by J. L. Ostle
“You’re the celebrity, not me. I was a box of nerves when I walked through the door. You’re like, actually famous; millions watch you.” I look at her and like she said, we are like everyone else.
“Millions watch you too; your music video was so hot it was in the number one spot for three weeks and I am sure it’s still in the top ten. I guess we’re fangirling each other huh?” I laugh with her.
“So, have you actually seen the original movie?” I ask her.
“Yeah, I wanted to see what they expected from me. I enjoyed it and I liked the songs. Robert said you’re going to do Never Going to be the Same Again?” I nod.
“Yeah, I watched the movie months ago and thought if we changed it up, just a little, it would go perfectly.”
“I agree. I’m just happy the movie is finished. I haven’t had time to myself in months, I need a break. It’s so exhausting doing films. I have this to do and some interview about the movie, the red carpet, and that’s it for me for a whole month. I’m taking a well-deserved vacation.” I giggle.
“I can imagine you’ll need the break.”
“What about you? What are your plans after this?” I think about it, knowing deep down what my future holds, but I want to keep it pushed back.
“Probably do another album, release another single; the usual.” I keep my head forward as the makeup artist does my eyes.
“Well, seems like you’ll have a busy time ahead of you, too. Have you decided on what your next single is going to be?”
“Honestly?” I see her nod her head from the corner of my eye. “I have no clue.” We both laugh.
We’re changed into clothes and make up and I look into the mirror with Alexandra by my side and we laugh. We look the same but nerdier. I’ve got glasses on and my hair tied up in a high ponytail, my skin looks younger thanks to the makeup. Luckily the bruise is really faint; if the makeup artist noticed she didn’t say anything.
Alexandra has messy, straight hair, going for that similar look as the original; her hair half up, half down. We are both wearing ugly clothes that does nothing for our figures. Alexandra takes out her phone and tells me we’re doing a selfie. I see us on her phone and we start doing poses as she clicks away, laughing as we do.
We walk out to the parking lot, since that’s where the first scene is taking place, and Chris bends over laughing when he sees us. Alexandra and I laugh with him; we do look weird. I look at Dominic and he is in a jock jacket, wearing tight jeans and a shirt. I can imagine this is what he would have looked like back in school. I wonder if he would have talked to me if we went to the same school.
Leon is in a football jersey and Chris looks like a bad boy in a leather jacket. I look towards John and he is wearing a jock jacket too, his longish dark brown hair combed over perfectly with some shielding his right eye. He’s very attractive so I’m not surprised he got the lead for the part. They both complement one another.
Alexandra and I walk to a car and get in, waiting for our cue. We’re talking as we wait and then we get the signal to start and the cameras zooms in on us. I forgot how engulfing this is. Alexandra drives us to a parking spot as the intro plays out and we look out the window, staring up to the school. We both get out of the car as I start to sing and grab our backpacks, looking around the parking lot when our eyes land on the guys who are pretending to talk and laugh. Alexandra focuses in on John as I focus on Dominic and both guys look at us for just a moment then look away again.
We lean against the car as I sing, watching the guys. We watch as they head to the school entrance and start to follow. We walk in and the place is full of people that are made to look like students, going to lockers, talking to friends. The guys walk down the halls like they own the place.
“Cut! Let’s do it one more time and then go to the next scene.” The director calls out and we do.
Once we finish the second take, we head to a classroom and sit in our seats, Alexandra sitting in front of me. The music starts up again and I start to sing. We watch a girl talk to John as they smile at one another; Alexandra wearing a look like it bothers her. I turn to look at Dominic who is across the room and he turns his head to look at me, his eyes piercing mine before he looks away.
We are taken back to wardrobe and this time we’re put clothes that are very unflattering and Alexandra insists on taking pictures of us again. We get a crew member to take one of us zoomed out. When I see the picture, I throw my head back and laugh. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun when cameras are involved.
