𝐈 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖
[ Chapter Five | ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ ]
KIMBERLY'S STRESS LEVEL skyrocketed that afternoon, reaching an overwhelming 12 on a scale of 1 to 10. Her mind constantly raced with thoughts on how Mindy would react to the news she was about to share.
But despite all this, Kimberly knew it was necessary to have this conversation.
It felt like the right thing to do.
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LETTING OUT A deep sigh, Kimberly approached Mindy, who patiently waited outside for her in the schoolyard. Their plan was to have dinner at Byers right after school, and then head to Kimberly's house for a movie.
"Hi Mindy." she greeted.
"Hey Kimmy. Ready to go?" Mindy asked.
"Yeah," Kimberly replied. "But there's something I need to tell you."
Mindy scrunched her eyebrows with confusion. "Okay, what is it?"
Kimberly struggled to find the right words. "I- I think it's better if I tell you when we get to Byers," she finally managed to say.
Mindy's confusion deepened, but she respected Kimberly's request. "Okay, let's go then."
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-'๑'-
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ARRIVING AT BYERS, the girls found a booth to settled in.
"So, what's going on?" Mindy demanded, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
Kimberly hesitated for a moment, then found the courage to say it. "Gustavo came to my house and offered me a record deal."
Mindy's eyes widened in surprise. "A record deal?" She tried to process the words that just left Kimberly's lips.
"A record deal? But... why? You're not even interested in music!"
"I know, Mindy." Kimberly nodded. "That's what makes this whole situation so fucking confusing. I never expected this t-to happen."
"It just doesn't make any sense." Mindy started to feel disappointed. "W-what did you say? Did you take it?"
"Obviously not." Kimberly sighed. "I couldn't bear the thought of taking that away from you."
Mindy's disappointment turned into a mix of relief and confusion. "I appreciate that, Kim. But, I'm still confused. Why would Gustavo offer you a record deal? No offense, but what does he see in you?"
"I don't know." Kimberly frowned. "Maybe he sees potential, or maybe he's just looking for someone who can bring attention to his label? Either way, I couldn't accept it knowing how much music means to you."
"Thanks Kim," Mindy squeezed Kimberly's hand, her eyes softening. "And I know you didn't do this on purpose. This is all just... very strange."
"I promise Mindy, I will do everything I can to support you and your dreams. This doesn't change the fact that you're incredibly talented and deserving of success. Please know that?"
"Thank you," Mindy expressed with a grateful smile.
"You're welcome," Kimberly responded, returning the smile.
Letting out a sigh, Mindy wanted to shift the focus of their conversation. "Can we change the subject now, please?"
"Sure," Kimberly agreed, understanding Mindy's need for a lighter topic. "Let's just order the food. I'm starving."
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MIDWAY THROUGH THE dinner, Kimberly paused to take a sip of her soda and reached for a napkin to wipe her mouth. As she gently pressed the napkin against her lips, inspiration struck.
Her eyes lit up with an idea that could potentially open doors for Mindy.
"I have an idea." Kimberly noted.
Intrigued by her sudden enthusiasm, Mindy set her utensils down. "What is it?"
"I know you don't wanna talk about this anymore, but when Gustavo offered me the record deal, I think he actually saw something in me that could benefit his career."
Mindy looked at her skeptically. "What?"
"If Gustavo sees potential in me, he might be willing to listen to my suggestions. I can probably use this as an opportunity to advocate for you."
Mindy's face brightened with hope as she grasped the magnitude of the idea. "That... that could actually work, Kim."
Kimberly nodded, then proceeded to take out a business card. "I remember Gustavo's assistant, Kelly, giving me her contact information. Maybe we could reach out to her and see if there's a chance for you to audition again?"
"But, do you really think they'd consider it? After offering you the record deal?" Mindy asked, her voice full with doubt.
"It's worth a shot." Kimberly shrugged. "We won't know unless we try."
Mindy's skepticism lingered, and couldn't let go of the fact that the record deal was directed at Kimberly.
"And even if the outcome isn't what we hope for, at least we can say we tried."
"That's true." Mindy nodded.
"Yeah well, I'm gonna call Kelly and see if we can work out a deal." She stated.
Kimberly whipped out her phone, ready to make the call, but as she glanced at the screen, her heart sank.
It was 6 PM, and suddenly, she realized that Gustavo and Kelly had returned to Los Angeles.
Nonetheless, she dialed the number, hoping she'd pick up on the other end. The anticipation in each ring made it feel like an eternity.
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SUDDENLY, THE RINGING stopped, and a voice came through the phone."Hello? This is Kelly."
"Hi, Kelly. It's Kimberly. I know it's late, but I just wanted to reach out and see if there's still a chance to discuss the record deal with Gustavo?" Kimberly asked, her voice filled with determination.
