Partners In Crime

Initiation

Rozonda Thomas

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I can't shake the feeling that Tionne doesn't like me. I don't know if it's because I'm replacing her partner or what. She been giving me the cold shoulder, but I'll still try getting to know her. The drive to the studio was the perfect time to do it.

Me: So.... Can you sing or anything?

She shrugged.

Me: Can you dance?

No answer. I looked at her and she kept looking at the road, and eventually she looked at me.

Tionne: What??

Me: What's with the cold shoulder? You been ignoring me since we met and we didn't even look over the files together. How we supposed to be a team if you can even take the time to get to know me or at least let me get to know you?

She just gave me a simple expression and looked back at the road. Like really? She was starting to piss me off.

Tionne: We're here.

She said, stopping the car. We both got out and walked toward the building. When we walked in, a guy was waiting for us.

Guy: Hey, I'm Jermaine Dupri. Or JD.

Tionne: You got what we need?

JD: Right here.

He was holding a box.

JD: Just follow me to the back and we can get you two ready.

We walked down a few flights of stairs and into this room where he had to type in a code. We walked in and he looked around before closing it behind us.

JD: No one knows about this area of the building. We're gonna give you two a makeover so you have the girl group look.

Me: When do we meet with Pebbles?

JD: In four hours.

Tionne: Let's get it then.

We were walked by different people to some chairs. They started fixing my hair and I'm guessing they were doing Tionne's too. When they were done, I looked in the mirror, and my hair that used to be brown was black. It wasn't a drastic change, but I did look different. I looked over at Tionne, and she looked different. Her hair that was black was a honey nut color and it was cut shorter. After that, a man took us both into a booth and took our picture, I'm guessing for fake IDs. Then they hauled us away to get us in some clothes. It was a tiring process, but when it was done, it looked good. We really looked younger.

JD: You two ready to meet Pebbles?

We nodded.

JD: Ok. From now on, you go by Chilli and TBoz.

Tionne: Alright. You practiced our routine?

Me: Yea.

JD: Ok, let's go.

JD walked us into a big room with a piano and the walls were covered in records. Sitting by the piano was Pebbles.

Pebbles: Your names?

Tionne: TBoz and Chilli.

Pebbles: Ok. Show me what you got. Jermaine, could you go get me a coffee?

He nodded and left. Tionne went to click play on the radio, and we started doing our routine, then she started singing to the music. Then I did my part, but Pebbles stopped us. She walked up to us and circled us, examining us closely. I thought our cover was blown, but then she backed away.

Pebbles: I like you two. I think you would make a good addition to Pebbitone. What's the name of your group?

Tionne: TLC.

Pebbles: I like it. Here's my card, we will meet tomorrow to discuss contracts.

Me: Thank you.

We left the building and got in the car.

Me: You were good in there.

Tionne: You too.

Me: What? She actually responded to me?

Tionne: Don't get used to it.

I guess she was warming up to me after all.