Chereads / Two Lives by Delphinium / Chapter 2 - Life Turned Upside-down

Chapter 2 - Life Turned Upside-down

❤️Cole's POV

I have watched her for two days straight as of now. Shit! I think I'm becoming a stalker. Her stalker. Which is just not even me at all. Part of me is like what the hell is wrong with me?! The other part is like I really don't mean to pry but her life is just interesting to me. Kia Rogers has such a simple life, unlike all the others. It feels all too simple which makes me think that there must be something more. Especially when I caught her running off in a really scratched up car at the back of the building. I don't really know much about fame but aren't celebrities usually in some fancy car? Either way, she seemed to notice me but hasn't done anything until today. I watched from the corner of her dressing room as she laid in the casket. I don't know why my dad did it backward. He had them do the funeral scene before the death scene. It just doesn't make any sense but I guess In a way it kinda does cause doing the explosions and everything takes a lot of time. Anyway back to her. She was perfect. She seemed innocent on the outside but I could tell that she had something else going on. Maybe she's not so perfect after all. But then again, no one is perfect.

❤️Gabriella's POV

Our director wrapped up and I quickly left, hoping not to see my so-called stalker anymore.

"Timothy, have you seen any suspicious-looking man around my apartment?" I asked him on my way back home.

"No, where'd you get that idea from?"

"There's this man who I see everywhere. He was at the red carpet event and at the set too. But I'm probably just being paranoid. It must be the Lord telling me to choose one life."

"Nonsense, you're fine Gabby, but it's better to be safe than sorry. What does he look like?"

"He's tall, muscular, has dark hair, and grey eyes."

"I haven't seen anyone like that but I'll look out for him okay?"

"Thanks, Tim. I'm so lucky to have you."

He dropped me off at my place and circled the whole neighborhood making sure he didn't find anyone lurking near. I walked into my apartment and got in the shower as quickly as possible to drown all the negativity off of my mind and body. After my shower, I slip on some shorts and a tank top to go to sleep in. I yawned, checking my phone for any messages or calls. I plug it in the charger, shut it down, and turn the lights off, going to sleep.

I wake up to Big Girls Cry being played on my alarm clock. Ugh, I groaned slightly, not wanting to get out of bed and slam my hand on the clock to shut it up.

I almost fell asleep again if it wasn't for Jenny. She came in and licked my face.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I groaned getting out of bed.

I checked my phone for any messages. Someone had called me but I didn't know the number. All of my contacts are named. Must have been some scam likely. I rub the sleep from my eyes and walk into the shower thinking about what I had to do today. Boutique then interview. I had a lot of time on my hands. And as much as I love that, having too much me-time can go downhill very quickly and I'll start to go into my thinking world and zone everyone and everything out completely. And I don't wanna go there. I have tried so hard not to and I've managed to do that for at least a decade.

I brushed my ginger hair until it was tamed and pulled it back into a low ponytail. I put on a little amount of makeup and gently slipped my big hoop earrings to my ears. I pause for a bit and admire myself.

I head out with Jenny, grabbing my phone and purse. Before I'm out the door Timothy arrives with my usual breakfast just in time.

"You have to tell me how you do that." I smile.

"I'm used to it." He responded.

"Thanks. I'm off to work and I have an interview later so your free for now."

"Okay. I'll see you later K."

"Yes, Bye."

"Morning guys."

"Hi." Said Anne.

"Hey, Gabb—whoa who are you seeing today?" Asked Eric, smiling devilishly while making an emphasis on my hoop earrings.

I laughed.

" I just have an interview that's all."

"That's all? I'm pretty sure you have a couple of things under that already revealing shirt."

"Your so weird Eric and it's definitely not revealing."

"Why thank you. I try so hard." He replied laughing to himself.

"Go back to whatever you were doing."

"Going." He spoke as he puts his hands up in surrender.

I walk back to my office and eat my breakfast then continued to work on the bride's shoe. I walked out of my office proudly with the shoes, holding it up for them to see.

"Finally finished, and they're a beauty I must say."

"Omg, they're so pretty! I really love the diamond bows. Oh, I almost forgot, your package came in."

"That must be the dresses."

I walked over and opened the box to see the design.

