Boy Band Love Story

Chapter

1

Megan Johnson, will you go to homecoming with me? Carl asked, his hair that usually stuck up in the back all slicked down, a dandelion weed extended out towards me. I giggled, Carl was someone who was always cheesy and yet adorable at the

same

time

.

I was so afraid about not being asked to homecoming. I don't even know why, but something about being asked just gave me confidence in myself. So when he asked, I didn't hesitate to say yes. And then he kissed my cheek and told me that his mom would pick me up in his minivan.

I didn't even care that I'd be showing up in a minivan, because Carl Poole would be my date. Girls would see me with him and immediately hate me because I had my claim on him, which shouldn't have made me giddy but

it

did

.

That was the beginning.

Look, Isabella, you need to wear a shirt. I sighed, glaring down my three year old daughter. She was almost as stubborn as me, which made it incredibly difficult to even do the simplest things with her. She shook her head vigorously in protest.

But how come daddy gets to go to bed without a shirt? Isabella pouted. She still was yet to understand why boys could go around without shirts and why girls couldn't. I tried and tried again to tell her, but every morning she'd come to wake me up without a shirt. Whenever I told her no, she'd always have the same excuse; But I'm too hot in my shirt!

I shook my head, giving up because it was already way past Isabella's bedtime. Carl still wasn't home yet, and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. It could mean one of two things; he was hanging out with friends, or he was drinking with friends. I hoped that it would be the latter but that was highly

doubt

-

able

.

I crawled into Isabella's bed beside her and wrapped my arms around her. The tiny bed creaked and groaned like always, and Isabella laughed like always. She thought it was probably the funniest thing in the world how her bed 'was talking'. I never told her that her father was too cheap to buy her a good,

sturdy

bed

.

I love you to the moon. Isabella whispers, kissing my cheek and burrowing her face in my chest.

I love you to the moon and back. I say, lying back on the pillow.

To most people, we looked like a regular, happy family.

But we definitely

were

not

.

It'll be fun! Carl whined, pulling on my wrist. I groaned and shook my head, trying to get free of him. The Tigers, our school football team, had just won another game; keeping us undefeated. There was going to be a huge after party at someone's house, and I knew that my mom would be furious if

I

went

.

Carl had gone from a sweet boyfriend to an over-controlling monster.

Seriously, I'm tired. I lied, even adding a fake yawn to make it sound believe able. He rolled his eyes and walked me to his beat up Chevy that smelled like Doritos. I sighed, relieved that I wouldn't be pressured into going to this party. He knew that I hated parties.

You're a baby. He growled, putting his keys into the ignition. I frowned and kept my eyes trained on random objects outside of the window when I felt his arms wrap around my waist, his lips at my neck. "You don't want me to be upset, do you? It's one little

party

,

Meg

."

I shook my head again.

Carl, seriously. I warned, my tone suddenly becoming sterner than I meant it to be. I don't want to go okay? We can go back to my house and watch a movie or something! I tried to sound enthusiastic, hoping to get his mind off of why he was mad. He only shook his head and dug his nails into

my

skin

.

I felt my eyes burned as I pulled away, Carl had never been like this before.

We're going to the party. He commanded. "

Right

,

babe

?"

Right. I said, feeling ashamed as I

gave

it

.

Carl got home at

around

two

.

I had only stayed with Isabella until she felt asleep, which was relatively quick. The rest of my night was being a nervous wreck, waiting for him, and watching old reruns of Wife Swap, basically the only thing that was on television.

His car pulled up in the parking lot of the apartment he lived in, and I examined various bruises on my arms. They were all made by him when he was in his angry, drunken state of mind, and I just prayed to God that he wouldn't be that way to night for the sake of Isabella’s and my safety.

When he did come home, I had the house nice and cleaned up and some water and an Advil for him on the counter to take in the morning when he was hung-over after a night at the bar with friends, where he always escaped to every single night.

I'm exhausted. Carl grumbled, kicking off his shoes at the front door. I gave a small smile and focused back on my show, hoping he'd slip away into his bedroom. I had stopped sleeping there months before. Most of my nights were now spent on the couch.

He wandered into the kitchen and I trailed behind like a lost puppy. He kissed my cheek sweetly and then turned to the counter. I watched as his face went from a state of peace to a state

of

rage

.

What the heck! I put twenty dollars on the counter when I left! He points to the spot where I had set out his glass of water. I felt all the air in my lungs escape for a quick moment.

Oh, it's okay! I said timidly, rummaging around in the drawer. "I just set

it

over

-"

He slapped me across the face, and I knew it would be another one of those sleepless nights, where the only thing that I would think of was 'Is this really my prince charming?'

I looked down at the test in my hands and shrieked, throwing it on the ground. This wasn't what I had wanted at all, and it all had started with Carl pressuring me into giving myself

to

him

.

