(Sophie)
Libby and I had driven for over an hour across town neither of us saying anything until we reached the building with a LED sign saying D.J D's studio
It was a small building that we silently walked into having to wait in a long line. Despite the place being so small D.j D was pretty popular. Libby was on her phone texting Carlos while I was looking around. We said nothing to each other just like the car ride over here. After the wait, we were finally at the receptionist's desk
"DJ D's, how may I help you?" the lady behind the counter said filing her nails
"Gladys I'm here to Dom," Libby said before the lady finally looked up from her nails
"Oh, Libby how's it been? How's the boyfriend?"
"Great, everything's amazing, How's Mark?"
"We broke up"
"Isn't that like the third time this month?" She asked
"Yeah, but there's just something about him"
"Honestly, you should just break up with him"
"Maybe you should stop interfering with other people's love life," I said under my breath, but she heard me and rolled her eyes
"Anyway is Dom here?"
"Yeah, he's in his office. I'll tell him you're coming to see him" She said reaching for the phone
"Thanks," Libby said before we went towards his office.
As we reached the door we were treated by two bodyguards
"Bruno, Brice" Libby said as they glared at her
"Calm boys," another masculine voice said as the door opened
"Dom," Libby said
"Libbs, how's it been? Come in, come in"
We walked past the guards who were still glaring at us and stood before his desk
"Have a seat," he said before we sat and he sat behind his desk facing us
"So what brings you, two beautiful girls, here?" He asked
"We're just here to remind you about the dance"
"Libby love, you really think I'd forget about that. It's two weeks from now, right?" he said
"What? No! It's next week. Why would we keep a Halloween party a week after Halloween?"
"I don't know, I remember you making an appointment for the next two weeks"
"Well, I didn't"
"I'm telling you Libbs it was definitely the week after"
"You know what, whatever. Can't you just change it?" I asked
"Didn't you see the line when you came in? I'm all booked up" He said
"Fine, just give us back our money so we can go" Libby said
"Come on Libbs, you know how this works. No refunds"
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST LET $1000 DOLLARS GO TO WASTE?!" she yelled before the guards came in glaring at us.
It really annoyed me so I got up and glared back at them having enough of t their convoy attitude
"How cute." he chuckled
"Maybe you should sit back down little girl," he said, reaching for my shoulder, but just as he was about to touch me, I held onto his arm and flipped him onto the floor before stepping on his throat
"Don't call me little girl," I said
"Bruce," Dom said before the white guy threw a punch, but I dodged it, quickly putting him in an armlock, before pushing his head onto the table
"We'd like our refund please," I said before he started sweating and immediately went for the money while grumbling curses at his guards.
"Thank you," Libby said, yanking the money from his hands.
"Have a nice day gentlemen" I said as we left the office laughing
"Girl that was badass" Libby laughed as we went to the car. We drove still laughing about what happened until we stopped at a supermarket
"I'm gonna buy something, B.R.B," she said before leaving. Needing a bit of fresh air I got out of the car and sat on the hood of the car. However, that proved to be a mistake as I was spotted by the last person I wanted to see so I attempted to rush back into the car before he noticed me
"Sophie?"
'Damn it' I thought, mentally kicking myself for being too slow
"Hey, Nick. How's it going?" I forced a smile as I noticed the plastic bag in his hand
"You've been avoiding my call?" He asked
"Yeah, that tends to happen when your girlfriend finds out you've been living with another woman for two years"
"It's not what you think"
"You don't want to know what I'm thinking right now Nick" I dropped the fake smile
"Can't we just go somewhere? Talk? Maybe grab a bite to eat. We haven't spoken in so long"
"Do you really want us to have that talk Nick knowing it might be the last?"
"Nick!" A feminine voice screamed. We looked across the street to see from one of the Palace room balconies Vanessa calling out to Nick. She was wearing one of his t-shirts along with red short shorts
"Sorry I've got to go," he said before leaving. I sighed as he left
"Okay, guess who I just saw in the store?" Libby said
"Nick," I said
"No Mr. Taylor and your mom. Why would Nick be around here his parents live across town?"
