Dangerously In Love
By Kayla
Note: If it is illegal in your area to view such material or if you are under legal age to view such material, please leave. Any mention of celebrities in the story is not to be taken seriously, as it is only a figment of my imagination. Any real places or real events in this story are once more, just a coincidence and not to be taken seriously as they are completely fictional. All songs are copyrighted by their respected artists and companies. Thank you and enjoy.
Chapter 2: New York Music Show
"Phobeus? Is that you?" My mouth became suddenly dry as I took a step back.
"Dylan?" I whispered.
"In the flesh man. I thought I'd never see you again. Well, at least in a place like this. But damn boy, I never knew you could sing or dance like that." Finally, the shock wore itself out of me and my tone became dead hard.
"What are you doing here Dylan?" He noticed the sudden change in my tone and took a step back himself.
"Just chilling bro. Can't a man chill, Pho?" My hands balled up as rage started to fill me.
"Don't ever call me Pho again, Dylan. You lost the right to do that long ago." My voice was deadly clear and straight. He knew that I was mad.
"Oh come on babe. You're still not holding that grudge against me are you?" My hands moved faster than the eye could process. He was hanging a few feet above the floor with my hand holding him up through way of his shirt. Everyone around us had stopped to look at what was happening now. Kat had managed to make her way over to us and she looked at me with unsure eyes.
"You fucking left me Dylan. You, my best friend, fucking left me alone when I needed you most. And to add salt to the injury, you told everyone you could about me being gay. You think I can forgive you for that? You're very wrong Dylan. If you think you can stroll back into my life, you're gravely mistaken. Not get your ass out of here before I escort you out. And don't you dare ever come near me again. Next time, you'll see why I am one of the best karate champions in our region." I let go of his shirt and he dropped to the ground. I turned around and stormed off back to the bar Kat followed me from behind and she spun me around. When I was about to tell her to shut up she just handed me my shirt.
"We'll be having a long talk sometime soon Angel. For now, I'll let this slide but I better get a damn good reason why you did what you did there. He looked like he could have pissed in his shorts." I shot her a look that told her to shut up. She sighed and got back to her job. Eventually, after a lot of serving drinks and listening to the music, my mood slowly got better. Everyone had returned to what they were previously doing.
Ly came up behind me and gave me a hug. "It'll be okay babe. If you need someone to talk to, you always have me, Kat, and Max. Never forget us, ok?" I smiled at her and nodded my head. It was good to know I had found three people already that I could talk to. Time dragged on until it was time to close down.
"Well guys, that's it for today. Hope you guys had fun, and let us not forget to give our young star Angel a round of applause for his breathtaking performance." I blushed as another round of applause boomed through the club. Someone out there shouted out when I would be working.
Adam came out and took up the mike. "Well, since you guys are so curious. Kathy will be working everyday of the week. Ly will be working on Mondays, Wednesdays, and the weekends. Max will be doing Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and the weekends. Naturally, the weekends include Fridays. As for Angel, it's up to him." He looked at me waiting for my response. I though to my college and figured that it was more important to me.
"Book me in for the weekends." That was met with a huge round of shouts and cheers.
"Well, there you have it people. The lovely waiters of Club Fame. I hope you liked the grand opening." Another chorus of cheers emitter from within and it quieted down as people began to start to leave.
Kat came up behind me and asked if I could get home fine. She was going to go home with Ly, who was her roommate. I shook my head yes and she kissed me on the cheek and gave me a tight hug. Ly did the same thing and they both left. Max came up and gave me a hug and asked me if I wanted him to follow me home. I shook my head no and told him thanks. He gave me a gentle kiss on my forehead and he too headed out. As I was beginning to leave, Adam came up to me.
"Well, here's your nametag and clothes. As for your age, just as long as you keep discrete, I think we'll be okay. But just in case, here's a fake ID. Just don't bust it kid, I'd be dead. But your just so damn good. I couldn't resist." I smile up at him and give him a handshake and head off to my new home. I let myself in after getting there and proceeded to the bathroom where I took my clothes off and put them on a neat pile. One thing that madre had taught me was to be clean at all times and I was going to uphold it for her. I brushed my teeth and went to bed. I was asleep from exhaustion when my head hit the pillow.
The sun had barely peeked over the land when I got up. Damn this habit of mine of getting up early. Begrudgingly, I got up and did my morning ritual. I looked at my schedule and decided to go ahead and get all my books and supplies since I was up so early and I had nothing else to do. I donned a sweater and running pants and was out the door in mere minutes.
On my way there, I stopped at the cafeteria and decided to get some breakfast. I approached the breakfast line and proceeded down without any incident. I got some cereal, toast, and orange juice and sat down at a secluded table and quickly gulped my food. I didn't want to be here any longer than was absolutely necessary because I was getting some looks. That always made me self-conscious and uncomfortable. I cursed myself for wearing such ass-hugging running pants as I rushed out the door. I was able to make it to my car without being stopped by anybody. I approached the location of the grand hall and parked my car.
