Girl on Fire
I watched with great pleasure as Jake Madsen downed his water bottle in five seconds. After the entire commotion and my not-so-in-character speech, this man was a wreck-filled with embarrassment and probably counting down his time on earth. I was sitting on Eddie's couch, and he stood in front of me. Acting as a barrier in case his manager would ricochet back with more insults. I was worried he was going to start beating the crap out of Jake.
"Loren, I am so sorry for offending you," Jake said suddenly. I was not angry anymore. I was no longer an evaporated pot still on the stovetop. I was no longer letting off steam.
In fact, I was rejoicing inside. Eddie Duran called me for the first time his girlfriend. I had to purse my lips together to stop myself from smiling like a whipped and totally-in-love idiot. My cheeks were red still blushing from what Eddie called me. I'm sure that Jake and Eddie think it is because I was still livid.
But back to Jake's apology. I said what I had to say, and I was not angry. "All cool, let's make sure that never happens again." What I meant to say was dang, right you're sorry.
"Loren, if you want me to give him a swing on his jaw, I would be more than glad to do so." I smiled at Eddie and shook my head. Jake laughed, but he was a neurotic mess. Would Eddie really punch him on behalf of me? I glanced at him, and yes, he would.
"No need," I saw Jake let out a sigh of relief, "the apology is enough." I stood up, and Eddie was facing me. He was giving me the goofiest and proudest smile, out of Jake's view. I held back a giggle and I can tell he was holding back from pulling me into an embrace and kissing me senseless.
"I'm going to use the restroom," Jake said and quickly exited out the room. He was the elephant in the room because he knew that as soon as I left, Eddie would turn him into mush.
As soon as he was out of sight, Eddie's arms were wrapped around me and his face went to my neck.
"That was so hot," he mumbled, his hot breath tickling my neck. I let out a soft laugh. He moved his face from my neck and pulled back a bit to look at me. His arms were now wrapped around my waist. I smiled brightly at him, giving him a smile with teeth and all. He looked at me with so much pride and I was so proud of myself too. Proud because I stood up for myself.
Old Loren would have meekly taken all of Jake's insults and offenses with no restraint. Old Loren would have apologized on behalf of Jake. I really like this new Loren. And it seemed Eddie did too as he leaned into me. His swollen lips mere centimeters from mine.
"I think I'm going to need another bath." He whispered hotly. He softly pushed his lips onto mine but peeled himself away from me so quickly. I stared at him and he shook his head.
"I can't be too close to you. Right now, you're both friggin' hot and fucking cute at the same time. Like how is that possible."
I chuckled lightly at his terrible attempt of not cursing. With a shrug, I said, "Your loss." I bit my lip to sustain the laugh that was about to come out at Eddie's surprised- mouth slightly open- face. My retort, and new-found confidence, took him by surprise and soon he had me pinned down on the couch.
A cough interrupted our antics, and Eddie reluctantly released me as he stood up to look at Jake. He adjusted his sweats for the prominent bulge, and a blush made way to both our faces as he noticed that I noticed. He cleared his throat, crossed his arms, raised his left eyebrow as he waited for Jake to say something. It seemed, although I forgave Jake, he, on the other hand, had not. He was still very much livid. Jake noticed and scratched his head. I picked up my bag from the floor and stood up quickly.
"I'm going to head out," I stated and both men looked at me. I couldn't read Jake's expression, but Eddie was bewildered as to why I was leaving so suddenly. "Eddie, you have a lot of interviews and meetings and what not to talk about with Jake, and I don't want to be a reason you fall behind schedule," I answered Eddie's question. I turned to look at Jake, he was no longer a wreck of embarrassment. His confidence, and extremely cocky behavior, was making its way back in his demeanor. "Jake said you have a lot to talk about regarding your fans." He twitched at that. Yes, I hadn't forgotten about what he had said about his fans disliking me.
"What about my fans?" Eddie inquired and looked back at Jake. Jake scratched his chin and shrugged. "Nothing too important that we need to talk about now."
