PAULENE
"Wow, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"I should ask you the same question."
I let out a laugh.
What a pleasant surprise.
And he looks pretty casual. Lazy kind of casual with his curly brown hair, plain black v-neck shirt he looks so hot in, brown long shorts, and flip flops.
"I got bored at home and thought I could just watch this movie alone," He said while pointing at the poster of Carrie.
What perfect coincidence!
"Me too! I was planning to watch Carrie."
"Are you alone?" He asked.
"Well, I am now," I answered.
I don't really want to share how Ashton ditched me.
"Want to watch it together?" He asked.
"That would be perfect!" I answered.
But, suddenly, I remembered that he isn't a fan of horror movies.
"Wait, I thought you don't like horror movies? Last time, I asked you to watch World War Z--"
"Oh, that! Uhh. Did I say I don't like horror?" He cut me off.
"Yeah? I guess?"
"No! I did not say that! If I did, then I must be kidding. I love horror. Are you serious? And this. This is.. uhh.. Stephen King's novel. This movie is a remake. It's classic. It has to be really good," He said.
I raised an eyebrow. Oh, yeah, I just teased him of being afraid of zombies.
"Oh yeah, you just don't like zombies!"
"Yeah, I hate zombies. Zombie apocalypse is just stupid and idiotic to me. I dig supernatural like Carrie," He said with a laugh.
He went on, "So, uhh, should we watch it together? I mean, uhh, you're here, I'm here, same movie."
"I'd love company, to be honest," I answered.
I feel happy to run into Franz.
We approached the line to the teller to buy our tickets.
"Shit!" Franz exclaimed.
"Any problem?" I asked as I watch him fumble through the pockets of his long shorts.
"Damn it!"
People were starting to look at our direction.
"What is it?" I whispered to him.
"I freaking forgot my fucking wallet," He whispered back.
"It's okay, I got it," I whispered back.
"No! No! I should treat you, not the other way around!" He said.
"Calm down, you treated me many times already, remember? Besides, I have yet to pay you for all the tutoring and help. A movie pass is no big deal, seriously. I have money on me."
Dad gave me my monthly shopping allowance last night, and luckily, I have everything in my wallet right now.
"No! This is not fucking happening."
"Calm down, okay? I'll pay for the passes now, you just pay me back next time. How's that?" I suggested.
10 dollars is nothing compared to everything Franz spent on me and all his help. I will never get guys making a big deal out of this kind of situation.
"Okay, I'll just make a phone call," He said.
After tapping a few times on his phone, "Hello, Mom? I left my wallet there at home and Paulene is buying me my movie pass. I know, Mom. I know. Yeah. Exactly! I don't even have money to get a cab. Yeah, and that too, I'm so sorry. I'll buy you and Dad something next time. I promise. I'm so sorry. Yeah, yeah. Can you ask Greg or anyone to give me my wallet? Yeah. And also the car. Thanks a lot, Mom. I love you too."
"Wow, you really asked someone to deliver you your wallet-- and your car."
"Yeah. I'll just pay you after the movie. Greg will get here just in time," He said, looking relieved.
"Yes, ma'am?" The teller asked.
"Two for Carrie, please. Thank you," I answered as I handed her twenty dollars in exchange of the movie tickets.
"You know, that was really unnecessary. You could really pay me back next time. And, I could also lend you some cab money," I said, returning my gaze to Franz.
Poor Greg. Haven't met him yet, but, I feel kind of sad for him. I'm pretty sure he'll get here before the movie ends. He'll have to wait for his boss just to give him his wallet and car keys.
And how will this Greg go home if he leaves the car? He might just take a bus or something.
Rich people and their slaves.
"Why'd you really have to ask him to leave you your car? We can both take a cab home. How will Greg--"
He burst out laughing.
"You're worrying about Greg?" He asked.
"Yes, I am! Aren't you?" I answered.
My god, I didn't know Franz was this heartless!
"I'll give him cab money, he can go home safe and sound," He sneered.
"Or you can just let him take your car and you can go home riding a cab."
"How can I drive you home then?" He asked.
H-how.. What?
I felt my cheeks starting to burn as my heart started to race.
"Also, after the movie, it's just right that we grab something to eat first before I drive you home, right?" He smirked.
