Rise

-

"Harlow your deadline for this album is in a month and you haven't even started writing?" Victoria, Harlow's manager, scolds at her as she flips through the pages of her songbook.

Harlow groans from the other side of her room, stress heavily lining her forehead. "Well when you say it like that you make it sound like I haven't got any idea what i'm doing."

Victoria sighs and shakes her head, motioning for Harlow to come over. "This is not an easy industry, you need to be serious about this. I'm not going to work my butt off for you to be unhappy and unsuccessful. Is this really what you want to do with your life?"

"It is, I swear. This has been my dream since the first day I could sing," Harlow crys. "It's just, no matter how hard I try the words won't come out. I can't write and I don't know why. I've never had this problem before, writing songs has always been such a breeze, but now it's my weakness. I don't know what to do Victoria."

Victoria runs a hand through her light blue hair and pulls her phone out from her pocket. "I've seen this before. You've got dreamer's drought."

Harlow frowns, emphasizing the sorrowful look on her face. "What's dreamer's drought?"

Victoria ignores her question and hands her a wad of cash like it's nothing "Here, take this money. I'll be back in a few. While I'm gone you really ought to clean yourself up."

"I'm still so confused," Harlow sighs, the information overflowing in her mind. Why are you giving me money and what do you mean clean myself up, where am I going?"

Victoria rolls her eyes and grabs her keys from the nightstand beside Harlow's bed. "First of all, don't worry about it I have plenty of money where that came from. I'm sure you'll be able to pay me back in the future. Second, have you seen yourself sugar? You look like you've been living in the woods for so long that a family of birds has decided to make a home in your hair. It doesn't matter where you're going because nobody should ever look as un put together as you do right now."

"Victoria!" Harlow yells to her, anger laced in her tone.

"When I come back you better be the only one here. I don't want to see those little birdy friends of yours." Victoria laughs as she leaves.

Harlow snarls and looks at herself in her mirror, adjusting her oversized, stained tee shirt. "Un put together. Psh I'm put together, in my mind."

After Harlow showers and changes into a new, clean outfit she decides upon doing her hair. Just as she sits down at her dresser Victoria barges through the door.

Harlow jumps up fearfully but relaxes when she realizes it's just Victoria. "What happened to knocking!" She hisses, her bright blue eyes glowering at the hysterical woman who's practically rolling on the floor laughing in front of her.

"Sugar, knocking isn't something I'm capable of doing," Victoria manages to spit out in between laughs. "Anyway, you cleaned up nice. The birdies are gone but your hair could use some work. It looks like a brown mop right now, not such a flattering look on you, or anyone for that matter."

Harlow throws her another glare before crossing her arms. "So, what did you get while you were gone?"

"Oh don't you even worry," Victoria chuckles. "I didn't forget. They're right, here!" she grins maniacally pulling some tickets out of her jean pocket.

Harlow furrows her eyebrows, observing the mysterious pieces of paper. "What are they for?"

Victoria shakes her shoulders arrogantly and waves the tickets in the air. "You, sugar, are going on a once in a lifetime trip around the country!"