Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Chapter Fourteen Pt. One!

"Wanna talk about it over a cup of coffee?"

"How do I know you're not some psycho. I mean, I don't even know your name."

"You'll just have to trust me, won't you? And my name is ...."
“Your name is what?” She was a little angered that he had paused for dramatic effect as if he was some sort of celebrity.
“Nicholas.”
“Is this that sign I asked for?” She looked to the sky. Just then a bolt of lightning struck. “I’ll take that as a yes,” she then looked to Nicholas, “and I’ll take you up on your offer.” She ran to the other side of the car and slid into the passenger seat. Then minutes later they pulled into the Starbucks parking lot. They ordered, Nicholas paid and they picked a table in the corner.
“So Charlotte, what’s your story?”
“How do you know my name?” She tensed up.
“Just because I’m not freaking out doesn’t mean I don’t know you're famous.”
“Oh right. I guess I’m just not used to people acting like this to me.”
“Like what?”
“The way they used to before the fame.”
“Well I’d like to get to know you for the real you, not the you that’s plastered on the cover of every magazine. If that’s okay with you. So tell me, who are you Charlotte?”
“Well my real name is Charlotte Skye Calderbrooke. I’m sixteen. I lived in New York until I was ten and then I moved to California with my parents. Jesse McCartney is my cousin. Both of my parents died almost two years ago. I live with the Jonas Brothers and their family and two of them like me.”
*beep*
“Yeah, what’s your deal?”
“Well, my name is Nicholas Gardova, I’m seventeen. California born and raised. My father is an actor and my mother’s only job is to spend my dad’s money. I’m having a really good time right now and I don’t think you’re beautiful, I think you’re beyond it.
This caused Charlotte to blush. She thought it was funny that he had just quote Drake. Nicholas was different from Nick and Joe. He had short dirty blonde hair. It was almost bronze. His skin was very tan but it was natural.
“Oh my God.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I have twenty-seven missed calls and thirty-two text messages. I didn’t even hear my phone. The boys are probably looking for me. I should go call one of them.”
Ring Ring
“Charlotte,” Kevin answered in a frantic voice, “where are you? Are you okay?”
“Kev, I’m fine. Calm down. I’m at the Starbucks on Melrose.”
“You are so lucky my parents are out of town with Tank or else you’d be so dead. I’m coming to get you. Stay there.”
“But Kevin….” The line went dead.
Kevin made it to the Starbucks in record time. His Jeep Commander splashed through huge puddles as he sped into the parking lot. He shut the car and got out, slamming the door. He had a look of rage on his face. He jogged to escape the rain. He’d brought Joe and Nick along. They walked slowly, letting the rain soak their hair. They were both very somber, neither looking up from the ground, neither saying a word. When Kevin entered Starbucks he scanned the room for Charlotte. When he spotted her he marched straight to the table.
“Who’s this?” Kevin pointed to Nicholas.
“This is Nicholas Gardova. I just met him.”
“Get up, we’re leaving.”
“You’re not my father Kevin.”
“Charlotte, you know I’m not trying to be. But you don’t know this guy. He could be some creep paparazzi in disguise.”
When Joe and Nick joined them it had actually been what saved Charlotte.
“AHMAHGAWD! THE JONAS BROTHERS!” A girl, probably around Charlotte’s age yelled. Her and her three friends ran up to them and started harassing them for pictures. Charlotte grabbed Nicholas’ hand and dragged him outside. They got into his car and got out of there. Once Kevin was able to get the fans away Charlotte’s phone immediately started ringing.
“Nicholas, pull over here, please.”
“Sure, yeah.”
“Kevin, before you start screaming I did this so we could talk rationally.”
“Charlie, please come back. We were all just really worried. We figured once the rain started you’d come home but you didn’t. Then you weren’t answering our calls or text messages. We thought something happened.”
“Well you overreacted. I’ll meet you at home.”
Nicholas drove Charlotte home and she apologized for the craziness.
“I had a good time. Call me sometime.” He slipped her a piece of paper with numbers scrawled on it.
Charlotte was a pimp, gettin digits. She laughed as she thought this to herself.

Chapter Thirteen:Drama

[From now on this is going to be written in third person POV.]

By now Kevin was back on the bed and sleeping. Charlotte was too tired herself to go back to her own room and she knew Kevin wouldn't mind if she crashed in his room. She layed her head on the pillow and was out faster than she'd fallen for....come to think of it, she didn't know who.


"Hey Char, I picked these up for you." Kevin walked into her room holding a stack of DVDs. It had been almost a month since she'd been released from the hospital and some days her injuries still bothered her. Today happened to be one of those days.

"I know. And since Nick and Joe are out and my parents are away for the next month I figured I'd get us dinner too." He pulled a bag of sushi out from behind his back. They layed all the food out on her bed and put PS I Love You into the DVD player. By 10:30 Kevin had had enough of Charlotte's crying and went to his own room. Joe and Nick had come home from the batting cage. Charlotte replaced PS I Love You with Juno.

"You need anything?" Nick peeked his head through the door.

"No Kevin got me everything I need."

"Alright."

"Nick wait!" She called after him.

"Yesssssss?" He elongated the word.

"Wanna watch Juno with me? I know it's one of your favorites."

"Sure." He plopped down on the floor.

"Don't be silly." She said patting the bed next to her. Nick got up and joined her on the bed. She could smell his shampoo and feel his body heat. She couldn't believe she was freaking out like this, it's not like she'd never been this close before. Before she knew it she was asleep. The next morning the sun came glaring through the glass ceiling, waking Charlotte up. She looked to her right to see Nick still there. Then she turned to look at the clock. 7 AM. Woo! She slid out of bed trying not to wake Nick and opened the door to go downstairs. She was met with Joe's fist. It looked like he was about to knock on the door.

