The Story of Us

Ch. 9 All Star

Ch. 9 All Star

I gazed outside the window of the black limousine, feeling very uncomfortable in my dress. My heels sat contentedly beside me, and my face was washed clear of makeup. My hair was back to its normal style.

Liam sat across from me, dressed in a striking black suit. His dyed blonde hair was streaked with brown. His clear ocean blue eyes gazed happily at me, but I couldn’t return his joy. I was too busy lost in thought.

After Liam had moved away from me, the movie company that his father had gone to work for actually decided to hire him. Arrangements were made, agents were brought in, and jobs came rushing due to Liam’s good looks. One thing had led to another, and the movie company was in very good associations with top celebrities that decided to invite Liam to play minor roles in their movies. After that, his career officially took off. He decided to take the fake name of Matthew Parmen so that he could live his own private, more normal life as Liam Sheppard. After about one and a half years in the spotlight, his fame had swelled and blossomed. Girls adored him and he was a popular figure now. I was surprised that I had never heard of him before Ellie had showed me his pictures. So now, after that time, Liam’s father’s three year contract had ended at the company in Florida. They were moving back here, but only for at least six months as Liam’s manager—the middle-aged man who’d busted down my front door—tried to decide what movie he should do next. In the mean time, Liam would attend school. He chose the name Alex Sheppard because, like he said, he wanted to see if I remembered him. That was how he knew of my phobia and why he called me my nickname, Kee.

                So long story short: my best friend was famous and rich, and I would most likely never be able to touch him again after he moved away once more to Beverly Hills—his new permanent home.

                Yeah. Life sometimes has its really bad moments.

                The car pulled to a stop in front of my house, and I unlocked the door of the limousine. I was still trapped in half-awe that my best friend could actually afford one, but then again, he was seriously rich now.

                “See you this weekend?” Liam asked hopefully, grabbing my arm before I left the limo.

                I hesitated. “Um, probably not. I’m going out camping with my family this weekend.”

                “Can I come?” Liam queried.

                I avoided his gaze. “I don’t think so. My mom and I just wanted to go alone together. Just us girls, you know?”

                Liam sighed and nodded sadly. “Okay. Bye, Kee.”

                I waved good bye and walked barefoot to my front door, stepping inside. My mother appeared from the stairs, her eyes widening slightly as she took in my fancy dress.

                “Where did you get that? It looks adorable on you!” she gushed.

                I shrugged. “From, uh, Liam.”  

                My mother’s eyes brightened. “Really? I didn’t know he could afford such a thing!”

                “His father has a really good job.” I said dismissively. “So, I’m just making sure, but we’re going camping this weekend, right?”

                My mother nodded in confirmation and beamed happily at me. “Yes! Liam’s coming, too!”

                I froze and turned to look at her, surprised. “What?”