"Not tonight.", he said to me, "Not right now."

….

Or not ever?

I fell silent, then quietly nodded in agreement.

Alvin turned a glanced at Dave for a second, then another. Dave was engaged in a deep discussion with the others and heavily engaged with Simon and Theodore specifically. He would mention things from their childhood and both gave them compliments on how they would handle something.

Noticeably leaving Alvin out of the story that clearly involved him as well.

All of a sudden his face twisted into a tight frown and he shook head slowly rolling his eyes. Alvin sighed aggressively and turned away and leaned back into his seat. He exhaled deeply again and said nothing. I didn't know what to say. It was sad seeing him like this.

Alvin glanced off, his face null of emotion and ran his hand over the back of his neck before fixing his gaze on me, " I don't wanna talk about it, Brit. Let it go. Its nothing.", he finished. Though his voice sounded one way, his deep ocean irises were empty and dry of any substance or emotion. Almost like defeat and it scared me.

I didn't let it go, I couldn't do that. To myself...to him...What had really happened for all these years. I had only got a glimpse, but I could see that there was clearly more to the story. I knew I probably couldn't fix it completely. But, at least it would be a way for me to forget about my problems for a bit.

Maybe…

Or would it really?

A dispute between Alvin and Dave that set a rift between them affects me because I'm associated with Alvin. Alvin is associated with his brothers as I am with my sisters so it honestly causes distance between us all if issues like this don't get solved. There was already problems with me and Eleanor and look at what it caused. It just gets bigger.

Something had happened, something huge. Alvin always told me about stuff that went on between him and his brothers or Dave. For him to be closed off like this...closed off like this from me! Gosh, this must be how I made Destiny feel when she told me earlier how I had been shutting her out for a while.

This stung. And it hurt.

I shook my head at Alvin not believing what was coming out of his mouth. I was in awe, unable to move.

Who was this guy?

Was this my best friend?

The guy I went all around the world with when we were kids? The guy that was my sworn rival since we met? The one I stay up late at night thinking about? The one who was my best friend and my worst enemy. This guy...after all these years decided that he wasn't going to trust me?

I clenched my jaw in anger. I wasn't giving up that easily. My clear, icy blue eyes flared up hotly and my fists were closed tightly.

"Al-vin.", I whispered fiercely. And then I dragged out a sigh, turning away giving up. How could I ask Alvin for more than what I'm willing to give him. I could easily see my little argument finding its way right back to me turning into a trap. And that just wouldn't do.

Abruptly, I gave up,"Just forget it.", I flipped an auburn curl back across my back feeling it cascade around me and hit my waist.

I pouted and closed my eyes breathing in deeply and letting it out. This day didn't need any more drama, I shouldn't be adding to it. I'll get down to the bottom of it soon enough.

I zoned out trying to picture myself elsewhere. Anywhere. At the mall with Destiny, on the beach in Maldives, that time me and Jeanette went on a cruise to Costa Rica...I slowly began to relax imagining the cool island air dancing through my wavy hair. The sun shining on my face and the rest of my body. Sunkissing me as I went into what would soon be a golden tan. The smell of the ocean crashing against the rocky shore and washing against me. Porcelain clouds…

My forehead felt cooler and a smile tugged at my lips. Yes, that's exactly what I needed right now. Time away.

Time away from the glitz, the glamour, the-everything!

I love what I do, I really do, but my manager was right. If I didn't take care of myself, then what good was I to the world. I have the money to do it and I've never been known to not get what I wanted. Being seen legally as an adult does have its perks!

Sister issues, boy problems, fame…I just can't with my life right now. I can't diva today.

"Haha…", I giggled to myself. I can't 'diva' today. I am definitely get a tank top or a tee with that on it. Perfectly describes my soap opera life. I tried to catch up with the conversation at the table that seemed to be traced back to Simon's movie directing. Now did I think about that, I did have a a few questions for him.

"Hey Brit.", I heard a familiar husky voice under his breath. A smile began to appear on my face. I bit my lip, trying to hide myself. I cleared my voice and refused to make eye contact with him.

"Yeah?", I answered, biting my tongue, hating how desperate I sounded. What did he want now?

"The offer is still there, y'know.", Alvin whispered sensually, " Come with me tonight and maybe….", his voice trailed off. I gasped to myself, my eyes shot open. Maybe what?

"Maybe I could let you in on some stuff you might wanna know.", he finished. His voice was still low I could tell because he didn't want anyone hearing any of this. My heart rate picked up and I ran my hands up and down my legs and thighs trying to keep warm.

Chills ran down me, decorating my spirit.

There was that offer again.

But, I knew that wouldn't be the only reason I go. Unh unh, nope. That isn't enough to persuade me.

It also would be great to finally spend some time with him. I needed to. We needed to. There was so much we had to say. Being this close to him tonight literally reminded me about how much I had missed him all this time.

Me and Jeanette hung out all the time. Maybe if I just stay one night, she won't be too upset. Though, those neon lights that were now installed on our pool, jacuzzi, and water slides made me really interested in swimming with Jeanette tonight having talking to her. It sounded like sooo much fun! Plus, maybe Destiny could come over tomorrow!

Maybe when she is done interviewing those new bodyguards tomorrow.

"Mmm…", I groaned and checked the time on my phone, swiping it from the side reading. I checked my text messages to see if I had anything new-I didn't-and then put it down.

The only thing that was bad when it came to Jeanette was that she wanted information about Eleanor. And I didn't have my lies together because there was no way I was telling her the whole truth. There was just some things she just didn't need to know yet. Stuff I wasn't ready to tell her. I was still wrapping my mind around it. And for that, I was going to desperately to have a hard time convincing Jeanette otherwise.

The eruption of laughter was echoed throughout the table and oddly enough, I felt my heart drop. Scanning the table, I could see that the ones who were clearly having the time of their lives were everyone else. And I felt guilty. Here they were at the release at one of the finest 5 star restaurants in Los Angeles and I wasn't even taken advantage of it like I should!

I growled and felt miserable. Even Eleanor, despite our heavily horrible dispute from earlier, was getting back into things. Cracking jokes and making silly faces while the others joined in and laughed. There was no reason for me to be looking out for them to be hearing us after all.

They were clearly the ones having the ones having the most fun. They didn't have my problems. If anything...I brought my attention over to Jeanette who was laughing at Theodore who was talking about how he was so embarrassed to have almost attacked Eleanor when he was part wolf when we dealt with the werewolf situation.

After everything that happened to her…

Being able to bounce back and still have fun when she needed to, and despite it all, Jeanette was still able to handle her problems better than any of us and keep it together. Unlike me and Eleanor with our secrets...

…

I thought back to Eleanor's deadly, unhealthy confession earlier...and got chills all over again.

Jeanette was really our backbone no matter what. I really wanted to be with her tonight, to thank her for holding it together this whole time...but at the end of the day, I could do that any other time...right?

"Alvin I…", the words left my mouth before I knew it. What was I gonna say?

"Times running out, Brittany.", Alvin answered swiftly.

"This night will be coming to a close any time now", he met my eyes, " Just do me a solid this one time. I won't ask you again. Make a decision, Brittany."

Alvin reached over and took my hand into his snapping me back into reality.

"Okay?", he asked smirking.

I watched him, my mouth slightly open. I found my attention focused into his deep blue eyes, then down to his lips. My chest felt heavy and I began to heat up like he lit a match inside me. Longing replaced fear and in an instant I knew what I wanted. I had to have it.