No! I said, putting my head in my hands. I wasn't even thinking clearly, and suddenly I turned around to face the toilet and vomited.

There was a knock at

the

door

.

Babe, open up! Carl hollered from the outside. I tried to speak but nothing would come out, except more contents of my breakfast. The nerves were unnerving and overwhelming, my heart was sky rocketing and I thought that it might just burst.

Carl walked in and raised an eyebrow, looking down

on

me

.

You sick or something? He asked bluntly. I only shook my head, not willing myself to meet his gaze. I had to tell him now or he'd get suspicious, and I knew the longer I drew it out the worse it

would

get

.

I'm pregnant. I blurt, closing my eyes and crying hard. I had no family to lean on. My relatives lived in Boston whereas I lived in New York. If Carl kicked me out, I don't know where I would go or who I would turn. After that night, I was in so much pain, left lying on the cold, hard bathroom floor. I held onto my stomach and shut my ass as tight as they

would

go

.

I'm going to keep you safe, baby. I promised. And I hoped that one day, someone would tell that

to

me

.

Carl slammed me against the kitchen counter and I yelped in pain. He smirked and started to come near me slowly, and in that time I pulled my leg back and kicked him in the shin. I heard him hiss in pain and stood up, running to

Isabella's

room

.

His footsteps were like thunder cracking in a storm. I picked Isabella, who was slowly awakening, up in my arms and grabbed our two emergency bags under her bed. I had hid them just for this kind of situation, because a part of me knew that this was coming all along. The day where I would put my

foot

down

.

What was that for?! He shouted, holding onto his leg. Isabella started to cry faintly and I rubbed her back as I tried to get through the doorway. Carl grabbed my shoulder and both Isabella and I were sent into the wall. I shielded my arms around her protectively as Carl stood there, frozen.

You think that you can control me. I said, my voice wavering, hot angry tears spilling down my cheeks. I've let you make me things I never wanted to do, I've been put through so much pain by you, and I'm sick of it. You've become a monster, Carl. And I can't tame you. So I'm leaving.

To my surprise, Carl didn't say a word as we left, didn't even move. It was like he was still absorbing what I had told him, finally letting it all

sink

in

.

Isabella and I got into my car in the dead of night and drove off into the great unknown. I should have been terrified- I had nowhere to go, barely any money, no plans.

But instead I felt a great weight lifted off my shoulders, because I knew that this could be a new start for me. After all the years of endless abuse, I was escaping.

I

was

free

.

Chapter

2

Dominic's Point

of

View

I looked down at my phone, frowning slightly at it. So far I had received two of these strange threatening messages, and they were all sent to a private email address that I told nobody to... something that nobody could guess.

Or so I thought.

It sent chills down my spine and all the way back up when I read over the message;

Dominic Carter

must

die

.

I wanted to know who would send something like this to me. I wanted to know how they found out my practically impossible email address that consisted of a bunch of letters and numbers. I wanted to know just what I did wrong that someone wanted me

to

die

.

Instead of curling up into a ball and crying, I was forced to put on a smile. Xavier was sitting right next to me on his phone, and I knew that everyone would be up my ass if I started to cry. All I wanted was my mum, and my warm old bed, and some answers.

What had I done wrong?

Why did I

deserve

this

?

Of course, I didn't tell anyone as usual. I figured that this would blow away with the wind, just some hater who just so happened to get my very complicated username. I couldn't let it get to my head, not with so many things going on in my life, I didn't need something that would just slow me down and add more stress onto

my

life

.

Whoever they were, they'd

go

away

.

But I was wrong, very wrong.

Ready, lads? Gavin asked, flipping his microphone around, fixing his snapback. I could hear the screams of thousands of girls from above me, my blood pumping fast in my veins.

I loved the feeling before a show. There was still that little hint of nerves that built up your adrenaline rush. The fact that people actually came to watch me perform was enough to make me freak.

We all put our hands in our little circle and sang the 'Back to Work' song from Snow White, something that was tradition and done before every single show. With my ice cold water bottle in hand, perspiration running down my arm, I ran off to my entrance platform and shook all of the

nerves

on

.

You've got this Dominic, you're gonna do great.

Every single show, I would repeat my mum's words from my first performance as a tomato in our school's play in the first grade. It seemed cheesy and ridiculous when I said it out loud, so I told nobody.

My phone rang and I raised an eyebrow, I had thought I silenced it for the show. Setting my water bottle down, I looked at the screen and clicked on the email that I received.

Dominic Carter

WILL

die

.

In an instant, my blood ran as ice cold as the bottle in my hand and my face got even paler than usual. It was from the same person, who I hadn't dared to ever reply to anyone. Their username was a mix of letters and numbers that made no sense, similar to mine- but just looking at it

terrified

me

.