We are in the school gym that’s set up for a dance. I sit on a chair on my own as I watch Alexandra go to the bathroom and when she comes out, she is wearing a tutu skirt and shirt. I continue singing but almost giggle at the sight. I watch her go to the dancefloor, dancing with a guy as her eyes watch John dancing with another girl.
The next scene I’m not in. It’s of Alexandra changing from a geek to the popular girl and this one needs special effects so I step back and watch. There is a green screen behind her and I watch her pretend to put some potion on her clothes and start to spin around saying some magic words. After two takes, we are ready for the next scene.
We’re back in the car but this time we look amazing. We’re in designer clothes, our hair and makeup perfect. We drive up and once we’re out of the car, guys surround us, helping carry our back packs and walking us towards the school entrance. We turn our heads and see the guys staring at us.
We are leaning against the lockers as guys pretend to talk as I sing and our heads turn to see John and Dominic walk down the hall, their eyes on us. I keep singing and they stop in front of us both. I look up into Dominic’s eyes and I give him a smile as I sing, putting my hand on his chest and giving a little push as Alexandra clings her arm through mine and we walk down the hall towards the classroom.
The final scene is another school dance and Alexandra is wearing a tight blue dress that shows her perfect figure, her hair in waves. I’m wearing a black, strapless dress and my hair flows down my back. This time I am on stage with the guys singing for a scene, watching John and Alexandra dance, then another scene where I’m on the dancefloor, dancing with Dominic near John and Alexandra. Dominic pulls my body close to his like in the movie and sways my body side to side. Then the director says cut and we are done for the day. I smile at Dominic and he grins at me, shaking his head.
“Oh my God, today has been so much fun and so bearable with you here. I so hope we get to see each other again.” Alexandra runs to me and squeezes me.
“Me too, so much better than my first music video. I can’t believe the day flew by. I can’t wait to see the movie.” I return her hug.
“I’ll get you all VIP tickets, you have to come to the red carpet. You can tell me if I was any good.” She chuckles.
“I know it’s going to be brilliant but, yes, I would love to come watch the first showing. Thank you so much.” She gives me another quick hug and steps back.
“It is me who should be thanking you. I knew you were on tour and yet you came here. I can’t wait to see the music video.” You and me both. “We’ll see you at the red carpet.” I beam at her.
I watch her and John leave and I shake my head on how crazy quick today flew by. Dominic puts his arm over my shoulders and walks us back to the car. What do we do now? What’s next for us? Robert hasn’t said anything but I’m sure he will. I should enjoy the quiet time of doing nothing. Dominic and I head to a hotel where we will be staying tonight and go to my room. I run and jump on the bed, lying down as I watch Dominic do the same. I chuckle at his poor attempt.
“Today was fun,” Dominic says, turning his head and smiling at me.
“Yeah it was. I didn’t have to take any clothes off; I think that was a plus.” I chuckle. His eyes darken and I look back up to the ceiling.
“Yeah,” is all he says. We are like that for a few minutes, just lying there, the only sound is our breathing.
“Dominic?” I turn my head and smi
le when I see that he is still looking at me.
“Hmm?” He smirks at me.
“Can I ask a favor?” I start to fidget with my fingers and he places his hand in mine and entwines them like he always does.
“You can ask me anything.” I take in a deep breath and lean forward, pressing my lips to his and I feel his hand squeeze mine. I pull back and give him a small smile.
“Will you kiss me?” I whisper. His eyes stare into mine, not saying anything. Have I read the wrong signals? I thought since the time on the bus when I was with Jensen that he wanted to kiss me, that he liked me? God, I must have over thought it. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t…” I’m cut off when his lips land on mine.
I’m caught off guard but I kiss him back, moving myself over so I am pressed into his body, fisting his hair; hearing him growl makes me deepen the kiss. I wrap my leg over his waist and my dress rolls up a little. I’m sure he can feel the heat and wetness of my panties. I can feel his erection pressed against my core and I gasp at the contact. He grips my ass, pulling me in closer, and I start to grind myself against him, feeling that ache build up.
