"Alright, Audrey. Thanks for joining us here at our radio station." The male host started.
"Thanks for having me." Audrey smiled and adjusted her headphones.
"Before we begin," the female host spoke, "I want to ask how Vanessa is now."
"She's doing much better. She's been discharged and resting at home."
"That's a relief."
"You must've been shocked."
"Out of my mind."
"So how did you agree to work even in the time off?"
"I decided I didn't want to stay stuck over what was done. She was going to be okay and that's all that mattered."
"That's brave."
"And did the boys reach out to you? For the music video appearance?"
"I was in touch with them, especially after the Caleb incident. So I already knew about the song. Coincidentally, our schedule was cleared exactly when they were shooting."
"I wanna quickly talk about Caleb here. Did he ever show any signs of depression?"
"When we toured with them," Audrey carefully formed an answer as she spoke, "everything was new to us. Caleb definitely tried his best to make us feel at home. He was one of our first, true friends in the industry."
"I'm sure. Caleb and Vanessa even dated briefly."
"Yeah," the male host added, "until Caleb cheated on her with Ava. I can't relate. I mean, why would you cheat on Vanessa Pierce?"
"She's too young for you, Peter." The female host laughed.
"But she is a beauty. And I mean it in all respect."
Audrey just smiled.
"So when are you going to get back to work?"
"Technically, we already are." Audrey replied. "I've begun recording a few songs that she had written before. And since we're home for a while, we're getting a proper studio to record."
"Yeah, yeah, touring and recording can be hard."
"Yeah but the main problem that arises is that hotel rooms have high ceilings which create the echo problem."
"Ah."
"So I spent most of time practicing our dance routines and helping Vanessa through it."
"That's another thing I like. How the two of you are gifted in your separate arts."
"I don't know about me, but Vanessa truly has a talent for singing. She can sing the most intense song in a delicate way."
"Her voice gives goosebumps. She knows how to play with emotions."
Audrey nodded. "Before our first release, I practiced our songs for ten hours every day just so I could match her star level."
"Oh, really? That's dedication."
"So they mean when they say you two married to your careers."
Audrey laughed in agreement. "That's where the focus is."
"We heard SMG recently received investment from China. Any thoughts of entering the Chinese market?"
*
Fietfall, Korland
Mason leaned against a tree and closed his books. He looked around for his bag and his eyes landed on Tessa, who was walking away from him along with a friend.
Her bag was open and a book fell out.
Mason sighed and was about to call out her name when he noticed a familiar guy pick it up and run after her.
He sat back and watched as she turned around with a big smile and kissed the blond on his cheek.
He smiled.
Just as she pulled back, she saw Mason looking at her.
He gave her a sad little smile, remembering how she used to cry when they fought and how she was smiling now.
Tessa waved at him and he returned it.
The blond turned to look who she was waving at. "Oh, hey, dude!"
Mason looked at him and nodded while placing his earphones in.
Suddenly he heard Audrey's voice on the radio.
"We would love to visit China one day. I wish I could speak their language, it's really interesting."
He saw as he heard these words that Tessa and her friend went away with the guy, who placed his arm around her shoulder.
He sighed lightly as he could only hear Audrey's voice.
"Good for you, Tessa." He said as he continued to listen to Audrey's voice.
****
"I'm sorry to call you so out of the blue, Mrs Middleton." William Saint said over the phone.
"No, it's alright, Sir." Kristen replied.
"Audrey insisted I talk to you about Kylie, so here I am, obeying my artist's wish."
"Ah." Kristen laughed. "I'm sorry, she shouldn't request things from the CEO of-"
"I'm happy to help. Your daughters and I have established a strong bond over these months. Enough that she entrusts me with such matters."
Kristen uncomfortably looked around. "Yes."
"I would encourage you to send Kylie to America and sign that contract. Audrey told me it'll be hard for her to pass her classes?"
"Y-Yes, she didn't-"
"I won't make you repeat it, ma'am. I'm already aware."
"Yes, it isn't exactly a proud moment for me that I'd like to tell everyone."
"I understand. But kids lie, it's alright. It is not your fault. What you can do now, is save her. If Kylie signs that contract, I'll personally make sure she doesn't suffer from a failing grade at such a young age. When are her exams?"
"..next week."
"Then you don't have a lot of time. I'll suggest you drop her out immediately and one of my team members will get in contact with the school. Kylie can resume her studies here in America, without having to repeat this year."
"But would that be possible to-"
"It is. All you have to do is say the word."
"So she won't repeat this grade?"
"No, she'll be promoted to the next one. As per the normal conditions, as if she had passed."
"I- can I let you know by tonight? I'll have to discuss it with my husband."
"Sure, sure. Take your time. But make it as soon as possible so we can get to help you."
"Yes."
****
"The girls are forcing their mother now." Paul laughed.
"It's not forcing."
"Getting their CEO to get you do things the way they want, it's forcing. They're just not getting their hands dirty. That's what these rich people do."
"Would you stop talking about my daughters like that? Who do you think is responsible for you living in this big a** house, your non-existent, high paying job?"