"I see you've moved on quickly." He said catching a glimpse of Nick, still asleep.

"You told me to."

"I came to say I was wrong. I want you back."

"Well, you can't have me."

"Why not?"

"you were right. Nick's the one for me." Obviously this wasn't true but Charlotte figured maybe Joe's reaction could help her make up her mind.

Without another word he turned and walked away. of course he couldn't make this easy for her. Nick eventually woke up and once he left Charlotte sat down to write a new song.

You have a way of coming easily to me
And when you take, you take the very best of me
So I start a fight cause I need to feel something
And you do what you want cause I'm not what you wanted

Oh what a shame, what a rainy ending given to a perfect day
Just walk away, ain't no use defending words that you will never say
And now that I'm sitting here thinking it through
I've never been anywhere cold as you

You put up walls and paint them all a shade of gray
And I stood there loving you and wished them all away
And you come away with a great little story
Of a mess of a dreamer with the nerve to adore you

Oh what a shame, what a rainy ending given to a perfect day
So just walk away, ain't no use defending words that you will never say
And now that I'm sitting here thinking it through
I've never been anywhere cold as you

You never did give a damn thing honey but I cried, cried for you
And I know you wouldn't have told nobody if I died, died for you
Died for you

Oh what a shame, what a rainy ending given to a perfect day
Every smile you fake is so condescending
Counting all the scars you made
And now that I'm sitting here thinking it through
I've never been anywhere cold as you



One Week Later

Charlotte sat at her desk with her Macbook in front of her typing in a word document.

Update:
Doctors say I'm fine to start working again.
My car is officially totalled.
I went to court and won a huge settlement. Not that it was about the money.
I've written three new songs.
Joe still hasn't talked to me.
Nick got his license yesterday.

She went to find Kevin.

"Kevin, can you take me to get my car?"

"Of course."

"Wanna take a ride Nick?"

"Sure give me five minutes."

"We'll meet you in the car."

Kevin and Charlotte walked out to his car.

"You know the plan right?"

"Yep."

Nick walked out to the car and got in.

Twenty minutes later they were at the custom car dealership.

"Charlotte, you hate old cars." Nick said, practically drooling at the cars in the show room as they walked in.

"I know."

"Hey Vincent." She said when she saw the guy she'd been working with. "Where's the car?"

"Follow me." He led them to the back showroom. There sat a mint condition 1968 Ford Mustang Cobra. It was black with white racing stripes.

"This car is beautiful. You've gotta let me drive it."

"I can't."

"Why?"

"I can't let you drive your own car."

"What!"

"Happy birthday Nick."

"What, you got this for me!" By now he had gotten into the driver's seat and was pretending he was cruising.

"I thought of you the second I saw it."

"How am I ever gunna repay you?"

"Don't worry. Something will come along eventually."

They then drove to the Mercedes dealer where Charlotte picked up her 2009 Coupe.
Nick and Kevin went home and Charlotte went to pick up the days final surprise.

"Hi, I'm here to pick something up."

"Name?" The teen working behind the counter said before he looked up. "Wait I know you. You're Charlotte Skye."

"Yeah."

"Hold on. I'll go get it."

He came back with the guitar and Charlotte paid the balance. Nobody was home when she got home so she left the guitar where the new owner would find it.

When Joe found out Nick's new car was from Charlotte he flipped out. Kevin and Nick took him to Pinkberry to ease his mood.

"Should we get something for Charlie?" Kevin asked.

"Original with fruity pebbles, strawberries and bananas." Nick and Joe said simultaneously.

"Awkward." Kevin went up to order. Then they went back home and Joe went up to his room. There on his bed sat a custom, red Gibson SG Electric Guitar. Also, a birthday card.

Sorry I missed your birthday.

xoxo Charlie


Joe realized he better apologize to Charlotte.

"Kev, where's Char?"

"Out front."

Joe went outside to see Charlotte sitting on the steps, eating her Pinkberry.

"Hey." He said meekly

"Hello Joseph." She didn't turn around.

"I wanted to apologize."

"For?"

"Being such an ass. And I want to say thank you for my gift."

"It was already paid for." Charlotte had never been a liar until Joe came along.

"You could've given it to Nick or Kevin."

"I could've, but I didn't."

"Charlie, I really really miss you."

"How can you miss someone you live with?"

"I don't miss you. I miss you being mine."

"Well I'm not yours." She began yelling and stood up. "I'm not anybodys. I already broke things off with Nick. It's too hard being with any of you. Too much drama. I can't handle it." She began walking down the street.

"Where are you going." He called after her.

"I don't know and don't follow me. I have my phone."

Charlotte walked for an hour before it started to rain. But instead of turning around to go home she kept walking. She took a seat on the curb in front of a house that reminded her of a picture perfect house of a picture perfect family in a movie. She looked up to the sky and began to talk. "God, I know there are millions of people out there with problems far worse than mine. But I need a little insight. Please send me a sign." Right as she finished a car pulled up. Someone rolled down the window revealing a guy who looked to be around her age.

"You do know it's raining right?" He asked, revealing his perfect smile."

"Yeah."

"Then why is a pretty girl like you sitting out here alone?"

"I've got a lot on my mind."

"Wanna talk about it over a cup of coffee?"

"How do I know you're not some psycho. I mean, I don't even know your name."

"You'll just have to trust me, won't you? And my name is ...."