I walked over to the grand hall and went inside where they were giving out the schedules and other information needed for the freshman.
"Hello. How may I help you?" One thing I hate in the morning is people who are chirpy and overly sweet. The blonde girl sitting at the desk had decided to welcome with a toothy smile. She bent a little so that her boobs rested on the table and her shirt parted so that I could see more of her boobs. I nearly threw up at the sight but somehow, I managed to keep my food in.
"I need my schedule and other info please." I tried to tell her that I was not interested in my tone of voice but it failed miserably.
"Name stud?" She gave me her fake smile and I really felt like throwing up.
"No, my name's not stud."
"Aww, isn't that cute. Well what's your real name?" She giggled a little and I felt like slamming her into a wall or something. Honestly, how do straight guys put up with women like this.
"Phobeus Kallias Kratos." Hey eyes shot up in amusement and wonder.
"Wow! That's such a pretty name. Mine is Lucy." I smiled at her, barely, and waited patiently as she went through the records and printed mine out. "Oh! You're only sixteen? You must be smart." I simply shrugged my hands and let her ponder. Unfortunately, before I could make my quick escape, she stopped me. "If you need anything, anything at all, just call me. Here's my number." She proceeded to write her name, dorm number, and other information and she gave it to me. They way she had said anything made me wrinkle my nose. "Are you doing anything right now?" Before I could answer she plowed on. "Great, my shift is over in like five minutes. So I'll take you around town." Before I could protest, I heard a voice that I was so thankful for at that moment.
"It's ok Lucy, I've got it under control. Hey Angel, had fun last night?" I turned to see Kat and Ly make their way across to me. They both gave me a hug and Kat gave me a kiss. I could tell that Lucy was not liking this one little bit, but for all I care, she could screw herself, as long as she left me out of it.
"You mean last night? Are you kidding me, that was like the worst sex I've ever had." Lucy's eyes bulged, Ly burst out laughing, and Kat shot me a look of pure revulsion.
"Oh my Kat. I've seen you talk back to everyone including the professors, but this kid has got you beat. Face it, he's better than you." Ly was still laughing her ass off and I jabbed her a little and she just laughed harder.
"Bitch, we'll see who is better in the bed. Just you wait." Kat looked at me with merriment flooding her eyes.
"Sorry Kat, this body and equipment is reserved for my babe." I snickered at that and Ly raised her eyebrows to me.
"And who is this babe of yours?" Kat asked smiling.
"I don't know yet, but I will soon. I hope." By now, the three of us had started walking and had long left Lucy staring at my ass. We all got into my car and sped off to the local mall. Another hour of driving awaited me, how fun.
"Alright Angel, spill." I looked at Kat and shot her a questioning look. "About last night genius! Who was he?" I sighed and looked straight ahead of the store. I wasn't too comfortable about telling them, but I though why shouldn't they know. Even Ly, she was becoming a good friend of mine too, even though I knew her less than Kat.
"Well, just remember, you asked for this story." With that said, I continued on to tell them a huge portion of my life.
"It all started in seventh grade. By then, everyone but me had at least gone out once or had a girlfriend or boyfriend. Dylan, the guy you saw yesterday, was my best friend. He asked m why I hadn't gone out yet. I was debating to myself whether or not to tell him because I was unsure how he would take my answer. I just took a leap of faith and told him I was gay. At first, I thought he was fine, but I was wrong, very wrong.
He never talked to me again after that day. By the end of the day, all of my close friends knew and all but three had stopped talking to me. By the start of school, word had gotten around and I was left alone. I didn't get beat up because no one was stupid enough to take me on.
You see, I'm the karate champion of the southwest region. It has always been my dream to become one of the best karate masters in the world.
Anyway, I grew so lonely and depressed. The worst thing was my parents had found out. And well, they didn't take it well. They broke off all civilities to me and left me alone. The only time they would even acknowledge me was at a doctor's party because it would have been bad to their reputation if people found out they had dumped me. Everyone of their friends deeply liked me. I don't even know why either, for all of me, I can't figure out why. But that's not the point.
I just couldn't bare it. I attempted suicide once. I would have succeeded if it wasn't for madre, Miriam, out maid. She's really the only one that showed me love back there, other than Calvert. Before you ask, I slit my wrists. I've never been in that room ever since then. Madre won't let me go there again.
Madre and Calvert were the only ones to see me through into college. That's why I did what I did to Dylan. But now I think I understand it all. I have a hunch as to why he stopped talking to me. Last night, it was him wasn't it, who danced with me?"
They merely shook their heads yes.