And now here I was, alone in the dark, and especially vulnerable.

Let's go do this! Sebastian hooted from faraway, making me jump in front.

Screw you, Sebastian. I cursed under my breath, shoving my phone back into my pocket and nibbling on my

bottom

lip

.

So far I had received ten of these anonymous messages, and a grand total of one had been reported to anyone, and that was Nathan. He made a little joke of it and promised not to tell, which I guess you could say made me feel better for the moment.

Normally after about ten minutes after I'd received the message I would manage calm myself down, reassuring to myself that whoever it was, was probably twelve and wanting some kind of attention.

But I was very wrong.

Another one had appeared.

We were in the bus, on our way to a new city. It was late at night and most of the lights had been turned off and most of the crew had turned it in- these nights where we'd get more than eight hour in were rare and something to be treasured.

Yet here I was, sitting in the back room, staring at my phone, about ready to shit myself. All because of this dumb anonymous user that I was letting get to my head. Ridiculous.

There was a quick knock on the door and I put my phone away quickly.

Come on in! I called quietly, not wanting to wake anyone up, Lux especially. I knew that if I woke her up I'd wake everyone, and nobody would be too happy with

my

then

.

Nathan entered the room, closing the door quietly. He was wearing a plain white shirt and baggy sweatpants that he'd most likely stolen from my luggage. He grinned at me and sat beside me on the black leather couch, clapping me on

the

back

.

Couldn't sleep either, yeah? He said, shaking his head and tossing his hair to the side. I'm tired but I can't seem to fall asleep.

I just nodded, still unable to speak. I was still thinking about that irritating person, wondering exactly who they were and why they found this funny. I wanted to tell myself that I was overreacting, but after receiving so many of these messages, I wasn't sure if I was anymore.

Man, you look a bit unwell. Nathan said, cupping my face in his cheeks. I shrugged and swallowed hard. It came out as a loud gulp, which made Nathan raise an eyebrow

at

me

.

Alright, spill, tell Nathan all about it. He said, turning to me. "Really, I'm all ears. What's

up

,

bud

?"

I... okay look. I said, closing my eyes and sighing. First of all, you need to promise me not to tell this to anyone. I gave him a look and he raised his right hand. "

Right

,

then

."

Well, there's been something on my mind lately and it's sort of been freaking me out. I say timidly. "And I'm not sure if maybe I'm just overreacting... but I keep getting these weird messages. And I dunno who they're from, it's an anonymous person. Every single one of them said something threatening, always saying how I have to die. I just got the seventh one

right

now

."

Nathan frowned at me and nodded, huffing loudly and looking off in the distance, as if he was really thinking. I smiled a little. It was nice to tell someone my little secret. It made me feel like I wasn't actually going crazy, keeping all of it bottled up in

my

head

.

Dominic, there's something that I've gotta tell you. Nathan says, looking up at me seriously.

Yeah? I asked, raising my eyebrow suspiciously. "What is

it

,

mate

?"

That person... is me! Rah! He says rather loudly, causing me to jump. My face went a bit pink with embarrassment. Maybe I was just making this thing a whole lot bigger than needed be. I gave him a small smile and he rested his hand on

my

knee

.

Well then, I'm off to bed. Nathan decides, leaving

the

room

.

For the rest of the night, I kept on telling myself it was nothing.

But there was always something in the back of my head telling me otherwise.

How's everybody doing tonight, London? Colton shouts, causing many girls to swoon and scream. I took a big gulp from my now empty water bottle, chuckling. I had forgotten all about the message that I had gotten a few hours before.

Well, this is gonna be the last song for tonight I'm afraid. He continues, pouting. From the audience comes a ‘boo’ and I shake my head, laughing again. Sometimes it was exhausting how the fans always expected us to do a million encores, but other times it was nice to know how appreciated

we

were

.

Hey man, want a banana? Sebastian asks, handing one to me and sitting beside me as Colton kept on rambling. I smiled at him and nodded, peeling the banana. I looked into the crowd and all I could see was darkness, and some lights flashing here and there. I shook my head, leaning back on my elbows.

I can't believe this is our last show for the tour. I said, sighing. "It's crazy, y'know? I can't believe that it's gonna

be

over

."

I hear ya, man. Sebastian agrees with a nod, throwing my water bottle into the crowd. "Afterward I think I'm gonna head to a club.

You

in

?"

Eh, why not? I chuckle, messing with

his

hair

.

From out of the corner of my eye, I could see a girl in the front row with something covering her face. I assumed it was some type of religious preference that she had to wear a head covering, but that didn't seem like the case. No, this was something completely different.

Watch. Sebastian chuckled, chucking his banana peel into the audience. I watched as two girls wrestled each other for it, before it split in half. Sebastian laughed loudly, clapping his hands much like a seal. I only smiled, looking back at that girl with

the

mask

.