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Chapter Twelve: Don’t Wanna Be Torn

“Kevin, are you up?” Charlotte knocked on the door of his bedroom as she whispered to him in the darkness.

“For you, I could be. Come on in. But leave the light off.” Charlotte walked in using her cell phone light to guide her. Kevin’s room wasn’t a mess but it wasn’t Nick’s room. There was still a chance for her to get hurt. And when Charlotte was around, that chance doubled. “ Okay, now what’s wrong that you needed to talk at,” he paused to look at the clock, “ three thirteen in the morning. Especially since we just got home from a wedding an hour ago?”

“Okay, so you know how I told you that Joe ended it with me so I could be with Nick?”

“Of course. And I’m happy for you.”

“Don’t be just yet. I don’t know if I’m okay with it. I really liked Joe. And I still kinda do. I don’t know if I want it to be over between us.” She began to quietly weep. Kevin pulled her in to a hug.

“So just tell Joe exactly what you told me.”

“Thing is, I already told Nick we could be together.” Her sobs were now becoming louder and had the power to wake a log, so to speak.

“Seems we’ve got a problem on our hands. Hmm, how to fix this. Oh I’ve got it. Tell Nick. He’ll understand.”

“Kevin, I don’t wanna hurt him. I have feelings for the both of them. I’m so torn.”

“Well, if my vote counts, I vote for Nick.”

“Kev, you can’t vote against one of your brothers for a different brother!” She swung a pillow at him sending him off the bed and onto the floor with a loud thunk. “But while you’re down there, can I ask why Nick?”

“Because I see the way you look at each other. To me, it’s right. But you’re still sixteen. In my book, you should be with a few wrong ones before the right one. So maybe for now Joe’s right. I vote for Joe now.”

“You can’t just go changing your vote.”

“I believe I just did.”

Time for me to fly
Time for me to soar
Time for me to open up my heart and knock on heavens door
Time for me to live It's time for me to sing Time for me to lay
down all my worries and I'll spread my wings Time for me to fly


The ring of Charlotte’s phone began blaring. Caller ID: SIERRA McCARTNEY

“Hello, you’ve reached the answering machine of Charlotte Skye. It’s three AM and she’s sleeping like a normal person so Sierra you’re dead.”
Charlotte could hear Sierra whispering to someone, obviously Jesse.

“She has a personalized voicemail for me. How creative.”

“SIERRA! It was me, stupid!”

“I’m gone for a week and you’re already calling me names. Oh. Oh, Charlotte, it’s you.”

“Yes, and like I said it’s also three AM.”

“Oh shoot. I forgot about the time difference. It’s eleven in the morning here. I just called to tell you about my amazing honeymoon.”

“Well make it snappy, I’m in the middle of a semi-crisis.”

“Well let’s just say the decision to wait until marriage was the right one because it was AH-MAZING! He’s so good. We haven't left the room once.” Charlotte could hear Sierra smiling through the phone. Then Jesse’s voice came in from the background.

“Please don’t go into details about our sex life with my sixteen year old cousin. Please.”

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I’m only saying good things.”

“Well I don’t want you saying anything.” At that point Sierra began laughing, probably from being tickled.

“Char, I gotta go. Maybe I’ll call you back. But I’ll most likely be busy. If you catch my drift.”

“Yeah, I got it. Thanks. Don’t call back. Please. I’m with Jesse on this one.” But by then, the line was already dead.

"Sorry about that Kevin." By now Kevin was back on the bed and sleeping. Charlotte was too tired herself to go back to her own room and she knew Kevin wouldn't mind if she crashed in his room. She layed her head on the pillow and was out faster than she'd fallen for....

Chapter Eleven:Wedding Day

"Wake up sleepy, I'm getting married today!" Sierra jumped on my bed until I woke up.

"Five more minutes," I groaned.

"Charlotte, you have thirty seconds."

"Or what?"

"Or I'll pummel you into the ground."

"I'm up, nasty."

I showered and joined Sierra downstairs with Miley, Demi and Denise. We got into the limo and were taken to the spa where we'd be pampered all day. After the spa we were taken to the church where we began to dress and prepare for the ceremony.

"Sierra, you look beautiful." Denise sprayed her hair with a little hairspray.

"I'm nervous."

"Don't be. The second you see Jesse's face the butterflies will dissappear."

We all got into our places and were escorted down the aisle. Next came Sierra.

Paul Jonas went through all the wedding blah blah blahs and it came time for vows.

"Sierra, last year we stood on a beach and I told you how much I loved you and how I would always, always protect you. And, that day nobody believed that this would work. But, I don’t think anybody understood the love that I had for you; because, if they did they would have never doubted us. Today, when I look into your eyes my love for you only grows. It’s even stronger now and that love will never waver. This I vow to you today and always, forever."

"Sierra please say your vows."

"Jesse, it's been said that there is one word that will free us from the weight and pain of life. And, that word is love, and I believe that. It doesn't mean that it hasn't been hard or that it won't be. It just means that I found a stillness and bravery in myself with you. You make me brave and I will love you until the end of time. This I vow today."

(VOWS TAKEN FROM ONE TREE HILL.. I TAKE NO CREDIT. I'M NOT THAT CREATIVE)

"With the power vested in me, by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Plant one on her Jesse."

"Paul, you can't say that."

Jesse then pulled Sierra into a kiss that seemed to last forever. They were so romantic and perfect for each other.

After the ceremony the limo took us for pictures then to the reception.

Jesse and Sierra were announced into the room and the party began.