Our fingers felt warmly and perfect together. I entwined my hand within his and gazed upon his face. The hint of a smile began to tug at my face and he bit his lip smiling foreshadowing events we both knew we wanted to take place. I knew I did.

It was now or never.

I was ready to make my decision.

The noise of the room began to pick up. The sounds steadily increase and began to create a blur all around me. I closed my eyes and opened them again. Despite the swarm of people in here, right now there was just me and Alvin.

"Alvin…", I whispered to him. Alvin smirked and began to give me that sexy grin I loved so much. I was starting to lose touch with reality. Of who I was. Of what this could cost me. Suddenly, I didn't care who was watching.

" Alvin I…."

It was on the edge of my lips...

"Just tell me what you want, Brittany", Alvin said softly. He watched me seriously, studying me. His hand was so warm and firm within mines. The waves in his eyes started to move down to my lips, then back up to my eyes again. Butterflies pooled in my chest, I was starting to forget how to speak.

Short breaths were coming out of my mouth and my cheeks were becoming pink again. The deep baritone of his voice was reminding me of how much of a man he was becoming. I glanced down through my lashes getting a view of his features and felt my blush increase heavily. I hid my face looking down and away shielding my face with my auburn curls.

"You're blushing.", Alvin nodded at me smirking.

"No I'm not!", I objected.

"Ahaaa, you're blushing!", Alvin laughed and squeezed my hand tighter smiling. "No! No. Stop!", I covered my face immediately, "No I'm not-

"You like me.", Alvin said firmly. My face was completely red by now and I didn't know whether to laugh or object to it. I was laughing and trying to make sure the others weren't listening, but I put my head down and kept giggling.

Why did he always have to be so-soo...

"And you know you want to say yes.", Alvin continued, looking at me. His hand slowly became unraveled with mine and he began caressing my leg from the top of my dress slowly and sensually. My giggles were starting to turn into short breaths. I breathed in deeply letting his touch take me away. I knew there'd be more of that if I made a decision. It wasn't hard, right?

It was now or never.

" Alvin I-...I'd rathe-

My voice cracked and my heart dropped.

Alvin looked at me confused, he studied my face carefully. "What's the matter, Brit?"

I couldn't say anything. It was all over my face. All I could do was point and redirect Alvin's attention along with my sisters, his brothers, and Dave to the head reporter of News!Flash! who was right in front of our table flashing me a mischievous smile. Straightening out his bowtie with his camera crew leading a live broadcast right behind him in front of all of America and the rest of the world.

"Crap.", me and Jeanette both said in unison.

No one saw it coming, but suddenly the jazz band started to die down and the music began to flow to a classical number as the volume lowered. I stared helplessly at Jeanette who shared the same reaction to me. Waiters and waitresses took entrees and replaced others moving out of everyone's way so the reporters could gain better access.

The volume of the room picked up as every single table around us noticed that the one of the most highest rated television shows had its attention on the hottest current and upcoming acts in town and worldwide.

And then their voices got louder.

"Ugh, sheep! these people are so pathetic!", I thought to myself throwing my hand on my head, " So eager to try and get any ounce of 5 second fame they could have."

" Yes, you heard it here first, folks! This is an exclusive sold-out ticket event that only the most well-connected and fabulously wealthy individuals get to attend here tonight.", the bright-eyed reporter went on to the cameras. And just like that I felt my sanity leave altogether.

Eleanor whispered something to Theodore who nodded in agreement and rubbed her shoulder. He them muttered something to Simon and who did the same to Jeanette.

My heart could not take this much drama for one day. My face was sure as red as a cherry and I felt it.

"How the hell am I gonna climb out of this one?", I whispered aggressively to myself. I felt so stupid! How could I think that they would just not come over here?!

I glanced at Jeanette who nodded at Simon and directed her attention at me, " They said they promised the reporters they'd do a mini scoop a while back...we can't get out of it."

I groaned and clenched my jaw. Great. I thought they were gone for sure earlier, but apparently not!

"...and they're all here in the flesh to give us their input on the success of Theodore and Eleanor's restaurant, isn't that right guys?!"

Everyone cheered except for me who just silently smiled and tried to remember what day it was.

The reporter grinned and flashed a smile to the cameras who gave him a thumbs up. He turned to us and I began to frantically think of something I was gonna say. There was always surprises in this line of work. Always. I had to be ready for anything.

"We really are proud of all of our hard work paying off," Theodore began as he wrapped his arm around Eleanor who grinned in agreement, " It all started as a dream and now it has really become a reality that we are so happy to call our own."

"So what do you guys all think of the place, huh? It's something special isn't it. Jeanette? Simon?", the sleazy reporter had no issue acknowledging us personally. He locked eyes with me grinning, " And how 'bout you, Brittan-

"I'm pretty sure we're all proud of their accomplishments.", Dave spoke up, " Lest they let it all go to their head, we all knew that they both would go after their dreams and make them a reality."

Eleanor nodded taking a sip of her drink, "Yeah, its been a dream since Theo and I were little and didn't come quickly, but it really is a dream come true, we can't wait until the whole world is able to join in!"

The reporter seemed amused, "Well they are right now, back at home, aren't they?", he signaled towards the many cameras, " They tuned in just because they wanna know…

He eyed us warily, tugging his thin mustache amusingly.

"... just how did you guys manage to pull this together?"

He included that last part like he was on to something. Watching us like a hawk eager to obtain any information, any slight slip-up with his clear camera lens ready to capture the moment forever never to be erased.

I sensed panic through Eleanor as her cheeks began to be tinted pink though she still had a forced smile hearing the reporter ask all of the wrong questions.

I frowned seeing the look on Eleanor's face. The others didn't notice this, but I knew what he was up to. We weren't on the best terms, but hasn't this night already been enough on her? A part of me felt bad, but apart of me felt like she was getting what was coming to her.

He continued even then when no one would answer.

"So there wasn't any shortcomings or anything with the paperwork, anything like that to slow the process down, right?", the reporter questioned us all inquisitively. "I mean there must have been a lot of things that came up, these type of endeavors don't just happen overnight. And it sure seems like yours did."

My chest twisted inside of me as I caught sight of everyone at the table who seemed just as uncomfortable as I was. Then I brought my eyes to the reporter's face. His sly eyes, his conceited grin. His wavy brown hair with specs of grey. A suit that looked so expensive like it almost cost as much as one of those cameras. And another personality trait that they all had, no sympathy to the lives that he can ruin just overnight.

And I knew he was getting paid top dollar for every life he ruined. He bigger the star, the bigger the paycheck.

All it takes it one night, for everything someone has ever worked for to be taken completely away.

Flash!

Alvin threw his hand over the back of his chair and leaned back twisting his cap to the side, " My brother and Eleanor have all the best connections in town sitting right at this table." he tossed them both a wink, "We all know people who can help us get the things we want."

"Or need.", Dave added, " We can never do these things by ourselves so its best that we find help when we need it to make these things happen."

" Yeah, but even for people with heavy connections much like you all, sometimes there's usually a cost when it comes to making those dreams a reality.", the reporter added confidently, " Wouldn't you all agree?"

"There were... a few things that came up, but it was nothing like anything we couldn't handle.", Theodore went on trying to mask his discomfort. Clearly he just wanted things to go back to the way they were like a few minutes ago.

The feeling was mutual.

"But like what? Anything! Any fierce competitors? Competition?..." he went on without missing a beat, " Maybe there were some people who tried to get in your way?

