~Author's Excuse!~
IM SOOORR-YYYYYY! *dodges items thrown*
I totally have no excuse either! Because I stay inside all day long :D Like a supervisah! (Like a Boss) I have been watching Black Butler nonstop lately so that's probably why this chapter is late.
Did I mention I fainted and had to go to the hospital?! AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN FIND ANYTHING WRONG !
NinetyKidz4Life- Thaaaaank you girl! I'm very glad you enjoyed it! I hope you continue to love the story as much as I do. If someone doesn't have a passion for writing...I mean...why write y'know?
Alvin'sBaby80- Thanks, alot! What did you like about it? I hope you continue to read! I really adore getting new readers xD :DD I've been reading your work since I first came to this archive so it means a lot!
a.r.h.f.20- Aweee, no you're a sweetheart! :D Girl i LOVE seeing you virtual face when you review! Don't even worry about it! I completely adore how you're so dedicated and that you honestly review so religiously! Thank you again! I beg you to continue, I just love it! Ellie and B…? I can't say...you'll just have to find out ;)
Now….please enjoy. While I go fix the bruises from the items thrown.
~~~~~~XoxTristina~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*Glamorous*~
Chapter 6
What I Wanted
*^,^*
With a loud SLAM, I turned around from the door in a huff, my lips pressed into a fierce frown with my eyes shut tightly. I looked down at the ground and sighed aggressively. I was fumed.
This was way too much for one night.
First my overwhelmingly busy day, then firing that girl, Eleanor calling me on some bull, then Jeanette bringing it up again along with with the possibility of seeing Eleanor and Alvin in the same night.
That same pain in my shoulders and head was arising like it always did whenever I was under extreme stress. I wasn't thinking straight. At this rate, this night is never going to be over.
I brought my hands up and covered my face feeling it grow extremely hot from all of these burdens coming out of nowhere. My face was burning and I knew I felt a migraine coming on.. I glanced up and looked around quickly. I couldn't hear any noises coming from anywhere around me, I heard some chattering, but not as loud as they were before.
Quick...I had to be quick. If I wasn't in my room. Everyone was probably waiting for me to get back to the main lounge room to discuss anything and everything that went on today. From all of my accomplishments today to the award ceremony last night or God knows what else.
No matter what, I couldn't be seen without any bodyguards too often, those were the rules. Especially considering how young I am.
Carefully, I made my way in a fast-like pace through the hallways of the elegant studio production agency mentally cursing the way my heels clicked loudly against the tile flooring which could lead anyone into hearing me. Someone was sure to find me if I wasn't careful. I made it to the end of one of the walls and flattened my body against it, then I peeked around the corner to see if there was anyone I might run into .
Two women were standing around amongst the slight noise and talking indiscreetly about who knows what. One of them had black shades on top of her head and short red hair instantly reminding me of the chick I fired earlier. The other had on a blue business dress with a clipboard was in her arm.
I couldn't let them see me. I took a deep breath and cursed silently before I heard some masculine voices in the distance sounding like they were coming up from behind me. I trembled and turned around fast and looked in faint horror as I saw some men dressed elegantly in suits walking my way, yet still deep in conversation with each other. They hadn't noticed me yet.
Shoot! I didn't want to run ahead because they were going to hear the sound of my footsteps running and I'd be questioned and returned to my bodyguards.
I groaned. This wasn't going to work. At this rate, I wouldn't even know what to tell them! And I would not be escorted back to my beautifying room under any circumstances. Especially not this one.
Time was definately short. I didn't have time to make any second guesses. I'll go that way then, the ladies shouldn't bother me that much. Yes. Okay. That's it, they were always easy to fool. I could easily trick and con the guys behind me, but I was in no mood to flirt.
I swallowed.
Here we go.
I maneuvered and creeped around the corner and power-walked toward the direction of the two women conversing while breathing fast and hard. This night was irritating me all ready and all I wanted was some peace and quiet, but I always had to end up doing things the hard way because of somebody else.
Ugh!
I took another deep breath and held it as I walked fast to the other end of the hall when one of the ladies looked over at me and quickly gained the attention of her friend who then stared excitedly at me along with her.
Okay Brittney, its time to use those acting skills.
My mouth curved down and poked out into a small pout as I slowed down and I looked at the ladies almost nervously like I was unsure of my next move. They began to take note and instantly turned their faces into worry.
The lady with the short hair gasped and reached out to put her hand on my shoulder, "Ohmygosh, honey is wrong, are you okay?", she looked me straight in the eyes.
"I-I..", I began and stuttered, "I just…", I looked down and choked out a fake sob.
Come on, come ON Brittney, you have to think of something! Something of a lie that is also the truth….Wait..what? Oh what am I saying?!
"This...whole day has been full of..complete chaos", I explained slowly, "and I can't remember the last time I had a break from it all and…"
They looked at me worriedly and the other woman with the clipboard gave me a look of pure sympathy, "Ohh Brittany dear.", she leaned and took me in her arms giving me a warm hug and took a deep breath before responding, "I knew something was up. All these people in your face all the time. Events popping up right and left, it seems like you can never catch a break."
I smiled to myself seeing as this plan was going better than I thought before changing my face as she let go so they wouldn't let on to the fact that I was totally faking.
Almost immediately, her friend took me into her arms and squeezed me tight. I almost gasped at my lack of air at first, but slowly allowed the warmth to wash over me and returned the hug.
"You're just stressed out, hun. Its okay. Not everybody can do this fame thing.", she reasoned while rubbing my back rocking me slightly.