"Because he lives at the Palace with Vanessa" I accidentally let slip
"Okay, so you two broke up, right?" She asked but I remained silently
"I cannot believe this, you know what it's none of my business, let's just go"
(James)
Timothy, Tiana, and I were at a bowling alley. We were having a good time Timothy and Tiana were practically stuck to each other. She had been pretending to not know how to bowl so he was trying to teach her. They make a cute couple, whenever I watched them, I remember how Sophie and I used to be. Though that's in the past and now it's Betty and me or what I hope for Betty and me at least. Speaking of which I don't think we've ever been on a real date. I mean we went to the beach out of town, but I don't think you'd classify that as a date
"So what's the deal with Betty-Ann and this dance," Timothy said finally breaking apart from Tiana
"I keep asking her to the dance, but she keeps saying no"
"Maybe she's not into you" he shrugged
"Trust me, she's into me"
"How are you so sure?"
"I guess you could say I've been 'into' her a lot"
"Oh, okay. Maybe she's just in it for the sex"
"Yeah, she keeps saying that, but I know she's lying. I can see it in her eyes"
"Okay... So what do you think is keeping her from saying yes?"
"I don't know, however, everyone keeps saying, Sophie"
"Speaking of our little blonde friend. She single?"
"No, she has a boyfriend. Well, maybe not for long, but why do you care don't you have a girlfriend"
"Yeah, I have a really great girlfriend"
"Tiana is a really nice girl"
"Wait, you think Tiana's my girlfriend?"
"Yeah, I mean you two were acting really coupley all day "
"I'm not," Tiana said inviting herself into our conversation
"Then what are you two?" I asked before they turned to each other
"She's... my..."
"I'm... his friend?"
"Yeah, but we sometimes hang out and there might have one or two times when we went a bit passed friend territory," he said
"So are you dating or not?" I asked confused
"It's complicated," they said
"Trust me, I understand complicated all too well. Anyway, what's your advice about asking her out?"
"From what I gathered. She's confused about your feelings so just make it clear that she's the one you want" Tiana said
"Okay"
"But are you sure she's the one you want?" Timothy asked
"Yes I am"
"Then here's my suggestion. You need to pull off a grand gesture that would totally make it clear. If it were me, I would rent out the most expensive restaurant and hire the best chef"
"Yeah, don't listen to him. You don't need to do that"
"So what do you suggest I do?"
"To be transparent with her, you need to sit and talk honestly about your feelings with her so she understands your intentions" Tiana said
"You think that would work?"
"Wouldn't hurt to try," she said
"Okay, I'll try it. Thanks a lot, Tiana. That's actually a good advice. Timothy I'll see you around I've gotta go," I said getting up
"I wish you luck on your complicated relationship" I said leaving
"Hey, wait before you go can you do me a favor?" he asked
"What is it?" I asked
"Her autograph" he said before I groaned
(Carl)
It had been thirty (30) minutes from the time Brittney had suggested we meet, but she still hadn't appeared yet so I was stuck there on my steps wearing a really uncomfortable suit waiting for her. Just as I was about to go inside, her car pulled up and she got out
She was rambling on about something, but I was too distracted by the beautiful pink dress she was wearing to hear her say anything
"Carl!" I heard her yell snapping me out of my daze
"Sorry, I got distracted by how beautiful you look" I sheepishly said before she smiled and kissed me.
"We should get going," she said before we got into the car and she pressed down on the gas she was driving faster and crazier than usual which I didn't think was possible.
She drove for a good ten minutes before we crossed the town's borders. Thanks to her reckless and definitely illegal driving we managed to make it to the location. It was a restaurant modeled off of an old western-type salon.
