Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

by Mercy Amare

  “Yes. This studio is amazing. The guy who owns the studio works with my dad. Great quality.” Alec names off a band that recorded an album here, and I’m impressed. Maybe it won’t be so bad.

  Stephan and I follow Alec inside. First, he introduces us to Otto. He is going to be recording for me. Otto is… interesting, to say the least. He has long hair, like I seriously think it's longer than mine. It's pulled into a low ponytail to the back. If I had to guess, the dude had to weigh at least 300 pounds… And he's MY HEIGHT, 5'1”. I don't think I've ever met a guy as short as me.

  “Let's start by laying down the music tracks,” Otto says.

  “Okay. I'm playing all my own music. Get me a ticker set at 98 BPM.”

  I grab my sunburst, American made,Fender Telecaster out of the case. Alec has brought all my guitars, but for recording I like using my Fender. It has an amazing sound… As it should, considering how much I paid for it.

  “Let's lay down a clean guitar track,” Otto says. “Just simple rhythm. We can add the fancy stuff later.”

  I smirk at him. “Oh, this isn't my first time in the studio.”

  I put on my Bose headphones, and plug my guitar into the chord Otto hands me. Bridgett and Stephan are both staring at me in amazement. Alec, however, is watching Otto. We've both done this so many times that it's second nature to us.

  I hear a click, and see the red light come on. I count to five in my head, and start playing, keeping it simple and clean.

  A lot of musicians play by note, or scales, but I play by ear. I don't need anything when I play — just me and my guitar. I love playing. It's the best feeling in the world, and I’ve missed it.

  After we put down the track, Otto seems very satisfied. “Good. Now, let's put down a temporary voice, and then we'll record the rest of the music.” He flips a switch, and another room lights up.

  Inside the room, there is yellow foam on the wall. There is a single microphone in the room, and headphones are strung from the ceiling. It's not the most professional looking studio I've seen, but it's efficient. Once I'm inside and am situated, I signal at Otto, and he starts the track.

  Time literally flies. Once I laid down my temporary voice, we finished the music. I got to play the drums, all the guitars, and the bass. Alec laid down a few piano tracks for me, but there were NO SPECIAL EFFECTS. Just me. I have to admit, just me sounds pretty damn good.

  After we laid down the music, I recorded the lead vocals, then the back up and harmony vocals. Between the Red Bull, and being so pumped about being in the studio, I didn't even realize it was late. Bridgett is asleep on the couch, and Stephan is starting to nod off in the chair beside her. When I finish, it is nearly two in the morning.

  “Can I listen?” I ask Otto, excitingly.

  “Tomorrow,” he promises. “I'm going to mix it. I don't want you to hear it until it's perfect.”

  “That's okay,” Alec says before I can protest. “Our rock star has to get to bed. She has school tomorrow.”

  I roll my eyes. “Don't remind me.”

  Saturday, October 25

  10:34 AM

  Lazy days are the best.

  The week passes in a blur, and I feel like a walking zombie at school for the most part… But when I'm recording, I feel alive. I forgot just how much I missed playing music, and the fact that it’s actually my music makes it that much better.

  I've laid down three tracks so far, and they sound amazing. I have to admit that Otto really knows his shit. And, I've learned, he has quite a sense of humor. Working with him is fun, and I will definitely record with him again.

  Alec and Bridgett flew out late Friday night to go to LA. Alec has a meeting with his record label or something. I'm not sure why Bridgett went, but I sure was glad to have a day off… and to have the house to myself.

  The camera crew was off for the weekend, which I couldn't be more thrilled about. A whole two days of not having to fix my hair, or make up! When I wake up, I throw my hair up in a messy bun and put on a pair of green sweatpants and a pink tank top.

  Lazy days are the best. And I got to sleep in until almost eleven. SCORE.

  I am lying on my couch, flipping through the channels, when I hear a voice.

  “Nice hair.”

  I look up to see Stephan smiling at me. He's been here so much that he doesn't knock anymore. I want him to always feel welcome.