"Care to dance." A hand of Nicholas Jonas reached out to me.

"I'd be honored."

We moved to the dance floor and began to sway to the Frank Sinatra tune in the background.

"So, you never told me what happened in that hospital room between you and Joe."

"He broke up with me."

"What! I could kill him for hurting you. Where is he, I'd like to have a little talk with him."

"Nick, let me explain. He did it for you. For us."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he says me and you are meant to be."

"In that case, Charlie, will you be mine, and only mine?"

"Hmmmm, that's one I'll have to think about."

"What, why?"

"I'm kidding, of course."

"Excuse me ladies and gentleman, it's time for the couples first dance." The DJ asked everyone to leave the dance floor.

You need a friend
I'll be around
Don't let this end
Before I see you again
What can I say to convince you
To change your mind of me?
I'm going to love you more than anyone
I'm going to hold you closer than before
And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free
I'll be free for you anytime
I'm going to love you more than anyone
Look in my eyes, what do you see?
Not just the color
Look inside of me
Tell me all you need and I will try
I will try
I'm going to love you more than anyone
I'm going to hold you closer than before
And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free
I'll be free for you anytime
I'm going to love you more than anyone
Free for you, whenever you need
We'll be free together baby
Free together baby
I'm going to love you more than anyone
I'm going to hold you closer than before
And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free
I'll be free for you anytime
I'm going to love you more than anyone
I'm going to love you more than anyone


Other couples started joining in on the dance floor. Finally it was time to cut the cake. It was made by Buddy Valastro from Cake Boss. And it was gorgeous. Sierra and Jesse were leaving the next morning for their honeymoon in London.

"Why London, Jesse?" Nick was confused.

"It rains a lot in London. Which means we'll be spending our time inside."

"Clever, my man."

"Men, can't live with them, can't live without them." I whispered to Sierra.

"You're sixteen. What do you know?"

"I'm mature for my age girl."

"Well stay young for as long as you can. Don't let anyone corrupt you."

"I'll try but Hollywood's a vicious place."

Dress: http://www.poshbot.com/celebrity-fashion/carrie-bradshaw-gets-married/
Bridesmaids: (They'd be purple) http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/gallery/bridesmaid_dresses/vendo r/detail/178662?f=106%3a115&f=168%3a178&offset=7
Cake:http://weddings.theknot.com/gallery/gallery_details.aspx?gallery=18&am p;pageIndex=5&itemnumber=72
Hair:http://i26.tinypic.com/256aiyw.jpg
Venue:http://www.affluentbride.com/half-moon-resort-half-moon-weddings-honey moons-montego-bay-jamaica.html

Chapter Ten.

I could feel a pinch in my arm but I didn’t know what it was. Probably an IV. I could hear voices, muffled, but voices nonetheless. I couldn’t open my eyes to see who the voices belonged to. I could only make out that they belonged to guys. And they were far away. Most likely outside the room. “It’s my fault,” one said.

“How,” said another.

“I called her. I heard the whole thing over the phone.” Joe?

I could hear someone crying now.

“I just hope she wakes up. I can’t imagine losing her.” This time it was a girl speaking.

All of a sudden there was a voice right next to my ear. “Hey Char. It’s me, Miley. Girl you needa wake up. You cannot leave me here with Demi and Selena.” Leave it to Miley to make even a situation like this funny. “I’m not going to ramble on and on cause there are lots of people who want to talk to you. I’ll see ya lata girlie.”

Next was a boy. Of course one of the Jonases. But which, I couldn’t tell.

“Hey Charlie.” He took my hand. “They sent me in here to try and get a rise out of my girlfriend.” It was obviously Joe. “Come on Charlie. You’ve got to wake up. Our whole family is a wreck. Give us a sign you’re still in there.” Nothing. “Alright, Nick is dying to see you. I’ll try again later.”

After Joe let go of my hand I could feel his body heat leaving. Then I heard the door close.

“Hey Char.” Nick’s voice was coming from far away. But as he continued I could tell he was moving closer. “Listen Charlie,” he took my hand just like Joe had, “I know that there’s a really good chance you can’t hear a word I’m saying, but I need you to know I hate that you’re with Joe instead of me. Don’t get me wrong, he's a good guy, and if I had to see you with anyone else I would want it to be him, but you should be with me.” My heart began to beat faster. “Charlotte, can you hear me?” I definitely couldn’t speak, so I did the next best thing. With all of the energy I could muster, I squeezed his hand.

“DOCTOR! NURSE! SOMEBODY!”

“Nicholas what is it?” I could hear Denise and Paul inside the room now.

“Excuse me, but you're going to have to leave while we run some tests.”

The beeps on the monitor began to slow again. They brought Nick back in the room. They made him keep grabbing my hand and letting go again. My heart was going up and down. Nick was holding my hand still so I took the energy I’d been gaining and started tracing letters on his hand.”

D-O-N-T-L-E-A-V-E-M-E

“She said don’t leave me.”

“Charlotte we have to run some tests, is it okay if Nick goes outside for like ten minutes?”

O-K-A-Y

“Alright Nick, just wait outside.”

NICK’S POV

I left the room and stood right outside the door. I checked my watch every thirty seconds. I was getting anxious. Then the door swung open and the doctor began yelling.

“GET ME A DEFIBRILLATOR!”

A nurse rushed in. “CLEAR.” There was still the long beep indicating her heart was still stopped. “CLEAR.” Still nothing. “CLEAR.” And this time I heard the steady BEEP BEEP BEEP. “Thank you God.”

The doctor came out and told my family that Charlotte had an allergic reaction that caused her heart to stop. They said chances are it wouldn’t affect her. She was sedated now.