"Just as I thought. I think Dylan is gay and he was too scared that I knew about him and that's why he did what he did to me. But still, I don't think I can forgive him for that. He made my life pure Hell there. I have nothing left there, except for madre and Calvert. When I get older and get enough money, I want to get madre out of there and set her up in a house next to mine. As for Calvert, there's not much I can do because he has a family and is settled. It's just madre I worry about."
I took a deep breath as I finished pouring out my heart. I hadn't realized it, but I had started to cry sometime in the process but oddly enough, it had done nothing to blur my vision. Kat gently took my hand in her own hand an I looked up to realize that she was crying too. I gave her hand a squeeze and looked at Ly. She was just looking back at me and by the look in her eyes; I knew that she was fighting tears.
"Hey guys, it's ok. I'm over it. Don't worry." I smiled at both of them reassuring as we arrived at the mall. Since it was an hour past noon, we decided to head over to the food court and get something to eat.
We went to he McDonalds located inside the meal. I asked them what they wanted and they told me they both wanted number six, extra cheese. I smiled at them and proceeded to the cashier. I waited for someone to come to the cashier and right when I was about to yell, a cute guy walked out of the door. He spotted me and rushed over.
"Oh, I'm so sorry sir. I didn't realize that you were there." He was blushing a light pink and he kept his eyes down the whole time. I smiled at him.
"It's ok man, no big worry. Umm, I'll have two number sixes and one number nine for here." He smiled at me finally and looked up.
"Coming right up." He went back in to the kitchen and I just waited there. In about five minutes, he was out with my lunch. I took it from him and saw something in his eyes.
"Is there something you want to ask Travis?" He looked up with alarmed eyes. "Relax man, your nametag says Travis so normally, I'm assuming it is your name." He nodded and I smirked. In a voice barely audible, it was so cute; he asked if he could have lunch with me.
"You see, it's my lunch break, and I was just wondering if I could, you know, sit with you." He was just so cute that I couldn't resist. I smiled at him an nodded for him to follow me. He grabbed his own lunch which looked like a salad and we both sat down next to the ladies.
"Who's the cutie Angel?" Ly asked immediately. Kat kicker her leg and Ly winced and smacked Kat's head. I just laughed and Travis smiled at them.
"Angel, how do you do it?" Kat asked me in a fake, reporter-like tone.
"Well simple really my dear Kat. I do it' by using you know what' down there with a ladie's `you know what.'" I gauged the reactions of each of them. Ly, naturally cracked up, Kat looked at me again with utter horror, and Travis blushed a crimson red.
"You sick pervert. I was asking how you get guys like that." Travis looked up at her and then back at me.
"If you must know Kat, it's called being nice and making friends. Plus, you need a boyfriend, and you obviously are incapable of getting one, so out of the kindness of my heart, I'm helping you get one." Ly laughed so hard that she fell of the table and that set us all off. I got up and picked her up and settled her back again, next to Travis, who by now was finally laughing along.
"I don't know why you even try Kat. He's got you beat, hands down. Think of it, a sixteen year old outwitting the former queen of comebacks." Travis looked at me with amazement. I sighed and nodded my head. His mouth opened up in awe.
"Oh honey, Trav, my dear, he might be sixteen, but he honestly doesn't have the body or the mind of one." I shot her a dirty look as Travis blushed. "Plus, Mrs. Ditz, I'm still the queen. He's still an amateur." She smiled sweetly over at me.
"Well, I'm not the one being jealous am I?" She looked at me in mock horror.
"Me? Moi? Jealous of you? Keep dreaming babe." Travis snickered and I decided to get some revenge. I leaned over the table and put my face within millimeters of Kat's face. Everyone had stopped smiling and were looking at me and Kat. I leaned in for a kiss when my hand shout out and trapped her fingers and puller her hand up and over head. "Bitch! Let go my wrist. Your gonging to break it?"
"Come on Ly, what do you think?" Ly smiled at me and whispered into my ear that I should lick her nose My face upturned in a devil's smile and I leaned in closer until her lips and mine were nearly touching. I shot my tongue out to her nose and licked it. I got the exact reaction I was hoping for when she twisted around and was bound in my firm grasp. I laughed and pushed her right hand which sent her spinning and landing on poor Travis. He barely had time before she crashed into him and in the end, his hands ended up on her boobs. Kat quickly got up and Travis quickly retreated his hands while Ly and I were holding onto each other laughing our asses off as we smacked each others' laps. Slowly, Kat and Travis started to laugh with us.
"That was good babe. I must admit, you had me there." I smirked at her and she gave me a hug and settled down in my lap. Travis looked at the three of us and grinned.
"What?" Ly, Kat, and I said at the same time. We looked at each other and giggled a little.
"It's just you guys seem so close friends. It's really touching. Do you two attend NYU?" he asked the two girls. Kat answered for us.