I know I want more, I want him. I want him to take me, to own every part of me, even if it’s just for tonight. I don’t want my first time to be with anyone else. I want it to be with the person who has been by my side through everything, who has been my hero. Dominic starts to kiss my jaw, my neck; I lean my head back to give him better access.
His hands touch my sides, my legs, my ass, but he won’t touch me more intimately. I grab his hand and place it on my breast, I don’t want him to treat me like I’m fragile, I want him to want me fully.
“Please touch me,” I breathe out. With that, his hands grow more urgent, touching me everywhere.
He sits me up and pulls off the dress and I’m left in my strapless back lace bra and panties. He groans when he sees me. I go on my knees and help him take off his shirt and when I see his toned stomach, I press my palm over his heart and look into his eyes, telling him I want this, even if it’s just tonight.
He unclips the bra and sucks on one of my nipples and I arch my back, wanting him to take more. He does the same to the other and I whimper when he moves back, missing his heat. He stands up and takes off his jeans and boxers and my eyes bulge when I see his perfect, thick, long erection. He takes out a condom and wraps it around his dick and crawls back towards me. My heart stutters in my chest. He pulls down my already wet panties and looks at me; looks at my naked form on the bed. His eyes are dark and hooded, his breathing coming in fast.
“I imagined this like a thousand times but you are so much more beautiful than in my fantasies,” he says before his lips land on mine again.
I feel one of his fingers enter me, then he adds another. I start to grind myself against his hand, not caring how desperate I look. I want him inside me so bad. I need to stop this ache that’s becoming unbearable. When his fingers are soaked, he places his erection against my core and starts to push inside me. I gasp when he is only half way through; I feel so full.
“You okay?” he breathes into my ear. I nod.
“Don’t stop.” He thrusts one last time and he’s fully inside me. I moan when I feel the pain. The pain of him taking my gift.
My virginity.
Dominic doesn’t move, just stays still, letting me adjust. After a minute, the pain starts to fade and I tell him to start moving. He goes slow, kissing my neck, jaw and cheek; kissing my lips again. I wrap my legs around him, arching myself a little off the bed. I can feel more of him this way, causing us both to moan.
“Faster, please go faster,” I plead to him and he does.
He starts ramming into me and I dig my fingers into his shoulders. I keep yelling out for him to go harder, faster. I say it over and over until my vision starts to blur and I scream out Dominic’s name when I find that sweet release. Dominic thrusts a few more times and I feel his dick pulse inside me as he fills the condom.
“That was amazing,” Dominic says in awe, chuckling a little. I laugh and lean my head on his chest.
“Yeah. It was how I always pictured it.” I start to draw pictures on his stomach.
“To do it with a rock star in a hotel room?” He jokes.
“No. To give my gift to my best friend.” I look up at him and he grins down at me with pure adoration. “Thank you for being my first. I know this was only one night, but I will always cherish it.” I kiss his lips and smile at him. I’ll never pressure him to be with me; I’d rather have him in my life as a friend than nothing at all.
“Sky, there’s something…” A knock on the door cuts him off.
“Hold that thought.” I kiss his him again and put on a robe. I open the door and see Chris standing there and I smile at him. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.
“Chris, what’s up?”
“Umm, I didn’t want to disturb you but there are people here to see you and they say they’re your parents.” With those words, I fall off my cloud and land face first on the ground.
“My parents are here?” He nods, looking at me confused. He doesn’t know why I’m being like this, why I’m terrified of seeing them, but I put on a fake smile and tell him thanks.
“Don’t tell Lake they’re here, they don’t get along, and it will only upset her. Can you keep it to yourself? Until I say something?” I plead with him.