I was allowed to go back into the room. I waited there until Charlotte woke up.

“How long have I been out?” Were her first words.

“A month and a half.”

“I missed Joe’s birthday.”

“Yeah but you're awake. That’ll be good enough for him. He doesn’t care that he spent his birthday here with you.”

“Shouldn’t you get the doctor?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Welcome back, Ms. Calderbrooke.”

“When can I go home.”

“Two days. But you have to take it easy for a while.”

“As long as I get to be in my own bed, I don’t care.”

KNOCK KNOCK

“JOE!”

“Can I talk to Charlie alone Nick?”

“Of course.”

“How ya feelin?”

“Alright, considering.”

“There's still something we need to talk about.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“We need to break up.”

“I expected that.”

“You need to be with Nick.”

“I was not expecting that.”

Chapter Nine:Breaking All The Rules.

"Shouldn't we tell someone we're leaving?" Joe asked getting into the passenger seat.

"Your parents already know."


I started the car and reversed out of the driveway.

"Turn this up!" I said when a good song came on.

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you


After two hours of driving and countless sing-a-longs, we had finally arrived.

"Shut your eyes. I don't want you to see until we're at the final location."

"Okay." Joe complied.

Fifteen minutes later we were where we were supposed to be.

"Okay, you can open up."

"DISNEY!" Joe practically screamed in my face.

"Yeah, and for today it's all ours."

"You closed Disney for us?"

"It wasn't that hard. Let's just say I know some people. Plus, you always said you would love it if a girl did this for you, so I did."

"Wow, this is just, wow."

"Are we gunna sit in this car all day or can we go already?"

"Can we go on Space Mountain first?"

"Sure."

Joe and I spent four hours in Magic Kingdom then went to MGM. After that we got back into the car.

"Ready for the next stop?"

"There's more?"

"Well, nothing as spectacular as this, but yes."

We drove almost all the way back home before we had arrived at destination number two. The sun was just starting to set and it was giving the beach a pinkish tint. I grabbed Joe's hand once we were out of the car and led him to the picnic Miley, Demi and Selena had set up for us. They had also added the nice little touch of lights on the surrounding palm trees.

"You've really outdone yourself."

We sat down on the blanket and began to eat the food I'd ordered from Joe's favorite bistro. After we finished Joe and I went for a walk along the water's edge.

"Wanna dance?"

"Joe there's no music."

"Since when has no music ever stopped you?" And with that Joe pulled me and we began to sway to the sound of the wind. Then Joe leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was magical. Everything I wanted and expected it to be.

"You broke the rules." I said when we pulled apart.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't kiss on first dates."

"Well, I don't play by the rules."

Beep Beep.

From Nick.

Hey where are you. I thought we were going for pizza?


*beep*

"Who was it?"

"Nick."

"What did he want."

"I kind of forgot we had plans for tonight."

"We should go. I don't want to be a Charlie hog."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, let's go."

We cleaned up and got everything into the car.

"Should I call him?"

"Yeah."

One Ring, Two Rings, Three Rings.

"Hello."

"Hi Nick."

"Charlotte, where are you? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I 'm fine. I was out with Joe. I'll be home in like half an hour if you're still up for pizza." I wasn't in the mood to eat again but I couldn't ditch Nick like that.

"Yeah. Sounds great."

When I hung up I turned to see Joe asleep, drooling.

"Can't take you anywhere." I laughed to myself.

"Joe, wake up."

"Carry me."

"Joe, get up." I shook him, accidentally hitting his head against the window.

"Ouch Charlie. That really hurt."

"I'm so sorry. Come here." I said leaning over to kiss his forehead.

Once in the house I went to get cleaned up. I showered, dressed and straightened my hair. Harmony Lane jeans, a gray tee and a yellow knit hat. Plus my favorite Abercrombie flip-flops, and I was ready to go.

"Nick, ready to go?" I said knocking on his door.

"Yeah."

"Okay, where should we go?" I asked once in the car.

"Rocco's?"

"Sounds good."

We drove the five minutes to the pizza place. Once there we picked a booth in the back.

"So, where were you and Joe?"

"Out."

"On a date?"

"Well, I guess." Nick's face dropped when I said this.

"How'd it go?"

"Amazing."

"That's good. So what does that mean for you two?"

"I don't know."

After we finished our pizza Nick and I decided to go to Millions of Milkshakes. It was the new hot spot in Hollywood. But as soon as we stepped out of the car we were mobbed by paparazzi. We knew though, if we were polite to them, they'd respect us back.

"Charlotte, Nick, over here." We posed for a few pictures as the questions kept coming.

"Nick, are you two on a date?" Asked one of the photographers.

"No, just hanging out." He answered nonchalantly.

"You two make a cute couple." Said another.

"Thanks." We both said.

"Jinx." We both said again, simultaneously.

We went inside and got our signature shakes. Mine was cookie dough and Reese's, and Nick's was brownies and bananas. We were once again outside surrounded by the sea of paparazzi.

"Charlotte, what'd you get?"

"The Charlie shake. Narcissistic I know."

"And you Nick?"

"The Jonas shake."

"How are they?"

"Delish." We got into the car. But with the windows rolled down there wasn't much we could do.

"Thanks for the cooperation kids. Drive safely."

"Thanks, have a good night." I called out the window as we pulled away.

By the time we got home I was exhausted. I put on pajamas and went straight to bed. I woke up the next morning, or should I say afternoon, to an empty house. I found a note from the Jonases. They were at the studio. It was okay though because I was spending the day with the girls. I put on a sweater, Lauren Moshi tank and some UO jeans with my Steve Maddens and I was off. I picked up Demi and Selena from Demi's house.