There was a moment of silence on the other end, which made Kimberly's heart race.
She thought the call was pointless, given the late hour, and the likelihood that they've picked someone else.
"Kimberly, I didn't expect to hear from you! Gustavo and I have already returned to Los Angeles. Our schedule is quite packed, and it would be challenging to fit in any additional meetings." Kelly replied, her tone apologetic.
"I understand," Kimberly told her, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Please let Gustavo know that I appreciate the offer and am open to discussing how we can make this collaboration beneficial for both of us."
Kelly paused for a moment, taking in Kimberly's words. "I will definitely pass along your message, Kimberly. Although I can't make any promises, it's good to know you're open to collaboration. We'll see if there's an opportunity for further discussions."
"Thank you, Kelly. I truly appreciate it."
"Thank you for reaching out."
As Kelly ended the call, Kimberly felt a glimmer of hope. The possibility of a deal with Gustavo, offered a chance to support Mindy's dreams in a way that felt authentic to her.
"So, what did she say?" Mindy asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, Kelly said she'd pass the message along to Gustavo," Kimberly explained. "She couldn't make any promises, but she said she'd discuss it with him."
Mindy's face lit up with a mixture of excitement. "I can't express my gratitude for you Kim."
"No matter what happens, I'll keep supporting you." Kimberly smiled warmly.
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-'๑'-
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
THE COLD AIR brushed against Kimberly and Mindy's cheeks, causing them to shiver slightly. As they approached Kimberly's home, they noticed something out of the ordinary—a luxurious limousine parked outside her house.
It was clear that something significant was happening, because standing beside it was Benjamin, Kimberly's dad, and Genesis, Mindy's mom.
Kimberly's heart skipped a beat, instantly recalling the phone call she made to Kelly earlier. The possibility that Gustavo and Kelly had flown down here, deeply floated in her mind.
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BEFORE KIMBERLY COULD process the situation fully, Gustavo Rocque stepped out of the limousine.
He approached Kimberly, oblivious to Mindy's presence.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS?" Gustavo yelled. "I can't believe you dragged me all the way HERE with this LUDACRIS OFFER!"
Kimberly straightened her posture, matching Gustavo's energy, and looked him directly in the eyes. "You know why I called you here," she retorted with determination.
Gustavo growled, knowing Kimberly was adding fuel to the fire.
"I've been thinking long and hard about your offer. Now I'm not one to back down from opportunities, but if I'm gonna do this for you, I want Mindy with me."
Gustavo remained expressionless.
"We'll be a duo girl group. It's the only way I'll take the offer."
Mindy's face displayed a mix of surprise and apprehension. She wasn't expecting Kimberly to make such a bold statement, especially when she knew that singing wasn't Kimberly's passion.
She also couldn't help but worry about the implications, yet kept her mouth shut anyway.
"I'm sorry? I don't think I heard that correctly." Gustavo's face contorted with anger. "YOU THINK YOU CAN CHANGE THE TERMS? This isn't how it works. I WANT YOU! NOT YOUR FRIEND, NOT YOUR FATHER, YOU."
Kimberly stood her ground, undeterred by Gustavo's rage. She had made up her mind, and she wasn't going to back down now.
"If you want me, then you'll have to take Mindy too," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "It's non-negotiable."
Gustavo's frustration boiled over, but there was a glint of admiration in his eyes. He recognized the fire in Kimberly's spirit, a trait he often saw in himself.
"You're pushing your luck," he warned, trying to regain control of the situation. "I'm the one in charge here."
Kimberly's determination intensified as she met his glare head-on.
"I know you're the boss," she replied, "but if you want the best, you'll take us both."
Gustavo's anger simmered beneath the surface as he considered Kimberly's proposition. He admired her audacity, but he wasn't ready to give in just yet.
"You better be worth it," he growled, finally relenting. "But remember, I don't do second chances. You mess up, and you're out."
With a final, stern glance, Gustavo turned on his heel and began to stride back towards the limousine, his assistant Kelly hurrying to catch up.
His silence was ominous, but Kimberly chose to interpret it as an acceptance of her conditions.
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AS THE LIMOUSINE departed from Kimberly's home, she relaxed her shoulders and sighed, letting out a breath she didn't realized she'd been holding.
Genesis and Benjamin were off to the side, deep in their own conversation about the events that had just unfolded.
"This could be a fantastic opportunity for the girls, Benjamin." Genesis said, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "But it's also a big risk."
"Yeah." Benjamin agreed.
"They're so young; Is Kimberly sure about this?" Genesis asked.
"I don't know," Benjamin admitted. He felt a mix of concern and pride for his daughter, and knew that this journey could be life-changing for her.
He also knew it was time to talk to her about it, but for the time being, he remained silent, allowing her to process the whirlwind of emotions she must be feeling.
