Born To Shine

Born To Shine (12)

Chapter 12

I shifted to get into a comfortable position but then knew it was no point. I wasn't able to sleep anymore. I sighed and then got up stifling a yawn. I covered my hand with the back of my hand and ran my fingers through my messy hair.

I brushed my hair with my fingers before I decided it was pointless. I got off my bed and stumbled to my wardrobe to get out some clothes. I picked out a casual sweater and pair of jeans. I went to my ensuite bathroom and showered, changed and brushed my teeth until I soon felt completely human.

I exited my ensuite bathroom and went to my dresser to brush my hair. I took out my hair brush and brushed my hair gently, not wanting to yank my hair out. When I was settled I tried my hair into a sloppy ponytail looking somewhat presentable.

Deciding that I didn't care I grabbed my guitar and headed downstairs before doing so I checked the time. It was 3 pm I have enough hours of sleep.

I walked down the hallway and to the staircase. It was quiet upstairs, so everyone was sleeping still or downstairs. I went first to the vacant kitchen to get coffee and to make some toast. I wasn't big on breakfast, but I felt hungry and also a headache coming on. It must be from the alcohol. Good thing I didn't drink too much and was sober when I slept.

After eating I took the remainders of my coffee to the studio where I expected everyone to be. Whilst walking there I heard the faint noise of chatter from the lounge. Then silence. I turned on my heel to go to the lounge. I stood in the threshold and saw that everyone was watching tv. I perched myself on an arm of the couch and intently watched the tv as everyone else did. I noticed it was one of the gossip shows. The presenter sat on her chair professionally and started to talk about the most recent but probably false story.

"In the early hours of this morning after Blazing Lights had performed, them Sweet Seduction and RSD went to a bar. Hours later Shane had been arrested due to public disorder. However, when he was bailed none of his band bailed him out, but superstar Lizzie McGaugh did. Cameras of the local area captured them lingering around the police station. Them being quite close." She said. Then a picture appeared behind her of me and Shane. It was when he had asked if he could drive and he grabbed me causing me to collide into his chest. The picture showed me looking intently on him and him looking back in the same way...

Why do I have a reason people are going to think we are some sort of item?

I gulped. I didn't want that to happen it was unnecessary and something I did not want.

No one in the room uttered a word and carried on watching.

"People are being to wonder about their 'relationship' and Shane's former relationship with Stacy Benson. Is he cheating on her? Does Lizzie McGaugh aware of his relationship with Stacy? How does Stacy feel? Do Shane and Lizzie, being superstars of the Galaxy record company, make a good couple? How long are they going to keep their relationship under covers? All these unanswered questions are about and one more how is their relationship going to affect the sales and outcome of their upcoming tour?" She listed off. She signed off and I blankly looked at the tv screen for a few seconds before getting my composure.

I can't believe they think that we are in a 'relationship'. I talked to him properly for the first time last night. And he was drunk so that doesn't entirely count right?

I can't believe this is happening! I am in no relationship with him. And I don't exactly want to be either! I rejected him last night. I wonder how he now thinks of it. I sent a quick glance his way and he seemed to be in his own little world.

"Lizzie, Lizzie! Lizzie?" Trisha said from beside me. I gave her my attention.

"What is it...?" I trailed. I was still in shock from the false story. I wasn't in a relationship!

I then remembered Stacy - she isn't going to be very happy... she already hates me. She must be livid at the lie which has been released.

"You never told me you were with Shane! No wonder you wanted to go home early yesterday!" Trisha said. She was annoyed with me. I was slightly annoyed with her for believing the story.

"I'm not with Shane Trisha! I just bailed him out." I said to her. She and many others didn’t believe me.

"But you two looked really close?" Matt said, phrasing his statement as a question. He seemed slightly irritated and I could detect... jealousy?

"Shane is flirty and touchy-feely when he's drunk..." I said. It felt weird saying that with him in the room. He just watched me talk on the spot. Jerk.