"Actually, all three all of us attend NYU. I wasn't joking when I said Angel had a mind of a much older person. He's a freshman and me and Ly are juniors. And you?"
"I'm a sophomore at NYU."
"Oh cool, we'll have to meet up sometime. Do you get out of work soon?"
"Sorry Kat, I have to work for another five hours. It's horrible, but it pays well and I need the money." He said it almost in such a sad tone.
"Oh don't worry Trav, we'll meet up later. Why don't you sing by Fame tonight? All three of us will be working there. Oh yeah, Angel included. Trust me, once you see him there, you won't be complaining. I convinced our manager to just see Angel in, and Angel did the rest. Just don't tell anyone ok?"
"I promise. My lips are sealed." He smiled up at me and I smiled back. "Well guys, I need to get back to work before my manager freaks out. Thanks for the time, it was fun. I'll be sure to come tonight." He winked at us and waved goodbye as he left. Before we could talk, I got a call from my cell.
"Hello?"
"Angel?" It seemed my name had been turned from Phobeus to Angel. Oh well, their rather close in meaning, I suppose I can live.
"Speaking. And who is calling?"
"Great. It's Adam, from Fame. Listen, one of my good friends just called and asked if he could have your phone number. I wasn't sure if you'd be ok with that so I told him I would call you and get back to him. He saw you yesterday dancing and singing and to say the least, he was blown away. He wants to ask if you would like to perform at New York Music Show tonight. It's happening tonight in front of the Empire State Building. What do you say?"
"I would be singing and dancing?"
"Yes, as an opening act or closing or even whatever you want to do. He just wants you to be in."
"What exactly is it?"
"It's a concert to commemorate all the local bands and any stars that wish to cooperate. Their celebrating their tenth anniversary. Are you busy tonight?"
"Well, what about work?"
"Fame isn't going to open tonight due to the show. What do you say?"
"Well, seeing I don't have anything to do, I guess I could do it."
"That's great. Here is his phone number." I wrote down the number as he gave it to me. We both said our farewells and I was stuck with two girls anxious to hear whatever it was that I needed to do.
"Well, that was Adam. A friend of his wanted to ask me if I wanted to sing and dance for the Music Show tonight. What do you guys think?"
"Oh, I totally forgot. The annual NY Music Show is tonight. Boy, you better go for it. It's an awesome concert. I can't believe you actually got invited." Ly was jumping up and down with joy.
"Well, I can believe he got invited. He's better than all of the bands put together. Don't even protest with me. It's useless baby. Well what are you waiting for, call him."
"Ok, ok, calm down. I'm calling already." I dialed the number and awaited someone to answer.
"Hello, Fred speaking."
"Uh hi. This is Angel from Fame from last night."
"Oh Angel, wonderful. I take it you want to perform tonight."
"Well, if it's not too big of a problem." What the heck am I talking about? I can't sing in front of so many people. Well, I guess I can since I did it last night but this is different. I mean yesterday was just a club performance, this is an actual concert with live people. I shuddered at the thought but continued on.
"Problem? Your kidding me, we'd love to have you. Listen, when are you free?"
"Right now, I don't have anything to do for the whole day."
"Perfect, do you think you can make it to the Empire State Building in about thirty minutes?"
"Sure I think. Do you mind if I bring two of my friends along?"
"The more the merrier. Hope to see you seen."
"Alright, I'll be there as soon as possible."
"Thanks Angel. Goodbye." He hung up and I told the girls we needed to head out to the building. They were both rather ecstatic though I still don't understand why yet. Who knows why women do the things they do.
"Kat, do you know the way?"
"Babe, I know this cit in and out."
"Yep, she knows in and out. I mean anyone who spent any amount of time in the sewers would." Ly received a smack from Kat for that comment. I smirked and we hopped in the car and dashed off. I looked at the clock and figured we had twenty-five minutes left. I pushed the accelerator further and we were a blur as we traveled towards the towering Empire State Building.
We arrived in no time at all and we were flagged down a police officer standing at the entrance to the park. I showed him my license and he smiled.
"We've been waiting for you Mr. Kratos. Take the first right and park in one of the spaces. Mr. Fred Taylor should join you quickly." I nodded my thanks and we drove ahead to the parking destination. As we were getting out, Fred joined us.
"Ah, good to see you again Angel. Or Phobeus. Which do you prefer?" He asked me with a comforting smile.
"Well, it really doesn't matter. Phobeus is my real name but I'd rather go by Angel to the public when they see me as dancing." I stared into his brown eyes to see if I could get any feeling from him but nothing important seemed to come to me and I just brushed it off.
"Do you have an artist name?"
Kat decided to but in as she said it was Angel. I frowned because I didn't like it. No need for people to think I'm conceited or anything. Then a brilliant idea came to me.
