“It’s party time,” Rachel announced, bursting into my room holding a hairdryer, straighter, a hairbrush, and a comb.
“Whoa, is all of that really necessary?” I asked, intimidated by her arsenal of styling weapons.
“Absolutely darling, beauty is pain,” she said too excitedly.
“You would know.”
She sat me down by my dressing table. First, she blow dried my hair with the big roller brush. As she did it, she kept glancing at my face in the mirror as though she was confused. When she was finished, my hair was smooth and slinky.
“Phoebes, I was wondering something…”
I had been expecting the inevitable questions as to why a famous teen idol was my date for the dance. “Yes?” I asked innocently.
“Aren’t you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” If in doubt, feign ignorance.
“What I mean is why is the lead singer of Carson taking you to the dance?”
I knew that there was no use hiding it. She wouldn’t give up. She would interrogate me until she broke me. So I gave in, and told her everything. She almost burnt me with the hot iron when I told her about the love potion. I wasn’t sure if it was accidental, or deliberate as a punishment. I hoped accidental.
“I know that as a responsible big sister I should tell you that what you did was wrong. But, I think it’s kind of cool.”
“You do?” I asked surprised. I wasn’t expecting that.
“Yes. I think you should show Amber and everybody else just how special you are.”
“Promise you won’t tell Mom.”
“I promise. I just told her that a wealthy guy from school is taking you to the dance, so that explained the gifts that were delivered.”
“You’re the best sister ever.”
“Your hair looks stunning, if I do say so myself.”
“Thanks, I wish you could come.”
“I had my Valentine’s Dance when I was a freshman. At least I have prom to look forward to.”
“You’ll definitely be prom queen.”
“We’ll see. Bye Phoebes, I’m going to the movies with some friends.”
“Have fun Rach.”
“Have the time of your life.” She winked.
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked taller and thinner, and my features more striking.
I put on the gold charm bracelet that I now knew was real, and the matching gold strappy sandals. My make-up was very “old Hollywood” as the beauty magazine called it. I used black liquid eyeliner on my eyelids that I finally managed to get straight, mascara that was supposed to lengthen my lashes, a hint of blusher on the apples of my cheeks, and red lipstick for a “kissable” pout. I loved pictures of old Hollywood stars from the forties, like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardener. They always looked so glamorous with their matching red nails and lips. That was the look I was going for, and I think that I achieved it. I never knew that I could look glamorous like them. I felt like I was going to a red carpet event like the Oscars or the Grammys.
Liz was going to the dance with Nathan, the “frog boy.” I liked to make up names for people, based on the first thing that popped into my head when I thought of them. Like if you see a guy who wears really baggy pants, you’ll call him “baggy pants guy.” With Nathan, it’s the rescuing of the Biology frogs that I always think of. I’m not the only one who associated frogs with him. He’d actually become famous at our school for that. Liz really was an animal rights activist, and after she heard about how Nathan saved the frogs, she started to like him. I felt bad because Ben asked me, and I didn’t give him an answer, and the next moment I was going with Chase. But I was sure that Ben would understand. That’s what friends are for.
I jumped when I heard a knock on the door. My heart stopped for a second. I looked out my window, and there was a limousine in the driveway. I hadn’t expected a limo, but I should have known that teen idols always travel in limos. I knew that everyone at Two Oceans High was going to go crazy when I arrived in a limo with Chase Carson.
*****
8. A Star
“Phoebe, you are so beautiful that you give the sun a reason to shine.” Chase gazed at me, and despite his cheesy line, for the first time in my life, I really felt beautiful.
“Thank you,” I smiled shyly. “You look great.” That was an understatement because he looked more than great, he looked amazing, like a superstar. He was wearing designer dark denim jeans with a long sleeve green collared shirt that matched my dress. He had left the first few buttons open, like celebrities do, and it wasn’t tucked in. He topped it off with a really expensive looking chocolate brown leather jacket, and matching brown shoes. He also had sunglasses on, which he took off when he saw me. He could easily have been going to the Teen Choice awards, instead of a silly high school Valentine’s dance. I knew that I was so lucky to have him as my date, but there was something missing. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
Chase opened the shiny black limo door for me, even though the driver had gotten out. His bodyguards were following us in a black SUV. Thank goodness they weren’t riding with us, because they scared me to death. You definitely didn’t want to mess with them.
I had never seen the inside of a limo before, and it was better than I had imagined. There were rows of soft white leather seats, and a fluffy white carpet. There was a plasma TV with huge speakers, and even a mirror ball hanging from the ceiling.
“Would you like a glass of non-alcoholic champagne?” He held up a bottle.
“Yes please.” My mouth always got really dry like sandpaper when I’m nervous.
He popped the cork, and the champagne didn’t soak us like I had expected.
Chase was sitting very close to me, and it made me feel like I couldn’t breathe. My dress suddenly felt too tight.
It was absolutely unreal to be sitting with Chase Carson in his limo. If you had told me a week ago that this would have happened, I would have laughed hysterically. Everything was so perfect, even the warm February weather was just right.
