Untitled by LPJunkie

[Kezzie]

Come on! It’ll be fun. You’ll have the best summer of your life, I promise!’<br>
‘I don’t know...’, I mused, walking along feeding myself ice-cream. ‘I mean, what would my parents say? What about the money?’<br>
‘Charlotte you are 21 years old, an adult! You don’t have to ask permission anymore. C’mon...please? I want you to come!’<br>
I sighed, staring at the floor. This was tempting. To spend the summer with your best friend travelling around America? How could I turn it down?

‘OK, OK, but listen,’ I laughed, ‘just hear me out. I’ve just spent a whole year away from home-‘<br>
‘Yeah so a few more months won’t make a difference!’

‘I guess...but the point is...’<br>
‘The point is we end up in England at the end of the summer. So that’s when we drop you off home.’<br>
‘You had this all planned out didn’t you!?’<br>
‘Of course.’<br>
‘Damn you Benjamin!’<br>
‘So is that a yes?’<br>
‘No.’<br>
‘Is that a no?’<br>
‘No.’<br>
‘So that’s a yes?’<br>
I rolled my eyes. He wasn’t going to give up.

‘OK, OK, OK!!! I’ll come! But on one condition.’<br>
‘Anything!’ he laughed as he picked me up and spun me around in the middle of the street, and I could tell he was happy.

‘Down down now! Ice-cream, not good!’ I screamed, hitting his back with my spare hand.

‘I knew you’d say yes!’ he said oblivious to the fact that spinning me around after I’d just eaten 3 scoops was a bad idea.

But I quickly forgot about the state of my stomach as I noticed the bright neon lights of the Venue as we passed it by.

‘Oh shut up,’ I said in disbelief, when I saw it, ‘look at that.’<br>
We both looked up and saw that a local band was headlining there tonight. I could barely contain my scream of delight before Benjamin announced, ‘Sold Out.’<br>
‘What!? Since when did they get so big?’ I wondered out loud. ‘Last time we saw them they were playing to about 50 people!’<br>
‘Why didn’t we know about this is more important,’ he said in doubt.

‘Secret gig,’ someone shouted from the enormous cue outside.

I sighed. Damn and I was in the mood for a gig that night. I felt like being crazy and jumping around.

And then like some freak godsend, a ticket tout walked past, shouting, ‘Tickets! To buy or sell!’<br>
Benjamin looked at me...

That’s why we’re best friends. This was living.

A few hours later...

We were both on a high after that. Both of us running crazily down the street, laughing, and we couldn’t talk fast enough. The thing with Benjamin is that we are so alike. I never though I’d find someone like him. He’s the only one I can do stuff like this with. He’s the only one I can hang out 24/7 with and never worry about what we’re going to do next. He’s the only one I can call at 3 a.m. and not worry about him being angry for me waking him up. He’s the only one who I can be completely honest with about everything. He’s my best friend and I love him.

What’s the point of this story? It’s about my life. And his. And a few other people. It’s about this summer I shared with him. It deserves to be written down. It deserves to be read. It’s about friendship and love and trust and hate and betrayal. And it started when I met Benjamin. But it really started when he asked me to spend the summer with him. Which was June 1st. The day I had finished my year at an American University.

[Kezzie]

I’m English. I live in London. But part of my course was to go abroad to America and spend a year there, fully embracing the culture. And it has been the best year of my life! I spent the year living with two girls, called Leah and Megan, in our little house, in Washington. I didn’t want to go there. I wanted to go to California...but hey. I’m glad I went to Washington instead now. I met Benjamin in the very first week of being there. I guess details of the past year don’t matter much, but that’s my background.

As we reached the porch of my house in the early hours of the morning, we were both in hysterics over the photos I had picked up from the photo place after the show. The film was of me and Benjamin taken the night before when he had tried to teach me how to play a chord on the guitar, and I just couldn’t get the hang of it. But the night was pretty good. He can really use that instrument well.

‘I had fun today Benj. Thanks,’ I said as we went to say goodbye to each other.

‘Me too.’ He smiled at me.

‘Oh! Before I forget, you left your notebooky thing here last night, c’mon in and get it.’<br>
We ran up the stairs, stifling laughs at our attempts to be quiet. We reached my room and I closed the door, not wanting to wake my friends up.

‘Damn I’m gonna miss this room,’ sighed Benjamin, lying on my bed looking around at the colourful walls. Every single space was taken up with posters, photographs, articles, cuttings from magazines that my friend had recently written in...everything. On my desk, my computer was surrounded by collages of photos of my friends and me. I love photographs. I never leave home without a camera.

‘Me too,’ I smiled, feeling kind of sad that I only had a week left here.

‘You better start packing girly. Only a week to go.’<br>
‘Yeah I know’. I let out a big sigh.

‘Come here,’ Benj said, reaching out to me. I sank into his arms. His hugs are the best. I feel so safe when he hugs me. I smiled into his chest.

‘Thanks for asking me to come with you.’

‘I’m glad you’re coming.’<br>
‘Me too.’<br>
‘Hey Charlotte?’<br>
‘Yeah?’<br>
‘What was that condition I had to agree to for you to come?’<br>
I lifted my face up and smiled mischievously.

‘To introduce me to your other best friend.’<br>

[Kezzie]

Chapter 3

So I want to meet Tony Lovato. He’s Benjamin’s other best friend. And it so happens that I overheard a conversation between Benjamin and Tony one time. I was waiting for Benj to come out of a meeting, and when he did come out he was on the phone. Benjamin said to him,

‘Yeah, I’m meeting Charlotte now.’<br>
‘Oh that fuckin’ groupie of yours? Benj get over it.’<br>
I wasn’t impressed. And so. Tony Lovato, of the band Mest, was joining Benjamin’s band on their tour this summer. And I would get to finally meet him.

A week later...at the airport.

‘OK, OK, no it’s OK. Go!’<br>
I sighed. Sometimes I forget Benjamin is in a band. Sometimes I forget his face is recognised worldwide. Sometimes I actually fall into thinking he’s just a normal guy who is my best friend. And then stuff like this happens. He gets people coming up to him, out of nowhere. Some ask for his autograph. Some want their picture taken with him. Some cry. Some insult him to his face. He gets everything that boy. And now, while we’re waiting for two hours because of the delay at the airport, he’s gone over to a bunch of school children who are getting on the same flight as us who are fans.

I admire him you know? If it was me, I’d get so sick of being recognised like he is. I get sick of him being recognised. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that I don’t like fans or anything. Just when you try to even go for a walk, it can take only a minute until someone comes up and interrupts. Shit, I’m in a bad mood.

I’m sad to be leaving Washington. It’s been my home for almost a year. Who knows when I’ll see Megan and Leah again? And what am I doing? I’m jetting off like some...groupie...with Benjamin. I’m not going home to England. I’m not going back to see my Mum and Dad and brother and friends. I’m not going home to spend the summer with them like I should be. I should be getting on a plane back home. Not to Florida. Not to where the tour starts. Not to where a hotel room awaits me. Not to where I have to face Tony Lovato, who by the looks of things hates me, and will be around Benjamin all the time.