She smirked at me and winked, pulling out her phone. I assumed that she would take a picture of me, but instead my phone- which I had supposedly turned off, buzzed. It was another email, I saw. I clicked on it and read the words on the page over a million times: Time for Dominic Carter

to

die

.

Suddenly, there was a loud boom and I heard many shrill, terrified screams. In the same instant, I watched a bullet fly right passed my head. Within a few seconds, the whole arena was chaos.

Sebastian covered me with his hand, and I looked over to where the masked girl was standing.

Only this time, she was gone. Out of sight, like the girl wasn't even real, just a figment of my imagination. But I could have sworn that she was real... I knew

she

was

.

Within a few seconds, security had rushed me backstage. I saw Joseph, my security guard, looking at me, half worried and half upset.

Nathan told me about the messages. Dominic, why wouldn't you say something!? He raged, wiping his sweat-drenched face. "Never mind that. This is putting the whole band in danger, do you

realize

that

?"

I couldn't speak. My eyes were wide with fear, my hands trembling immensely. I opened my mouth to speak, but there was nothing there. I couldn't move, couldn't speak, and barely could breath. Joseph reached over and grabbed my shoulders,

shaking

me

.

Dominic, we need to get you out of here. You're in danger standing around here, everyone around you is. We're taking you into hiding.

And with those two words, my life changed forever.

Chapter

3

Megan's Point

of

View

After hours upon hours of driving through the pitch black of night, a practically empty tank of gas, and a Slurpee from a passing gas station for Isabella, I found a cheap 'Bluehill Inn' that we would call our

temporary

home

.

So we're gonna have a sleepover? Isabella asked, her tongue blue from her slushy. I nodded and unbuckled her from her car seat, throwing our bags over my shoulder. I checked the bold lettered vacancy sign that was under the 'Bluehill Inn' sign (the O lighting had gone out) and all my fears

washed

away

.

With Isabella on my hip, I pushed through the front doors and into the lobby. There was a woman who looked around fifty years old smoking a cigarette behind the front desk, and as soon as she saw us she flicked the butt of the cigarette and threw it in a nearby

ash

tray

.

Welcome to Bluehill Inn. She smiled wide as we approached the desk. I hope you found your way here easily. I wanted to tell her that in the start of my journey, I had no idea that I'd be ending up here, but instead I just nodded politely.

You want some? Isabella asked, holding out the blue slushy to the woman. The woman laughed hoarsely.

No thanks, cutie. What's your name? She asked, leaning her elbows on the

counter

top

.

Isabella and I'm this many. Isabella said seriously, holding up four fingers. I laughed and put one down for her, she was always accidentally putting up the wrong amount. I had tried and tried again to teach her how to count to ten, but she always had at least two numbers backwards.

Well I'm Penelope, and I'm too many years old to say out loud. Penelope cackles at her own joke and shakes her head, the 90's hairdo on hear head swaying back and forth. "And what's your

mommy's

name

?"

Mommy,

Isabella

says

.

She means Megan, Megan Johnson. I extend my hand, which Penelope shakes with so much force that Isabella shook in my arms. "And we're here to get

a

room

."

Penelope nods. How many nights will you be staying?

She

asks

.

Um… I bite my lip. I hadn't exactly gotten that far. We're not sure. Can I just pay for a week at a time? I raise an eyebrow, afraid that she'd reject me. I knew if I wasn't able to stay here then Isabella and I would have to result in sleeping in the car, which would not go

over

yet

.

Penelope nodded. For one week, that'll come to 500 dollars. She said. I dug around in my incredibly messy wallet and fished out the cash. Alright, here's your key. She said, dangling the single key in the air. I grabbed it, smiling. "You're room thirty six, if you just go back out there's a staircase to the left that'll bring you to the second floor, you're going to be the fifth

door

down

."

I nodded and said my goodbyes to Penelope, and as soon as we were back out the door she was lighting another cigarette. I was just glad that Isabella hadn't asked about it, because I really didn't know what to tell her. If I told her it was a bad thing, she'd open up her big toddler mouth and tell Penelope.

I get a big bed? Isabella asks as I fiddle with the knob. I honestly had no idea, I'd never been to one of these motels, all I knew was that it was the cheapest around and that was good enough

for

me

.

The walls were a beige color, and the carpet the ugliest shade of blue that I think I'd ever laid my eyes on. There was only one bed, since we'd rented one of the cheapest rooms available. The bed sheet was the same blue as the carpet, but this time there were a few streaks of orange mixed in. I saw a door that lead to a little bedroom over in the corner.

To me, this place was the equivalent of a

garbage

dump

.

To Isabella, it might as well been a castle.

