Unexpected (Avi Kaplan)

Black Horse and a Cherry Tree

Before I knew it, the show was over and Mr. Rodriguez was bidding everyone goodbye. I stood up, retying my flannel around my hips for the third time that day when I noticed a stranger appear in front of me. "Hi! Ivy Summers, right?" the woman asked, taking a moment to push her hazelnut colored hair out of her face.

I nodded silently, still a bit confused as to why some stranger wanted to talk to me. "Yes ma'am," I said, trying my best to be polite.

"My name is Bailey Johnson, and I'm here representing RCA Records. I've seen a lot of talented people in my day, but very few have had the kind of raw emotion you had," the woman explained. She looked to be somewhere between thirty and forty, but still managed to look beautiful, at least in my opinion.

I stared at her blankly, her words finally registering after several moments. She must have been the person Mr. Rodriguez was referring to. "Oh...um...thank you," I said, still dumbfounded at the fact that out of everyone, she was talking to me. "What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to talk to you. Ask a few questions. I've been looking for someone with a passion for music to help out around the studio, especially in the next several months with Christmas fast approaching. Everyone's wanting to put out their own Christmas album and all," Bailey said, taking a seat with a smile. "So tell me, what are you majoring in?" she asked with a pearly white smile.

Kind of like an intern. There's no way she's considering me for the job. Absolutely no way. "I-I... um..." Dammit Ivy! Use your words! "I'm majoring in Music Production," I finally squeaked out, nervousness wracking my body. Taking a seat, I decide to elaborate. "My mom taught me piano and I started singing when I was five, but I've always had stage fright. I just decided to do this to try and get over that fear. I'd prefer working on music behind the scenes, so I decided that production was the perfect major," I said with a small smile as Bailey took in all the information.

"And you've had a passion for music since five years old?"

I nod, not trusting my words.

"Interesting..." Bailey said as she dragged out the word thoughtfully. "Excuse me. I'll be right back," she finally said and stood up, straightening the dark blue blouse she wore, disappearing backstage.

I looked down and pulled my phone out of my pocket, quickly going through my contacts and deleting a couple numbers before a cough caught my attention. Slowly looking up, I froze in my seat, my nerves reaching a whole new height as I was met with five stares, ranging from excited to chill to nothing. Shaking my thoughts quickly, I stood up and offered a small smile. "Hi," I managed to get out, my voice showing just how nervous I was.

"We saw you talking to Bailey and were wondering if you knew where she went," the talk blonde asked curiously. Shaking my head no, I kept my mouth closed until I knew I could talk without seemed idiotic.

I took a deep breath and let it out. They're just people. Just like you. "She said she would be back in a few minutes," I said truthfully, my voice sounding stronger than it felt.

"Then mind if we hang out here until she comes back," the girl asked, and I shook my head again. "I'm Kirstie, a.k.a the girl. That's Mitch, a.k.a Sassy Grassi, Scott, a.k.a Scotty, Kevin, a.k.a KO, and Avi. We don't have a nickname for him," Kirstie said with a small laugh.

I watched Avi roll his eyes, seeming to want nothing more than to leave. "I nominate Oscar the Grouch," I muttered just loud enough for them to hear. From the looks of it, he was about to retort with a smart comment when Bailey returned.

"Simmer down Kaplan. After all, depending on her decision, she might be working with all of you," she said with a smile, causing my eyes to widen as I stared at her. "I talked to you principal. He said that it was okay if you took your classes online, should you say yes to my offer."

"What offer?"

"It's up to you, but I could really use your help around the studio like I said earlier. You could take your classes online and come see how everything works from a first-person perspective," she explained with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

I silenced myself, trying my best to find my words. RCA Records wants me to go intern for them. I think I'm dead. Coming back to my senses, I nod, once again not trusting my voice, though my thoughts were cut off by an irritated sigh. Avi.

"You've got to be kidding me. Now I've gotta put up with her too?" he asked with annoyance lacing his voice and his features. Those good-looking features. Shaking my head a bit, I stared at him with confusion.

"First, you don't know me. Second, out of all of you, I thought Mitch would be the drama queen, not you. And that's just because he's a majestic queen," I said, noticing his mini happy dance from the corner of my eye. "Third, you're little temper tantrum isn't going to change my mind," I finally said before looking back to Bailey. "When can I start?" I asked, deciding not to mention the stunned look on her face.

"Is tomorrow good?"

I nod, and she writes down the address, as well as her number. "Be there at nine," she said before looking at Avi, giving him a scolding look. "Can I have a word with you?" she asked, pointing behind his back. I watched as they walked off and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"What's his problem?"

"He's not a big fan of change," Kevin said with a small shrug before continuing. "If you want my opinion, he just doesn't want to like you." The others nodded, causing me to roll my eyes. Only moments later, Bailey and Avi returned, Bailey looking triumphant.

"Are you going to play nice now?" Scott asked Avi with a laugh.

"No." It was a simple answer but there was still annoyance behind it.

"Two can play at that game," I say suddenly, a challenging look coming over my face.

"I'm so going to their wedding," Kevin said with laugh as Bailey shooed them away.

"See you tomorrow Poison Ivy," Mitch called, laughing at his new nickname for me. The moment Avi turned, I visibly relaxed and I waited for all of them to disappear before doing a small happy dance. This was either going to heaven or hell for me, but I didn't care. As my excitement subsided, I allowed my thoughts to wonder, ending up of those mysterious green eyes and scruffy beard. I hated that he didn't like me, but I knew there was nothing I could do but be myself. There was no way in hell I was going to let him ruin the chance of a lifetime to help me get my name out there. Despite everything I wanted, I knew there was something different in his eyes. It wasn't hatred, but almost as if he was hiding something, and I was determined to find out.

A/N:

Hey guys! I hope you're enjoying the story so far! I'm completely open to suggestions since this is my first time writing. Also, don't forget to comment and vote!

~*~*~Ash~*~*~"