I sighed again, looking at my fingernails. Bitten and the skin is peeling around my thumbnails. I should really stop that. It’s a bad habit. I glanced across the floor to the opposite row of seats. A tall blonde woman had just sat down there, and caught my attention. Damn. I bet her nails are perfect, I thought. She was wearing a black trouser suit, every detail attended too. It must have been tailored. It fitted every curve of her body. Her black stiletto boots were supporting her long legs, as she sat like a model. She flicked her perfectly straight hair behind her shoulder before reaching for a cigarette, and a lighter. She lit up. That just ruins the picture I thought. She looked so common now. I must have caught her attention as she gave me a disdainful glance as she cut me up, not bothering to hide her disapproval at what I happened to be wearing.

So I’m going on a plane. I want to be comfortable right? I’m not going to wear boots and a suit. Hell, when do I ever wear that?

I haven’t felt like this in a long while. I hate being alone. I hate feeling like a little kid. I hate feeling like I’m not as good as others. I hate being alone. I hate being alone.

My thumb instinctively went to my mouth and I started chewing on my nail and slumped in the chair I was sitting in. Two hours. Great. I looked behind me at Benjamin and all the school kids. They looked young. Around 11 or 12 years old. I saw the smiles on their faces. Benjamin was kneeling down and talking to a little boy. He had big thick glasses on. His hands looked too big for his little body. His bag looked too heavy for him, like the weight of it would make him fall forwards if he wasn’t careful. He was different. He wasn’t like the rest of those kids. You know when you can tell that stuff? I knew what he needed. He needed someone like Benjamin to help him. He needed someone to tell him that it didn’t matter what he looked like. It didn’t matter what anyone else thought of him. He was his own person. And one day he’d find people like him. Who liked him for who he was. Why am I being such a bitch today, I thought. Benjamin’s helping these people. Benji Madden. From Good Charlotte. That’s what he does. He gives people hope. How can I get annoyed at that? I turned away. So most people’s best friends work in an office. Mine gets to help people like this everyday.

I smiled. Maybe this summer won’t be so bad.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 4

‘Oooooh. This feels good!’ I giggled, throwing myself back onto the hotel room bed.

We’d arrived, around an hour ago. As soon as we had arrived, Benjamin had to go off and do his sound check for tonight. Yeah it starts tonight. His life is so busy, I had no idea. I was shocked when I met him how much he has to do. Sound checks are funny. Well I think they are. I got to go to this one. I got to see Joel and Paul and Chris and Billy again. And best of all I got to see Alex. Alex is the tour manager. He is the funniest guy. Once before, when I went to all the shows Good Charlotte did in Washington, he kept me entertained during all this stuff. When he had the chance. His job is pretty jam packed as well. The guys had sounded good today. I know they are really excited about tonight. To see all their fans having a good time. And best part is I get to watch from the side of the stage. Hah. What was I thinking, this summer is going to be the best ever.

We’d only just got to the hotel. It was part of the arena actually, so it’s like right next-door. Apart from all the fans know this too, and there were millions of them outside! It was crazy.

‘Having a good time?’ Benjamin asked me, lying next to me as we stared up at the ceiling of the room.

‘Yeah. I am,’ I replied, happily. I felt shattered though. How Benjamin could get up and play an energetic show in a few hours I didn’t know.

‘You wana get something to eat?’<br>
‘Yeah, I’m starving actually,’ realising that I hadn’t eaten since this morning. We decided to order some stuff up from the Hotel service. Benjamin had told me that sometimes fans even book themselves into the same hotels, for a chance to meet. This was probably a good idea then.

So we ate. And laughed. And hung out. Like normal. And then it was time to go the venue. To go backstage. Wow that sounds so important. Haha.

As we walked in, I had no idea what to expect. I was pretty scared actually. Benjamin was the only person I knew apart from the other Good Charlotte guys and Alex.

‘Don’t leave me!’ I whispered nervously, looking around at all the people milling around in the big area behind the stage. This was crazy. Benjamin laughed at me, put his arm around me and started explaining what everything was and everything that would happen later tonight. And then suddenly, he was gone.

‘Yo Jeremiah!’ and he was off to talk to a bunch of random guys I had never seen.

Great, thanks Benjamin, I though to myself, feeling totally lost and alone amongst all these people. Everyone seemed to know everyone and everyone had a job to be doing, whereas I was just standing there, looking like an idiot, as usual. I feel more at home in a crowd. In fact I’m starting to wish I was just out there with everyone else, standing, waiting for the band to come on, getting hyped up. Being in a crowd who love the same band as you is the best feeling in the world. Even if you get separated from who you’re with you can strike up conversation with anyone because you’re all here for the same thing.

So here I am. Standing here, suddenly not knowing what to do with my hands, or how I should stand, feeling completely out of place, my stupid cap on at a funny angle, my torn Rancid tee not keeping me warm enough, and my ripped jeans making me trip up. I hate being alone.

‘Hey Charlotte?’<br>
I spun around, too quickly, tripping over the damn jeans again and falling right over myself, in front of all these people.

‘Shit,’ I said under my breath. Ow. Well great Charlotte. Nice first impression. I felt people stare. Yeah that’s it. Go on, I fell over. The jokes on me.

I dared to look up. Ah. I know this guy. He smiled at me, and offered a hand to help me up. I took it, keeping my eyes on the floor. I bit my lip.

‘You OK?’<br>
‘Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Stupid jeans.’<br>
‘You remember me?’<br>
‘Yeah, yeah...you’re...’<br>
Damn. Who was he?

I looked at his face. He looked slightly hurt as I struggled to remember his name.

‘You don’t then...’<br>
‘No, no I do. You’re the guitar tech right?’<br>
He smiled and nodded.

‘I remember you from Washington.’ I said. And I did. I just couldn’t remember his name.

‘Right. You’re Benjamin’s girlfriend aren’t you?’<br>
‘What? Oh no, no. We’re just friends. He asked me to come with him this summer, that’s all.’<br>
‘Ah, ok.’ He smiled at me. OK. This guy is actually freaking me out. Stop looking. Stop.

‘So, I was thinking, maybe...’<br>
‘Uh, would you excuse me for just one second?’ I said hastily, making way to the toilet signs.

Shit. I’m so nasty. Maybe he wasn’t even going to ask me out. I suddenly felt guilty for blowing the guy off like that. I just wasn’t in the mood to make up an excuse for saying no. I’m sure he’s a really nice person...that sounds so cliché. I looked at myself in the mirror. Am I messed up? I looked at the sink. Water was dripping steadily into the basin. The sound echoed around the bathroom. This place was pretty dismal. I looked back into the mirror at myself. I’ve been feeling myself falling into this state of mind a lot recently. I don’t like it. I don’t like these thoughts I think. But as much as I try and stay positive and happy the harder it seems to become. When I’m alone and there’s no-one to keep me sane I turn into this self-centred unsociable weird girl, my thoughts take over me and I can’t pull myself out of it easily. Like now. See? I adjusted my hat. My stupid blonde hair falling messily around my shoulders, with my even stupider bits of pink hair standing out. My mind flicked back to that woman at the airport. I bet she’s never worn a baseball cap at a weird angle. I bet she gave up messing around with hair colour when she was 16. And here I am, 21, with pink bits in my hair. And I think its cool. I pulled some lipstick out of my bag; just checking there was no-one else around. I can’t put on make-up or do my hair when anyone else is around. I always feel too embarrassed. I put some on. What’s the point? If all I’m ever going to do is run away when a guy talks to me, why should I even bother trying to look nice? The sound of someone walking in made me jump and I quickly stepped away from the mirror, fumbling with something in my bag. I didn’t even look at who it was, and walked out, letting the door bang behind me.

