Hello, everybody! I got the new chapter of my novel for you today! I hope you’re ready for what it about to happen here…
Enjoy!
***
3rd February 2014
Dear Diary,
all good things come to an end quickly but surprisingly I don’t feel sad… Yep, I broke up with Joe. This one turned out to be the one of many… OKAY, the truth is that he broke up with me… Whatever… Well, this is life, and everything is possible. From 1st January we started to move away from each other, and this is how this fairy tale ends… I’m not sad, I’m even happy… I don’t understand my own feelings… Anyway, I want him to meet a girl he fell in love with at first sight. As he always dreamed of… I want him to be happy… I’m sure we will always be friends because he has always treated me like a sister. Jaura Forever but as close friends…
Going back to that December day… What happened? Joe got to know my friend from Poland. They were texting with each other almost all day! Later he asked me about her. He wanted to know everything! They promised each other that they would meet at the concert and talk with each other. I would like him to fall in love with her truly and deeply (I mean more in love) because Alice (Alicja in Polish, her name is the same as my heroine’s) is a beautiful, wise, and talented girl. She always makes me laugh but she can also be profoundly serious. She loves music and acting… Her beloved genre of music is Pop-Rock. She writes beautiful lyrics. I would like to help her because she deserves to be heard by the entire world. She’s a really fantastic girl and I think Joe has already noticed that… Sam, Sindy, and Brian also know her. Everyone liked her very much. She promised me that she would somehow come to LA on vacation one day. I would try to get her a small role in my next movie maybe… She told me it would be fun to play with me in one scene… And sing a song with Joe… Oh, and soon (in April), she will celebrate her 16th birthday. I plan to give her a little surprise. Sorry, I can’t say what it’s about. You will find out after the fait accompli… You probably wonder how we get along if she’s Polish. Well, it’s simple. Alice knows English very well!
Okay, now let me tell you what happened after the casting meeting. So, let’s go back to that unforgettable July day in 2012…
*
It was 10 A.M. and it was a beautiful sunny day, and I was sitting at home learning the script… Wait, I could go out to the park and take it with me! Silly little me… It was Saturday then, so it was quite crowded but whatever…
I went to the wardrobe and picked my favourite yellow tank top and short denim shorts. In addition, silver flip-flops with flowers. I changed quickly and went downstairs. My sister was sitting on the couch, watching TV, and eating chips. I walked over to her and stood in front of the TV.
– Sam, I’m going to the park. Maybe you could move and go with me?
– Uncover the TV! Beautiful and Bold is on. I need to know if they’ll be together!
And she pointed out our beautiful big screen, holding the snack in her hand. I looked towards the TV and turned my head quickly to look at Sam again.
– Are you really watching this… Vomit? – I asked irritated.
She looked at me with very meaningful words written on her face that said to me “Back Off.”
I rolled my eyes and left the house. How good that the park was in front of my place of residence. I was walking down slowly, admiring the beauty of nature. I felt the wind going through my hair. Ah, what a beautiful floral fragrance!
I got to the park and spotted an ice cream stand. After five minutes I was sitting on a bench in the shade of palm tree with chocolate ice cream in my hand and I started to learn my lines.
After eating ice cream, I looked at the clock on my phone. It was 11:30 A.M. At that very moment I heard Cher Lloyd singing. Sindy was calling. Yesterday we all exchanged numbers and the girl was the first to use it…
– Hey, what interesting are you doing there? – I heard the blonde’s voice.
– I’m sitting in the park and learning my role. And you?
– I’m cooking dinner with Brian.
– Oh, I can see you got to know each other very quickly – I laughed.
I had to say it! I really had to, man!
– Very funny. It’s probably good for all of us to get to know each other before we start shooting. This party at Joe’s is a bull’s eye. Will you come? Because we will.
– If YOU will be there, I will come too.
Very my style, I know…
– Ah… So, we’ll meet at 6 P.M.?
– Sure.
– So, I won’t interrupt you anymore. Learn, learn because science is the key to power!
