Late April
"Good morning Sunshine!" Rachel grinned as I got into her frosty Jeep Renegade. I grunted, still shocked at the morning message. I didn't reply to him. How does one reply to a celebrity? I sat in silence as I had an internal breakdown.
"Are you ok? Wanna stop at Starbucks? We can get you a morning coffee if you want." Rachel offered as she started driving. I looked at her in silence as I pulled my hair into a bun. "Ok…" She mumbled. I swallowed, as I noticed she was wearing an L.Y.F.E shirt she got from the concert yesterday, high waisted pants, and boots.
"Rachel...he snapped me." I grimaced not knowing how she was going to react. She raised a brow.
"That guy Brandon? Ugh, he's such a pig. I don't understand why he won't take a hint that you're not interested-" She started but I cut her off.
"No, ew, No not Brandon…" I made a face as we stop at the light. I pulled out my phone and opened the replayed photo of Fred. Her jaw dropped.
"Oh….my….Audrey! Fred is snapping you!" She squealed, grinning. I nodded, relieved she wasn't mad.
"What do I do??" I asked.
"Just snap him back. Oh my gosh! He totally likes you!" She grinned and I shook my head.
"Rachel, I don't know what to say to 'It's Fate'." I made my voice deep to mock him.
"Same, but how did he get your snap?" She asked. I shrugged as I thought of yesterday. Then it dawned on me as I groaned and face palmed.
"He took my phone yesterday." I remembered and looked at my phone. We got on the highway heading to our high school. "The Sneaky Sneak." I mumbled.
"There you go, send that to him!" Rachel grinned.
"Sneaky Sneak?" I asked and she nodded.
"But put a laughing emoji or something so he knows you're not being mean." She added and I blushed with a nod. I took a picture using the flower crown filter and was half smiling. 'You Sneaky Sneak.' I type and put 3 laughing emoji after it. He replied almost instantly.
'You scared me for a second, I thought you weren't gonna reply. But Teehee' His picture was of him shirtless and a towel around his shoulders. His platinum blonde hair was wet and he was winking holding a finger over his lip. I could lick my phone to be honest. I turned bright red.
"Holy hot man." Rachel peered over to look.
"Hot man indeed…" I breathed. I looked around and realized we were in the school parking lot.
"Oh." I laughed and unbuckled my seat belt. I decided to record because I didn't want to type.
"Sir, I'm gonna need you to get dressed-" "Hi Fred!" Rachel interrupted leaning on my shoulder.
"Rachel says Hi." I didn't have to wait long for a reply.
"Where are y'all, also Hello Rachel?" He grinned. I melted at his voice as I walked. We walked under the sign that said 'Student' in our dominant school color, red.
"We're at school." I twirled around so he could see around. We went to our usual spot in the library until the bell rang for us to go to class.
"Uh...you're 18 right?" He asked and Kwan leaned into the frame while eating an apple.
"Yes, I turned 18 in January. How old are you?" I asked. Rachel smirked at me.
"He's 20." She said knowing all information on L.Y.F.E.
"Oh." I laugh and take out my book to read. I was currently reading Maximum Ride: School's out Forever. My phone buzzed, and I opened my snap.
"I'm 20, I'm glad you're legal, cause I don't want to go to jail for flirting with a minor." He said smiling and I put the phone down blushing brightly. Rachel grinned at me, hearing every word.
"I told you!" She squealed.
"Then go play the lottery! Oh geez..." I took a picture of my book.
'Flirting?' I asked and he sent me a laughing emoji.
'I think you're interesting and I want to get to know you more. But yes, flirting.' He typed.
'Oh geez.' I replied back, with a small smile playing on my face.
____
Fred and I have been texting on Snapchat all day. It was fantastic. He was so sweet and kind. Plus his pictures were so amazing. I had to screenshot one of him shirtless with his abs showing. I couldn't help it, I wanted it as my screensaver.
"Your screensaver? You're adorable." He said when I told him why I took the screenshot.
"I'm not, but thanks." I replied as Rachel came over with a salad. It was lunch time and Rachel and I decided to sit in the corner of the very crowded cafeteria. We weren't allowed to leave campus for lunch, so they gave us many opinions. From Chinese, to flamin hot cheetos burgers.
"Still texting lover boy?" She grinned.
"Yes...I think I'm friends with a celebrity." I grinned.
"A Celebrity who wants to be more than friends," She added and sipped her almond milk. "Who would have thought, Audrey Cobbs, the girl who opened the door for black girls and idols everywhere?" She winked.
