The Sophomore

Chapter Nine - Barbie Girls

Emily's POV

A few days after the concert, I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on my bedside table. I saw James's name on the screen and answered the call. "Uh, hey? A little early, isn't it?" I asked.

"Sorry, Emily. I just finished reading your article," James said.

I sat up in my bed. "And you had to call about it this early? Not all of us take 7:00AM classes, James!"

"Your review is fantastic. The way you describe the music, I almost feel like I can hear it myself."

"You really mean it? As hard as this is to admit, Natasha's band is actually pretty good."

"Listen, Emily. I know you'd probably prefer not to give Natasha's band good press considering that Kaitlyn is your friend... But I'm glad you stayed true to the facts. I made the right choice bringing you onto the staff. Your enthusiasm is making me all the more enthusiastic about the paper as well. It's really turning out to be a quality news source."

"Thanks, James. Kaitlyn's not going to be happy, but at least I'm proud of what I wrote."

"I appreciate it. I've got to go, but I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am. I'll see you around."

"Bye, James."

The phone disconnected with a beep, just as a loud banging started at my bedroom door. "Emily! Open up!" Kaitlyn exclaimed.

I sluggishly crawled out of bed and opened my door. "Kaitlyn? Wha-"

"Emily! What is this?"

She held up the latest edition of The Knightly News. "Is that my article?"

Loose Pins Needle in on Striking Sound, my article read. I skimmed over it. Loose Pins, the unique femme punk band has been hard at work creating their striking sound. Several members of The Knightly News had the pleasure to meet with the band and get their perspective on the music industry and discuss...

"Hot off the presses and totally not what I thought I was waking up early for, by the way," Kaitlyn said.

She shoved the paper into my hands, then strode into my room and heaved herself onto the window seat. "Kaitlyn, you know I'll help you out however I can, but I won't lie to do it!" I exclaimed.

Kaitlyn huffed, but after a few moments of silence she softened. "I know... Sorry I came in all guns-a-blazing." She tucked her knees up under her chin. I sat next to her on the bench. I just really want TBD to succeed. And I guess it's hard to separate that from beating Natasha at this point."

I patted her arm sympathetically. "Kaitlyn, wouldn't you rather beat her the right way? Creating your own accomplishments is much more satisfying than leeching off of an enemy's bad press."

"Yeah, yeah, I know..."

"As cheesy as it sounds, hard work pays off. The band has your back and is working for this as hard as you are. Believe in yourself."

Kaitlyn sighed, but she was smiling slightly. "Why are you right all the time? By the way, I may not have been happy about the content of the article, but you really are a great writer."

"I know."

Kaitlyn shoved me playfully, but there was still a hint of sadness on her face. "Oh, by the way, Becca's been foaming at the mouth all morning. Can you like... make her stop? She's in the kitchen."

"I'll give it my best shot. Just let me get dressed first." Kaitlyn stood and headed out of my room. I checked the time. With a sigh, I pulled on my clothes before heading into the living room. "Becca?" I walked into the living room and found it empty, but a clattering sound came from the kitchen. "Oh geez, don't tell me she's trying to cook..." I hurried into the kitchen to find Becca, red-faced, scrubbing the stove with a paper towel and a bottle of Windex. Her laptop was open on the counter beside a wad of discarded paper towels, blaring heavy metal from its speakers. "Uh, Becca, what are you doing?"