Here we are again. Back where I started. My eyes shiftily moved around the room looking for Benjamin desperately. I needed him to tell me it was OK. That nothing mattered except I was who I was and he loved me for it.

‘Hey!’<br>
I spun around, more gracefully this time, and thank god, it was him.

‘Benj, I need to...’ my words were cut off as I saw who he was with.

Aha. Tony Lovato. Damn him. Why now?

‘Charlotte, this is Tony. Tony, this is Charlotte.’<br>
I expected him to say hi. But no. All he could do was look at me. It made me uncomfortable. What is it with guys today?

‘Hey,’ I said coldly. I really wasn’t in the mood for this.

‘Hi...’ he said in barely more than a whisper.

OK. Am I missing something? The guy is shy. I smiled in spite of myself. Not so big and mouthy now are you? Wana call me a groupie now? Whatever.

‘Benj, I really need to...’ I faltered. Why is he still standing here? I can feel his eyes on me.

Benjamin must have noticed the desperate look in my eyes because he said, ‘Later,’ to Tony, who didn’t seem to notice, and took my hand and walked me over to a corner of this place.

‘Benjamin, I, just.’ I felt the tears welling up in my eyes.

‘I feel like I hate myself.’<br>
He looked at me, he nodded, and he knew. He hugged me tight. That was what I needed. Just to feel loved. Just to know he cared. Just to be with my best friend.

He pulled away.

‘You fell over. It doesn’t matter. People fall over every day.’<br>
I smiled through my tears. He doesn’t miss anything. He knows me too well. He smiled at me.

‘Charlotte! I leave you for 5 minutes, and look what happens! You are more of a liability than I thought!’<br>
I laughed, and wiped my eyes.

‘I’m sorry...I just. God, I can’t help it Benj. I don’t know what it is.’<br>
‘I know. I know. It’s OK. I promise. I’m not going to leave you.’<br>
‘No, no, I’m just being a kid. It was just all these people I don’t know, and then your guitar tech started talking to me, and I just freaked. I’m sorry.’<br>
‘You don’t have to be sorry! Ah Charlotte, you are so classic. I love you girl!’<br>
Happy feelings. Happy feelings. Benjamin’s the one who saves me each time. I don’t know what I’d do without him.

‘So what do you think of Tony?’<br>
‘Well...he doesn’t talk much does he?’<br>
Benjamin laughed. I looked over at him. He was staring right at me! I quickly looked back at Benjamin.

‘I don’t know what’s wrong with him. You normally can’t shut him up.’<br>
I shook my head. Tonight had been weird enough. I didn’t have the energy to think about anything much other than looking forward to seeing Benjamin on stage tonight.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 5

I lay back on my bed. 2 a.m. Whoa. I had a lot to think about. Firstly I was scared about myself. Second, I was on a high from the show tonight. It was amazing. The best I’ve ever seen them play. They were just, so, they do what they do so well. I’ll never ever get tired of seeing them play. Whatever anyone says they can’t deny that Good Charlotte play a fun, entertaining energetic show. I smiled. And then I thought back to myself.

I’d cried because I’d fallen over. What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe my period is coming. God I hope so. Otherwise there’s nothing else to blame it on. I’m not normally this bad.

I laughed out loud. I think too much. Today was messed up. I’m tired. That was nothing. I was being stupid.

Tomorrow would be better. I knew it. I went to sleep with a smile on my face, thinking about when they had played my favourite song. Benjamin had run over to the side of the stage I was standing, and smiled at me. It meant everything!

Tomorrow morning....

Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiiing.

I woke up with a start, and picked up the phone.

‘Hello?’ I managed.

‘Hey!! Come on, wake up! I’ll be around in 5 minutes.’<br>
‘Benjamin!!!!! It’s 8 a.m. Please let the girl sleep!’<br>
‘I’m hanging up now Charlotte!’<br>
I looked at the phone in disbelief. I hate it when he does that!

I breathed deeply and stretched. I smiled when I remembered I would get to see the show again tonight. And the next. And the next!!

I jumped out of bed with more energy than usual and turned the TV onto MTV.

I danced around, deciding what to wear today. Mmmm.

Today is a good day! No more acting like a fragile insecure i-need-therapy person, this is about enjoying my summer with my best friend.

‘I’ll stop the world and melt with you!’ I sang too loudly, screaming when the door opened and in walked Benjamin with no other than Tony.

Oops. I was singing along to Mest. I laughed inwardly, suppressing a giggle when I saw Tony’s face.

So what I was still in my underwear. He shouldn’t come into my room this early in the morning should he!

He doesn’t know where to look! I’m really seeing the funny side of this today.

‘Hey,’ I said brightly, looking at Benjamin, who looked like he wanted to laugh too.

‘Hey Tony.’ I said, daring him to look me in the eye. Ooh. Result.

‘Hi.’<br>
This is so funny! He can’t do it for more than a second! What is wrong with him!?

‘I’ll catch you later Benj.’ He muttered and made a swift exit.

‘Dude, what’s in his pants?’ I burst out, running to hug Benjamin.

‘You!’ he laughed back. I gave him a quizzical look.

‘He thinks I’m a groupie. And he’s scared of girls in underwear, obviously.’<br>
Benjamin shook his head and smiled.

‘I gotcha breakfast. Although I have to say, this scrambled egg does look kind of dodgy.’<br>
‘What the hell, I’m starving,’ I said, sitting down and stuffing it down my throat.

‘Feeling better I take it?’<br>
I slowed down.

‘Yeah. I am. Thanks Benj. For yesterday.’ I smiled gratefully.

‘No problems chica.’ He leant over to the plate with a fork, smelt it and decided against it.

‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you,’ he chuckled, going for the toast instead.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 6

‘So, it’d be really cool if you came and watched...’<br>
‘Sure. I mean, if you want me to.’<br>
‘Yeah, yeah, I’d like you to be there.’<br>
‘OK.’ I smiled. That did it. I just have to smile at Tony Lovato for him to run away like I’m about to kill him.

He asked me to watch him play his set tonight. I’ve given up trying to figure this guy out. I really do not get guys.

I’m feeling so happy tonight. My other best friend, yes I have another one, who I hasten to add, is not as weird as Tony, and lives in Arizona, called me today. Every time I had a break or a holiday during the University term I’d be with either Benjamin or Bri. Me and Bri met the on the internet would you believe. On a message board. Weird or what?

We talked for around 3 years before we actually got to meet. But we get on like nothing else. I love her so much. She’s got me through so much shit. You have no idea. She’s always there for me. It felt like I hadn’t spoken to her for ages, seeing as she’s been away on holiday as well. She just got back today and when she called it was like the best thing that could have happened!
Anyway, when this tour stops off in Arizona, we’re going to meet up for sure. I want to persuade Benjamin to let her come for the rest of the summer! The funny thing is they’ve never met. I want them too. I know they’d get on. Better than I get on with Tony that is.

Benj promised me I’d get on really well with Tony. As it turns out I haven’t had more than a minutes conversation with him. And it’s not me! It’s him, I promise you. I’m really not being anti-social. I think I scare him. And I just don’t know why!

Well he’s asked me to watch his set tonight. I guess that’s a start.

I’m sitting on a sofa, in a random room backstage. This place is like a maze. I’ve got over my stupid insecure night. And guess what? I was right. It was my period. Oh the timing.