"And what did that cost them? They're closer to their CEO and managers than they are with their own mother. Don't you feel replaced? You rarely get to talk to them, you don't know what's going on with them. They know every detail-"
"Paul, Kylie will fail if she doesn't go."
"That's a nice reason to push her out of the house."
"She, herself, wants to go!"
"And you? I know your mind has changed."
Kristen casted her eyes down as Paul walked towards her.
"I know you don't want this anymore but some bigshot calls and suddenly you're all on board. Such fickle mind-"
"I won't be saying this if it didn't make sense at all. I won't play with my daughter's life."
"Yes, you won't. And that's you're sending her. Not because you want to, because you're having to."
"Paul-"
"Look what has happened. Basically, everyone wanted her to not go in the end, and it looks like she's going."
He marched straight out of the room without looking back and slammed the door shut.
****
Kylie and Audrey talked over the phone as Lydia waited for the call to be over in their living room.
Vanessa came out of her room and paused when she saw Lydia.
"Oh, hi. When did you come?"
"An hour or so back. How are you?"
"Good, good. Where's Audrey?"
"In the kitchen. Talking to your sister."
"Kylie has been talking a lot with Audrey. I wonder why Audrey isn't irritated by now."
"They both wanted this so they're both happy."
"Lydia, you try and talk to Kylie. Tell her a few things before she comes here and should know. I don't think she's ready and will get majorly disappointed when she sees the reality is different from her fantasy."
"Me?"
"You're born in this. You know the negatives better than anyone. You never got an option to walk out or choose. Make her aware, she thinks I'm bluffing."
"Talking sense into a person who's leaving a day after is a little too late, isn't?"
"Just tell her what you think she doesn't know." Vanessa went to call Audrey.
"Hey, Kylie, listen." Audrey said with a little confusion. "Remember Lydia? The girl whom you asked about that's in the picture I uploaded?"
"The blue jacket blonde?"
"Yeah. The blue jacket blonde." They laughed. "She's here and wants to talk to you."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I'm giving the phone to her."
"Hi, Kylie. How's it going?" Lydia said with a smile and listened attentively.
"I know, I get that. But you have to be completely sure before you sign a contract like this."
Vanessa sat down on the sofa to listen as Lydia began to share an experience of hers.
"When I was about seventeen, I was homeschooled so I didn't really have a lot of friends. One of those trusted friends of mine introduced me to this completely trustable dude."
The sisters laughed at the emphasised sarcasm in her voice.
"He was from a nice, rich family. His father ran lots of chains. They were everywhere. Hotels, trading, ships, oil, construction, furniture.. you get the idea. He seemed good. And so I dated him. Do you think I'd be telling you this if this had a happy ending?"
"No.."
"You're correct. He later blackmailed me, abused me, and just almost destroyed my life and ruined my family's reputation which my grandfather built with his hard work. It killed me to know my stupidity could collapse it all."
"That's.."
"I know. That is, indeed. Luckily my dad saved me. But he was very angry with me, naturally. He sent me abroad for studies and I've returned just last year. Ever since him, I've had to be very careful with who I choose to be friends and that's not a good way of living."
Vanessa nodded in agreement.
"When you're a star, you're shining for others. But for yourself, you're burning inside."
Vanessa's eyes were filled with concern.
****
Audrey and Lydia got ready for their night out as Vanessa texted Cedric to bring alcohol on his way.
"Cedric's coming soon, right?" Audrey asked. "Do we wait till he's here?"
"No, you girls leave. Have fun."
"Are you sure? I don't want to leave you alon-"
"Audrey, get the hint." Lydia teased. "She wants the house to herself when her boyfriend arrives."
Vanessa rolled her eyes playfully.
"We'll go right away, V." Lydia pushed a protesting Audrey out.
****
The next morning, right before dawn, the door unlocked and Audrey stumbled in.
She stretched her arms a little and paused when she saw Cedric sitting on the ground, leaning against the sofa.
"Cedric. What are you doing?"
"You came earlier than I thought."
"Where's V?"
"In her room. I think she's still drinking." He stood up and walked. "Ask her to stop and get some sleep."
"But why were you- what's this?"
Audrey looked down at her hand where Cedric had placed a small, black velvet box.
"She had asked me to leave but I stayed to guard her. Remember how she caused a scene one time and tried to go to the rooftop?"
Audrey nodded.
"I stayed so that doesn't happen again. Don't tell her I did though. She'd get mad."
"Is everything okay? Why'd she ask you to leave?"
"Let's say we had a disagreement and she was too drunk. I'll check in soon." He smiled and left.
Audrey frowned and went to Vanessa's room. She found her sleeping while hugging an empty bottle.
There were four more empty ones on the ground.
Audrey groaned, knowing Vanessa's tolerance and the painful hangover she'll have now.
"Vanessa. Wake up. You gotta tell me what happened that you drank so much."
Vanessa didn't move.
Audrey shook her again. "Don't die. Tell me."
Vanessa opened her eyes. "I'd rather die, Dreya."
She closed her eyes again pulled her covers over her head.
************************************