The reporter went on and on without stopping. Mentioning the latest gossip and rumors that had reached many gossip and celebrity forums from many 'inside sources'. He spoke of people that were upset with the company and accused it of being a replica of other chef 5 star restaurants. He even said that there were other chefs that had refused to show up because it had taken them years to establish their own restaurant while a couple of kids were able to get theirs so quickly.

We were all speechless.

Dave looked appalled at this guy. Like he seriously didn't know where he was getting all of these questions and these stories from. Jeanette looked visibly upset and uncomfortable. Simon groaned inwardly shaking his head while I tried not to roll my eyes.

Eleanor and Theodore were speechless. And all it took was one guy to bring it all out of them. On their night. I swear this guy was asking for it! All night he's been bothering us all! Where does he get off asking us personal information like that? It was almost like…

Alvin swore under his breath and cracked his knuckles, " Hey look dude, you're not about to sit up here and-

...like he knew something.

The man held his hand up to Alvin's face unfazed and glanced in my direction knowing I didn't want to be bothered," Now hold on rockstar, I'll get to you in a second, but what about you, Brittany?, he asked ignoring Alvin completely.

Everyone at the table gasped as Alvin eyes immediately flared up in shock and disbelief as rolled up his sleeve about ready to knock the reporter out, "You motherfu-

-"Wait!", I half-screamed blocking and motioning Alvin to put his arm down and stop him from ruining his reputation in front of all these people and all his fans. It looked like Dave was about to do the same. My nails were tightly gripped around his arm.

My sweat dropped seeing Alvin clench his jaw and make a fist like he was about to mess the guy up right in front of the world and all his fans. Alvin wasn't one for disappointing his fans just like I was, but if this guy was willing to ask for it tonight. He was so walking on thin ice right now.

Alvin stared at me in disgust and disbelief as I brought his arm down as fast as I could, " Don't…", I muttered through my teeth, "Please don't."

My chest beating and pounding loudly like a speaker at a loud rock concert. My eyes pleaded with him and begged him to not go forward with this. Alvin's eyes were cold and held no emotion, but his arm wasn't moving anymore so I took that as my cue that he had calmed down slightly enough for me to let go.

I just hoped it would stay down. I didn't want him to make this night even harder for all of us and for him.

The reporter's voice cleared itself up again much to our dismay and I rolled my eyes and groaned seeing as someone who was about to get punched square in the jaw stlll wasn't getting the message. Like getting questioned on his own live show wasn't enough for him to give up.

I exhaled sharply ready for this to be over with, "What about me?", my voice had so much bite in it. And I wasn't sorry for it.

His smile began to return seeing my annoyance and discomfort. "How's everything going at the label? Any movies you want to name-drop? People you've been working with? Anything the public needs to know? Your fans may become upset if you're hiding stuff from them."

"Nope, not at all.", I flipped my hair back seeing now that he was trying to fight to be important and consistent with his questions even though he knew we were all over the whole fiasco right now and could see what he was up to. Remind me again why I didn't bring my bodyguards?

Catching a glance at Alvin who still was fuming, I hoped I had did the right thing. I knew that I couldn't totally blame him because I could imagine myself doing the same thing. He was watching the reporter like a predator, his eyes peering into him. I could see his chest faring in and out.

Oh gosh please don't get into a fight. Please don't get into a fight.

I had to stop and not panic and trust that no matter what I say, the public will say that I'm correct. The massive amount of female and male fans I had alike drowned out any noise of any naysayers.

"And why is that?", he pressed on.

Because I'm at top of my game and the head female in charge, that's why.

"Was there anything else? Maybe anything you wanted to say to the public about your sister's restaurant?", he moved in trying noticeably to change the scene of the outcome. "We tried getting you to open up outside, but you and your sister ran like you didn't want to be bothered.

No fucking way.

He did not just say that in front of everybody and on live television! And in front of Eleanor?

I stared dead at him in silence. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Nothing but air came out of my mouth. It was like I was in the worst nightmare of my life. Here I was going to great lengths to protect my image and then this -this bastard- says this mess for the whole world to know? Making it seem like-like-

…. If my looks could kill, Los Angeles would have a bunch of funerals being held for a lot of professionals right now.

I couldn't speak. I tried to find the words, but nothing was coming out of my mouth! I was livid! I couldn't do this, I just couldn't possibly get out of this one. I-

" Actually…", a voice said aloud.

" Those questions are not up for discussion and are none of your business, because we've already answered that."

I snapped out of my thoughts and brought my attention over at who the voice has came from. To put that statement as bold was taking it lightly. I expected much from Alvin but...

Jeanette stared confidently at the man who was know looking at her puzzled, his smile slowly diminishing. Her arm held up on the table and hand resting under her chin. Clearly the reporter along with the rest of us weren't expecting her to speak up at all.

Alvin had his fist over his mouth choking back a laugh and Simon looked at Jeanette in mild shock. We could see smile hinted on his face. I locked eyes with Theodore who shared my same expression with Eleanor. She was visibly relieved. Even the cameramen looked uncomfortable

"Uhm, well...", the reporter cleared his voice, "That's uh…not what I expected coming from you. You know this is a live broadcast, don't you."

"Yes Jeanette.", Dave interrupted, " You really shouldn't-

"Well, I think you should have thought about that before you said everything.", Jeanette added firmly staring at him and straight at the cameras shamelessly, " We just answered your questions and now we are trying to finish our food and enjoy the little time we have to spend together with our busy lives."

"Well no, we were-

"You're making us uncomfortable.", Jeanette confirmed.

The reporter was floored and astonished. He was at a loss of words.

"So if you'll excuse yourself.", Jeanette wasted no time stating.

Shots. Fired.

I watched my sister in awe along with everyone else. She was not playing games at all. Everyone was literally watched her in admiration saying what we all wanted to say this whole time.

"Yeah, we're really trying to enjoy ourselves right now so no more questions, thank you." Theodore said, " We also have to discuss a movie deal with my brother and we're sworn into secrecy." He winked and smirked at Alvin who grinned in approval.

"Yeap. That means no cameras. Since the producers have us all already sworn in and everything, you know what that means." Simon acknowledged waving the reporter and cameramen off.

"B-but but uh...wait! We were-

He attempted to get another word in, but a giggle was heard from Eleanor who relaxed since the atmosphere was changing now that the tables were turned, " I'm sure everyone at home would greatly appreciate it."

Simon shared a laugh with Theodore who pleasantly agreed. "You heard it here first folks, the head reporter of News!Flash! has been publicly humiliated on his own show!", Theodore laughed out loud.

We all bust out laughing along with the everyone in the restaurant who cracked up as the reporter's face turned red , even the cameramen were cracking a few smiles.

Alvin smirked and signaled everyone bringing his glass up. I giggled as we all did the same and toasted in the mist of the reporter's embarrassment. Urging Dave to do the same even though he agreed reluctantly.

The reporter's confidence slided down to the floor watching us all laugh and sip our drinks together praising Jeanette for her boldness we clearly weren't expecting. She blushed and waved it off like it was no big deal with a 'stop it you guys'.

We all busted into cheerful laughter watching the reporter's face grew red and he angrily signaled the camera crew to call it quits. Our laughter picked up seeing him accidentally trip over one of his men who he bit back from yelling at in public to avoid more negative publicity. The camera men merely shrugged it off and trailed after him one after another.

" You'll definitely get your ratings after tonight, guaranteed.", Eleanor joked making a silly face at the remaining cameras, " We all can't wait for anyone out there who's watching to come down and see us. Everyone who's anyone is welcome and for the rest of this month, all entrees are going to be 100% on the house!"