"Need help with that?" Asked Eric.

"Sure."

We attached them to hangers and placed them on racks.

"Ooh, those are beautiful G."

"Thanks, I just made them last week. Although, I think I should make another order. They might be out of stock soon."

"Yeah, I'll put in the order."

"Thanks, Eric."

My phone rang from my back pocket.

"Oh! My interview, time for me to go. Bye sweethearts! Don't forget to lock up after."

I grabbed Jenny's leash and I followed her back home.

When I got inside I started to play on my piano, trying to finish a song while waiting for Mr. Resp.

❤️Cole's POV

I found the apartment number and walked up to her door. I was going to knock when I heard a piano from inside. It sounded so beautiful. But then I realized it was a song from Kia's new album. I leaned in to listen more.

She sounded like Kia herself. I smiled and finally knocked on the door. The music stopped. She opened the door.

"Hello, Ms. George," I replied.

"Gabriela, hello, Mr. Resp come in please."

I nodded and followed her to the living room. I saw the piano and smiled again. She should really take up being a singer.

"Listen. I'm here for my father. Jack Anderson, He runs a business on the side and he is looking for someone who has unique clothing for him to display at his show next month."

"Oh wow, that's very nice."

"Yes, it is. But we haven't found anyone yet and I've heard from many local people that you would be the right person to choose from. Would you mind if I took some pictures of a couple of dresses and other things for my father to see?"

"Oh no not at all, but we'll have to walk a little."

"That's fine. A little walking will be good." I chuckled.

"Alright then follow me."

We headed out and I followed her to her boutique. It was small but looked big on the inside. I saw two young teens working inside.

"That's Anne and that's Eric. They both have been working here for two years now."

They paid no attention until she called them over.

"Oh, your back!" Said Anne.

"Yeah, guys this is Mr. resp—"

"Just call me Cole," I said looking down at her.

"Okay..."

"So can I see the dresses now?" I asked.

"Oh yes, let me show you. I have new dresses that came in today."

She placed them on a counter and I took a picture of each.

"They are really nice. Could I get a picture of some with you in them? If you don't mind that is."

"Why thank you. And s-sure."

I could see the blush rise up to her cheeks. It looked so cute. I shook my head away from thoughts like that and placed my camera down. I watched as she grabbed one dress off the rack then she hesitated and looked up at me.

"Would you also like to see other dresses? I have it in the back, it hasn't been out for sale yet."

"That would be amazing, thank you," I replied.

Along with the dress that she grabbed, she walked away to what I'm assuming was her office and shut the door. As I scanned the boutique my eyes met another two pairs of eyes. I nervously cleared my throat as I realized that both teens were staring dead at me.

"Gabby has never had anyone of her friends over here before," said Eric.

"Oh no, I'm not really a friend, I just came here in place of my father who wanted to find something new for his show. I just met Gabriela today."

"She let you call her by her first name this early? Wow."

"Well, in that case, can we set you guys up, I'm dying to see her get married, I'm surprised that she hasn't been snatched up yet. blurted Anne.

"What? I don't think that she'll like-"

"Here's the first dress, I don't know if it looks right on me it's so shiny and-"

"You look beautiful G!" stated Eric as he whistled.

"Wow, he's right," I replied as I took pictures.

"Haha, you really think so?"

"Of course Gabs, and you should really start wearing the boutique's clothing for more advertisement you know."

"Eh, I don't know..." she said as she fidgeted slightly as our eyes met, looking very uncomfortable. I looked at the dress she was wearing and the forest green shade only made her red hair look like wild flames and I have the sudden urge to tame it. The dress was off the shoulder and from the end of the dress, up to the waist was a large scatter of cream flowers. They popped out from the dress and anyone would be drawn to it immediately.

The next dress was even more breathtaking on her. It sat on her just right like it was made for her. The dress has angel sleeves, a corset bodice, and the skirt has two slits that showed off each of her legs. She looked like a goddess, just beautiful. I took many pictures of her and we all chatted over lunch that we ordered.

"So Cole," said Eric. "What was the reason for this meeting anyway?"

"Eric!"

"It's totally fine Gabriela, to answer your question, Eric, I'm here for my dad I'm sure you know Jack Anderson-."