"...but Kimberly is strong-willed. If she's made up her mind, there's no changing it."
Meanwhile, Mindy couldn't hold back her emotions any longer.
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"I CAN'T BELIEVE you did that," she said, her voice filled with appreciation.
Mindy looked both relieved and concerned, recognizing the implications of Kimberly's decision and the challenges that laid ahead.
Despite the rush of emotions inside her, Kimberly turned to her and nodded, trying to appear nonchalant. "I had to try," she replied. "I couldn't let another opportunity slip away."
Mindy remarked softly, "But, you don't even want to be a singer. I mean, this...this isn't your dream."
"No, it's not," Kimberly agreed. "Being a singer has never been my dream. But you know what is? Making memories with you."
Mindy remained silent.
"You've got this talent, this spark, I-I want to see you shine. And if I can help you do that, then it's all worth it."
"Kim, I still can't let you do this. It's just not fair to you."
"What's not fair, is throwing away a talent like yours." Kimberly responded softly. "This is more than just singing. It's about taking advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"An opportunity I'm helping you achieve."
After realizing how deeply committed Kimberly was, Mindy's stubbornness started to weaken. "You're really willing to do this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Mindy," she said softly, "I'm really willing to do this."
A soft smile tugged at the corners of Mindy's lips as she pulled Kimberly into a heartfelt hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she said sincerely.
Kimberly chuckled. "Well, lucky for you, you'll never have to find out," she said, flashing a playful wink.
Mindy laughed, feeling comforted by Kimberly's laid-back attitude. "This means the world to me."
"I believe in you, Mindy." Kimberly replied, her tone cool and reassuring. "And together, we're going to rock the music world."
Sharing a warm chuckle, Kimberly and Mindy turned their attention towards their parents, their expressions filled with gratitude and determination.
Genesis and Benjamin watched as their daughters' faces lit up with excitement. It was a sight that warmed their hearts, reinforcing the faith they had in their children.
"We've got a lot of work ahead of us, don't we?" Mindy questioned, looking at her parents and then to Kimberly.
"Yeah," Kimberly agreed, her voice steady. "I didn't think about that part really."
Both girls shared a laugh, lightening the heavy atmosphere.
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BENJAMIN AND GENESIS shared a meaningful glance, understanding the strong connection between their daughters. They felt happy that their girls were supporting one another, but they knew they had to talk about the situation.
"Kim," Benjamin started. He broke the silence and took a step forward. "I'm proud of you for defending Mindy, but I want you to consider this carefully. A music career is a big commitment, and it should be something you really want."
Kimberly looked uncomfortably back and forth between Mindy, and her father. She was grateful for her father's support, but she also understood that pursuing a career in music would require dedication and hard work. Before responding, she took a deep breath.
"Dad, I know what you're trying to say," she said. "And yes, I've thought about it."
Benjamin nodded, seeing the hesitation in his daughter's eyes. He wanted to make sure she was making this decision for herself and not just for Mindy.
"So, is this something you want to do?"
Kimberly flashed her father a confident smile, the kind she always wore when she was trying to reassure him. "Yes, Dad," she replied. "It is something I want to do."
Benjamin looked at Kimberly for a moment, and then nodded. "Alright. I trust you to make the right decisions."
Genesis, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally decided to voice her thoughts. "Kimberly," she began, "we're all here for you, supporting you every step of the way. You're like a daughter to me, and I just want to see you happy."
Kimberly nodded, appreciating Genesis's words. "Thank you, Gen." she responded. "I know this is a big step. But it's not like I'm giving up on my dreams either. There are other opportunities in LA I can explore too."
Genesis and Benjamin both looked relieved at Kimberly's words.
It was evident that she had considered this decision thoroughly and wasn't just doing it for Mindy. They both knew their daughters were growing up and making important decisions about their futures. And while they were nervous about the challenges the girls might face, they were also incredibly proud of them.
"That's good to hear," Benjamin said with a smile, feeling a sense of relief.
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AND SO, GENESIS and Mindy said their goodbyes and headed home with optimistic minds, awaiting what was to come. Benjamin and Kimberly smiled as they watched them leave, feeling pleased to be connected.
As the girls ventured into the unknown, they knew one thing for certain: with Kimberly's cool charisma and Mindy's astonishing voice, they were destined to leave their mark on the world of music.
Something Kimberly would quickly enjoy.
∞ ₒ ˚ ° 𐐒𐐚 ° ˚ ₒ ∞
Hi guys! I want to apologize for the delay in uploading this chapter. I was struggling to piece together the ending, but finally, it's here! On a brighter note, we've hit a fantastic milestone with over 2,000 words written for this chapter. Thank you for your patience and continuous support. I can't wait for you guys to read more into Kimberly's journey!
- Eli ☼