Push - Chapter Three
Decided to post even though I'm not quite through chapter four, hoping this will push me to actually get it done by tomorrow.
PREVIOUS CHAPTER: http://leftygirl02.livejournal.com/176487.html
“Do you really think he’s as cute in person as he is in pictures?”
“Probably better!”
"I just can't believe he's actually here!"
Jake reached as far as she could across the cafeteria table as she swept over it with the wet washcloth in her hand. She focused her attention and energy on cleaning off what had been left over from the first meal of camp, resisting the urge to either say something at the girls talking or scream. It hadn’t even been a full day and she’d heard more about Shane Gray than she ever cared to; his hair, his eyes, his smile, and even curious speculations on what sort of deodorant he used. What was it about rock stars that drove girls into a frenzy?
Fortunately the last batch of campers left, allowing her a breather. Jake quickly finished cleaning off the tables then made sure things looked presentable in the dining area. Picking up a spare tray which had fallen under a bench, she headed back into the dishwashing area. Michie was there, putting dishes onto the various racks to be put through the dishwasher.
“Mom, the dining room’s clean!” Jake called as she brought over the rouge tray. “For you.”
“Thanks,” Michie said sarcastically, motioning for it to be placed with the rest of the dirty dishes. Jake did so, taking care so it wouldn’t cause the rest to fall. She watched a moment before beginning to tackle the dishes which were now dry and in need of being put back into place. “So the camp’s still abuzz about Shane Gray being here, huh? Don’t look at me that way; I heard them gossiping all through lunch.”
Jake focused back on the dishes, stacking trays.
“Do wonder which class he’s teaching…” Michie’s voice trailed.
Jake walked over to her sister and took the sprayer from her hand. Giving her a quick spray to the side, she said, “Stop it.”
“Hey! I’m just saying…”
“I know. But can you imagine if the director-“
“Brown,” Mitchie offered.
“Whatever. Anyway, can you imagine if he had told? Every girl on camp would be in that class, or standing next to the window, or in the doorway…”
“He is a teen heartthrob.”
“And a grade-A jerk, from what’s I’ve heard.”
“That too. Although who knows, maybe that’s just a front.”
Jake rolled her eyes. “Now you’re being optimistic again.”
Michie let out a muffled laugh and went back to the task at hand. As she did, she began to sing to herself. Her sister’s voice brought her back to attention. “Sorry?”
“Another Michie Torres original, or something from the radio?”
“Just something I’m working on right now.” Michie let the tray drop and sang so her sister could hear. “I’ve always been the kind of girl, That hid my face, so afraid to tell the world, What I’ve got to say…”
Jake listened a few more moments before commenting. “It sounds nice.”
“Nice?”
“Okay, very nice; don’t push it.”
“Thank you.” Michie returned to washing dishes.
“So are you going to sing that at the opening jam tonight?” When she got no answer Jake looked to her sister. She found Mitchie giving her a look of disdain back, as if the suggestion were the craziest thing she had ever heard. Jake sighed. “Come on, Mitchie. I thought the whole point of this camp was to get out there and show folks what you can do.”
“She’s right honey,” Connie added, appearing from the back of the kitchen. Setting down the small stack of dishes in her hands she added, “We’ve heard you sing before in your room and such. You’re really good. Mom’s honor. And if you’re nervous, just remember that everyone is nervous. It’s the first day.”
“I’ll sing it eventually, maybe for final jam or something. Besides, it isn’t ready yet.” Mitchie responded as she wiped her hands on a towel.
Mrs. Torres returned to the kitchen as Jake nodded. “When is the opening jam, anyway?”
“Four o’clock.”
Jake glanced at her watch. “Then why aren’t you practicing?”
“Because I’m helping you; duh.”
“Oh no,” Jake lifted off the apron from around Michie’s neck.
Michie grasped at it. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not going to be an excuse for you to avoid performing today. I can handle the rest of this stuff.”