I sipped at my drink, smiling to myself. I couldn’t help it. Whenever I thought about Tony and his weirdness it made me laugh. He was so different to what I expected! I thought he would be this loud mouth smart-ass who held a grudge against me. But no, he’s quiet, shy and he can’t talk for more than a minute. Never judge a book by its cover. Haha. Oops. People are looking at me now, hehe.

‘Hey Charlotte! Mest are up! Tony wanted me to find you!’<br>
I greeted Steve enthusiastically. He was doing a great job. Hardly any glitches so far!

He led me to the side of the stage. Mest were going on in 2 minutes.

Tony rushed up, his hair sticking out in all directions, and breathlessly he said,

‘Hey, listen, I just was thinking – ‘<br>
‘TONY!’<br>
He got cut off.

He looked around distractedly.

‘I-‘<br>
‘TONY! Come ON!’<br>
‘I’ll see you after the show,’ he said hurriedly and ran off to where he was supposed to be.

What? What was he trying to say? I looked around nervously. No one seemed to be looking at me.

I rolled my eyes.

Guys are weird.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 7

Mest played good. In fact they played really good. When Tony gets on stage I see a different side of him. He’s a real performer. And they sounded so good! They were awesome. I’m glad I saw it tonight.

When they came off stage, Tony looked over at me, and smiled. A big childish grin. I could tell he was happy! He was on a high and I didn’t blame him. The crowd were loving Mest. And Tony loved them too.

So tonight is a pretty significant part in my story that I’m relating to you. Tonight was the night when I first saw Tony Lovato in a different light.
After the night was over, I was walking back to my hotel room. I was walking with Benjamin and after we said night, and he’d gone to his room, I started to walk along the corridor to my room.

As I was walking, I suddenly felt really sick. Whoa. I paused and leaned against the wall. I bit my lip, trying to distract myself from the nausea I was experiencing. It subsided a bit, and I carried on walking. I reached my room, and slid the card in the door and opened it.

I didn’t even make it inside the door before I fell down onto the ground because my world had suddenly turned upside down and everything was spinning. The overwhelming sick feeling swept through me again and I knew I wasn’t going to make it to the bathroom before I retched. I felt my eyes roll back as I gasped for breath.

Just as I thought I was going to pass out, I felt a pair of arms lift me up and half carry half drag me to the bathroom, just in time, before I threw up what felt like my whole stomach into the toilet. I knew this person, I was just too sick to care who it was. They pulled my hair back off my face and tied it back, as I threw up again and again, feeling my stomach heave. Shit I haven’t been sick like this for years. I gasped for breath, and slumped against the bathroom wall, my eyes closed, trying to recover from whatever had just happened to me. I looked up at Tony, and I saw concern in his eyes. I stared at him, not wanting to look away. He knelt down next to me, and was about to stretch out his hand to feel my forehead, before I leaned forward and heaved again. He backed away, before flushing the toilet once again.

‘God, Tony, I’m sorry,’ I whispered.

His black t-shirt was messed up, with my vomit.

‘I’m so sorry.’ Feeling embarrassed like never before, but to weak to even move.

He smiled, obviously not a person who can’t stand someone being sick. Man he’d just witnessed me empty my stomach out in front of him.

‘Hey, it’s OK, don’t worry, I don’t care. Are you OK? Fuck, you look pretty sick.’ He said, taking off the t-shirt that I’d dirtied. He threw it in the bath and ran the tap, cleaning it off as best he could.

‘You don’t have to touch it...you can just throw it away.’ I said.

He laughed again.

‘Don’t worry. I will throw it away. It’s to get rid of the smell before I do.’<br>
Oops. Shit. I must seem so dumb. Like he would keep a stupid t-shirt that I threw up on.

‘But listen,’ he said, coming over to me, ‘seriously, are you OK? You think you’re going to be sick anymore?’<br>
I shook my head.

‘Nah. I feel pretty empty.’<br>
‘Good. What the hell was that? You been drinking too much tonight? It’s a good job I came along’<br>
I shook my head again.

‘I don’t drink. I don’t know what the hell that was.’<br>
‘C’mon, lets get you sorted out.’<br>
He leaned down, and helped me up. I was mildly surprised at how strong he was as he lifted me up.

‘You have any night clothes?’<br>
I nodded, and pointed to my bed where my PJs were laid out. I couldn’t even muster the strength to answer him with words.

‘Um, well, you get changed. Chuck your clothes in the bath as well. You gonna be OK? If you get dizzy or feel sick again just shout. I’ll be here.’<br>
I smiled weakly, and closed the bathroom door. What was he doing here anyway? I dreaded to think what would have happened if he hadn’t come along. He knew what to do straight away. I peered into the mirror and looked at myself. Erch. I did look ill. My skin was white. I got changed slowly, and all I wanted was my bed.

I came out, and crawled into my bed. Tony sat down beside me.

‘Now are you going to be OK?’<br>
‘Yeah, I just, I think I need to sleep.’<br>
‘Yeah you do. You look tired. And I’m not surprised. Just take care OK? You need anything?’<br>
‘No. I think I’ll be OK. But Tony, thanks. A lot.’<br>
I smiled at him. He smiled back.

‘Um, Charlotte, do you think, maybe, we-‘<br>
‘Charlotte!? Are you OK?’<br>
A bleary eyed Benjamin ran into the room. Tony stood up hastily. It looked rather suspicious actually. He was wearing no shirt.

‘Yeah, yeah...let him explain.’<br>
‘She’s been pretty sick dude. I came here to give her her bag that she left in the bar, and she was on the floor. I think she’s OK now though, right?’<br>
I smiled and nodded.

Let me sleep you people! Go away!

‘It’s just I heard these awful noises and I just didn’t know where it was coming from!’<br>
Thanks Benj. That’s made me feel better.

He carried on talking; I didn’t know what he rambling on about. He’s half asleep anyway. He gets like this. Never wake him up in the middle of the night. Get on with it Benj.

‘Listen, come on, me and Tony should really go.’ You think?

‘Get some sleep.’ Yes we established that.

‘And I’ll come see you in the morning. Phone me if you need me ok? You want me to stay with you?’<br>
‘Benjamin I’m OK! Now go! Let me sleep! Please!’<br>
Tony smiled at me, and patted Benjamin on the back.

‘Let’s go dude.’<br>
‘I told you the eggs were dodgy!’<br>
Damn. He’s right.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 8

Tony asked me out the very next day. Quietly. But with no hint of shyness. I think that after the night I was ill any misconceptions he had had about my character had been washed away. No embarrassment. No stammering. It felt like it was supposed to happen and it did at exactly the right moment. It was perfect.

I was sitting at a table, eating some lunch. We had arrived in Atlanta some hours before and I needed food in me. Tony came and sat down. Didn’t bother with the small talk. Didn’t try and say anything else but what he wanted to.

‘Charlotte, would you go out with me tonight?’<br>
Tonight was one of the nights off. There was no gig to be played. No magazines to be interviewed by. No radio stations or television programmes to appear on. No obligations. Just a night. Just a night where Tony and I could spend time alone together and discover who we really were.

The waves of nervousness rippled through my body as I got ready. I wasn’t nervous. No. More excited. To actually have time to find out what the real Tony was like. We were going to a local fair. To just chill out and have some fun. Sounded ideal to me. I was looking forward to it.

He took me on the dodgems. He laughed at how bad a driver I was.

He shot down 3 cans to win me a huge teddy bear.

He held my hand like we were in high school. Two fourteen year olds walking around on their first date, feeling slightly giddy from the knowledge that you found someone who you just know has the same ideals as you do.