I furrowed my brows together and tried to make my face turn a little red to make them think I was crying. I hope I was doing good. My anger from earlier should be enough to get the point across my face anyway. She started to let me go before I spoke up again, "Its just…,", I tried to think of some excuse to get away quicker. I didn't know if those men were still behind me either.
"I just kinda want a little space y'know…", I finished looking up at them with fake sadness, "Today has just been a long day and-
"Oh no, its fine, honey!," the clipboard lady remarked, "Don't even worry about it, its good that you saying something about it."
This was just too easy. I couldn't believe I was having so much luck.
The lady with the shades spoke, "Yes, please don't be sorry about trying to tell us, hun. Just let us go and tell your manager-
"NO!", I objected instantly.
My eyes got big and I wanted to kick myself for letting that get out. They both looked at me appalled and worried like they weren't sure what to do.
I began again under a shaky breath, "No...um...I..I just rather handle this alone. That's all.", I gave a small smile hoping they wouldn't think less of me after my outburst. Geez I was starting to sound just like Jeanette!
They both looked at each other again and then redirected their attention back to me.
"I'll be fine, really. I just...um..need some space.", I wasn't sure how believable my smile was but I hoped they believed me enough to let me go.
I turned around hurriedly and expected to see the two guys that were behind me earlier but they were nowhere to be found. I could tell the ladies wanted to believe me but were unsure of what to say or do considering how nervous I seemed and was.
"Umm..I -I should go.", I squeaked in a hushed tone and squeezed myself around them and began my fast walk towards anywhere I thought would bring me peace. The feeling of not knowing how much time I could buy alone was really killing me and I didn't want any of the girls from back in my room to come out and try and find me.
I didn't even look back around to see if the ladies were still staring at me, I just knew I had to get away. Far away. I picked up my pace and made my way around another corner, then another.
Come oooon….There has to be someplace I can go to find some peace!
Halls.
Halls…
More halls…
Ugggh! No wonder they always had my bodyguards escort me everywhere. Its practically a maze in here! I was coming up to a set of mahogany wooden double doors, but I wouldn't think to go in there. The double doors were usually in a space like that for a reason. Meetings, conferences, important stuff like that, and they were locked for sure.
Just keep walking, just keep walking….I'll find some place to go. My heels kept clicking their way through the tile and my legs were starting to ache. I think it's time I pay someone to start carrying me. This walking mess is clearly for other people.
I made my way past the doors and continued to make my way further down when I heard something. I stopped suddenly.
What was that noise?
Oh no. It couldn't be.
A rushed chatter of voices started to appear all around me. Was I hallucinating? I felt a throb in my throat and quickly gulped. That didn't sound good. That could only mean one thing.
People were getting closer
And I didn't have anywhere to hide.
What the-GOSH! I looked behind me and heard footsteps along with the jumbled sound of loud voices and laughter creating a mix of busy professionals probably about to plan a night out. I turned back around, I wasn't hallucinating, everyone was headed this way.
Shoot, I was trapped! There was absolutely no place else to go. Everyone was coming this way and before I know it, I'll be escorted back to my bodyguards or to my dressing room. My body was shaking and my breaths were coming out in ragged gasps. I glanced around cautiously in both directions. At this rate, there was nowhere to go but…
The double doors...
Unless...they were locked.
I looked at them hesitatingly and wondered if I should just stay here and be taken back. My perplexed thoughts drifted back and forth like my steps. Then I'd have to think of an excuse as to why I'm here in the first place! Obviously there was nothing around here important that I needed so I couldn't lie.
If I didn't do anything and got taken back, the girls and Jeanette were probably still in there and if I go back they'll either continue to convince me to go, or be too scared to even try. And with my latest outburst, if I don't get a minute to myself, I was going to blow up for a second time.
There was no more time to think, I had nowhere else to go and I had to try. But, if they were locked….
I shook the thought away, I had to stay positive so I took a step back and made a dash for the doors and almost lost my step. The floor squeaked loudly and I almost tripped forgetting I was in heels. Reaching over, I gripped one of the wall tables near me and dashed towards the doors. My only way out.
Don't be locked. Don't be locked. Don't be locked.
The golden handles were in my reach and were getting closer and closer and I soon felt one of the cold handles in my hand. I took a deep breath and pulled on the handle and didn't get a response.
Oh...my...gosh…are you serious?!
No. no no no no no. This can't be happening. Why wasn't it?-
I yanked on the left door handle and it swung back harshly. The door hit my leg and sent a harsh pain through my ankle and the side of my leg.
I cursed silently and reached downwards to rub the pain away from my leg. Then my eyes got big and I stood there for half a second unmoving trying to register what happened.
The door opened.
The door opened!
The voices and chattering around me grew louder and snapped me out of my daze. Footsteps and clicking grew louder from each side and I casted a glance behind me and then squeezed through the doors. Before I could take a look around, I turned around sharply and grabbed the door handle as it was about to slam and let it ease and close quietly before it made any noise.
I stayed there unmoving and faced the door silently and listened through the wooden exterior. I gulped and tried to steady my breaths and tried to listen harder despite my harsh breathing and my heart beating loud in my chest.
The voices came closer and closer until I heard them directly in front of the door. I almost panicked thinking that they might've heard me rushing in here and would come in to see what all the commotion was.
Sooner or later in what felt like an hour, the voices trailed off and became more distant. I let out the breath I didn't know I had.
I groaned and turned around and planted my back against the door and hung my head low. I was tired.
Gosh...all this for some peace and quiet!
"Augh!", I shouted out loud despite my wish to keep my presence anonymous. My eyes rolled and threw my hands over my head and groaned a second time. I dragged my hands down and looked upon my surroundings. My mouth dropped slightly.