“Are you-“
“Just get out of here, already.”
Michie gave her sister a hug. “You’re the best.”
She then bolted out the back door, Jake calling behind her, “You owe me!”
#
He had to do it. The label hadn’t listened, despite his last-minute pleas for the chance to pull out of doing this thing. Which left him with no other option; he called Jason.
“Hey buddy; how’s it going?” Jason’s cheerful voice rang over the line after he had answered. From the sounds invading in on their conversation Shane could tell he was on speaker. “And how’s my birdhouse coming?”
Shane sighed, bringing a hand over his face. Jason didn’t know how to let things go sometimes, particularly the little things that really didn’t matter. “Jason-“
“I’m kid- Uh oh; what happened?” Even Jason could tell within the matter of a sentence if Shane was annoyed at something.
“I need to get out of here. Now.”
“Why?”
Shane sighed in an attempt to block out his rising annoyance. “Just do it, okay? Please? I learned my lesson! I showered in cold water! I looked at a tree! It’s been three hours, I need hair product.”
“Maybe it’s time to embrace the ‘natural’ look,” Jason suggested.
Shane scoffed. “You’re one to talk. Jason, please!”
“What about Nate?”
He hadn’t thought about that. “I think Nate is perfectly capable…”
“No. You’re the reason he’s out there, and you’re not just abandoning him right off the bat.”
“Jason-“
The sound of something being crunched over the phone came over his ears, followed by Jason’s cries of “Shane? You there, man? You’re breaking up…”
“Seriously, are you five?” Now he was beyond annoyed. “You’re crinkling potato chips!”
The sound stopped. “Actually, they’re corn chips. And that’s beside the point. The point is, you’re staying where you are. Like the label said. Get a tan, enjoy the fresh air…”
Shane rubbed his face. “Seriously, Jason-“
“Oh look; battery’s dying!” Jason called suddenly, his voice giving off the cheerful tone it did when an idea hit him.
“Jason-“
“Have fun!” Jason called, hanging up the phone.
“Jason? Jason!” Shane looked at his now-silent phone dejectedly a moment, then angrily began pressing the buttons. If Jason thought he could play this game, he had another thing coming. The sound of voices and footsteps coming in his direction made him stop. Shane looked up just in time to see a batch of young ladies who seemed to be searching for something. No, he realized, not something; they were looking for someone. And he had a sinking suspicion of just who that someone was.
In that moment one of the girls, a small brunette, pointed a finger in his direction. “There he is!”
Oh sh- was all he had time to think before they began their run towards him, almost like one unit, their voices shrieking in excitement. Without thinking he took a step back, tripping over a tree root in the process. Pulling himself up, he then did the only sensible thing he could think of…
And ran.
#
Rows of towering eyes stared down at him as he walked. He could feel them all; sad, pity-filled, questioning him. Nate shuddered and looked down at his freshly-shined shoes as he trudged along, not wishing to look up again. Instead he focused on the hem of Jason’s pants as a guide. It didn’t help; he could still feel their gaze.
On they continued; a quiet, doleful parade of boys being led by an unfamiliar man dressed much as they were at the moment. They went up the aisle way, all the while being watched by those looming, never-ending pairs of eyes…
Nate let out a deep, calming breath and opened his eyes again. He stared at the blankets over his head and wondered what to do now. He knew laying there was an overreaction to what had just happened, and yet he couldn’t help it. He really couldn’t help it.
It had only been a few hours since Jason had dropped them off at camp. Shane had decided to go out, phone in hand and the usual annoyed scowl on his face. Once he had finished unpacking Nate considered going outside as well and possibly take a look at their surroundings. He had always heard of this place from Shane and Jason, who themselves had spent a few summers here when they were around the age Nate was now.
His plan had come to a halt the moment he had stepped out the door, as he heard shrieking; clearly human, but high-pitched. The noise had been far off, yet that was all it had taken for him to slam the door again. They could have been coming in his direction. They could come at any moment. Just the thought made Nate panic to the core.