"How about Fallen Angel?" I received smiles from all three and it was decided.
"Excellenet. Now if you will all follow me, I'll introduce you to everyone. You do want to do this, right Angel?"
"Of course."
"It just seemed like you were a little unsure. I assume you had never sang for a crowd before yesterday."
"You assume correctly Mr. Taylor, but I think the people back home would be proud of me if I did do it."
"Please, my name is Fred. Mr. Taylor makes me seem older than I am." He cracked a beautiful smile and we proceeded on. "So, would you like your song to be aired over the news in your area?" I stopped in my tracks. Would I want it to be aired over home? Madre would be very proud, so would Calvert.
"Would it be okay Fred?"
"Well, I couldn't guarantee its success, but I can sure call and ask the local TV News Station there if they wanted to. I'm sure it would be no problem since the NY Music Show is rather well known." I took a deep breath. This was it, whether I wanted my parents and ex-friends to see me. What would they think? Why should I even care? I brushed these thoughts out of my head. I felt Kat reach for my shoulder. Ly reached for my hand and both of them gave me a squeeze. I smiled back at them and mouthed thank you.
"I'd be grateful Fred." He smiled at me.
"Perfect, I'll have one of my clients call and inform them." He spoke into a walkie-talkie and informed them to contact the station in my town and inform them. "Alright Angel, would you like to do an opening or closing act?"
"Well, I'm not really sure. Wherever is fine with me."
"We'll see what the others opt to. Unless of course, your friends want you to do something special?" Both girls shook their heads no. We continued on till we reached a stage. "Guys! This is Angel." Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at me. I blushed furiously under their gaze until someone broke the silence.
"Well that settles why he's called Angel. Now the question remains, what about his voice?" The person who spoke was a tall read-headed girl, with flowing hair and pretty blue eyes.
"Felicia, honestly, I would have hoped by now you would have attained better mannerism. Yet you still manage to amaze me." Adam yelled back at her. Kat, Ly, and I just smiled at the antics of them both.
"Quit being such a bore Fred. I mean," before the person could continue, he was interrupted by a joyous yell from an elderly woman.
"Fred! Wonderful news! Hillary Duff is on her way!" Everyone gave a whoop as the news greeted their ears.
"That's marvelous. Good job Jeannette. Well there you have it people. Now, Angel here, is going to amuse by singing us a ditty. Is that ok?" He looked at me as he asked the question.
"Sure, that's fine. Which one?"
"Anyone. I just want these guys to get a feel for how your voice works and then, we can see where it's best to put you. Most likely, I think it'd be wonderful to put you as the opening act, but it all depends on what these guys have to say. That gives me an idea. Jeanette, could you play the music to God Bless the USA, if it's okay with Angel." I nod my head in assent and I'm passed a mike. The same, feeling that I've been experiencing for the past times I've been singing courses through me. As the music begins, my voice automatically starts up.
If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife. I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today, 'cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.
I can feel all eyes on me as I close my eyes.
And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the USA.
The raw feeling in me as I sing is so overpowering that I start to reach higher notes with ease and return back to the melodies without another thought.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee, across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea, From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA Well, there's pride in every American heart, and it's time we stand and say that Proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the USA.
As I start to close up, my voice softens setting the mood for the ending before it rapidly picks up again on the last sentences to emphasize them.
I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the USA. Copyrighted by Lee Greenwood
As the song ends and I open up my eyes, a chorus of applause greets me. You'd think by now that I would be used to being applauded yet I still blush.
"Well, that settles that. Now, is everyone else ready?" A plethora of yeses greets Fred's ears. "Good. All that is left is for Hillary to arrive and then we can begin ordering everything and dressing up."
"Did I hear my name?" Everyone turned their heads as the pleasant voice of the ever beautiful Hillary Duff came to our ears.
"Hillary! This is such an honor for you to be here. Thank you!" Fred exclaimed in glee.
"Nonsense Fred. This is my honor to be performing at the NY Music Show. You have no idea how renowned this concert is over the US." Hillary turned to look at everyone around her. Her eyes finally settled on me and I became tense under he constant gaze. At the same time, I stared back at her. I looked deep in her eyes and felt once more the same feeling of awe. The same thought as many countless before her - beauty.
"Well Hillary, would you like to do a single or duet?"
"It really doesn't matter for me Fred. Either is fine." She answered without taking her eyes off me. Kat sensed my situation and took my hand and dragged me away from Hillary.
"Actually Angel, I was wondering if you could do the closing duet with Hillary here. I have the perfect song for both of you." Just what I needed great. I reluctantly turned back and looked at Fred.
"Which song Fred?"
"Thank God I Found You. Are you familiar with it?"
"Yes, it's one of my favorites actually. I'd be glad to sing that."
