Under the Disguise

chapter one | popstars do not look hot in blue dresses

The lights of Los Angeles never seemed so bright before, they looked like they were taunting me, acting like a spotlight on my running figure. The evening wind rushing through my blonde locks which were flying behind me seemed to be pushing me back to my starting point. Maybe these were things that were actually happening or maybe this was all just the little bit of guilt forcing me to turn around, but I couldn't, this was finally my chance at freedom, and I was damn well going to make the most out of it.

My mind was whirring, overpowering the baby crying in her stroller, the couple arguing over the loud vehicles stuck in traffic, and every other pedestrian streaming in and out of shops and buildings living their life. Sometimes I liked to just stare at them and think what if that was my life, where would I be going, what would I be doing but then my reality would crash and distort that other life I was dreaming up as that person.

This is my city, I loved the lights, the noise, the people and everything about it. This is the home of creation and the love of the arts. This is the home to savvy and eccentric businessman and businesses, teenagers and young adults trying to live their dream and famous celebrities adored by all. 

Living in LA is not peaceful and I never really minded that because this is home and I accepted it with my hands wide open, but did it accept me.

I knew I would always find my way back to this city, but I needed to leave right now and with that thought I dragged my black suitcase with more determination in my step, lifting the small pastel pink carry on higher on my shoulder as the memory of the letter I had left on my grandfather's bedside table slowly dissipated from my mind.

The loud shout of my name brought me out of my thoughts. 'Caleb.' I sighed as I turned around, he really needed a pay rise because he was doing a damn good job trailing me while I was in my disguise. He was neither bulky nor lanky but somewhere comfortably in the middle; enough to intimidate anyone and he was really using that to his advantage making people move away just from one look from him. I needed to lose him and fast if I was ever going to properly escape. I glanced around nervously, there was no escape for me, and I had no other choice but to make a run for it.

With a quick prayer to all the gods of running, speed or the gym. Was there even one? I don't know and I couldn't care less. I took off running without a second glance. It had not even been a few minutes and I knew he was gaining on me and not even the few pedestrians acting as roadblocks in his path were able to stop him. He was gaining on me and my palms had started sweating while I pushed my way through, ignoring everyone shouting and cursing at me, while my eyes darted around for an escape. 

I heard it before I saw it. The sound which would officially be my favorite if I managed to escape this without breaking my freshly manicured nails. Screaming fangirls.

Oh, how I loved LA

The colorful mob of girls could be heard from a mile away and I wondered was I really so deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear them before. The sparkly charts and high-pitched yelling were the perfect distraction. Caleb try to find me now in this sea of blondes and brunettes now that my red hair is covered.

My eyes caught on a narrow lane ahead as I stayed on the side of the screaming fangirls group while stealthily walking toward it. Taking a sharp right turn into the alley, I could see it led to an area with a lot of taxis. What kind of concert location is this? I don't know, I don't care. I was just grateful. With determination I started walking toward the taxis. 

"OOMPH," I screeched, my body banging into another's which had suddenly materialized out of thin air at full speed. I stumbled back, releasing my hand from my suitcases handle to rub my forehead with a grimace on my face.