We said our goodbyes and I hung up. Where did I get these texts from? Sometimes I surprise myself… And it still makes me wonder…
Five minutes later I almost learned everything by heart, so I got up. My memory is good… Well, I memorize fast…
I was focused on the reading text, and I started walking slowly. Suddenly, I heard the words of a boy:
– I’ll get it! – and he bumped into me with an American football ball in his hands.
He struck me with such a bang that I was nothing but shocked! I was on the ground with him lying on me… Wait, it’s Joe! He looked into my eyes and… Well, we were awfully close. I could see the fear in his eyes. Yep, I started to think that he would get up and run away like a little scared boy… But he didn’t… He got up and helped me to stand up.
– Are you OK?
– Yes, I’m perfectly fine.
– I’m really sorry…
Two more boys approached us. One of them looked exactly like Joe! He was so terribly similar, but he looked older than my co-worker…
– Meet my brother Mike and cousin Harry.
We exchanged our names. They nodded at me and me either etc. You must know what such things look like, my dear diary, so yeah… Then there goes a strange silence, which after a minute was interrupted by Joe:
– So, will I see you at the party?
– Yep… Sorry, but I gotta go – I didn’t feel like talking to him. – Bye.
– See you later! – they all answered me in unison and looked at each other.
I left. When I got home, it was after 1 P.M. There was still plenty of time. The party was about to start at 6 P.M.
I heard a sob suddenly… Sam was crying? An exceedingly rare sight… I walked over to her. She was still sitting on the couch.
– What happened?
– Mary ran into cardboard boxes on the road and what…? Death! Plus, I’m out of chips!
– Okay. Who are you and what have you done to my sister?
– What do you mean…?
– I just can’t recognize you!
– Okay, but you don’t have to yell at me!
– Really? Am I yelling?!
Wait, silly little me… I really was screaming at my sister! I’ve just noticed it, huh.
I went to my room and laid down on the bed. What is happening to me? This role is probably too much… It’s only been one day and I’m already going crazy!
I grabbed my white headphones and turned Michael Jackson’s music on. Yep, that’s my music. Classic pop music… I closed my eyes. First class relax…
After I put my headphones aside, it was 3:00 P.M. Okay, time to get ready. I stood in front of the wardrobe. I had no idea what to wear! Fashionable clothes weren’t made for me then… I chose tight black jeans, a red blouse with short sleeves and navy blue sneakers. Red is my beloved colour… The colour of hot blood… Wild colour makes me feel braver… I combed my blonde hair and that’s it. I didn’t know what make-up was. I only used light pink lip gloss.
I mean… That’s how it was two years ago when I was sixteen… Today I do some delicate make-up… We all grow up… Especially when you fall in love, and you have a sister like Sam… But let’s go back to our story now.
At 4:30 P.M. I sat in the kitchen and ate a sandwich with blue cheese and tomato. I also drank raspberry tea. I called a cab. At 05:55 P.M. I stood in front of Joe’s door. The brunette opened it.
– Hi. My name is Taylor, and you must be Laura. Please, come inside.
– Hi. Yep, that’s me.
I entered the house. Wow, it was impressive… Huge… Elegant… And dripping gold… Like a palace!
– I’m Joe’s cousin. Maybe he told you something about me?
– Nope – I simply said.
– Not? What a pity… – she replied, leading me further through corridors.
I looked around the living room. That’s where she took me. Music was already playing; drinks and snacks were on the table. I sat down on the couch and looked at the people who were already there. There were maybe 15-20 people in total. Everyone was busy talking to someone. Some people looked very much alike.
– How many are you? Are you all siblings?
– Joe and Mike live here, and my brother and I live across the street. Our mothers didn’t want to be separated. You know… Twins. Maybe that’s why you think you see double.
– How? You look like one family living in one house!
– Yes. You’re right.
Well, I don’t know what I said so funny but she started laughing like a woman possessed…
– Hi Laura – I heard behind me. Oh, Joe found me. – What did you put in my cousin’s drink? I’ve never seen her like this before!
Grr, I want to kick him in the groin with all my might!
– Okay, I can go away and leave you for a moment!
