The Dunhams (Sequel to Better or Bad - Lizzy Walker)

Play Hard, Win Hard

Me and Bryce walked downstairs to the living room. We were dressed in our best clothes. Why? The whole family's invited to the MTV VMA Music Awards!! It's literally our first time going as a family. Yes, the kids have seen me perform up close but never they watched other singers they love perform directly. Did I forget to mention I'm nominated for Best New Artist? Oh how the nerves are building up for me. I took a moment to check myself through my phone camera. Bryce cleared his throat. "Kids! Hurry! We can't be late!" He shouted. Jace rushed downstairs with Breanna following behind. He smiled happily. "Whoo hoo! MTV baby!" He cheered, putting up a peace sign. We chuckled. Breanna cheered excitedly. "We'll get to see either Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo or even—ugh! Can't believe we're going!" She squealed. I laughed and nodded. "Yup but be on your best behavior. Stay close when we take pictures. You know the deal." I told them. They nodded in understanding. My brain clicked. Bella! Footsteps were heard as our eldest little girl came in. She was scheduled to be there because she's PERFORMING! Her new song with Zedd is practically getting everywhere and MTV wants her to perform at the Award show. I couldn't forget how unbelievably nervous she was during rehearsal. She almost had an emotional breakdown but it's understandable. I been there. She'll be performing after me which is great! Bella earned this opportunity, no matter that she's epileptic or only sixteen. Jace cleared his throat. "Can I just say one thing?" He asked. A moment of silence filled the room. He smirked confidently. "We all look good!" He blurted. We laughed and chatted in agreement. I wore a sparkly golden dress, golden hoop earrings, and two golden bracelets and heels. Bella wore a short blue poofy dress, bow earrings and a matching blue purse with blue high tops. Her hair styled into a bun with two curly strands. Breanna wore a long pink dress, pink diamond earrings and a pearl necklace. Her hair beautifully curled. Jace matched Bryce's black suit with black tie and just wow, my little boy is grown up. Bella inhaled a deep breath while fiddling with her fingers. I looked at her concernedly. "Are you ok?" I asked. She fake smiled and nodded. "Yes! Very much!" She lied. Yet, she rushed to the fridge and downed a bottle of water instantly. My only concern is apparently the cameras. They could inflict a seizure on her when we take pictures. Bryce looked at her worriedly. "Princess, are you ok?" He asked. She exhaled another breath. "Now I am." She told him. "What I'm not ok with is the cameras. They might or could inflict a seizure for you—she cut me off. "Oh yeah! Oh God." She remembered. Jace scoffed, smiling. "That's nothing! You can use these!" He said and pulled out dark sunglasses from his pocket. We looked at them in shock. Where did he—how did he manage to—bless my boy! Bella instantly gasped. "What are they?" She asked. Jace playfully rolled his eyes. "Sunglasses? Duh." He said in a obvious tone. Breanna sighed annoyedly. Bryce stared at them for a minute. "They must be polarized sunglasses. They help reduce any lighting and keep your eyes from getting eyestrain." He explained. Make sense because he had contact glasses before. Bella smiled gratefully. "This is good! I could wear them to the carpet and the flashings won't inflict any seizures! Thanks Jace!" She beamed, taking them off his hands. He smirked and winked. The front door unlocked which revealed Bernard. He cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt but it's almost time." He told us. Bryce nodded. "Thanks Bernard. Alright everyone. Let's go!" He said. They cheered excitingly as we stepped out to where three Rovers are parked. The first two is our bodyguards's while we rode the last with Bernard.

Cheers, screams, claps is all we heard as he pulled up to the building. Himself and three of our bodyguards guarded our way to the carpet. The whole time I held Breanna's hand and Bella wore the sunglasses. She felt rather shaky about those flashing cameras. "Lizzy! Bryce! Bella! Over here! Wait, here!" Some of them screamed. We stood together and snapped a few family pictures before snapping another with Bryce. The kids did one together. Our fans smiled happily once I signed autographs and took selfies. Bella did the same. Someone's got a fanbase. Breanna waved sweetly at them but Jace smiled flirtatiously which made them laugh. I was quite relieved we finally went inside the center and found our seats. The kids were practically bouncing in theirs. I laughed but caressed Bella's hair comfortably. "Baby, you can take them off now." I whispered in her ear. She took the glasses off and breathed a breath of relief. "Thank God these work! Perhaps I can wear them when we go grocery shopping." She whispered. I nodded in agreement and smiled. "Stop bouncing! Stay still! Hey, Breanna stay still! You have to act professional here." Bryce told the kids. I cleared my throat and raised an eyebrow firmly. "Stop moving around. There are cameras everywhere. Stay still because you can't act like hooligans on camera." I spoke in a serious tone. They quickly stopped and focused on the stage. Bella low-key snickered.