Superstar Calling

Chapter 5

We arrived at Venus's concert two hours later. I had passed the time in the limo by writing down my feelings at the moment in a diary committed to this journey. Pedro came around to my side and opened the door for me. I took a deep breath and stepped out into the sun. There were hundreds of people lined up outside the building, pushing and shoving to get in. At first I wondered how I would get inside in time, but then I remembered that I officially a VIP. The thought sent a shiver through me. I was going to meet Venus VonCleave. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Pedro. He gestured to the building and said, "We need to get going. Venus will want to meet you before she goes on stage."

I nodded, suddenly feeling very weak at the knees. I followed Pedro to a small door on the other side of where the screaming people were. I stepped inside to see a half a dozen staff members with headsets rushing around, getting last minute things does. My gaze flitted around the room until my eyes fell on on a make-up table. And there she was. Venus VonCleave was sitting right there, in that chair, getting her hair and make-up done. She saw me in the mirror and waved the ladies away. She stood up and turned around in a dramatic way, like you would expect a superstar to. I tried my best not to let my jaw drop in horror when I saw that she only had half of her make-up on. She looked like a zombie. "Quinn, I take it?" She said, unimpressed.

I nodded slowly.

Venus studied me up and down and pursed her lips.

"You're a little small for a fourteen year old, don't you think?"

I opened my mouth and attempted to speak.

"I- I'm actually sixteen, Ma'am."

She sniffed. "Whatever."

Venus took a step closer to me and wrinkled her nose. "Well, if you are the one that is writing about me, I sure hope you can write better than you look."

My mouth fell open. This was insane! All my life, I had adored this women and thought she was the most amazing person ever, but now, I was stunned! My childhood hero was abrasive! I couldn't bring myself to fight back, so I just lowered my head and stared at my feet. Venus twirled on her heel and walked back to the table. As soon as she sat down, she was swarmed by women who would finish her face. I turned around slowly. Pedro was standing there with a sympathetic look on his face.He motioned for me to follow him and I walked out of the room.

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It had been seven days since I met Venus. I had started, restarted, and restarted again, the book about Venus. Over the days she had made me so upset that I wanted to write about how horrible she was and publish it for the world to see who she really was, but I knew I couldn't. I wondered how I was ever going to make this book describe someone who is not a nice person. I sat cross-legged on my fourposter bed trying the think of the right words. Nothing was coming to me. I put my head in my hands and rubbed my eyeballs. I looked up sharply when I heard a bing on the new laptop Pedro had given me. A smile spread across my face when I read that Mom had sent me a message. I clicked open email and chose hers.

Quinn,

I am so sorry to report that Aunt Betsy died yesterday. That old cancer finally got her. Uncle Max is suffering greatly and your dad and I need to stay here and be with him. That means we won't be able to make our promised visit. I am so sorry. Dad and I miss you tons and so does Callie. She has started taking Leroy on walks for you, so that he can still get his exercise. I hope you are doing ok there and that they are treating you nicely. Love you, Quinn. Come back soon, and don't forget God's purpose in your life! Be a light in the world!! See you later, sweetie.

Love,

Mom

I took in a sharp breath and tears filled my eyes when I read about Aunt Betsy. She had always been really nice to me, even when I spilled my chocolate milk on her vintage poodle skirt. I chucked about Callie and Leroy; she had always loved that dog, so it wasn't really a hardship for Callie to take over his walks. I sighed and closed the laptop. I had been looking forward to Mom and Dad's visit. But I guess comforting Uncle Max is more important. I threw myself back on the bed and lay there with my arms spread out. How was I ever going to make it through a month without seeing my Mom? I guess I needed her more than I thought.

Knock Knock.

I groaned, not wanting any contact with people right now.

"Come in." I mumbled. The door opened to reveal a serving girl holding a plate of food.

"Pedro told me you haven't eaten all day and have been cooped up in here. I thought you might like a little snack while you work."

I sat up and smiled a little.

"Thank you. What is your name?"

The girl smiled back and brought the food in.

"Any"

I took the food. "Well, Amy. Thank you very much. That was very thoughtful."

Amy grinned and turned to go. I stopped her.

"Amy?" She turned. "What do you think of Venus? Tell me honestly."

She hesitated, as if she were afraid Venus was right behind her.

"She's a little rude, if you ask me. I mean, she's great and all on TV, but she's sort of a brat. She yells at me all the time like I'm her slave."

"Then why do you continue to work for her?"

The serving girl lowered her eyes and her voice came out very quiet.

"My family needs the money. My mom is dying from lung cancer and we need the money to get her treatment. This job pays very handsomely."

The thought of my aunt and my heart softened.

"I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I just lost my aunt to cancer as well."

We stood awkwardly for a few moments, neither of us knowing what to say. I broke the silence.

"Amy, would you like to go to lunch with me tomorrow? I found this great little cafe yesterday."

Her eyes brightened. "Really? I would love that! I've never been invited to lunch before."

I smiled. "Well now you have! Meet me here at 11:45."

She nodded and smiled wider. "Thank you, Miss Dawson."

I waved my hand in the air. "What's all this 'Miss Dawson stuff? Call me Quinn."

"Thank you Quinn."

Amy
giggled a little and floated out of the room, wishing me good luck before closing the door.

"I'll need it." I muttered, so that she couldn't hear. I turned to the plater that was sitting next to me and lifted off the cover. Underneath I found a large bowl of mashed potatoes, some grapes, and a chicken leg. I breathed deeply and sighed. Chris was officially my new favorite person. This looked delicious.

Hey guys! Please let me know what you think about this story and be sure to read my other ones! I would love any feedback you can give me! Thanks! ~Sayge