“You smell delicious.” He said, sniffing me like a dog.
I leaned slightly away from him. “It’s the perfume you gave me. Thank you for the gifts, it was really sweet of you.”
“It was my pleasure. It’s the least I can do for such a beautiful girl. If beauty were time, you'd be eternity.”
I smiled, and looked out the window.
“If a thousand painters worked for a thousand years, they could not create a work of art as beautiful as you.”
“You’re going to give me a big head,” I said, patting his hand.
“It’s strange, I feel so nervous around you. My heart is racing, my palms are sweating, and my knees are weak.”
It realized that it must have been the love potion causing him to feel the symptoms of infatuation. That’s what Liz said happens to a person’s body when those three chemicals are released. Except that with Chase, the infatuation was artificial.
“I haven’t been able to eat all day, or even sit still, so I practiced my dance moves in my home studio all afternoon.”
“You have your own studio?” I asked, shocked by his celebrity lifestyle.
“Yes, and my own movie theatre, tennis court, and bowling alley.”
“Wow, you must live in a mansion.”
“Money can’t buy love.” He opened the window and pointed to the stars. “If a star fell from the sky every time I thought of you, then tonight the sky would be empty…”
“Ok, we’re here.” I interrupted loudly, clapping my hands. His constant gushing was getting a bit annoying, especially because I knew that it wasn’t really him talking, it was the love potion. Everything was happening so fast, I felt like I couldn’t keep up. I had been too shocked to feel really happy. I always thought that I knew how I would feel if Chase loved me, but I didn’t feel like that. Maybe it was because of the love potion. I felt bad that h
e was only doing everything because of the love potion. But at the same time, it felt good to have so much attention from him, and to be so popular. I felt like a star, just like the perfume.
He put his sunglasses back on even though it was dark outside, and held my hand as we exited the limo. My senses were overwhelmed with lights flashing and people screaming. There was a red carpet like they have at awards show. Everyone was standing behind ropes on either side of the red carpet, like they were eager fans waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrity.
Chase’s toothpaste commercial smile dazzled the crowd, and he waved at his adoring fans like a seasoned celebrity. He held my hand tightly, and led me over to a group of girls who were holding magazines and pens for him to autograph. He posed for photos with them and signed their magazines. People weren’t just screaming for Chase, they were calling my name too. A few of the jocks at my school called me over to have photos taken with them. Someone even called out, “You’re a star!” Amber stood in the crowd giving me a death stare. I smiled at her like I was Alicia Spark.
#
The school gym had been transformed into a Valentine’s dream. Heart-shaped red and white balloons covered the ceiling. White table clothes with red candles and red rose petals adorned the tables. There was an arch by the door decorated with red and pink roses where everyone had their photos taken as they entered.
As we walked in, Chase and I posed for our picture like we were a Hollywood couple. It’s funny how celebrity couples always become like one person. Whenever there is a new couple, the tabloids and paparazzi combine the two celebrity’s names to make one name. The new celebrity creatures seem to have a life of their own. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are called “Brangelina,” and Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are called “Robsten.” Speaking of Robert Pattinson, people are Robsessed with him. Get it? Anyway, Chase and I would be called “Tybe” or “Phoeler” by the tabloids. I wouldn’t like to be known as “Phoeler,” because that sounds like a creepy monster.
After having our picture taken, we were handed voting ballots with the nominees for the Valentine’s king and queen.
“I’m nominated?” I asked baffled.
“Of course, you are the most beautiful girl in your school,” he said like it was a fact. He kissed me on the cheek, and put his arm around my waist.
It was like I was in an alternate universe. I never in my wildest dreams thought that my wildest dreams would come true. Chase Carson was in love with me, and wanted to be my boyfriend, and now I was popular too!
“Phoebe, I’ve been trying to get to you since you arrived, but I got pushed away by the crowd of girls outside.” Liz came up to us flustered.
“Wow Liz, you look fantastic!” She was wearing a little black dress with black stilettos, and she looked very sophisticated. She was actually wearing make-up, and her hair was down for once in her life. I was surprised by how lovely she looked, because she never usually liked to draw attention to herself.
Nathan and Ben were with her. Nathan was holding her hand, and smiling. Ben looked stiff and uncomfortable. I couldn’t believe how grown-up he looked. He seemed taller and more well-built than usual. I had never noticed how handsome he was. He was wearing a black suit with a white collared shit, and a black tie. His usually wild mop of dark brown hair was gelled into a sleek style. His brown eyes were warm. He looked like a model. I was stunned by how great he cleaned up.
“So, how does it feel to be nominated for queen?” Liz asked excitedly.
“Weird, unexpected, and shocking,” I summed up.
There was an awkward silence as we all looked around at the room and at each other, until Amber came over with her sidekicks Kimberley and Britney. Amber looked exceptionally skanky, with her bright red strapless dress that was two sizes too small.
“Chase, you look super hot.” She was practically drooling. The girl had no shame.
“Thanks,” he said politely, holding me tighter.