There's that smirk again! Jesus, the incubus is back!
"I think we should go inside, the movie's about to start," I said as I averted my gaze on him.
Guess this horror movie is going to be a lot less scary than the danger I'm about to get myself in.
ASHTON
Should've stayed to watch a movie with Paulene.
Freakin' Carrie--
"Roll The Dice!" Ludwig Harrison announced.
He went on, "You are about to be the biggest rock band in the United States of America and the entire world! The offer is not only for Ashton anymore. I talked to the bigger bosses and they agreed to get the whole band into the ride!"
They were all clapping, including Martin who seems to be very excited about all of this.
I should be excited too, right?
"Right here is your contract. All you have to do is sign and by January, we're gonna get you out of here and move you to LA. You will be sponsored and backed by our recording and production team. Trust me, you will have your very own album next year. We aim to make you bigger than those bunch of British kids called "One Direction"."
"Who are they?" Eric quipped.
The rest of the guys laughed.
My mind and my heart is racing.
Our dreams are finally coming true.
We're finally getting there together.
But, everything's too fast. Way too fast.
Isn't everything happening too fast?
Eric enthusiastically took the contract and signed. James went next followed by Horace. He then handed me the contract and the pen.
I feel nervous.
It's a weird feeling, I don't know why.
I should be excited and happy.
I uncapped the pen.
However, I can't make myself sign.
"Hey, man! What are you waiting for?" Horace asked impatiently.
Yeah, what exactly am I waiting for?
"Sign the thing already! Look, we all know Ludwig and his company is legit. They already produced rock icons. We already read the entire contract before you got here. I'm not that dumb who would just sign something without reading everything inside out," Eric said.
"Yeah, I also read the contract myself, son," Martin added.
"You can take your time to read it, Ashton." Ludwig Harrison said.
Shit!
Am I ready for this?
What about my life here?
What about Paulene?
But, this is for Dad, for Nash, for my band.
This is everything I ever wanted.
"Fuck Ashton! Are you high?!" Horace asked.
"What about Krista? You will just leave her?" I asked.
"Huh? I... uhh.. Krista will understand. She knows my band means everything to me. We've also started out as long distance. If we become stars, we can even travel to Asia right now and simply come back later," He answered.
"It's not as simple as that," I replied.
"So, you're not gonna sign? And don't fucking tell me to worry about Dianne. I'll say the same thing Horace said."
Krista is Horace's girlfriend. Dianne is Eric's girlfriend. But, Paulene is not my girlfriend.
Will I still have a chance to love her when I sign this?
Especially with Franz around?
"No. I'm not signing," I finally said.
"Jesus Christ, Ashton!" Eric shouted.
Horace grabbed my shirt and tried to punch me but James and Martin stopped him.
"Guys, guys..." Ludwig interrupted.
"What if we give Ashton some time to decide first? I'm pretty sure he is considering many things right now that may be beyond our understanding. Ashton, just keep the contract with you. Try to weigh things. You guys give it back to me when you're ready. Remember, I won't wait forever. By January, we already need a talent to hone and there are a lot of bands out there who are more than willing to take your place. You guys discuss it a bit more. Help Ashton arrive to a decision. If you all made up you mind already, give me a call."
"Yes, sir. I am so sorry about this. We will definitely call you in no time. Thank you so much," Eric said to him as he escorted Ludwig out of Smashbin.
"I'm gonna take this for safekeeping!" Horace snapped at me as he snatched the contract from me.
"And think fucking hard. Don't be so fucking selfish. We all worked hard for this. You come to me if you already came to your senses," He added before walking out.
--
So much in one chapter, eh? :) Things are getting more exciting! :> Oh wait! Tomorrow they also have camping! Hang in there! Vote and comment to keep the chapters coming-- fast! :D
This chapter is dedicated to my good friend, HarveeIsabelle! Thanks for wishing me to get well soon! Even if I'm sick, I love you guys so much that I keep the updates coming <3
Again, I plan to enter this story to the Watty Awards! If you think it deserves a spot there, I hope you support this story all the way! :) Recommend it to your friends. Positive results will definitely push me to write and entertain you more <3
P.S. Trailer of the movie, Carrie, is on the side! Enjoy! :)