Eddie nodded and his attention was back to me. "Loren, you're staying. Jake is about to leave anyway. Right, Jake?"
Jake put his hands up in defense and chuckled. "I was just leaving." He wasn't going to put up a fight against Eddie. I was about to protest because I really did not want to intervene in Eddie's work, but Jake cut me off. "It's fine Loren, really. After that mess, I need to redeem myself.
"Eduardo, I just need you to look over and sign a couple of contracts I laid out on the piano and have them by my office early in the morning. We can go over them tomorrow in detail and talk about this month's schedule."
Eddie and I watched as he packed his things up. When he was done, he turned to me and extended his arm for a handshake. I took it, and he smiled. "Loren, I really am sorry about the things I said and how I judged you. Let's leave it all behind, okay?"
Jake was partially apologizing again for his insults and partially telling me not to tell Eddie about what he said about his fans and me, at least before he does. My void expression gave him no reassurance I would keep quiet, and he, for instance, looked like a terrified kitten.
Hmm, what would happen if I tell Eddie? Jake's face answered my question. Eddie would give him hell.
"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow," Eddie started as Jake gave a nod and was out of the apartment so quick that I blinked and he was gone.
"Jesus," Eddie was scratching his head as he closed the door, "I think you broke my manager." He looked back at me and shook his head in bewilderment. "I don't think I have ever seen Jake that shaken up. He's usually the one chewing someone up, but him being on the receiving end for once is something he is not used to."
"That was intense," I mumbled, as I sat back down. I sighed and quickly covered my face with my hands. A groan escaped me, "Oh god, your manager will hate me forever." Once again, all my new-found confidence exited out the door and left with Jake Madsen. I gave Eddie a helpless look, "I have no idea what came over me. Once I started talking, I couldn't stop, it's like," I paused trying to find the right words, "all that anger inside me just converted into this chemical that didn't allow me to shut up."
Eddie shook his head, "That was the most badass thing I have ever seen. Hell, I saw Matt Damon's stunt double to the window jump in Bourne Ultimatum and that doesn't compare. I'm sure Jake was pissing himself, that's why sprinted to the bathroom."
"You think so?" I shyly asked. Eddie sat next to me and nodded. He smiled and pulled me towards me. "Absolutely sure he peed his pants." I giggled and nudged him.
"Did he say anything else to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I came when you started cutting him into pieces, but it seemed that he said other things before I got there."'
I didn't want Eddie to get mad, and anyways, what Jake said to me was by accident. He should tell Eddie himself. "No, he didn't say much else. You got the gist of it." I pushed myself closer to his left side. My head on his chest. Eddie's left arm enveloped around my shoulder as he pulled me closer. I sighed in content.
"Are you hungry? We can go out and do dinner and a movie." He kissed the top of my head. "Or…" I looked up at him and he blushed slightly. I stared at him inquisitively, curious as to why he was blushing. "Or we can stay here, order something on Postmates and watch a movie?"
I laid my head back on his chest and sighed at how warm he was. I was the happiest in his arms. I didn't want to leave our position and stop this feeling. "We can stay here." I felt Eddie smile, and he clutched me harder.
"Loren, I would like you to formally meet Ian and Tyler."
"Now?" I sat up and looked around the room. I didn't see Ian or Tyler around. I smiled as I recalled the last phone call. They were something else.
"Not now. Next week, or whenever you're available." Eddie looked nervous. "I know the last time you spoke to them they were drunk and being idiots, but they're good guys and they want to get to know you better." Eddie cleared his throat. "They've been bugging me to properly present them to you ever since they met you at MK."
"Yeah, I'd love to hang out with them. They're funny."
Eddie snorted. "Don't tell them that. They will literally thrive for years with that compliment alone." He sighed out of relief.
"Can I bring Melissa?"
"Yeah, Ian and Tyler wanted to see her again." He shook his head remembering something.
