The One: Strained Ties (The One Series-Book7) (ORIGINAL DRAFT)

Chapter9: Money-Making Scheme

Chapter9-Money-Making Scheme 

July 4, 2010

 It's the next day, and 7A arrived in London. It was the last stop for the British Isles leg of their tour, and they needed to get back to their recording sessions. They were exhausted and jet-lagged, so they were given a week off from their tour before they go to Europe.

 7A were called to a boardroom meeting with their publicist. When they entered, they waited for this person. After a few minutes, Melissa entered the room. Alyson asked harshly, "Um, what are you doing here? You're not our publicist."

 Melissa replied with a sly smile, "Actually, I'm your new publicist. As for Carol, your first publicist, she's your main person. I'm her assistant."

 "So, what are your plans?"

 Melissa sat down as she explained, "Okay, this is what should happen: Bailey and Justin, get married. You two blondes belong together. You're perfect."

 Bailey and Justin stared at Melissa. Bailey said nervously, "Justin and I never talked about marriage. What makes you think we'll move forward with this?"

 Melissa said harshly, "Just do as I say. Now, Alyson and Andrew. You two disgust me."

 Alyson said smugly, "You're just jealous cuz I'm dating the most perfect guy, and you can't snag a guy like Andrew."

 "Shut up, Alyson Sarah Bauer! Anyway, you and agnostic Andrew need to break up. Everyone hates you."

 With that, both Andrew and Alyson laughed. Andrew said, "If everyone 'hates us,' as you claim, then why is it that we're constantly followed by the paparazzi?"

 Alyson added, firmly, "You're not going to tell us what to do. You're Carol's assistant, remember? So, why don't you go walk out the door, and cry yourself to sleep, while Andrew and I stay together?"

 Melissa glared at Alyson, and left the boardroom in a huff. Some of the members snickered  as she left.

 Melissa then met up with Carol in her office. Carol asked her, "What's wrong?"

 She replied with frustration in her voice, "7th Anthem won't do as I say!"

 Carol laughed, "Okay, you're not their manager, and you're not their publicist. You're my assistant. You can't tell them what to do."

 "But-"

 "No buts! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late with a meeting with 7th Anthem."

 So Carol left her office, leaving Melissa helpless. Then Melissa called Ethan for a meeting. The two met at Ethan's apartment. He didn't live with The OutLaws, his own band.

 As soon as Melissa sat down, Ethan asked, "So, what's the problem?"

 She replied, "I got the job to become the assistant of 7th Anthem's publicist. I told Bailey and Justin to get married, and Andrew and Alyson to break up. But they all laughed at me, including Carol."

 Then he said, "You can't just waltz in and demand them to do as you say. You need to study the two couples, Andyson and Bailstin. Actually, I have something to show you."

 So Melissa followed Ethan into his bedroom. She saw a large board. It had pictures and articles concerning 7A and their power couples, Andyson and Bailstin. There was very little information on Trevor and Libby, as they chose to keep their relationship private. She also saw on the middle of the chart a photo of Andrew and Alyson as their TV characters Aaron and Annie. The whole thing looked like a pieces of a crime puzzle.

 Melissa asked, "What is all of this? Why are Andrew and Alyson in the middle of this...thing?"

 Ethan replied, "This chart has everything you need to know about Andyson and Bailstin. I even added stuff from the pre-UTurn years."

 Melissa studied the chart. With Bailstin, they were called 'The Ken and Barbie Couple' due to their blonde hair. Their history was that they became friends in 1999 (fifth grade), and became a couple in 2004 (tenth grade). Based on how they're portrayed in the media, they're blonde, pretty, greatly talent, boring couple.

 As for Andyson, they were described as the hottest, though complicated, couple. It was mentioned they met in first grade, in 1995. They were, at first, enemies, but they became frenemies. In fifth grade, they became a couple, but broke up after they "graduated" elementary school. Since then, they were constantly on-and-off, but in secret. Even their friendship was hot and cold. They were officially back on in tenth grade. In the media, they're described as the super-talented, hot, wild, sexy couple. They've compared to other couples, from real-life Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens to the fictional Chuck and Blair of Gossip Girl.

 Then she asked again, "And why is Andrew and Alyson the target on the chart?"

 Ethan explained, "Andrew and Alyson are obviously the leaders of UTurn. Alyson was the one who formed the group, and Andrew replaced me. They're both the lead singers, even though Alyson sounds like a Britney Spears-wannabe, and Andrew should be a Justin Timberlake-imitator. They're the lead dancers. They look like models. They're also stubborn, hard-headed, bullies. They'll get their way anyway they can. They're that spoiled."

 "Okay, but that doesn't explain why they're a target. As for Alyson, our Orthodox grandparents spoiled her. Then she started demanding our parents to buy her numerous stuff, so she started acting like a brat every time they refused. That's why she's a bitch. Plus, our entire family is stubborn and hardheaded. They just don't typically bully other people."

 "Anyway, if we break up Andyson, the most powerful couple in teen music history since Britney and Justin, then their position as 'leaders' will falter. Soon, there'll be a power vacuum. Bailstin could easily take that position, which means we need to make them the new Andrew and Alyson. As soon as they're on top, we break them up. Once again, there'll be a power vacuum. Then there would be chaos. Since the two couples make money for their band, they'll lose the sales. Before you know it, the world's hottest American pop group will split up. It's a perfect nightmare to a dream come true."

 Melissa was impressed with Ethan's explanation. Then she asked, "How long do you think this will take?"

 "Approximately a year or two. I prefer a slow, painful death."

 With that, Melissa smiled at the plot. She was determined to destroy 7A with Ethan. Will it work?