“Sure, I know what parents are like, they do your head in, but they’re your parents at the end of the day.” He pats my shoulder and leaves. I go to the door and open it, and like my nightmares, I see them in front of me, giving me that look I’m so used to. Disgust and shame. But this time I know I’m not dreaming.
“Hello, sweetie. You’re not going to let your parents in?” Mom smirks at me and I know my time is finally up.
I’m sitting in front of the mirror as I brush my hair, wondering what my parents want from me. I think back to if I have done anything wrong, but I know I’ve done everything right. But the fear inside me that knows I am going to be punished runs through my veins.
I take in a deep breath and stand, swiping down the long black skirt that reaches my ankles, making sure there are no creases; personal appearance is always the number one rule in this house. I’m wearing a white blouse to cover some faint bruising on my wrists that I got a couple of weeks ago when I didn’t give Mr. Sherman, my father’s work partner, his drink on time.
I walk down the hall, down the grand staircase and head to the lounge where I know Mom and Dad will be having their five o’clock drinks. I stand at the door and knock, waiting for permission to come in. When I’m told to enter, I walk in slowly, shutting the door behind me. They don’t want the staff to hear our conversations; well hear them shout at their daughter.
“You wanted to see me?” I ask, looking down at the floor, knowing not to look at them unless permitted.
“Yes, take a seat,” Mom says. I walk to the only chair that I’m allowed to sit on when in this room. It is hard and uncomfortable, but I tolerate it. My eyes still don’t look up. “It has come to our attention that you have been talking to that sister of yours.” Mom’s voice is steady, but I know if I look up, I will see the anger radiating from her. “Care to explain to me why you are talking to that waste of space? Why you have to keep pushing us?” I feel a slap across my face; I try not to show how much it hurt. It will be worse for me if I show weakness even though I want to curl up in a ball and cry.
“Mom please.” My voice is shaking; my hair is pulled back as I look into her dark eyes.
“We told you that she is no longer part of this family and yet you still speak to her?” I feel her nails start to dig into my scalp. “Why would you do this? Why talk to her?” I try and get words out but I am in so much pain I’m struggling to even think. “Tell me.” She lets go and sits next to my father who is watching us.
“I miss her,” I say, touching my head. I can already feel a headache coming on.
“You miss her? That is weakness, showing emotion
will be your downfall. You are going to end up like her, is that what you want?” I want to say yes, but I know my punishment would be so much worse.
“No,” I whisper out, looking back down to the floor.
“You are such a liar,” she spits out at me. I feel tears prickle in the back of my eyes.
“Well sweetie, maybe we can make a deal with her,” Dad finally talks, but his eyes look menacing. I know this isn’t going to end up well.
“A deal? What kind of deal?” mom asks him, but she isn’t a good actress so I know they planned this before I even entered the room.
“Yes. She misses her sister, so I think we shall let her see her. She can spend some time with her, get to catch up.” I want to look up so badly to see if this is some sick joke they are playing to hurt me.
“Why should she get to see her? She has done nothing but show shame and disappointment; why should she get such a treat?” Mom spits out.
“I think if we allowed her to do this, and she promised to come home and follow our rules and go by what we say, she should go.” I see Lake in my head; seeing her, spending time with her, being away from this house sounds like heaven. Even if it’s only for a little while.
“Are you willing to do this, Sky? You go see your sister then come back and you will do what you’re told, do as we say?” I don’t think twice; I nod my head. “Fine, we will get it sorted.” I want to smile but I know I shouldn’t. They may change their minds.
“Thank you,” I say softly.
“Oh, and there’s another catch,” Mom says, walking towards me. She grabs my chin so I am looking back into her eyes. “When you come back, you will be marrying Jefferson Clarkson the Third. His family is just as good as ours; good blood and old money. Do you understand?” Marry Jefferson? He went to school with me but he never acknowledged me; he was in the popular clique, sleeping with every girl there was, now I have to live the rest of my life with him?
“Yes.” I blink away a tear, Mom sees it and smiles.