Mommy, TV! She squealed, pushing random buttons on it. I blinked and watched, but it did nothing. This didn't upset the small girl, instead, with her short attention span, she spun around on her heel and jumped on the bed, completely forgetting about the television.

I glanced at my phone. It was already five in the morning and another sleepless night for me. Sighing, I set our bags down on the desk that held the television and sat next to Isabella on

the

bed

.

Listen, baby, mommy's gotta talk to you okay? I said, unsure of how to even begin to tell her that her father wasn't going to be in her life anymore. Isabella jumped once more and landed next to me on

her

butt

.

Okay. She nodded.

Of course she's gonna be obedient. I just need some time, time to figure out what

to

say

.

You know how daddy was... a meanie sometimes? I begin, swallowing hard. Isabella nodded, waiting for me to continue. "Well, we're not going back to him. He's been really hurting mommy and I want to keep you

safe

.

Okay

?"

Isabella stares at me for a good ten seconds, and I was preparing for some kind of tantrum. Instead, she just nods once more. Okay, mommy! She agrees, going back to jumping on the bed. I let out a loud whoosh of air and lay back on the

stiff

bed

.

Where Sally the seagull? Isabella asked, raising an eyebrow at me. My eyes went wide- I remember her falling asleep with Sally and completely forgot to bring it in my bag. I bite my lip, unable to say anything or explain it

to

her

.

To anyone else, this wasn't a big deal at all. It was just another old stuffed animal- but to Isabella, it was her favorite stuffed animal that she had to sleep with every single night or she'd go insane.

Honey... I close my eyes. We'll go back for Sally sometime, okay? But tonight you can... snuggle with mommy? I tried.

That's when the tantrum began, and I knew even a wink of sleep wasn't going to happen tonight.

Dominic's Point

of

View

They say that the Irish are born with good luck, but yet here I am, on my way to a rundown Bluehill Inn in the middle of

nowhere

-

land

.

Leo suggested that for my irresponsible behavior, I would have to have a phone call meeting with the head of Modest! Management, Christopher O'Cleary. If there was anything in the world more obnoxious than him, I would be very surprised. With the highest voice box in the world and the attitude of a girl on 'My Super Sweet Sixteenth', there was nothing more in the world that I hated then talking

to

him

.

It was all Christopher's fault that I was being sent here, all his fault that I couldn't say goodbye to the boys, all his fault that I was going to miss the last four dates from our latest tour. It was like he pointed at a random spot on the map and was now forcing me to relocate there.

Don't get me wrong, New York is great and all, but staying at a motel that cost six dollars a night and was known across the United States as being the 'cheapest place around', I wasn't exactly a happy camper.

We're here. Leo said, pulling into a parking lot. I looked up to see a bit, bold sign that said 'Motel 6' and below it a vacancy sign. Sighing, I grabbed my luggage and my guitar and followed Leo up to my new room. We'd already gotten a key and everything in advance, as well as a promise that my being here would be kept a secret.

Well, here it is kid. Joseph said, holding the door open. I smiled weakly and stepped inside, kicking off my shoes immediately. The place wasn't all that impressive, but I had some upgrades like a flat screen and a bigger bathroom, as well as a king sized bed and mini fridge.

Tell the boys that I miss 'em. I sighed, sitting on the bed. "And I'll have them come down to see me as soon as

possible

,

eh

?"

Dunno about that. Joseph shrugged, his hands deep in his pockets. "But I'll figure something out for you, alright? I'm on

your

side

."

I nodded. I know, I know. I said, shaking my head. "But how long does this have to go on for? I can't be a prisoner stuck here. And what's the fun of wearing a disguise just to get out

of

here

?"

Joseph wiped his face with his abnormally

large

hand

.

I hear ya, I really do. But for now I don't have answers. He said, clapping me on the back. I tried my best to give a nice smile, but we both knew that I was extremely far down in the dumps. Well, I'll be on my way. Call me if you need anything.

And with that, Joseph was gone, leaving me all alone. Only I'd been feeling this sensation of loneliness for a few days now. I absolutely hated it- I was one of those people who craved company, and when I didn't have it I was just glum. The happy go Dominic was sucked out of me, and his replacement was a saddened

little

boy

.

For the most of the day, I wasted the hours away flipping through the 30 cable channels that were either playing a soap, an infomercial, and, if I was lucky, a football game. I wasn't allowed to tweet anything to the fans saying how I was alright and I now realized how much my life depended on twitter.

God, I was a fucking wreck.

I clicked on a link posted by monkey caper and watched as the loading sign swirling around in a circle until the face of my four best friends popped up. I frowned. I never realized how much I

missed

them

.

Hey Dominic! We hope you're doing okay. Gavin smiled sympathetically.

