They Call Her Love | ✔️

29: They Call Her Incredible

With Clarkson and Penelope behind me, I sit down in front of my desktop computer and search the video they instructed me with on YouTube. The title itself was alarming: "The Truth About Love". Ironic? I couldn't decide that quite yet. It already has nearly half a million views.

"Oh God," I whisper to myself.

"Now, I want to you brace yourself," Clarkson leaves a supportive hand on my shoulder. "It's not pretty, but trust me when I say that we're doing everything we possibly can to help this situation."

I'm terrified.

"What is it? What's this video of, exactly?"

"It's better if you watch it yourself," Penelope answers me. It doesn't do anything to calm my nerves.

"Is it bad?" I look at her.

She doesn't answer my question directly. "Just watch it."

A trembling hand hovers over the mouse. My finger presses down lightly and the click of the button starts the video.

The first seconds play.

Instantly, I recognize my hotel room. I'm leaning on one hip, arms folded across my chest, with Chris and Whitney standing in front of me. The camera - I'm guessing the GoPro - is set on the vanity, displaying a side angle of the three of us. The lights make it clear that this is happening during the aftermath of our last night in Ruby Nights - bloodshot eyes, smeared makeup, wrinkled clothing, and tired expressions. The alarm clock next to the bed reads that it's three sixteen in the morning which put this situation about an hour after we arrived back from the club.

Do I remember having a conversation with them at all? Not the slightest.

"You both disgust me."

I gasp at the sharpness of my own voice that comes out of the speakers.

"You," I throw an arm out to Whitney, "are nothing but a conniving and manipulative bitch who is incapable of a real friendship. Do you really think anyone in this hotel room actually likes you? You'd be stupid to think so. People only stick around because they know you're popular."

"And you," I point to Chris who looks up from his shoes. "Big shot quarterback with a big heart - you're nothing but a shallow person with a boring personality. You're just as bad as her, if not worse. I can't believe for a second I thought I was ever friends with the both of you."

I pause the video and shut my eyes.

This isn't happening.

This isn't happening.

This isn't happening.

"I mean, I don't know about you, but that's the best part of the entire video," Clarkson snorts behind me.

It was pretty badass of me to tell those two off. But the rest of the world will crucify you for it, Love.

"They did deserve it," Penelope agrees.

"Let's not dwell on this," I clear my throat and continue the video.

"We are friends, Love!" Whitney pleads in the fakest voice I've ever heard. "What about all those fun times we had?"

I snort as I watch myself roll my hazy eyes at her. I know this video is supposed to be a public relations nightmare, but it's quite entertaining. I wonder if that's why the show gets millions of views every episode.

"Fun times? You mean that fun fight we had at Chris' party? Stop pretending, Whitney. You only wanted to be my friend because of my TV show. In fact, that's why anyone on this trip is even here."