CODA

Thirty-Eight

"Jaydan. Hey, Jaydan, wait up." Carter yells, jogging down the hallway to catch her manager. He had managed to avoid her entirely for the last three days, something she finds both impressive and obnoxious.

"I am very busy, Ms. Heart. You see I do have more to do than just ruin your life." His voice is very cordial as he addresses her.

"I just have a question." She frowns, hands falling to rest against her own hips.

"Quickly, Carter, I don't have time." He waves a hand for her to continue.

"Why did you do it? Were you really so mad that my personal safety and well being was put above your plan. Are you really that petty? That you would cause drama for one more day just to get what you wanted? Calum and I did not plan to stop dating, or even to stop dating publicly. We just needed you to not be the one controlling it all."

"The contract was over, so I let it be known that it was a contract, that is all. You have an interview in an hour, Carter. Hop to it. No need to cause any more drama for yourself, you're already making it known that you are a diva to the music industry. I'd try staying quiet a while, smile nice and behave so the industry doesn't turn against you."

"I'll look out for myself thank you. I just wanted that answer. You are welcome to continue on your way." Carter nods curtly, turning on her heels to head back to the dressing room. She is slightly shocked about the very obvious confession he gave to being the snitch on the contract, but she also feels that maybe she shouldn't be at this point. She wanted to believe he was a good guy, a great manager, but his true colors seem to be coming through more and more by the day.

Stepping into an empty room backstage, she quickly hits call on Charles number, wanting advice from someone who knows all the bands parameters and contract obligations better than anyone.

***

"Ready for this interview?" Delanee asks Carter, laying down some of her stray hairs softly.

"I guess, I'm a little nervous. We haven't done any interviews since London, and shit has definitely happened since then." Carter sighs, catching her best friends hand and squeezing it tightly, trying to relay her nerves without saying it out loud.

"We've got you, Car, don't worry." Delanee smiles, squeezing her hand back softly.

"Thanks. I just know I am going to be asked a lot of questions I don't really want to answer."

"Welcome to fame, babes." Ava sighs, joining the huddle as she is finished with hair and makeup.

"Ya, Who the fuck can do this alone? I'd be lost without you girls here beside me." Carter chuckles.

"Crazy people." Olive laughs, "Ready, girls? It won't be as bad as you are imagining, Car. You tend to overthink things."

"Let's hope you are right." Carter takes a deep breath, following her bandmates into the small room where the host is waiting.

"Hello, Ladies! My name is Anya, and welcome to Sweden." Their host is the poster child for what a Swedish woman is portrayed, tall with beautiful blue eyes and long blonde hair. 

"Thank you. We are excited to be in your beautiful country." Ava grins.

She holds up a finger, motioning that the cameras were being turned on. All of them grabbing the headphones in front of them. As soon as the light that the are live goes on she starts up again, "Welcome back! A special treat in the studio today, welcome, CODA! The girl band taking over the world, and here with 5 Seconds of Summer to perform tonight! First time for all of you, being in Sweden?"