Since then he had been here, in bed, blankets over his head as if that was all needed for someone not to find him. He had no real idea of how long he remained there. Despite sweat beginning to form all over his body, he remained under those blankets, afraid to move. It was only when his legs ached that he shifted positions, allowing himself to stretch out a bit.
The thought of all this made him now sigh in realization. He really was crazy. Pulling the blankets back, Nate felt the relief of cooler air hit his face. It had been just teenagers after all; albeit loud, most likely girls, but still people like him. People his age. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Nate sat up again. He would fight this, and he would win.
The door to the cabin opened. Nate looked up to find Shane coming in, clearly deep in thought. He headed straight to the bathroom without even a glance to his younger sibling. Nate shook his head, startled; Shane wasn’t the sort of person to behave that way normally. Shane Gray always demanded attention when entering a room. Nate stood up from the bed and stood next to the bathroom door, waiting until the sound of the tap could be heard.
“Hey, what’s-“ he began.
A strange look was on Shane’s face as he finally glanced up. Letting out a shocked gasp, he jumped. “Don’t do that!”
“Sorry.; something on your mind?”
Shane shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Please. You can’t fool me that quick.” It was then that Nate noticed his brother’s clothes. “And why are you covered in leaves?”
Shane just shrugged him off as he made his way to one of his bags. As he pulled out a fresh shirt and began to change, he said, “Well, you know how we’re supposed to record a song with whoever wins this year’s Final Jam?”
Oh, how he knew it. Shane had waited until they were on their way to inform him of how as part of the PR plot, their record label decided to spring this on them as well. “So?”
“Well, I think I know who it’s going to be.” His voice trailed off as he drifted back into thought.
“Who?”
Shane snapped back to attention. “Well, I don’t exactly know yet. But I heard this girl singing while playing the piano. She has the best voice I’ve ever heard.”
Nate raised an eyebrow again. “That so.”
“No, really. I heard this girl singing, and it kinda reminded me of the music that I like. The music I want to make; not that stupid cookie-cutter pop star stuff the record label wants.”
Nate frowned. As the one who often wrote what he and his brothers sang, Shane’s comment hit a nerve. “What’s wrong with-“
“Forget it. I’m just thinking is all.” Nate decided to do so; it wasn’t worth any fighting. Shane pulled a loose leaf from his hair and looked towards him. “Have you gone outside yet today?”
Nate responded by rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, no…”
“No? Nate, come on!” Nate braced himself for yet another lecture. “We had a deal, remember? How can you hope to even remotely be cured if you keep yourself locked up in here all the time?”
“Well, I started to go out,” Nate said defensively. “But then I heard these shrieks and…”
“Shrieks?” Shane asked confused. He then let out a laugh of realization. “Oh, you heard the fan girls. Whenever they see me, they tend to get a little crazy. You know; charge after me and stuff.”
Nate’s eyes went wide. “And that is why I don’t go out.”
“They’re not that bad, little bro,” Shane assured, realizing the impact what he said held. “Just run a little while then hide and you’ll lose them. It’s like a game, kinda like when we used to play army.” His voice became firm. “But don’t yell at them. Remember, they’re the reason we’re selling music.”
Nate swallowed and watched Shane make his way to the air conditioning unit across the room.
“But now, as punishment for breaking our deal, you get to go to opening jam tonight.”
“What?” Nate’s voice raised a note or two as he uttered out the word. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I can’t!”
“You got legs, don’t you?” Satisfied with the conditioner, Shane sat on his bed.
Nate sighed again. Maybe Shane was right. If he ever hoped to be able to go onstage live one day, he could at least give one little get together a try. “I suppose.”
“That’s the spirit.” Shane began to get up, yet changed his mind. “Now get changed. Last thing you need is to show up in your pjs.”