"Hey chicas."

"Nice ride mamacita." Selena said getting in the backseat. Guess she lost shotgun again.

"Thanks. We have to make a quick Starbucks run. I'm still not awake."

"Thank goodness. I need it. Someone woke me up at seven a.m.

After hitting the Starbucks drive through we headed to Miley's. The Cyrus' were another family to me so I just walked in. By the time we got there it was about four.

"Honey I'm home." I called to Miley.

"In here." Miley called from the kitchen.

We came to find Miley with a vast array of chinese food laid out on the island.

"Miles, there's four of us, not forty."

"I know but I didn't know what to get so I got it all."

We each piled our plates then went into the living room for gossip.

"So, spill Char. How was the date?"

"Perfect. Until I got a text from Nick reminding me we had plans."

"Oh *beep*

"Dems, is that any way for a Disney princess to talk?"

"Shut up, you know we all do it. Plus, if we're in private why does it matter."

"Too true."

"So back on topic, where are you and Joe now?" Selena asked.

"I haven't even talked to him since I dropped him off."

"Well here's a more important question. How does Nick feel about this?"

"I hope he's happy about it. But my gut is telling me he isn't."

"Why wouldn't he be?" Miley asked.

"I can only think of one reason, but I refuse to believe it."

"HE LIKES YOU!" Demi blurted out.

"You are clever Dem, nothing gets by you."

"Shut up Char."

"That's so awkward. Having brothers like you."

"Ya think Selena?"

"What're you going to do about it?"

"I don't know. There's always been something there between Joe and me. But I know Nick's always watching out for me and always has my best interest at heart."

"Aw the poor baby. Having two gorgeous brothers in love with you." Miley joked.

"Can we change the subject?"

"If you don't mind, I have some news."

"Take the floor."

"I met a guy."

"Who!"

"His name is Justin. My dad introduced us."

"Justin what?"

"Gaston."

"That sounds so familiar."

"He's a model."

"He's also nineteen." Selena jumped in.

"It's only four years."

"Oh yeah, Miles. You're still fifteen."

"Yeah, but it's not like we're dating."

"Well I'm not one to talk because Joe turns nineteen this month. If he makes you happy then I'm happy for you."

"So are we." Demi and Selena chimed in.

"I love you guys."

We watched Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. And of course ate more. And giggled more.

"Sweet niblets do you girls ever shut up?" Billy Ray said when he came down for a drink.

"No daddy, we never do."

"Get some sleep. I don't want four cranky girls in the morning."

"Okay daddy."

"G'night Billy Ray."

"G'night ladies."

The next morning we left around noon. As I was driving Selena and Demi to Demi's house a familiar song came on the radio.

Some may say I need to be afraid, of losing everything, because of where I had my start and where I made my name.

"Charlotte you're on the radio!" Demi yelled turning it up.

After I dropped them off I headed back to my house. When I pulled up there were no cars in the driveway. The house was silent except for the faint sound of a guitar. I followed it up the stairs and down the hall to right outside Nick's room. As I pressed my ear to the door I could hear his voice quietly singing along to the tune. He was singing a song I'd never heard.

I knocked twice. "Nick, can I come in?"

"Uh, hold on a sec." I could hear him shuffling around. "Okay, come in." I walked in to see Nick sitting in the most awkward, uncomfortable looking position. You know the one I'm talking about. The one that when you're not supposed to be doing something and you can hear someone coming so you just dive onto the bed. I just chuckled to myself at the sight.

"So what's up Charlie?"

"Nothing. Just wondering where everyone is."

"They went out, but I don't know where to."

"Oh okay."

"I'm gunna go for a walk. Care to join?"

"Um no. I'm kinda tired."

This could be a good time to snoop.

I heard Nick leave the house and watched him slowly jog out of view. Once I was sure he was gone I went to his room. As per usual, it was unlocked. And also, it was spotless. I'd never had siblings but I'd snooped with friends and knew where people kept things. The first spot I checked, under the mattress, yielded no results. Next, the top shelf of his closet. BINGO. There I found a box. In the box was a notebook. And tons of pictures. All of Nick and me. It of course, was filled with lyrics. One page was held by a bookmark. I opened to it and the bookmark fell to the ground. I picked it up only to find it was photo booth pictures. Of Nick and me. They were from a carnival we'd gone to with our parents when we were thirteen. We'd just been on a ride that had terrified me to tears. Nick cheered me up by taking me in the photo booth and taking silly pictures with me. Then I remembered the book.

Called you for the first time yesterday
Finally found the missing part of me
Felt so close but you were far away
Left me without anything to say

Now I'm speechless, over the edge
I'm just breathless
I never thought that I'd catch this love bug again
Hopeless, head over heels in the moment
I never thought that I'd get hit by this love bug again

I can't get your smile out of my mind
[I can't get you out of my mind]
I think about your eyes all the time
You're beautiful but you don't even try
(You don't even, don't even try)
Modesty is just so hard to find


This is the song Nick had just been playing. And it had been bookmarked with my picture. I was frozen there. Nick liked me? No, maybe it was just a coincidence. I could hear the front door open. Then close. Then footsteps coming up the stairs. And towards Nick's room. Yet I couldn't move. The footsteps got closer until the were standing right outside Nick's door. Nick's open door.

"Nick what are yo..." The voice stopped. "Charlie, what are you doing?"

"Truthfully?"