He bought me chips and was sorry because they didn’t sell vegetarian burgers.

He made the guy behind the counter give me a burger bun filled with salad because he wanted me to eat properly.

When I got cold he put his arm around me and pulled me closer as we sat on the big Ferris wheel.

I wondered how so much bad stuff could go on in this world, when it is so beautiful. It looked so beautiful from where I was.
How could anyone ever do anything bad, when you could be in a state like I was?

I was lifted high off the ground when I went on that wheel. But it felt like my spirits were too, because when I was with Tony everything in my head felt lighter than it did before. My heart...my heart didn’t feel heavy. It felt full. Full of emotions that I was feeling.

The world was so pretty. It was dark, but the sky, although it was black, had stars sprinkled everywhere, so that it looked like some wonderful being had decorated it for us. For people living on earth so that we didn’t have to worry about bad things happening when no one could see.

The stars were there to protect and guide us. They were on our side.

The twinkling city lights laughed back at the stars, saying, we can do it too. But nothing could touch the stars that night. The stars new that their light was more genuine, more trustworthy.

The light wind brushed back my hair from my face as I smiled at Tony. This was one of those moments that you never forget. Even when you get old and grey and you can’t remember what the day is, or what year we are in, you will remember that feeling you get when you experience intense feelings of passion for someone. I felt delirious and scared at the same time. Moments like this deserve to be written down. No words could ever describe it, but even so, it is worth a try.

I was scared that one day I would forget the feelings that invaded me in that moment we shared sitting there on that ride. But even now, if I concentrate I can remember how the wind touched both of us, making our eyes slightly water and our noses tingle. I remember the look Tony had on his face as he smiled back.

How there was no need for words. Words were needless in that moment. They were needless because when you look into someone’s face and they are feeling exactly what you are feeling all you want is to hold onto the feeling and never ever let go because it is the best thing you’ll ever, ever have, and you get scared that you’ll lose it.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 9

After the fair had closed, we were walking slowly back to the hotel, both of us not wanting the night to end. We passed a brightly lit coffee shop, full of people chatting, gossiping, whatever they do.

‘You wana grab a coffee?’<br>
‘Mmmm. Nah,’ I said.

There were too many people. I didn’t feel like being around other people. I just wanted to be alone with Tony. No one else.

Soon we walked past the entrance to a park. The wide path sloping slightly downwards. The old fashioned street lamps lit the path dimly. We felt ourselves walk in without saying anything. It was so beautiful...

We walked, arm in arm, wondering at how wonderful nature was, if you just took the time to appreciate it. The tall old trees stood strong and silent, with a slight breeze making their leaves rustle gently. The night creatures making their noises, everything made it feel like we were in a completely different world. It was so far away from the loud, dangerous life that we knew. It was like a haven away from everything that was wrong.

We found a bench to sit down on. We talked about each other...about our families, our friends, our lives...

When I was talking to Tony, I felt so comfortable that I found myself telling him about things that I’d almost forgotten I felt because I had kept them inside so long. We were talking about our high school days...and everything that had happened since. He asked me how I felt about them.

‘Sometimes...not much anymore...but sometimes, I used to feel like I was fading away and that if I let go for just one second everything I knew and everyone who meant something to me would fall away and that would be it. It would be gone forever. And I used to concentrate on holding on so much, that I seemed to isolate myself from everyone even more. I used to feel like nothing I did ever changed anything. Nothing I did helped me to change what I was. Because sometimes I hated who I was. Sometimes I felt like there was something really wrong with me. I didn’t feel normal. I didn’t fit. Other times I felt like I did like myself, it was just other people. But then I thought...if no-one likes me then it must be me.

I was in a vicious cycle of thoughts. Thoughts that directed hate onto me and onto other people at the same time. And no matter how hard I tried to get away I couldn’t. Because my life was still here.’<br>
I stopped suddenly, realising that I had just poured forth a stream of thoughts and feelings that Tony probably didn’t even want to hear. I felt my head spin and a tear squeezed its way out of my right eye much to my horror. What had I just said!? Where did it all come from? I stared at my hands, concentrating on not crying. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Tony. What must he be thinking??

[Kezzie]

Chapter 10

‘It’s OK, it’s OK, come here.’<br>
He pulled me into a tight hug and didn’t let go. I let myself relax for the first time in a long while, completely surrendering myself in his arms. He carried on because he knew what it was like to feel like I did.

‘It won’t ever happen again. You won’t ever feel like that again. I promise.’<br>
We walked back to the hotel in the early hours of the morning. Tony had made me feel like I could confide in him completely and honestly. I had no reservations from him.

And it had all happened in one night.

He took me to my hotel room and we stood outside. He still held my hand in his. He turned to face me. He smiled at him, kind of shyly. I so desperately wanted to thank him.

Nothing came out. But I felt my heart beating, pounding against my chest. I felt my eyelids flutter, as my eyes didn’t know where to look. He looked at me, with a small smile on his face. My hand still in his.

He leaned forward, and I felt his cheek brush mine, as he placed a single kiss on my right cheek. I closed my eyes and breathed in as he did so. He was perfect.

‘Thank you,’ I whispered, his face still close to mine.

I felt my arms reach out to his neck as I hugged him. That was my way, my language of saying, I like you.

He smiled at me.

‘Bye.’<br>
‘Bye,’ I whispered again. I opened the door, and looked behind my shoulder at him walking away.

I laid back on my bed, my head full of nothing but the evening I had just spent!

I felt like this was what it meant to be on a natural high. I hadn’t felt like this is such a long time. I felt like everything was right at last.

For the one and only time in my life did I feel that I had met someone who had the mutual liking and respect for me. I had always, always had a fear of being inadequate, and I had always been scared of someone not liking me back as much as I liked them.

But this didn’t even cross my mind once. Me and Tony had connected in some strange weird way and all I knew was that he did feel the same, and it was amazing.

I fell asleep with a happy smile on my face. Finally feeling that I had met someone who was right. Someone who could love me.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 11

Riiiiiiiiiiiing. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing.

I woke up with a jolt.

‘Hello?’<br>
‘It’s me!’<br>
‘Bri!!! Babe! How are you!?’<br>
‘Good! How are you?’<br>
‘Yeah I’m good too! So much has happened!’<br>
‘Yeah?’<br>
‘Yeah!! You gotta come join us, you have to! I’m having such a blast, I just need you here! I miss you so much! And there are no females at all! I’m so alone!’<br>
‘Aww sweetie! I feel for you!’<br>
‘You should! Listen Bri, please come, I’m serious...’<br>
‘Charlotte...I don’t think....’<br>
‘No! No! No excuses. I won’t let you say no!’<br>
‘Say no to who? I thought I was the only person who couldn’t say no to you!’<br>
‘Benj! Hold up!’<br>
‘Sorry Bri, but listen, you don’t have to worry about money or anything like that, just get your ass here before I come over to you and drag you myself!’<br>
‘OK! OK! I’ll come!’<br>
‘Thank you!! I love you girl!!’<br>
I felt soooo happy. I was going to be with my two best friends and Tony for the rest of the summer...it couldn’t be better. I sorted out with Bri all the arrangements and she was coming the next day! My feelings of happiness couldn’t be suppressed and I found myself dancing crazily around my hotel room with Benj both us acting like crazy people.

We flopped exhaustedly onto the bed.