Astonishment was heard all around as everyone gave Eleanor and Theodore a large round of applause and whistles for their generosity. A smile tugged at my lips. After all, I didn't mind sharing a little bit of the spotlight to those who've earned it.

Sometimes.

"Boy, that was a close one.", I worded aloud taking a deep breath.

"You said it.", Simon replied, " That was highly unprofessional."

Everyone added in their confirmation of the fiasco that occurred earlier. Silently nodding and agreeing with each other. "I really thought that we were gonna be getting bad reviews already on our first night." Theodore acknowledged running his hand over his face groaning, " That would've been a bust."

"Ohh don't worry, Theo.", Eleanor replied softly touching Theodore's shoulder, " At least we had some fun out of it. We all were able to get together and give him a taste of his own medicine!"

Everybody joined in to laugh remarking on the encounter that is probably going to be a viral hit tomorrow no doubt.

"Right on his own show too.", Alvin agreed topping off his drink taking a glance at me, but I shyly looked away. I didn't want him to hate me for keeping him from cracking that guy's jaw. But, I couldn't help it. That would've caused more than some ratings. It would've killed everything! Ugh, that stupid temper!

Alvin looked at me with so much bitterness and hate. I know it was only because he was so angry at the guy, but still. I didn't need him feeling negative about me. I hope he's not mad at me...

I hadn't forgotten about earlier either. I gave him my answer, but then again, I didn't. I was gonna have to own up to it again too.

"All I know is that if he tries to pull some shady shit like that again, I'm gonna make it my business to give him more than just some stupid ratings.", Alvin declared.

"Now Alvin, watch your language.", Dave said sternly, " I know you're mad but-

"No, but nothing, Dave. You should be more mad than I am!", Alvin returned glaring at his father, " This guy that tried to embarrass Eleanor and your own son on national TV and you didn't do anything!

Silence was met around and Dave tried to speak, but nothing came out. Clearly he was at a loss of words because he knew Alvin was right. He would open his mouth and try too speak but words wouldn't come out.

" Not everything is about being professional all the time. These people shouldn't be allowed to get away with that kind of crap. That's shady and everyone knows it.", Alvin finished fuming. His face was firm and hard. He doesn't usually get like this unless it's something huge.

I had to hand it to him though, he was quick to stand up for his brother despite what it was gonna cost him and that was saying something. Theodore muttered a small 'thank you' after a while once he locked eyes with Alvin.

"No, don't mention it, bro. That kind of mess shouldn't slide just because people are watching at home. We may be celebrities but that doesn't mean we're not people!", Alvin went on. Everyone silently hummed their agreement. Sharing their mutual understanding and applauding Alvin and Jeanette for standing up to that guy.

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. It was sad to know that the reporter's questions may have shocked me, but his overall demeanor and 'surprise' interview did not. Because where there was one person like him, there were ten others just like him holding high professional positions waiting to sabotage the next piece of new money in line.

I casually brought my eyes around the table and the room folding my hands in my lap. Then my brows creased together in serious thought. Still, I couldn't help but be paranoid over the news that would be all over the globe tomorrow. The fact still remained that he had let the cat out of the bag by asking me questions about Eleanor that I didn't answer, then mentioning that I ran away from him earlier when he tried to confront me on it! Not to mention the 'fight' that almost happened. Alvin didn't seemed fazed like how I was. He wasn't concerned about his image to the extent I did.

I swallowed hard, this really wasn't good for my image. I had a reputation to keep! If things, don't go along as planned. The higher the pedestal…

That would mean everything I know would slowly start crashing down. That would mean scandals and lies would create stories out of themselves with me powerless to stop it. That would explain to fans that I was no more than a cold hearted witch who was self centered all the time!

A chill settled into my arms and froze my body in place. Because looking up ahead, I had failed to realize that everyone at the table had heard the man's juicy gossip when he was speaking to me. That would also mean why for the last few minutes, Eleanor's piercing green eyes were hard firm and in a trance glaring at me from across the table. Because she had heard every word from the reporter's mouth from earlier and my face confirmed he had told the truth.

"Eleanor, would you pleeease do me a favor...", Alvin cut into the conversation that was already taking place as Eleanor looked up, "...and please tell my talented brother that the silver screen misses him.", Alvin finished with a smirk eyeing Theodore who playfully rolled his eyes.

Theodore sighed and laughed at the same time, "Alvin I told you I'm not-

"Come on, you know me and your brother didn't just mention the movie for nothing!", Simon chuckled earnestly as we all laughed at his joke, "Me and Alvin have some really good connections right now and we do need a couple of new main characters for the movie.", Simon went on egging his younger brother. Me and Jeanette nodded in agreement while Eleanor blushed and waited for him to answer.

Theodore sighed and still smiled warmly, "You guys know I'm gonna be very busy with the restaurant..", his voice trailed off slowly, "...I mean I don't even really know if the fans would want me-

"Poppycock.", I stated simply sipping my pink lemonade giving Theo a small wink. Theodore began to blush as the boys, Dave, and my sisters laughed at my confidence. I was actually surprised to see a giggle or two come out of Eleanor, but when I glanced at her, she calmly gazed elsewhere.

I sighed deeply, "That's the saaaame thing I keep trying to tell Jeanette because she says the exact same thing.", I giggled to myself grabbing another piece of lumpia and cleared my voice.

"Nooo, Brittany, I'm scaaared!", I went on impersonating Jeanette as everyone cracked up and covered their faces, " What if they don't like meee, like noooo!", I laughed out loud taking a bite out of my food while Jeanette looked at me in playful shock. Her mouth wide open with a smile, she was trying to contain her laughter.

"Br-Brittney...wait what? I do not sound like that!", Jeanette complained while we all laughed even louder. Alvin's laughter died down and he ran his hand through his messy hair, " Come on bro, what have you got to lose?!"

Alvin chuckled taunting and teasing watching his well mannered green-clad brother smile and try and wave his brothers off at their offer. " I just don't think-

Alvin and Simon groaned and everybody at the table chuckled at the three who were now laughing like idiots at each other.

"Theodore, I say this because I love you, while your other sibling says it for reasons nobody will ever know…", Simon grinned at Alvin's mock hurt expression while adjusting his expensive glasses, " It will be just like old times, trust me. Us working together like we did in the studio. I mean it won't be music, but its something we can call our own again."

" Oh oh! And you will be able to be together more often and not be so separate all the time!", Jeanette agreed giggling, her smiling face making Theodore blush and Eleanor nodded eagerly.

"You'll be able to share that brotherly bond.", Dave approved smoothing out the facial hair on his chin smiling warmly at his son.

"Plus, you'll look back on it with pride.", I declared playing with a strand of my pillow-soft curls, " Do it now or forever wish you had.", I finished with a motto I always liked to live by.

Theodore relaxed around all of our urging, yet understanding gestures. He maintained steady eye contact and rubbed his palms together. The weight of the pressure was lifting off of him as he carefully weighed out all options.

" And that's kind of like music too, don't you think so bro?", Alvin hinted smirking at his baby brother.

The atmosphere around the table warmed seeing as though everybody was basically here to acknowledge and support each others dreams and that made me happy. Everybody had a dream and it was good to know that each dream starts off somewhere and that even though you have one dream, that doesn't mean you can't have many more. I was glad everyone was trying to get Theodore to break out of his shell, he clearly didn't have to stop here, but he needed to see it himself.