We just wanted to say that we love you bud and miss you so much! Nathan exclaimed. We're gonna hunt down whoever tried to hurt our poor Dom. I saw Colton smack him in the back of the head and found myself laughing at the people I called best friends.

And for the fans watching, we want you all to know that Dominic is okay and not hurt and I'm sure he loves the trends and support from you all. Sebastian smiled into the camera, his hands behind his back like always.

And then within a few seconds, their faces were gone and I was brought back down to earth. All I wanted was to call them and let them know that I wasn't alright, that I was stuck in a Bluehill Inn for crying out loud, practically dying.

That was it. I had to get out of this stupid

motel

room

.

Grabbing my wallet and sliding it deep in my pocket, I went outside into the open and down the flight of stairs, as far away as I could from room forty two and down to the front lobby. Apparently, to make my stay more comfortable, they added a flat screen and refreshment table in the lobby.

I swung the door open and waved to Penelope, who I'd met just a few days ago over the phone.

Hey, sweetheart, Penelope said, coughing.

How're you? I asked as I made my way to the other part of the lobby to check out the refreshments table. She only shrugged as I went into the other room. It was nothing fancy, the carpets were the same old grey-ish blue and the walls a weird off-white color. There was a long pop up table off cookies and a water cooler, and a small living area with a television.

I walked over to a brightly lit crane machine, there were various cheap stuffed animals resting on the bottom. I grabbed some spare change from my wallet and put them in the coin slot, activating the machine.

Get the turtle! A small voice from behind me said. I jumped and spun around on my heel to see a small girl with blonde pigtails craning her neck upward to try and see the turtle she was marveling over. I chuckled and picked her small body up in my arms so that she

could

see

.

The turtle in the middle? I asked her. She nodded vigorously and I set her back down, putting my hands over the buttons and sticking out my tongue a bit, concentrating on getting the small girl her turtle. I pressed down on the drop down button and watched the little girl's face light up as she saw I won that turtle.

You did it! She giggled, clapping as she retrieved her prize. I only wished I could be with smooth with women my age instead of girls that were still wearing diapers. I'm Isabella. She said, cuddling with the stuffed animal.

I'm Dominic. It's nice to meet you, princess. I gave her a small hug. Where's your mummy?

Oh, my mommy is- Isabella began, but she was interrupted by another voice

behind

me

.

She's in our room right now. I glanced back to see the girl from on the couch earlier smiling down at us, nibbling nervously on her bottom lip. And I'm sure she'll love that prize you got Isabella. What do you say, baby girl? She asks Isabella.

Thank you. Isabella said, blushing. I chuckled.

It's no big deal, really. I shrug, trying not to stare at Isabella's rather attractive sister. She had dark hair that came down her shoulder in elegant waves, and even in an old hoodie and jeans she looked like a queen. God, I was such

a

sap

.

Dominic, Dominic Carter. I stood up from my crouching position beside Isabella and held out my hand. The woman smiled lightly and shook it. "And

Isabella's

your

..."

Sister. Megan said, looking even more nervous now. And it wasn't like the type of anxious hype that girls normally had around me, it was almost as if she was... scared. Right, she's my... sister. And I'm Megan, Megan Johnson.

Megan Johnson, I thought to myself. For some reason, I knew in that moment that this Megan Johnson was a girl that I would never forget.

Chapter

4

Megan's Point

of

View

I was told from a young age that lying is deceitful and wrong. And I knew it, too, but in that moment, I couldn't help myself. Standing in front of me was one of the most famous people in the world, although I didn't have a clue as to why he'd be here, and I'd lied to

his

face

.

But before you think I'm a rotten person, you have to look at it from my perspective. Here was this incredibly successful twenty year old who had it all- the fame, the fortune, and the looks. And then there was me- a shame to her parents and a lost cause because she got knocked up at seventeen. There was no way in hell I was going to admit that I was a teen mom. I couldn't

do

it

.

For the next three hours, the three of us sat in front of the television watching The Simpsons. And I couldn't help but wonder what was going through Dominic's head- was he onto me all along and decided to spend time with us as a charity case, or was he genuinely enjoying himself?

I didn't know which one it was, and I didn't know if I even wanted

to

know

.

Why they yellow? Isabella asked Dominic, sitting up on his lap. He laughed and shrugged.

I dunno, hon, why aren't you yellow? He replied. Isabella gave him a frown, unable to give him an answer. I thought it was adorable how they both bonded so quickly, and it surprised me, really. Because of Carl, Isabella didn't respond well to men and was afraid of them, but it was different with him and I just couldn't

tell

why

.

She's adorable. Dominic smiled, scooting over to my side of the couch and watching Isabella as she went and gathered up some more cookies- God knows how many she'd eaten by now. I blushed and nodded.

Well, thank you. I'm surprised that she's taken such a liking to you, actually. I admitted with a shrug.