I took a glance around and surveyed the entire room. This was a room?
There was a series of half-circle suede cream color couches. That were in the middle of the room with a few glass rectangular tables that had buckets of ice with champagne in them along with a giant plasma TV.
The floor was laid out in expensive tile with carpet mixed in and elegant artistic wall portraits of deceased legendary musicians and instruments. To the right, there was a giant bar area with an open array of alcoholic beverages and bar stools with another flat-screen TV.
But what really took my breath away was the view in front of me.
Past the sitting area and the bar was no wall, the 'wall' that was supposed to be there was instead a giant window that stretched on from the far left of the room to the right, where the room ended. And on the massive window held a door that led to a balcony outdoors with an entire view of Los Angeles, the lights glimmering giving the room an enchanted aura.
Aaaand why haven't I seen this room before? I almost couldn't control myself.
"Wow.", I remarked aloud. Now that's the kind of place that would give me the kind of peace and quiet I need. Plus, the room was extremely dim and there wasn't anyone in here and it was going to stay that way.
I thrusted forward and swerved my way around the vast territory and wandered past the arrangements of plants on glass tables and walked down the tiny three steps of stairs to get to the suede couches. I patted the smooth cream colored material and strolled past the plasma and made my way to the glass door.
I placed one of my hands on it, turned the knob and pushed on it a little and welcomed the cool outdoor spring air to my body. My hair immediately became unraveled from the night breeze, my auburn almost golden stands were blown past my back along with my dress.
Finally.
The night was young and the air relaxed me. The chilled air upon me made my headache slowly start to disappear and I welcomed it. I raised my arms up high and stretched sighing happily and fixed my gaze on all of LA.
The night sky was a mixture of dark lavender and with a hint of pink indicating that the sun was setting. In front of me was a cluster of tall black skyscrapers and seemed to touch the sky, each one had a series of lights highlighting the building from the individual rooms seen on the inside of them. Looking out, I could also see a vast variety of palm trees along with smaller buildings lit up from the inside.
"Ahhh…", I sighed and crossed my arms, resting them on the railing leaning forward to look out on the city. The city of 'Lost Angels', huh? I laughed to myself. All these people here just trying to make it big at a chance at stardom. All of them wanting the same thing.
Money, Fame, and Power.
And to laugh at those who didn't think they could do it all by themselves. I smirked and shook my head thinking about that girl and what I said to her earlier.
"You think all you have to do in order to make it is show up and stand around?"
I mean, did she?!
I worked hard to get to where I am today and never settled for less. Who cares about a person or two who didn't reach my pedestal, not everyone was cut out for this.
Not that I wanted to share my throne either.
I looked out on the night sky searching for stars. Ughh, I guess since the sky still is a dark purple color since it was only around 6pm there won't be any stars yet. Pity, Alvin always loved looking out at the stars.
"...!", I had to stop myself. What?! I'm thinking about him again?!
I hung my head in shame. That's right...this is the reason why I came out here in the first place. It wasn't just clearing my head about the possibility of seeing Eleanor tonight, it was about the possibility of seeing Alvin there too. I gazed out on the night sky again and looked up, it was getting late and I was in no mood to be around another huge group of people.
"UGHH, why is everything so complicated?!", I shouted to all of Los Angeles.
"Why is what so complicated?", a voice answered and knocked me out of my trace.
Fear jolted me up and shot through my body. Crap, I was caught! I jerked my head around and looked to see who was there. Right behind me, I saw my manager emerging from the shadows closing the glass door behind him. I let out a breath in relief. At least I wasn't in trouble, "W-what are y-you doing here?...", my voice sounded so shaky. What's the matter with me, it was just him! Thank God it wasn't anyone else.
"I could ask you the same question, kid.", he gave me a look of disbelief and walked over towards me.
"Aren't you supposed to be in your dressing room?", he casually walked closer until he was right next to me.
I turned around and refaced the city night not knowing what to say. I flattened my lips into a tight frown and didn't say anything.
He laughed lightly before addressing the question that was on my mind, " I was in the backroom near the bar trying to locate the kind of wine we we're all going to toast to tonight at one of LA's latest upscale areas."
I gave a small smile, " Aaaand I didn't get an invite?!"
He leaned closely moving a strand of hair behind my ear and whispered, " Real Adults only, hun."
Before I could laugh, I sighed deeply feeling his hand resting on my back.
"And besides Brittany, don't you have somewhere important to be tonight?", he rub his hand in slow circles giving me a warm comforting feeling. "You can't stay out here working on your tan forever.", he joked referring to the dark pink-ish glow of nightfall over LA and I tried not to laugh.
"Ughh! Ohmygosh no! Let's not talk about that alright!", I exclaimed throwing my head in my hands. There he goes using my first name again too. Now he's being serious so I know I had to say something to explain myself.
"Wait a minute, I don't get it. What's the matter?", he questioned.
"N-Nothing.", I lied. I tried to look away slightly. But I knew he wasn't having that.
"Hey. Look at me.", He reached over and took my chin and tilted it up so I could face him.
"You don't have to lie to me Brittany. I've told you this over and over again just tell me the truth. ", he reasoned gently, "I know it had to be something big for you to come all this way to be alone now verses you calling a limo and just heading home."
My lips poked out into a small pout and I knew he was right. He slowly let go of my chin and waited for me to say something.
I looked down sadly. Here I was trying to avoid being trapped physically earlier, and now it backfired, and I was now trapped emotionally. Breathing in deeply, I let out a huge breath to pull myself together. There was really nowhere else to go now.
"I...", I began but before I could, a slight howl of the wind was heard and the cool wind blew against me giving me a slight chill. I cringed.