  “I think I'm going to watch Vampire Diaries. They have it on Netflix. You know there is a vampire on the show named Stephan. I wonder if he's as hot as you.”

  “I doubt it,” he says, sitting down beside me.

  “Me too,” I agree.

  “So… we have the whole house to ourselves?”

  “Yep.”

  “So we don't have to worry about being quiet.”

  I roll my eyes, and pretend to be annoyed. I don’t want him to know his dirty talk turns me on. “Do you think about anything other than sex?”

  “Who says I was talking about sex?” He challenges me.

  “Were you?”

  “Yes, definitely,” he confirms. “But that's not the point. You didn't know that I was talking about sex… Which means that you were thinking about it too.”

  I throw my pillow at him. “Vampire Diaries or Gossip Girl. Take your pick.”

  He groans. “If I'm forced to watch, I guess I'll go with Vampire Diaries.”

  I push play. “Good choice.”

  I cuddle up next to Stephan.

  I quickly decide that my Stephan is way hotter than the one on The Vampire Diaries. I also decide that I'm TEAM DAMON. Vampire Stephan is way too boring. Besides that, Ian Somerhalder is pretty hot for an old dude. I would totally tap that. (You know… if I wasn’t dating Stephan).

  3:57 PM

  You wish.

  After watching a few episodes of The Vampire Diaries, Ethan comes over to hang out, so we decide to go surfing. While I still haven't mastered the art quite yet, I have managed to stand up on my board about five times, which is huge progress.

  “So what did you and Mona talk about on Monday?” Ethan asks me as we are waiting on a wave. “She's been so quiet ever since you two ditched school.”

  My eyes glance over at Stephan, whois now looking at me curiously. Why did I lie? Ugh…

  “Um…” I look back at Ethan. “Just girl stuff. I'm sure if she wanted you to know what was said, she would tell you.”

  “Why didn't you tell me, Scar? Is that why you were acting so weird on Monday?” Stephan asks.

  “Yeah. I'm sorry. It's just Mona asked to talk to me. It was personal, and I promised that I wouldn't tell anybody. It's her business to tell.” It’s also Stephan's business. He has a right to know the truth. And I feel so guilty about keeping this from him. But I don't tell them that.

  “Okay,” Ethan accepts my answer, and paddles toward an oncoming wave. Stephan however is sitting there, looking at me like he's trying to figure me out.

  “I'm sorry I can't tell you more.”

  “I know there is something that you're not telling me, but I trust you. I know you'll do the right thing. If you ever need to talk, I'm here.”

  And then Stephan has to go and say something like that. I want so badly to tell him, but I can't. It wouldn't be right. It's Mona's place to tell him.

  Damn it, why did Mona have to tell me?

  “This one is small, you should catch it,” Stephan urges me.

  So we both paddle out together. I manage to stand up and am excited when I don't fall right away. But the shore is coming fast, and I've never actually ridden all the way in so I don't know what to do. As soon as my board hits the sand, I go flying forward. I land face first in the sand with my mouth open.

  I hear Stephan and Ethan running up to me.

  “Are you okay?” Ethan asks.

  I pull my face out of the sand, and start spitting the sand out of my mouth. When I do, Ethan and Stephan both laugh at me. I glare at them.

  “Not…” I stop to spit. “F
unny.”

  They keep laughing. “Yes it is,” they both agree.

  “I'm going to wash my mouth out and take a shower,” I say, storming past them.

  “Oh, come on, Scarlett!” Stephan runs up beside me. “It was funny.”

  I spit again. “Maybe it will be funnier once I get all of this sand off me.”

  “Do you want help? I would be glad to assist you in the shower,” he offers.

  I can't stay mad at Stephan long. “You wish.”

  When I come out of the bathroom, Stephan is waiting for me in my bedroom. I'm only wearing my bra and a thong. I scream and try to cover myself up with my hands.

