Culture Shock

Chapter 9: The Blank Page

Sam sat in a studio with her friend, Irene. They wrapped up the interview Sam was doing for her blog, and now sat together catching up. It had been almost a year since they had been able to get together for anything. Sam had to admit to herself that of all the friends she had in the industry, Irene was the one she connected with most.

Irene was the frontwoman and one of the founders of the band The Blank Page. The primary songwriter for the band, she had a way with lyrics that resonated with people. Her unique vocals along with the band's stellar instrumentals brought those lyrics to new levels, cementing the band a place at their label and earning them awards and accolades in the industry. Their first album had gone gold within the first month of its release, and their second had gone platinum even more quickly.

The first single for their third album was already poised to hit platinum a full week before the album's release. Sam was sure this album would reach new heights for the band as well.

"I'm so excited for you guys, Irene," Sam was saying, "I can't wait for other people to listen to it so I can talk about it more. How's life been? It's been forever since we've had a chance to catch up."

Irene laughed and shrugged. "Oh, you know; touring, writing, recording... In other words, super busy and only about to get busier."

Sam shook her head. "I get that, to a point. I'm still fighting calls about the incident with Sanctimonious and Apollo5 despite changing my number. That post blows up every so often, and I had to finally turn off commenting for it. People can get so nasty. I thought the hate I got after Nic was bad, but K-Pop fans are another level I didn't know existed."

"Wow, I thought that had all blown over already." Irene said, her brows shooting up.

"You'd think it would, but I guess it comes up as a part of the Apollo5 search history now." Sam explained.

Irene let out a low whistle. "Well, don't let it get to you too much. We can't please everyone, and some people will always try to invade your life with negativity. The good thing is you don't have to let them."

Sam nodded. "Yeah, that's true."

"Your life has been more interesting than mine," Irene laughed. "What else is new?"

Sam thought for a moment and then cringed. "One of the guys in Apollo5 offered me tickets to their show here in exchange for me taking him to a metal concert."

Irene gaped. "No way! Are you going to do it?"

"I don't know... I feel like it would be awkward. I'm a grown woman, and I'd be in a sea of screaming teenagers and young adults fangirling over a boy band."

Irene frowned. "Wait, why did he offer you tickets to begin with? And who is he?"

Sam made a face. "So, I'm kind of friends with him now, and his name is Jae."

Irene's jaw dropped. "Oh," she studied Sam a moment and her eyes widened. "Wait, do you like him?"

"What? No! Pfft! Of course not!" Sam sputtered and Irene laughed. "He's not even my type. Stop laughing!"

Irene laughed harder, tears forming as she doubled over. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She cried waving a hand at Sam as she tried to catch her breath.

Sam stared, unamused, as she waited for Irene to get it together. "I don't know why this is so funny to you."

Irene snorted and hiccupped as she caught her breath. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "It's funny because you clearly like him and are in denial about it. I think you should do it. Go for it. What have you got to lose?"