As Long As You Love Me

13 ~ Work, Photoshoots, & Drawings

☼ mitchie sky ☼

I threw myself into my work harder than was necessary. 

It wasn't all in vain, though. Demetria's job required dedication, sweat, and blood. I found myself working myself to death, but Jayma, my agent, was tickled pink. 

Thankfully, the "album" with the boys was nothing but an EP with six tracks, so that would be over within three weeks. The album wasn't all I had to do - I had photoshoots, meetings, even some TV appearances. 

At first, I was obviously "rusty". People went easy on me, knowing I was out of experience after my disappearance. But I've always been a fast learner, and I caught on quickly. The jobs and things I had to do were time consuming and sweat inducing, but strangely, I was having a good time. 

Out came newspaper articles about my "recovery", glossy magazine spreads, commercials, and more and more offers flooding in from different companies. 

I stayed up late, practicing my vocals, looking through Demetria's clothes in utter fascination, sketching new designs that I'd never thought of before, talking to Nugget about my day, staying on the phone with agents and publicists. 

It was a handful. At some times, even overwhelming. 

But Demetria was completely delighted. 

One day, I recieved a package from her in the mail. Liam handed it to me, with a simple "It's from someone named Mitchie" and nothing else, not looking at me. I was slightly confused by his briskness, but brushed it off. Everyone was too tired to be happy these days. 

I opened the package and found a basket overflowing with candies and baked treats and pastries, with magenta flower petals scattered through them. A decorated note read, "I love you, Mitchie! Yours, Demetria." 

I could sense her happiness even through the paper, and that made me smile. Demetria deserved a break. By herself, she'd managed to climb to the top of the top. A break was just what she needed. 

I met people. So many lovely, helpful people. The majority of them were sympathetic about me leaving, but were happy to help me with any questions I had. I was actually invited to parties and get-togethers, and they were all amazing. 

In short, I was utterly fascinated. I couldn't have had a better summer vacation if I'd tried. How many days had I dreamed of having this kind of life? And now I did. And I was enjoying it so much. 

But why didn't it seem...right? Why was I still lonely?

***

Days and days passed by. The days grew longer, the nights short. 

The flat we all shared, which'd once been filled with booming laughter, constant talking, and bright sunlight streaming from the open windows, was now dead quiet. The blinds stayed shut, blocking out the light. Music never blasted from Harry's annoying stereo. The TV stayed off. The kitchen was empty. Everyone stayed locked up in their individual rooms. Dinner consisted of takeout and not much else.