  Stephan is topless from surfing, and he has on his blue swimming shorts. He looks good, and for a second, I'm almost distracted by the fact that I'm basically naked.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Oh, come on,” he smirks. “I just saw you in your bikini. Your bra and panties cover up more than it did.”

  “My bikini wasn't a thong. Close your eyes,” I demand.

  He does as I ask. I walk with my butt facing the wall on the way to my closet, and then I run inside. I put a short, white skirt, and a red lace tank top, and walk back into my bedroom.

  “Did Ethan go home?” I ask Stephan.

  “Yeah, I think he's going to Mona's house or something,” he answers. “Mind if I take a shower?”

  I swallow hard. “Um, sure,” I say, trying not to sound affected.

  Right before he walks into the bathroom, he turns around. “It's only fair…” I'm about to ask him what he means, when he turns his back to me and pulls down his shorts. I only see his butt for a second before he walks into my bathroom.

  I can't help but smile.

  He has a nice ass.

  6:51 PM

  Wedding night

  “Let's go on a date,” Stephan says when he walks out of the bathroom.

  “Right now?” I ask.

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay. Where are we going to go?”

  He thinks for a couple of seconds before responding. “Do you know how to play pool?”

  I laugh. “I’m a rock star. Of course I know how to play pool. I am unbeatable.”

  “I highly doubt that, but let’s go.”

  Ten minutes later, we pull up to “Marvin’s Tavern”. It’s a hole in the wall, which I like. Stephan pays for the table, and I rack up the balls.

  “So is this just your excuse to watch me bend over?” I ask. I already know the answer.

  He licks his lips suggestively and responds with a shrug. “Maybe.”

  Thought so. I grab a pool stick. “Do you want to break, or should I?”

  He smirks. “Go ahead, Miss Expert Pool Player. Break away.”

  I shoot the ball, knocking in two solid balls in the process. I look over at Stephan and I can’t help it, I gloat. “What was that you were saying about doubting me earlier?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Are you going to gloat now?”

  I nod. “Yes, yes I am. In fact, if we weren’t in a very public place right now, I would dance.”

  “You’re annoying.”

  I laugh. “You’re the one who asked me out.”

  “A decision that I am already regretting,” he jokes.

  We both laugh, and I can’t help but think that this feels like old times — Stephan teasing me. It’s how life is supposed to be. For the first time since Bridgett got sick, I feel normal again, and I realize that it’s Stephan. He is the only one who can make me feel this way.

  “What are you thinking?” he asks.

  I’m thinking that I’m in love with you. But I don’t say it out loud. Instead I say, “Just imagining the look on your face when I beat you.” I bend over to shoot again and smile when I see Stephan checking me out from behind. I shoot the ball, and it goes in the pocket.

  “I could watch you beat me all night. Seriously. What an amazing view.”

  I try to act annoyed, but the smile on my face deceives me. “Now I want to miss so it will be my turn to watch you.”

  “I see that my master plan is working.”

  “Master plan?” I question.

  He puts his arms around my waist and leans down to whisper in my ear. “All I have to do is distract you.” He proceeds to kiss his way down my neck, and I shiver at the contact.

  His plan is definitely working.

  “There is a problem with this plan of yours,” I inform him.

  “And what’s that?” he asks between kisses.

  “I can distract you too.”

  He laughs. “Well, maybe that was my master plan all along, and I just told you the other plan was to distract you.”

  “I’m confused.”

  He kisses my neck again. “Maybe this is all part of my plan to seduce you.”

  I turn around so I’m facing him. “You have a seduction plan?”

  He nods.

  “Please, elaborate.”

  “It’s simple, really.” He pulls me closer, and says quietly, “I just get you so turned on that you are begging me to take you.”

  I kiss him gently on the lips, and then whisper in his ear. “It’s not going to happen.” I then back away from him and proceed to shoot the ball. The whole time, my heart is beating so fast I feel like it could explode at any second. I have never been so turned on in my life, but I won’t tell him that.

  “You will break one day,” he says confidently.

  “Maybe, but maybe not. I’m a pretty strong-willed person. I could make you wait until our wedding night.”