"I too would be pleased to do that one." Hillary interjected. For some odd reason, I had a feeling I was getting into something I wasn't about to like. Kat came to my rescue again and she stood in Hillary's way of sight. Ly meanwhile was talking about something with Fred. Fred's smile lit up and I wasn't so sure I liked the way he was looking at me.
"Guys, thanks to Lylene here, I have a perfect opener. Does anyone have any problems with Angel doing two songs, one single and one with Hillary?" When there was no protest I was about to speak up when Fred interrupted me. "Alright guys, gather around. Here's the order and the list. Everyone has two hours, tops, to get ready. Angel, I have your clothes out back. Just follow me."
When I tried to protest once more, Kat jabbed me and shot me a warning look. I sighed and submitted. It didn't look like I was going to win anyhow.
"Well, here we are Angel. The American flag male dress will be the one you wear for the closing one with Hillary who will be wearing a similar one if I can persuade her into it. As for the other one, I haven't really had the time to select one, so it's up to you guys what you want." That was all the encouragement Kat and Ly needed as they prowled through the wardrobe like ants trying to find a crumb in a kitchen.
"Got one!" Ly screamed as she pulled out perhaps the most scant looking piece of apparel, if you could call it so, out. I stomped my foot down hard on that one and flat out said no. She tried to haggle with me, pout, every trick in the book but nothing worked. I was adamant and my resolve wasn't going to submit to this. Meanwhile, Kat had been searching around and she had came back with decent looking clothing.
"What about this. It'll match your eyes and really bring them out." It was a silver, silk shirt and silver, cargo pants that looked similar to leather pants, but not quite. Both pieces were covered with stripes of dazzling gold. I thought for a while and finally decided it would do. I went in to a changing room and changed. I looked myself in the mirror and felt rather self-conscious. Te shirt clung to my chest rather well but luckily, the pants were not hugging my lower body parts. I was skeptical at best but decided to get Ly's and Kat's opinion on it.
When I walked out and to both of them, they both raised their eyes at me, smiled, and high-fived each other. Women. What can you say? "Well?" I said impatiently.
"Perfect," they both said in unison. They both gigged and I rolled my eyes. "Well come on, we have to get your make-up ready." Kat started to drag me while Ly opened the door
"Make-up?" I said bewildered. This was something I did not bargain for.
"Well yeah, you know they have to put it on. Not that you need it or anything, just customary."
"Wait, I don't even know what song I'm doing." At that, Ly grinned from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat.
"You'll find out for yourself, soon enough. All in good time." She smiled sweetly up at me and I scowled at her. They eventually got me to the make-up director and she took care of me.
I stared at my finished self in the mirror and smirked to myself. I had never looked this good before. Fred came in and gave me the thumbs up and proceeded on to drag me out of there.
"Ok, since your opening, you've got to be ready first. By the looks of it, you are, right?" I shook my head yes and continued. "Nice outfit by the way. Anyway, I was talking to Ly and she said you don't need any practice on this song since you sang it on the way here." My heart froze as I dreaded his next works. "I think Jumpin' Jumpin' will be perfect as an opener. I also head you can shake your ass quite well. We'll just see. Ready?" I swallowed hard and shook my head. Ly was going to pay dearly when I see her next. "As for the closing, you will be doing a duet with Hillary. It'll be Through My Own Eyes, a very patriotic song. Here's the lyrics. You've got till the closing to memorize. Good luck!" With the done, he dashed off again to help someone else.
I looked down at the lyrics and noticed they flowed rather easily with me. I even got a tune stuck in my head as I started to bob my head. The tune itself was rather catchy.
I don't know how long I was just sitting there, memorizing the song. But it seemed time had flown and Fred was next to me again.
"Well Angel. It's beginning in five minutes. I'll do an introduction, and then you will start up. After you're done, just box and come offstage. Ly and Kat have already situated themselves in the front row." It was at that that I recognize the dull echoing of the crowd outside. It sounded huge. Fred followed my gaze and smiled. "Yep, we're full house. It seems that you became very popular at Fame yesterday. I wasn't the only one that decided you were damned good. Word spread real quickly that you were performing here again tonight and most of NY decided to flock here. On top of that, many local fans and Hillary's fans showed. We're pretty much past full capacity and there's still people wanting to get in." I smiled nervously and he gave me a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry Angel, you'll do fine. Don't' worry about the special effects and such, all's been taken care of. All you have to do is sing and dance, we'll worry about the rest. Feel free to move anywhere on the stage."
Jeanette yelled for Fred to get on stage. He gave me another comforting squeeze before he dashed off. I took a deep breath and got all the way to the steps of the stage, barely off stage. I looked out and I was utterly bewildered by the number of people that had showed up. It easily surpassed anything that I would have thought of. It did seem nearly all of New York City was there tonight.