He must've took notice because he gazed at me and opened his arms.
I took in his gaze and nearly crashed myself into his soothing, warm torso. I hugged his body against mine and rested my head just under his shoulder. He rubbed my back slowly again and I tried to muster up my words together.
We were silent for a while. Nothing but the light from the light from the city of stardom illuminating our presence.
"What's wrong? You don't wanna go?", he asked gently. He seemed truly concerned.
With a deep sigh, I hesitantly began to get my words out, "I got a call from my sister today.", I confessed and squeezed him tighter and buried my head into his chest almost not wanting an answer.
"Mm. That's it?", he asked and looked down at me.
I shifted my head downwards and huffed, " No. She had some...words to say that I didn't appreciate.", I gritted my teeth together. The ''conversation" flashed before my mind making my anger rise over.
He didn't answer for awhile and continued to hold me, "...I'm guessing it didn't end well?", he clarified casually. I scoffed loudly trying to make him feel at least a LITTLE like how I felt.
"No!", I barked and looked up at him," It didn't! I can't stand her stupid-"
Tony shot me a warning look, beckoning me to stop while I was ahead.
I huffed and tried to hide my gulp. I turned my head slightly and stared at the ground with a frown, "Ugh, you know what I mean, Tony.", I didn't want to look back up at him.
"No kid, I knew what you meant", I could still feel his look staring down at me," I just need you to not refer to your sister like that." I slowly turned my shoulders up back at him. Being as though I am naturally defiant, I still didn't want to look him in the eyes. I hated being scolded.
Even if I knew he was right.
"Its just..ugh", I grimaced and hesitated to get even a few words out after being totally reprimanded, " Its just I know she wants to go to her st-", I bit my lip before saying the word 'stupid' again."
"I know she wants me to go to her party but...", I looked up at him unsure of how to finish.
He looked like he wanted to laugh , " That's what you're worried about? The party?"
"The party that is going to be TONIGHT!", I specified still holding him getting all up in his face.
"Oookay, so what's the problem?", he looked confused, "That's where you wanna go, we could just let the limo take you there. What makes this so different than any other event?"
"Nooo, its not that its the fact that she didn't tell me until this morning!", I screeched.
"Ohh, well the-
"And not only that!", I expressed and gripped him tighter, "She called me earlier and said that people just 'can't be going out of their way' for me, like are you serious?! If being someone's sister is so important, why couldn't I be notified ahead of time?!"
He opened his mouth again before I cut him off a second time.
"Jeanette knew ahead of time!", I held one finger up to him trying to make my point, " And they both chose to keep it from me, then they get mad because I have plans!", I argued.
Tony raised an eyebrow like he almost wanted to laugh, "You don't have anymore plans right now." I gave him an 'are-you-serious' look, "Come on, really? Like you didn't call me this morning with a laundry list of duty-filled obligations?!"
"You're lucky I didn't ask you to end world hunger while I was at it.", he joked and I playfully hit him.
"Tony, I'm serious! Eleanor pulls this crap on me knowing that I had a lot of stuff planned today which would leave me feeling exhausted and 'invites' me to her restaurant release knowing that if I choose not to come, the media will destroy me."
He looked amused, "And how do you think she knew about all the stuff that you had planned out for today? I don't remember telling her any of it."
"Who do you think? Jeanette probably told her!", I huffed, "And I know they've been keeping more secrets behind my back than this one!"
He chuckled lightly before rubbing my back and continuing, "Okay babe, I think your just over exaggerating a little bit. Nobody knew about anything you had planned toda-
"Jeanette woke up early this morning at 3am and checked to make sure I was asleep.", I began while Tony gave me a look of astonishment trying not to laugh as I cut him off, "Then she dressed all in black and hitched a ride on a helicopter and broke into the studio headquarters and squeezed her skinny self through the security system, BROKE IN, and used her glasses to scan the material about my day, sashayed back home, told Eleanor about it, and was in her room right on time for breakfast.", I finished confidently.
My face was filled with triumph as I held Tony and began to search his face for any fault with my fabulous story. He shook his head in astonishment.
"Kid..,", he shook his head laughing," You are quite the storyteller." I looked at him like I didn't just hear what he said, "Ex-cuse me?! That's exactly how it happened!" He rubbed his forehead still chuckling, " I'm still mad at the fact that you used the word 'sashayed' "
My eyes rose in surprise, "That's what she did! She sashayed her way home and that's why nobody had a chance to catch her!"
"Listen to me, "He fixed his gaze on me, "Your sister…", I looked at him eagerly waiting for him to agree, "...is quite the klutz.", my face fell. He continued, " I'm pretty sure if that story was in any way true that she wouldn't have gotten far. Especially not with her…'magical scanning' glasses.", he pointed out.
I wasn't even going to argue, I was serious now, "The bottom line is that they are hiding stuff and using it against me. How can they expect me to show up with a smile on my face when it seems like they're plotting against me?!"
"If I can't even trust them to give me details ahead of time with my busy life, then how can I trust them with anything else?! Complete strangers knew before me, Tony. And they want to talk about family?!", I exclaimed.
My manager's face was unreadable. He lowered his eyes at me and sighed, "Well, I thought you guys would've been over this by now." My migraine was beginning to increase. Seriously, is everyone going to be asking me the same question?!
"Tony, I'm just sick of this crap.", I stated tiredly looking at him, "This day was full of it, Eleanor calling me, that chick today..."
"Okay, while we're on it what was up with you and that redhead today?", he asked looking straight at me. I brought my gaze down and then back up at him. Shouldn't have even said that because I know I didn't want to hear anybody else's mouth over my decision. "Well. What would you have thought of doing if you were in that same situation.", I brought my gaze up towards him half daring him to say something contrary.