I have my way with toddlers, I guess. Dominic chuckled, looking back at the television. So where's your parents, aren't they worried about where Isabella is? He raised his eyebrow in curiosity and I mentally cursed myself for getting into

this

mess

.

Er... they went out for a bit. But they trust me with her, it's okay. I lied swiftly, although my heart was still pounding. He nodded and turned his attention back to the screen. I watched as he sneaked a cookie from Isabella and bit into it. As soon as he did, his face puckered up like he'd just eaten something

really

sour

.

These taste like cardboard. He cringed, throwing it into the trashcan. I giggled and shook

my

head

.

Guess you haven't tried the finger sandwiches then, yet. I said, glancing over at the food table. It's all rubbish over there, I don't even know why my dau- I paused, my face heating up for a moment. "I don't know why my sister

likes

them

."

Dominic nodded and laughed, and I could feel myself sigh with relief.

Good save, Megan.

Is that what you're planning on eatin' for supper? He asked, raising his eyebrow. I shrugged and bit my lip, I really hadn't thought about dinner yet or what I was supposed to feed Isabella and for what money.

I guess so. My... parents are out for the night, so I'll just figure something out. I lied. He frowned, clearly deep in thought, and then glanced over at Isabella, who was giggling along with the show. I doubted that she even knew the jokes, because they were mostly inappropriate and I barely

understood

them

.

How 'bout I take care of dinner. He shrugs. It's the least I could do for my new friends. He chuckled. I shrugged, tugging at my sleeve and sighing.

Dominic, you really don't have to do that. I said, glancing up at him. Anyways, we just met. You could be some serial killer and poison my food. I add with a smirk. He gaped and shoved me, right on my arm that had a tiny bruise that was still healing from Carl. I winced on accident and saw his eyes

shoot

up

.

Oh my god, I didn't mean to hurt you! He said motherly, scotching over to me and kissing my arm. "I'm really sorry, I promise I wasn't

trying

to

-"

I was joking. I lied. You're so gullible. You should have seen your face! Dominic glared at me for a moment and sighed.

Not funny. He mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. I shoved him back the way he shoved me and I saw a crooked smile appear on his lips. It was so strange to me that here I was, casually messing with a pop star and really enjoying his company.

What was stranger? It seemed to be that he enjoyed my company, too, and I didn't understand why. But I knew if he was to find out anything about me that would change. Nobody wants to hang around me for quite a while, because I'm such a charity case it

annoys

them

.

Now you have to let me treat you girls to dinner. He decides, holding Isabella back on his lap. She yawns- shit, I forgot to put her down for her nap- and cuddles into his chest. It still blew me away how she wasn't afraid of him. Heck, she was even afraid of my dad when they

first

met

.

Mommy, please? Isabella begged. I chuckled and nodded.

Sure, baby. I said, kissing her cheek. When I looked back up at Dominic he had his eyebrows raised in confusion. Something wrong? I ask him, frowning.

She just called you mum... He said, trailing off. I bit my lip and came up with a quick excuse.

She's only three. She gets a bit confused sometimes. I try and shrug it off like it's nothing and surprisingly, it works. All this time I thought I was an awful liar, but here I was straight up lying and it was working just fine. Only there was a little part in the back of my mind that felt extremely guilty.

I guess I wouldn't know, I'm not really around kids much. Dominic shrugs.

And thank god

for

that

.

Suddenly, Isabella crawled onto my lap and let out a

soft

yawn

.

I’m sleepy. The small girl complained, curling up in

my

lap

.

She had her turtle under her right arm, which Dominic had named 'Timmy the turtle'. It occurred to me that I didn't even know what time it was, it just seemed like when I hung around Dominic time just

flew

by

.

Maybe it was like that with all famous people.

I pulled out my embarrassingly cheap flip phone from my pocket, which I could see Dominic smirking at, and checked the time. It was alright seven thirty, and even though that didn't seem that late, it was for us. It was already past Isabella's bedtime.

I've got to put her to bed. I sighed, hoisting Isabella up into my arms. Dominic nodded and rubbed her back, which made her smile. It occurred to me that she'd never had a male figure that wanted her around or took care of her, and that really made my

heart

ache

.

How 'bout this? Dominic said, standing up and pulling me up with him. Put her to bed and then meet me in my room, it's room forty two. I nodded, glad that he still wanted to spend time with me. It seemed that a lot of people didn't enjoy my company lately.

Say goodnight, Bella. I nudged my daughter. She gave a lopsided grin to Dominic and he kissed her forehead.

Night, night. Isabella said, waving as we walking out of the little lobby. We passed Penelope, who was asleep at her little desk at the front, and pushed open the doors. I crept up the stairs and up to room

thirty

six

.