"Yeah Theo.", Eleanor remarked joyfully , "It'd be great publicity for you! You'd have your own thing too! You'll get noticed more!"

"But Ellie-

"Besides.", Eleanor scoffed, " Wasn't this place really my idea to begin with?"

Everyone let out a joyful laugh at that one and laughed until tears were coming out of our eyes. We all held our stomachs and I felt my cheeks began to hurt and turn red. I knew this place had a white lie built in somewhere. At that, this time Dave was the the one to stand and bring his glass up.

" I'd like to make a toast.", Dave announced and we all raised our glasses up along with him.

Onlookers watched in awe as Dave gathered us all together in an honor.

" I'd like to say that this has been a wonderful night, the best I've had in quite some time. And what more than to spend it with two crazy kids that I get to see grow up more and more each and every day.", Dave smiled and eyed Eleanor and Theodore who beamed in delight.

"This day marks the beginning of an extraordinary partnership, one that will impact your careers, yourselves, and the world around you. One by one, each day you take it one day at a time, and slowly but surely you'll be bringing this world together. The same way music…movies..", he nodded towards me, Simon, and Alvin, "...and great food does for us all."

"It brings us all together. Even within our busy lives, it you've created something to find a way for everyone to bond all over again. ", Dave finished sighing gladly, his eyes glossed over. He paused and sniffed, " So thank you... Theodore and Eleanor for bringing us and the world all together."

The room roared with applause and everyone in the room raised their glass up cheering and toasting along with us. Eleanor blushed deeply along with Theodore who both stood up to give Dave a long hug causing everyone to cheer louder.

I smiled at their encounter and Theo and Eleanor both looked at each other whispering words no one else could hear. Eleanor nodded at Theodore and they both made their way up to the stage where all of the band was and took the microphone.

Theodore sighed to himself as everyone quieted down. He cleared his voice and glanced at Eleanor who smiled gesturing towards everyone.

" I uhh..", Theodore let out a breath and smiled, " We just wanted to say thank you to all of you. Each and every one of you for being apart of our franchise and to those watching at home. For everyone who believed in us and for everyone who made it out tonight."

Whistles and hollers were heard all around along with praise and I rested my hand under my chin watching with a small smirk on my face.

"This is without a doubt going to be the most memorable nights of our lives.", Theodore went on, " The first of many. We've got to meet so many amazing people, our families are here together, and so far...no one has spit out anything they didn't like."

"Because nothing was nasty!", a female yelled out from the crowd and everyone's laughter increased. I mean it wasn't like she was wrong.

Eleanor giggled as Theodore continued, " I first off would like to thank my father, Dave who gave that tremendous speech showing me and Ellie that we are doing what every chef wants to do, bring people together like we did tonight.", Theodore begin applauding signaling everyone else to do so to which they did.

" I just wanna take a moment to honor the man who has done so much for me and my brothers and has always believed in me from the start. I couldn't have done it without you, Dave."

Dave had a hint of a blush on his face as he tried to wave off the applause we were giving him the respect and honor that he knew he deserved. A discreet huff caught my ear in the mist of it. Signaling that a certain red-clad family member wasn't showing too much concern. He wasn't showing much emotion to Dave nor did he seem to share Theodore's feelings.

"Next I want to thank my brothers and our close friends the Chipettes for taking time out of their schedules to be apart of this.", Theodore mentioned grinning, " And for bringing in the crowd in just in case they felt sketchy about showing up."

Theodore laughed along with everyone else in the room including the band. Even though, we all knew that people from all over were gonna come either way, me, Simon, and Jeanette knew he was joking. Eleanor attempted a fake smile laughing. Still showing reluctance to the statement. Considering what she told me in the bathroom. I tried to ignore it.

" And last but not least, I wanna thank my very closest and and dearest friend, Eleanor.", Theodore confessed turning towards her taking her hand. Eleanor gasped and I heard her say Theodore's name and blush. Clearly she didn't know what was going on.

"No I'm serious.", Theo smiled at her who continued to blush in return, " I want to thank you Eleanor, for helping and inspiring both of us to follow our dream that we both share. For letting the world in on our passion. For keeping the faith even when the going got rough. You're the reason all of this is here and I want to thank you."

Aweeee…

Was all we heard all around along with loving sighs. Everyone couldn't deny the chemistry that was felt between them. Eleanor's face was pink and blushing as she giggled and gave Theodore a hug causing the whole room to cheer.

Simon turned and caught eyes with me, " I saw that coming!", he mouthed while clapping. " Uhh yeah! Me too!", I laughed with him.

The room began to quiet down again as Eleanor took the microphone. She cleared her voice and tried to hide her blush, " Well, that was pretty cool.", she laughed along with everyone in the room.

" I had everything I was gonna say planned and now I'm at a loss of words!", she giggled along with everyone else as she straightened a blonde strand behind her ear.

"Smoochy smoochy", Alvin whispered in my ear playfully, " I think they're in looove-ouch! Hey!", he stammered upon me whacking him. I pushed Alvin away as he rubbed his shoulder. I shot him a annoyed look flipping my auburn hair while he grinned mischievously in return.

"You know I paired those two up from the beginning since I am the looove doctor.", he laughed at my reaction and I rolled my eyes at his antics. Theo and Eleanor didn't need him to pair them up.

….my sisters firstly.", I heard Eleanor say and I paused biting my lip. "They took the time out of their..well...busy schedules to come and see me and Theodore off here and I really appreciate it more than anything."

She sounded a little reluctant , but maybe that was just me. Maybe.

"Not to mention Theodore's brothers for coming too along with Dave. It means the whole world that our little friendship could turn into to something so incredibly cool!", Eleanor went on and the crowd cheered.

"Um…", she cleared her voice trying to find an answer as a mild pause took place, "...As you know this restaurant did not come easy. There was a lot of fuss in the way, regarding me and Theodore's futures and the music industry. But...we are so glad that we were able to start a dream together."

"A dream that is so much better now that everyone is apart of it.", Eleanor continued smiling. "What Dave said is true, it really is bringing everyone all together. And that's all we've ever wanted."

My heart was pounding a mile a minute in my chest seeing Eleanor and Theodore make such bold statements to everyone. And with all the latest information I was getting tonight, I could tell that it was a rough ride for them to even be able to put their names on something as big as this. I was honestly at a loss of words, just like everyone else in the room.

"So I'd like to dedicate this restaurant actually," Eleanor took the mic in her hands looking deeply into it and then at all of us, " To everyone who has ever had a dream and had someone told them that they can't do something or that they couldn't do something...I'd like to dedicate our restaurant to you all...its yours too...to those who dream big like us. And we hope you all had a great night, we'll see you all next time."

Without missing a beat, everyone stood up and clapped boldly and loudly hollering and whistling at Theodore and Eleanor who gave a slight bow and got off the stage. I followed along with everyone else at my table who stood and began clapping unapologetically at the two who gave the most inspirational speech we had heard in some time.

As I stood clapping, Jeanette turned to me nodding showing she was deeply impressed and I did the same remarking back at her. Eleanor and Theodore both blushed as they made their way back to us. Theodore received pats on the back from Simon and Dave making him grin from the nostalgia.

Alvin went over and rustled his hair earning a playful punch from Theodore in return. Eleanor gave long hugs to each of the boys and Dave soaking in their attention. She planting a kiss on each of their cheeks and began making her way to me and Jeanette.

She pulled both me and Jeanette into a hug and we hugged her back just as tight. Even though this was supposed to be a tender moment, It felt very awkward and I couldn't help but feel it was all for show. After all, she did find out my secret. About me and Jeanette avoiding tough questions.