  Stephan smiles. “Wedding night?”

  Crap. Did I just say that out loud? Now would be a really great time for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. I turn away from him and try to think of something to say. I can feel the heat in my cheeks. Why, oh why, did I just say that?

  “I’m sorry,” I finally speak. “I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean to imply that we were going to get married.”

  “Scarlett, turn around,” he demands.

  I turn around to see him standing directly in front of me. He puts his hands on the sides of my face, and tilts my head up so that I am looking at him.

  “You’re really beautiful when you blush.”

  My embarrassment is overpowered by happiness.

  He kisses my cheek. “That’s better. Let’s just forget you said that.”

  As always, Stephan knows exactly what to say to make me feel better. “Thank you.”

  “Scarlett Montgomery.” He nods approvingly. “I like it.”

  “I thought we were forgetting I ever said anything,” I remind him.

  “I was just testing it out, you know, for future reference.”

  I shake my head. “Let’s just play.”

  Stephan takes me home just after midnight, and he is a complete gentleman. He walks to me to my door, and gives me a goodnight kiss… The kiss isn’t forceful. It is a sweet, take my breath away kind of kiss. Then he tells me goodnight, and he goes home.

  I swear, every day I fall a little more in love with him.

  Monday, October 27

  5:43 AM

  So not fair.

  On Monday morning, it is business as usual. Part of me is excited to get back to school and into the studio, but the other part of me isn’t ready for the weekend to be over. I need more lazy days with Stephan.

  On Sunday, Stephan came over and made me pancakes. He attempted to teach me how to cook them, but after nearly catching the kitchen on fire, he declared me a lost cause and took over. I was relieved. My culinary skills tend to stop at anything that can’t be put into the microwave.

  After breakfast, Stephan found out that I had “never watched Harry Potter”. At that time, he went to his house, got all eight movies, and brought them over. We got through the fifth one before falling asleep on the couch. He promised that next weekend we would finish. I have to admit, the movies aren’t that bad.

  Bridgett and Alec got back after midnight, yet t
he late night doesn’t seem to affect Alec at all. He is in my room before six AM. He pokes me, and says, “Are you awake?”

  I roll over and look at him… Well, more like glare at him. “I am now.”

  “Good,” he grins, satisfied that he woke me. “So you need to get up. Barry Stevens is coming to the studio Wednesday, and we have work to do before he gets there.”

  This causes me to sit up. “Barry Stevens, as in the CEO of my record company?”

  Alec nods. “The one and only. He was impressed with the three songs we recorded this week, but he wants to hear a ballad. If he likes it, I think that you are going to get the go ahead for this CD.”

  “We have until Wednesday,” I groan. “Just let me sleep like two more hours, and then I’ll record the best damn ballad ever.”

  “Do you have any good ballads?” Alec asks. He already knows the answer to the question.

  “You know I suck at ballads.”

  “Exactly. Now get your ass out of bed. You have ten minutes to get ready and be downstairs!” Alec smacks my butt and leaves the room. On his way out, he flips the light switch on, and my eyes shut in protest.

  Ugh, why must he be such a morning person? Nobody should be that cheerful before noon.

  I brush my hair and teeth in record time. Then I throw on a pair of jeans and a hoodie and am downstairs with exactly one minute to spare. When I get there, Alec is literally staring at his watch.

  “I didn’t think you’d make it,” he says.

  Just then, Bridgett comes around the corner, carrying a cup of coffee. She hands it to me. “You can drink it on the way.”

  “How are the two of you awake right now?” I grumble.

  They both just shrug their shoulders in response.

  Alec drives us to the studio, and I send Stephan a text. Thankfully, Bridgett picked me up a new iPhone while in LA.

  Scarlett: Hey gorgeous. I’m being recruited for a long day of torture. If you feel like stopping by the studio after school, I will see you then. – S

  My phone vibrates.

  Stephan: Ugh, it’s too early for torture. Glad it’s you and not me. I’m going back to sleep now. Be jealous. See you after school. – S