Behind the Screen (Rosa x Curtis)

Crushed

My whole body went rigid, and I began to mumble about everything and anything. My dad flew out of nowhere, and elbowed me in the rib, with the force I thought was impossible for a human being. I rub my side.

"Of course she'll go." He says cheerily

I stare at him dumbfounded.

"But dad, I can't just..." I begin

"I don't want to hear it." He interrupts "This has been your dream for so long, and you finally have a chance! It could be the way to force you out if your stage fright." He says confidently.

Anger bubbles up inside of me, as he pretty much just told the world my greatest fear. I just wanted to run, away from the cameras, away from everything. But I couldn't. Fluffy comforts me by leaning his head on my shoulder. I look into his longing eyes, eyes that have dreamed for this moment for so long. I exhale a long, clear breath.

"Okay." I say.

Fluffy jumps up and down, clapping super hard. Dad grins like a serial killer.

"That's my girl." He says, slapping me on the back.

My dad has an odd way of showing his affection. The camera grew grin, happy to get such 'great' drama on film. Christoph smiles, and yells "CUT!" 

He hops down from the stairs and comes down to shake my hand. I hesitate, then take it. I feel bad that he had to shake my hand, as it was all clammy and sweaty.

"Welcome to pokestar studios!" He says.

"A car will come to pick you up tomorrow, around 1:00 in the afternoon. From there, you will be driven to a private jet about an hour away, and be flown to Virbank city." He says, breaking away from the shake and flashing that award winning smile.

"Head along home Rosa!" Dad yells, hurrying to get back backstage. "Start to pack and tell your mother the wonderful news!" 

I grimance, and start to walk out the door. I glance back and see Fluffy excitedly shaking Christoph's hand. His eyes are wide with surprise. I laugh.

"Come on Fluffy!" I yell "let's get going!" 

Fluffy nods, and leaves Christoph, as it were some dramatic scene in a movie. I smile to myself. Together, we exit the theatre I have called home for so many years.

******

Huh. Christoph thought to himself. Fluffy and Rosa. What sweetly familiar names.

******

I enter the house, which was eerily silent. Something about it unnerved me. I entered the kitchen, expecting mum to be at the dining table reading her newspaper. Alas, she wasn't there. Even Fluffy seemed confused, as she never really left the house. I decided I needed a cold drink, and opened the fridge. Inside was an old tuna sandwich, which really smelt, apple juice, sauce, roast chicken leftover from last night, and vegetables. I wrinkle my nose, and take out the apple juice. As I close the fridge door, I notice a note on it.

Dear Rosa and Fluffy,

I just dropped out to grab some groceries, and should be back soon! Help yourself to whatever you can find that's partially edible.

Love Mum

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO 

I smiled to myself at the amount if hugs and kisses she had put at the bottom. I took out two glasses, and began to fill them with juice. I heard a bang crash...boom! I sighed and took out another glass.

"For God sake..."

"Hi Hugo." I say, pouring an even amount of juice into the last cup. 

When I was little, Iwas often grounded, and wasn't allowed out or allowed friends in. So we devised a system, so advanced that not a single living soul had thought of it...he climbed through my bathroom window. And whenever he did it, he always ended up dropping something on the ground, with it usually breaking. Hugo's impish face came into view from the hallway.