The crowds clapping turned into roars of cheers as the Dave and the boys joined us and we all faced the cameras holding each other while everyone took out their phones and snapped pictures of us.

We all squeezed in and grinned while trying to see past the blinding camera lights. I could even began to make out News!Flash! facing us to try and get a shot while that sleazy reporter tried to make up his shortcoming by doing another scoop to save his image now.

I shook my head. That's what he gets for trying to mess with us live. Jerk.

As this night came to an end, I couldn't help but feel like an imposter. Here we all are, acting as if we have no problems, but we all were keeping secrets from each other. Was this really Hollywood?

Flash!

I felt my hand being taken off of Jeanette's back and enveloped with someone's. I turned to see Alvin who was still smirking to the cameras while he laced his hand within mines behind everybody. I was red looking down at it and back up to his face where he met my bright blue eyes.

Alvin nodded towards the main entrance of the restaurant.

" I'll be outside, Brit. Don't keep me waiting.", he whispered to me letting go of my hand. Alvin broke away from all of us as we all did the same and made his way towards the main entrance followed by an enormous group of of fans and followers. Even a couple of well known celebrities made their way behind them trying to catch up.

Ding!

Dong!

Ding!

Dong!

And the clock struck eleven o' clock.

Wind blew wistfully past me carrying my auburn curls into the moonlight. The sky was clear and the stars glistened briskly. The cool night air rested my soul as I took in all the events that occurred today.

With my sisters...with the boys...the fame. The lights...cameras. Gossip columns that were currently being written about tonight and will be on media networks tomorrow. Forever. For the world to see.

Though, there were so many questions that I didn't have answers to.

I glanced around behind the temporary bodyguards that were sent to my surprise by my manager to greet me and Jeanette as we came outside. He messaged me an apology for not have this ready earlier. I glumly agreed.

Ugh! Better late than never, Tony!

They had created a circle around me as limos pulled into to pick celebrities and their companions up. To make sure no one could come and bother me. Though they were still screaming and aweing at the sight of me.

"Brittany! Brittany! "

"It was so good seeing you tonight?"

"Can I pleease pleease have your autograph?! "

Sorry ladies and gents, not tonight. Not for a while. I was beat. I gave the groups of people gentle smiles as my bodyguards gestured them away from me.

Though I had to be lying if I said I didn't like feeling desired and wanted everywhere I went.

"Awee..", I giggled upon waving at the little girl I had seen earlier inside who was happy she had the same drink as me. She was being cradled by a lady who I assumed to be her mother to her nanny/caretaker and ushered into a limousine. I blew a kiss at her gigging as she 'caught' it and waved bye to me as the door closed.

Inhale…

...Exhale.

At least she was going to return to a peaceful night.

Sighing, my icy blue eyes scanned my perfectly manicured nails and down to my skin tight jet black dress that I began to smooth out. Out of the corner of my eye I saw one of the tough looking bodyguards bit his lip and try not to notice me.

Like I said. Nuff' said.

I had already messaged Destiny letting her know that the night was over and I had a whole lot to get off my chest. I was just waiting for her to respond. Jeanette over there was saying goodbye to Simon and Dave carrying a few bags in front of her full of boxes of food for Destiny. I made sure to let her know Jeanette had gotten her food. Though, I wasn't looking forward to seeing her pig out and probably eat it cold in front of me. Weirdo.

I hadn't said my goodbyes yet. I was waiting for a certain someone to show up before my limo did.

"Shoot! Had I even come up with an answer yet?", I thought frantically to myself and growled. My eyes widened in surprise and then I yawned. It was getting late. I was too tired to think. If I was going to go with him, what exactly was I going to tell Jeanette? Not to mention our driver…

There was loud chattering filled outside all around me where I was, but it was like I couldn't even hear it. There were hidden speakers outside that were now playing a sort of lullaby melody to soothe out everyone's voices. Though right now it was just about putting me to sleep!

I gently closed my eyes thanking God I was surrounded by these tough looking men. Dressed all in black looking like secret agents. There had to be at least 15 of them , just for me and Jeanette! No one else around here had this same type of fame or position I had and I was happy to remind them all of the status that was bestowed upon me. And it didn't come overnight.

I took a deep breath in through my nose breathing in the aroma of all of the exotic lilies and roses that decorated the restaurant. It was still extremely large and enormously lit up gold in the night. The water from the gigantic fountain in the middle of everyone gave the impression and sound of a waterfall, it made the night more relaxing.

I turned and looked through my bodyguards and watched people make their way down the large grand staircase from the main entrance and still no sign of whats-his-face. My eyes got lost in the spotlights that still shined in the sky waving back and forth letting all of Los Angeles know where the latest event was being held. Then I brought my attention back to the tans and golds on the restaurant with the sign ' Eccentric Taste' still lit up the night with a gold hue among everything else.

Snapping out of my daze, I pouted and stomped my stiletto into the ground , "Where is he?", I muttered to myself. Swiping my phone, I read 11:12pm and waved goodbye to another group of celebrities who were entering their limos and exiting the area. I scanned the road for a black and gold limo with my initials carved on them and saw nothing.

I sighed harshly crossing my arms. I swore under my breath, "He better not have stood me up."

Buzz! Buzz!

I jumped in surprise and swiped my phone to see who it was.

' Eeeee! Thank you thank you THANK YOU! I'll be at your house TONIGHT to pick it up! Midnight swim party with Jean! Yas! I'll have to leave early to go train the new reinforcements though. AUGH.' ~ Destiny

Midnight swim party?! My spirit dropped low. Shit!

"That sounds so friggin' fun right now, ugh!", I exclaimed to no one in particular. Now I felt guilty. Who ditches their sister and best friend over some boy?

But wait...no. Alvin was my best friend too after all. And I hang out with them way more than I do anyway. And he said he misses me…

Could I really do that to him though? Alvin was really hoping to see me tonight. Away from everyone else. Away from the world. And I really did want to forget about my problems with him. He had something special about him that just made everything...go away.

He missed me.

"I missed you...", he moaned against me and took my lips again, his hand coming up to cup my face.

I missed him.

"I missed you too..", I muttered into his neck breathing in his scent, "..sooo much…"

It was only one night.

And what I would give to be wrapped in his spell again.

I studied everyone around me and caught sight of Theodore and Simon speaking with Jeanette looking like they were about to head off. Dave was also nearby talking on his phone. I mentioned something to my bodyguards who nodded in agreement and ran over as fast as my heels could carry me. They were trained to keep watch on me so I wasn't worried.

I shoveled through people and made my way to tell Theodore congratulations, those who tried to touch me or bother me were blocked and covered my trained guards. I got to Theodore and squeezed him real tight giving him a kiss on the cheek, " I'll see you later in your upcoming movie, Theo!", I giggled as he rolled his eyes playfully. " As long as Simon pays me bank for whatever my role will be.", he replied causing us all to laugh out loud.

" Alright I gotta find Ellie wherever she is so we can head out! I'll see you guys later, okay? Thank you so much for coming! Can't wait to see you all again!"

We all waved bye to him as he met up with a couple of his people and faded away into the crowd. I have to say that I was relieved he didn't have Eleanor with him. There was still heavy tension between us and I didn't know how it was gonna get resolved. With the secrets she told me and everything revealed tonight...I don't know that I actually wanted to face her.

"...So, he's doing the movie, right? ", Jeanette wondered adjusting the bags in front of her chest.