"Regardless of what I would've did, you can't simply fire any and everyone all of the time. That's the 3rd this year.", he pointed out sharing my look.
I rolled my eyes and looked anywhere else but his face, "She had to go. All I did was ask her to bring me some shoes and she wanted to get all smart".
I surveyed his face for an answer. When I didn't get one, I pressed forward again, "I mean really Tony, if she wasn't doing anything important that had to do with me, then why was she in there?! Unless she was on the same level as you and all the other guys, she had no business just standing around observing the place!"
I smiled up at him cutely and after a few seconds he did the same. I giggled, I knew he couldn't stay mad at me. Especially not when I stroked his ego. I wrapped my arms around his neck and waited, "Sooo?", I pressed on giggling again. He sighed and laughed shaking his head at me, "You are really something else."
I laughed with him and took a deep breath and spoke again, "That's 'cause-
"But, you are forgetting that all of this firing you're doing is bad for your publicity.", he was serious now. I pouted and didn't say anything.
"Plus, if you keep it up, nobody will want to really want to work with you.", he finished. Shoot, I thought that would for sure take his mind off of it.
"Or it'll let them know that if they are going to be working for the best of the best, then they need to measure up or there'll be consequences.", I smirked.
He studied me intently, "To be successful...you have to be surrounded be people who also want you to succeed. Otherwise, you'll just be trying to do everything on your own and it'll backfire in your face."
I looked away defiantly, "If you say so."
"I do.", he confirmed.
I understood what he was saying, but I wasn't going to admit it. Like this would actually be in the news tomorrow about some nobody that got fired. It was scary though sometimes, the way my manager could predict the future sometimes. Sometimes he gave better advice than my publicists and knew more about the media than they probably did.
He rubbed my lower back gently and I felt warmth rush through me and my heart instantly fluttered. Ughh, was this my weakness or something? I blushed and didn't look at him.
"Hey", he nudged me gently.
"Hmm?", I brought my head up a little still trying to sound mean. I didn't want to look at him and to have him see my blush.
"So, what are you going to do about the whole sister event tonight?", he asked and all the blood drained from my face. Well, at least I didn't have to worry about him seeing me blush anymore.
"Who said I was going?", I grunted and refused to look at him.
"Well, it has been two years.", he pestered me probably hoping to gain a different answer.
"And?!", I shot back being purposely disrespectful. I knew I was crossing the line, but he can get mad me later, I wasn't in the mood.
"And.", he gave me the same look from earlier warning me to check my tone, "..I think it's time you try and patch things up before it's too late because family is everything."
I snorted at his comment, raised my eyebrow and looked at him in disbelief.
He frowned in disapproval, "Hey. Mija, don't be like that."
A helicopter almost snapped me out of my trance. I stole a look and saw one in the distance hovering over LA. Turning away, I pouted again and glanced up at him waiting for him to say something. He took one hand off of my waist and stroked my cheek lovingly with his thumb, "Your sister loves you. and you know you love her too."
He kept his thumb there for a second and then brought it back down. I brought my gaze down and fell silent, "Tonyyy…", I groaned. I didn't like where this was heading.
"Maybe its about time that you guys begin to make up.", he suggested noticing my hesitation. My eyes nearly popped out of my head and I scowled up at him.
"Umm for what?!", I made no attempt to hide my disgust, "Not after the phone incident today! She really called me with the biggest attitude on the face of the Earth and on top of that, she said she only called because Jeanette has asked her to, can you believe that?!"
Tony sighed and continued still, "You can't let these small problems come between you guys. Do you really plan on being mad at her for the rest of your life?", he brought his hand up again and this time ran them through my auburn curls softly.
I relaxed in his touch, mentally scolding myself. These little forms of affection were really starting to bug me with how effective they were. It was seriously hard to stay mad when he did stuff like this. It almost reminded me of…
No, I wasn't going to think about him. It'll only leave me in a worse mood than I was already in.
"Kid, one day you guys are gonna really need each other.", he told me, "If you think about it, when are you going to get an opportunity like this to be with her and talk things through."
"But that's the thing!", I exclaimed, "We won't be able to do this one on one because it will be in public with everyone completely surrounding us, there'll be no room to talk."
Not like she has any.
"Even then," he continued despite my ongoing complaint, "Maybe she's just still upset over the incident that happened previously. Maybe she wishes you all could still be together again like the good days."
"Its been two years, Tony. She needs to get. over. it." I emphasized each word and stared him down. Just what did he know about what was going on with us?! I'm just really tired of everybody today I swear. All this talking was making me tired by the second, I really just needed to go home.
"So, I'm guessing you still don't plan on going?", he asked as if he already knew my answer. He looked down and examined my face bringing his hand back down to my waist. I stared into his eyes trying to ignore his sculpted features and how drastically young he looked for his age.
"This isn't just about you, hun. This is also a really big moment in her life. Think about it. You would want her and Jeanette to be at any of your events whether you actually tell us or not."
"You're sisters are the only family you have now.", he finished.
I snapped out of it.
"No. I'm not going and I do not want to see her.", I confirmed and assured him confidently. Though it seemed like I was trying to assure myself more than him.
"Y'know hun, when you sign up for this life, the absolute worst thing you can do is have fame and not be able to share it with anyone.", he reminded me.
"Yeah, I guess", I said looking anywhere but at him
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, "Well kid, I'm not gonna tell you what you should or shouldn't do, you need to learn how to make your own decisions.", he told me and I let my guard down happily, "But, no matter what, you can always come to me about anything, okay?"
