Faded Memories | lp

Chapter Twenty-Seven

November 3rd, 2014
My mom flew out to LA with me. I told her that going to Michigan then California was pointless, and just to skip right to California. Sonia is flying out in the afternoon and will be here tonight.
I don't know why my mother tagged along, but I'm trying my best to ignore her decisions. I'm still pissed off.
But I'm tired.
The plane ride from Florida to LA was much too long. I get antsy on long plane rides. I get my bags and head to the area where drivers pick up their clients. I see a short and stocky man holding a sign with my name on it.
I point to the sign, "That would be me."
"And her mother!" My mom chimes in. I mentally roll my eyes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Burgundy. I'm taking you to your hotel, yes?" He asks.
"That's correct." My mother steps in front of me and shakes the driver's hand.
"I believe he was asking me." I mumble. My mother doesn't notice.
Rocco, as it says on his name tag, leads us to a black car with tinted windows. We get in the back seat and stay silent.
"I think I'm just gonna take a nap before Sonia gets here. I haven't slept in a while." I inform my mom.
"I'll explore LA." She seems mesmerized by the buildings as we pass by. Los Angeles: city of the stars. She thinks she deserves to belong here.
"Is this your first time in LA?" Rocco asks from the front seat.
I nod and begin to answer, but my mother intervenes, "No, this is the first time LA has had the pleasure of housing us."
I frown and set my jaw. I can't believe this is the woman my dear mother turned into. I truly wish I could remember what corrupted her. She always smells of makeup and alcohol. Expensive wines.
I get a text at that moment. I lean towards the window so my mother can read it over my shoulder. I feel like that's something she would do.
From Liam: HEEEY! Guess who'll be at the award show tonight. I can't sit next to you though :(
To Liam: AW WHY NOT? I'm so nervous you wouldn't even believe it.
From Liam: You NEVER get nervous! Apparently that since I'm just an audience member and not up for an award I can't sit in the celebrity sections. Oh well, I'll see you afterwards.
To Liam: That sucks, are you in LA yet?
From Liam: My plane lands forty minutes before the show, I trust you'll be there already.
To Liam: Yeah, probably. Sonia is bringing my dress and stuff when she meets me here. She should be at my hotel when I get there.
From Liam: I'll talk to you later tonight, good luck Jo :)
To Liam: Thanks Liam, you're amazing.
By now, we're at the hotel. Rocco opens my door and my mother grumbles about him not opening hers first.
"Get dressed, then we need to talk." My mother says while we're walking into possibly the fanciest hotel in Los Angeles.
I nod, even though I hardly agree.
Sonia is standing in the lobby, and seems displeased when my mother walks in behind me. The cool marble floor makings clicking sounds with her high heels.
She frowns, "Why is your mother here?"
"Why, that's rude." My mother responds sharply.
"But with good reason." I mumble.
"Jo."
"What?" I set my jaw and face her.
"Not here." Sonia tugs my arms away and leads us through the winding hallways.
"You got the Victorian Suite." Sonia says. She pushes the doors open and reveals a hotel room the size of a small house. A sitting area, bedroom, kitchen--everything we need. The kitchen even includes pots and pans for cooking, along with various ingredients.
"Let's get you dressed and I'll have to get to the show. I've got some papers to go over and such. I trust you'll be there on time." She smiles.
"Of course, this is huge." I say. My stomach turns with nerves.
"What about me?" My mother asks from the corner of the room.
"What about you?" Sonia asks her.
"Am I going or what?"
"Well, Jo is allowed to take one guest..."
"Wonderful!" She squeals. I roll my eyes facing Sonia so my mother can't see. Sonia smiles. A reassuring smile, telling me she feels the same way.
"I'll get your dress." Sonia heads into the bathroom and comes out with a dress bag. She lifts it up and I'm rendered speechless.
It's collar goes all the way up to my neck, it has long lacy sleeves. It looks like something a queen would wear. It's got a short train but I'm focused on the lace patterns on the chest area. It's beautiful.
"You would've never worn something this conservative before, but you've changed, and this is simply beautiful." Sonia whispers. I take it from her and go to the bathroom. I slip it on and and stare at it in the mirror. I finally emerge from the bathroom and Sonia smiles like she knew it would be perfect. My mother's expression doesn't change. I hate to think she thinks this, but I don't think she can stand being the mother of someone so beautiful so effortlessly.
"I suggest you put your hair, but it's up to you," Sonia glances at her watch, "I'm already late. Be there at six, your award will be presented at six forty-five."
"Thank you so much, Sonia." I hug her tightly, and she hugs me back.
"I'll see you later."
She leaves. I go to the bathroom and put on my makeup and do my hair. It's in a big pile on top of my head. Curls spill out and stay next to my cheeks. I put on dark makeup to make my eyes stand out. My eyeliner game is one point.
I come out of the bathroom to converse with my mother. I don't see her at first, then I notice the pan that was previously sitting on the stove is gone. Then I hear an intake of breath behind me, followed by a sharp pain on the top of my head. I crumble to the ground, realizing that my mother's lust for fame is so great, she would hurt her daughter for a chance in the spotlight.
"Sorry dear. I'm making my chances better."
I black out.
"You know I'll never forget you, right." Liam assures me. His hand tightens on my shoulder and he pulls me closer. I'm thankful for his strength, as we are sitting on top of my roof, waiting for the Forth of July fireworks to start. I tug the blanket closer, closing my eyes for a second.
"I know, it's just.." I trail off. Liam knows what I was about to say. He's leaving for tour, and I won't see him for a long time. I confronted him on the subject of him meeting thousands of girls that would gladly replace me.
Boom.
The first burst of color and light sets the show off.
"See the moon? I love you Jo. I love you to the moon and back a thousand times. When I die, I'll still love you. I'll love you as long as my soul exists."
I'm taken out of my memory when I feel a pressure on my shoulder. A movement back and forth.
Sonia's face is above mine. I'm awake. My mother went to the awards show to try and pry the spotlight out from under me. She wants fame, and she found a way to get it.
And I remember everything.
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