" We'll bribe him if he doesn't for sure. ", Simon slyly responded causing me and Jeanette to erupt into giggles. Simon smiled and rested his hands in his pockets glancing over at his father waiting for him to finish up his conversation.

I studied him up and down one final time. From his sharp outfit to his cool demeanor. I really had to hand it to this guy. Who would've knew that Simon would become so handsome? Becoming a director too? Man. Plus, he really only had eyes for Jeanette and her only. I shook my head, Jeanette really was one really lucky girl.

" It was really great seeing you tonight, Simon.", I watched him carefully as he turned his his deep blue indigo eyes to look my way and smiled welcomely, "Awe, same here Brittany.", Simon responded pulling me into a hug that I eagerly returned. He smelled faintly of cologne that reminded me of the ocean at midnight. It pulled me in invitingly and I savored its fire.

" We all have to meet up again real soon.", Simon stated as he pulled away from me, " I just hate that we only get so little time to spend with each other. That's something that's gotta change." His eyes got skeptical looking around once he saw the large, toned men dressed all in black began to circle us.

"Err-uh…", Simon attempted to clear his voice, " Are these your guys by any chance?", he asked to anyone who was listening.

Me and Jeanette were zoned out until we began to notice the change. We giggled to each other and nodded eagerly, " Yeap, all of our handsome bodyguards.", Jeanette shamelessly stated rocking back on her heels. Blushing at the ones who smiled at her comment.

Simon nodded impressively scanning all of them and met my eyes, " Would it bother you if I told you I told you I'm not surprised."

"Not one bit, Si.", I said matter-of-factly placing my hands on my hips confidently. He playfully ignored me tugging a strand of my hair causing me to giggle.

A moment of silence occurred and for seconds we just watched everything go past us.

….

…..

….

" We're all just so busy…", Jeanette added in sadly after everything got cooled down and got quiet, " There are so many things to do or that need to get done…"

"Yeah. But, I don't want us all to be like those families that only meet up on Christmas or when someone passes away.", Simon pressed forward turning to both of us. There was that word again…'family'.

Simon inhaled deeply and straightened out his black blazer, " You never know when is the last time you'll see someone, you know? You have to make each day count."

Me and Jeanette nodded to each other allowing the faint lullaby melody to drown out the crowd and our thoughts. Jeanette casually looked away and began to stare at the stars. Simon raised an eyebrow at her and cleared his voice, " Did you hear me, Jean?"

"Wha-what?! O-oh um yeah! I did! " , Jeanette stammered and blushed bright red adjusting her glasses with part of her hand. Simon watched her intently, almost lovingly with the hint of a smile on his face shaking his head, " Get your head out of the clouds Jeanette."

Jeanette laughed and I giggled and sighed happily as Simon went over and kissed her on the forehead and hugged her. She leaned in and sighed returning it the best she could with the bags she was carrying. They lingered there for a second before Simon pulled away." Text me when you get home.", he whispered to her as she nodded and adjusted her glasses again blushing even deeper trying to hide her smile and my knowing grin seeing them all coupled up.

"Aweeee you guys are so cute!", I teased in my baby voice making a kissy face at her. Jeanette shook her head and rolled her eyes playfully at me as we watched Simon make his way over to Dave who was just now getting off the phone. Me and Jeanette followed up to where he was saying a few words to Simon and gave Dave each a hug.

" I'm so happy we all got to see each other tonight.", Dave cheerfully stated in each of our hugs, " Let's not wait until the next family reunion to do it again."

"That's exactly what I just told them too, Dave.", Simon joked and we all laughed as Dave patted Simon on the back. Me and Jeanette gave Simon one more hug before the two took off and made their way towards their limo that had just arrived. We waved bye to them and made our way back to our bodyguards.

And just like that, we were all separated again.

"Hoo...that was some night, huh?", Jeanette declared handing the bags to the guys to hold and I didn't hesitate to agree.

We had seen and heard a lot of things. In just one night, I was ready for it to be over. Not to mention these black stilettos were killing me!

"Yeah, I mean I've had better nights, but with everything that had happened well..", Jeanette's voice trailed off and my stomach tightened.

I knew what she was talking about and I felt so guilty. The bathroom incident and the arguing. Everything that was kept in for so long instantly just came out in an explosion. It was catastrophic and I wasn't going to sugar coat it. I still couldn't make out any sign of Eleanor and I didn't want to. I just wanted to hurry up and leave.

Gosh, I sure had a lot of explaining to do. I was nauseous just thinking about it. Instead I exhaled deeply and took her hand in mine. She squeezed it in return and smiled.

"Yeah, it was a lot and I honestly don't feel like talking about it.", I muttered quietly, not wanting anyone around me getting too much information.

I heard a sigh from Jeanette and glanced over to see her gazing at the stars again. The sound of the fountain and melody putting everything in perspective for us. Our jumbled thoughts began to quiet down as I began to stare up with her. Watching the stars twinkle and light up the night sky.

"I know we all have a lot to talk about.", I huffed running a hand through my silky curls that were now turning into waves.

It was quiet for a few seconds, and the silence grew, but shockingly both of us didn't mind it.

I decided to break the ice.

"Yeah we-

"...That food was fucking amazing though.", Jeanette answered.

Shots. Fired.

Loud laughter erupted from both of us so loud that it caused other people to stare at us silly and then oddly enough start laughing with us. I covered my mouth and my eyes bugged out hearing Jeanette swear! People around us including our bodyguards were getting in on the fun too, not even knowing why we were laughing.

I playfully slapped her arm and she kept saying sorry and that she couldn't help it. I didn't care. I was just...wow. There was a whole new side of her that I was seeing tonight and I didn't what the hell to say. Jeanette was seriously a puzzle. I don't know what has come over her!

Jeanette laughed some more and then yawned, I squeezed her hand some more, " Ahh...aside from everything...I think it was still a good night."

"Yeah..", I nodded, "I'm just glad that its finally ove-

Abruptly we began to hear something that sounded like propellers spinning widely above us. It sounded almost like an airplane.

"Huh?" Me and Jeanette looked puzzled at each other. We looked around following the gaze of everyone around us confused. Suddenly, everyone started pointing upwards and eagerly talking too fast. We still looked around, then gasped in awe at what we saw.

We turned around and up in the sky to see a top of the line luxury exquisite Sikorsky S-92 helicopter in red and black preparing to make a landing. Everyone started moving out of the way fast and in a hurry as the one of the most enormous expensive machine money could buy hovered in air circling around for everyone to see.

The wind was whisked around loudly and proudly. Causing dust to rise and people to start covering their face.

The paint looked so fresh and the golden lights on it flickered in alignment and the hue of the restaurant appeared to make it more brighter and bigger than it already was. It prepared to disembark and carefully gravitated itself onto the ground creating a light assortment of dust and debris around it that eventually faded into the wind.

It stood there in its full glory stretching and covering a good portion of the ground. With a spacious cabin that could hold up to twenty people or more. Everyone's eyes were locked on with their mouths slightly ajar. Clearly they didn't know how good money was when you had it. And in this moment, it seemed like I didn't either.

I knew only one person it could belong to. One person who told me all about it.

"Wait...Is that…", Jeanette began, but she and I both knew the answer to that question.

Buzz!

Buzz! Buzz!

It was my phone again. And I glanced down at it and took a deep breath swiping it and holding it up.

" Yes...Alvin?", I answered nervously. Not knowing what to say or how to say it.

"Well?", he answered back smoothly.