"Welcome everyone, to the tenth annual New York Music Show!" The crowd erupted I wild cheers and whistles." We have set up for you a great performance. All of the local bands will be playing a song tonight. In addition, Hillary Duff has graciously acted on our request to join us.: Another wile cheer and applause rose up and dimmed the shouts of Fred. Eventually, the audience settled down and Fred continued. "And lastly, we have a very talented young man performing. We had no idea he was going till about five hours ago and he came and got ready. He will be opening our act solo, and closing this with Hillary. Some of you know him already as Angel." As Fred tried to continue, the din that broke out from the far eastern section droned him out. It looks look I found the section with the Fame crowd. "Yes, the same Angel people. Put your hands up, and get your bodies ready to dance. Feast your eyes and bless your ears, give it up, for the Fallen Angel." The crowd went wild as the lights on the stage dimmed and Fred quickly left the stage.
The familiar music picked up as the mike resting along my cheek was turned on. My body became glazed over as the music fell upon it and wove its special powers through me. And so, it began.
Ladies leave your man at home The club is full of ballers and their pockets full grown And all you fellas leave your girl with her friends Cause it's eleven thirty and the club is jumpin', jumpin'
Though he say he got a girl Yeah it's true you got a man But the party ain't gon' stop So let's make it hot, hot
The crowd was going wild as I started to pump my body as I lost all sense of worry behind. Now, my sole purpose was to give this crowd a show.
Couldn't find your man, he was chillin' with his homies This weekend you're going out If he try to to stop you, you're goin' off You got your hair done and your nails done too A new outfit and your Fendi shoes And when you're through parlayin' at the hottest spot Tonight you're gonna find the fellas Rollin' in the Lexus, drops and Hummers
Though he say he got a girl Yeah it's true you got a man But the party ain't gon' stop So let's make it hot, hot
Ladies leave your man at home The club is full of ballers and their pockets full grown And all you fellas leave your girl with her friends Cause it's eleven thirty and the club is jumpin', jumpin'
Though he say he got a girl Yeah it's true you got a man But the party ain't gon' stop So let's make it hot, hot
The lights were going wild with me, flashing all around the place, lighting me up neon. The crowd was yelling and screaming as I got farther into it.
Call your boys cause tonight you're not gonna stay at home Should tell your girl she ain't comin' tonight You're goin' solo Cut her off cause she talk some noise You know you got the right to get your party on So get your haircut and your car washed too Lookin' like a star in your Armani suit You need to look your best cause you're turnin' heads tonight You're gonna find a sexy chica that's gonna dance all night If you wanna
Though he say he got a girl Yeah it's true you got a man But the party ain't gon' stop So let's make it hot, hot
Ladies leave your man at home The club is full of ballers and their pockets full grown And all you fellas leave your girl with her friends Cause it's eleven thirty and the club is jumpin', jumpin'
Though he say he got a girl Yeah it's true you got a man But the party ain't gon' stop So let's make it hot, hot
As the breakdown approached, I could feel the lights go off. This was it, the point of no return. The choice If whether I would get down and dirty, or refrain and keep just hopping, bopping, bobbing, and moving my hands around seductively. I opted for the first choice just as the lights came on. The lights caught the perspiration on me and reflected it out to the crowd.
Bounce baby, bounce, bo-bounce bounce, bo-bounce Twirk it, twirk it Shake baby, shake sha-shake shake Work it, work it Twist baby, twist tw-twist You better dip that thing One more time papi's mommies
I took the lyrics literally and bounced up and down, shook my ass side to side and up and down, and twisted my whole body around and around. Dropping to the floor, I got really into the music and completely lost myself. It seemed the crowd was also doing the bouncing and shaking while all the while screaming their pleasure out at me.
Bounce baby, bounce, bo-bounce bounce, bo-bounce Twirk it, twirk it Shake baby, shake sha-shake shake Work it, work it Twist baby, twist tw-twist You better dip that thing Bounce it up and down papi's mommies
Sexy women do that dance Fly ladies work your man Balling fellas time to clown We can get down now
Ladies leave your man at home The club is full of ballers and their pockets full grown And all you fellas leave your girl with her friends Cause it's eleven thirty and the club is jumpin', jumpin'
I ain't thinkin' about my man tonight Uh huh, I ain't worried my girl aight Copyrighted by Destiny's Child
The crowd went absolutely wild as the song finished and I took my bow. The lights turned off momentarily, although the crowd's screams didn't, and I took that as my cue to leave the stage. Fred greeted me off stage and rushed me to the same changing room I was in before and have me the new set of clothes.
"Here's a towel to dry the sweat off and some cologne to spray on. After you get ready, you can just chill here or come up and sit with me. I got to go now and introduce the next bands. Later Angel."
I was left with my own thoughts as I started to change out and back in to the next costume, so to speak.