"Um Brittney I thought this place was supposed to be fancy," I said noticing we were overdressed
"I thought so too. What kind of Western Stake house is called The daru?" She said confused
"Brittney this place is named The barn," I said reading the sign
"Oh really?" she said nervously
"I guess I must have made a mistake," she shrugged
"Well, we're already here might as well grab a bite to eat," she said pulling me into the building
"Welcome to The Barn partner. Y'all want a seat in ye ole salon" a guy in a cheap cowboy costume said
"Two please," I said
"Mosey along to those seats over there," he said before we walked over to our seats in the center of the restaurant
"Someone will be here shortly to take your order," he said before leaving.
I sat as everyone looked at the two of us. We were the center of attention because of our out-of-place clothing. The stares of everyone in the restaurant made me feel uncomfortable. I sweated a bit as I looked at Brittney who just sat there drinking her water without her straw.
"Are you okay?" she asked, noticing the sweat bead running down my face
"Who? Me? I'm fine totally cool," I said, avoiding the gazes everyone was sending at our table
"You look restless. Are you really okay?" she said
"Hey look the waiter," I said, avoiding the question
"Howdy partners, I'm here to take ya orders" the girl in the sexy cowgirl costume said
"Here are your menus, take your time if you haven't decided what you want to eat" she said
"Carl what do you want to order?" she asked me. I looked down at the menu and all the food on it and sighed
"I can't decide. Why don't you choose for the both of us?"
"Huh?" she said, shaking slightly
"I said I can't decide. Why don't you choose?" I repeated
"Um, sure," she said, slightly nervous. She looked at the menu and squinted her eyes and moved the menu closer to her face
"Is something wrong?" I asked
"No. I'm fine totally fine," she said awkwardly. That wasn't how I was used to seeing her. She was normally calm, no matter if she was driving like a fast and furious character or riding those death traps called roller coasters, but now I could see beads of sweat form on her face as she strained to look at the paper
"Are you okay miss?" the girl asked
"I'm fine, I was just going to order" she said before I let out a sigh of relief
"What can I get for you?" the girl asked
"We'll have two of your specials, please," she said
"Alright, I'll be back with your food as soon as possible," she said before leaving. As she left I looked at the special again
"Wait Brittney, I thought you were a vegetarian?" I said confused
"I am why?"
"You just ordered two plates of baby back ribs" I said watching her visibly gulp
"Oh, did I?" she laughed awkwardly
"Yeah, you did," I said, looking at her oddly
"I guess I wanted to try something new you know. And I've never tried baby back ribs you know what they say don't mock it till you try it" she laughed awkwardly
"I guess so," I shrugged. The girl came back quickly with our food and I immediately started eating. I looked up to see that Brittney still hadn't picked up her knife and fork
"Everything okay?" I asked
"Yep, I'm fine... um just savoring the smell" she smiled oddly
"About to dig in now," she said, gulping as she picked up the knife and fork. I could see her shake as she stabbed the rib gently and slowly cut the tiny piece she had stabbed moving the fork ever so slowly and cautiously to her mouth. It's obvious she didn't want to eat it so I decided to help her out
"Man I'm hungry, I don't think just one plate will be enough to fill me. Would you mind giving me yours?" I asked
"Well, if you're really that hungry sure," she said quickly pushing the plate towards me
After the dinner we got out and went back to the car and she drove back to town.
"Aren't you going a little too fast?" I asked, noticing she was going even faster than usual something I didn't even think was possible
"I have to hurry back. I can't slow down," she said, attempting to go even faster
"Brittney if you don't slow down, you're gonna get pulled over" I said
"We'll be fine," she dismissed my warning just in time for the sirens to start sounding
I let out a sigh as she slowed down and pulled over
"Yes, officer" Brittney smiled cutely looking at the chubby officer with a donut in his hand
"Do you know how fast you were going?" he asked biting into the donut
"Um... really," she said coyly
"Yes, really. Now license and registrations, please"
"Um, hold on Officer," she said before opening the glove compartment.