“Would do me a huge favor, and sign my Teen Idol magazine, pretty please.” She purred.
Oh please! Could she be anymore obvious?
“Of course, anything for my fans,” Chase said good-naturedly, signing the cover of the magazine that was his picture.
“Thank you, so much. I hope that I can make it up to you later with a dance,” she flirted.
“I’m sorry, but Phoebe has booked all of my dances. Thanks anyway.”
Her face literally dropped. She turned and walked away in a huff, her sidekicks trailed after her.
Liz raised her eyebrow at me and smiled.
“Wow, look at that,” I said, pointing to the massive gold Cupid statue on the stage.
Chase took my hand. “Cupid called. He says to tell you that he needs my heart back.”
Everyone laughed, except Ben.
“Would you like some punch?” Chase asked me.
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll miss you.” He kissed my cheek.
Ben looked away. He seemed irritated, and it bothered me.
“They’ve really gone all out this year,” Nathan said.
“So, have you saved anymore frogs lately?” I joked.
“Not today, but maybe next week.” We all laughed, except for Ben, who was quietly staring at me.
Chase returned with a glass of red punch for me.
The DJ turned the music down and tapped his microphone. “Hey everyone, I’m sure you all know that we have a celebrity here tonight.”
Everyone cheered, and Chase grinned.
“He has a surprise for a lucky lady,” the DJ said.
My chest tightened.
Chase squeezed my hand, and hurried to the stage. He took the microphone. “I’d like to sing a special song that I wrote for a special girl, the most beautiful girl in the whole world. She makes the birds sing, and the flowers bloom.”
Liz smiled at me, and rubbed my arm. I gulped, and looked at the floor.
Chase sat at the keyboard that had been placed on the stage. The lights dimmed, apart from a spotlight on him that illuminated his golden hair. He was truly gorgeous. He began singing a whimsical, acoustic song that he wrote for me. Chase Carson had actually written a song about me! This was exactly what I had always wanted. It was called, “My Valentine.” His eyes were locked onto mine through the entire song.
As he sang the last note, you couldn’t hear a pin drop. Everyone paused for a moment, and then the crowd erupted in applause.
“Thank you very much everyone. Let’s party!” Chase yelled excitedly. He made his way back to our group, struggling though the crowd of girls gushing about his song.
“That was beautiful. Thank you so much,” I said.
Chase draped his arm around my shoulders. “Words aren’t enough to express all the feelings I have inside for you. I wish that I could do more to show you how much I love you.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I said nothing.
The music got louder as the party started.
“I love this song.” I said, hearing a classic eighties pop song.
“Shall we?” Chase put out his hand, and beamed his toothpaste commercial smile at me.
“Yes, I’d love to,” I said taking his hand.
I was really enjoying the beat of the song, and I felt like I could finally put my anxiety aside and enjoy myself. But then I looked over at Ben sitting at a table alone. Liz and Nathan were also dancing. My heart sank seeing him all by himself, looking so sad.
“You are such a great dancer, you have amazing rhythm,” Chase gushed.
“Thanks,” I said modestly.
“I’m serious. You could be a pop star.”
“Speaking of pop stars, why is Alicia Spark here?” I stopped dancing, and pointed to the pop princess who had just arrived with her bodyguards, amid screams and flashing cameras.
*****
9. First Kiss
Alicia Spark looked even better in real life than she did on TV and in magazines. She was wearing a
hot pink skin-tight mini dress, with platform shoes, and her long bleached blonde hair surrounded her like a mermaid.
“Wow, it’s like we’re at the Grammy awards. Who else is going to show up, P. Diddy?” I joked.
He just smiled, and then leaned in slowly to kiss me. I didn’t know if I wanted him to kiss me, but I closed my eyes.
“What do you think you’re doing Chase Carson?” Alicia Spark demanded. I opened my eyes and she was standing with her hands on her hips, looking dangerous. Her pair of bodyguards stood behind her, looking even more dangerous.
“Alicia, don’t cause a scene. I was going to tell you. I’m breaking up with you because I’m in love with Phoebe.” He put his arm around my waist like I was his property.
I gulped. She looked me up and down, and I didn’t feel like a star anymore under her scrutiny. I felt like an ordinary 14-year-old girl in her goddess presence.
I thought that she was going to slap one of us, but her eyes filled with tears, and she turned and ran to the ladies’ room.
“I’m glad she took it well,” he said hugging me.
I pulled away stunned. “How can you be so casual? Can you please explain what just happened?”
“Alicia and I have been dating for six months, but my manager makes me keep it a secret so that my fans will still love me. You know, to keep the illusion that I’m single, so my fans can dream about being with me.”
“Alicia is your girlfriend?”
“Ex-girlfriend,” He corrected. “She can never compare to you. You make her look like a Plain Jane.” He was referring to the most gorgeous girl in the world as a “Plain Jane.” His zombie love had started to freak me out.
“Chase, please excuse me for a second, I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll miss you,” he said in a baby voice.
Lovesessed Page 6