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

"I heard Nick playing a song so I came in to snoop."

"Find anything good?"

"I found this." I handed him the notebook and all the pictures.

"Looks like Nick has saved everything that's ever connected the two of you."

"Does this mean he likes me?"

"Unless he says it there's no way of truly knowing. But my guess is yes."

"Ugh, what am I supposed to do?"

"Oh, Joe, right."

"Yeah, I don't know what to so about the both of them liking me."

"You know what that means."

"No. Enlighten me."

"If you're confused it means you like Nick too because if you didn't you would know to go for Joe."

"So, you're saying I like Nick and Joe?"

"Well, yeah."

"Why me Kev?"

"It happens to the best of us."

"I guess I should put this back."

"Unless you want to get caught, that's probably a good idea."

I returned everything to the box and the box to the closet. Then I went downstairs and went to the kitchen. I wasn't hungry but I needed something to get my mind off this whole situation. I poured myself a bowl of cereal and sat down. I began to flip through a magazine when I heard the front door open.

"It's just me." Nick said. He walked into the kitchen and I saw that he was soaking wet.

"What happened to you?"

"It started raining."

"Oh, I didn't notice." Of course I didn't notice. I was too busy lurking in Nick's room.

"Oh, so what'd you do while I was gone?"

"Kev came home and we just talked."

"Cool."

"Go get changed, you're going to catch a cold."

"Yes mother."

He was so cute when he listened to me. As he left I was taken over by a new swarm of Jonai. Joe, Tank, Denise and Paul had arrived home from food shopping. I helped them carry in bags and put away the groceries.

"Charlie, can I talk to you."

"Sure." I said continuing to put away groceries.

He took my hand and led me into the music room. He picked up a guitar, which he rarely played and took a seat next to me on the couch.

They come and go but they don't know
That you are my beautiful

I try to come closer with you
But they all say we won't make it through

But I'll be there forever
You will see that it's better
All our hopes and our dreams will come true
I will not disappoint you
I'll be right there for you 'til the end
The end of time
Please be mine

I'm in and out of love with you
Trying to find if it's really true
oh no no no no
How can I prove my love
If they all think I'm not good enough

But I'll be there forever
You will see that it's better
All our hopes and our dreams will come true
I will not disappoint you
I will be right there for you 'til the end
The end of time
Please be mine

I can't stop the rain from falling
Can't stop my heart from calling you
It's calling you
I can't stop the rain from falling
Can't stop my heart from calling you
It's calling you
I can't stop the rain from falling
Can't stop my heart from calling you
It's calling you

But I'll be there forever
You will see that it's better
All our hopes and our dreams will come true
I will not disappoint you
I will be right there for you 'til the end
The end of time
Please be mine


"Please be mine Charlotte."

I was hesitant to answer. A thousand things were going through my head. The gifts I'd given the boys three years ago. The extra gift I'd given Nick. The walk with Joe at my parents funeral. The hurt look on Nick's face whenever I mentioned Joe's name. Sitting on the roof of the tour bus with Nick. The pictures in Nick's closet. The song written by Nick. Starting to see a pattern?

"Of course Joe." He put the guitar down and picked me up off the couch. He lightly pecked my lips. It was nice. But what more could you say about it.

"You okay Char?"

"Yeah, just not feeling well."

"Go lay down."

I went to my room and put my iPod onto the iHome. I clicked to my most relaxing playlist and then got into bed. I really wasn't that tired but I wanted Joe not to be suspicious. I lie there awake for one hour and thirteen minutes. How could I just have agreed to be with Joe when I just found out how Nick might feel. I opened my door to hear the table being set for dinner.

"Is Charlie eating?" Denise asked.

"I don't know. She didn't feel good before." Joe said.

"Can someone go check on her?"

"I will." Kevin said.

I closed the door and jumped back into my bed. See, another one of those awkward positions. Kevin knocked then opened the door. He walked straight to the bed then sat down. I was facing the opposite wall but I felt a dip in the bed. He didn't say anything, just waited for me to talk. Eventually I sat up and turned to him

"Did Joe tell you?"

"Yes he did."

"Did I make a mistake?"

"That's not for me to decide."

"But what if I did?"

"Then so what. Making mistakes is what being a teenager and growing up is all about. You learn from them. You take the negatives and turn them into positives."

"You're wise beyond you're years Kevin."

"I know. So, do you want to come down for dinner?"

"Not really."

"Okay. Do you want me to bring you up something?"

"No thanks."

"Just text me if you need something."

"I can get it myself. Don't worry."

"Alrighty."

After Kevin left I pulled out my laptop and began answering fan mail. Well, fan e-mail. But a lot of them were about my love life. I answered them as best I could without really saying anything.

Then I started to actually feel sick. I went to sleep and stayed in bed until the next evening, only getting up to brush my teeth and shower. Then came a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hey how ya feelin?"

"Alright."

"I heard the news."

"Yeah, it's great." I tried to sound as happy as I knew I really was.

"I guess." He was definitely upset and not trying to hide it.

"Nick, how do you feel about me and Joe being together?"

"Actually..." But instead of finishing he pulled me in and crashed his lips against mine. He ran his hands through my hair and cradled my neck. And thank goodness we pulled away when we did because Joe busted in.

"How's my girl feelin?"

"Better."

"Good." He kissed the top of my head.

Upon seeing this, Nick got up and walked out.

"What's his deal?"

"I don't know."

"Oh well." Joe kissed me then got up and left.

Two Weeks Later.

The Jonases were at Disney studios and I was with Miley. We were both starving so we got into my car and went for food. It was raining really hard so we picked the first place that looked decent. A little bistro on Sunset Boulevard.

