I Hate You, Don't Leave Me (D.L)

Carol Ann & J.C.

Demi stood by the limo as Agnes walked across the parking lot outside of the studios that were now owned by her. Sighing, she pushed her Ray-Bans up her nose to cover her tired eyes and followed. Agnes stopped at the front door, holding it open for its new owner. “Thanks.” Demi mumbled, walking past her and into the cool, dark reception area of the studios. Keeping her Ray-Bans on despite the darkness covering the room, Demi followed Agnes into the reception office. Upon entering, Demi spotted a pretty blonde girl, sitting on one of the desks, chatting to a handsome man. “Demetria, this is John Courage and Carol Ann Harris. John is the road manager for Fleetwood Mac, the studios current full time band and Carol Ann is the girlfriend of their guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham.” Demi looked at the two strangers through her Ray-Bans, trying to mask any emotion; she wasn’t very good at meeting new people. She suddenly had a feeling she would have to do that a lot now.  Demi smiled shyly at them. “John, would you mind looking after her? I have to go down to Mr Manning’s office down town to get some papers for Demetria to sign.” “No problem, Aggie.” The man replied in a crisp English accent. Agnes smiled at him before turning to Demi. “I won’t be long. Have a look around. John and Carol will show you around if you ask nicely.”  And without so much as a goodbye, Agnes left. Demi turned once more to look at the two strangers who’s care she had been left in. “Hello Demetria! I’m John Courage, as you just heard. But you can call me J.C. ‘cause everyone does.” J.C. held out his hand. Demi smiled weakly at him and lightly grasped his hand, shaking it. “And this lovely little thing is Carol, as you heard. Here’s another girlfriend for you, Carol. Another one to rival Stevie’s posse anyway.” Carol left her perch on the desk and walked over to Demi. She pulled her into a hug. “I’m so sorry about your grandfather. Are you okay?” Demi was shell-shocked; no one had so much as asked her if she was okay since it had all happened. “I’m fine.” She managed to say.  Carol smiled; taking Demi’s hand, she led her over to the desk she and J.C. had been perched on. “So, where were you before you came here?” Carol asked, offering Demi a cigarette. Declining, Demi said “I was in New York, studying.” “Studying what?” J.C. asked, taking a cigarette from Carol. “Journalism. I’m gonna… I was gonna be a writer.” “Why can’t you still be a writer?” J.C. asked, taking a drag from his newly lit cigarette. “Well, I have to work here at the studio for at least five years. Then I can sell it on and go back to school.” Carol and J.C. nodded as they listened. They tried chatting to Demi for a few minutes, but she was still acting quite shyly. Suddenly, the sound of screaming came from down the corridor. “Oh boy. They’re at it again!” J.C. said, jumping up and dashing out of the room. “Who’s at it?” Demi asked, following Carol out of the room. “Stevie and Lindsey.” Carol replied.