The hint of a giggle came out of my mouth and I tried to hide my smile covering my mouth. I was seriously in awe of how he managed to pull this together.

"Well what? You said you were gonna meet me up here!", I exclaimed turning everywhere frantically trying to peek my head up and see if I could spot him through the crown of a gazillion people with no luck.

" Yeah and risk having a full blown conversation with you in front of the press and all the onlookers and people out here?", Alvin responded swiftly. I , again, was at a loss of what to say. It all made sense now. Clearly it was better this way, lest both of our images get wrapped up in something we can't pull ourselves out of.

I took a deep breath letting the music and melody fill the air and silence any doubts I had. Seeing as though I couldn't find him in the crowd, I settled on watching the sky, and I couldn't help but notice a few clouds rolling in.

I mean at least he had decency to contact me but...

"Were you not man enough to come and find me?", I asked smirking.

" Look, princess.", Alvin started and I cracked up laughing , my cheeks blushing a faded pink listening to the offense in his voice, " Be happy I contacted you at all. Not like I can even see you."

" Well its not like I can see you either! There's still like hundreds of people out here!"

"Well, what about now?", he asked. My forehead creased together and I raised my eyebrows trying to make out anything exclusively red in the crowd.

And there he was.

Alvin swayed down the massive staircase onto the pavement with a huge entourage following behind him. In front of him was his own collection of tough bodyguards and a few agents on their phones along with people from his label probably. Alvin was speaking on his phone while a few of his crew went up into the helicopter to check and make sure things were set.

Even though, Alvin couldn't see me, I could still see him.

"Mmm...yeah I can see you.", I licked my lips in anticipation leaning into Jeanette. "Is that, Alvin?", she asked, " Tell him I said have a good night and get home safe on that...rocket he bought."

Jeanette and I laughed instantly giggling and sighing to ourselves. That's exactly what that thing looked like. I friggin' rocket / mini airplane!

"What the hell is so funny?", I could make out Alvin adjusting his phone in the mist of the crowd who I could see was all trying to get a piece of him. His attention, his whatever. I didn't want to know.

" Jeanette wanted to make sure you had a good night and that -that..", I started to erupt into more giggles, ".-that rocket you bought gets you home safe." Jeanette erupted into more snickers along with myself and I heard him start laughing too.

" I mean…", Alvin chuckled, his laughter dying down.

" What I want to know is number one, what did you call me for? And number two, what made you want to bring that thing to your baby bro's launch party?", all jokes aside, I asked.

Everyone else saw one side of him, but I needed to see another.

" To answer your second question, you of all people know that not only to I make grand entrances no matter where I'm at, but I also pride myself on making grand exits.", Alvin informed me like I could care.

"Grand...exits.", I wondered, giving him a moment of silence to think about what he just said.

'Don't start this, Brittany.", Alvin told me choking back a laugh. "You know what I mean."

"Well then… I -

"I also wanted to tell you…"Alvin began and I started to listen intently. I watched him through the crowd as some of his entourage started to make a way into the helicopter before him, " ...that I'm gonna be at the Grand London Palace hotel tonight. That's where I'm flying to."

"T-the Grand-...", I couldn't get the words out. The was one of the most hottest and fanciest hotels in all of LA, I still hadn't been there, because I live here of course, but I've always wanted to go so freaking bad!

"Yes, you can say it. I know its hella expensive, but that's what makes it fun ." Alvin joked like it was the most casually thing to say in the world. You had to make reservations on top of reservations to get in there!

"Woah…", I was in shock, I really didn't know what else to say.

" Is that a yes or…?", I could sense the smile in his voice. I could already sense the kind of night we would have.

I bit my lip in anticipation.

Boom!

The sky shook and as the thunder rolled its way in and I was staring up at the sky as a few grey clouds started rolling in. My eyes were lost in the night as the thunder relaxed me like it normally did. It seemed like the world was on my side for a second and I closed my eyes and felt a little bit of my stress went away.

Drip.

I shot open my eyes as a water droplet fell on my face and I brought my hand up to touch it. Rubbing it over my face. There would be rain tonight. All of a sudden, an engine roared and rolled its way closer to where I was. I felt Jeanette let go of my hand and we turned to see our limo here with my initials engraved onto it in black and gold.

"Well, that's our ride!", Jeanette grinned eagerly as she pointed to our driver who was making his way out over to the other side to open our door, " Let's go, Brittany, the neon light pool awaits!"

"...You still there?"

I heard Alvin's voice on the other line and I could see him making his way up into his helicopter. His steps were slow as he trailed behind his crew waiting for my response. I could see him laughing and smiling at at a few male friends who were fist bumping him and making their way inside.

Oohs and awes were coming out of everyone's mouth as they gazed at the expensive helicopter watching the lights and gazing at the design.

A few more raindrops fell onto my face. I heard what Alvin was saying, but that's not what I was looking at.

Up above in a separate balcony of the restaurant, I could make out a hazed figure gazing out of the window. My vision was blurred and the flowers that decorated the balcony made it hard for me to see.I blinked rapidly and leaned forward.

I could see a hint of green. A blonde figure...staring down at me it looked like. Her hair was blowing in the wind, but I couldn't make out her face. I couldn't read her face. It was a blur. My chest twisted inside of me mixing in with my inner peace.

All I could do was hope. Hope that any other secrets never hit the surface. I know the figure up above was holding on to too many scars from the secrets that she kept to herself. And they were best kept hidden. Just like she was.

Thoughts circled my mind.

Where was I going to be tomorrow?

Who was I going to be with tomorrow?

Droplets of rain were now dripping faster and creating a soothing clean atmosphere. Along with the hint of thunder, the crystal fountain and hidden melody played a flashback in my head.

Seconds passed before either of us said anything and he didn't respond.

I opened my mouth to say something, but a deep growling sound from my stomach escaped from me and I remembered that we were still supposed to be at the table. I soon heard his voice chuckle right after.

" Just surprise me, Britt", Alvin laughed against me pulling me tightly to him kissing me on the cheek tenderly again, " But we both know what's gonna happen."

My mind was fuzzy, my thoughts were scattered.

Boom!

A flash and crackle of lightening followed.

" You coming Brittany?!", Jeanette called out as she stepped into the limousine. The driver still holding out the door for me to enter.

" You coming, Brittany?", Alvin wondered, he had only a few steps left until he reached the inside of his luxury helicopter. His pilot holding the door for him and his remaining group to enter.

Another shadow came out from the light and gestured the green and blonde figure back into the light, she stared down where all of the hundreds of people were for a few seconds and then returned back inside.

I wanted to go, I wanted to stay.

….But instead I said

" I'll surprise you, Alvin."

~* Author's Note!*~

...Did you like it?

Come on…

I slaved over a hot laptop for this….give me some type of commentary at least.

I know, I know...1 year and 84 effing pages later.. This is bad. Its huge. Please I beg you my dearies don't hate me. UGH. I could write you a novel at how this year has been. But, I won't burden you with the deets (details) as they do bore me!

Its just that I start writing and...fuck man….life just happens and...smh.

Let's hope I won't make the same mistake twice.

If you liked, loved, hated what you read. Please...don't hesitate to drop me a line (review). BTW the whole 'drop me a line' came from Max from ' A Goofy Movie'. He was all "Well dad, if you're out of town longer than two weeks drop me a line!".

I always thought that was funny to me because he had on his shades and his cool hat when he said it *giggles* lol .

Alright...off to listen to some Disney music. Or 2pac…

Ah...yeah… L-Later.

xoxTristinaaDuhhhhhh