I saw all the unpaid parking tickets in there and sighed, knowing full well we were going to be arrested
"I'm sure it's here somewhere," she said, digging into the sea of papers
"Step out of the car please," he said.
It turns out Brittney didn't have a license so we were brought to jail where she had to call her manager to get her out since her mother was in Paris only coming back tomorrow morning
We sat in silence, not saying a word to each other before Brittney said something
"Bree's gonna kill me," she said
"Why?
"Because we have a fashion show deal to work out and she told me to make sure I was there"
"So why would you invite me out for a date at a time like this?
"I don't know, I just really wanted to bring you out"
"Isn't that what you said when we went to the museum, or to your amusement park and any of the other places you dragged me to this week"
"I just wanted to apologize, okay"
"Apologize for what?"
"You know... that"
"Listen Brittney if it really was just a dance, then there's nothing you should feel you have to apologize for. Now I'm gonna ask you a question and depending on how you answer I'll ask another one."
"Okay," she cautiously agreed
"Do you like Nick?" I asked.
For a moment she hesitated, but then she smiled and answered, "There's nothing for me there. I like you Carlton Wheezer"
I smiled brightly before I asked the next question, "Would you Brittney Carter be my date to the Fright Night dance next week?"
Brittney jumped up and down with excitement at my question
"Yes, Yes. Oh my god yes. I've always wanted to go to a High School dance. I always imagined myself in the perfect dress with the perfect hairstyle" Brittney said, "And I'll have the perfect gu-"
She hesitated as she was about to say guy and we stood staring at each other in awkward silence
"Brittney!" a furious voice growled outside of the cell
"Bree. Thank God you're here"
"You, mall cop let her out" the stern-faced lady said
"Excuse me, who are you?" he asked
"Breeana Johnson, I'm this girl's manager. Hurry and release her"
"And him too, please Bree" Brittney said latching onto my arm
"Him as well," she reluctantly said
"You have to sign and provide proof of identity and relation to these people first" he said
"Fine hurry it along. We have places to be," she said before the officer got the papers which she quickly signed then he opened the holding cell
"Thank you so much," Brittney said as we got out
"Who is this?" her manager asked sneering at me
"This is Carl, my boyfriend"
"Hi," I said
"Charmed" she said rudely
"Anyway, Let's go Brittney. We must go through the front; Carl here can you through the back"
"Why?" We asked her
"The paparazzi are outside and we can't have you been seen with--"
"Why not?" She asked, "And how did the paparazzi get here?"
"I called them here sweetie"
"Why?" We asked
"Publicity. You're still a young model you disappear for a month and you're forgotten like that" she said snapping her fingers
"Do I have to be seen exiting a police station?"
"Any publicity is good publicity. I already told you" She said
"Then why can't I be seen with Carl?"
"Darling, you must trust me. That's a limit to how far that goes. There's bad publicity and then there's career suicide," she said
"You know what Brittney it's okay. I'll call you when I get home okay," I said
"See he understands"
"You sure?" she asked
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to mess up your career," I said
"Okay, call me when you get home okay," she said
"Yeah," I said, hugging her
"Okay, let's go Brittney" her manager said before Brittney let go and walked over to her
"Go wait in the hall. I need to have a word with your boyfriend here" she said
"Okay," she said cautiously
"Be nice Bree" Brittney said, but the manager just smiled before Brittney sighed and walked out
"Um... what do you want to talk about?"
"Your intentions," she said
"My intentions?" I repeated confused
"Listen, Carl, you seem like a nice kid and a smart one too. You can't possibly think that this relationship is gonna last" she said
"Um.... I mean"
"You've seen Brittney right?" She asked
"Yes, she's pretty"
"I don't need you to tell me that. Brittney has what it takes to be a worldwide star. You aren't in her league. But Brittney's a nice girl she won't tell you to your face, but you two don't match. If the world realizes she's dating a guy like you it will ruin her career. Do really want to be the reason she fails as a model?"