I nodded eagerly, I didn't want to talk about anything else.
He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around me tighter and I hesitated a bit before I squeezing him back just as tight realizing how much a needed a hug. He kissed me softly on the forehead before speaking up again.
"I'm not gonna tell you what to do, but just think about what I said, okay?", he gently stated hugging me.
I remained silent.
"DId you hear me?", he asked raising his head up looking at me.
I sighed into his shoulder and struggled to get a pitch in my voice. I cleared my throat, "I guess."
"You guess?", he asked.
I didn't really want to talk anymore.
I relaxed into his torso with an extremely dull look on my face. I was hungry and I was tired. Nobody else in the world could possibly even attempt to grasp the way I felt.
" I don't know", I went on without much feeling in my voice, " Its just...the day is almost over and I'm left with all these stupid decisions." My eyes ran over the concrete ground and scanned the area with the same enthusiasm that was on my face.
"I know, I know kid. This life is hard, but you can't let minor setbacks like this keep you down. But, whatever decision you make, you'll have my full support.", he squeezed me one more time before letting go.
I sighed softly letting go of him and we both stared off into the sky towards all of the skyscrapers and the illuminated night sky. It still had an eerie dark pink, almost burgundy glow and now two more helicopters were seen cascading across the night sky. In the distance, I began to take out two giant spotlights waving rhythmically back and forth across in the distance in toward the sky, usually indicating awards ceremonies.
That's funny, there shouldn't be one two days in a row. Especially not since the International Music Awards were in fact last night.
"I have a feeling those spotlights are where your sister's restaurant's party is being held.", he noted reading my mind for a second time.
"Hmmph.", I snapped crossing my arms.
"You sure you're gonna be alright?", he asked again and I turned an eye to him.
I sighed, "Yeah, I think I'll be okay, just can you…", I asked but tried not to sound needy, "..can you like walk me back to my dressing room. I still barely know how I even got here," I finished sheepishly.
He chuckled before wrapping his arm around my shoulder and leading me away.
My heels clicked on the floor loudly and floor as I walked through the halls leaving an echo tracing after me. I had my arm grazed around my managers waist as he led me back towards my main dressing room.
Like I love my manager and all, but the whole 'family is love, family is life' mess was really starting to bug me. Sometimes family is the one that will turn on you quicker than anyone else, that's for sure. Still though…
I glanced up at him as he talked on his phone and looked at his Rolex GMT watch every couple of seconds while making sure we were going the right way.
I stole a quick glance at his watch wondering exactly how much money my manager really had in the bank. I raised my brows in surprise realizing that I almost forgot how much he was actually worth. The last watch he told me bought was over 25 grand and he told me it was on of the "cheapest".
I wonder if he still had that yacht that he STILL hasn't took me on yet.
Still, I couldn't help but think back to what he had said earlier. He was only saying it because of what happened to him to make him retire from acting years ago.
...But I'd rather not go into it.
I let out a huff as he lead me around another hallway. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest and I almost dreaded going into my dressing room. I sighed looking behind me to see if anyone was following us and turned around sharply and regaining my trance.
He must've noticed my worry because he gave me a look through his phone call and instantly rubbed my right shoulder that he had his arm draped around.
I leaned into him pressing more firmly into his side carrying my steps down the hall.
A hard feeling had erupted in my chest from earlier. I tried to ignore it, but it kept making itself known with each step closer I got to my dressing room. The guilt from my answer earlier was slowly was trying to consume me, but I purposely ignored it. Nobody was going to change my mind.
I mean what did he or anybody else know about how rude Eleanor had been these last few years! Its not just me! I just wanted to start doing things on my own according to me and everybody is still seeing me as the bad person just because I wanted to go home! I had thee longest day and now I probably won't be home until late and its all because of her!
Nooobody ever thought about what I wanted.
I swear if I even go to her sissy little event, she was gonna give me hell the entire night and somebody was gonna get hit and it was not gonna be me. Like seriously!
Tony 's laughter through the phone erupted me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him and my heart softened. No matter what, I knew I couldn't stay mad at him. After all, he wasn't forcing me to do anything I didn't want to do and that's what I admired out of him.
But still as if dealing with Eleanor's attitude wasn't enough...
Alvin was going to be there.
I bit my lip in frustration as we made our way across another corner. I could kind of tell where we were now, that meant my dressing room was coming up.
I thought back to our earlier phone conversation from this morning. I could still smell his manly cologne from last night...his arms wrapped around me..all that flirting...and he said HE missed me. I didn't get opportunities like this all too often.
But even if I was gonna see him, I couldn't let anybody else know that know we had SOME feelings for each other. The tabloids would go absolutely nuts!
I blushed thinking about our conversation that we had earlier...maybe if I'm lucky we could find some place sneak away to just to like last night.
My cheeks were pink and I lowered my head trying to hide my smile. Just thinking about it, my mind traced back to his hands wrapped around my waist caressing me slowly...my arms wrapped around his neck...his lips on mines...
My cheeks we're feeling tight and puckered as I tried not to let any giggles out. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him narrow his eyes down at me while on the phone. He muttered a ''hold on" before returning his attention to me.
"Uhh, what are you over here smilin' about?", he nudged me a little pulling me closer.
Clearly trying to hide my smile wasn't going to work because he caught me and was now trying to make me look at him but that just wasn't gonna happen.
"What?", he pulled me closer with one hand smiling while holding his phone in the other, "What." I was laughing hysterically now struggling trying to jokingly get away from him, "Ohmygosh stooooop!", I complained, "Its nothing!"
"It doesn't seem like that.", he taunted still pulling on me, "You're over here grinning like something's funny, what is it?"