Nate flushed as he turned around to change. This was going to be a lot harder than he thought..
PREVIOUS CHAPTER: http://leftygirl02.livejournal.com/176487.html
“Do you really think he’s as cute in person as he is in pictures?”
“Probably better!”
"I just can't believe he's actually here!"
Jake reached as far as she could across the cafeteria table as she swept over it with the wet washcloth in her hand. She focused her attention and energy on cleaning off what had been left over from the first meal of camp, resisting the urge to either say something at the girls talking or scream. It hadn’t even been a full day and she’d heard more about Shane Gray than she ever cared to; his hair, his eyes, his smile, and even curious speculations on what sort of deodorant he used. What was it about rock stars that drove girls into a frenzy?
Fortunately the last batch of campers left, allowing her a breather. Jake quickly finished cleaning off the tables then made sure things looked presentable in the dining area. Picking up a spare tray which had fallen under a bench, she headed back into the dishwashing area. Michie was there, putting dishes onto the various racks to be put through the dishwasher.
“Mom, the dining room’s clean!” Jake called as she brought over the rouge tray. “For you.”
“Thanks,” Michie said sarcastically, motioning for it to be placed with the rest of the dirty dishes. Jake did so, taking care so it wouldn’t cause the rest to fall. She watched a moment before beginning to tackle the dishes which were now dry and in need of being put back into place. “So the camp’s still abuzz about Shane Gray being here, huh? Don’t look at me that way; I heard them gossiping all through lunch.”
Jake focused back on the dishes, stacking trays.
“Do wonder which class he’s teaching…” Michie’s voice trailed.
Jake walked over to her sister and took the sprayer from her hand. Giving her a quick spray to the side, she said, “Stop it.”
“Hey! I’m just saying…”
“I know. But can you imagine if the director-“
“Brown,” Mitchie offered.
“Whatever. Anyway, can you imagine if he had told? Every girl on camp would be in that class, or standing next to the window, or in the doorway…”
“He is a teen heartthrob.”
“And a grade-A jerk, from what’s I’ve heard.”
“That too. Although who knows, maybe that’s just a front.”
Jake rolled her eyes. “Now you’re being optimistic again.”
Michie let out a muffled laugh and went back to the task at hand. As she did, she began to sing to herself. Her sister’s voice brought her back to attention. “Sorry?”
“Another Michie Torres original, or something from the radio?”
“Just something I’m working on right now.” Michie let the tray drop and sang so her sister could hear. “I’ve always been the kind of girl, That hid my face, so afraid to tell the world, What I’ve got to say…”
Jake listened a few more moments before commenting. “It sounds nice.”
“Nice?”
“Okay, very nice; don’t push it.”
“Thank you.” Michie returned to washing dishes.
“So are you going to sing that at the opening jam tonight?” When she got no answer Jake looked to her sister. She found Mitchie giving her a look of disdain back, as if the suggestion were the craziest thing she had ever heard. Jake sighed. “Come on, Mitchie. I thought the whole point of this camp was to get out there and show folks what you can do.”
“She’s right honey,” Connie added, appearing from the back of the kitchen. Setting down the small stack of dishes in her hands she added, “We’ve heard you sing before in your room and such. You’re really good. Mom’s honor. And if you’re nervous, just remember that everyone is nervous. It’s the first day.”
“I’ll sing it eventually, maybe for final jam or something. Besides, it isn’t ready yet.” Mitchie responded as she wiped her hands on a towel.
Mrs. Torres returned to the kitchen as Jake nodded. “When is the opening jam, anyway?”
“Four o’clock.”
Jake glanced at her watch. “Then why aren’t you practicing?”
“Because I’m helping you; duh.”
“Oh no,” Jake lifted off the apron from around Michie’s neck.
Michie grasped at it. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not going to be an excuse for you to avoid performing today. I can handle the rest of this stuff.”
“Are you-“
“Just get out of here, already.”
