Ghost

A Ghost No More

AN: Sorry this took so long. It was just as hard for me to write as it will be for you guys to read it. Just to be clear I am not trying to say that people with mental disabilities are bad people. I, myself, have them. But this is from Madison and Charlie's perspective who feel a certain way, given the circumstances. WAY back in Chapter 9, I had referenced Tarzan. Well Tarzan is going to be in this again. Except not in the same way. Charlie says an Acadian French swear: C'est des conneries! It means 'This is bullshit!' If this is not the right phrase, can any Acadians point it out for me. Merci. So grab your tissues and water for this. Enjoy!

TW: Implications of imposter syndrome, rage, and depression

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To say that the band meeting was chaotic was an understatement. It seemed like everyone was talking at once, trying to get different answers. It was the day before Madison's 17th birthday and it seemed as if nothing was set in stone. "Okay so you have the colors as lavender and white for the concert, right," Charlie said as he scribbled down the set up for Madison's birthday concert.

"Yes," Madison nodded as she checked everything off. As they went through the meeting, her birthday was becoming more real. It had felt like so long since her last thanks to Covid. Being able to finally have the concert that she wanted was insane. And she was determined that it would be perfect.

"Okay yeah so we got that but do you have your dress for your dinner with Charlie before the concert," Owen asked. He had been wanting all the tea about the dinner ever since Charlie mentioned it a few days before. The mention of the dress reminded her of the premiere the week before. She had landed on best dressed lists in magazines and blogs. There was even an article by Just Jared wondering about her and Charlie thanks to their matching outfits and the interview they did with E!.

But the best part was definitely being featured in Hautelemode's video reviewing the red carpet looks from the premiere. Luke Meagher had praised her unique dress choice and even the fact she picked out Charlie's suit. Her favorite quote from the fashion critic/stylist was: "That Charlie Gillespie can sing to me anytime. He and Madison are giving me rockstar Zanessa. We love it."

"Mads? Hey Madison, are you there," Owen called to her, bringing her back to the band meeting she was still in. "You okay, sis?" Madison blinked a few times, trying to get her mind focused.

"Yeah, sorry. I think my brain needed to take a break for a second."

Owen nodded with a smirk. "Can't blame you. But your dinner dress?"

Madison nodded, absorbing Owen's words. "I'm getting it after this. Charlie already got his suit. Right, cariño," Madison said, looking at Charlie.

Charlie's cheeks were dusted pink as he replied. "Uh yeah. Our reservation is at six." He was staring down at the table. Madison didn't understand why he was acting so awkward. Although her father did insist that she be dressed her best for her birthday dinner with Charlie.

"We'll ignore Charlie being Charlie and back to planning. Are we having tables or is it just chairs or is everyone standing," Jeremy said to Madison. They were trying to figure out how the "venue" should be set up. Staging was going to be the next on the list.

Madison looked over the renderings she had made of different possibilities based on the size and shape of the space they were using for the concert. "Well I think we can do a combination of-".

"What the fuck," Charlie exclaimed, cutting off Madison and interrupting the band meeting. He was looking down at his phone and his hazel eyes were bugged out.

"Ugh, what is it now, Charlie," Owen asked exasperated. They needed to have everything settled so that Madison could focus on celebrating her birthday the next day.