I covered my mouth trying not to laugh and struggled to turn away from him. He looked at me smirking, "Okay, let me find out what it is and I promise I'm not going to let it go."
I giggled, "Okay! So?! See if I care!", I laughed as I was stuck against his side with my arm around his waist once more, lowering my head again a huge blush on my face. At least I knew there was one on my face NOW for sure!
He chuckled and tugged on a strand of my hair earning a growl from me, "Whatever you say, kid." He went back to his conversation mentioning me to whoever he was talking to. I turned to look at him with a disapproving look clearly plastered across my face and he 'pretended' not to notice.
I rolled my eyes and focused on the path in front of us, my heels still leaving loud clicking noises.
If that's what I get for simply thinking about Alvin...then...
I quickly felt a rush of emotions take over my chest and my insides became extremely hot all over again. I could only imagine what seeing him in person would do.
I let out the breath and tried to hopelessly to control my facial expressions. I don't care what Alvin says, that's exactly why I just couldn't 'show up' tonight. It would never end well. If Eleanor brought me that kind of stress just by being on the phone with her...and Alvin brought me those kind of feelings just by thinking about him.
I shivered. There were pros AND cons to going to going this stupid event if I actually did go.
Eleanor's crazy self prompting me to be in a bad mood, Alvin's suspicious flirty hot behavior tempting me all night...
My stomach growled abruptly out of nowhere and I clutched it tightly.
...the fact that I hadn't eaten since this morning also came to mind. Plus everyone's who is anyone knew that Theo and my sister could throw it down in the kitchen real quick. Their cooking was what gotten them to where they were today.
Not only that, but my image was on the line too. For the last couple of years, people hadn't known that me and my sister's lived apart. Me not going to this event could let them know that me and Eleanor were estranged and I'd be seen as the bad guy.
The pound in my head grew tighter and I clenched my teeth at my newly arrived headache while touching my forehead. I let out a sharp breath. This was too much. At this rate I should just friggin' clone myself and have somebody go for me ugh!
I looked over seeing Tony hang up the phone and place it into his pocket, "Hey, Tony?", I muttered.
"Yeah kid?", He looked over at me squeezing me closer to him. Wow, he was definitely pretty forgiving considering how I majorly talked back to him earlier.
Not like I cared though, I'd do it again. He knew I was his favorite client.
"Sooo...", I began quizzically trying to ignore the growl in my stomach , " When did that new lounge room get there exactly?" He looked almost puzzled, " You mean you haven't ever been in there before?"
"Like no!", I looked at him with the same shocked expression, "What made you think that?!"
"Well..the fact that you found it on your own without any help for one", he smirked at me. I playfully rolled my eyes at him.
"Stooop!", I shrieked, "I'm serious! I've never seen that room before, where did it come from?"
Before he could respond, I saw two familiar men in suits walking toward us talking amongst themselves. I recognized them as the two men that almost caught me outside my dressing room from earlier. Thank God they didn't recognize me.
They got closer to us and soon caught our attention as they came near. They nodded at us waved simultaneously and we returned the favor.
Afterwards, he turned his attention back to me and spoke again, "The room was being remodeled for a while in order to be our newly refurbished lounge room. Thats why its been closed off for while so nobody could get into it."
"So congratulations on being one of the first to see it.", he finished with his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Why you gotta say it like that?", I blurted out as soon as the words left his mouth.
"Well...being as though you snuck in…", he started and then stopped and motioned in front of me. I looked at him confused and stopped in my tracks the same as he did. I looked up and couldn't be more surprised as we were right in front of my dressing room door.
I gazed at the large pink shiny star on the door with my name spelled out in large glittery letters. Wow...here already..
I heard him clear his throat right next to me and I turned to look at him in question.
"Yeess?", I sang waited for his response.
"Remember what I told you earlier. Alright?", he stated looking at me intently.
"Yeah, yeah, I know already.", I rolled my eyes clearly not in the mood for more 'family talk'. I mean what did these people want from me?! I couldn't keep everybody happy! I HAD to put myself first.
He pulled me into a brief hug bringing his hand up toward my ear pushing my hair back back before whispering, "And you better quit getting smart with me."
I instantly started giggling uncontrollably covering my mouth with my hand. I heard him chuckle before pulling away. He took a step around me beginning to walk off before speaking again, "Just let me know what you plan to do so I can get your limo here."
"Yeah, I will!", I replied happily despite wanting this conversation to end still. He smiled before taking out his phone to answer another call waving at me before leaving off to meet some other important people probably.
I looked over at my dressing room door and pondered all my thoughts. Extremely loud laughter and talking could be heard from inside. My stomach growled again and I gave it a quick, sharp pat trying to make it stop. No matter what, I thought back to my recent decision...I mean really…
Was I really making the right choice?
I shook my head and breathed out sharply. No. Being selfish on your own behalf is something everybody should be equipped with. Especially if I wasn't stepping on someone to get what I want.
But, sometimes even that was extremely necessary.
I reached toward the knob and jiggled it open. A tiny and indiscreet squeak was heard as the door wheeled around to its opposite side. I walked in and almost wanted to step back out. Everyone was still here and quickly stopped their conversations to begin staring at me with unreadable faces.
Ex-cuse me?! It was just a jungle in here and now they wanna get all silent on me?!
"Umm...hi?!", I spoke aloud trying to break the tension in the atmosphere. Geez, they all looked like somebody died in here. I scanned the room observing everyone.
The girls were all huddled up together in the chairs near some of my tables, one was sitting on top of the table. Destiny and Jeanette were still sitting over by vanity looking over at me.