‘Whoa. I can’t believe I finally get to meet Bri. This is weird. I kind of feel nervous.’<br>
I hit Benjamin playfully on the arm.

‘Nervous?! Of what? She’s the loveliest person I know!’<br>
‘I thought I was!’<br>
‘Haha well apart from you. Seriously, you’ll love her, I promise.’<br>
Benjamin sighed undecidedly.

‘Yeah...but what if I don’t match up to her, like she’s a better friend to you than I am or something...’he muttered, fumbling with a lip ring.

‘Benj!! You are being more foolish than usual dude! She’s Bri. You’re Benji.’<br>
‘Well done.’<br>
‘Shut up! What I mean is...you’re both my best friends. You’re both the best people that are alive in this world and I love you both.’<br>
He smiled finally.

‘Oh hey speaking of that, how did last night go?’<br>
I blushed.

‘Ohhh!! Come on, tell me the details!’<br>
‘There’s nothing to tell!’<br>
‘Charlotte!’<br>
He poked me in the stomach, making me curl up and hide my face in the duvet covers.

He started tickling me in all the spots that make me weak and before I knew it I was a giggling wreck and he pinned me down on the bed, his nose almost touching mine.

‘Tell me, or I’ll carry on,’ he threatened laughing.

There was a noise at the door,

‘Ohhh I see what’s going on, Benj making a move here huh?’<br>
I laughed and hastily covered my mouth. Benj rolled over and looked guiltily at Tony.

‘Hey bro,’ said Benjamin, not being able to resist poking me one more time.

I knelt up and put my hands on his shoulders, resting my chin on his head.

‘Benjamin is terrorising me Tony!’<br>
‘Hmm I saw,’ smiled Tony, his face lighting up as I smiled back at him.

I so badly wanted to go over there and hug him but it felt too weird, even more so with Benjamin there. For a second I wondered if last night had just been a dream.

‘So whatsup guys?’ asked Tony, standing there, looking slightly awkward.

‘Well I just spoke to my friend Bri, she’s joining us tomorrow!’<br>
‘Yeah, the infamous Bri who Charlotte loves more than me!’<br>
I smiled mischievously at Benj. I laughed and Tony smiled at me again. He’s so beautiful when he smiles!

I smiled back, then looked at Benjamin, who seemed to be oblivious to the slightly awkward atmosphere in the room.

Tony looked at his feet.

I urged Benjamin to get the hint and go away for a while but he was now watching MTV, engrossed in the video that was playing.

Tony looked up at me again and I bit my lip, trying to tell him sorry.

‘Well I guess I’ll see you later then...’<br>
I glanced at Benjamin again. No movement.

‘Yeah. Bye.’<br>
He turned and walked out, and my heart sank. Damn damn damn! I just wanted to talk to Tony for a minute but with Benjamin there it was too weird...way too weird.

‘Hey where’d Tony go?’ he asked when the video was over.

I rolled my eyes.

‘He went.’<br>
‘Oh.’<br>
I rolled my eyes again.

‘What!?’<br>
‘Nothing, nothing.’ I laughed.

‘Now leave me alone I wana get dressed in peace!’<br>
‘Fine fine, I know where I’m not wanted! See you later girl.’<br>
He blew me a kiss and left.

I sat back on my bed. I would speak to Tony later.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 12

‘Bri! I can’t believe you are finally here!’<br>
I hugged her tightly, and I really couldn’t believe she was here.

‘You look so good!’ I exclaimed as I noticed how tanned she was, and how her new tattoos highlighted her body so well! I felt so happy!

‘So do you! You look really really well.’<br>
That day Bri and me got a taxi back to where we were staying. Benjamin and Tony were both doing different interviews and stuff like that for the rest of the day so we had the time to spend to ourselves and just chat about everything! We had missed each other soo much in the time that we had been away from each other, but by the time we had finished it was like we had never been apart from each other!

‘So Bri, tonight, the guys have to play their show, but Benjamin was thinking, maybe we could go out afterwards? I mean if you aren’t too tired from travelling and stuff? Maybe just to go get a bite to eat, maybe something more if you feel up to it?’<br>
‘Yeah! Sure! I can’t wait to meet Benji!’<br>
‘I know! You’ll love him!’<br>
‘Well if you do, then I’m sure I will!’<br>
‘You will. Definately.’

I turned and smiled to myself, letting myself dare to think about what I hoped would happen with Bri and Benjamin. I mean it made perfect sense. They were both the nicest, bestest people that I knew. They were both single. They both needed someone. No matter what they thought they needed, I knew both of them better than anyone and I knew what they needed better than they knew themselves. They would be perfect for each other, if only they could see it too!

Bri was having a shower when Tony came and knocked at my door. I let him in and I knew something was wrong.

‘Are you OK?’ I asked, my heart sinking, wondering what he was thinking.

‘Yeah, well, no not really.’

He let out a heart breaking sigh that made me want to do anything I could to make him feel better. But at the back of my mind I couldn’t help but think if I was the problem...

‘What’s wrong?’ I said, biting my lip.

‘Well, it’s just...it’s, I don’t know how to say this without sounding stupid, but it’s got me down today and I know it will in the future.’<br>
‘Go on.’<br>
‘OK, so when I saw you with Benj today...it was like I couldn’t even say hi properly because he was there and it felt awkward. I felt like he’s more entitled to you than I am, when all I wanted to do was hug you. I’m starting to feel like it’s competition to get your attention and I’m the loser to Benj.’<br>
He stared at the floor.

My heart felt a million times lighter as I realised that I wasn’t the problem. It was Benjamin.

‘Oh Tony, I know, I saw how weird it was today as well...But you’ve got to understand that there is no competition. I mean I know Benjamin and me are best friends but of course I was going to get another guy in my life some time...it just happened to be you. I know it feels like a problem now but I think its kind of a blessing that you are Benjamin are best friends too...because you already know each other and, I don’t know. We just have to work at it. I mean he knows that we went out the other night right?’<br>
‘Yeah.’<br>
‘It’ll work itself out. I know it will be hard at first but we just gotta take each day as it comes.’<br>
He smiled at me again. That smile. I feel like I have butterflies in my stomach when he smiles at me like that. I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world to have someone look at me like that. I forget everything around me and I just want to hold on to the look he has on his face and the way his eyes look into mine without any trace of his former shyness. Why can’t we record moments like this and save them because they are so special!

‘Come here,’ he said and I ran to give him a hug. I leant my head against his chest and felt his heart beat, so steady and comforting. I felt the warmth of his body on my cheek and closed my eyes so that I could concentrate on this feeling completely. I didn’t want to let go. He wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly, pulling me closer and closer to him. I felt him hide his face into the side of my neck and I felt his skin against mine as he breathed in deeply. I breathed out not wanting to disturb this moment of complete happiness and peace, knowing that it could go as soon as it had come.

‘Oh, woah, I am sorry!’<br>
I felt Tony lift up his head with a jolt and I turned around to see Bri, half naked wrapped in a towel with her hair dripping wet. She turned to go back into the bathroom, before I said,

‘No Bri, wait! I want you to meet someone!’<br>
She gave me a look with her eyes that I know to interpret as ‘Hey, who’s this?!’<br>
‘Bri, this is Tony, Tony this is my other best friend Bri.’<br>
‘Nice to meet you,’ said Bri, smiling cheekily at Tony. ‘Sorry to interrupt you two.’<br>
‘It’s OK,’ smiled Tony back. ‘It’s nice to meet you as well.’<br>
I was finding the funny side of this incredibly funny, what can I say, I’m easily amused.