"Oh, so he was hitting on you?" Jamie asked.

"He wasn't at the moment he wanted to drive and was trying to persuade me," I said.

"Did you let him?" Marcus asked. I shook my head.

"No, I didn't. First of all, he was drunk and second it was my car." I said.

"You didn't say that then," Shane interjected.

"What did she actually say then?" Lucas asked. Everyone seemed curious about what had happened. To be perfectly honest nothing really happened.

"She just said the drunk part and... getting thrown in jail again if I did so." He amended for me.

"You said Shane is flirty when he's drunk is that implying he flirted with you?" Trisha said. I wanted to screw at her for asking that in front of everyone. Everyone seemed genuinely curious about this.

"Kind of a guess. Cocky though very cocky." I said awkwardly. It was weird talking about this when he was in the room. And him looking intently at me was exactly helping either.

"What did he say?" Charlie said. I wanted them to let this go. Nothing happened!

"He asked that if he was me I would date him because of what I could see and several other things." I didn't exactly want to mention the fact of me colliding in his chest a couple times. It would just bring up unwanted questions.

"You rejected him then?" Matt said, perking up.

"Of course she rejected him!" Mark said.

"Yeah, Matt no wonder Shane has been overly grouchy this morning," Jamie said.

"I am here you know." He snapped at Jamie.

"We know so how does rejection feel then?" Lucas said and smiled widely. Probably loving the fact I had rejected him.

"Oh just shut it Lucas," Shane said harshly to Lucas and threw daggers at him.

"How badly did you reject him, Lizzie?" Tony asked amusedly.

"I just said I didn't date and that he wasn't anything special..." I trailed. Was it bad I said that?

"Looks like you have some impressing to do if you want her eh?" Jacob said. Shane glared at him. I felt kind of bad for him.

"It's not his fault I rejected him. I don't date that's it. If I did that would be a different story." I said. He turned to me with a blank expression. Probably to why I had just defended him. I didn't want him to be picked on or upset about the rejection. It was my fault anyway.

"Okay, there is definitely something going on. There is something going on with you two I know it." Trisha said.

"No there isn't!" I denied. I can't believe that this is happening! And all Shane is doing is sitting down and staying quiet! Help would be nice.

"Denial is the first sign of acceptance." Trisha sang. She is not going there! I felt my cheeks colour ever so slightly. But it was so slight no one took notice.

"Do you want to know the actual 'story' before you make assumptions?" I asked sheepishly. They agreed to listen.

"Okay when Trisha and I came back from the club, I wasn't tired enough to go asleep so I went to the studio and I just played on my guitar. After some time, the phone rang and it was Shane. He was in jail he wanted either Lucas, Jamie or Matt to bail him out but they were still out so I offered. I went to go pick him up and well the officer assumed that we were together. It wouldn't had help if Shane hadn't asked me to take him 'home'. When we left the station we went towards went to my car. Shane asked if he could drive but I said no for the reasons I have mentioned before. He grabbed me and then tried to persuade me again but I still declined. I got him to sit in the car and then we drove off. In the car, he said he felt rejected and we just started to talk about all that. You know he asked why I didn't date and stuff. Then we got home and well I made sure he got into his room. I had to deal with 'you could accompany me tonight' but I had rejected that too." I said. I don't think I had spoken so much before in front of everyone. I hadn't really needed to explain myself before.

"That's all that happened?" Trisha said disappointed.

"Well yeah, what else did you want me to say?" I said. I hope she doesn't answer that. I don't want to know what is going to come out her mouth.

"Well maybe since he was drunk then you two could'v-" She started but I interrupted her.

"Don't say anything," I said firmly to her. I heard some laughs.

This was so awkward and I didn't dare to look at Shane. I don't think he would like the idea of us two being together either but for his own reasons.