We sat and ordered. Then began to talk. Miley knew about Joe, but also about Nick.

"He kissed me."

"Is Joe a good kisser?"

"I meant Nick."

"What!"

"I know."

"Who's the better kisser?"

"Miley!" I whisper yelled.

"Well? Who?"

"They kiss differently."

"What do you mean?"

"Well when Joe and I kiss, which let me tell you is whenever we get the chance, it's amazing. I feel safe. I feel like he truly cares. But with Nick, wow, it's pure fire. Just raw passion. It was let's just say, hot." Miley and I busted out laughing.

"I vote you stay with Joe!"

"Why?"

"Well from your descriptions I feel like you belong with Joe. I feel like the kiss you had with Nick was fiery because you're not with him. You could've been caught at any moment. It was kind of like you were sneaking around, not that you were."

"I get what you're saying."

We finished eating, paid and got in my car. I drove Miley home and started back to my house. As I merged onto the highway my phone began to ring. I saw Joe's name flash across the screen. Even though the rain was still coming down I picked it up.

"Hey Joe."

"Hey Charlie, we need to talk."

Chapter Eight: Party Time.

"Well? What is it? Tell me already!"

"WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Sierra screamed.

"Oh My Goodness! I knew it! Congrats."

Miley walked out of the back room.

"What's all this ruckus. Can't a girl read in peace?"

"Miles, this is my cousin Jesse and his girlfriend Sierra. Sierra, Jesse, this is my busmate and best friend, Miley."

"Nice to meet y'all."

"Um, Charlotte, can we talk in private." Jesse grabbed my arm and dragged me to the back room.

"What's that?" I pointed to a box in his hand.

"Your dad had this mailed to the house in case he got stuck in Texas. He wanted you to be able to give it to Nick."

What in the world?

I took the box and opened it. It was the jersey I'd asked for for Nick.

Jesse and Sierra stayed on tour with us for two weeks and Jesse even performed at a few of our concerts. Sierra helped me, Miley and Denise plan my sweet sixteen.

One Month Later

The tour was over and my sweet sixteen was in one month and I still had so much to do for it, and outside. Disney booked me as a guest of Wizards of Waverly Place the next week. I'd be playing a new girl who was also a wizard. The Wizards wardrobe stylist dressed me in a Hip Chick dress with Steve Madden flat leather boots. My hair was pulled back into a chignon at the nape of my neck.

"Charlotte." The producer came over and kissed my cheeks.

"Hello Mr. Doherty."

"James, please. I'd like you to go meet the other kids. They're all in the cafeteria. Go mingle."

I followed the signs to the cafeteria where I saw four people. Two guys, two girls. One of the girls noticed me and immediately got up and came towards me.

"Hi! I'm Selena."

"Charlotte, but everybody calls me Charlie."

The others came up behind Selena.

"Jennifer." Said the other girl.

"Jake." A boy younger than me was next.

"David." Finished the last.

Filming went amazing and I was asked to come back for a few episodes as Justin's love interest on the show.

That night I learned Disney was hosting a release party for a new show, Sonny With a Chance, starring Demi Lovato, a Disney newcomer.

The boys, Miley, Selena and I were going together. We were the Disney in crowd. There we met Demi and instantly clicked with her. We brought her under our wings and she seemed relieved to have made friends. At the party we met pretty much anyone who had anything to do with Disney.

Night of the Sweet Sixteen.

I spent the entire day at the spa with Miley, Demi and Selena. Then we went to the salon for hair and makeup. After that we went back to my house to get ready. I know wearing sneakers for my sweet sixteen may seem unconventional but that was me, and I loved it. When everyone was ready we got into our limo. The boys were all in tuxes. At the party it seemed like everyone I'd ever met was there. Lots of famous people were there including pretty much every Disney star. And of course Tate had secretly been flown out as a surprise. I had been dancing with Nick and Miley when my favorite song came on, Don't Take the Girl by Tim McGraw.

"Can I have this dance?" I turned to see Joe standing there, hand out.

"Of course."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and his arms slid around my waist.

"You look amazing Charlie."

"Thanks Joe. You clean up nicely yourself."

"Now's the time."

"Huh?"

"Charlie, it's you, it's always been you."

"Me?"

He pulled away. "You don't feel the same, do you?"

"Joe, isn't it obvious that I do? I just wasn't expecting you to feel that way. Things like this never work out for me."

"How could I not. You're amazing."

At the end of the party Paul and Denise got on the microphone.

"Charlotte, we have a surprise for you outside."

I ran outside to find my dream car. There sat a black Range Rover with a red bow on top.

"Ohmygoodnessthankyousomuch." It came out as one word.

"You deserve it."

One week later I got my license and couldn't wait to finally drive my car.

"Joe, let's go for a drive."

"Alright." He came down the stairs in a tee and skinny jeans.

"Get a jacket, it's kinda windy." I siad grabbing my Northface from the front closet.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll know when we get there."


Dress and Shoes: http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggN0yLdoSVQYZ8RE8MY6bLuQ---y626-x495-q75-n0/o mg/us/img/3e/c7/2629_4799918819.jpg
Cake: (I couldn't decide) http://www.cakecentral.com/files/thumbs/t_marina_s_sweet_16_challenge_ cake_150.jpg
http://neonlimelight.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mileybday2.jpg
Hair:(the third one) http://dressliketaylor.net/hairguides.php
Car:http://www.landroverusa.com/us/en/shopping_tools/Build_Your_Landrover/ overview.htm