Temporary

Chapter 3

I don't hear myself singing. I don't see the shocked expression on everyone's face as I belt out "Rose Colored Glasses" by Kelly Rowland. (I felt that song necessary to my situation). I don't feel Kristen take my hand as she joins me midfield. I don't remember walking through the gate and being blinded by all of the cameras and being screamed at for questions and answers. I don't remember getting on the plane to Los Angeles. And I don't feel my heart break when I get the text from my mother to stay out of their lives.

--

Two days. It's been two days since everything went down. I have yet to return any of Tara's calls or texts, I haven't eaten or showered. I've laid in bed for two days. I'm hurt. I'm hurt by the cold dismissal from my mother and family. I'm hurt that none of my friends, besides Tara, have tried to contact me, even once for some sort of explanation. I know they feel betrayed, I knew that would happen from the beginning.

I'm in the middle of watching season 4 of 90210 when Kristen busts through my door with a bullhorn.

"THAT'S IT! GET THE HELL UP! IT'S BEEN TWO DAYS OF YOU MOPING AROUND AND I AM SICK OF IT. GET UP, GET SHOWERED, GET DRESSED. WE ARE GOING OUT!" She slams my door and stomps away.

"Ugghhhhhhhhhh" I groan. I so do not want to move right now. I've been perfectly fine in my little nest of tissues and sheets. But I know I have to get up eventually, so after a minute of talking myself into it, I finally move toward the shower.

The scalding water runs every where I need it to. It loosens me up and I instantly feel better. I dry my hair, apply some makeup to make it look like I've actually been mobile these past couple of days, and get dressed in black skinny jeans, a maroon cardigan and my black boots.

I meet Kristen in the living room and she looks me over before smiling. "Thank GOD you actually look alive," she sounds relieved," the car is waiting for us downstairs, but I need to warn you that paparazzi are swarming the hotel, so just keep your head down and try to drown everything out, okay?"

I look up at her, suddenly really worried and she pulls me in and wraps her arms around me.

"You'll be fine, babe. I'm not going to let anything happen to you," she whispers.

We walk into the lobby and I can see the car trapped behind hundreds of flashing lights. Kristen grabs my hand and we make our way outside.

"Kat! Why would you hide something like this from everyone?!"

"What do your friends think of you now?!"

"Are you only looking for fame from your sister, why come out now?!"

"You have a phenomenal voice, do you planning on pursuing a music career?!"

The large man beside me pushes everyone out of the way of the car and helps me inside before making his way to the passenger seat.

"Thank you" I tell the man.

"Not a problem Miss Stewart, just doing my job."

What?

"You can just call me Kat, um," I pause because I didn't get his name.

"The name's Curtis, Miss- I mean Kat. I've been hired to be your personal body guard."

"What?" I turn to Kristen.

"You need someone with you at all times Kat, I can't be with you 24/7 especially with this big movie coming up" she explains. I nod; I'm annoyed that I wasn't informed, but thankful that she's looking out for me.

About 40 minutes later, we arrive at a huge, overly fancy car lot and I look at Kristen with wild eyes.

"What the hell is this," I ask quietly

"This is a welcome home slash, congratulations slash, get better slash, I've missed sixteen of your birthdays present. I'm buying, no questions asked."

We argue for a good 7 minutes over it but Kristen is relentless, plus I was way too excited to turn this down. Especially considering my old car is a long way away from California.

We look around and test drive a few models when my heart is stolen by a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee. My taste has always been in Jeeps so I was positive this black beauty was the one for me.

We finish filling out the paperwork and I run to my new car only to be moved to the passenger seat by Curtis.

"What's up with that?" I whine to Curtis.

"I'm driving back to the hotel just so I can make sure it's safe enough for you" he doesn't take his eyes off of the road.

I roll my eyes and pout the rest of the ride.

I turn on the radio and flip through the stations until I hear my name. I turn up the volume and listen to Ryan Seacrest talking about my, for lack of better words, coming out.

"I mean what kind of family keeps this big a secret from the world? I can't even imagine the toll this has taken on not only Kat and her brothers but for Kristen as well. It can't be easy being in the limelight knowing that your family is against you. And I can imagine that's what is going to happen to Kat as well, especially with that whole performance she put on. I can't see her family wanting anything to do with her agai-" I shut the radio off and sit back in my seat.

Hundreds of thoughts are swimming through my head until Curtis breaks the silence.

"Your family will understand eventually. Don't give up hope."

"You don't understand my family, my mother won't let me back in their lives again." I say, trying to come to terms with what I've lost.

A tear escapes my eye as my phone starts to buzz.

Not bothering to look at the Caller ID, I answer the phone.

"Hello, I'm looking to get in touch with Miss Kat Stewart," says a man with a British accent

I hesitate before answering, "Um, speaking.."

"Miss Stewart, my name is Troy Allen, I'm the CEO at Syco Music, how are you doing today?"

"Um, I'm doing okay, and yourself?"

"I am excellent thank you for asking," he says in his million dollar voice, "Now Kat, are you familiar with our label?"

"I'm not sure what Syco Music is to be honest," I laugh uncomfortably

Curtis looks over at me curious.

I shrug and continue to listen to Troy

"Well we are a music producing label here in the UK, perhaps you've heard of the band One Direction?"

"Of course I know who One Direction is," I chuckle. "This isn't about my music is it? Because I'm really not sure if that's something I need right now, you know?"

"I absolutely understand your apprehension, however, this is not about your music.. yet. We have a proposition for you and I would like to fly you London to discuss more in detail." He states, not questions.

"Okay wait.. what? I can't just drop everything and fly to London right now, I have a lot going on at the moment." Curtis is now tapping on my shoulder and I let him know that everything is okay.

"I'm perfectly aware of the situation you're in, but I've also been informed that you are not currently doing anything, career wise, at the moment. I would like to offer you a job here at Syco, if you are able to take a break from your busy life, that is.." I can practically hear him smirking.

"So if this isn't about my music, what exactly are you looking for from me, Mr. Allen?"

"I truly think it's best if you see for yourself. It's not something that can be easily explained over the phone. I will happily cover all expenses, whatever you need. Please just consider my offer Miss Stewart," Troy insists.

I ponder for a moment. I've left my friends, my family, everything I've ever known, and all I've done since moving here was sit in my bed and sulk. It was time to be spontaneous. For once in my life, it's my decision. There are no rules and I'm ready to start my new life off with a bang.

"Mr. Allen," I begin

"Call me Kat"