Taylor was still laughing heavily. “Well, what I’ve done…” was all I could think about.
– Your cousin laughs at my stupidity, I guess…
– Ah – grr, that mean smirk of his! – You like Pop-Rock?
– Not really. I prefer classical pop music, especially the old kind of music, you know.
– Pity. Could you listen to such two songs…?
– Ah, let it be.
He handed me the headphones and his phone. What about throwing his phone out the window? Anyways… He pressed “Play” and I could hear a song called Waves. What a dark bottom of the ocean. I didn’t like it.
– And what? Do you like it?
– Well, this kind of music is not my cup of tea…
– Oh, how about this one?
The second song was Stay in My Head. This one was better, I like romantic songs. A slow and tender note.
– This one is better. What band is it?
– Oh, such a great band. They’re called Silver Trills. They will play at tonight’s party – he said proudly.
At this point, I noticed Sindy and Brian. I got up abruptly and Joe’s phone accidentally fell to the ground. He screamed like a girl. I silently giggled meanly…
– Sindy! – we hugged.
– And will you hug me too? Or it’s not included in the package? – the black-haired boy said.
– Come here!
And we hugged. Mmm… What a nice feeling… I like it… I like him… While Joe continued to despair over the phone. The glass got a little scratched. I silently giggled meanly again… But in my mind this time.
“They even have a stage in this house!” – I thought truly astonished. Taylor climbed onto it soon enough.
– And now applause for the Silver Trills! – after these words, she came to the keyboard.
Mike, Harry, and Peter entered the stage. I met them in the park. Are they playing in this band too? Oh, Joe joined them, and they started playing. He played his songs for me, and I treated him so harshly… Oh…
They played the following songs: Remember, Bad Dream, Only You, Waves, Stay in My Head, Kisses. There were all sorts of songs – romantic, lyrical, exuberant. After the concert, Joe came over to me.
– I’m sorry. I didn’t know you play in this band.
– Nothing happened. You were just being honest.
– What can I do to make you forgive me?
– Just at least come here to me.
I couldn’t believe my ears! But yes… We hugged.
– We can be friends, right? – he asked still hugging me.
– Sure – I said, and we let go. I smiled. He did the same. But suddenly I felt a bit sick.
– Oh, no good… The world is spinning around… – and I fell to the ground.
– Laura!
His scream was the last thing that reached me. Then there was emptiness and darkness… Or paleness… Or whiteness… Because at first you start to see white spots and suddenly the world disappears and your consciousness too…
*
Oh, how nice I slept… Okay, it’s time to open my eyes. One eye, the second eye… I’m lying next to Joe. I’ll close my eyes again… Wait! I’m lying next to Joe! He’s lying shirtless and my hand is on his chest?!
I shouted into brunet’s ear, and he fell from the bed to the ground in response.
– What’s happening?! Something’s burning? – he shouted too but using words.
– What am I doing here?! Where am I?! What are you doing here?! Why can’t I remember anything?! How do I know you didn’t rape me?! – I fell into a little panic… Yep, that’s true.
– What? What are you talking about?! Firstly, this is my room and I have a right to be here! Secondly, you’re here because you passed out yesterday and I just brought you here! And thirdly, what happened to my T-shirt?!
A laugh answered him from under the door. He walked over and opened it. A priceless view! Peter and Tay were lying on the ground laughing like some crazy people! He helped them up and ushered them into the room.
– I think you know more than Joe and I do, Taylor? – I said.
– Well… It was Green’s idea. He took Joe’s shirt off, (he got so drunk, his parents weren’t home, he used the situation to try new things, you know) he brought you closer to him and put your hand on his chest… And you were sleeping so deeply… Really… You woke up for a moment but you were some sort of tired that you finally fell asleep again.
The brunette was staring at the floor. Full seriousness. It seemed strange to see her like that. I think she really cared about all of this… But well, in this house it never lasts forever, I guess…
– Joe, you look extremely cute while you sleep – Pete said, putting his thumb in his mouth.
Brunet at the sight of this looked at him with the eyes of a murderer and crossed his arms over his chest. In the end, he went to the wardrobe, chose a random T-shirt, and put it on. Later he said to me:
– You should see a doctor. People don’t faint for no reason.
