L.A. // mackenzie ziegler

chapter 9 <NYC PART 1>

present time ~ June 17th, 2019

We've just gotten back from school and into the house.

"No, I don't want to talk to you."

"No."

"No, leave me alone. I'm serious, don't talk to me."

I pretend to be engrossed in my phone as I sit at the counter, watching Maddie argue on the phone.

"Shut up! For real, I could have anyone I want and you don't have a single say in it! I'm over this! I don't need this right now."

"No!" She smacks her hand onto the table in frustration, "I'm not saying that!"

She purses her lips and listens, before abruptly changing her expression.

Maddie bites her lip, her eyes tearing up for a split second- before she resumed her ice princess demeanour.

"You know what? I guess I did mean that. It's over."

She hangs up and sets her phone down on the counter, joining me at the counter in the seat next to me.

Her phone starts buzzing again and she swiftly puts it on 'do not disturb', sighing.

"Who was that?" I ask gently, putting down my own phone.

"Hayes," Maddie pauses, composing herself, "we're through. I broke it off."

"Maddie! Why?"

"I have my reasons," she says darkly, "but mostly, we just didn't work anymore. He's busy, and I'm busier."

I decided not to challenge her decision.

"You don't seem too fazed."

She smiles wryly. "I guess I'm not really. Do you wanna know something? I was asked on a date."

"So that's why you broke it off? Because of a date?" I say incredulously.

"No," she scowls at me, "but that's what made me think, like, I can do better. I can be happier. I'm in a good place, everything is working for us, and I don't want to be held down."

"Fair enough," I say, forcing myself to not think about how beautiful I thought Hayes was, "do what makes you happy."

"Thanks, Mack," Maddie beams, patting my back and standing up. "I'm gonna go for a run!"

I roll my eyes and almost immediately, my phone begins to ring.

It's Jade, as per usual.

"Hi Jade!"

"Hi, Kenz! I have great news, and this time it's just for you! Because of the popularity of your last album, you've been invited onto a radio show, and after that, an appearance to meet some fans in Times Square!"

"Really? Just me?"

"Uh huh, only thing is that it's tomorrow, in New York."

"Tomorrow? I have school tomorrow and it's auditions for the lead role in the dance, and Maddie and I are supposed to be seeing mom for lunch before that," I say, trying to keep the edge out of my voice.

"I know, but that's just tough, I guess. Talk to your dance teacher, maybe? And your sister can deal with your mother, you can see her another time. Your plane leaves at 9 tonight, so you better get packing, missy! Your slot is in the morning."

"Alright," I say, suppressing my disappointment, "thanks, Jade. Bye."

I know it's stupid to be upset that I'm going to New York City instead of my school audition, but I love to dance and although my school is lenient with our attendance because of our lifestyles, my dance teacher is unlikely to cast me as the lead if she thinks I won't be in for rehearsals.

We don't even have dance at school on Thursdays, which is today, and I missed Wednesday's class, then it will be the weekend, so I bet my teacher, Ms Antony, will not be overly pleased.

Maddie always gets the lead in her class productions, and even though it's her last year and she's busier then ever, she probably will this year too.

No one even minds Maddie gets leads, because quite frankly, she's so nice (to everyone's face, at least) and is obviously streets ahead of her classmates.

Maddie doesn't even need to dance, she has enough on her plate with modelling.

I drag my thoughts to present day.

I have to speak to my teacher, and then I have to pack. It's closing in on 5pm so I better move my butt.

I dial Ms Antony's teacher to student number, something the school does to ensure our teachers can keep up with our ever changing schedules.

"Hello, Mackenzie!" Ms Antony chirps, obviously in a good mood.

"Hey, Ms Antony."

"How can I help you, sweetie?"

"I'm sorry for missing Wednesday's class, we had a last minute interview.... and sorry in advance, I'm flying out tonight for an interview in NYC and can't get to class tomorrow either."

"Ah Mackenzie! Tomorrow is auditions for the end of year classical piece- that you haven't even learnt!"

"I know, Ms Antony, and I'm really annoyed because I was so hoping to audition for a lead role."

"Well, I'll tell you what I can do. I'm going to email you both a video of the choreography and a step by step guide. If you can learn the choreo in the way the choreo class wanted, and perform it on Monday for me, I'll invite you to the second audition where we decide the leads. Deal?"

I don't hesitate. It's worth the try, at least. "Deal! Thank you so much, Ms Antony."

"You're welcome, Mackenzie. Now impress me! I believe in you. Good luck in NYC!"

I say bye one last time and finally get off the phone.

I squeal and jump a little. I can do this!

-

Two hours later, and I've packed and Maddie is making Mindy, herself, and me stir fry for dinner while I jabber away to her and Mindy about how nice Ms Antony is.

"Sorry to interrupt, Kenz, but Megan just texted me. Maddie, she's on her way to collect Kenzie, how long will dinner take?"

Megan does the same job as Mindy, namely, being our PA, except Megan usually does that when we fly or when it's extra busy. Megan is coming with me to NYC, which is so fun because Megan loves to shop just as much as I do.

"I'm about to serve, so if Mackenzie eats quick, it'll be all good."

Maddie turns off the stove and serves our meals. We eat at the island in the kitchen, Maddie and Mindy occasionally giving me interview tips that I've heard a thousand times over.

They're comforting to hear, nonetheless.

I finish my stir fry, which was healthy and good, in usual Maddie fashion.

There's a ring on the doorbell, and immediately Maddie and Mindy smother me with love, before I'm on the way to LAX, the traffic slow as ever.

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Hey folks !!!! Hope you liked this.

A few of my stories have been nominated over on DMAwards and I probs won't win but it's kinda embarrassing to get no votes!!

Pretty please vote for me in:

best mackenzie fanfic- "L.A."

best paige hyland fanfic - "Get Up, Get Loud, Get ..... Pregnant?"

most creative title - "If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them" (Kendall fanfic)

muchos love x