I smiled and rolled my eyes remembering how they not-so-discreetly checked her out. "I remember. They were all over her."
"Of course, they were. They're dogs." Eddie began playing with my hair. "Anyways, what do you want to eat and what movie do you want to watch?"
I thought about it for a second, "I've never watched Bourne Ultimatum. And you can decide on food."
Eddie's eyes almost bulged out of his eyes. "Then we're watching Bourne Ultimatum. I can't believe you've never seen it." I smiled at his such a boyfriend thing to say. "And I can order Chinese food." Eddie grabbed his phone and control from the table. I kicked off my shoes and sat more comfortably on the couch. I sat opposite Eddie but that was a big no-no as he quickly pulled me towards him, and I was back on his side. I was almost sitting on his lap, but he didn't seem to mind. I didn't protest and instead got comfortable by laying my head and curling beside him. His arm embracing me and keeping me close to him. I couldn't help myself and kiss him. Caught by surprise, it took him a second to excitedly reciprocate it. His lips felt soft on mine. I pulled away and he pouted. I giggled and playfully kiss him back. A triumphant smile formed on his beautiful face.
In the next two hours, we watched the movie and ate the Chinese food he ordered. Eddie excitedly watched my every expression. Even though I knew there would be more moments like this with him, more time to spend with him of making and sharing new moments, I savored every bit of this instance. It stupefied me how comfortable I am with him. For most of my life until now, I was afraid of letting myself get to close to someone and with him, I do it almost instinctively.
Tomorrow's worries were pushed to the back of my head.
10:30 PM
I was still in a gleeful daze as I entered my house. Eddie pouted and pleaded me to stay longer by giving me endless kisses and love bites on my neck. He walked me to my car, although he didn't need to, he said he needed to ward off any nightcrawlers that could kidnap me at night. But I knew that was an excuse to give me 10 more kisses before he reluctantly let me go.
My mother was in the kitchen singing along to MK. She was in a good mood. I guess her dinner went well. I placed my bag on the coffee table and something caught my eye.
The color drained from my face as I read the name on the paper. I picked up what seemed to a letter and my heart started pounding at an alarming rate. I held my breath and read the name over and over again.
Trent McCall.
This can't be.
Trent McCall.
And all the memories- no- all the nightmares inundated me. I slowly walked towards my mother.
With every step, I wished this was all an awful dream. With every step, the memories pounded at me like an unforgiven jackhammer.
My mother looked up at me. And I held up the letter, and she turned white. She let out a shaky sigh.
"What is this?" I don't even think any sound came out. It was like an inaudible whisper.
"Your father," my mother swallowed, her voice was shaky, "is getting out on probation."
And just like that I was that little girl again stuck in the same loop of living with Trent McCall.
Author's Note
Holy cannoli, it's been 5 years since I last updated this story and about 7 years since I started writing it. Honestly, I am so so sorry. I got caught up with life, and time is not friendly. As you grow older, I discovered, you sort of move away from past passions and develop new ones.
Well, now I am 22 years old (I started writing this when I was 15!) and currently finishing my last undergrad year before I get my computer engineering degree and kick-start a career in the automotive industry. Time flies... When I started writing this I was an insecure 15 year old with no idea what to do with her life, now I am more sure of myself, although I am still a bit lost but I have more guidance on what I want to accomplish
I got inspiration on writing again from my loving boyfriend who pushed me to rehash old passions and do something amidst the pandemic that is not netflix and frying my eyes out from programming all day because I do that too often
I hope you are all well with everything going on with COVID-19, it is scary to read the news and experience a future history lesson. Please stay safe
On a final note, even though Hollywood Heights ended, and I've lost communication with the fandom and stopped following the cast (Brittany Underwood is still my fave) this show still holds a dear place in my heart as it pushed me to start writing. This story is one of the many first I've written, and it feels good to get back to it. I'm sorry for the long wait, and I'm sure many of you have forgotten about it, but thank you for your support then and now
Always leddiexx