Sing 2 (Johnny x OC)

Chapter 5

In an attempt to get me more comfortable with this alternate lifestyle, we decided to watch a movie while we ate pizza. Living like my alternate self has been so surreal but it's nice to know that even in a parallel reality, I managed to surround myself with some good people. It turns out that when I became famous, I lost all of my friends due to me overworking and them always asking for money. Some friends they were, huh.

We decided to watch Annie (2014) only for me to find out that in this world it's called Abbie instead. How weird! While we're watching the movie, Mum and Aaron tell me more about myself. Some of the memories end up being the same, we are the same person after all.

The movie continues and I sing along with the songs absentmindedly.

(ALYSSA):
"This is just the start of your story
If you got guts you get glory
Anyone can make it even you
In New York City

And now's time you gotta stand tough
'Cause if you work hard you can rise up
Anyone can make it even you
In New York City

Look at me I'm just blood pumpin'
You and me are two hearts thumpin'
We are two souls giving the same feed

So take it all
The city's yours
It's worth fighting for
It's all yours

So take it all
The cities yours
It's worth fighting for
It's all mine
It's all yours..."

The song finishes, and I feel the others eyes on me.

"Wow, Alyssa. I know you're kinda the same person but you're really talented." Melissa says, smiling softly at me.
"That's my girl." Mum says proudly.
"Wow, Lys. You're amazing." Aaron comments, the familiar nickname that reminded me so much of Aaron from back home.

I feel my face heat up at the compliments. Back in my world the I'm only people I had the courage to sing in front of were my mum and brother and a few friends.

"Thanks guys." I say, a big, albeit sheepish smile on my face.
"I don't want to pry too much, but if you're this good why didn't you try singing professionally." Melissa asks, genuinely curious.

I think for a second before answering, trying to phrase this the best way possible.
"I can't lie, my self-esteem has always been sort of low for as long as I can remember. It has always been something that stopped me from expressing myself and become more self conscious so I never really gave myself the chance to express myself and my talents. It's gotten a little better these past few years because I've been trying to work on myself but it's still probably not where it should be." I say, a sad smile on my face.

"Oh, honey. I'm so sorry." Mum says, wrapping me in a hug.
"Damn, I'm sorry you're going through that Lys." Aaron places a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"You know, Alyssa, I think we should get you a therapist. What you're dealing with doesn't sound normal." Melissa suggests gently.
"I can't afford therapy." I scoff.
"Girl, you're forgetting something. In this world, you're a celebrity. We have money!" She says.
"Oh, right. Forgot." I chuckle.

For the rest of the afternoon, we continue chatting and watching the movie.
_____________________________________________

"No." The receptionist says bluntly.
"No? What do you mean, "no"?" Buster asks.
"For the last time, sir, no appointment, no entry." She says leaving no room for argument.
"Um..."Buster trails off.
"Sir, do I need to call security?" She asks, getting annoyed.
"We should go." Rosita says, nudging him towards the exit.
"Yes, you should. Next, please." She snarks, looking at them with disdain and impatience.
"I don't like this." Gunter says, clearly upset. "This is so unfair. She's, like, totally unfair, that lady."
"I mean, why's she got to be so snotty about it?" Ash replies.
"I got all dressed up for nothing." Miss Crawly complains.
"Let's just find somewhere for lunch and hang out." Johnny says, trying to make the most of it.