"No I...."
"People like her don't end up with people like us. It's the truth. A sad truth, but the truth, nonetheless. Unless you are rich. Are you rich Carl?" she asked condescendingly
"No," I sighed
"Exactly, this won't work so I suggested you to enjoy this little relationship while it lasts. Maybe one day you will become rich and can afford to have a girlfriend like her unfortunately that's not today" she said before taking out her wallet
"Here. Use this to get home," she said, handing me a hundred before leaving.
I stood in there watching as she walked out. I followed them at a distance and watched the flashes of cameras blinding me while Brittney stood there smiling perfectly as if they weren't anything
(Libby)
After another awkwardly silent ride I dropped Sophie at her house
"Good night," she said, but I didn't answer so she shrugged and left.
I was planning on heading home like I promised my Dad when I text from Carlos
*Carlos- where r u?*
*Driving home*✅✅
*Carlos- Can you come over 2 di house*
*I have to get home Carlos* ✅✅
*Carlos- plz it will b worth ur while*
*Fine I'll be right there* ✅✅
After putting up my phone I drove over to Carlos. As soon as I got out of my car I was greeted by a pathway lined with roses that I followed into the house and up the stairs into Carlos' room where I found a gift box on his bed that was covered with roses. On the box was a note
"Put this on and come outside" I read the note before opening the box to see a tiara and a fancy dress
I put it on and I followed the roses again out of Carlos' room and into the garden where I saw Carlos, dressed in a prince costume standing on a picnic blanket inside of a heart made of roses which was surrounded by smaller hearts made of candles
"What do you think?" Carlos asked as I entered the heart
"Is Valentine's day early?" I laughed
"Every day's Valentine's day with you, Shinning one"
"What is this Carlos" I asked smiling
"Liberty Danielle Hall, would you be my date for next week's Fright night?" He asked. Even though we were obviously going with each other he went through all this so the only thing I could do was cry
"So is that a yes?" He asked before I rushed over and immediately kissed him. We stayed like that until we almost fainted before breaking apart
"I'm speechless," I said
"Then my work is done," he grinned like a fool before I kissed him again
"Alright, alright stop," he said
"What is it?" I asked
"I want to do something with you," he said
"Outside?" I blushed
"No, not that," he laughed
"What is it?" I asked
"Follow me inside" He said before we got up and went back to his room.
"What are you doing Carlos?" I asked as he went under his bed and pulled out a action figure case. The colors of the box were washed out as if it had been in the water for something
"Is this-?" I asked, figuring out what it was
"My dad and I were going to open this together, but I wanted you to be there when I did," he said before the door opened again and his dad came in
"Am I too late?" he asked
"No, Dad, I was just about to open it," Carlos said
"Alright, let's finally put this behind us" his dad said. I watched Carlos' handshake as he struggled to open the box.
"You can do it," I said, putting my hand on his
"You got this son," his father said, putting his hand on his shoulder
"Alright," Carlos smiled as he opened the box and took out the toy. He looked at it awkwardly before bursting into laughter
"What's wrong?" his dad asked
"You okay?" I asked
"The wrong toy," he suddenly said
"What?" I asked
"She got the wrong toy," he laughed tears running down his face
"Carlos," I said as he turned to me and I grabbed him in my arms consoling him
"She died for the wrong toy," he cried his eyes out on my chest as his dad pat his back
(James)
I had just gotten back from the city and though it was already midnight, I went over to Betty-Ann's house and throwing pebbles at her window making her open the window
"James, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to ask you to Fright Night"
"I told you already James that would be a violation of Rule number 1"
"Yeah, you keep saying that, but I don't care. I hate those rules. So come out here for a minute or else I'm coming up there," I said before she closed the window
After making my way up to her window I knocked again
"James? How did you get up here?" she asked
"Drain," I said
"Get down, there's no way that can hold you up," she said obviously concerned
"Yeah, it's pretty risky and there's a high probability I'll fall," I said latching on for dear life
"Get down," she urged
"Not until you agree to go to the dance with me"
"Is that seriously what this is about? Are you crazy?!"