Michie gave her sister a hug. “You’re the best.”
She then bolted out the back door, Jake calling behind her, “You owe me!”
#
He had to do it. The label hadn’t listened, despite his last-minute pleas for the chance to pull out of doing this thing. Which left him with no other option; he called Jason.
“Hey buddy; how’s it going?” Jason’s cheerful voice rang over the line after he had answered. From the sounds invading in on their conversation Shane could tell he was on speaker. “And how’s my birdhouse coming?”
Shane sighed, bringing a hand over his face. Jason didn’t know how to let things go sometimes, particularly the little things that really didn’t matter. “Jason-“
“I’m kid- Uh oh; what happened?” Even Jason could tell within the matter of a sentence if Shane was annoyed at something.
“I need to get out of here. Now.”
“Why?”
Shane sighed in an attempt to block out his rising annoyance. “Just do it, okay? Please? I learned my lesson! I showered in cold water! I looked at a tree! It’s been three hours, I need hair product.”
“Maybe it’s time to embrace the ‘natural’ look,” Jason suggested.
Shane scoffed. “You’re one to talk. Jason, please!”
“What about Nate?”
He hadn’t thought about that. “I think Nate is perfectly capable…”
“No. You’re the reason he’s out there, and you’re not just abandoning him right off the bat.”
“Jason-“
The sound of something being crunched over the phone came over his ears, followed by Jason’s cries of “Shane? You there, man? You’re breaking up…”
“Seriously, are you five?” Now he was beyond annoyed. “You’re crinkling potato chips!”
The sound stopped. “Actually, they’re corn chips. And that’s beside the point. The point is, you’re staying where you are. Like the label said. Get a tan, enjoy the fresh air…”
Shane rubbed his face. “Seriously, Jason-“
“Oh look; battery’s dying!” Jason called suddenly, his voice giving off the cheerful tone it did when an idea hit him.
“Jason-“
“Have fun!” Jason called, hanging up the phone.
“Jason? Jason!” Shane looked at his now-silent phone dejectedly a moment, then angrily began pressing the buttons. If Jason thought he could play this game, he had another thing coming. The sound of voices and footsteps coming in his direction made him stop. Shane looked up just in time to see a batch of young ladies who seemed to be searching for something. No, he realized, not something; they were looking for someone. And he had a sinking suspicion of just who that someone was.
In that moment one of the girls, a small brunette, pointed a finger in his direction. “There he is!”
Oh sh- was all he had time to think before they began their run towards him, almost like one unit, their voices shrieking in excitement. Without thinking he took a step back, tripping over a tree root in the process. Pulling himself up, he then did the only sensible thing he could think of…
And ran.
#
Rows of towering eyes stared down at him as he walked. He could feel them all; sad, pity-filled, questioning him. Nate shuddered and looked down at his freshly-shined shoes as he trudged along, not wishing to look up again. Instead he focused on the hem of Jason’s pants as a guide. It didn’t help; he could still feel their gaze.
On they continued; a quiet, doleful parade of boys being led by an unfamiliar man dressed much as they were at the moment. They went up the aisle way, all the while being watched by those looming, never-ending pairs of eyes…
Nate let out a deep, calming breath and opened his eyes again. He stared at the blankets over his head and wondered what to do now. He knew laying there was an overreaction to what had just happened, and yet he couldn’t help it. He really couldn’t help it.
It had only been a few hours since Jason had dropped them off at camp. Shane had decided to go out, phone in hand and the usual annoyed scowl on his face. Once he had finished unpacking Nate considered going outside as well and possibly take a look at their surroundings. He had always heard of this place from Shane and Jason, who themselves had spent a few summers here when they were around the age Nate was now.
His plan had come to a halt the moment he had stepped out the door, as he heard shrieking; clearly human, but high-pitched. The noise had been far off, yet that was all it had taken for him to slam the door again. They could have been coming in his direction. They could come at any moment. Just the thought made Nate panic to the core.