"Okay okay, I was just saying..." Trisha said. She had a mischevious look in her eye which I didn't like the look of. I sighed I have a feeling that I am going to get interrogated later... Hmmm... I guess I would be able to interrogate her about Johnny. They seemed happy dancing with each other last night and this early morning.

"Ooooooooooooh Shane is feeling the burn!" Jamie said. Shane glared at him and stayed quiet.

"I think he lied then in never have I ever," Charlie said and then chuckled.

"Yep, I guess he now has the bitter taste of rejection in his mouth," Johnny said.

"You are not one to talk," Shane said referring to him being rejected by Trisha.

They then had a glaring match. Shane obviously won. He glares too much and is never really happy.

*

"I don't think he likes the fact he rejected you!" Trisha said. We were having a time out I was in my room with Trisha.

"Well, obviously I am the first to reject him," I said.

"Yeah, and you go, girl! I am so proud of you! You are just going to have to ignore the tabloids for now. You two aren't together. But I think he likes you! he keeps on looking at you in a weird way and he has been a total ass today. He didn't seem to take it well."

"He probably wondering if there is another reason for me rejecting him or something."

"I know but I think it's adorable all he has to do is find a way to get your attention. He'll have to do something. But what... Lizzie, you are tricky. And you are quiet I'm... I'm a little concerned about you Lizzie I know we haven't known each other for years but I feel like an older sister to you. Apart from Elise. Talking about her, shall we make another plan for shopping?" She said. I didn't mind going shopping with them the main part was being able to spend time with my sister and friend and I do have fun I guess.

"Sure thing. I'll call her in a bit I just want to ask you something first." I said. I remembered that I was supposed to question her about Johnny. Let's hope she spills.

"What about?" She asked suspiciously.

"What do you think of Johnny?" I asked casually I hope she doesn't think I'm on to something.

"What do you mean what do I think of him?" She pressed. Why is this is a crazy sense of deja vu?

"I don't know... It's just that you two seemed quite close last night you know at the club... And have you seen the way he looks at you? I think he likes you." I said. There was more but I didn't want her to get the idea I was hooking them up.

"I know he likes me... Well lusts for me and I guess he is alright... Wait. You aren't trying to hook us up are you?" Yep, they are definitely made for each other that is what he said last night.

"No, I am not I just simply curious I won't hook you guys up. If you two are meant to be together then t will happen." I said.

"To be honest I don't know. I like him yes but... He's a player I don't want to be dumped but I can't exactly see us as friends if you know what I mean." She said truthfully. I was happy that she trusted me with her feelings.

"Well I talked to him he likes you well you are different from what he usually has and I told him he'll be getting it if he plays you. I don't think he would. I think you should just take what is coming your way. You know what I mean?" I said. She nodded and smiled at me.

"Thanks, Lizzie. I hope it goes well for you and Shane." She said. I sighed she wasn't going to get it was she?

"I'm not going to be with Shane. He doesn't like me and I don't want to be in a relationship. I'm better off on my own," I muttered.

"Just you wait then, you'll find someone and do you like him? Shane, that is," she asked. It was about time she asked that.

I thought for a minute.

"You know I can't say. I haven't had a conversation with the guy properly and except when he's drunk. I'll have to get to know him if I were ever to like him," I said.

"That's true I guess..." She trailed. Before we could engage to in further conversation my phone rang. I took it out of my pocket and checked the caller ID and saw that it was Elise. I guess it saves me from calling her. I accepted the call and pressed the phone next to my ear.

"Hey, Elise what's up?" I said.

"Hey, Liz nothing I just saw the papers. Lizzie you never told me that you had a relationship with Shane Ashby! You should've told me. You know Marco doesn't seem very happy that you didn't tell us." She said in one breath I just about caught the words.

Great, even Elise thinks I'm in a relationship with him.

"Elise breathe. I am not in a relationship with him! Tell Marco that. Basically, I had to pick him up from jail." I explained.