"The Jack Anderson as in the famous director that is shooting an awesome movie right now?!"

I chuckled as I took a sip from my drink. "That would be the one and only, yes."

"Omg, that's so cool! Wait why isn't your last name Anderson?"

"That's because his first wife was my mother, not the second one. I don't really do the whole publicity thing so you really won't see me much in the papers, magazines, news, or anything."

"Huh, that's cool I guess. At first, I guessed that you got married but I haven't noticed a ring on your finger."

"You're quite the observer aren't you?"

Well duh, that what makes me so good at details when it comes to clothes."

Gabby joins in the conversation. "I've heard about your father's side business but haven't really heard the details yet."

"Yeah, it's really more like him finding local and underrated designers and giving them a chance to get into the light. And to attract more costumers."

"Hmmm, Interesting, it would help out my boutique a lot. "

"Yes, and what you have here is really beautiful, I'm sure my dad can't wait to meet you."

"Gabby! Can we please help out!" exclaims Anne.

"Sure, why not you guys could use the experience. But ask your parents first."

"Yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"You're quite welcome."

"Just a heads up Gabriela, my dad might make you model one of your dresses at the fashion show."

At the words fashion show, I see her forest green eyes glow even brighter and smile to myself. She's really cute when she's happy.

"Well, just so you know I have never modeled in my life but I don't think that it'll be difficult to handle me."

"Let's hope not," I said with a wink. Which surprised me even, at the fact that I was that bold.

"It's getting late, I should head home," I said looking at the time on my phone.

"Oh! yes, I'm sorry for keeping you for so long."

"It's no problem, it was fun. I guess I'll see you again soon."

"Soon. Let me walk you to your car."

"Sure."

It was an awkward silence between us. I tensed up every time she would come close. She looked like she could be Kia's sister. Just with red hair and green eyes. Her hair was very loose and wavy and I had to fight every temptation not to reach out and touch it. We said goodbye to each other and I left, heading to my dad's.

❤️Gabriella's POV

I waited until I was behind my door to start freaking out and having a fit. I let my so-called stalker into my house.

"I let a stalker into my house!" I whispered.

I could not believe this. I prayed that he didn't know it was me. You know— Kia. I don't want anyone to find out. It would make my whole life a mess if anyone found out. I called Timothy to let him know.

"Yes I'm telling you, it was him. Dark hair, grey eyes, and everything!... okay then... yeah I'll see you tomorrow. Bye." I said as I was on the phone with Tim.

I hung up and immediately called my best friend Kemberly who is also a special agent in the FBI.

"Hey fool what's up!"

"Kinda need your help."

"Figured since you usually don't call me at this time."

"Yea, so I'm not totally sure but I think that I have a stalker who is also the son of my director, Jack Anderson. But like I don't know what to think because today he came to meet with me in place of his dad which I get because he's probably busy, but like he's pretty attractive which kind of intimidates m---"

"Okay first off slow down, and second I'll help you out. I'm guessing you want background information?"

"Oh totally. I need to know who I'm gonna be dealing with."

"I got you. So he might be your stalker you say? Has he been following you for quite a while? And if so which you has he been following?"

"Okay, so like yesterday, at the red carpet event, he was there and just staring at me. At first, I thought he might have been a fan or a reporter, or even a security guard but he was too stiff and he stared dead at me as if he was trying to look into my soul Kem. And then he also called me at my shop wanting an interview with me so that his dad can make my business popular and show a couple of my designs in a fashion show."

"So I'm guessing that he didn't put two and two together that Kia and Gabriela are the same people."

"Nope, if he did I would've gone crazy and had a panic attack."

"Okay, I'll send you his info on your email and stuff so you kinda know what you're going up against. Also, before I forget, we're still on for that coffee date tomorrow, right?"

"Yea definitely. Imma head to bed before all this stress comes up to the surface."

"Yea you wouldn't want to finish that tub of ice cream that I stored in your freezer for our next sleepover wouldn't you," Kem said as she laughed through the phone.

"Yea, yea night Kem."

"Night fool. I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, she hung up and I went to get ready for bed.

My life could be turned upside down. All I can do now is pray that it won't happen.