Since then he had been here, in bed, blankets over his head as if that was all needed for someone not to find him. He had no real idea of how long he remained there. Despite sweat beginning to form all over his body, he remained under those blankets, afraid to move. It was only when his legs ached that he shifted positions, allowing himself to stretch out a bit.
The thought of all this made him now sigh in realization. He really was crazy. Pulling the blankets back, Nate felt the relief of cooler air hit his face. It had been just teenagers after all; albeit loud, most likely girls, but still people like him. People his age. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Nate sat up again. He would fight this, and he would win.
The door to the cabin opened. Nate looked up to find Shane coming in, clearly deep in thought. He headed straight to the bathroom without even a glance to his younger sibling. Nate shook his head, startled; Shane wasn’t the sort of person to behave that way normally. Shane Gray always demanded attention when entering a room. Nate stood up from the bed and stood next to the bathroom door, waiting until the sound of the tap could be heard.
“Hey, what’s-“ he began.
A strange look was on Shane’s face as he finally glanced up. Letting out a shocked gasp, he jumped. “Don’t do that!”
“Sorry.; something on your mind?”
Shane shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Please. You can’t fool me that quick.” It was then that Nate noticed his brother’s clothes. “And why are you covered in leaves?”
Shane just shrugged him off as he made his way to one of his bags. As he pulled out a fresh shirt and began to change, he said, “Well, you know how we’re supposed to record a song with whoever wins this year’s Final Jam?”
Oh, how he knew it. Shane had waited until they were on their way to inform him of how as part of the PR plot, their record label decided to spring this on them as well. “So?”
“Well, I think I know who it’s going to be.” His voice trailed off as he drifted back into thought.
“Who?”
Shane snapped back to attention. “Well, I don’t exactly know yet. But I heard this girl singing while playing the piano. She has the best voice I’ve ever heard.”
Nate raised an eyebrow again. “That so.”
“No, really. I heard this girl singing, and it kinda reminded me of the music that I like. The music I want to make; not that stupid cookie-cutter pop star stuff the record label wants.”
Nate frowned. As the one who often wrote what he and his brothers sang, Shane’s comment hit a nerve. “What’s wrong with-“
“Forget it. I’m just thinking is all.” Nate decided to do so; it wasn’t worth any fighting. Shane pulled a loose leaf from his hair and looked towards him. “Have you gone outside yet today?”
Nate responded by rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, no…”
“No? Nate, come on!” Nate braced himself for yet another lecture. “We had a deal, remember? How can you hope to even remotely be cured if you keep yourself locked up in here all the time?”
“Well, I started to go out,” Nate said defensively. “But then I heard these shrieks and…”
“Shrieks?” Shane asked confused. He then let out a laugh of realization. “Oh, you heard the fan girls. Whenever they see me, they tend to get a little crazy. You know; charge after me and stuff.”
Nate’s eyes went wide. “And that is why I don’t go out.”
“They’re not that bad, little bro,” Shane assured, realizing the impact what he said held. “Just run a little while then hide and you’ll lose them. It’s like a game, kinda like when we used to play army.” His voice became firm. “But don’t yell at them. Remember, they’re the reason we’re selling music.”
Nate swallowed and watched Shane make his way to the air conditioning unit across the room.
“But now, as punishment for breaking our deal, you get to go to opening jam tonight.”
“What?” Nate’s voice raised a note or two as he uttered out the word. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I can’t!”
“You got legs, don’t you?” Satisfied with the conditioner, Shane sat on his bed.
Nate sighed again. Maybe Shane was right. If he ever hoped to be able to go onstage live one day, he could at least give one little get together a try. “I suppose.”
“That’s the spirit.” Shane began to get up, yet changed his mind. “Now get changed. Last thing you need is to show up in your pjs.”
Nate flushed as he turned around to change. This was going to be a lot harder than he thought..