When we got inside, I flicked on the lights and laid Isabella's tiny body down on the bed, pulling the covers over her. She cuddled into Timmy the turtle and I slipped

beside

her

.

Can I see your bruise, honey? I asked, frowning slightly as I lifted up her shirt. It was one of the rare times when I wasn't there to protect her from the monster that was my boyfriend. It made me hate myself down to my core knowing that I let him

hurt

her

.

I traced my fingers over it gingerly. It was fading but definitely still there. You could tell that it was made by a hand, and it made me want to scream that he laid his hands on my daughter, our daughter.

Does it still hurt? I ask her, raising my eyebrow, worried. She shook her head and grinned.

No, I’m big girl mommy. Isabella reassured me. I giggled and kissed her bruise. It still amazed me how Isabella could put me in a good mood in such terrible times.

You are a big girl, baby. I assured her. And I promise I won't let anything or anyone hurt you ever again, okay? She nodded and locked her tiny pinkie

with

mine

.

Why did you tell the big boy you weren't my mommy...? She began and frowned. I felt a pain in my gut and I frowned, looking down at the carpet. How was I supposed to explain these delicate topics with a three year old and make her understand?

It's complicated, was all that I could muster.

Why? She pressed, tilting her head slightly. "Why, mommy? You don't

like

me

?"

No, no, no of course not Isabella. I said quickly, feeling awful that she would even think that. I shook my head, patting her hair back. It's just that not everyone is happy that I have a daughter.

Do they not like me? Damn her for being so curious about everything. I smiled weakly and shook my head, laying it beside hers, rubbing her arm lovingly.

No, baby. I whispered. It's just that not everyone understands. But they will one day, okay? I looked at her out of the corner of my eye and saw

her

nod

.

I love you to the moon. She whispered in such a small voice that it was barely audible.

"I love you to the moon

and

back

."

It was eight 'o clock when I finally reached room forty two, which was the last one in the row of rooms. I had double locked the doors to our motel room to make sure that nobody could get it, and then walked a few doors down to see Dominic. I knocked on the door and only a few short seconds later it swung open with a whoosh, revealing him, beaming

at

me

.

Hope you found everything alright. He chuckled, ushering me in. I just hoped I wasn't being so stupid for trusting him, I hoped that nothing bad would happen to me. I knew he seemed like a nice man, but there was always that doubt in the back of my head because I used to think the same thing

of

Carl

.

I did. I chuckle, closing the door. His room was very different than mine. He had a kitchenette, two beds, a flat screen, a back porch, and a bigger bathroom. On accident, I realized that I was gaping and I heard Dominic laugh at me and head into the small kitchen, hovering over two plates.

I've been slaving away making this meal. He let me know jokingly. 'I followed him into the tiny kitchen area and saw some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese puffs, and two Cokes.

Well dang, this is quite the 5-star restaurant you've got here. I said sarcastically.

His mouth twisted upwards in a lopsided smile and he shook his head, grabbing his food and walking back into the main room. Come on, let's sit out on the front porch. He said, nodding towards a door in the back. I nodded,

following

him

.

That way I'll be able to watch our door. I nodded. I want to make sure Isabella's safe, you know. He nodded, understanding, and picked up both of our plates.

We both went out into the cool air and sat down on cheap blue plastic chairs. It seemed like everything in this place was blue. Dominic uncapped his Coke and held it out as I

uncapped

mine

.

To new friendships and this 5-star meal. He grinned. I clinked my glass with him and took a sip of my drink.

You know, I'm glad that I'm not the only one staying at this place. He admitted. I nodded, throwing a cheese puff in my mouth and sitting back in my chair.

Well, Isabella and I will be here for a while. I admitted. He raised an eyebrow and looked

at

me

.

..And your parents? He asked. I nodded, forgetting about that little lie that made me have a weird feeling in

my

gut

.

Yeah, they'll be back later tonight. I lied. He nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich. I was glad that he didn't ask about my 'parents' any more. My phone rang in my pocket and I blushed, pulling out the embarrassing flip phone. Dominic laughed at it again and I narrowed my eyes at him, reading

the

text

.

My stomach turned when I saw that it was from Carl. I bit my lip and read it over four times:

Don't get to comfy where

you’re

at

.

Because I'll find you, somehow.

And you'll regret ever

leaving

me

.

I snapped my phone shut and it clicked loudly as I put it back away as quickly as I could. Dominic looked over

at

me

.

Everything alright? He asked. I nodded, although my insides felt like they were going to explode.

It was just my mom. I lie. "She just said they'll be

home

late

."

For a while, everything was silent as we ate. I was still trying to digest all that was in that text while Dominic was eating his food. I was glad that he didn't mention why I wasn't eating. I tried to force some cheese puffs in my mouth but I made me feel like I wanted to