"Hey, Brittany.", they all replied at the same time still staring at me silently. I closed the door behind me and took another step forward. Okay this was enough for one night.
I looked at all of them liked they were crazy, "Umm hello?! Can you guys say something?! I'm not a ghost!", I yelled loudly. Some of them jumped up at my recent outburst now paying very close attention. Now that was more like it.
"Ohmygosh, where have you been?!", the brunette with the curly hair said looking at me.
"Yeah, we were beginning to think we'd have to send out a search warrant.", another one added and started laughing along with everyone else.
Destiny laughed with them and when the noise started to drown out she spoke, "We..uh...hoped we weren't bothering you by suggesting you to go to your sister's food party...thingy", she finished pathetically. Everyone including Jeanette stared at her with a dumb look on their faces earning a laugh from me.
"What?!", she looked offended.
Everyone burst out laughing shaking their heads at her.
"Whatever!", she continued before looking at me, "Its just uhh...you could really have a lot of fun tonight if you do go...Y'know? Let loose a little? Not everybody gets invited to those things."
I pondered for a second sighing before answering, "Well..."
I looked over at Jeanette who was still hunched over with her head in her hand on the counter staring away from me sadly. I instantly felt a rush of emotions released inside me. I tried to bottle it up but there was no stopping it.
I furrowed my brows together and looked at her confused. Mostly at my feelings. As much as I didn't wanna go...for the life of me, I just couldn't stand to see her upset like that. I already had one sister not talking to me I didn't need another. I felt my manager's words come back to me in faint horror. Thoughts flooded my head.
Maybe the whole event about congratulating Eleanor and Theodore on their hard work wasn't really what Jeanette griping about as it was just seeing us all together again as...what's that word...family.
Ew...
I rubbed my forehead and groaned to myself. Gosh...I mean.
I tried to get my words together and gulped before I spoke, "I suppose...this dinner party is only for... one night...", I hinted at everyone earning looks of surprise coming my way.
Jeanette still remained unmoved. Guess I had to try harder. More so to convince myself. I can't believe I'm doing this.
"I guess it would be nice, y'know...all of us being all together again...and stuff.", I brought my hand down and continued trying to get SOME form of reaction out of her.
Everyone's eyes were still glued to me waiting for me to confirm what they we're already thinking. Jeanette though was still in the same position like I didn't just give her ammunition to what she wanted to hear.
My thought drifted back to all the things I would be subjected to tonight. Eleanor's attitude...possible arguments...publicity...my image...Alvin!
I shook the thought away and stomped my heel harshly, I was through playing games. This whole "being nice" was too much.
"Jeanette do you hear me?!", I screamed at her, " I said I'll go!"
She turned towards me with a look of disbelief and pure found shock. Everyone's shrieking and gasps of excitement could be heard all around the room. Jeanette got up and dashed towards me grabbing me and pulling me into an enormous bear hug.
Her eyes had become watery and she squeezed the life out of me.
"Ohh Brittany, you don't know how much this means to me.", she expressed deeply to me.
My face was unreadable but I slowly began to hear and feel the warmth of her words as they sank into my spirit. I hugged her back just as tight. I knew there was something else I had to do.
"Yeah...", I cleared my throat before responding, "Jeanette...um...I wanted to say I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier too. I didn't mean it, I was just-"
"Upset.", she finished for me, "I know, I know.", she looked at me and smiled. Once again, my heart just seemed to burst with joy seeing her happy.
"Ohhh girl, you are going to have so,much fun!", Destiny excitedly said bouncing slightly in her seat clapping excitedly.
"Yes!", Jeanette agreed with the same level of excitement, "now let's get you dressed!"
I looked puzzled, "Dressed?! I'm already dressed!", I finished happily. Everyone giggled at my last statement. I didn't get what was so funny.
Jeanette looked over at me, " Oh come on, Brit! Anybody would know you love being pampered. That's a fact. Besides, I still have to get ready too! Eleanor's event starts soon and we have to be there on time! "
I raised my eyebrows...well. I knew I couldn't argue with that.
Destiny got up and stretched, "Alright, lemme go get your beauticians real quick!"
"Uhh girl no.", the girl with the short brown curly hair shook her head, "Why don't we help get Brittany ready?"
"Yeah!", everyone said simultaneously and nodded in agreement. I looked at them for a second before breaking out in a grin, "That...actually doesn't sound so bad."
"Mhm, and I could do your hair.", the rocker chick who barely said anything spoke up.
We all looked over at her in shock.
"Since when do you ever speak?!", one the girls said.
"I'm not getting my beautician license for nothing.", she shrugged and flipped her jet black hair over her shoulder. One girl ran over to all my outfits, "Brittany you have to promise to let me borrow some of these clothes after we get done with you!" I smiled at her, "Well, its almost 7pm so if we're gonna make this work, we have to be quick."
"Do you guys really think we'll be able to get both of you ready in time for the party?", Destiny leered her head at us almost doubting the whole situation.
I shook my head laughing. "Only one way to find out."
~Author's Note~
Once again I am SO sorry for this almost month late chapter!
Y'know what's funny though? This is the 6th chapter and chapters 2-6 have been only ONE DAY in Brittany's world. Isn't that funny? Like these things are all happening in the course of one day! And I won't be finished with this day for her any time soon.
Dang.
But, I will be getting started on the next chapter immediately...cuz I've seen you guys checking on it all devoted and mess, I appreciate it! And remember if you like what you have read PLEASEEE don't hesitate to drop me a line (Review!), constructive criticism is always helpful as I do not have any writing experience.
L-ater!
~~~XoxTristinaaaaa!~~~
