Mirabel's POV
I didn't get a call from George, so I just took a cab to my apartment. After making dinner for myself, George, and Fred because I knew those lazy punks wouldn't cook I lay on my bed. Ha! Being the only girl surrounded by two boys is sometimes just too stressful.
I sighed, slipping my earphones in. I played "Speechless" from Aladdin. I've listened to that song so many times, but I can't stop myself, and I can't help it. That song is just too emotional the way Jasmine sang it, pouring emotion into every note. I end up listening to it over and over again.
Singing along gave me this spark this crazy passion for music and dance. I even sent applications to so many entertainment companies. But none of them worked out, so I gave up and started applying to companies focused on art and design. And that's how I finally landed the job I'm working at now.
"Big Sis! Big Sis! Guess what?"
Fred barged into my apartment, his face glowing with excitement. I already knew the reason. He loves singing and dancing, and he and his band members often perform at parties and events.
Honestly, I don't like the idea of him moving from place to place just to perform, but I can't stop him. He's happy doing it, and I don't want to take that away from him. After all, it hasn't been easy for him since Mom left us, claiming she couldn't bear to see us suffer. That was just an excuse, though. Ha! I don't even want to think about that.
"What?" I asked, pretending not to be interested, and his face fell.
"Guess, Big Sis," he pleaded.
I chuckled. "You and your band members got a new gig to perform at, right?"
His smile widened. "Almost, Big Sis. Okay, I'll tell you. A guy connected us with someone named Vincent Reed. He's throwing a party today and asked us to come perform. If we're good, he'll invest in us! He owns the biggest music entertainment company, Big Sis," Fred said, beaming with pride.
Seeing him that excited made me genuinely happy. His heart truly belongs to the idol world. At least he's doing what makes him happy.
"So, what are you getting at?" I asked.
His face fell. "What do you mean, 'so'? Aren't you happy for me?" he asked.
I shook my head quickly. "You know I've always wanted you to be happy. Honestly, I'm happier than anyone right now. I'm so happy for you, Fred."
His face lit up again. "Don't worry, Big Sis. I'll make you happy too," he said, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"And who told you I'm not happy?" I asked, grabbing my phone and browsing my song playlist.
"I just know," he said quickly. "By the way, Big Sis, please do me a favor and come to the party. Please?" He pouted his lips like a little kid.
I sighed. "I'm going to work tomorrow, Fred. I don't want to stay out too long," I said, and clicked on "Attention" by Charlie Puth. I love that song too.
"I promise this time you won't have to stay out long, please. It won't be like the other times. And this one's going to be big, Sis."
I sighed and nodded in agreement. After all, it was him and his band performing of course I had to be there to cheer them on, no matter what.
"Alright. I'll call George. We'll both come together, okay?" I said.
Fred jumped and hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Big Sis! I love you so much!"
I hugged him back and chuckled. "It's okay. Anything for you, Fred."
He pulled back a little, staring at me.
"If we perform well at this party and they invest in us, I promise I'll take care of you, Big Sis," he said sincerely.
We just stared at each other for a moment. I'm only two years older than him, yet he always acts like the father talking about taking care of me and all that. I really love him, though. He can be annoying sometimes, but he's the best brother anyone could ask for. You know what I mean? He's caring, and everything.
I just wish he wouldn't get himself into trouble chasing this dream.
I touched his face, and tears welled up in my eyes. "I love you, Fred. Please don't get yourself into trouble because of this. Just save money while you perform so you can go back to school, okay? Don't worry about me."
I ruffled his hair and hugged him tightly again.
"I don't want to go back to college. I just want to make money, get famous, become a popular idol," he said.
I smiled. "Just work hard so this dream of yours comes true," I said, patting his head as he stood up.
"I'll get going now. My band members are already waiting for me. I'll text you the address. Please bring Big Bro along the party starts at 8 p.m., and it's already 7," he said.
Before I could respond, he dashed out of my apartment.
I sighed and dialed George's number. He picked up immediately.
"Hey, George," I said.
"Mira, how are you doing? Sorry I didn't come pick you up I got stuck in a meeting. But you're home now, right?" he asked.
"Yes, and you don't need to worry. Are you still busy?" I asked.
"No, I just got back. Why do you ask?" he asked.
"I'd love for us to go out. Just come over to my apartment, please. We'll talk about it," I said.
"Alright," he replied.
I hung up, took a short break, then went to my wardrobe and searched for something to wear. My eyes landed on a yellow, tie-fitted gown that stopped just a few inches above my toes. I slipped it on. It had a V-neck that showed just a little cleavage.
I picked out black high heels, grabbed a black purse, and put on pink lipstick. After doing a little makeup, I tied my front hair back neatly, letting the rest fall behind me. Smiling at my reflection, I finally stepped outside and stood in front of my door.
"Why hasn't George come yet? He just loves to make me wait," I groaned, pulling out my phone to call him.
But before I could, a voice beside me startled me.
"Is it so important that you've already started cursing me?"
I looked up. It was George.
I sighed and hit him lightly. "What the hell is wrong with you, George? You startled me!" I shouted.
He flinched, reaching out to touch my face, but I slapped his hand away.
"Ouch! Why are you so aggressive, honey?"
I rolled my eyes and got into the car. He'd already ruined my mood.
"You haven't even told me where we're going yet. And you look beautiful... are you going on a date with someone else, dressed like this to seduce him?" he asked with a mischievous smile.
I hit him with my purse lightly.
"George, what's your problem? Since when have I started flirting around? I'm disappointed in you. What kind of nonsense keeps coming out of your mouth these days? If you want to say something, can't you think first? If you want to know something, can't you ask decently? Just act decent for once!"
I sighed, turning to look out the window, watching the world pass by.
"I'm sorry, my lady. Please, may I know where you'd like me to take you?" he asked, trying to act like a gentleman.
I chuckled. "I've always told you to go to acting school or join the entertainment industry. It suits you well."
"But you told me to act decent. So I'm acting like this right now because of you."
I burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" he said, looking innocent.
I just shook my head and sighed.
"So dumb," I mumbled under my breath.
"Fred wants us both to come to a party he and his guys are performing at. Here's the address," I said, showing him.
"You should have just told me," George muttered. "I was already getting jealous, thinking you were going on a date with someone else while I was still here."
I just smiled.
"No need to get jealous. Even if I were dating someone, I wouldn't forget about you. I'd always tell you."
I patted his head, and we both chuckled lightly.