– No, I don’t have time for it now. And by the way, you’re only sixteen. You shouldn’t drink that much so that people can do whatever they want to with you.
– You’re going to the doctor today. And don’t try too hard with these lectures. I’ll be doing what I want anyway.
– You are not my father to command me! And you should listen to others sometimes!
– I only care about your health. And you care about mine too, I see.
There was a moment of silence between us. We were just staring at each other. I was a little bit nervous, and he was so sure of his decisions. In the end, Tay said to Peter:
– Come, you will help me change the curtains in my room – she grabbed his hand.
“Oh la la. I guess I don’t know about something here…” – I thought.
– What? Yesterday you changed the light pink ones to slightly lighter ones.
– And today I want salmon. Come – she led him out of the room.
There was still silence between me and the brunet. It got a little awkward… What shall I say? What shall I do? My heart was faster…
– I really appreciate that – I smiled at him and he replied the same way.
– You get to know real friends when something bad happens.
After these words, I approached him and hugged him. He did it even harder. It was stronger than me. I don’t understand it… Why did I do this?
– So, you will go to the doctor?
– I’ve already told you. No.
– You will come – he took me in his arms and carried me out of the room. He picked up Tay and Mike on the way.
I couldn’t say anything. He surprised me…
*
Joe did what he wanted. Half an hour later I was sitting in the doctor’s office. The first question was about the latest eaten food, and I told him the whole menu. The rest of the visit looked quite like that:
– Have you ever fainted before, Miss Brown?
– No, it was the first time.
– Suspicious case… Do you have any allergies?
– I don’t know anything about it.
– We’ll do you an allergy test and we’ll find out.
An hour later I was back in the office. I was after the examination. What did it look like? So many different allergens are applied on one arm, and then you wait if the body reacts to any of these. It’s not too nice but there are definitely worse things than this.
– Looks like you’re not allergic to anything, Miss Brown.
– Then why did I pass out?
– It’s possible that the cheese was covered with a type of toxic mould. You need to be careful. I recommend that you get rid of this cheese. Possible side effects from stress too. Sometimes the accumulation of several factors causes health crises. Start paying more attention to the signals your body is sending you.
I thanked him, said goodbye, and left. The corridor was empty. Just Joe, Tay, and Mike.
– And how was it? – the girl asked.
– I must throw out the cheese – it’s impossible not to smile – and beware of stressful situations.
Honestly, I was even relieved. I’m not allergic. And I really like this cheese… And with that watching myself… I guess it’s quite important… The Hoops (funny story, cousins have the same surname… I mean… The difference of just one letter… Tay and Harry Hoods) gave me a lift home.
“Time to start preparing mentally. The next day was going to be the first day on the set. Introductory day… I was incredibly happy to be playing in the series. So exciting!”. Yep, that’s all that I could think about on my way back home…
I entered my house. The first thing I noticed was Sam eating dry cereal… And that’s really my sister? I went up to her and asked:
– Are parents still home?
– Yes. After all, teachers don’t work during summer holidays.
Honestly, I forgot about it… We started shooting the series during the summer holidays. Our parents seemed unavailable, but they had always been around the corner.
– Were they worried that I was gone?
– No. I said you were partying at Joe’s place. They were happy to hear it.
– And why is that?
– You didn’t stay at home and study, nerd.
– Oh, you’re so kind…
Comforting words of my little sister… I remember I liked to read books also during holidays. Sometimes I was even doing exercises from mathematics or grammar books… It can be so entertaining, you know, my dear diary?
– So, when does the first day of new life begin? – she started drinking orange juice.
– Tomorrow.
She turned it on her hand when she heard it. It’s absolutely normal in this house.
– How… Tomorrow?!
– Well, normally. Why are you so surprised?
– Can’t I? Why are you telling me this now?
– Ah, didn’t I tell you?
Forgettery doesn’t hurt…
– No… Maybe you would like to have breakfast?
– Okay.
