1974 || 5SOS

Chapter 13

Scarlett

The skyline shimmered like a mirage against the blazing afternoon sun as we crossed into Los Angeles. Everything here seemed magnified—louder, brighter, and wrapped in a surreal haze. I leaned against the window, captivated by the sights rushing past: sprawling murals splashed across brick walls, towering palm trees swaying lazily, and sleek cars weaving in and out of traffic along sun-soaked boulevards. This was a city that seemed to promise everything but demanded fearlessness to survive. I felt like a tiny fish tossed into a roaring ocean.

Ashton's fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel in time with the song blasting from the radio. His profile was calm, focused, like he belonged here in a way that I wasn't sure I ever could. Kitty's voice, animated and full of excitement, filled the car as she rattled off all the places she wanted to explore and the people she couldn't wait to meet. I tried to share in her energy, but a quiet thrill mixed with unease was all I could manage.

"We're really here," I murmured, almost to myself.

Ashton glanced over, one eyebrow raised, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "What, expecting it to vanish? This is LA, Scarlett. Place of dreams and nightmares. Take your pick."

Kitty twisted in her seat to face me, a mischievous grin on her face. "Oh, she'll be fine! Look at her. She's a total natural. Right, Scar?"

I forced a smile, trying to meet her enthusiasm, but the truth was, I felt out of place. The polished storefronts, the cool confidence of the people walking by, the glint of designer sunglasses and high heels striking the pavement with purpose—all of it felt like a world away from what I knew.

As we cruised through trendy neighborhoods, I found myself drawn to the effortlessly stylish people chatting outside cafés and boutiques, each of them seeming to radiate a level of coolness that was both intoxicating and intimidating. The allure of it tugged at me, yet a pang of insecurity twisted in my stomach.

Finally, we pulled up to a sleek, modern apartment complex, its glassy façade reflecting the sun. Ashton killed the engine and twisted around to look at me, his expression a mix of excitement and challenge. "Ready to take on Hollywood?"

A rush of self-doubt washed over me, but I forced myself to nod. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The apartment was like something out of a design magazine—chic, with minimalist furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the space with golden California light. Kitty let out a squeal and immediately began unpacking, chattering on about the view and the opportunities waiting for us just outside the door. Meanwhile, I drifted toward the window, drawn to the view of the sprawling city below, my fingers grazing the cool glass.

Luke appeared beside me, leaning casually against the window frame, his gaze fixed somewhere far off. "Thoughts?" he asked, his voice low.

I struggled to put my feelings into words. "It's... incredible. But intimidating too."

He chuckled, the sound a mix of comfort and teasing. "Yeah, But you'll get used to it. You just have to dive in."

I nodded, but uncertainty gnawed at me. The idea of diving into this world—of shedding my past and embracing something entirely new—felt daunting, like standing on the edge of a cliff with no guarantee of a safe landing.

Kitty reappeared, practically bouncing with excitement. "Forget unpacking! Let's go out! The city's waiting, and we've got people to meet!"

That evening, the all of us stepped into a world that felt lifted straight from a dream. Kitty led us to a gathering at a friend's loft—a spacious, industrial-style apartment filled with musicians, models, and artists who seemed to embody every aspect of LA's seductive allure. The room hummed with an electric energy, a mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.