"Oh shut it, I'm sure I'm not the first black girl to talk to an idol." I huffed and took a bite of my grilled cheese. Not noticing the last guy I wanted to talk to walking up behind me.
"Audrey! Why haven't you texted me back girl." Brandon said, walking over. He pushed his glasses on his eyes correctly as he looked at me. His chocolate brown eyes bored into my skin, as I groaned silently. I made the mistake of letting him take me on a date once and it ended with him trying to touch my boob.
"Because Brandon, I don't want to." I mumbled, turning to look at the male. He wore a black hoodie and light washed jeans over his tan skin. His hair was long and wavy. His body was of an athlete since he played basketball. It wasn't that he was unattractive, it's just we are not compatible. We wouldn't make it a week, which is why I decided not to give him another chance. He however didn't understand the meaning of the phrases: No. I don't want to. Leave me alone. I thought ignoring him would be the best option, but I guess I lied to myself.
"She has a boyfriend now Brandon." Rachel glared up at him, as she lied; but I didn't correct her. He raised a brow.
"Really?" He sounded a bit sad. My phone vibrated and I half smiled picking it up, then looked up at Brandon.
"Sure." I agreed softly as I looked at Fred's Snapchat. He could definitely be my boyfriend, or at least pretend one for right now. Tilting my phone to my chest slightly, I look at the male who looked a bit torn.
"Goodbye Brandon." I waved him off.
____
Early June
"We're about to go to the stadium." Fred snapped me from a random hotel hallway. I was at home, we've been talking for awhile and now it was the day before graduation. I was getting ready by looking at the multiple dresses my mom had purchased for me. I had them all laid out on the bed as I looked at them with wonder.
"Well that's cool! I'm trying to figure out what dress I want to wear for graduation." I spoke while I turned the camera around to show him my many choices of dresses. There was a dull teal color one that came with a halter top that had a lace design that led to the cleavage, a black dress that was more of a sunday's best outfit. It with tight at the top and got loose towards the bottom. Then finally a lavender dress that was off shoulder.
"Try on the lavender one." He replied almost immediately. "I'll be your fashion designer." His eyes shined and his adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. With determination, I quickly put the lavender dress on, though I kept on my bra and went to stand in front of the mirror. I turned to make sure my room was clean, besides the bed full of graduation stuff, then held up the peace sign as I took a picture. I had set the pictures for 10 seconds so he could get a good look at it, then I took a picture from my side angle, before I recorded a video. My hair was in a messy bun and I wore no makeup. The dress really made my skin tone pop, which made me like it more.
"Hello" I spoke softly, before the video ended. I look at myself in the mirror thinking about how the dress showed off my curves. As I imagined hairstyles and make up looks I could do with this dress, my phone dinged.
"Wow, you're so beautiful. I wish I could be there for your graduation. Do the lavender. It looks really good on you." He said as I heard Kwan in the background going 'ooo.'.
"Ok," I was still pointing at the mirror as I twirled side to side a bit. "Are you at the stadium yet?" I asked. When the video was sent, I put my phone down and took the dress off, leaving myself in only my bra and underwear. I put my graduation attire on my desk chair for tomorrow, then went to hang up the other dresses. I grabbed my phone and saw that he replied.
"We're pulling up now, so if I don't respond as fast, I'm getting ready." He looked at the camera as he pointed the camera outside, showing the fans lined up as they went into the parking garage.
"Oh, I guess I'll just have to watch your YouTube show to get my fill of seeing you." I teased about the vlog style show that is on YouTube. I point the camera at my feet so he wouldn't see me basically naked.
"I'm so weird in that! You're going to think I'm a dork!" He said covering his eyes with his arm as he got out of an SUV. I giggled and changed the camera to selfie mode.
"Firstly, I already think you're a dork and your move right there didn't help," I laughed, copying him. "Secondly, I want to get to know you more."
"You can get to know me more by talking to me." He said. He was in a hallway now.
"But I've never seen the "Fred" your fans see. I've only seen my Fred. I want to get to know all of you." I pressed send before I could think about what I said. He didn't reply or open the message, so I assumed he was getting ready. I decided to get my stuff in order. I grab my cap and gown, moving it to the chair my dress was sitting on. Then I looked at my phone and saw that he was typing.
"Fine but know that I like showing you your Fred rather than "Fred"." I blushed.