I went to the fridge and opened it. I took the unfortunate cheese and dumped it in the garbage can.
– Lau, what are you doing?
– I’m getting rid of the cause of the misfortune.
And then I explained to my sister what happened yesterday, and I made myself breakfast. Fried sausage with mustard ketchup sauce and a roll with garlic butter. To complete the set, a toffee-flavoured decaf coffee. After the meal, I went to my room to rest for a moment. Later my sister came over and we talked about clothes for a while, and then she must have gone to her “business”. I was reading a book, for an hour or so, until suddenly my phone rang. It was Sindy.
– Hi. Are you okay already?
– Hi. Yes. I’m doing better.
I didn’t meet Sindy and Brian during Joe’s party, but I know that they were there. The brunet had to tell them about my little accident.
– Did something happen? Your voice sounds a little strange…
– Well, quite… Why wasn’t Joe nice to me from the beginning and now we’re friends? I will never understand boys…
– Hmm… I think it’s some kind of game. I think he came up with something when it comes to you. Maybe he likes you the way boys like girls. You know what I mean.
– What? It’s impossible. We don’t even have common hobbies. We are other poles of magnesium called Earth. In addition, we’ve only known each other for a few days.
– I don’t know. We will find out soon… What are you doing now?
– Nothing. Just relaxing.
– Oh, can I stop by and help you in doing that big “nothing”? I’m bored a little, you know.
– Seriously? Brian is unavailable?
What? Why did I say that?!
– Haha, yeah, you’re right. I’ll be there in 15-30 minutes. Send me your address via SMS.
– Ok, I’ll send it right away. See ya later.
I hung up. I instantly sent the address and a few minutes later Sindy was already in my room. It’s more fun in a group, even when it’s just a group made of two! It’s good to have friends. After a while, the girl said:
– Can I ask you something?
– Sure. What?
– Do you like Joe at least a little?
I don’t know why but I burst out laughing. After a while, however, I regained the ability to speak.
– He’s a nice boy, but he’s not my type.
Well, that’s true.
– Do you have an eye on someone?
– Yes, I like such a guy with dark hair…
– Oh, no, love! Brian is mine!
– Sure. I just like him – I smiled at her.
We talked like that for an hour… Or two… Or so… And Sindy went home in the end. It was evening, so I watched a comedy and then I went to sleep…
*
The next day I got up quickly and at 7 A.M. I was sitting in a chair called “Alice” around my new friends. It was the day when we started shooting the first episode of the series. “I’ve always wanted to be an actress and my dream has just started coming true!” – that’s what I was thinking then. There are no words to describe how much I felt at that very moment…
That’s what my beginnings looked like. A lot has happened, right? In the next entry, I’ll tell you about the first day of shooting.
Okay, I must go now… I need to see what stars tell Taurus and Capricorns. I wonder if anything could happen between them… Yep, I mean Joe and Alice. I still can’t believe that the name of my friend and the character I play are the same…
P.S. “Sometimes we don’t have what we wanted but sometimes we have more than we ever asked for”.
Another quote from my friend from Warsaw. Man, I’d love to meet her so much! Joe got this chance and that’s why I’m a bit jealous… I’m just kidding… I’m very jealous…
When I learn more about the concert, I’ll surely tell you about it!
***
That’s the end of Chapter 2! How did you like it? Don’t hesitate to let me know!
I remember how hard I worked on these first chapters before the release of this book… I was just learning to write in the end! And I was just 15/16 then! So, I’ve come a long way to say today that this chapter doesn’t look bad, but I still feel my young spirit here…
Well, it was full of songs that may seem familiar to you now if you’ve been listening to my podcast! But if you missed any episode about any track mentioned above… You can always check out my podcast here.
Let me also remind you of my store! If you like these free chapters, and you’d like to check out the rest… My book (signed copy!) is waiting for you here! There is also an eBook and you can find it here. Don’t forget to use the code ‘winterlove20’ to receive a 20% discount for it! This code also works for the novel-inspired T-shirt and bag. And the novel collection is here.
That’s all today. See ya on Romantic Wednesday!
Love, A.A.
Leave a Reply