‘Listen, I better go, I have to go get ready for tonight. But I’ll see you two later then?’<br>
‘Yeah, see you later Tony.’<br>
Tony took my hand and smiled at me. That was all I needed to be sent into ecstasy again. He left the room.

Bri let out something between a squeal a scream and yell and pounced on me before I could do anything to escape!
‘So that’s Tony!?’<br>
I giggled as she started to tickle me. Now why do people do that to me? Am I that much of an easy target?!

‘Yes, yes that’s Tony!’ I gasped, unable to even retaliate back as I struggled for breath.

‘So apart from the fact you failed to mention that you went on a date with Tony, the Tony, the Tony Lovato from Mest, you also left out the part that he is completely and utterly besotted with you!’ squealed Bri, yes it was a squeal, there’s no other word to describe the sound she made.

‘I’m sorry! I’m sorry!’ I laughed as she carried on tickling me, honestly she’s as bad as Benjamin. I’d like to see the two of them have a tickling match, they are almost as good as each other!

‘Whoa, am I interrupting something?’ said Benjamin cheekily as he came into out room and saw Bri on top of me.

I rolled my eyes and sat up as Bri laughed.

‘Honestly, do you people ever care to knock!?’ I shouted at Benjamin.

‘Ohh, so I was interrupting something then!’<br>
I laughed, and Bri stood hastily up, but as she did, her towel slipped to her waist. Benjamin stared in complete shock, as I burst out laughing and ran to Bri, putting my arm around her and helped her back up with the towel.

‘Hey Benj stop staring dude!’ I half snorted half laughed as he couldn’t tear his eyes away. We turned and had out backs to him as I looked at Bri’s hysterical face I knew it wouldn’t be long until we both collapsed into out of control laughter and wouldn’t be able to stop for a very long time.

I shook my head, doing my best to keep laughter inside of me. We turned around, doing everything we could to hold it in.

‘So, Benjamin, I’d like you to meet Bri...’

[Kezzie]

Chapter 13

That day was one of the best days I can remember. After the show the four of us went out to a small café hidden away in some side street and ordered doughnuts and hot chocolates and just hung out like young people do. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was like we all had known each other the whole of our lives by the end of it. We were talking about music mostly, about all the different bands that we loved. Benjamin and Bri were arguing over which Rancid CD was the best, me and Tony were discovering that we’d been to the same gigs this last year without even knowing it, we were all reminiscing about previous shows that we’d been together, like the time when me and Bri saw Rancid in Phoenix last Christmas, and we’d both walked past Lars without realising it was him, then both of us doing double takes at exactly the same time, turning around with our mouths open. I still had the photo of the three of us in my purse, me and Bri both looking stunned, with Lars in between us patting both our heads, laughing at us.

Benjamin and Tony showed us the rings that they both wore on their little fingers that they had given each other one Christmas, that said brothers on the inside. Me and Bri showed them our pink and black star tattoos on our ankles which were a mark of us being sisters! Me and Benjamin showed them our tiny little stars that we had on our wrists that we got done in March.

It was like some big bonding session, it was so much fun, we were all being crazy and hyper after we had eaten all that sugar, and it got rowdy when we started playing truth or dare, spinning around a bottle of ketchup, which when Bri spun a little too hard flew of the table and splurged all over the counter! Well after that we didn’t stay much longer, me and Bri getting tangled up in between Tony and Benjamin when we tried to jump over them in the booth. It was so funny! We couldn’t stop laughing and the angry guy who was shouting at us just made us laugh harder.

When we got outside me and Bri had to hold each other up, we get like that when we find something funny...

Benjamin and Tony were cracking themselves up too, leaning against the wall. I got out my camera and started taking pictures of everyone, and the four of us huddled together as I held the camera out to take pictures of all of us. I love those pictures, we all have the goofiest grins on our face, and we all look so happy...

Benjamin took the camera off me and got some shots of me and Tony. I don’t know why but after that it was like me and Tony had no reservations with Benjamin anymore. By taking those pictures of me and Tony it was like he was acknowledging the fact that me and Tony had a relationship of our own and we were able to act completely normally in front of him.

As we were talking a walk back to the hotel, me and Tony fell behind Bri and Benjamin and I found myself whispering to Tony about how I thought they would hit it off really well. Well after Tony has an idea in his head he won’t leave it! We started spying on the two of them walking in front us. Tony is so funny! He was tip toeing as if we had to conceal that we were even there! He was cracking me up so much that in the end Benjamin turned around and shouted,

‘What is so funny!?’<br>
‘Nothing, nothing dude! Chill,’ grinned Tony, grabbing me and tickling my sides.

He put his arm around me as I whispered into his ear how much fun I had tonight. He drew closer and kissed the top of my head. I smiled and we looked at Benjamin and Bri.

‘You think?’ I asked Tony, looking up at him.

‘Definiately,’ he replied laughing.

[Kezzie]

Chapter 14

The next morning, Bri was up and taking a shower early, whilst I was still sleeping. Benjamin came in, looking like he just woke up, and crawled into the other end of my bed and groaned as he went to lie down and his head hit the wooden bed end. I giggled as he rubbed his head and looked at me blearily.

‘You have fun last night?’<br>
A croaky ‘Mmm’ was all he could manage!

Within a few minutes, he was dozing off again, and I noticed his mouth open as he did...

‘Nooooo Benjamin!!!’ I yelled and kicked my feet out, waking him up before he drooled over my duvet.

‘What was that for!’<br>
‘To stop you drooling!’<br>
‘I don’t drool!’<br>
‘Yes, yes you do! Now get out my bed before I kick your ass!’<br>
He stumbled over to the chair instead and kept throwing me evil glances. I laughed and wrapped my duvet around me and sat up.

‘So how do you like Bri?’<br>
‘So how do you like Tony?’<br>
‘Benj! You know how I like Tony!’<br>
‘Oh like that is it!?’<br>
‘Yes it is! Now shut up and answer my question!’<br>
‘She’s cool,’ he said hiding his face in his hands.

‘Oh cool is it?’<br>
‘Yesh.’<br>
I bit my lip holding back the giggle that was threatening to escape. I knew exactly what Benjamin thought of Bri. It was so obvious. Ever since that first impression I knew what the out come would be. Inside I felt really like I was about to explode.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing ring

‘Hello?’<br>
‘Hey, it’s Tony, how are you doing?’<br>
‘Oh hey!! I’m OK, you?’<br>
‘I’m good, really good, but I’ll be even better if you say that you’ll have dinner with me tonight...’<br>
I felt my heart skip a beat...’Of course I will!’<br>
‘Great,’ I could hear the smile in his voice.

‘Oh but...wait. What about Bri? I can’t leave her already...’<br>
I saw Benjamin sit up straight over in his chair. I smiled.

‘Hang on a sec,’ I said to Tony. ‘Benj? Something you wana say?’<br>
I could see him think furiously, wondering how to word what he wanted to say.

‘OK, yeah, I was gonna say...if Bri will do it, I’ll take her out tonight...’<br>
‘And, thank you, I think she will!’ said Bri, as her head popped around the bathroom door.

Poor Benjamin’s face grew redder than I’ve ever seen it, and once again he didn’t know where to look!

‘It’s sorted!’ I said happily to Tony.

