Higher Stakes [Strings: Part 1]

Chapter 23: Black Escalade

The next morning was definitely a start of another beautiful and lovey dovey day in her life. With a goofy and captivating smile formed on her face, showing up her cheekbones, Demi literally skipped out of her car with her bag by her side. She halted for a moment. Breathing in the fresh morning air, she told herself, “What a beautiful day.”

A sweet come into mind. She smiled.

Meanwhile, across the city of Angels at a family restaurant; the cast of Wizards were having their breakfast there for the first time. After having a delicious yet healthy menu courtesy of Mrs. Watson, it would definitely be their everyday routine to break their tiring fast whether its morning, afternoon or night.

Three tables joint together by the window; David Deluise sat by his wife while at the opposite was his on-screen son, Jake T Austin who sat by Maria Canals Barbera. By her were her daughters and her husband. Opposite her husband was David Henrie, followed by Selena Gomez and lastly Bradley himself sitting at the end of the long table.

Pairs of them were chatting excitedly over their empty plates. However, Selena kept glancing at her best friend, who seemed to be distracted by his phone. It kept vibrated over and over again. She could have sworn she saw him frowning and inaudibly said something.

Her hand reached out for him. He startled.

“Everything alright?” she uttered. His eyes were wide at first and his mouth hanging a little. One blink of his brown eyes quickly changes his expression. He smirked at her and muttered, “It’s cool.”

He nodded slightly.

The waiter served the customers beverages before they head off to the studio for another taping. Fresh brewed teas with honey for extra flavor were spread out.

“This one-“ a middle aged man began. “Is on the house.” Mr. Watson beamed at the cast as he appeared from the back of the room. “Drink up now. Tea is good for you.”

“Thank you Darrell.” Deluise sounded. He stood up and shook his hand with the head of the family. Everyone on that joint-table started to drink up the special tea except for one. Bradley was frowning again. This made Selena more curious.

“Soooooooo.” Tiffany started. Back at the studio of Sonny with a chance, Tiffany was lounging on the couch at Demi’s dressing room. “Big date tonight, huh? No wonder you’re smiling non-stop.”

Demi turned in her chair and faced her friend. She pressed her palms against her cheeks and said, “Was it too obvious?”

“Uh-DUH!” Tiffany pressed her palms against her cheeks as well. Demi looked at her, slightly annoyed. “To be honest, I like it that you two are dating. I mean, you’re so happy now than before. I’m glad.”

Demi smiled. “And you have my blessing.” Tiffany added.

“Say what?”

“Just teasing you.” The blonde young woman ended the conversation and quickly walked out the dressing. Demi was startled and dumb-founded.

Outside the restaurant; paparazzis were making a scene. Flashes of camera lights and bickering of tongues were ruining the peaceful morning.  Inside the casts wondered how to evade them.

“Maybe we should take the back door.” David Henrie contributed an idea to the team. Deluise agreed to the plan.

“Well, I can’t.” Bradley sounded. Everyone turned to him. “My car is right across the road. I have to go out this way.” Without anything more, he immediately headed to the entrance.

“Wait, I’m coming with you!” Selena followed him.

“Well, okay dude, see you two at the studio.” David shouted. He and the rest of the casts headed to the back of the restaurant, taking their time.

“Bye David,” Kelly, Bradley’s sister, waved.

The front door swiftly opened with Bradley and Selena, standing side by side, made an exit. Bright lights were flashing vigorously and violently. Tongues were flapping hard.

 “How was your breakfast?”

Bradley moved forwards, his rummaging his pants pocket taking out his keys. He was charging through the paparazzis delicately. Selena, on the other hand, was trying to keep up.

“Any new projects?”

Walking off the pavement to the asphalt, the duo was yet surrounded by the flashing lights. Finally standing his side, Selena quickly grabbed the back of his shirt and hooked onto it.

“Any chances any of you breaking into the music industry?”

It seemed like forever. The car should be right there, parked at the other side of the road. But with the people and cameras blocking the view, the car must be miles away.

“Any chance that you two are dating!?”

They both stopped. Startled by the question. Yes, they do.

Little did they know, a black escalade was speeding through the traffic lights.  Neglecting the easily noticed and bright red light indicating driver should stop but the escalade was building up and up. It was going faster and faster. Selena was already standing by the car. Lights were flashing at hers.

“Maybe I should drive.” She suggested. Instantly, Bradley threw the keys to her but he was standing still entertaining the paparazzi in front of him. He was holding a video camera and a small notepad. Pushing his pencil above his earlobe, he aimed the camera and showered the newbie with common questions. “How’s your life now? How did you cope with the drastic changes and fanbase?”

HONK! HONK! HONK!

Loud car honks was heard, making deafening noises.  The car was gaining closer but still so fast.

HONK! HONK! HONK!

Paparazzis jumped off the road to the side leaving Bradley and the interviewer on their own.

HONK!!!

In the heated morning; a slight breeze was blowing spreading burning smell of rubber on the asphalt ground. Tire marks tattooed to the ground. Bits of bumper were left. Bits of glasses. Bit of flesh.

Whites were broken. Tapes were crushed. Notepad was run over. Two bodies lied there, motionless. As if it was luck, one of them started moving and it was not who Selena expected.

The paparazzi still got few breaths in him. Not so much for the newbie. Bradley was still unconscious.

“Somebody called 911!”

Selena rushed over for his aid. “Bradley!” she choked. He was not moving. “Brady-“ She started shaking him. “Wake up! Wake up!!” Harder now. “Don’t leave me! Please! Don’t leave me!” Shaking him harder. “Bradley!!”

“Selena, stop it!” David Henrie was by her, pulling her away. “Give him some space!”

“Bradley!!” Selena wailed. Train of tears making their way down her cheeks. “Someone please call 911!”

The paparazzi left their equipments and helped the fallen. Phones were out, each calling for help.

At the pavement, Selena was crying her eyes out while David comforting her. The others were by their side.

Author's Note:

And so it begin...