"Frederick, chill out and aren't you supposed to be getting your makeup done?" I teased then put my phone on the charger. I knew it would be a while before I got a response so I decided to go take a shower. While there and decided to shave and wash my hair. I got out of the shower feeling very refreshed. I stand in the bathroom for about an hour, drying my hair while also moisturizing it. After, I got in my pajamas, laid down and turned on the TV. I sigh happily, feeling relaxed. It was only seven at night but I just wanted to be in my bed. I stretched out, when my phone suddenly started to ring. I jumped slightly, not expecting the ringer to go off. I looked over and see Fred calling from Snapchat. I grab my headphones that were next to my phone, put them in, then answer the call.
"Audrey!" Fred's smooth cheerful voice said into my ear.
"Freddy!" I said in the same cheerful tone. I watched his hazel eyes shine as I answered, then looked confused.
"I can't see you."
"Cause the lights are off and I'm under the covers. I'm as snug as a bug."I spoke in an exaggerated country accent, then giggled.
"Are you going to sleep now??" He asked. I could see that he was sitting in a chair in an all-white dressing room. There was a sound of a TV playing, but I could tell no one was really watching it because of the chatter going on in the background. Fred looked at someone and put his phone down so all I could see was the ceiling.
"No, I'm talking to you." I answered his question.
"But if you're tired-" He stopped and sucked his teeth when someone called his name. It was a man's voice that sounded like he was nagging him. Fred started speaking in Korean quickly. He sounded irritated and finished with "Ok!" like a stubborn child. I stayed quiet because I didn't know what he was saying, but also because it sounded like he got in trouble.
"I swear to goodness, he complains about everything!" Fred said in a hush tone. I smiled to myself softly since his accent was coming out more. I didn't know why, but I assumed it was because he just got done speaking in Korean. I wished I could speak multiple languages like him.
"Who?" I whispered as if the man could hear me through Freds headphones. Though I was envious of his bilingualism, my heart was still racing. I was nervous that I got him in trouble.
"My managers, assistant assistant. Like, sir, you barely have a job because we barely need you." He scoffed. I held in my laughter, covering my mouth.
"Stop being savage and tell me what he said." I grinned.
"He was like "You've been on the phone all day. The boys need to be able to concentrate" Blah blah blah...watch this. I'm gonna ask the members if they care that I'm on the phone." He said, then without me replying he started speaking. I smile hearing him. It was crazy how he could just switch languages like that. I wanted to be able to do it too. "Answer in English." He stated when he finished speaking Korean. There was a choir of "no."
"I don't care that Fred is talking to his nǚpéngyou." Kwan said, picking up Fred's phone. He winked as Freddy grabbed the phone. Fred made a noise as he spoke to Kwan intensely with a blush appearing on his face. I watched curiously because it didn't sound like he was speaking Korean anymore. He sounded more sharp.
"Audrey, Fred is threatening me!" Kwan laughed while going back to his seat. Fred rolled his eyes and looked into the camera.
"Sorry." He said in a gentle tone.
"It's ok." I laughed. "What time is y'alls concert?" I asked curiously. Fred smirked.
"Y'all." He said in a country accent. I huffed.
"I do not sound like that."
"I never said ya did darlin'" He continued.
"You're childish." I mumbled with a giggle. He hummed happily as a woman walked over. She spoke softly to him and he nodded, putting the phone back down, but not before I saw one of my old favorite beauty products.
"Is that Mac Studio fix?" I asked, biting my bottom lip.
"How'd you know?" He asked.
"Cause I have that too," I giggled. "Babe, can I borrow your beauty blender?" I teased.
"Oh my gosh, who's childish now?" He asked.
"Mee!" Cheered as I sat up. "Fred, I'm hungry. Go make me a sandwich." I said standing up.
"Ok, ham or turkey?" He asked.
"Turkey. I don't eat pork." I stated seriously.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," He said, peering over, to look at the phone. "You're insane." he relaxed in his seat again, allowing the women to do his makeup.
"Did you know that pork is one of the unhealthiest things you can eat Kpop star?"
"Yeah I'm rolling my eyes, just so you know."
"I know your moves Fredrick." I teased.
"Uh-oh, my full name." He breathed.
"I am really hungry though." I say opening my bedroom door to walk downstairs.
"I can see you now!" He said and I giggled at his excitement.
"I have risen!" I spoke dramatically. I rested my phone against the microwave once I got downstairs.
"What are you going to fix?" He asked, I looked over and saw him watching me like a hawk. I blush, but decided to have some fun. I put on a big goofy smile.
"Today on "Audrey's Kitchen", we will be making a sandwich!" I heard him chuckle softly as he watched. He looked amused, his hazel eyes shining as they stared into my soul. He looked pretty nice too, his hair was done, parted, teased and swept to the side, giving him a stylish elegant style. His face was also a bit paler and any blemish he had was gone. He leaned back on a sofa and smirked as I started to speak. "For this recipe all you need is Wheat bread, Turkey, mozzarella cheese and mayo."