‘OK, well I was thinking La Premiere Piestra, sound good?’<br>
I’d never even heard of it, but I readily agreed, I didn’t care where we were going as long as we were together.

‘Well I have all this damn media stuff to do today, so I guess I won’t see you till tonight...I’ll meet you in the foyer at 8?’<br>‘Yeah OK! I’ll see you later Tony.’<br>
‘Bye.’<br>
‘Bye...’<br>
‘Ohhhhh Charlotte has a daaaaate! Ohhhhhh!’<br>
‘BENJAMIN!!!!!!’ I yelled and ran over to him, using it as an excuse to let out my scream of happiness that had built up whilst I was on the phone.

‘Cuddle!’ I pleaded, and Benjamin pulled me into a hug / cuddle.

Bri came out of the bathroom looking completely hot and smiling at the two if us, and said, ‘What’s the occasion?’<br>
‘Charlotte has a date..’<br>
‘Oh sweetie! Where’s he taking you?’<br>
‘Ohh, umm, La Premiere Piestra or something?’<br>
‘What!?’ shouted Bri, bouncing over to the two of us.

‘Really? La Premiere Piestra?’ said Benjamin, looking slightly shocked.

‘Yeah...whats the deal?’ I asked, feeling confused.

‘Charlie! It’s like the poshest most expensive restaurant in America!’<br>
My heart sank, ‘Really?’<br>
‘Yeah! It’s meant to be amazing, and really romantic,’ sighed Bri, taking hold of my hand.

‘But! But Benj! Bri! I have no posh clothes or anything!’<br>
‘Good job it’s my day off then,’ smiled Benjamin, ‘Let’s go shopping!’<br>
The biggest smile grew on my face as I realised I was about to spend the day with my two best friends doing what we were all best at...shopping......

[Kezzie]

Chapter 15

The three of us got a ride into the city centre and headed for the nearest shopping centre. Despite the hot weather Benjamin was wearing a hoody up over his head and a cap underneath that, to look as little like himself as possible. We must have looked weird actually...this criminal looking guy who’s face you could barely see, flanked by two girls who were acting crazy as always!

I didn’t have a clue where to look or anything, I mean I don’t even own one dress...how am I supposed to know where to look for one!?

We had hardly been looking around long when I spotted a Starbucks...

‘Ooh! Frappuchino time!’ I shouted happily and ran over to buy us all drinks.

Benjamin looked at Bri and joked, ‘This is gonna be a long day!’<br>

What seemed like hours passed before we sat down to eat lunch.

‘Ahh! Charlotte! Why can’t you find anything you like!’ groaned Benjamin.

‘I don’t know! I’m not used to dresses. If I wear a dress I have to get new shoes, and shoes are a whole different story...’<br>
‘OK, OK,’ said Bri, taking control of the dire situation.

‘What color dress do you want?’<br>
‘Umm, I don’t know, I guess...Nothing suits me! Black.’<br>
Benjamin raised his eyebrows.

‘OK, black is good...we’ll find a sexy black dress for you and then some black shoes, it’ll be fine,’ Bri chattered away.

I closed my eyes. This was turning into one big joke! I don’t do dresses. Why do I have to wear a dress anyway!?

We ate and the afternoon stretch loomed out in front me, I was beginning to dread this...

3 hours later...

‘I don’t care, I’ll wear trousers...please....don’t make me try anymore on!’ I begged Bri and Benjamin who were dragging me into yet another shop. I had tried on about a million dresses, and all had looked terrible on me. I felt exhausted. And I definitely didn’t want to take my clothes off again.

‘C’mon,’ Bri pleaded, taking me hand, ‘This is the last one I promise, I know we’re going to find it in here!’<br>
‘Fine, fine,’ I mumbled, heading for the changing room and the chair that I knew would be in there. ‘Just bring me what you find...’<br>
I couldn’t even muster the energy to look for a dress myself. I slumped down in the chair and sighed. Tonight better be worth all this hassle.

That’s when I saw it. It was hanging on a display near by. It was black and had slim straps. The chest line wasn’t too low, it was perfect. I’m not good at describing clothes, but it was the best dress I’d ever seen.

I ran to find Bri and Benj and showed them, as they aah’d and thanked God that I’d found something I liked.

‘Hey, excuse me, could you tell me where these dresses are?’ Benjamin asked an attendant. She led us over to the rack, only to find they didn’t have my size! I groaned and fell into Bri’s arms.

‘Please, please, please tell me you have more of these put away somewhere,’ Benjamin asked the assistant sorrowfully.

‘I’ll go check for you Sir.’<br>
Well, she found one in the end. And OK, I’m not one for dresses as you know but I liked this one. It felt right, it looked right, and it was right. I looked at the price tag, and nearly fell over in shock.

‘Bri! Have you seen how expensive this store is!? Why did we come in here!?’ I yelled at her over the top of the changing room.

She laughed and shook her head. ‘Just cos we’re used to paying $5 for our t-shirts!’<br>
Benjamin laughed and said, ‘Don’t worry, I was on the point of paying you to just agree to wear any dress we could find...this one is DEFINATELY on me!’<br>
I sighed. Man my friends were good to me.

We got a taxi back to the hotel, laden with shopping bags. It turned out that whilst I had been trying on the dress Bri had run around and got all the other ‘necessary things’ she called them, for me. I hadn’t a clue what these things were, but I was too tired to care, and dozed off in the taxi as we drove back.

I stumbled into my room and laid myself out onto the bed, feeling like I could sleep for a year.

‘Charlie! It’s 5.30 already! We have to get you ready!’<br>
‘What!? That means I have like 2 and a half hours to go! Pleaase let me sleep!’<br>
‘Absolutely not! Come on! We need to do your hair and everything!’<br>
I brushed my messy curls out of my face. ‘It’s done.’<br>
Bri looked doubtful. ‘Charlie it looks gorgeous, but c’mon you know I’m the only one who can make you look even more beautiful!’<br>
‘OK,’ I said grumpily. ‘Just as long as all I have to do is sit there and NOTHING else.’<br>
‘Nothing else, I promise,’ she said brightly, brandishing a hairbrush.

Benjamin sat there looking very amused as Bri made me ‘beautiful’ as only she can do. And it’s true, she has a way with me, she can make me look good...and I could never ever do what she does. She has the knack.

‘Bri!!’ I wailed, ‘I’m gonna be late!’<br>
It was 7.55 and I was supposed to be downstairs meeting Tony in 5 minutes!

‘No you’re not, I’m nearly done anyway...’ she said, putting what I hoped were the finishing touches on my toenails. There you go...my toenails. That’s her attention to detail.

I breathed in deeply, trying to calm myself. I was nervous about tonight, and about what this dumb dress looked like on me. I just wanted Tony to like it, that was it.

‘Ok ready!’ she said triumphantly.

I stood up, slightly unsteadily, I’m not used to walking in tall shoes.

I looked into the mirror, and I was impressed. I smiled.

‘Bri!! Thank you!’ I hugged her, and Benjamin took some pictures of us.

‘You look great Charlotte,’ smiled Benj, hugging me. ‘Have fun tonight.’<br>
‘I’ll try...thank you.’<br>
‘Bye Charlotte!’ they both said, noticing how I was hesitating to leave.

‘Bye you two. Have fun as well!’<br>
I walked away, trying to gain control of myself. I took the lift down to the foyer, my heart beating out of control, trying to breathe normally. The lift stopped, and I walked out, and round the corner, when I saw ...