It had only been three days since Isadora’s performance of Once Upon a December hit international screens — and her life had flipped fast. Interviews, press emails, MySpace messages piling up with blue glitter graphics saying “YOU’RE A QUEEN”.
But it was weird. Even when things were going right, Isadora felt… off.
The press wanted more. Her label wanted her solo. Blogs started spinning things:
> “Will Phantom Youth split so Isadora can go solo?”
“Who is Tom Kaulitz to the new Disney darling?”
And then came the photos. Paparazzi caught her and Tom leaving the premiere party — hand in hand.
It was supposed to be private. But now it was everywhere.
---
Back in the hotel room, Phantom Youth sat around with slushies and cold pizza, TV buzzing with old reruns of Viva. Nina had her legs curled up on the couch, eyes glued to her Nokia screen.
> “So… these rumors,” she muttered. “People think we’re breaking up?”
Isadora sighed, tossing her denim jacket over a chair.
> “I don’t want to go solo. They’re twisting everything.”
Jules, their drummer, nodded. “We just gotta make it clear we’re a unit.”
Nina smiled. “We’re not going anywhere.”
They clinked soda cans together like a pact.
---
Tom’s Nokia buzzed again. Jörg, his manager, had texted:
> “Keep PDA to a minimum. Things are heating up.”
Simone, his mom, also called.
> “Tom. Schatz, I’m proud of you. But be careful, ja? People love tearing young couples apart.”
He rubbed his temples. It felt like their relationship was being dissected — when it was still so new.
---
Later that night, Tom met Isadora in the hotel vending area. He handed her a Dr. Pepper and leaned against the wall.
> “I hate this part.”
She nodded, sipping from the can. “Me too.”
> “It’s like… everyone wants to rip us into headlines.”
She looked at him, softly. “I just wanna sing. And be with you.”
> “Then let’s do that. You and me. And Phantom Youth. Screw everything else.”
He took her hand and squeezed it tight.
---
By the next morning, headlines were wilder:
> “Tokio Hotel’s Guitarist Dating Disney’s New Princess — Isadora’s Fame Sparks Jealousy”
“‘Anastasia’ Singer Ignoring Band? Fans Speak Out”
But what no one expected — was the fans defending her.
On message boards and fan zines:
> “She’s not abandoning anyone. She’s evolving. Let her grow.”
“Tom and Isadora are like… the alternative Brangelina.”
Fanart started circulating — of Anastasia in a Tokio Hotel hoodie.
---
That evening, while the hotel was quiet, Tom and Isadora snuck to the rooftop. No cameras. No questions.
Just music buzzing softly from his MP3 player and the city lights of L.A. below.
> “Let’s just make music and memories,” Isadora said.
Tom kissed her cheek. “And not let anyone steal them from us.”
---
YOU ARE READING
"Strings Between Us
Romance2004. Germany. Tom Kaulitz is used to getting what he wants - the stage, the crowd, the girls. As Tokio Hotel begins to rise, so does his ego... until she shows up. She's the Brazilian guitarist in a rival band - quiet, sharp-tongued, and completely...