"What about lettuce or maybe a tomato?" He asked while fixing his headphones. He looked curious.
"We're on a budget. No talking in the studio audience, we're recording live. Thank you." I replied quickly, with my super happy grin. He laughed holding a hand up in surrender as I started making my sandwich.
"Remember, a little bit of mayo goes a long way. If you overdo it, it will take away the taste of the turkey and all you'll taste is mayo." I mumbled as I spread the mayo on the wheat bread. I held up my sandwich and took a big bite making Fred whine.
"I want some, it looks so good Audrey." He said. I chewed and shrugged.
"Come get some then." I look up at him through my lashes. He licked his lips and looked a bit sad.
"I wish I could…" He said and looked past the camera. He speaks Korean and he sighed.
"Ok, gamsahamnida." He said softly before looking at me again. I lick my lips and look away knowing he was gonna have to hang up. "Hey, I gotta go, the show starts in an hour and we gotta practice some of our songs. I'll text you later though!" He said and gave me his dazing smile. I blush and smile back shyly.
"Ok, be safe. Have fun." Even I could hear the bleakness in my tone.
"Ok, talk to you later Aud." He said gently before hanging up. I sigh heavily and bite into my sandwich, wishing he was here to eat it with me.
____
"I wish I was there for your graduation. It's so great that you've graduated." Fred said with a smile. It was night in Texas. In Korea, however, Fred was just about to leave for work. I graduated about two weeks ago, however I always avoided talking about that day. My father, who is divorced from my mother, didn't show up to my graduation.
Apparently, my step brother, David, broke his leg and got a concussion while playing football. I understood that he needed to be there for his son, however, I was biologically his! I just don't understand why he couldn't have just came. It infuriated me, it's like he chose him over me. I sighed, as I picked at my toes.
"It's not that big of a deal." I said with a gentle tone. He scoffed.
"Not that big of a deal? Aud, do you know how many kids drop out! How many don't get accepted to go into college? You're doing big things girl! I wish I could have gone to college, you're doing something I wish I could do; something that a lot of people wished they could do." He said, making my bottom lip tremble.
"So why didn't my dad show up? Why aren't I good enough for him?" I sniffled. He got quiet.
"Aud…" He said.
"He said that David broke his leg, but that's what David's mother is for. He could have come to see me walk the stage." I wiped my eyes not wanting Fred to see me cry.
"Well, maybe David needed him too. He can't be at two places at once you know?"
"He chose David over me." I stated point blank.
"I think that he was in a tough space, and he chose the easiest. Didn't you say he lived three hours away?" I nodded. "Well, then maybe that was the case. That doesn't mean what he did wasn't wrong. But Audrey, you are good enough. Don't ever think you're not good enough for anything, or anyone ok?" He said softly. I nodded quickly and ran my fingers through my hair, I peeked up at him. His eyes were full of concern. I sniffled and giggled shyly.
"I'm sorry." He half smiled.
"Don't be. I'm always here to listen." He replied gently.
"I'm hungry…" I wanted to change the subject.
"Go get you some Cheetos." He suggested making me giggle again.
____
Mid July
"You be safe, and call me as soon as you land." My mom said as Rachel and I were about to board a plane to New York. It was July, finally, and as a graduation present, our parents worked together to get us tickets to a Kpop festival called 'KParty' that was going to be located there. As well as a hotel room and a car rental. I was forever grateful, not only was I given the opportunity to be in New York, but L.Y.F.E was going to do a fan meet/concert and Rachel and I had V.I.P passes. Which meant I got to see Fred again. We've been talking nonstop for 2 months straight and honestly, I don't think I would have it any other way.
He was hilarious, sweet and since he was a bit older than he, he had good advice to give. He was the first thing I thought of when I woke up, and it was lovely. I knew I had a huge crush on him, and from what I could tell, he felt the same for me. He'd always give me these looks that Rachel would describe as "Flynn looking at Rapunzel".
The only thing was, I hadn't told him we were going to New York, I wanted it to be a surprise. However, he did know I was traveling...he just thought it was next week.
"Yes ma'am, I love you." I hugged her tightly. Then pulled back and fixed her short hair. She smiled and cupped my cheek. I blush softly and she chuckled.
"I'm so proud of you...be safe." she repeated. I nodded softly.
Rachel and I boarded the plane and relaxed. I looked out the window as the plane took off. Somehow, I felt that this was the beginning of something new. I knew that when I returned to San Antonio Texas, I would not be the same Audrey Cobbs I was when I left.