"Oh..." She said. Did I detect a pinch of disappointment in that? Or am I imagining that?

"I would tell you, Elise, if I was in a relationship."

"Okay, then why was he holding you close for?"

"He was trying to persuade him if he could drive. I declined."

"Oh well, you know what you need to get yourself a guy."

"Elise! You need a guy too! I'm busy as well!"

"True... I just haven't found Mr Right. And okay but make sure you do tell me when you are in a relationship okay?"

"Sure thing. I promise. Anyways Trisha was wondering if maybe sometime soon we could arrange another girl day out or something?"

"Sure when though?"

"Um... Well, we have to get recording soon. I don't know I'll let you know when we have time. Surely this week though." I said.

"Okay, sure thing. Whenever I don't have University."

"Okay, then it's a plan?"

"Yep."

We carried on talking mindlessly for about 5 minutes before we had to go back downstairs.

"Well, then Elise I have got to go back to recording. I hope to talk to you soon. I miss talking to you." I said.

"I miss talking to you too. Come over Marco misses you and Kaitlyn does too."

"I will soon. Probably in the next few days."

"Anyways I have got to go too. I need to go to Sam's for some assignment."

"You know I am happy I don't need to do any of those."

"Yep, you certainly are lucky. Anyways love you bye!"

"Love you too bye Elise! Talk to you soon!" And with that, the phone went dead. I sighed I definitely missed my sister. I could maybe visit my brother tomorrow or something.

I then turned to Trisha, she was studying me.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" I asked self-consciously.

"No, it just that... you're different you were talking to your sister and you were really happy... You two are really close aren't you?" Trisha said.

"Yeah, I guess we are. Being famous though limits my boundaries to being with family."

"What are your parents like?" She asked. I gulped.

Dead. That's what they are. My brain reminded me. The memories of the crash entered my mind. I kept them in a box in the back of my mind. Away from everything.

"There's great? They.. um... live out of the country because of work and stuff..." I lied.

"Oh they do well that's sad I guess. You do see them don't you?" she asked. My throat started to close and my heart started to pace.

"Um... yeah every now and then," I said. I didn't think I could carry on talking about this without her realising that something was wrong.

"Um... I think we should head downstairs now..." I trailed not wanting my voice to crack. She nodded. We left the room and headed downstairs.

We entered the studio and the guys were in there fooling around.

"Ah... Lizzie, you are here. I think Shane was beginning to miss you." Jamie said playfully. Shane hit him at the back of the head.

He was beginning to miss me? Wait Jamie did say it in a jokey tone was is must be a joke. It would be weird if he missed me.

"Shut up Jamie." He muttered darkly.

"Okay let's get to business the song isn't going to make itself," Mark announced.

*

At least two hours passed. We got somewhere. We were calling the song Tides of Love.

We were doing the duet idea and I had to be with Shane. I was alright with it. Shane wasn't too pleased but he'll have to deal with it. Trisha was with Marcus.

Everyone else sang smaller parts but were always doing something during the song.

I stifled a yawn and saw that it was edging to 11 pm. I wasn't tired exactly just weary.

My phone started to buzz so I took it out of my pocket and checked the caller ID for the second time today. But it wasn't Elise it was Marco. I accepted the call and pressed the phone next to my ear.

I heard a lot of muffled noises. He didn't feel to be at home and there was the sound of deep breathing too.

"Hello? Marco?" It took a few attempts of calling him for him to respond.

"Lizzie?"

"Yes, Marco is anything the matter? Why is there so much noise?"

"It's Elise." He said. My heart started to quicken. Has anything happened to her? I couldn't have anything bad happen to her. I don't think I'll be able to take it.

"What happened?" I managed to choke out. I was getting anxious glances from around the room but I ignored them.

"She's... she's..." He trailed unable to say them. I couldn't take the suspense I needed to know. However back it was. My heart felt as if it was going on hyperdrive.

"Just spit it out." I urged.

"She's dead."