After I was ready and handsome again, I trudged down to the off stage area and took a seat next to Fred. He was anxiously watching the current band perform an original, heavy metal rock song. Hillary Duff finally came out wearing the same thing I was wearing except her top was a blouse and her bottom a skirt. We both fir the US flag quite well.
"Alright you two, you're up next. Are you ready?" I looked at her and we both nodded. "Great, the band is just finishing and then I'll go in and invite you. At the very end of your song, the lights will go out and fire crackers will be shot to the sky. Once all of them have been launched, the lights will be back on at which time you will bow and leave the stage on opposite ends. Alright guys, it's time." Fred disappeared onto the stage as the other band came off.
"Well ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. The New York Music Show. We have one act left for you. A duet, by Hillary Duff, and none other, than New York's Fallen Angel." The crowd went wild with the mention of my name and I was shocked to say the least. I mean, I had done only one performance and had already gotten such a reception.
I was knocked out of my trance as the son started. My mike came on and I could hear Hillary making her way across the stage as she began her part.
Give me a world that's equal on all sides
That was my cue as I made my way onto the stage and started my part.
Let freedom flow as constant as the tides
It was back to Hillary as she sung.
I pray with each sunset, don't forget to rise Fallen Angel: Don't forget to rise Hillary Duff: I live without regret Both: For ordinary lives
As the chorus started up, we joined hands as we both sang.
I'm lookin' at life through my own eyes Searchin' for a hero to idolize Feeling the pain as innocence dies Looking at life through my own eyes I'm hoping and praying for a brighter day I listen to my heart and I obey How can I see it any other way? I'm looking at life Through my own eyes
Fallen Angel: I see a land with liberty for all Hillary Duff: Yet still I know the truth will rise and fall Fallen Angel: Oooh yeah-yeh That's just the way it goes Both: A word now to the wise The world was made to change Each day is a surprise
Once more, we joined hands as we both sand, swaying from side to side.
Lookin' at life through my own eyes Searchin' for a hero to idolize Feeling the pain as innocence dies Looking at life through my own eyes I'm hoping and praying for a brighter day I listen to my heart and I obey How can I see it any other way? Looking at life Through my own eyes
And I know when you're looking for the truth If you go and read between the lines You'll discover how and why
It turned to my solo as I began to rap out.
I take my heart into battle Give that freedom bell a rattle Get my independence signed Declare it on the dotted line In Philidelphia freedom ring And patriotic voices sing Red White & Blue never give up We represent America
I took Hillary into my arms for dramatic effect as we pulled off the final stretch of the song as the crowd remained silent in awe as the words' meaning washed over them.
I'm lookin' at life through my own eyes Searchin' for a hero to idolize Feeling the pain as innocence dies Looking at life through my own eyes I'm hoping and praying for a brighter day I listen to my heart and I obey How can I see it any other way? I'm looking at life Through my own eyes
Copyrighted by Aaron Carter
The lights dimmed and the fire crackers raced into the air, illuminating the giant US flying atop the Empire State Building. As the lights of the fire crackers died out, the lights on stage came back on and we bowed to the cheering and applause of the crowd. Before we could walk off, Fred came on.
"Want the Fallen Angel to talk guys?" The crowd went wild as I stopped dead in my tracks. "Well, here he is!" The crowd cheered me on as I slowly turned around. Well, I got this far, might as well take it home.
"Hey New York! How you guys doing tonight?" I was met with a chorus of cheers. "Let's give a round of applause to all the singers we had today, from the local bands of NY to the nation's star, Hillary Duff!" The crowd did exactly that, gave a huge round of applause. "Thanks for coming out tonight guys. Thanks for your support tonight. Take care ya'll. Till next me meet." I waved them goodbye and gave a floating kiss and I turned around amid the cheers.
I stepped off stage and took a deep breath. I had done it. Finished my first ever concert, sorta. And better, Jumpin' Jumpin' had been recorded and aired over my hometown, I just hope Calvert and madre were watching. I need to give them a call later. But for now, I need to find Kat and Ly before I fall of exhaustion. I never realized singing could take so much.
As I walked ahead, I spotted someone I couldn't make out. As I approached, adrenaline flowed through my body as I recognized the manager of Sony's Music Enterprise.
Closure: It's me again! Tell me what you think. I'll most likely get to update this story twice a month, I don't think I can do much more since it's a very long story to write. Sorry guys, that's the best I can do. I promise I'll try though. I was necessary to give you guys a better look at who Phobeus is, truly. A few surprises thrown in here and there, with an interesting end. I completely made up the New York Music Show and the Sony Music Enterprise things, lol. I don't think this one is a cliffhanger though. So you can thank me later. If anyone would like to edit for me, please email me too. Send comments to naomi_kiyoshi@yahoo.com
Other Stories I have written: Time, under Sci-Fi