Fake Behavior (A Mindless Behavior Story)

Chapter 14

I almost felt my eyes pop out of it’s own sockets. People, especially their fans, actually fell for our stunt?

If only that statement was true.

While thanking them, as if on cue, Prodigy appeared with a petite brown box and a white take-out package. The girls squealed even louder, only to make Prodigy himself almost drop our “date” food. After a couple picture takings and compliments received by them, they took the hint that we were supposedly here to spend time with each other, so they took their belongings and left, beaming with grins from ear-to-ear.

Prod chuckled as he saw the girls left the bakery in sweet moderation. He sat down, and opened his take-out box to reveal a chicken pesto sandwich. I felt myself immediately shake my own head, of course Prod would take the chicken pesto sandwich. 

“Wow Nicole, already got em’ fans ah?” Prod joked, taking a bite out of his oozing, toasted sandwich. 

I smirked. “Shut up, lover boy. You know I already got more fans ready to holla at me than you!”

 Prod gaped, pretending to look hurt. “That’s not nice, Nicole.” He opened the brown, foldable box. “Especially when I bought you three dozen macaroons.”  

At the sight of the colorful treats, it was my turn to gape. During our childhood, I always loved eating macaroons; they were just fun-colored for my liking. Honestly, what made me love these sweets even more was the fact that I felt fancy, like a princess out of a Notre Dame movie. 

Quickly, I snatched the box away, grabbing a green colored macaroon. Pistachio, my favorite. 

Prod laughed at the sight of my teeth viciously sink into the treat. I couldn’t even help myself; the ones from the city were the best!

“Aye, Nicole..” Prod spoke after I swallowed an entire macaroon. I veered my eyes up in reply. “For the heads up, we’re leaving New York in three days.”

Although I loved traveling, especially with my best friend, a part of me was provoked seeing more of their fans. I already had enough hate being the main vocalist’s best buddy (who so happens to be a girl), and being his so-called "girlfriend" would most likely bring me even more hate.

Suddenly, I felt a hand touch my wrists. Sparks began flying inside of me; a wave of electricity shook my entire being. I brought myself back to reality and realized Prod had touched my wrists, gripping onto them in support. 

“Don’t worry about the fans, iight? You’re my girl and nothing’s gonna change that.” 

Prod inched his hand away as I attempted to bring my mindset into what was really happening with me. Was I really falling in love with my best friend, who’s manager only truly wanted me to be on tour with him just to increase his popularity status? 

It confused me when he would always say stuff like “you’re my girl” or the occasional “i love you”s. Actually, scratch that. It saddened me. I knew he only did it for the stunt. But, what saddened me even more was that I meant everything I said.

“No, don’t worry about it. I’m going to be fine.” I lied. 

 I could feel Prod stare at me; I knew he could read my entire being like a book, so why did I just lie? 

 Before he could catch my lead, I grabbed another macaroon from the box. He let out an exhausted sigh. “Did I forget to mention we’re going to appear together on Ellen..?”  

When I heard that, I almost choked. Keisha and Walter got us booked on Ellen? As a couple? Were they really that serious about exploiting our “relationship”?

“It’s just us?”

“Nah.” He added in a calmer tone. “The other guys are going too. Just be aware of the questions Ellen might ask about.. you know.” 

Prod took another bite of his sandwich. I thought silently in my head, I needed practice on how to answer these couple questions before I make a fool out of myself again. 

“Wait,” I bit my bottom lip. “Prince is going?”

I didn’t mean to sound like I was mad at Prince, because I wasn’t. He told me the cold-hearted truth and I respect him for doing that. But I was pretty sure everyone was aware of the heated atmosphere between Prince and Prod, and for them to be sitting down together in a live audience and national T.V. was going to be something amusing.

Immediately, Prod’s hands tensed up. The anger in his eyes were now completely visible.  

“Prod..” I whispered his name, a bit frightened of his reaction. “What happened to you guys?”

Prince and Prod used to be as tight as roots on the Earth. While Roc and Ray always had their bromance together, it was Prince and Prod who would always joke around with each other. Their friendship was inevitable, but it broke as easily as glass. It was as if a year away from them got them tangled in each other’s fury, for whatever reason, that is.

“Just.. whatever happens, Nicole,” Prod uttered. You could hear the rage in his tone easily. “Remember that I’ll always love you.”

And with that, he took me by the hand and walked out of the bakery, ignoring any questions from the paps about our fantasy relationship.