"A little," I said
"You do know I'm going to the dance right" she sighed
"Going to and going with are two different things"
"Come on James, this is ridiculous and really dangerous. Just come inside"
"Not until you agree to go with me"
"You just can't take no for an answer, can you?" she said obviously impressed at my determination
"Nope," I said smugly
"Fine, James." she sighed
"Fine James what?" I asked, wanting to hear her say it
"Fine James, you win. I'll go with you to the Fright Night dance"
"YES!!" I celebrated
"But this still doesn't change anything, we aren't dating"
"No, but it's an improvement. Maybe next we can actually go on an actual date"
"Don't push it," she said before the drain creaked
"What's that," she asked
"The drain's coming loose. Yeah, you should probably help me in," I said before she helped me crawl into her room. As I was crawling I slipped and landed on top of her
"Owe" she groaned in pain
"Betty-Ann, are you okay?"
"Already regretting what I said" she groaned again
"Too late now" I chuckled
"Well, now that you're already on top of me, what are you going to do?" She asked seductively
"I could punish you for letting me wait so long" I whispered in her ear
"Kinky," she said as she began kissing me before I felt something hit me
"What's that?" I asked, sticking my head out the window and spotted Carl blushing as he looked up at me
"It's Carl," I said helping her up
"Is there something I can help you with Carl?" Betty-Ann asked
"I'm actually here to see James"
"Why would you come to Beth's house to see James?" She asked
"His parents told me he'd probably be here," Carl said
"His parents? How would they know, unless..." she said, glaring at me
"You see, I might have neglected to tell you that my parents, sort of, figured out what we were doing," I said sheepishly
"First Carl"
"That was technically your fault," I said
"Then your mom's employee"
"That was before the rules"
"And now your parents"
"Out of my control," I said
"I'm starting to think you can't keep a secret James" she glared
"Well, Carl needs my help so I should probably get down" I said to escape the conversation
"And how are you going to get down?" She asked before I looked down at the two-story fall I didn't want to take
"Is your mom home?"
"No"
"Then I'm using the front door," I said dashing out of her room
After that I rushed down to the gate where Carl was waiting for me
"Alright Carl this better be important," I said as we entered the car
"It is, I want you to make me good looking?" he said as I drove off
"Excuse me repeat that," I said
"I want you to--," he said, about to repeat
"I heard you, but you know my rules on body modification. You know what happened last time"
"Please James, this could be the only way to stop her from leaving"
"Wait, who's leaving?"
"Brittney"
"Brittney's leaving?"
"Well, no, but she will and she'll find someone good looking, probably some famous model or movie star and they'll have kids and their kids would become famous models and I'll be--" he ranted
"Carl, Carl stop. Brittney's not going anywhere. Who filled your heads with this crap" I said
"Her manager, she told me unless I'm rich I have no chance of keeping Brittney" he explained
"Well, she sounds horrible. Dude, you should really stop listening to people like her"
"Answer me honestly James. Do you really think Brittney would choose me over a handsome guy like that for example Nick?"
"Um... Wm... Yes"
"Please James, do it for Brittney"
"Carl, I don't think Brittney would want you to do this"
"Really, you should have seen her when I asked her to go to Fright Night with me. She was so excited and she started listing off how she dreamed it would be but when she was about to say perfect date she hesitated"
"Carl"
"Please James I'll never ask for anything ever again after this," he begged almost breaking into tears
I sighed before finally giving in
"Fine, but I'm warning you, this could be very dangerous," I said
"Thank you! Thank you, man! You're a lifesaver" he said
"Whatever man. I'll drop you off at your house," I said